The city's application for a $2.5 million grant to help spark redevelopment of Masse Gateway (part of the Harvester Center complex) has been reduced to $1.5 million in the final award.

The city received word today that the funds will be released to the City, according to The Batavian's news partner WBTA.

City Manager Jason Molino told WBTA that the RestoreNY funds were intended to begin demolition and reconstruction of Masse Place.

"It's our hope that this will be the beginning of opportunities to develop that former industrial site into some more commercial and light industrial locations for businesses and hopefully increase jobs in the area," Molino said.

UPDATE: City Council President Charlie Mallow issued this statement this afternoon:

After decades of political inaction and stonewalling, our city has finally taken the first step forward to rebuild its decaying center. This could not have been possible without our City Manager and his staff. Their hard work and determination has brought millions of dollars in grants, as well as financial stability to our community over the last two years. I also want to thank Mr. Mancuso for believing in and investing in our city. Batavia can only prosper when business people like Mr. Mancuso are willing to take a chance and invest their own hard earned money into our community. I would like to give a special thanks to Governor Patterson and his staff for taking the time to understand the needs of our city and ensuring that Batavia receives its share of federal and state dollars to help stimulate our local economy.

Previous Masse Gateway Project coverage.

The driver of a tractor trailer says a possible weight shift caused him to lose control of his trailer last night, causing his rig to rumble off  southbound Route 63 and strike a utility pole.

Pole #5867 was sheared off at its base and the trailer overturned.

The driver, Ljubisa Savuljeskovic, 55, of 192 Hugson St., Hamilton, Ontario Canada, was not injured in the accident.

The mishap was reported at 9:14 p.m.

A witness told Deputy C.J. Minuto that she saw Savuljeskovic swerve suddenly and then seem to overreact, causing him to lose control of the trailer.

National Grid was called to the scene to repair the utility pole.

Roger Jaczynski, of Byron, dropped just a couple of bucks into a video lottery game at Batavia Downs on Sunday. Within seconds, he was $308,000 richer.

His winnings mark the largest progressive jackpot hit ever at an in-house video gaming machine in New York.

"We are very excited to have a jackpot of this magnitude and that we can award it to one of our valued patrons," said Marty Biniasz, director of marketing, Batavia Downs Casino.

The previous record was $197,938 awarded in 2008 to a patron of Empire City Casino at Yonkers.

A progressive game starts out with a prize of $10,000 and builds as more and more players participate without hitting the jackpot.

WBTA has interviewed Jaczynski and will air his comments on its 12:30 p.m. newscast.

Oakfield will not be holding a Community Worship Service this Sunday, normally a feature of its "Labor Daze" celebration, because the issue of gay marriage has caused a rift between churches there.

The Community Betterment Committee's Labor Daze officials, after discussions with Mayor Rick Pastecki and others, opted to cancel the 10:30 a.m. service at Triangle Park on Sunday to avoid any possibility of a "brouhaha," said festival co-chair Donna Dwyer.

The service has been part of the holiday weekend line-up for 24 years -- until now.

The situation devolved from a letter to the editor published in the Daily News on May 22 written by Rev. Larry Eastlack of Oakfield United Methodist Church. It stated that while most evangelical leaders are encouraging their congregations to oppose the "Marriage Equality Act," he differed. The legislation has been passed in several states and New York is considering it, too.

Eastlack's letter said that although most Christians believe homosexuality is incompatible with Biblical teachings, "I believe it is possible to stay true to your religious convictions, whatever they are, and still support legislation that would allow homosexual persons to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that come with matrimony."

The reverend was unavailable for comment, but his letter created a veritable firestorm in the community and it's still smoldering.

The brigade against his views is led by fundamentalist pastors at Oakfield Community Bible Church, led by Bill Smith, and Mark Perkins, who leads the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church. They've been coordinating the Community Worship Service for the past several years and wanted to exclude Eastlack from the Community Worship Service this year specifically because of his now publically known views on gay marriage.

(Leaders' "participation" amounts to sitting among other local church representatives and listening to a guest speaker's sermon. Cal Kern, president and general manager of a Christian sports team called Niagara Power Baseball, was scheduled this year.)

They asked to sit down with the reverend and Perkins said they, including Eastlack's associate Dave Phelps, discussed their views cordially and the meeting ended with Eastlack's decision not to participate if that meant creating more strife.

A letter prepared Aug. 10 by Perkins and Smith -- which amounts to an ultimatum to disavow gay marriage or else be shunned -- was given to Eastlack afterward "almost as an afterthought," said Perkins to emphasize the amiable tone at the meeting's conclusion.

The letter rejects the notion of gay marriage as a civil rights issue and the idea that homosexuality is determined genetically. It cites Scripture on the issue and urges Eastlack to change his stance, with this caveat:

"...our Elders have stated that having you take part (in the Sept. 6 service) would send a message to our community and respective congregations that 1. We are in agreement with your stance or 2. We are willing to pretend that unity exists."

The Labor Daze Community Worship Service was heretofore ecumenical in nature, according to residents. But Perkins said the public Sunday service is not supposed to be "a social feel-good message."

"It's meant to send a clear, Biblical Gospel message to people there who might not attend church or otherwise hear it," Perkins said.

The mayor finds the whole thing ugly.

"My personal feeling is that it just saddens me down to my soul," Pastecki said.

Anne Marie Weremblewski, 55, of 4016 W. Main St. Road, #4, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Weremblewski is accused of violating a no offensive conduct restraining order. She allegedly yelled obscenities at the protected party.

Here's the most viewed posts for August 2009.

• Blink 182 show at Darien Lake leads to 16 arrests
• St. Nick's closing its doors, by Brian Hillabush
• Children on assistance eligible for $200 in back-to-school aid
• 23 people arrested at Lil' Wayne concert at Darien Lake
• Harley-riding Border Patrol agents pass through Batavia, visit Stan's Harley
• Eleven arrests reported at Phish concert at Darien Lake
• Eric Massa, by Peter O'Brien
• Drunken driving suspected in Darien accident that kills Dansville girl
• The public should know the details of union settlement well before vote
• The Political Spectrum Quiz, by Bea McManis

Here's the most viewed video in August (Man airlifted from accident on Route 5, Le Roy, by Mercy Flight):

A smoke detector has sounded and the resident can see smoke, but she doesn't know where it's coming from and she doesn't see any fire at 335 Bank St., Batavia.

The City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:56 p.m: Engine 12 back in service. Reset the alarms.

View Larger Map

In August The Batavian had 38,057 unique visitors. That's up from 36,268 in July.

It's the third straight month of record traffic growth for The Batavian, and fourth straight month of increasing traffic.

Before the current growth spurt, The Batavian's record traffic month was February when the site had 28,030 unique visitors. March was down slightly, but we've had an upward trend going since.

A unique visitor, as measured by Google Analytics, is one visit by one person (or more accurately, one computer) within the given time frame. It's the closest count available to say how many people visited a Web site in a given month. 

The Batavian launched May 1, 2008.

In August 2008, The Batavian had 5,359 unique visitors.

The other primary metrics we track are visitors and page views. A visit is a count of each time various individuals visit the site. One person (or computer) can account for numerous visits.  A page view is a count of each time a page of the site is opened in a browser window.

In August, The Batavian notched 131,763 visits, up from 121,708 in July.

August page views were 292,176, up from 285,671 in July.

So, help us keep the trend going. Wouldn't it be great to top 40,000 unique visitors and 300,000 page views in September?

Here's what you can do to help:

• Tell a friend you've never told before about The Batavian. Tell them what you like about the site.
• Include a note about The Batavian in your organization's newsletter.
• Stop by our office (200 E. Main St., #5) and pick up a bumper sticker for your car (we have some setting outside our door if nobody is in the office when you come by).
• Use the "E-mail a Friend" link on posts to send something you find interesting to a friend(s).
• If you're not already a daily visitor, become a daily visitor. We do update the site frequently and every weekday and usually on Saturdays and Sundays.

Thank you all for your support of The Batavian. Please take a look at all of the sponsors' ads on the site, and please support those businesses and let them know you saw their ad on The Batavian. If you're a fan of The Batavian, supporting our sponsors is critical to keeping it going.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. When you need to book your next party, think T.F. Brown's. See the ad on the right side of the page for contact information. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Brighten up your home or office with flowers!  We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

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

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, N.Y.: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Sold Out

"We can't afford to wait" vigils  are organized nationwide just days before members of Congress return to Washington, to make sure they know that an overwhelming majority of voters are counting on them to act quickly to pass health care reform.

The vigils will put a human face on the urgent need for bold health care reform with a real public health insurance option. We'll deliver an unmistakable message to the media and members of Congress: We can't afford to wait: Public Option NOW!

7:30pm, Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Corner of Central & Walden Av. (Old Valero Station)
Lancaster, NY 14086

Let's meet up at Dwyer Stadium Thursday and take in the greatest show in town -- a Batavia Muckdogs baseball game.

The game against the Auburn Doubledays is the next to last home game of the season, and I have free tickets available.

Between what the Muckdogs gave me for advertisers' appreciation night (because The Batavian was a sponsor this year) and the unused season tickets I have -- I have 28 tickets available.

E-mail me your request for tickets and we can either arrange for you to stop by the office to pick them up or meet me before the game and I'll give them to you.

Game time is 7:05 p.m. and my e-mail address is howard (at) the batavian dot com.

Request as many tickets as you like, just make sure you can use them. First come, first served.

I usually set in the third-base bleachers and you're welcome to join me for the game. Heck, I might even let you buy me a beer.

My name is Lemon Drop. I'm a young, stunning spayed female Hound Mix looking for an equally stunning family. I am a great-natured dog who loves to hang with humans, play with other dogs and cuddle with all. My ideal home would have a comfortable couch to stretch out on, good quality food, a fenced yard or a human who loves to take long walks (with me, of course). If this sounds like a match made in heaven, come in soon!

I'm Rex, a young single black neutered male cat looking for lots of fun and games. I am an adventurous boy who, when I get the chance, loves breaking out of my cage here to play in the interaction room. Oh, and I love wrestling with dogs, too - they don't scare me at all! I came to the Shelter with a bad infection to my tail. It had to be amputated but I do just fine without it and I don't let it slow me down. So if you are looking for fun and action, you know where to find me.

Pachuco is very pleased with the initial response to his new Pet of the Week contest, but he wants to make sure everybody knows about it. He will select his first winner on Friday. To find out more, click here.

It's that time of year -- time to start planning on flu shots.

The County Health Department issued a press release today notifying residents that flu shot clinics are in the works.

The first one is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18.

Tentatively because only about 1/4 of the needed vaccine has been delivered to the county so far.  The remaining doses should arrive in September or October.

Full press release after the jump:

The Genesee County Health Department has tentatively scheduled Seasonal Influenza/Pneumococcal Clinics pending receipt of vaccine. One-fourth of the vaccine has been received, while the remaining doses are scheduled for delivery during the months of September and October.  Updates will be published and broadcast through the Daily News, WBTA, the Batavian, and the Genesee County Health Department website at www.co.genesee.ny.us.  Verification of flu clinics can also be obtained by contacting the Health Department at (585) 344-2580, extension 5000.

Friday, September 18        10:00 am.-  2:00 pm    County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Rd., Batavia
Thursday, September 24     4:00 pm –  7:00 pm    County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Rd., Batavia
Thursday, October 15         9:00 am – 11:00 am    Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Monday, October 26        10:00 am –  1:00 pm    Batavia Downs Casino, 8315 Park Road, Batavia

The Health Department can bill Medicare Part B, American Progressive, MVP (Preferred Care), Independent Health, Excellus, Blue Cross of WNY and Univera.  Empire (State Insurance Fund) cannot be accepted.  Clients are responsible for co-pays or unpaid claims. For all others, the cost at time of vaccination is  $35.00 for Influenza and $55.00 for Pneumococcal vaccination.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommends that all persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others should get the flu vaccine.  In other words, when there is an adequate supply everyone should get the seasonal flu vaccine.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those individuals at greatest risk for serious complications, close contacts, and those most likely to get or spread the flu, should get the seasonal flu vaccines in September or as soon as vaccine is available. It is not too early to get the flu vaccine as the protection will not wear off before the flu season is over. Those at high risk include:

•    Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday.
•    Persons aged 50 years or older.
•    Children and adolescents receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
•    Women who will be pregnant during the fu season.
•    Adults and children with chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic disorders (including diabetes) or any condition that can compromise respiratory function.
•    Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
•    Health care personnel.
•    Healthy household contacts and caregivers of children aged 59 months or younger or persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

The CDC clarifies that the annual flu vaccines contain a seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) virus which is not the new 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (Swine Flu) that has caused the current pandemic. The persons prioritized for initial doses of H1N1 vaccine are not the same groups that seasonal influenza vaccine is targeted for.  The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against infection of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The CDC is very clear regarding the targeted group for H1N1 vaccination; however, availability and demand can be unpredictable, and there is the possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. In this setting, that target group would be initially reduced to a priority group to include those most at risk.

The Genesee County Health Department is committed to offering information to the community as it becomes available.  Future news releases will be provided as further information regarding clinics for seasonal influenza and H1N1 (Swine Flu) become available.  
 

A driver suffered a facial injury and was apparently in shock following a one-car accident on Warboys Road in Byron Monday at 6:32 p.m.

The accident was apparently caused by mechanical failure.

The driver, operating a 1995 Chevy truck, reported hearing a clunk and then his tires locked up. The car then traveled off the road striking a utility pole, which was sheared from its base.

Joseph T. Oliveri, 18, of 7944 Sacett Road, Bergen, was transported to Lakeside Memorial Hospital.

Deputy Tim Wescott investigated the accident.

Le Roy Democrats picked their candidates for local offices on August 9, according to a statement sent to The Batavian this afternoon.

Richard Zarajczyk, the Le Roy Chair, wrote that Judge Kermit Arrington was endorsed for a 6th term as town justice.

Tom Stella, an incumbent councilman, was endorsed for a full four-year term.

Jennifer Keys was nominated for a two-year term on council

Full announcement after the jump:

On August 9, 2009 at the LeRoy Village Hall, the LeRoy Democrats caucused and selected candidates to run for office in the November 3rd general election. 

Judge Kermit Arrington was nominated and voted unanimously to run for his 6th term for Town Justice. He has the experience and even temperament needed to continue his service on the LeRoy bench. Judge Arrington served in WWII and is a member of the  Genesee County Magistrates Assoc., American Judges Assoc., WNY Superintendent Assoc, Excelsior Hook & Ladder and was a past recipient of the LeRoyan of the Year award.  He is retired from the LeRoy Public Works Department where he served as Superintendent for 34 years.  He resides on Craigie Street. He welcomes his opponent Darryl Sehm to the race.

Tom Stella, incumbent councilman, was nominated and voted unanimously to run for a full four year term.  He is the Deputy Supervisor after winning a one year term last year and has served almost two years on the town council where he sits as the farmland protection and fire commission liaison.  He was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2008. He has been instrumental in finding cost savings in the town hall infrastructure.   Tom is employed at LeRoy Central School, is a Viet Nam veteran and bronze star recipient and a social member of Oatka Hose. Tom and his wife Debbie live on South Street Rd and they have a grown daughter, son in law and new grandson.

Newcomer Jennifer Keys was nominated and voted unanimously and will run for the two year term.  Jennifer is civic minded with experience in community service both here in LeRoy and in her former neighborhood in Rochester where she founded her neighborhood watch organization and served as the volunteer scheduler for the Police and Citizens Together Against Crime group. She holds degrees from Brockport in Psychology and Political Science with a Masters degree in World History. She has worked as an adjunct professor at MCC and a social worker at St Joseph's Villa. She currently serves on the LeRoy PTSO board.  She lives on East Main Street with her husband and two children.

There was a declination filed which leaves one opening for a four year term.  Anyone interested in seeking this position please contact Richard Zarajczyk at 734-1008 no later than September 29.

I happened across this scene this afternoon -- four of the city ambulances sitting next to the fire hall on Evans -- out of service.

Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley today announced a new law that allows court proceedings for the towns of Elba, Oakfield and Batavia to be held at a single location, which will help save money.

Ranzenhofer says in a press release: “With the passage of the Shared Court Services legislation, the towns of Batavia, Elba and Oakfield have the opportunity to consolidate facilities to provide upgraded services and decrease costs. Residents ... will see savings on their tax bills by sharing one court facility. (This) reflects the willingness of the Elba, Batavia and Oakfield town supervisors to restructure local government to save money for taxpayers."

Hawley says: “We were pleased to facilitate the towns of Batavia, Elba and Oakfield’s request for this legislation. Helping localities streamline and consolidate their efforts -- resulting in more efficient operations while saving taxpayer dollars -- is indeed a positive reflection on the supervisors of the three towns."

All three adjoining towns expressed a need for upgraded court facilities. The new law amends the Uniform Justice Court Act to allow the court proceedings to be held either in the towns of Elba, Oakfield, Batavia or the city of Batavia. The facility must be approved by all three town boards. The law takes effect immediately.

“This is a good example of how a determined effort by community leaders and their respective staffs can provide a much needed and desirable benefit for the people they serve," said Batavia Town Supervisor Gregory Post.

"This partnership demonstrates efficiency in government with unlimited potential to expand benefits to local members of our population, as well as those who visit our VA campus or other attractions our area offers. The fact that so many elected entities can come together and set aside traditional boundaries to save tax dollars (holds) promise that our future here is bright."

Elba Town Supervisor Lucine Kauffman said: "The Town of Elba sees this proposed shared courthouse facility as an innovative way to meet our courtroom safety and functional needs while saving the taxpayers' money. This bill allows us to pursue the shared facility project and improve service to our communities."

A man accused of assault and endangering the welfare of a child couldn't be arraigned in City Court today.

Jimpce J. Etienne, 33, of 30 Buell St., Batavia, speaks Creole and a Creole interpreter was not immediately available.

No date has been set yet for his arraignment.

Etienne allegedly choked a woman in front of her child.

A woman identified as his girlfriend was in court. She had sent a letter to the court asking that a "stay away" order be revised to require him to refrain from offensive conduct and not to drink alcohol around her or the children.

She told Judge Bob Balbick that Etienne is employed full-time and provides for their four children. In answer to a question by the judge, she said she isn't afraid of Etienne and that he never causes a problem during the weekdays when he's working. This implied problems only occur on weekends when he might drink.

Balbick also ordered an alcohol evaluation by Genesee Justice. Etienne's bail was made last night, but the judge released him on his own recognizance.

Four cases of rabies in animals have been confirmed in Genesee County, according to a press release just sent to local media by the County Health Department.

The four animals confirmed were a raccoon, bat, skunk and cat.

The health department encourages residents to stay away from wild animals and be suspicious of animals that are especially tame or aggressive.

And do not feed the raccoons.

Full press release after the jump:

The Genesee County Health Department advises all residents that Genesee County has had four (4) laboratory confirmed cases of rabies in animals in the past month. The animals vary in species including a raccoon, bat, skunk and cat.

The Genesee County Health Department reminds residents to avoid contact with any wild animal or stray animal, especially cats.  Be suspicious of wild animals that are unusually tame or aggressive, especially those which attack your pets.  Do not attract raccoons to your yard by feeding them.

If you see a wild animal, especially a raccoon, bat, skunk or fox, stay away; keep children and pets away or indoors, and let the animal go away on its own.

If you are bitten, scratched or have contact with an animal you believe to be rabid, immediately wash the wound.  Capture the animal, if possible, so it can be tested, taking care to prevent additional bites or damage to the animal’s head.  Contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580, ext. 5569 and seek medical treatment.

For more information on rabies, vaccination clinics, or to report an incident, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580, ext. 5569.