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Reader John Spaulding sent us this aerlial photo he took of Batavia on Sunday evening as he was preparing to land at the Genesee County Airport.

The Salvation Army offices on East Main Street will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 1st, and the Senior Luncheon will be cancelled due to an interruption in water service at that location only. We plan to be back up and running our regular events on Wednesday. 

Press release:

The Town of Alabama Historical Society will host a dedication ceremony of the Town of Alabama Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The event will take place at the Alabama Town Hall, located at 2218 Judge Road, South Alabama.

Light refreshments will be served. The Town Museum will also be open.

If you would like more information about the Veterans Memorial, please contact Joe Cassidy, of the Town of Alabama Historical Society at (585) 813-2812 or email jcassid3@rochester.rr.com

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Brantley Gilbert concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 30.

Scott M. Davis, 25. of Main Street, Perry, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Davis was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

Matthew A, Martina, 35, of 15^th Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.  Martina was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $300 bail.

Angela R. Richman, 36 of 15^th Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.  Richman was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $100 bail.

Christopher J. Colin, 23, of Willow Drive, Hamburg, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Theodoret Adriaansen, 25, of Buffalo Street, Marion, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Kyle A. Grzywna, 25, of Kellogg Street, Alden, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly tackling another patron and causing minor injuries.

Danilo Ramirez-Lopez, 21, of Elba, is charged with third-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child. According to our news partner 13WHAM, State Police arrested Ramirez-Lopez after they said he raped a teen girl he met online. Investigators said they were called Sunday to investigate a reported rape in Allegany County. After investigating, troopers found the Elba resident had become friends over Facebook with the 16-year-old victim. On Sunday, police said Ramirez-Lopez drove to the victim’s home and raped her in another location. Ramirez-Lopez was arraigned and put in Allegany County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Nicholas M. Maher, 32, of Drake Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree harassment. Beginning in the late morning of July 21, he allegedly followed a female around on four separate occasions while inside two separate businesses in the City of Batavia. On one of the occasions, it is alleged that "Maher attempted to invite himself over to dinner." He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Ahmed Abdul Dockstader, 21, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:29 p.m. on July 29 following an investigation of a disturbance in Alabama. He allegedly intentionally damaged the property of another person by punching the hood of the person's car. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alabama Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Taylor M. Bunch, 22, of Meigs St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or greater, DWI, and failure to stop at a stop sign. At 12:47 a.m. on July 26, Bunch was involved in a motor-vehicle accident on Lake Avenue in the Town of Bergen and susbsequently arrested on the charges. He is due in Bergen Town Court on Sept. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Gary D. Burney, 36, of 6 Pringle Ave., Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt (with a previous conviction) and resisting arrest. At 11:13 a.m. on July 27, Burney allegedly violated the terms of a duly served order of protection by being at the residence of two named protected persons. He is also accused of running away from officers after being told to stop and that he was under arrest. He was jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Dalton C. Kelley, 19, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment for allegedly violating a valid order of protection by harassing an acquaintance on Chase Park at 5:55 p.m. on July 29. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 8. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with second-degree harassment. At 8:39 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street, Batavia, the youth was allegedly involved in a disturbance during which she allegedly had physical contact with another female. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with second-degree harassment. At 8:39 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street, Batavia, the youth was allegedly involved in a disturbance during which the defendant allegedly had physical contact with another person. The youth was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on July 28 after he allegedly violated an order of protection issued by Batavia Town Court by having a letter delivered to a subject he was to have no contact with. He is being held in GC Jail on seperate charges and is due in Batavia Town Court this afternoon (July 31). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Russell S. Brant Jr., 40, of North Fourth Street, Olean, is charged with violation of a Family Court act. He was turned over to the GC Sheriff's Office by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office after he was arrested July 25 on a warrant issued by GC Family Court. He was jailed in GC Jail in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Jessica L. Martina, 26, of Dellwood Road, Amherst, is charged with failure to appear. Martina was arrested by the Niagara County Sheriff's Officer and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court bench warrant. She posted bail, was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Jonathon M. Ryan, 24, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 11:46 p.m. om July 25 on West Main Street after a traffic stop in which he was allegedly found tto be in possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A feed fire in a cooler is reported at the Cargill plant on Wortendyke Road, Batavia. East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. Cargill Animal Nutrition is located at 8849 Wortendyke Road.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: Also called to respond are the City's Fast Team, Oakfield, Alexander, Darien and Pembroke fire departments.

UPDATE 1:33 p.m.: The fire is out; the assignment is back in service.

(Photos and information provided by Alecia Kaus of Video News Service.)

Dozens and dozens of people gathered at Alexander High School's football field today to unite in their sorrow and yet have "nice, clean fun" with a couple of pickup football games in honor of Brian D. West Jr., who died earlier this month in an accident.

The East Bethany resident was 17, a proud Trojan (#54) who loved playing football for Alexander HS.

His big sister, Miranda, said the outpouring of community support for her little brother has been amazing. On this bright, hot Sunday afternoon cars were still piling in at 2:30 for the event, from Alexander, Bethany, East Bethany, Attica, Batavia, Medina and other locales.

"This is for people who might have trouble going to the services or calling hours," Miranda said, adding that it was also a fundraiser, with all donations going to establish a scholarship with the Alexander football club.

A deserving student will get a scholarship at the end of the 2017-18 academic year, and hopefully there will be enough funds to  provide a scholarship annually over a 10-year period and perhaps beyond, Miranda said.

"We really just don't want him forgotten," Miranda said.

Brian died at 5:20  a.m. July 10 as a result of injuries in a rollover accident reported at 10:39 p.m. near his home. He lost control of the Chevy Avalanche he was driving and crashed on West Bethany Road. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Of course, the sudden tragedy hit the family and those who knew him hard.

They expressed their grief with phone calls, text messages, T-shirts, bumper sticks, social media messages, a sky lantern ceremony, donations, and words of encouragement.

"It's never going to be easy, but this is something that's going to make it easier for us," Miranda said of all the support.

The entire West family is grateful for it.

"We really, really, really, want to say 'thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts,' " Miranda said.

Previously:

• UPDATED: Teenager dies following rollover accident on West Bethany Road
• Brian West, Jr., will be missed by Alexander community
• Obituary
• In Alexander Monday night, 17 paper lanterns light to sky in memory of Brian West Jr.

Miranda West

'

Between four to six vehicles are roadside on Sumner Road in Darien -- didn't get the address -- and the occupants are outside in a dispute. One male with a beard displayed a long gun; another male is armed with a machete. The occupant with a long gun allegedly came out of a gray Dodge Ram pickup with North Carolina plates. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies just arrived on scene.

A motor-vehicle accident, "believed to be with injuries," is reported at West Main Street Road (Route 5) and Wortendyke Road. It is blocking traffic. East Pembroke Fire Department, Mercy medics and Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: A first responder on scene says the accident is not blocking traffic and that all occupants are out of the vehicles.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: East Pembroke told they can stand down. Mercy medics are on scene but an officer says "Everybody here's going to be a sign-off."

A glider or some type of homemade-looking prop plane is reported to have touched down at the curb on North Street Road in Le Roy. Law enforcement is called to check out the situation.

UPDATE 11:29 a.m.: An officer at the scene told dispatchers "This is a gray plane that may be heading to the Heddon airstrip on Randall Road." The private landing facility is called Martha Heddon and it's located at 6684 Randall Road, Le Roy.

A fire alarm sounded at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia a few minutes ago and City Fire responded. The scene commander reported to dispatch, "Unable to locate the source of the alarm, other than the visitors' bullpen claims it's the heat they're throwing. Based on the score board, I'm not buying it." 

Batavia leads State College in 7th inning 8 to 4.

A highly intoxicated male was reportedly driving a vehicle in circles in the parking lot of Tops Market in Le Roy on West Main Street. The caller then told dispatchers the guy exited the vehicle, had a difficult time walking, and went inside the store. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and Le Roy police are responding.

Two juveniles are reportedly trying to get on the roof of Kohl's Department Store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Mall security notified the dispatch center and law enforcement is responding.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 9169 Alexander Road, Batavia. There is one person complaining of dizziness. The location is near Pike Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with an ambulance from Bethany; no other ambulance service is currently available.

Law enforcement is responding to a report of teenage males skateboarding off the roof of the Northgate Free Methodist Church, located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

Press release:

Come on down to the Batavia Muckdogs game and enjoy a safe summer night with us! STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark is happening on Friday, Aug. 4, gates opening at 6 p.m. The Batavia Muckdogs are playing the Williamsport Crosscutters. Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are hosting this family event.

The first 300 youth under the age of 16 get in free and there are Muck Bucks given to the first 200 youth to use toward items in the ballpark. There are an additional 500 giveaways and prizes for everyone. Fun and interactive education booths and displays will be on hand. Participating agencies include the Sheriff’s Office, City Police, Le Roy Police, Probation, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and Genesee County STOP-DWI.

A grand prize giveaway, a youth bike, sponsored by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle will be on display and drawn that evening. So join us for a great night at the ballpark and the Friday night fireworks!

Sponsors that are helping make this event possible include: Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Assoc., NYS Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, UMMC, Batavia Police Benevolent Assoc., Le Roy Moose Family Center, Batavia Lions Club, Western NY Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, GCASA Prevention, Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Polish Falcons Nest, Gerace Realty LLC and Tops Friendly Markets.

Pictured above: Matt Landers, STOP-DWI coordinator; ; John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle; and Jocelyn Sikorski, STOP-DWI Board chair, and Chelsea Green with the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

Farmers Market Coupons are still being distributed at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St. in Batavia. Please have ID as proof of age must be provided; family members CANNOT pick up coupons for you.

Booklets are available to adults age 60 years and older who are income-eligible. 

Income guidelines for 2017 are: household of one $1,860 per month; household of two $2,504 per month; and, household of three $3,149 per month.

Maureen Estabrooks, Office for the Aging’s coordinator for the program, noted that, “It still remains, that anyone 60 or older in a household may receive a coupon booklet as long as they are income eligible. This means that in a qualifying household, multiple individuals may receive booklets. This program is a wonderful way to help older adults with limited income to purchase healthy fresh produce from our local farmers.”

They can be used at the Downtown Public Market in Batavia and at the Le Roy Farmers' Market.

Questions may be directed to the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611. 

For more than 100 years, there was a bar serving drinks at 201 E. Main St., Batavia, and GO ART! is looking forward to reopening the bar once the art council's application for a liquor license is approved.

"We're really excited because of our use of the old Batavia Men's Club," said Gregory A. Hallock, executive director of GO ART. "I can't wait till it's midnight and there are people walking on the street because the City applied for a DRI grant and they're hoping to get $10 million to do some arts and cultural stuff.

"So they're going to get that grant and people will be walking down the streets and they're coming here at 11:30 at night to get a glass of wine and walk around looking art. I'm really excited to have that happen."

Hallock made his announcement during GO ART's inaugural media dinner, with catering donated by Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, last night at Seymore Place.

The liquor license is just for beer and wine, but Hallock is working with an old friend, a bartender in Hawaii, to create cocktails that use beer and wine.

"We're actually going to have mixed drinks and we're going to have the bar open and we're putting in to open our back ally way," Hallock said. "It's going to be a beer garden so people can just hang out. It's just going to be incredible."

To start, the bar will just be open on weekend evenings.

Hallock's other big news of the night was an announcement of a planned showing for photographer Ryan Gustman. Hallcock discovered Gustman's working during the Sprout Film Festival and wanted to feature his work locally. Gustman has autism. He's from Winston-Salem, N.C. He also happened to be in town this week because he's doing a new series of photographs in Rochester and Buffalo.

Gustman specializes in art photos of old, decaying buildings (below, the video about him that was part of the Sprout Film Festival).

Through his discovery of photography and abandoned buildings, Gustman has found a way to focus and better manage his autism. Since then, he's been able to move out of his parents' home and take a job in IT with a company in Winston-Salem.

The process started when Gustman wandered into an abandoned building and sat for 30 or 40 minutes watching old lead paint fall from a ceiling like snow.

"There was this utter silence and I found out with the silence that I can actually calm down," Gustman said. "I'm not sure you understand how the autistic mindset works. There's always something clicking and everything --  that sounds a little crazy -- and normally and you can't basically focus. I was able to calm down and I took that feeling and I started taking pictures with it."

Hallock said he's hoping to draw wide attention for the show, bring in other autistic artists at the same time, and Gustman said he wants to use his newfound notoriety as a photographer to help other autistic artists.

"There's not enough programs or creative avenues for people with autism," Gustman said. There are plenty of classes you can go to for 30 minutes. But then there's nothing to show. So I'm trying to use this platform reaching out and actually helping these people."

That show should be in September.

Hallock also laid out a series of ambitious plans for the coming year, from a 1940s themed Picnic in the Park, more member shows, including one with theme of "Guilty Pleasures," a tea for children, a puppet show, a show by local artist Sean Madden (who has a regional following), and a return of the popular juried art show (which got 130 entries in its first year this year).

He's also very ambitious about what to do with Seymore Place. His goal is to get art on every wall.  

There are currently two shows at Seymore Place, one by Mary Ann Fritz, from Delavan, of her work of painted and sewn cloth, and Stacy Kirby's show of en plein air paintings and illustrations.

Mary Ann Fritz

Ryan Gustman

The first troopers to deploy in Western New York was in Batavia's Exhibition Park in September 1917, so Al Kurek thinks it's appropriate that displays celebrating the 100th anniversary of the New York State Police be held at the same location, now known as Batavia Downs.

"I started collecting historical memorabilia after I retired in 1990 and I've been doing it every day since then," said Kurek, who lives in East Pembroke. "This is our 100th anniversary and we have an active retired trooper organization in Batavia.  We meet monthly and we decided to put this together as our last hurrah before we hit, oh, I don't know what you want to call it, but, you know, we're all in our 70s and pushing 80s."

There are vintage patrol cars, motor cycles and uniforms on display, as well as the accouterments of the trade, from billy clubs, pistols and handcuffs to crime scene cameras and forensic tools. There are also historical documents, including photos and info on every trooper to work in Troop A.

"We've got videos and memorabilia from the 66 and 77 snow storms, Kurek said. "We have a little bit on the Attica riot. We have the 3407 plane crash in Clarence, the 1980 Olympics, which everybody kind of likes. We've got a canine that will be here today and tomorrow -- nothing on Saturday -- but we have a German Shepherd here on Sunday."

The exhibition is open today, tomorrow and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. each day.

Kurek also invited troopers and their families to bring in any items related to the history of Troop A.