View Larger Map

The land at 5981 Main Road is Stafford isn't good for much, according to Zoning Enforcement Officer Lester Mullen. You can't build a house on it and it's no good for agriculture because of the rocky structure under the surface.

The problem for years, though, is that it's zoned Agricultural/Residential.

Now the land has a use, and the Stafford Planning Board gave its blessing, after months of wrangling, to Bruce Scofield's plan to build a warehouse on the land.

Scofield runs roll-off container, fuel oil truck and refuse collection business. He plans to build a six-bay facility to store his trucks.

The facility is a perfect fit for the location, Mullen said, because unlike a house, it won't require septic. Septic requires digging, and apparently, you can't dig that deep on the parcel in question.

Two major considerations in the special use permit is that Scofield will not be allowed to store anything outside of the building and he must attractively landscape the front of the building along Route 5.

"The Town of Stafford gave a chance for him (A.D. Call) a chance to thrive, to succeed and that's all Mr. Scholfield is asking" his attorney Reid Whiting told the board. "He's just looking for an opportunity for his business to take off. It's a business that will be beneficial to Stafford. It will create jobs and tax revenues."

Andrew Kosiorek, 37, 53 W. Main St., #101, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt and harassment following an alleged incident in Batavia. Kosiorek reportedly following a family dispute in which he allegedly struck another person. The person allegedly attacked is covered by a protection order.

Patricia M. Morris, 58, 5359 Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI , driving with a BAC of .18 or more and driving left of road markings in a no passing zone. Morris was stopped following reports of erratic driving in the City of Batavia and Stafford.

Jennifer L. Heil, 26, 5690 Eagle Harbor Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI,driving with a BAC of .18 or more and driving left of pavement markings. Heil was charged following a traffic stop in Stafford.

On tuesday night the boys and i went to the super cruise.They had a DJ.A 50/50 raffle we lost.It was alot of fun.Vintage automobiles make great images.

The offense wasn’t there for the Muckdogs (4-1) tonight, as they were handed their first loss of the season by Williamsport (3-3) ona slim 1-0 margin.

Crosscutter starter Siulman LeBron (2-0) had a brilliant start, going seven strong innings with only two hits and one walk while striking out ten for the win.

The one decisive run of the game came in the top of the 3^rd for Williamsport.  Jiwan James had a two-out double and came home during the next at-bat on a base hit by Evan Porter.

Batavia pitching remained sharp despite the lack of run support.  Starter Tyler Leach (0-1) threw four innings with three hits, one run and one strikeout.  Relievers Christopher Corrigan and Josh Squatrito combined for only three hits, two walks and one strikeout.

Matt Carpenter made up most of the Muckdog offense, having 2 of the team’s 4 hits.

Batavia is on the road tomorrow to start a three game series with Jamestown.  They return home on Friday night at 7:05.

Ryan Gugel, the Gulf Coast League barely got to know you.

The Batavia high grad who signed a free agent deal with the Philadelphia Phillies organization after the Major League Baseball Draft didn't get to play in the GCL Phillies opener because he's been promoted from the short-season rookie league to long-season A ball.

The catcher will make his professional debut with the Lakewood BlueClaws of the South Atlantic League.

The club is 42-26 and leading the Northern Division.

Fellow BHS grad Chris Page was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds organization, but has yet to sign a contract. The Reds drafted four first baseman and is waiting to offer him a contract until a position opens up.

Two groups of farmers took a slow drive on the Thruway through Genesee County today, slowing traffic and sending a message to Albany about a proposed bill that opponents call the Farm Death Bill.

The bill would change farm labor law. Among the provisions, farmers would be required to pay workers time-and-half for overtime. Farmers say it would cost the New York agriculture industry $200 million and drive hundreds of farms in the state out of business.

The bill has already passed the Assembly and now awaits consideration by the dysfunctional Senate.

Le Roy dairy farmer Dale Stein, who helped lead the protest, said it appears the protest was effective. He received a call this evening and was told Gov. David Paterson heard about the protest and immediately called a meeting with the agricutlure commissioner to discuss the legislation.

Two groups of farmers -- one starting in Batavia and another Le Roy -- participated in the protest. The Batavia group, comprised of representatives from about 20 farms, headed east and the Le Roy group headed west.  Each group drove 35 to 40 m.h.p., but blocked both lanes in each direction for only a portion of the drive.

Stein said he's heard of only one ticket being issued, to a van in the Le Roy group, and even though State Police were in the area of the eastbound group, no vehicles in that group were stopped.

The protest was organized, Stein said, on only about two or three hours notice.

Stein said State Police did not interfer with the eastbound protest, but he heard of a ticket being issued to a westbound driver.

Sgt. Derrick Harris of the State Police said that actually, six tickets were issued to westbound drivers. He said there were only six drivers involved in the westbound lanes. He said no action was taken in the eastbound lanes.

Listen: Audio of an interview after the protest with Stein.

The Downtown Public Market opens in the morning at 9:30 a.m.

Vendors this year include: Lloyd Christ Farms, S & T Christ Farms, J & W Fresh Farm Produce, Nice Farms, Schwab Farms & Watt Farm, Alston’s BBQ Sauce, Genesee ARC (Handmade) Pet Products, Nonna’s Vegetable Plants & Crafts & Pressed Flowers by L. Regatuso, Posy Power Peddler

Jackson St. Grill & Belladessa’s Pizza will serve hots, hamburgers, pizza & refreshments from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The market runs every Thursday for the season from 9:30 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Center and Ellicott.

Fire trucks are responding to Notre Dame High School for a tripped fire alarm.  A custodian on scene reports no smoke nor fire seen. Crews on scene also report nothing showing.

An oven fire has been reported at 19 Hart St., Batavia. Fire engines are responding.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: Burnt food only.

View Larger Map

The aptly named "Farm Death Bill" is going to be the subject of a protest today, but what I don't get ... on the Thruway?

Here's the announcement I just got:

There is going to be a caravan along the thruway this afternoon to protest  the farm labor bill.  The caravan will start at 3:45 PM today beginning at   Boyle’s Motors on Route 98 in Batavia.  From there they will head to the   thruway.  Anyone is welcome to participate driving whatever they would like.    Any questions please call Maureen’s cell xxx-xxx-xxxx.  We need as many  people to participate as possible.  Thank you.

So that's only 15 minutes from now.

But the Thruway?  One of the very things that has helped to destroy WNY (diverting traffic from its city and towns), not to mention for any kind of visibility of the protest, it's going to be hard to follow or view for most people.

UPDATE: I'll have video and pictures shortly (in a separate post). Representatives from about 20 farms showed up, according to Dale Stein. The plan is to drive 40 m.p.h. doublewide out to Genesee Community College, and then merge into one lane.  People while, another group started in Le Roy and is driving to Batavia.  No idea on how big that group is right now.  The area's best agricutlure reporter, Tom Rivers, was there, so look for his report in tomorrow's newspaper.

Batavia Police Youth Det. Todd Crossett completed his first marathon May 25 in 4 hours and 4 minutes, and it was for a worthy cause.

Crossett ran into the Buffalo Marathon to raise funds for the Royal Rangers, a scouting group of 30 boys supervised by Crossett.

He raised $400, which will help boys participation in the Royal Rangers.  Many would not be able to attend camp outs without the funds, according to a BPD press release.

The micro-enterprise loan/grant program, which has been used by a number of businesses in downtown Batavia over the years to help them get started or expand is now available to any business in Genesee County, the Chamber of Commerce announced today.

The program provides cash for small businesses (five or fewer employees, including the owner) in a loan (75 percent) and grant (25 percent) format so businesses can hire more people, buy new equipment or make other business improvements that will lead to greater employment.

The program is designed to augment private funding sources when traditional loans are either unaffordable or unavailable.

Full press release after the jump:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announced today the availability of a micro-enterprise loan/grant program (75% loan, 25% grant) for small businesses located in Genesee County.  The program is designed to augment private funding sources when other funding is unaffordable or unavailable.  While standard commercial lending policies will apply, interest rates and repayment terms will feature affordability and flexibility generally not offered by banks.

Eligible borrowers must be micro-enterprise business owners with five employees or fewer (including the owner).  Funds may be used for any legitimate business purpose including, but not limited to, capital equipment, inventory, and working capital. 

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity organization and therefore will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, political affiliation, disability, or any category designated by Federal law. 

For applications and/or program details, contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 210 East Main Street, Batavia, 585-343-7440.

Police are responding to Emory Upton's monument at Ellicott and Main.

A woman is there moving around mulch and fiddling with plants, telling a person there that she is cleaning up her father's grave.

Five great deals today:

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50.  The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually).

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St., Batavia, N.Y.: One of O'Lacy's most publisher dishes: Reuben Sandwich. Try it. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or work place, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia, N.Y.: One of Batavia's great stores. Valle carries charming an eye-catching items that are affordable. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, N.Y.: Plants, teas, herbs, mixes, a great place to shop to make your home more cozy and natural. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies (50 cents on items below $10)

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

Valle Jewelers

SOLD

The Enchanted Florist

SOLD

O'Lacy's

SOLD

Herbly Wonderful

SOLD

Picasso's Pizza

SOLD

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer attended a weekend open house at Genesee ARC’s newest home for people with disabilities.  The residence on Coe Avenue in the village of Oakfield was open Saturday, June 20, for tours and refreshments giving the community an opportunity to meet the six young women who live in the home and the Genesee ARC Staff who work there. 

The 3,000 square foot home is the local non profit organization’s eleventh residence. It was funded with New York State grant monies targeted at innovative services for individuals with disabilities.  It features an open floor plan and is fully accessible.

Senator Ranzenhofer participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony with one of the residents, Sheryl, and her father, Gary Lemke, of Medina.  The Senator said he has had the opportunity to visit several similar homes throughout his district and presented an official senate certificate in recognition of the home’s opening and ARC’s service to the community.

Genesee ARC has been serving people with disabilities and their families since 1966.  Along with Residential Services, Genesee ARC provides an array of vocational and day program opportunities, service coordination, family support, recreation and transportation. 

Community members wanting to know more about ARC services can call the Administrative offices at 343-1123.

Scott A. Fehr, 34, 8378 Lake Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI. Fehr was reportedly found parked on Galloway Road. Further investigation revealed he allegedly hit a sight while turning left from Route 63 onto Galloway. He then allegedly left the scene without proper notification. He was also charged with a BAC of .08 or more and leaving the scene of a property damage accident without notification.

A 17-year-old employee of Darian Lake is accused of stealing $765 from the theme park. He is charged with petty larceny. The youth is from Strykersville.

Travis Bauer, 20, 4685 Crittenden Road, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bauer was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana during an investigation of a reported domestic dispute in Alabama.

Debra Farminger, 47, 24 Lewis Road, Akron is accused of pushing and hurting another family member during a domestic dispute in Alabama. She is charged with harassment in the second degree.

Batavia (4-0) pitchers shutout the Crosscutters (3-2) and the Muckdog bats came up with ten hits on the night.

Batavia got on board in the 4th scoring one run after Matt Carpenter doubled and came home on a wild pitch.  They added two more in the 6th.  Devin Goodwin led off the inning with a double.  Two batters later Ryan Jackson singled for the RBI.  Jackson then came home on a sacrifice fly by Xavier Scruggs.

But the Muckdogs weren’t done there.  The team tacked one more on in the 7th after Jack Cawley walked and came home on a fielder’s choice.  The runs kept coming in the 8th when Carpenter singled, Scruggs walked and both were moved up a base on a wild pitch.  Ryde Rodriguez then came up with a base hit to score two.  Another wild pitcher later in the inning scored the Muckdog’s last run.

Williamsport threatened in the top of the first when the first two batters reached on a walk and hit by pitch. Bases were loaded with two outs after Michael Dabbs singled, but Anthony Hewitt followed with a pop out to second base to end the inning.

Deryk Hooker threw four innings in the start with two hits, one walk and four strikeouts.  Tyler Lavigne (1-0) followed him in a strong four innings, letting up only one run with four strikeouts to earn the win.  Dan Richardson pitched a scoreless, winless 9th to end the game.

Wednesday night at 7:00 the Muckdogs go for the sweep to remain perfect.

The three suspects in Thursday's bank heist in Elba have been indicted by the Genesee County Grand Jury on charges of robbery in the first degree, according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

The trio will be arraigned on July 1.

The men were identifed after the robbery of the M&T Bank in Elba as Dennis M. Abrams, Jr, 26, of 202 Merrimac St., Buffalo; Demone D. Dillon, 25, 128 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo; and, Michael J. Wells, 24, 69 Camp St., Buffalo.

Following the robbery, the three men allegedly fled the scene leading to a massive multi-agency man hunt that lasted more than five hours.

Previously:

• Elba robbery suspects identified, arraigned and held without bail
• Manhunt in progress near Townline and 63
• DA looking at taking robbery case to Grand Jury for indictment
• Suspects didn't know what they were getting into when they chose Genesee County