batavia

A persistent drizzle didn't dampen the green spirits of some Batavia residents who turned out for the city's Earth Day park clean-up effort today at Austin Park (with clean-up crews dispersing to other parks after a meeting).

Above, Kaitlin Logsdon at Austin Park, and below, Batavia City Council President Tim Buckley with Katie Buckley, and wearing the trash bag is Dave Russell.

A child playing with fire is the most likely cause of a blaze that gutted the second floor of an apartment building at 26 Maple St., Batavia, on Friday.

According to Lt. Jay Steinbrenner of the Batavia City Fire Department, the physical evidence and the version of events given by the mother are consistent and the fire will officially be deemed accidental.

It's unknown if the child was playing with matches or a lighter.

The names of the occupants of the three unit complex are not yet available.

The mother burned her hand trying to grab a pillow that had been set on fire so she could throw it out of the apartment.

When she couldn't successfully deal with the fire herself, she evacuated her children from the apartment and then called 9-1-1.

Heavy smoke and some flames were already billowing out of the second-floor windows by the time the first firefighters arrived on scene at about 1:30 p.m.

Steinbrenner said that one firefighter observed upon entering the building, "It's a big fire real quick."

The upstairs rooms were filled with thick black smoke when firefighters entered through northside door.

The wind was from the south, so smoke and flames were being blown in the opposite direction. Firefighters needed to push the blaze -- they wanted to push it toward the southside windows, which would give them the best chance to save as much of the structure as possible.

In all, Steinbrenner said, he thought the city crews did a good job of accomplishing their goal.

Though the building was razed, the first floor remained structurally sound and the two downstairs occupants were able to recover almost all of their personal belongings.

"The fire was contained to the second floor," Steinbrenner said. "I thought we did a good job. The tenants downstairs were able to salvage their possessions. There was very little damage downstairs, just water damage."

Today's game between the Empire State Yankees and Norfolk Tides has been postponed due to rain.

This game will be made up as part of a double-header on Sunday, April 22. Two seven-inning games will be played, with the first game starting at 1:05 p.m. Gates open at noon.

Any person with tickets to today’s game can exchange their tickets for any other Yankees game or any Muckdogs regular season game, subject to availability.

Ramon Ortiz of the Empire Yankees delivered the first pitch -- a called ball -- to Norfolk's Xavier Avery and history was made at Dwyer Stadium: the first Triple A ball game ever played in Batavia.

There were 1,319 fans on hand to witness the history-making game.

Two pitches later, the Yankees were down 1-0 as Avery rocketed a pitch from Ortiz over the right field wall.

While Ortiz got hit pretty hard in the first inning, he settled down to last seven innings and the Yankees came back with a three-run eighth inning to salvage a 6-4 victory.

The two teams go at it again today at 1:05 p.m., tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. and Monday at 12:05 p.m.

Double play sequence:

Below, Rep. Kathy Hochul throws out the first pitch (photo provided by Kevin Manne).

More game pictures after the jump (click on the headline to view):

It was the Ugly Purse and Tie Luncheon today to raise money for the Child Advocacy Center. The second annual event is a chance for local residents to show off their most gaudy ties and purses.

The luncheon was held at Terry Hills.

Top photo, Susan Privitera, of Le Roy, with a fur-and-bug-covered handbag of her own making.

Sheriff Gary Maha.

Mike Flannery, left, Edgar Lougheed, both from Byron, and Det. Pat Corona.

Though it ways more than 2,600 pounds, a new Celtic-style cross was placed with loving care atop the tower at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia this morning.

The cross raising caps a $500,000 restoration project at St. James that should be completely finished some time in July.

Bill Farmer, chairman of Catenary Construction, said his crews have repaired mortar, replaced 278 pieces of stone and put a new roof on the tower. In a few weeks, the white wrapping around the scaffolding will come off, the scaffolding lowered and the giant stained glass window repaired. When that's done, the project is done.

As the cross was raised this morning, Farmer and Rev. Steve Metcalf looked on with obvious joy.

"This is without a doubt the best part (of the job)," Farmer said. "It’s a pretty noble service to set a cross and it’s a once-in-a-professional-career moment."

The cross is a highly compacted concrete, and where the previous cross lasted only about 100 years, this cross will last hundreds of years, Farmer said.

"We're very pleased with it," Metcalf said. "(As I watched the cross go up) I began to think about people being able to see a new cross as a sign of renovation, not only of the building, but of this congregation."

When Metcalf arrived at the church a couple of years ago, he said, the facade was crumbling and it was hard for anybody to even approach the building. The front doors couldn't even be opened.

"There was this sense that we weren't open to the community," Metcalf said.

Donations from the congregation and members of the community along with state charitable grants helped pay for the restoration.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

A three-unit apartment building at 26 Maple St., Batavia, was destroyed today by a raging inferno that consumed the upper floor of the building shortly after 1:30 p.m.

The tenants of all three units -- a mother with three children, a mother with two children and a single male -- were home when the fire erupted and all residents, including children, escaped the blaze.

One woman suffered burns on her hands.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined.

What remains of the structure will be demolished this evening.

The mothers with children are being assisted by Red Cross.

The property is owned by Thomas Snyder and was assessed at $80,000.

Retired firefighter Frank Capuano said he remembers that when he was a child the building was a grocery store / corner market.

All city fire platoons were called to the scene, with mutual aid from Town of Batavia and Elba fire departments, and Oakfield filling in at the city station. Mercy EMS provided medical and rehab support.

No firefighters were injured.

UPDATE 6:16 p.m.: Chief Jim Maxwell said the fire has been ruled accidental. No further information is being released at this time.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

A house fire is reported at 26 Maple St. in the City of Batavia. Evans Street is shut down at Watson Street. City firefighters are on scene.

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.: Two Mercy rigs are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Maple Street is shut down at Thorpe.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: A Fast Team from the Town of Batavia is called in as well as a town crew to fill in at the city's fire hall. A female with burned hands is waiting for treatment at the corner of Evans and Maple. The second floor of the structure is fully involved.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: Mutual aid from the Town of Elba is on scene. There's a vehicle at the scene that needs to be moved (the owner of vehicle's wife works at the warehouse/transfer facility on Ganson Avenue, but they don't have the owner's name. He was seen walking down Maple).

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: The inside fire is knocked down. They are starting rehab of the fire scene. A rep. for National Grid is called and will be there shortly. Now they are calling for a fill-in at the city station from Oakfield. The city's third platoon is called to the scene. The house is the light brown (or dark tan) two-story at the corner of Evans and Maple, across the street from the church.

UPDATE 2:01: An adult female with first- and second-degree burns to her hands is being transported to UMMC. The National Grid rep. is on scene.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: There's fire in the ceiling above a first-floor bedroom and they are going to break into the ceiling to put it out. Oakfield is in the city's fire hall.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Fire under control.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: A National Fuel rep. is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called to come to the aid of a mother and her three children. There are other occupants who live in the home, but they have not yet determined other information about them.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: The other family who lives in the house is "all set" and will apparently not require Red Cross assistance.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: The building owner is on scene.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: Elba firefighters are back in service.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Red Cross is on location. City fire crews are rolling up their hoses and preparing to leave the scene.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: Mutual aid responders from the Town of Batavia Fire Department are back in service.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The structure will be demolished this evening.

Press release:

On Saturday, April 21, the City of Batavia Fire Department will hold a Child Safety Seat Check Event at fire headquarters (18 Evans St.) from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Nationally certified technicians will be on hand to answer questions, check recalls, and assist with making sure all seats are installed correctly. Parents should remember to bring both the car seat and the child so that proper instruction/installation can be done.

Did you know three out of four car seats aren’t used correctly? Surprised? Stop down this Saturday to our event and ensure your children are traveling safely.

For more information contact city fire headquarters at 345-6375.

Press release:

The always popular annual fashion show at Genesee Community College is just around the corner, and this year, students from the Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising and Tourism & Hospitality programs are serving up a feast for the eyes with "Soiree."

The 31st annual celebration of student creativity will highlight various clothing design themes, including party scenes featuring "Cocktail Hour," "Fairy Godmother's Masquerade," "Slumber Party" and "Bridal Party."

The traditional runway show is the largest of its kind in Western New York with more than 1,400 attendees over two shows. It provides guests with a glimpse of the glamorous and ever-changing world of fashion. Two shows are scheduled for April 28 -- at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Forum at the Batavia campus.

"The fashion show is the final exam for Fashion Business students who are enrolled in the special events marketing course, Fashion Show Production," said Rick Dudkowski, GCC professor of Business, Marketing and Fashion.

"The class members are responsible for producing a traditional runway show, which has clothing from local stores, but also original designs created by our fashion design students. More than 160 models will take part in scenes featuring women's, men's, plus-size and children's wear."

Professor Dudkowski says the show combines the interests and academic pursuits of several college departments working in collaboration. The college's Tourism and Hospitality Management students work under Genesee instructor Amy Slusser to coordinate extensive "front of the house" operations such as refreshments, décor, door prizes, music and light refreshments, and the overall festive ambience.

Genesee's Student Safety Patrol members work behind the scenes ensuring safety and security in the parking lots and throughout the shows.

In addition to student creations, guests will also preview clothing lines made in and sold around Western New York, and The Future Dance Center from Hamburg will provide pre-show entertainment.

Dress donations will be collected for Fairy Godmothers of Rochester with a donation earning free admission. Presale tickets are $5 but they will also be available at the door for $7. To order tickets or for additional information contact Fashion Show secretary Cheryl Young at (585) 345-6830.

The "Soiree" lineup includes:

•    Enkai – A party scene with international flair, featuring traditional clothing and hand-embroidered accessories from the Republic of Yakutia, designed by scene coordinator Zhanna Zakharova of Russia, as well as modern and Americanized Asian fashion that evokes the Orient through the use of textiles and details, styled by scene coordinator Jeonghyun Park of South Korea. Clothing provided by H&M, Fashion Bug, Maurices and student design by Sayaka Matsushita.

•    Swag Social – It's the biggest fashion party of the year for hipsters! Scene coordinator Akkera Dorsey of Rochester designed many of the pieces. Scene assistant: Sherard Brown (Ithaca). Menswear provided by The Black Tongue and accessories provided by Xsquisite Boutique.

•    The Urban Social – A presentation of uptown sophistication that exudes New York City energy. Scene coordinator: Mandy Ciccone (Rochester). Clothing and accessories from Francesca's Collection; hair styled by Robert Federico.

•    The Boat Party – Highlights of the hottest spring trends in menswear with a nautical theme paying homage to pure "Americana" -- the classic preppy look! Scene coordinator: Michael Burton (Buffalo). Clothing provided by H&M.

•    Plus One – Party attire for curvy ladies and their men with clothing to highlight the fuller figure provided by Ashley Stewart, CATO Fashions and Peebles. Scene coordinators: Chelsea Gravelle (Gansevoort) and Taylor Rock (Buffalo).

•    Cocktail Hour -- Drawing inspiration from design icon Coco Chanel, models will showcase timeless elegance with a sexy and chic update of the "little black dress." Scene coordinators: Shannon Kelly (Saranac Lake) and Nicole Mastrosimone (Rochester). Designs by student Ashley Arter. Accessories provided by Accessorize4u, Forever 21 and Maurices.

•    PlayDate -- The party never ends for these fashionable WNY children, as they model clothing that takes them through their energetic days! Scene coordinators: Hillary Pacos (Buffalo), Shauna Scott (Bronx) and Samantha Vogt (Buffalo). Fashions from 77kids and Kmart.

•    The Green Party – The epitome of creativity, scene coordinators and designers Chelsea Gravelle (Gansevoort) and Tricia Mekarski (Buffalo) prominently feature duct tape in their environmentally friendly clothing.

•    Fairy Godmother's Masquerade – Every girl dreams of the perfect dress for her prom and this garden-inspired masquerade party features dresses donated by students, M.A. Carr Bridal and community members that will be given to Fairy Godmothers of Rochester for those in need. Scene coordinators: Lorraine Briggs (Rochester) and Taryn Michalak (Brockport). Jewelry provided by Cookie Lee.

•    Paparazzi Party -- Celebrities such as pop superstar Lady Gaga and designers Tommy Hilfiger and Alexander McQueen influence the clothing embraced by today's fashion-conscious party-goer. Scene coordinators: Felicia Pfalzer (Pembroke), Marissa Giambrone (Attica) and Marian Smith (Brockport). Clothing provided by Charles Men's Shop and original student designs.

•    Accessorized Affair – "Puttin' on the Ritz" with a preview of the hairstyles, make-up and accessories that will put some pizzazz in any wardrobe. Scene coordinators: Julia Sallade (Belmont) and Alyssa Biancuzzo (Pavilion). Accessories provided by Rue21.

•    Riot – Edgy style fuses good girl with rocker chic! Scene coordinator: Hillary Pacos (Buffalo). Featuring clothing from Peebles, Maurices, Stan's Harley Davidson, Bruggies and Free People.

•    Slumber Party – Sultry looks inspired by the glamorous heyday of Hollywood's pin-up girls and vintage lingerie. Scene coordinator: Taylor Rock (Buffalo). Clothing provided by Embrasse-Moi and jewelry from Lambert's Design Jewelers.

•    Bridal Party – Love is in the air as models float down the runway in the latest trends for weddings. Scene coordinator: Ericah Rogers (Rochester). Assistant Kate Herbik. Clothing provided by David's Bridal and Hickey Freeman.

After each show concludes, guests are invited to a reception of refreshments and door prizes.

A Rochester man with no permanent address said he was just looking for gas money to get back to the city when he went along with a burglary at 10 Maple St., Batavia, on Dec. 11.

Frederick H. Robidoux Jr., 49, will spend six years in prison, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled this morning.

Robidoux went along with Eric P. Doleman, 41, a former Thorpe Street resident, to the home of a Batavia man who had recently been locked up on drug charges.

An alert neighbor spotted the two men at 3 a.m. loading up a truck with items from the residence.

Doleman entered the apartment through a window while Robidoux waited outside.

For his part, Robidoux entered a guilty plea to attempted burglary Feb. 29. Two days earlier, Doleman admitted to burglary, 2nd, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and has yet to be sentenced.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman told Noonan that Robidoux received all of the consideration he should through his plea deal, which reduced his possible maximum sentence down from 15 years to seven.

Defense Attorney Fred Rarick argued that much of Robidoux prior criminal record never led to convictions -- except one prior felony -- and a three or four year sentence would be more appropriate.

Rarick also took issue with a statement in the pre-sentence probation report that said Robidoux didn't accept responsibility for his actions.

"He does take full responsibility," Rarick said. "He's very remorseful."

Robidoux said, "I'm sorry I did it and I take full responsibility. I needed money to get back to Rochester or I wouldn't have been there."

The matter of restitution is still pending. Rarick contends that some of the items the victim claims were stolen were not on the property list of items recovered by police. And given the fact that the two men were captured within minutes of leaving 10 Maple St., it's not reasonable to conclude they took those items.

A hearing on restitution is scheduled for next month.

Samantha M. Williams, 31, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with robbery, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, criminal mischief, 4th, and petit larceny. Williams is accused of getting into an argument with her mother at about 9 a.m., Tuesday, while in a vehicle on Seven Springs Road. Williams allegedly took her mother's credit card. When her mother attempted to call 9-1-1, Williams allegedly took the phone and got out of the vehicle. Williams was located outside a business on East Main Street Road a short time later.

Raymond James Radley, 46, of Cook Road, Pavilion, is charged with forcible touching. Radley is accused of forcibly touching the intimate parts of a woman during an argument.

Seven drivers in the City of Batavia received tickets today for allegedly speeding in school zones as part of an increased enforcement effort aimed at improving safety for schoolchildren called "Operation Safe-Stop."

The extra enforcement was funded through a grant from the governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

The primary target was drivers who fail to stop for school buses that are dropping off or picking up children, but no such violations were observed today, according ot the Batavia PD.

Officers will continue unannounced enforcement efforts throughout remainder of the school year.

Sports history will be made Friday when for the first time ever, a Triple A baseball franchise will play ball in Batavia.

The Yankees farm club will call Dwyer Stadium home for four days, playing the Orioles franchise out of Norfolk.

There are still a few box seats available and some general admission tickets are still on sale. For tickets, call (585) 343-5454.

Opening pitch Friday is at 7 p.m.

Batavia is blessed with a number of great pizza shops, and they all deliver.

But what if you're hungry for souvlaki, some brisket, chow mein or a plate of tacos? Good luck getting anything not on a pizza shop menu brought to your home or business.

Will Barton and Jon Sce hope to change that.

The pair of Batavia natives have launched a food-delivery service called Easy-Eats. For a delivery fee of $3, they will bring a hot, fresh meal to your door from a local restaurant.

So far, only one local restaurant -- Sport of Kings -- has signed on to the service. But Barton, pictured above on the left, and Sce hope other restaurant owners will see the value of expanding their customer base to include people who don't necessarily want to go out  -- they would rather stay home but not cook.

"See a need, fill a need, right?" said Barton, quoting an oft-cited entrepreneurial credo. "They have these kinds of businesses all over the country, so we thought we would bring it to Batavia."

Typically, Sce said, there are restaurants in communities that are interested in home delivery, but breaking into that business opens a new level of complexity that most restaurant owners don't want to tackle.

Easy-Eats gives restaurant owners an option for expanding their customer base, Sce said, without taking on the logistics of managing a delivery business themselves.

Both Barton and Sce have several years experience in pizza delivery, and as lifelong residents, they know their way around town, which they think is an advantage.

"We know the town in and out," Barton said. "We're just trying to take that skill and, you know, bloom where you're planted."

Customers who want to order a meal can call the service at 815-1117 or go online to Easy-Eats.com, where ordering becomes even more convenient. The restaurant menu is online. You just select what you want, check out and pay. And before long, you have a meal in your home (We tried it last night).

Restaurant owners who wish to participate can contact Barton or Sce at 815-1117.

The Batavia Animal Hospital is going to be much bigger by the fall.

The plan by the clinic's owners, Perry Veterinary Clinic, is to tear down the existing building and build a new one just behind the current location at 3699 W. Main St. Road.

The hospital will expand from 3,000 square feet to more than 6,300 square feet.

Architect Steve Tanner, of Clark Patterson, described the new facility as "state of the art."

Among the high-tech features will be a radiology system that will allow vets in Perry's other facilities, or from home, to view x-rays and consult with the vets in Batavia, according to Bob Bausch, practice manager for Perry.

The new facility will also have what Bausch said is now standard practice in vet facilities -- a comfort room, which is a room where owners can be with their pets who are to be euthanized.

Bausch said the current facility has a hard time accommodating two doctors and the business has grown so much since it was opened in 1961 that there's "hardly room to move," he said.

The new facility will accommodate three to four doctors and Perry expects to add four to five new additional support staff.

The business will also include a new clinic to dispense pharmaceuticals for livestock.

The current hospital will remain open and in operation during the construction of the new facility behind it.

Town of Batavia Planning Board members gave initial approval to the site plan Tuesday.

Perry acquired Batavia Animal Hosptial from former owner Dr. Raymond Pray in October.

Steve Tanner

Bob Bausch

There are 14 people listed on the Batavia PD's warrant watch web page. Here are five people currently being sought by police.

The website warns people against trying to apprehend these suspects themselves. If you spot the individuals or know their whereabouts, police ask that you call 9-1-1 or (585) 345-6350 to speak to a dispatcher or call the anonymous tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Christina M. Maynard, 30, last known address is 134 State St., Batavia; bench warrant for alleged operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, 1st.

Shane D. Vandenberg, 32, last known address is 20 S. Main St., Batavia; bench warrant for alleged menacing, 3rd, and violation of probation.

Larry K. Brewer, 46, last known address is 3 Maple St., lower; five warrants for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, criminal contempt, 2nd, criminal contempt, 1st, and two counts of harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 1st, and aggravated harassment.

James Haynes, 25, with a last known address on South Lyon St., Batavia; warrant for attempted assault, 3rd.

John W. Biaselli, 43, with a last known address of 218 State St., Apt. #8; bench warrant for alleged criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th.

A 19-year-old Batavia man who was listed on Batavia PD's warrant watch web page for a few weeks was arrested Monday after being located at Kibbe Park.

Name Redacted was wanted on two outstanding warrants out of city court, one stemming from unlawful possession of marijuana charge and the other on an endangering the welfare of a child charge.

Following arraignment, xx was jailed on $1,100 bail.

The first charge against xx was filed May 28 when xx allegedly served alcohol to people under 21 years of age.

The unlawful possession of marijuana charge stemmed from a Sept. 19 visit by the probation department at his residence when xx was allegedly found in possession of a smoking pipe with marijuana residue.

There had been a warrant issued for xx out of Town of Batavia Court on March 26, but it was recalled yesterday and the court record was sealed.