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Construction high-lift topples over injuring two men

By Billie Owens

Two men have been injured in a construction-related accident at the Travelodge hotel in Batavia. Initial reports say a high-lift machine fell over, injuring the men.

One is being taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The other is being transported to a hospital via Mercy EMS.

The address of the incident is 8204 Park Road.

UPDATE: Since this was an industrial accident, there was no law enforcement on scene. Only through a law enforcement report could we obtain more details, so there will likely be no further updates about this incident.

Police in Le Roy looking for golf club burglar

By Howard B. Owens

Somebody broke into a residential garage on East Main Street in Le Roy a couple of days ago and stole two sets of golf clubs and a laptop computer.

Le Roy Police are asking for the public's help in solving this crime.

The burglary was discovered by the homeowner in the early afternoon on Friday. Police believe the burglary occurred either late Thursday night or Friday morning.

It was a forced-entry burglary.

No further information is available.

Anyone with information or who may have seen anything suspicious or who may have seen persons carrying golf bags late at night on the East side of the village is asked to call the Le Roy Police Department at 768-2527.

Three arrests and 34 citations at Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Michael E. Tamol, 23, of Walden Avenue, Alden, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue.Tamol was jailed on $200 bail.

Andrew F. Heidt, 29, of Beech Street, Erie, Pa., is charged with disorderly conduct. Heidt is accussed of fighting with concert security. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Alexander T. Froman, 21, of Baker Street Extension, Ashville, is charged with trespass. Froman is accused of returning to the concert venue after being repeatedly told to leave and not return.

The following individuals were issued citations for allegedly drinking under age 21.

Kevin M. Richard, 20, of Montvale Lane, Rochester
Matthew P. Myers, 19, of Garden Street, Avon
Brian R. Hopkins Jr., 19, of Parkside  Lane, Rochester
A 17-year-old of Barber Road, Dansville
Matthew J. Piedmont, 20, of Winding County Lane, Spencerport
Lindsey M. Masullo, 20, of Nittany Valley Drive, Bellafonte, Pa.
Ashleigh M. Bunton, 20, of West Church Street, Lockhaven, Pa.
Paige E. Ambrose, 20, of Jack Street, Custer City, Pa.
Tricia K. Copeland, 20, of Interstate Pkwy, Bradford, Pa.
Ellin C. Vaccaielli, 19, of Northbrook Way, Webster
James E. Taft, 18, of Ruie Road, N. Tonawanda
Kaitlyn D. Worth, 19, of Humbert Road,. N. Java
Jessica M. Raichel, 19, of Aurora Street, Lancaster
Rebecca G. Keller, 18, of Marlau Road, E. Aurora
Jocelyn T. Gleiser, 18, of Longs Lane, Corfu
Rebecca K. Parese, 19, of Sherman  Street, Little Falls
Ashley L. Boepple, 20, of State Road 67, Little Falls
Erika L. Labaff, 20, of Hurley Road, Brasher Falls
Lindsay M. Wigderson, 18, of Fairmont Drive, Webster
Jonathan W. Daniels, 19, of Middlebury Road, Webster
Emily R. Von Schondorf, 19, of Shady Glen Circle, Webster
Samantha L. Smith, 18, of Apple Orchard Lane, Webster
Nathan F. Crosby, 20, of Howard Street, Hornell
Teren L. Persichilli, 18, of Lattimer Road, Arkport
A 16-year-old, of Starin Avenue, Buffalo
A 16-year-old, of Winston Road, Buffalo
Katie A. Luthringer, 20, of N. Forest Road, Williamsville
Kathryn M. Mucha, 18, of County Road 16, Dalton
Michael H. Moran, 20, of North Street, Batavia
A 17-year-old of Fisher Road, Oakfield
Dale B. Frier, 20, of William Street, Lancaster
Austin T. Smith, 18, of Fox Hunt Road, Lancaster
Derek C. Jansma, 19, of Matthews Drive, Lancaster
Jason D. Platt, 18, of Center Road, Kendall

Photos: Elba Onion Festival

By Howard B. Owens

The sun was out and the humidity down, making for perfect weather conditions at the Elba Onion Festival. Hundreds of people were there by mid-afternoon. Several people mentioned to me how much they especially enjoy the Onion Festival. I saw people there from all over Genesee County and met one family from Erie County who said they come to the festival every year.

More pictures after the jump:

Batavia woman's body found next to railroad tracks in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a woman whose body was found early this morning under the Route 33 overpass next to the CSX tracks in the Town of Stafford.

A CSX engineer on a westbound train contacted Sheriff's Dispatch at 5:53 a.m. about spotting the body of a woman along the tracks.

The woman was identified as Deborah Maniace, 47, of Batavia.

Coroner Kristine Flanigan pronounced Maniace dead at the scene.

No cause of death has been determined. Her body was transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

The investigation by the Sheriff's Office is continuing.

Three young people, including former Oakfield-Alabama football star, killed in accident

By Howard B. Owens

(UPDATED 12:49 p.m.)

One of Oakfield-Alabama's football stars of the past decade was among three people killed in an accident on Albion Road in Oakfield overnight.

Matthew Ware, 22, and Joshua Durham, 21, were declared dead at the scene, according to a statement issued by the Sheriff's Office.

Ware, a running back for O-A, was named to the All-State second team in 2004 and 2005.

Durham was on the track and baseball teams during those same years. He was a Genesee Region League track All-Star in 2007.

Allyson E. Galens, 20, of Stanley, was a passenger in the 2005 Scion TC. She was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC. Galens was declared dead at 4 a.m.

The trio had been at the Elba Onion Festival prior to the accident, according to Sheriff Gary Maha. Maha said investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the accident.

The accident occurred at 1:37 a.m. on Albion Road just past Lockport Road. The car collided with a utility pole.

Oakfield Fire responded to the scene.

No further information about the accident was released.

The investigation is ongoing and being handled by Investigator Timothy Weis, Sgt. Greg Walker, Deputy Frank Bordonaro, Deputy James Diehl and Deputy John Duyseen of the Crash Management Team.

Photos: Top, Matthew Ware, from his Facebook Page; Joshua Durham, from his MySpace page; Josh and Allyson Galens from Josh's Facebook page.

UPDATE 6:10 p.m.: Top photo, flowers left at the scene of the accident. Below, sign in the beer tent at the Elba Onion Festival. I wanted to talk with somebody from the organization about the positive steps they take to discourage drinking and driving (not that that has been established in this case), including having firefighters available to give free rides home, but officials steadfastly refused to speak.


Muckdogs drop three straight in Brooklyn

By Howard B. Owens

The Muckdogs rode into Brooklyn as the hottest team in the NY-Penn League. They're leaving with a three-game losing streak on their tails.

Batavia dropped the three games by scores of 4-0, 14-4 and on Friday in extra innings, 5-4.

Yesterday, the Muckdogs' bullpen spoiled an outstanding pitching performance by Zack Russell, who gave up no runs and no hits over six innings. Batavia was up 2-0 when he left the game.

Michael Reid gave up two runs in the seventh to get tagged with a blown save. After the Muckdogs scored two runs in the top of the ninth, Keith Butler gave the runs back to Brooklyn in the bottom half. Tavis Lawlor took the loss, giving up the winning run in the 11th.

Nick Longmire and Chris Edmondson each had two hits.

The Muckdogs are 3-5 since hot-hitting catcher Audry Perez was injured while running the bases on July 31. He hasn't played since.

The team's record is now 27-20 and they're 2.5 games out of first.

They now travel to Vermont for a three-game series against the Lake Monsters, who are in first in the Stedler division with a record of 26-21.

Batavia returns home Tuesday to face Aberdeen.

Red Wings president says Muckdogs likely to lose Rochester support after this season

By Howard B. Owens

Baseball America -- the premier publication covering minor league and college baseball -- reports that the 2010 campaign for the Batavia Muckdogs will likely be the team's last under Rochester Community Baseball management.

"I have had discussions with (Genesee County Baseball Club) president (Brian Paris) and told him that we would probably not be interested in coming back for another year," said Silver, the president of the Red Wings. "So he is going to have his work cut out for him."

The article blames lack of community support for the situation, noting that average attendance has not risen above 1,045.

"It wouldn't take a miracle to turn it around, but it takes a certain community spirit to make something like this work," Silver said. "In a lot of communities, particularly where the population is rather small and drawing power is not the greatest in the world anyway, it becomes increasingly hard for a team to generate enough excitement and turnstile attendance unless something major happens. A small community can make it work if a team is new to them or a new stadium becomes all the buzz for several years. That may be enough to get them excited for years to come.

"In Batavia, it is real tough. We market much the same way as we do in Rochester. It's a miniature version, but it just doesn't get the same attention. People are missing out. And then the franchise disappears. And then you don't get it back. Once you lose it, you don't get it back." 

Read the whole thing.

Triple fatal accident on Lockport Road over night

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff Gary Maha has confirmed that there was a triple-fatal accident last night.

He said details will be provided to local media as soon as family notifications are completed.

Based on information from readers, the accident occurred around 1:37 a.m. on Lockport Road.

We will update this post as soon as information becomes available.

Today's Deals: The Mane Attraction, Enchanted Florist, Herbly Wonderful and more

By Howard B. Owens

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Give yourself the gift of flowers, or give to a friend. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Unique specialties for your home and garden, from floral arrangements, to heirloom vegetables, herbs, teas and spices. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Herbly Wonderful

Le Roy Fire providing mutual aid for structure fire in York

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Fire has been dispatched to a structure fire at 3556 Main Road, York.

Bergen has been requested to the Le Roy Fire Hall to fill in.

I've not heard if any other Genesee County units have been dispatched.

Batavia PD looking for subject involved in incident at Wilson Farms

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD is looking for help in identifying the individual in these photos. The subject was reportedly involved in an unspecified incident at Wilson Farms, 505 E. Main St., Batavia.

Officer Marc Lawrence asks that if anybody has information about the individual or the incident to contact him at mlawrence (at) batavianewyork dot com  (put that back together in a proper e-mail address) or call 585-345-6350.

NY Farm Bureau prez praises Ranzenhofer's vote to defeat farmworker labor bill

By Billie Owens

We received this news release today from Dean Norton, president of the New York Farm Bureau.

Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer last week cast a vote in favor of our local family farmers. He voted to defeat the Omnibus Farmworker Labor bill that threatened to devastate agriculture as we know it here in Upstate New York.

In turn, the bill would have had an equal impact on the overall local economy. It would have dramatically increased our costs and made it impossible for us to keep producing food in this area.

Sen. Ranzenhofer recognized that Albany should be coming up with ways to help agriculture, not hinder it. Like so many times before, Sen. Ranzenhofer cast a vote in favor of our local farmers and the rural economy.

New York Farm Bureau is grateful for the senator's leadership and looks forward to the continued support of our local farmers.

Criminal case dismissed, but reason being kept secret

By Howard B. Owens

The criminal case of a Bergen woman accused of stealing $35,000 from a former Rochester resident has been dismissed, but Judge Robert C. Noonan's order dismissing the charges is being hidden in the defendant's now-sealed court file.

A court official said as a routine matter, case files are sealed when charges are dismissed.

Noonan's order would possibly include his findings in the matter and explain any deficiencies in the government's case and possibly include exculpatory information favoring the defendant.

Michele Case, 45, of 7100 N. Bergen Road, Bergen, was subjected to a criminal investigation by State Police after allegations arose that she improperly obtained funds the woman's accounts while caring for the ailing, elderly woman.

Assembly candidate Barons calls for proactive aid to returning vets

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Chris Barons, Democratic candidate for the 139th Assembly District.

The Returning Vet: A Tale of Two EAPs

Our state prepares to welcome home tens-of-thousands of military personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Once the joy of reunion has subsided, our vets will be challenged to reintegrate into the civilian world.

Aside from the dramatic change in duty, our vets return to a highly competitive, repressed job market. Even for those with awaiting jobs, the transition to civilian life promises the strain of adaptive decision-making.

As a gloss, one might presume that veteran transitioning responsibility resides with the federal government. Limited to chronic needs and benefit administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs is the go-to agency.

However, transitioning thousands of returning veterans into an economically depressed setting demands a well-thought-out, comprehensive plan.

New York State has a highly developed Employee Assistance Program that offers a wide, a la carte array of services to participants. The public EAP program draws on public agencies to offer comprehensive support services to public employees. Private businesses typically contract EAP programs through private agencies and insurance carriers.

Their programs are Return On Investment (ROI) modeled and tend toward short-term interventions aimed at improving job performance and lowering absenteeism. Private focus is on the top three performance issues: stress, substance abuse and interpersonal relationships.

New York’s public EAPs offer participants long-term counseling and intervention opportunities. They are publicly funded and draw on public resources, though they serve the public employee workforce. The state EAPs also network with public agencies to provide accessible and diverse services.

Our returning vets will require specialized attention to successfully merge into civilian life. New York State has the existing agencies and networks to assist in that transition.

Now is the time to prepare for embracing our service men and women -- to have a mechanism in place for reintegrating them into our ranks. They have earned a proactive effort on their behalf. Adding our returning military personnel to the list of eligible NYS Employee Assistance Program service recipients is practical and deserved.

No arrests, five citations at Green Day concert

By Howard B. Owens

There were no arrests at Thursday's Green Day concert at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Five people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

Anne R. Mesmer, 20, of Woodstock Avenue, Tonawanda
Laura E. Hanzly, 20, of Pheasant Run Road, Amherst
Katelyn M. Kibler, 20, of Monarch Drive, Amherst
Melissa S. Deck, 20, of Vine Lane, Amherst
Joelle E. Breidenstein, 20, of Broadmoor Drive, Tonawanda

Police Beat: Man accused of fighting with woman he wasn't supposed to contact

By Howard B. Owens

Darren M. Brooks, 24, of Hawkmeadow Drive, Irving, is charged with criminal contempt,1st, and harassment, 2nd. Brooks was allegedly involved in a fight with a woman while leaving a bar in the area of Sandhill Road, Alexander. Brooks is allegedly barred from having contact with that woman. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Elysia Marie Summers, 26, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Summers is accused of attempting to shoplift from Kmart. She allegedly filled a large diaper bag with merchandise totaling $332.81.

Saul D. Standsblack, 32, of Parker Road, Alabama, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Standsblack was allegedly involved in a fight at Jim & Bob's Automotive. There are no charges from that altercation; however, Standsblack allegedly had contact with a person he was barred from contacting during the incident.

Lisa Marie Franks, 38, of McDonald Street, Greensville, N.C., is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Franks was allegedly observed leaving the Green Day concert at Darien Lake Theme Park driving in an erratic manner. Franks was followed by a citizen who phoned in a complaint about Franks' driving.

Top Items on Batavia's List

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST CITY OF BATAVIA 4-5 bedroom Duplex apartment with 1 Bedroom, Living room, laundry room, dining room, bathroom, and small kitchen on first floor. 4 bedrooms 2nd floor. Newly painted. Some new carpet. Basement storage. 1/2 garage use for storage/ not parking. Large yard. $1,100/month includes trash pickup, Refrigerator, Gas Stove. You pay gas, electric, water. No dogs. Good references required with background check. Pathstone approved. Near ARC. Mike 585-993-4002
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