On Thursday, we published a picture of the winners of GCASA's "drug free" poster contest. Laura Russell Ricci later sent along scans of the actual winning posters.

Above is a submission by Sarah Scott, and below, Nathan Moore.

More winning posters after the jump.

Stephanie Hoy

Gemma B.

Jacob Cryer

Caitlin Napper

Aidan Berne

Aiden Sisson

In a media release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office on Friday, he expressed acute exasperation for the "lack of Albany leadership" which continues to delay completion of the 2010-11 State Budget.

After a legislative leaders met last week, he says "it became all too clear that even after being more than 50 days late, the Majority parties in both the Assembly and Senate are not concerned about passing the state budget.

"Even worse was the fact that during the public meeting, Assembly Speaker Silver and Senator Sampson confirmed that not only is there no current plan in place to pass a budget, but there are no plans to make plans. This is absolutely unacceptable and New York taxpayers deserve better."

The assemblyman notes that in 2007, rules reforms for the budget process were put in place, requiring the Legislature to produce state revenue forecasts and appoint members to joint conference committees to negotiate the differences between each house’s proposed budget.

He claims none of these rules have been followed and "Albany has reverted to the ‘three men in a room’ style of government."

Over the last several weeks, Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver, and the Senate Majority Leader Sampson have left rank-and-file members of the Assembly and Senate out of budget negotiations, leaving us to vote on trivial legislation like the protection of seahorses, according to Hawley.

"My colleagues and I in the Minority Conference have repeatedly asked that timetables be announced. Additionally, we’ve offered specific cost-saving proposals to the governor and both Majority conferences that would close the current $9.2 billion budget gap by cutting state spending, stopping backdoor borrowing, and reforming the budget process to make it more transparent and accountable.

"These measures would not only close the current budget gap, but will lay the framework for a more fiscally responsible state spending plan and help prevent future gaps from occurring. Unfortunately, we have been ignored while the Majority parties continue to argue amongst themselves about where to increase taxes and how to continue state borrowing, policies that put our state in this fiscal crisis to begin with.

Hawley continues "Albany has mismanaged New York tax dollars for decades, and now in the midst of an economic slow down, have continued to do so. The actions, or more appropriately inactions, of the ‘three men in a room’ have caused our schools, local governments, contractors, state parks, and small businesses to suffer.

"I will continue to demand that the Assembly and Senate majorities follow state budget reform laws and convene conference committees so the budget can be finished. New York taxpayers are fed up, and my colleagues in the Majority parties should start listening.

Volunteers handed out chicken dinners this afternoon as a fundraiser in support of Grandview Cemetery on Clinton Street Road. Carl Szablak submitted these pictures.

A man allegedly wanted in Georgia on felony warrants was found in a Cedar Street home by local law enforcement around 5:30 p.m., Saturday.

Batavia's ERT members, along with members of the Drug Enforcement Task Force and Batavia Police officers and Sheriff's deputies where called in to help take David L. Hendrix, 29, into custody.

Hendrix, aka David Young, was arrested at 3 Cedar St., Batavia, where he was apparently staying.

He is allegedly wanted in Georgia for robbery, assault and a parole violation.

Following arraignment in City Court, Hendrix was jailed without bail.

A witness informed The Batavian that police had Cedar Street closed in both directions during the activity.

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This past week we have all read about the beatings and the other issues going on in the State Street neighborhood. This Saturday morning a diffferent story was to be found.

St. Paul Lutheran Church and Northgate Free Methodist Church came out and partnered with Care-A-Van Ministries to bring peace and joy to the neighborhood.

St Paul provided a delicious breakfast casserole for the folks, while the MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers) Tuesday evening group provided games and activities for the children. 41 families with 120 family members received groceries from Care-A-Van this morning.

Care-A-Van Ministries visits this neighborhood the fourth Saturday of the month. St. Paul partners every time with the ministry on the monthly outings. St Paul Lutheran will be also be holding a neighborhood picnic in the parking lot this coming Wednesday evening as well.

Care-A-Van would like to thank these two churches and their volunteers for coming out and making a difference. There are many volunteers from different churches that are coming out now and volunteering for the weekly cookouts, street church, grocery distribution and morning ministry. If  you or  your church would like to get on board with blessing the community, you can call 343-0328.

Pastor Werk from St. Paul Lutheran and his little new friend

Jessica Beal from Northgate Mops reads a book to a little one

Deb Porter and Michelle Taylor from St Paul Lutheran get ready to serve breakfast

Kids enjoy games provided by Northgate Mops group

I was down in Pavilion today and on the way back I took a few photos.

Above is a horse on Mill Road. 

I love driving along the creek next to Mill Road. There's always wildlife around.  Unfortunately, the bird pictures I tried to capture today didn't turn out.

More pictures after the jump:

There have been some pretty busy beavers along the creek next to Mill Road -- lots of fallen trees.

On old house on Silver Road.

A collapsing barn on Silver Road.

Old John Deere sign in Alexander.

The Don Cummings Memorial Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show was at the Batavia fairgrounds  this year because it's outgrown its former location in Alexander. Proceeds benefited Mercy Flight.

More photos after the jump:

There's a horse show going on at Batavia Downs. Riders from all over the northeast are in Batavia to test their skills and display their handsome mounts. If you've missed it, the show continues Sunday at 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

More photos after the jump:

A car fire, fully involved, has been reported at 6 Central Ave., Batavia.

City Fire responding.

UPDATE 6:57 p.m.: Fire's out.

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A Rochester man accused of purposely setting a fire in order to kill his ex-girlfriend's father could have some of the DNA evidence reportedly being used against him re-examined by an out-of-state forensic lab, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.

Andre L. Scott, 30, of 2323 Spencerport Road, Rochester, is in Genesee County Jail on high bail while his attorney Thomas Burns prepares for a trial on attempted murder, burglary and arson charges filed against Scott.

Scott is a accused of purposefully setting a fire at 12 Elm St. on Jan. 24, 2009. He was arrested in August.

Because Scott cannot afford an attorney, Burns is his appointed counsel. The DNA testing, private investigator and  expert witnesses Burns might call are being paid for by the county.

One glitch in getting new DNA tests is that there may not be enough of sample left from the original evidence to properly test it. Burns is researching that matter.

The samples come from a Clorox bleach bottle found at the scene of the fire and a book of matches.

Noonan noted that the DNA tests could cost a substantial amount of money, but given the seriousness of the case, he was mindful of "the importance of sufficient preparation for the defendant to be ready for trial."

The expense could including bringing in a forensic expert to testify about the findings from the lab in Massachusetts.

The private investigator will not be a significant expense, Burns said.

Scott has until June 30 to accept a plea bargain, or go to trial on Aug. 23.

Batavia Police detective Todd Crossett is conducting interviews today, trying to determine who was involved in an aggressive attack on at least two people at 112 State St. last night.

One person was hospitalized with "significant" but non-life-threatening injuries, Crossett said. Another person was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

From five to six people entered 112 State St. with baseball bats, Crossett said, and the attack may be related to a fight -- possible retaliation -- the night before.

No arrests have been made.

The incident does not appear to be gang related, Crossett said.

Batavia detectives do not believe there is actual gang activity in the city. Any individuals in the city who appear to gang members -- from the colors they're wearing or sports paraphernalia they're wearing -- seem to be people from larger cities visiting friends and relatives in Batavia, but do not appear to be here to establish operations.

A wire down across the roadway has required the temporary closure of State Street near the Thruway.

In an audit of New York's five regional off-track betting operations, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli warned that OTB wagering has dropped precipitously over the past five years, threatening the viability of the OTBs.

Western OTB comes off a little better in DiNapoli's audit, primarily because the gains in video slot operations are more than offsetting the declines in horse wagering (full Western OTB report (pdf)).

Western OTB Corporate and Branch Operations has experienced a 10-percent ($15.6 million) decline in net handle (total amount bet) over the past five years. And through May 2009, its net handle was down over $5 million compared to the same time the previous year. In addition, live racing and inter-track wagering at Batavia Downs were down 7.6 percent in 2008 from the prior year and have decreased 25 percent since 2005.

However, the corporation’s new video-gaming facility has generated additional revenue for the OTB. As a result, operating revenues increased to more than $21 million in 2008 compared to nearly $17.6 million in 2004, a 19-percent hike. These increases have significantly affected revenue distributions to local governments, which have grown from almost $3.9 million in 2004 to more than $4.9 million in 2008.

In the report on Western OTB, DiNapoli expresses concern that VTL gaming could level off or decline, depending on the economy or changing competitive issues.

The Buffalo News received a written response from OTB President Martin Basinait, who said WOTB is "somewhat more optimistic."

But he said a number of changes can be made in state law to make the OTBs more competitive, such as changing the formula by which revenues are shared with tracks.

Basinait noted other past warnings from the state comptroller's office, including a 2005 report that found the OTB did not properly plan for the possibility of failure of Batavia Downs and the casino. He said the success of the casino has shown it was "not due to happenstance."

Basinait said DiNapoli's red flags about the future economic health of the OTB's casino are "unwarranted."

A two-vehicle accident has been reported on Route 5, a quarter mile west of the Pembroke Fire Hall, in Pembroke.

At least one person is injured, still in a car, but not trapped.

Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

We had a rare - if not unique - visitor behind the house late Thursday afternoon. It was a cormorant, a diving, fish-eating water bird, common to open water such as Lake Ontario or the waters along the Atlantic shoreline. This was the first time I've seen one on the Tonawanda.

Note the hooked bill, a big help in taking fish. The cormorant is an excellent diver, diving to depths from five to twenty-five feet for a minute or more.

The cormorant is a great fish-catcher, so good in fact, it is the bane of charter boat captains and fishermen on Lake Ontario's eastern basin.

The cormorants wings are not fully water proofed and here it spreads them to dry. 

This particular cormorant was a willing subject, not only staying put for several photos, but displaying as well.

The cormorant obviously had dining plans when it made its Tonawanda stop over. Whether it had any luck I couldn't say.      

Law enforcement is responding to 112 State St., where reportedly five individuals with baseball bats and pipes entered the residence.

At least one person is on the floor requiring medical assistance.

The people with baseball bats and pipes may still be in the area.

One person was struck with a pipe and another person is having a seizure.

Mercy EMS is being dispatched, but the scene is not yet secure.

Now, they're reporting the victims are at 5 Lewis Place.

A third victim is now reported on Hutchins Place.

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Scott F. Doll, convicted today of murder, 2nd, for the beating death of Joseph Benaquist, was arrested, seemingly, as soon as he entered the Genesee County Jail.

According to a Sheriff's Office press release, Doll tried to conceal on his body a green balloon containing a white powdery substance.

The substance has been sent to a lab for testing.

Doll will appear in Batavia City Court on June 1 to answer the charge of promoting prison contraband, 2nd.

The investigation is continuing, according to the Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE:  Added newest Genesee County Jail mug shot of Scott Doll.

BATAVIA, NY -- Following a conviction for murder, 2nd, by a jury of 12 honest Genesee County residents today, Corfu resident Scott Franklin Doll, 48, is facing a possible state prison sentence of at least 15 years to life for beating to death Joseph Benaquist, 66, on Feb. 16, 2009.

"How do you find the defendant, Scott F. Doll, charged with murder in the second degree, guilty or not guilty?" a court clerk asked the woman appointed as jury foreperson. The woman answered "Guilty," and people on both sides of the aisle in the courtroom let out  gasps.

At least two women sitting on the defense side began to cry and sob immediately, with at least one person rushing from the courtroom in tears.

Judge Robert C. Noonan set July 2 as the sentencing date and Doll, who came to court in a pressed blue suit, stood motionless as the verdict was declared. He displayed no emotion as he was escorted from the courtroom by deputies to a holding cell in the courthouse.

His attorney, Paul Cambria, met with him privately for about 20 minutes after the verdict and said later that Doll's first words were, “I’m an innocent man and I’ve just been convicted of a crime."

Cambria said there will definitely be an appeal.

"We have a very strong issue on appeal that we intend to pursue," Cambria said. "I’m going to look forward to this conviction being reversed and for us to retry this case at another time."

Cambria's main point of appeal, he said, is the continued questioning by investigators after Doll repeatedly asked to speak to an attorney.

"New York State has the strongest right-to-counsel law probably of all 50 states," Cambria said. 

Doll asked for an attorney very soon after being confronted by Sheriff's Deputies on North Lake Road on Feb. 16. 

In pre-trial motions, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman argued that under what is known as the "emergency doctrine" -- when investigators believe they must get information from a person in order to save a life -- they can continue to question a suspect who has asked for an attorney.

Cambria will likely challenge the use of statements by Doll against him at trial, especially, perhaps, those made after Benaquist's body was found and the emergency doctrine might no longer at issue.

Both Friedman and Sheriff Gary Maha were clearly pleased with the outcome, stating that the right verdict was reached.

"We just hoped the jury would see the truth and see past the defense that was raised," Friedman said. "We are very pleased with the outcome."

Maha said there was never any doubt in his mind that Doll was the killer.

"He lied from the beginning," Maha said. "There was no way he was telling the truth in his testimony. Based on what I saw at the scene, the amount of blood, there is no way he could explain that without being involved."

Maha characterized Cambria's closing argument as fabrications and speculation.

"There is no evidence there at all," Maha said. "I think the jury saw through that and concentrated on the evidence and came out with the right verdict."

Friedman, in his closing argument, called Cambria's defense theories, "speculation." Cambria said after the verdict today that he found Friedman's characterization ironic.

"They (the prosecution) do that all the time (claim "speculation")," Cambria said. "That’s a standard argument that is made. It’s interesting that when that argument was made, the District Attorney then went into all of these various scenarios that no one testified about and we thought, ‘Where’s the speculation coming from?’ Talking about people under cars and the jacks and there wasn’t any of that  evidence in the case."

What the case came down to, Friedman said, was Doll's motivation kill Joseph Benaquist.

"As I said in my opening and my closing, it was all about cars and money," Friedman said. "I still believe that’s the case. Whether this was a premeditated murder for those reasons or whether there was an argument that led to this happening, I firmly believe that’s what it was about."

Even though he isn't happy with the verdict, Cambria -- who has had an unshakable faith in Doll's innocence for 15 months -- said he still believes in the system.

"I have never criticized the system," Cambria said. "I believe in the system. I obviously think the verdict was the wrong one. I can’t recall a case that I’ve had that had as many reasonable doubts as this case had."

Joe Benaquist's stepsons, John and Josh Garcia, said they felt it was nice to see the system work.

"It doesn't bring our dad back," John said, "but it does bring a little closure."

Joe's girlfriend, Judy Scott, said, "My heart goes out to Scott's family. They don't deserve this. They seem like a good family."

She declined further comment.

Friedman credited volunteer firefighter James Waff with making the key difference in the case.

"Right from the start of this case, having a citizen call in a suspicious person walking down the road and doing the right thing  -- look what it led to," Friedman said. "I’m not sure how this case would have turned out if that person had not made that phone call to the Sheriff’s department."

Photos: Top, Lawrence Friedman; first inset, Sheriff Gary Maha; second inset, Paul Cambria; Bottom, Cambria and Daniel Killelea exit the Genesee County Courtroom to meet with the media.

BATAVIA, NY -- A jury of 12 Genesee County residents has found Scott F. Doll guilty of murder, 2nd.

The jury began deliberations around 2 p.m., Wednesday and took a recess at 5 p.m. The jury returned to deliberations at 9 a.m. and notified Judge Robert C. Noonan that it reached a verdict just before 4 p.m.

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