A working stove fire is confirmed at 3517 Railroad Ave. in Alexander. Smoke is showing. The stove is centrally located in the residence. Alexander fire is responding and Town of Batavia, as mutual aid, is called to the scene. The location is next to Z&M Ag and Turf.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: This is now a working house fire. Equipment from East Pembroke and Bethany are also called in, along with a tanker from Darien. Plus, a crew from Darien is asked to stand by in Alexander's quarters.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: Help from Attica is on the way, too.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: A search has confirmed there is no one inside the house.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: East Pembroke and Darien tankers are returned to service.

UPDATE 6:25 p.m.: All units back in service.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a veteran of the National Guard and Army Reserves and ranking member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, is applauding Gov. Cuomo for signing a military assistance bill into law that the assemblyman wholeheartedly supported in the Assembly.

“Our state and our country are forever indebted to those who have served us at home and abroad,” Hawley said. “This law tackles the red tape that hampers professional certification for family members of active duty officers who are moved from station to station. We have also expanded New York’s supplemental burial allowance to include those who were injured on the battlefield, but died here at home − an oversight that was far too tragic to continue.”

Hawley added, “Another great aspect of this newly signed law is how it assists children affected when their families move from station to station. Every state has its own difficult requirements for high school graduation, and that is often overlooked in legislation that attempts to honor our servicemen and women. Through this much-needed law, we have cut the red tape affecting children’s academic well-being and enrollment issues. This is one law we can all support, and I’m proud to have helped pass it.”

This might be a surprise to you. Perhaps not. There's a circus in town. There's been some posters around town, apparently, but I didn't learn about it until I drove past the fairgounds today.

They performed last night and will perform again tonight.

Performances are at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 each. Two children can get in for free with a paid adult.

The circus is produced by Walker International.

A fully involved pickup truck fire is reported at Selden Road and Route 19. Town of Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Le Roy ambulance is called to the scene to aid a firefighter with a possible head injury.

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A bicyclist has reportedly been hit by a car on West Main Street, just east of Oak Street, City of Batavia, but the rider reportedly suffered only minor injuries.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Farm-to-table is a growing movement nationally, but it's a term that hasn't popped up in Genesee County too often -- until now.

Brad Kujawaski, sous chef at City Slickers, is passionate about local food and he would like to see more people in Batavia realize how much great food is grown on our local farms.

"I think it's really important to give credit where credit is due and that starts with the farms," Kujawaski said.

He is preparing a five-course meal created entirely with local ingredients at City Slickers on Aug. 31.  

The produce will come from Porter Farms, a certified organic farm in Elba, and chicken will be from HLW Acres, Attica.

While Kujawaski expects to include a main course of roasted chicken and chicken soup, the rest of the menu will depend on what's farm fresh at Porter Farms that week.

"We're going to pick for him what's ready and he's going to cook it," said Peter Metzler, of Porter Farms. "To me that's about as fresh as it can get."

At least three courses will be paired with a beer from Rohrbach.

Kujawaski interned at Porter Farms during college and the fact that Brad is a good friend and a great cook is just part of the reason Porter decided to partner with him on this first-ever local farm-to-table meal, Metzler said.

It's also a chance to show off to more people in the community what Porter offers through its CSA.

"It's another way for us to get our food into the community," Metzler said. "We've never done anything like this before. It's pretty common elsewhere, so we wanted to try it out and see how it does."

The Aug. 31 meal is from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $60 per person or $100 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at City Slickers.

Coming into his third year as Batavia's head football coach, Brennan Briggs said both he and his players approach the 2014 season with some optimism.

There are seven returning starters on both sides of the ball, QB comes into his junior season as a second-year starter and there should be some other weapons on offense to help put points on the board.

"Overall the kids' attitude is very good," Briggs said. "They're excited coming into this season. They know they can win some ball games."

Joining Mruczek in the backfield will be a "committee" of runners.

"We've got some thunder and we've got some lightning back there," Briggs said.

During the off season, Mruczek has put the time in to make himself better, according to Briggs. He's studied film and schemes and really picked his brain to understand what it takes to run the offense.

"He's really been doing a great job for us. Great attitude, great commitment."

The coach said returning players who also seem ready to step up their game include Devon Koepp, Gunner Rapone and James Cryer.

Several sophomores who were part of the varsity last year are ready to assume bigger roles in 2014.

The Blue Devils are coming off of two consecutive 3-5 seasons.

Overall, the Briggs era continues to move forward as he works to shape the program according to his vision. 

"One of biggest things, coming into a program and kind of making it your own is setting that bar, setting the expectations of where you want it to be, so the kids understand exactly what you want  from them," Briggs said. "I think we're getting to that point where the kids understand what's expected of them every single day. They understand what kind of effort I'm asking from them."

The first game is Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m., at Livonia. The first home game is Sept. 12, 7 p.m., against Wellsville.

A barn off Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion. Photo taken this morning.

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A tractor-trailer has reportedly rolled onto its side on Route 63, near River Road, in Pavilion.

Pavilion fire is dispatched.

UPDATE 7:55 a.m.: A firefighter on location reports extrication will be needed.

UPDATE 8:08 a.m.: A diesel tank has ruptured. A large amount of fuel has spilled. Emergency Services requested to the scene. Pads and booms requested.

UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: One lane on northbound Route 63 remains closed. It's going to be awhile before it reopens. This morning, authorities were waiting for NYS DOT to come out and remove the guard rail on the east shoulder. The truck can't be pulled forward because of a large cement culvert outlet directly ahead of it. The DEC wanted the remaining diesel fuel from both tanks offloaded first, too. A good deal of fuel spilled down the drainage ditch that runs along the side of the road. Firefighters seem to have stopped the drainage about 100 yards south of the accident scene. The driver apparently fell asleep. He was transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC for treatment of minor injuries.

UPDATE 12:48 p.m.: Route 63 is closed in both directions pending removal of the disabled tractor-trailer.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: The tractor-trailer has been removed. The road should reopen shortly.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of those involved in an ATV crash that sent four to the hospital late Sunday night.

Just after 11 p.m. Sunday, two ATVs – each carrying a passenger -- collided on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. Deputies say the two ATVs were riding eastbound, side-by-side, near Cleveland Road when the collision occurred, ejecting all four riders.

The driver of the first ATV, 26-year-old Charles Chatley, of Kilian Road, Pembroke, allegedly crashed into the second ATV, causing his vehicle to flip. He is the second assistant chief of the East Pembroke Fire Department.

His passenger, 26-year-old Kristina Rumble, was taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight. 

The driver of the second ATV was 35-year-old Stephen Smelski, who is East Pembroke fire's first assistant chief and a dispatcher for Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center. Contrary to other reports, he was NOT transported by Mercy Flight.

Stephen Smelski's passenger, 37-year-old Brenda Smelski, and Chatley were taken to ECMC by ambulance.

The Sheriff’s Office says charges are pending.

CORRECTION: The story changed to correct passenger names.

Philip L. Adams, 34, of 6580 Randall Road, Le Roy, is charged with stalking, 1st, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, assault, 2nd, aggravated family offense and assault, 3rd. Adams was arrested following an investigation into complaints by a former live-in girlfriend that between December 2013 and May 2014 that Adams abused her. Adams allegedly pushed her onto hard pavement causing an injury (bruising on her arm), struck her in the face with a detachable shower head causing injury (bruising around her eye), sprayed her with a flammable liquid and threatened to light her on fire, and threatened to stick a lit cigarette in her eye. Adams was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Jennifer A. Wilsey, 34, of Canastota, is charged with criminal impersonation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and uninspected motor vehicle. Wilsey is accused of providing troopers with a wrong name and date of birth during a traffic stop on Route 77, Pembroke. Wilsey reportedly believed there may have been a warrant for her arrest. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Daniel E. Gorrow, 19, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Gorrow was charged following a traffic stop by Le Roy PD.

Taylor D. Saulsbury, 19, of Lake Street, Le Roy, and Henri E. Wilcox, 29, of North Main Street, Warsaw, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Saulsbury and Wilcox were charged following a traffic stop by Le Roy PD.

James Michael Gallo, 24, of Coshway Place, Tonawanda, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gallo was arrested by Deputy Joseph Corona following an investigation into an altercation reported at 12:16 a.m. Sunday at 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien.

Steven Richard Lebo, 31, of Quincy Alley, Kearny, N.J., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely. Lebo was arrested by Deputy Joseph Corona following a report at 9:48 p.m. Saturday of a vehicle that left the roadway at 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien.

Nancy Alice Shruefer, 52, of Clover Place, Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Shruefer was found in a disabled vehicle on Route 77 near Darien Lake at 1:10 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Melissa Grace Betances, 33, of Clinton Street, Batavia, is charged with a violation of probation. Betances was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Caitlin A. Hanley, 25, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Hanley is accused of being involved in a domestic incident on Aug. 9.

Ronald Baltasar Gonzalez, 29, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Following an investigation into firearms that were turned into Batavia PD, Gonzalez was charged with illegal possession of firearms.

Randy Gene Leach II, 28, of Torrey Road, Stafford, is charged with failure to pay fine. Leach was arrested on a warrant. He posted $250 bail and was released.

Laura C. Mazenga, 21, of Malling Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass, petit larceny, resisting arrest and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Mazenga was allegedly seen rummaging through a vehicle on Woodrow Road at 2:26 a.m. Friday. When police approached, she allegedly fled and resisted arrest. She allegedly possessed property stolen from the vehicle.

A town tractor that was mowing rolled over into a ditch on Rose Road near Wortendyke Road. The rider has minor injuries. The tractor was, or is, smoking. East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: A responder reports the tractor is no longer smoking and the rider is up and walking around.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.: Mutual aid from Town of Batavia is cancelled.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: The East Pembroke assignment is back in service. The rider was transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: Law enforcement at the scene reports the tractor has been removed from the roadway.

An eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly busies itself drawing nectar from the tiny lavender flowers found on teasel.

Its the time of year when roadsides and meadows are prolific with colorful flora. While many species of flowering plants are looked upon merely as weeds, for the insect kingdom they are a means of sustainment.

Here, a hummingbird moth tends to the bloom of a bull thistle. Active during the day, this is one species where the old adage, "like a moth drawn to a flame" doesn't apply.

Like its namesake, the rapid wingbeats of the hummingbird moth produce a slight buzzing sound, yet softer than that of a hummingbird.

A tree cricket explores the interior of a wild morning glory.

A bumble bee at work on a flowering burdock.

A bumble bee no sooner touches down on a Rose of Sharon blossom when it realizes it's a bit late. The bee inside is busy collecting pollen by rubbing itself against the stamen.

Sunday, the East Pembroke Fire Department, hosted its annual mud races in the pit area behind the fire hall.

Don't think years from now, "oh, I wish I had a copy of that photo." To purchase prints, click here.

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An ATV accident with multiple people injured is reported in the area of 2069 Main Road, East Pembroke.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Three or four people are injured, with a possible serious injury.

Mercy Flight being put on standby.

UPDATE 11:21 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire requested to the scene to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight at Pembroke Primary School.

UPDATE 12:45 a.m.: There are two confirmed injuries. A female passenger was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight. A driver was taken to ECMC by Mercy EMS. Sgt. Eric Seppala said there may have been a second ATV involved in the accident. The second ATV left the scene prior to law enforcement arriving. It's unknown if anybody on that ATV was injured. It's unclear at this point what happened, though it appears the ATVs were on the roadway. The investigation is continuing. Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000. 

UPDATE Monday morning: A press release from the Sheriff's Office states that two four-wheel ATVs collided. Both ATVs had a driver and passenger. The driver and passenger of the second ATV were taken by private vehicle to UMMC and later transfered to ECMC for treatment. No names were released. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

A family enjoying a gathering on South Main Street, Batavia had their evening spoiled by an alleged drunken driver who rammed into one family member's car and, according to witnesses, came darn close to killing another family member.

The incident occurred around 6:40 p.m.

The alleged drunken driver was westbound on South Main when his truck veered to the opposite side of the road and struck a parked car, badly damaging it.

About 50 members of Mark Fanara's family were in a tent at the side of his father's house on South Main when they heard the boom, Fanara said. They all rushed to the street and Fanara said he saw a truck rolling away from the car that was hit.

Then the driver hit the gas, he said, even though a front tire was completely bent to the side.

Fanara's aunt's car was parked behind the car that was struck. She had just gone to her car to get some money out of her purse and was at the driver's side door, bent over, at the time of the accident.

"If that car wasn't there (the one that was hit) he very easily could have struck my aunt," Fanara said. "It had to be only feet from here."

Fanara's brother -- it was his wife's car that was hit -- jumped in his car and followed the suspect vehicle on Dewey, through Birchwood, over to the car wash on South Pearl, where the driver parked his truck and began ditching items in his car. He also tried removing the license plates from his truck. He put on a sweatshirt with a hoodie.

When police arrived, he tried to flee on foot, but didn't get far.

Taken into custody was Bradley Howard, 23, of Mayville. He was charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of a hypodermic instrument, said Officer Chad Richards, along with 10 other charges.

A woman was in the truck at the time of the accident and she returned to the scene and gave officers a statement, Richards said.

Howard has a job locally, which is apparently why he was in Batavia, Richards said.

Among the items Howard allegedly discarded was a hypodermic needle, but no other contraband was recovered, Richards said.

"Several people were right there and called it right in," Richards said. "We had an overabundant number of witnesses, so it was easy to locate the subject."

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Luke Bryan concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

David P. Mayne, 28, of James Street, Medina, for is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly being involved in a physical altercation inside the concert venue after grabbing a acquaintance by the throat and punching her in the face. Mayne then allegedly resisted arrest. Mayne was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Michael R. J. Fiumano, 20, of Glenn Avenue, Pulaski, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after he allegedly punched and pushed a Live Nation Security Officer.

Kassidy R. Watson, 19, of Lake Avenue, Hilton, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and then attempted to conceal the evidence in her shirt.

Ariana M. Watson, 20, of Lighthouse Road, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Mark A. Buldyke, 22, of Amber Court, Port Perry, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the venue.

Kirstia M. Dlugosz, 19, of South Prince Drive, Depew, is charged with trespass after allegedly reenentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Stephen J. Hayes, 24, of Saya Road, Weedsport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence onto the Darien Lake property.

Corey J. Hinman, 25, of Ryan Road, Weedsport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence onto Darien Lake property.

Jacob R. Andol, 19, of East Blood Road, Cowlesville, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the medical tent inside the venue.

Lucas R. Logsdon, 19, of Dunkley Road, Leicester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting inside the concert venue.

Trey G. Henderson, 22, of Terry Hills Drive, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with concert security while being ejected from the venue.

Samuel A. Musolino II, 23, of Hyde Park, Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

(Name Redacted), 23, of Hillpine Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told on to return. (The person arrested was apparently using the ID of another individual, so the name has been redacted).

Jordan M. Coulson, 23, of McMurchy Avenue, South Brampton, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence on Employee Road into the back area.

Danielle B. Russell, 19, of Floren Tine Way, Chili, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Matthew H. Coe, 22, of Route 62, Frewsburg, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Ryan M. Hanes, 25, of Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with Live Nation Security.

David D. Carpes, 27, of Nelson Road, Clyde, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation Security Officer.

Bryan T. Mogle, 23, of Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Gabrielle L. Frey, 20, of Boyce Road, Corfu, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance on Sumner Road.

The following people were issued tickets for alleged possession of a fictious license:

Madeline L. Bissell, 19, of East Aurora
Michael A. Marcucci, 19, of Spencerport
Jon M. Tokar, 19, of Big Flats
Emily E. Shapiro, 19 of Buffalo
Anthony Martusciello, 20, of Spencerport

The following people were issued tickets for alleged possession of another person's license:

Eileen L. Argona, 19 of Niagara Falls
Franjo B. Tabar, 20, of Buffalo
William A. Sanchez, 29, of Spring Valley
Jordan Brandwood, 21, of Beemsville, Ontario, Canada