Town of Batavia Fire Chief Paul Barrett submitted these photos of yesterday's truck fire on Batavia Elba Town Line Road.

Press release:

Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for governor of New York State, will conduct a press conference in Bergen on Thursday, June 19 to be followed by a meet-and-greet with local Green Party members.

The slate of Hawkins, Brian Jones, lieutenant governor, Ramon Jimenez, attorney general and Theresa Portelli, comptroller, was nominated at the recent Green Party state convention in Troy.

Hawkins launches his second bid for NY executive after running against Andrew Cuomo in 2010. Jimenez is also reprising a run for AG.

The Green Party candidates have dubbed their platform, the Green New Deal. Hawkins says he plans to challenge the 1-percent tag team of Cuomo and Republican nominee Astorino on economic, climate change and criminal justice issues. Hawkins also wants NY to go carbon free with a 100-percent clean renewable energy by 2030, while providing a public living wage job to any New Yorker who needs one.

The Greens selected NYC Educator Brian Jones to highlight their opposition to Cuomo's education policies promoting privatization of the education system, including his promotion of the Common Core agenda and charter schools. The Greens are seeking full funding to meet the educational needs of New Yorkers, including free tuition at CUNY and SUNY.

The press conference in Bergen is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the residence of Genesee County Green Party member Chris Barons, 24 Clinton St. A Meet-and-Greet will follow a presentation to local Greens at 4 p.m. The event is open to the public.

New York Times: A Triple Crown Tradition Prevails at Belmont Stakes Despite Sour Grapes

A lawnmower fire near a structure is reported at 5461 Ellicott Street Road. Stafford and Bethany fire departments are responding.

A truck is on fire and it's near a building and fuel pump at 3884 Batavia Elba Town Line Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. Mutual aid is requested from Elba and Oakfield fire departments.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: Town of Batavia command says the cab is fully involved and there are also two waste stations nearby.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Command reports the fire is knocked down.

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Low pressure is expected to track across portions of Western New York this afternoon and evening, bringing showers and thunderstorms, and possibly some localized flooding.

The likelihood of widespread hazardous weather is low.

UPDATE: More photos.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with possible entrapment is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile market 391. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Mercy Flight is available if needed.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: Two additional ambulances are called to the scene. Mercy Flight will not be needed.

UPDATE 12:29 p.m.: One patient is being transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 12:34 p.m.: A second patient is being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

The lore of the ace is the guy who can take the big game on his shoulders and simply dominate. Once again, Notre Dame's Alec Covel showed he's that kind of guy.

He struck out eight of the first nine batters he faced in today's regional championship game in Jamestown against North Collins. If not for some mental lapses in the 4th -- when the Eagles scored two runs without a hit or even a knock into the outfield -- Covel would have completed the game with a one-hit shutout.

Instead, the Fighting Irish advance to the state championship games at Broome Community College next Saturday with a 9-2 win over the Section VI champs.

"I knew he'd pitch a strong game for us," Head Coach Mike Rapone said. "I didn't know it would be that strong. He was really overpowering.

"He was vintage Covel today, that's for sure," Rapone added. "This is what you expect of a big time player in a big time situation and he came through."

The Eagles looked in over their head against Covel from the start of the game. They couldn't catch up with his fastball, and Covel knew it, and curve after curve caused knees to buckle.

"I was feeling really good (during the first three innings)," Covel said. "Everything was working. They weren't catching them, so I just kept throwing fastballs and blowing it past them."

The fourth inning got a little weird and it became easy to imagine the team that looked so dominate minutes earlier could let things get away from them.

Covel hit the first batter he faced in the 4th. The next hitter drew a walk on four pitches.

Catcher Andrew Mullen tried a pick-off play at first and the ball sailed wide of the bag. First baseman Tyler Stroud snagged the errant throw. The Eagle base runner on second was already half way to third and Stroud tried to make the throw. It skipped past Louis Reynolds and North Collins picked up its first run.

Rapone thought Stroud should have just eaten the ball and let the runner advance.

The second run came on a throwing error by Reynolds (Reynolds did not make the throw) off a grounder from the next North Collins hitter.

"Alec's going to get you out of it," Rapone said. "Instead we threw the ball around and allowed those two guys to score."

With the threat of the wheels coming off and North Collins putting together a big inning, Rapone gathered his team on the mound.

"These guys don't get down, but I was afraid they would get a little rattled," said Rapone, who has more than 600 wins as a basketball coach. "It's a little like a timeout in basketball after the other team goes on a little run. You take a timeout and say 'hey, boys, slow down. We've got this. Relax. Take a deep breath.' "

The team got the message and Mullen ended the inning -- a bit of poetic justice -- with a pick-off at first.

Mullen -- who nearly came out of his shoes trying to hit the ball all the way back to Batavia on his first two swings in his next at bat -- would also help tie the game with a bases loaded single, giving Notre Dame a lead, at 4-2, it wouldn't relinquish.

The Irish were confident they could hit the North Collins starter, who had little velocity. His big side-arm curve was easy to pick up and dropped across the plate in a consistent groove. They hit him hard in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings before driving him from the game.

Cal Tygart sparked the Irish offense, leading off in three separate innings and scoring all three times. He was 3-5.

"Cal's been strong for us all year long," Rapone said. "He kind of gets lost in the shuffle with the other guys that we have, but he's really done well for us."

Tygart said it was all about having fun and backing the ace.

"We just needed to give Covel the room he needed to work," Tygart said. "He was pitching really well so we needed to come out and give it our all and give him the room to work with."

Covel finished with 11 strikeouts and only one hit allowed.

The most unusual stat of the game was the eight hit batters on the Notre Dame side. Stroud was hit four times.

Notre Dame's state semi-final championship game will be against Smithtown Christian, from Long Island. The winner of the 10 a.m. game Saturday will advance to the final at 4 p.m. in Binghampton.

To purchase prints, click here.

The 63rd Annual St. Joe's Lawn Fete kicked off Friday.

Friday evening St. Joe's Alumni Bugal Corps started the evening by playing a show outside Crossroads House and then played on the carnival grounds.

After their performance, the band Inside Out got things rockin' in the beer tent.

The fun continues today from noon to 11 p.m., with the annual parade at 6:30 p.m. Tomorrow, the fete runs from noon to 6 p.m.

I'll be in Jamestown today to cover Notre Dame in the regional championship baseball game this afternoon. Julia Ferrini will cover the parade for us.  

To purchase prints, click here.

From BID:

The ninth season of the Downtown Batavia Public Market begins on Thursday, June 19, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 25. But starting this year, it will be dubbed the Downtown FARMACY and there's a new location!

The Batavia Business Improvement District has announced that FARMACY will now be held in the parking lot at Bank Street and Alva Place (across from Jerome Center/UMMC). There will be plenty of convenient parking.

Among the offerings are baked goods, fresh corn, tomatoes, berries, homemade dog treats, peaches, potatoes, BBQ sauce, honey, maple syrup, fresh cut flowers, artisan wines, handmade quilts & crafts, and lots more.

Stop by and enjoy lunch prepared by Alston's BBQ. He will be serving his famous pulled pork sandwiches, as well as hot dogs and hamburgers. Of course he will be selling his specially made BBQ sauce.

There are a number of special programs and giveaways planned and these will be announced throughout the season, so stay tuned!

Remember, Local Food Dollars Remain Local.

For more information, contact the BID at 585-344-0900 or e-mail BID Director Don Burkel at DBurkel@DowntownBataviaNY.com

The Batavia Lions Club is hosting the 5th Annual Bike Tour on Saturday, June 14th. Join us for a 25-mile ride or 50-mile ride. Road assistance, bike support, free fruit and drinks will be available throughout the tour. Free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be provided to riders upon completion.

Location: Starting and ending at the parking lot behind the Polish Falcons, 123 S. Swan St., Batavia.

Check in times:
7 to 7:45 a.m. -- 50-mile ride
8:15 to 9:15 a.m. -- 25-mile ride

Starting times: 8 a.m. for the 50-mile ride and 9:30 a.m. for the 25-mile ride.

Entry Fees: After May 16th -- $35; All children under 16 years of age $15, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kids under 5 are free. Same day registrations are accepted with cash or check payment the morning of the event.

For applications and/or further information contact Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle or visit www.batavialions.com.

City Council President Brooks Hawley will be holding six City Hall meetings, one for each ward. The meetings will be entitled “Coffee with the City Council President” and will be held at City Hall in the Community Room.

These meetings will be used as a direct connection to the president to have a forum with residents to collect thoughts, concerns, ideas or interests from city residents. The meetings will be held from 10 a.m. – noon on the following days:.

Ward 1         Saturday, June 14^th

Ward 2         Saturday, June 21^st

Ward 3         Saturday, July 19^th

Ward 4         Saturday, Aug. 2^nd

Ward 5         Saturday, Aug. 9^th

Ward 6         Saturday, Aug. 23^rd

“I hope and encourage Batavia city residents to come meet with me personally at these times and dates. I look forward to the dialogue and opportunity to sit and talk with constituents about our community,” said Brooks Hawley, City Council president.

If there are any questions, please contact:

City of Batavia City

Council President

One Batavia City Centre Batavia, New York 14020

Phone: (585) 409-9895

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced the retirement of James L. Vincent from the GCEDC’s board of directors at its board meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2014.

Vincent served on the GCEDC board of directors for 31 years, playing an instrumental role on the board since 1983. In addition to being a board member, he also served as the GCEDC’s vice chairman for several years and helped the GCEDC become one of the most progressive economic development agencies in New York State through his deep, comprehensive understanding of the need for sustained economic growth. During his tenure as a member of the board, Vincent helped foster increased economic activity in Genesee County by advocating for new employment opportunities and a high quality of life for residents and their families.

Vincent served as president of L-Brooke Farms, Inc., an 8,000+ acre processing vegetable and grain farm since 1986. He also served as chairman of the New York State Advisory Council on Agriculture and the Genesee County Water Resources Agency, among others.

Vincent is past president of Genesee Memorial Hospital, Genesee Community College Foundation, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and Genesee County Farm Bureau, as well as board member of Farm Fresh First, LLC, Pro Fac Cooperative, Inc., and former town supervisor. 

The GCEDC congratulates Vincent in his retirement from service to the GCEDC board and recognizes him as an exceptional leader in economic development and a dedicated citizen worthy of esteem of not only the GCEDC, but throughout Genesee County.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for applications for assistance from 9 Apollo Drive, Inc., and an initial resolution to set a public hearing for United States Gypsum Co. at the June 5, 2014, board meeting. 

United States Gypsum Company Co. is planning to upgrade its paper mill at 2750 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, NY.  The project will include replacing and relocating equipment, stock cleaning and enhanced manila production to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the facility.

The upgrades will consist of three phases and are expected to commence in 2016. The projected capital investment is approximately $23 million. The investment will retain 98 manufacturing jobs and create 12 new production jobs.

9 Apollo Drive, Inc., is a business that manufactures doors and windows. The company plans to purchase the building located at 2 Apollo Drive in the City of Batavia to accommodate its growth and expansion. 9 Apollo Drive, Inc., will make a capital investment of approximately $750,000.

In 2002, the company was granted a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the building located at 9 Apollo Drive, Inc., by the GCEDC and pledged to create eight new jobs. According to PARIS reporting submitted to the GCEDC in 2013, the company has created 29 jobs at this location.

“It is very encouraging to see existing businesses in our region invest resources to improve production and operations and, just as important, retain existing jobs and create new jobs,” said Wallace Hinchey, GCEDC board chairman.

A tractor and a forklift have reportedly collided at Empire Tractor on East Main Street Road, Batavia.

An employee may have suffered a broken leg.

Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

A bicycle has reportedly been struck on Route 98 near Goodman Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

No word on injuries, if any.

UPDATE 8:54 a.m.: Mercy EMS response is cancelled. Alexander ambulance is on scene.

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: Alexander fire clearing the scene. Alexander Ambulance transporting one to UMMC.

Time: This Is Why Bacon Smells so Good