Information and photos provided by Elizabeth Bentley-Huber.

Boy Scouts Tristan Korzelius, Jake Houseknecht and Ryan Missel installed storm drain markers in the City of Batavia on Saturday as part of an ongoing effort by the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee to remind people that what goes down storm drains has a direct impact on the quality of water in the Tonawanda.

A dozen volunteers installed 253 medallions over storm drain inlets throughout the city.

Tonawanda Creek committee members and local volunteers have also installed these markers in the Village of Attica, hamlets of Varysburg, North Java and Johnsonburg. Last year members installed medallions in the City of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.

If you are interested in joining this effort or have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Bentley-Huber at Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District at 585-343-2362 or at Elizabeth.Bentley-Huber@ny.nacdnet.net.

Kirk Peryea and Lucy Pietrzykowski

Kirk Peryea, Lucy Pietrzykowski, Greg Houseknecht, Jake Houseknecht, Tristan Korzelius, Ryan Missel, Robert Cassatt, Molly Stetz. Absent: James Tuttle, Les Winters, David Winters, Addison Winters. These volunteers installed 253 medallions over storm drains in the City of Batavia on July 27, 2013.

The following people were arrested during the Lil’ Wayne Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Sophia P. Frank, 19, Kraig Road, Pittsford, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told numerous times to leave. Frank was jailed on $250 bail.

Shawn M. Gombos, 24, South Park Parkway, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Gombos was jailed on $250 bail.

Jelyejuan J. C. Walker, 18, Colt Street, Geneva, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Tiffany A. Pope, 18, Forest Hill Drive, Williamsville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Kevin J. Goldsmith, 20, Brook Court, East Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Paul C. Reinis, 19, Shoecraft Road, Penfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Andrew J. Lawrence, 18, Norris Street, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol.

Jeffrey V. Janese, 18, Woodland Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Christian A. Fieckert, 19, Amherst Drive, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Cody H. Bauth, 19, Hirschfield Drive, Williamsville, charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Michael J. Diliberto, 18, Moulton Avenue, Tonanwanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Zacharie T. Capozzi, 18, Glenhurst Road, Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Bradley A. Thomas, 18, Lynbrook Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Joshua L. Cunningham, 19, Old Country Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security while being ejected from the concert venue.

Aaron J. Haskell, 24, Daywood Drive, Baldwinsville, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jacob D. Raczka, 23, Boncroff Avenue, West Seneca, is charged with trespass and disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the concert line and then reentered the concert venue after having been ejected for the earlier fight.

Marissa E. Brucato, 18, Splendorwood Drive, Penfield, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been previously ejected.

Aaron J. Goodspeed, 17, Tift Street, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after having been previously ejected and told not to return.

Jacob R. Brock, 20, Ward Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave Darien Lake property after being told several times.

Ryan C. Elliott, 16, Shores Road, Ulster, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Amastushia L. Spikes, 22, Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a security guard and two other people while being ejected from the concert.

Christina M. Laughlon, 25, Lasalle Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Maverick R. McMurray, 24, Columbia Avenue, Batavia, charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another subject in the head several times.

Ryan J. Keyes, 21, Irvine, charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight while refusing to leave the venue.

The following people were issued citations for allegedly consumption/possession of alcohol under age 21.

Andrew J. Mikos, 17, Washington Street, Geneva
Joshua J. Krause, 19, Seasons Trail, Webster
Taryn E. Laffin, 19, Finwood Drive, Baldwinsville
Jade M. Massimi, 19, Penora Street, Depew
Kacey D. Ezra, 18, Parkdale Ave Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Patrick G. Stairs, 17, Helena Street, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Joshua C. Rosettani, 17, Parkdale Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Tara M. Songster, 20, School Street, Farmersville
Adrian Skudrinja, 18, Oakview Drive, Williamsville
Janelle N. Migliore, 17, Culpepper Road, Williamsville
Erika L. Rouland, 18, Keli Drive, Waterloo
Cady J. Rouland, 18, Keli Drive, Waterloo
Jessica M. Conkey, 18, Waterloo-Geneva Road, Waterloo
Kyle L. Lipp, 20, Arbor Road, Walworth
Ashley M. Monti, 20, East Main Street, Mount Jewett, Pa.
Samantha M. Battaglia, 20, Greeves Street, Kane, Pa.
Daniel R. Gocher, 19, Feigle Road, Lockport
Shanna M. Krugolets, 17, Ranch Trail, West Amherst
Hannah A. Laschiavo, 19, Millersport Hwy. Amherst
Zachary P. Rodems, 19, Glenn Oak Drive, East Amherst
Julian M. Richmond, 19, South Roberts Road, Dunkirk
Andrew J. Mast, 17, Martin Road, Clarence
Christopher J. Jackson, 19, Pendale Circle, North Tonawanda
Troy W. Berger, 19, Brockmoore Drive, East Amherst
Dylan P. Murphy, 18, Dawn Avenue, Angola
Michaela A. Stepniak, 18, Erie Road, Angola
Ashley M. House, 20, County Route 87, Hammondsport
Brandon A. Bullock, 20, Hundrat Drive, Parker Heights, Texas
Paul D. Gohlman, 19, Maple Beach Road, Geneseo
Charles J. Biddle, 20, Braunview Way, Orchard Park
Jason H. Kasper, 20, East Green Street, Olean
Jared J. Mitchell, 19, Irving Street, Olean
Alberto Rodriguez, 20, Scenic Circle, Rochester
Bria P. Cole, 19, Pleasant Street, Pottsdam
Sterling T. Jones, 19, East Avenue, Lockport
Atiana L. German, 18, Youngs Road, Williamsville
Chelsea M. Sutterlin, 19, South Union Street, Olean
Brennan J. McDonnell, 20, Woodridge Avenue, Buffalo
Aaron D. Ritter, 19, Courtly Circle, Rochester
Cody C. Cook, 17, Mayberry Drive, East Buffalo
Jacob M. Swiatowy, 19, Porter Avenue, Batavia
Nicholas J. Mungillo, 18, Union Square Batavia
Jeffrey C. White, 20, Bennett Road, Bloomfield
Michael E. Sciarratta, 19, Wendover Road, Penfield
Patricia L. Snavely, 17, School Street, Victor
Emily A. Baumgartner, 17, Gannett Road, Farmington
Jeffrey T. Kosakowski, 18, Cadyville Road, Livonia
Ryan P. Brogan, 19, Hosmer Drive, Syracuse
Katelyn N. Hemmingway, 17, Lyndale Avenue, Tonawanda
Sarra T. Kashyap, 19, West 8th Street, Columbus, Ohio
Adel R. Adam-Eskander, 17, Berg Street, Ontario, Canada
Franjo B. Taber, 19, Crowley Avenue, Buffalo
Randall J. Marcaitis, 19, Winchester Drive, Fairport
Joseph A. Vecchiarelli, 20, Main Street, Woodstock
Madeline R. Meyer, 17, Macarthin Drive, Williamsville
Aaron D. Buckley, 18, Lakeville Lane, Webster
Zachary M. Lagana, 19, Church Street, Phelps

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider two projects at its Aug. 1 board meeting. The board anticipates reviewing two revolving loan fund applications at this meeting as well.

Graham Corporation is seeking sales and property tax abatement for an expansion of its existing facilities. A new bay will be constructed (12,439 square feet) that will enclose the area between two manufacturing bays facing Harvester Avenue along with renovations of office and manufacturing areas. In addition, a new building (3,800 square feet) will be constructed on the 20 Florence St. property. This new building will be used for X-ray inspections of welds done during the fabrication process.

The total capital investment of the project is estimated to be approximately $5,500,000, with the proposed tax incentives contributing $483,396. Graham currently has 311 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and expects to add 30 more over three years after the certificate of occupancy is obtained for these renovations.

The estimated economic impact of the project is 17.30:1. For every dollar of tax relief granted, the company will invest $17.30 into the local economy. Because the proposed incentives exceed $100,000, the board will first consider an initial resolution to be followed by a public hearing.   

The last expansion project that Graham undertook – also with assistance from the GCEDC – was in 2011. At the time Graham had 278 FTEs and pledged 30 new jobs in three years for a total of 308 FTEs. According to its 2013 application, the company has exceeded its employment goals and plans to continue growing.

Guthrie Heli-Arc, a federally certified repair facility for transportation vehicles, is seeking sales and mortgage tax exemption and property tax abatement for an expansion and relocation project. For the past 22 years, the company has operated out of a rented facility in Bergen. That facility has been sold, and their lease will terminate. CLR Industries, LLC, a real estate holding company, has purchased a facility at 6276 Clinton Street Road in Stafford. Guthrie Heli-Arc plans on moving into the Stafford facility after a 7200-square-foot addition to the existing structure is completed. The addition is necessary to accommodate workflow.

The total capital investment of the project is estimated to be approximately $300,000, with the proposed tax incentives contributing $77,052. Guthrie Heli-Arc estimates that the project will allow the company to create two new jobs while retaining six others. The estimated economic impact of the project is 9.4:1. For every dollar of tax relief granted, the company will invest $9.40 into the local economy. 

All GCEDC Board meetings are open to the public. Meetings are held on the second floor of the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate Med & Tech Park, located at 99 MedTech Drive in the Town of Batavia, across from Genesee Community College. The meeting is anticipated to convene at 4 p.m.

Press release:

The Genesee County AmeriCorps Program, in collaboration with the Genesee County and Batavia youth bureaus, is planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 at Falleti’s Ice Arena, 22 Evans St. in Batavia. It's open to the public.

One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes.

Entertainment by “Charlie and Checkers” is scheduled from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be several community agency booths.  Visiting these booths enters a child to win an iPod Shuffle.

For more information on the carnival please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Press release:

The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County health departments are encouraging county residents to “Choose Health.” Taking small steps in our day-to-day living and making positive health choices will lead to healthier outcomes. Is this a step you can take?

When you consider the information that you receive regarding your health, where does the majority of the information come from? A doctor, the Internet, family, friends, or coworkers? Some of this information might be excellent, while other information may be incorrect or too broad to adopt as part of your healthy routine. As always, we encourage you to seek out the best information in order to make informed health choices.

Beginning in September, the Genesee County Health Department will offer new and up-to-date technology to all patients in the clinic waiting room and to those we meet during educational community events. The new technology is made available through an exciting award to the county through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. The award provides iPad devices, kiosks, a printer, and a large screen television to make accessing health information fun and inviting.

Free of charge, patients have the opportunity to get directly connected to health information using Web sites that the National Network of Libraries of Medicine support, ensuring the information you receive is reliable. This can be health information relevant to your visit, or related to other health concerns. Patients have the ability to print the information out to take home or to use it to consult with a health professional at the clinic.

Unsure how to use an iPad tablet? The waiting room will be stocked with directions as to how to easily operate and use the technology while waiting.

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine supports various Web sites including Medline Plus, AIDSinfo, NIH Senior Health, ToxTown, and many more. Each Web site is designed to be easily understood and offers tips on how individuals can make healthy choices. Even if you do not use Genesee County clinics or miss the opportunity at community events, we highly recommend each of the Web sites for great day-to-day health information.

There are three different clinics that are offered through the Genesee County Health Department; Immunization, STD/HIV Testing and Tuberculosis Testing.  The Immunization Clinic is offered by appointment, twice a month, for both adults and children. The STD/HIV Testing Clinic is a walk-in clinic, offered every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. The Tuberculosis Testing Clinic is also available twice a month and on a walk-in basis, too. To make an appointment and to check for clinic dates please visit the department’s Web site or Facebook page.

You can easily become a health-conscious consumer by accessing reliable health information and using it to make healthier choices. Utilizing this educational opportunity now makes it easier than ever! 

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHS-N-276-2011-00003-C with the University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System.

A special thank you goes to Carrie Whipple for her assistance and research for this column. Carrie is a Public Health Intern with the Orleans County Health Department and is receiving her master’s degree from the University of New England.

For information about health department services:
    •    Genesee County Health Department call: 344-2580, ext. 5000, or visit their Web site at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html. Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.
    •    Orleans County Health Department call: 589-3278 or check out our Web site at:  www.orleansny.com/publichealth. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth.  
    •    Wyoming County Health Department call: 786-8890 or visit their Web site at www.wyomingco.net/health/main.html.

In an effort to be more accessable to contituents, Assemblyman Steve Hawley held his first "Telephone Town Hall" this evening and promised more to come.

The hour-long "free and convenient" format allowed the 133,000 residents of the 139th Assembly District the chance to sit in an easy chair, put the phone on speaker mode, or not, and hear dialogue about voters' concerns or ask a question of their representative.

Before taking calls, Hawley mentioned current issues he's most passionate about -- job creation, equitable funding for Upstate education, support for veterans' causes, and repeal of the SAFE (Secure Ammunitions and Firearms Enforcement) Act, as well as finding out how voters feel about dividing the state in two (saying the newly configured entities could be called "New York and New Yawk").

He spoke a lot about the recently enacted SAFE Act, though he acknowleged getting it completely repealed is an uphill battle. Hawley said he's appalled that no time or effort was put forth to allow legislators to read the bill or weigh in on it. It was signed by the governor less than five minutes after being passed by both chambers of the state legislature. Hawley vehemently opposed it, has introduced a bill to repeal it, and maintains that it does nothing to increase public safety.

At 6:44, the first questioner, Doug, asked why the purported "commonsense governor" -- so horrified by the use of assault weapons -- would entertain Hollywood's request for an amendment to the SAFE Act that would allow filmmakers to use replicas of assault weapons while creating movies and video games in New York. Hawley simply replied that the entire SAFE Act needs to be eliminated.

Carol asked about controversial hydro-fracking and whether there's any legislation pending regarding it. Hawley replied that he's not aware of any, but said the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Health Department are currently studying the issue.

Hawley noted that "fracking" to extract oil from rock shale has been done in New York, particularly the Southern Tier, for roughly 80 years, but not hydro-fracking. The Southern Tier "has suffered significant economic doldrums, like the rest of Upstate, and I will withhold my opinion (on hydro-fracking) until the studies are out."

Next, Hawley proudly mentioned the bipartisan effort that resulted in restoring $90 million in proposed funding cuts for programs to aid the developmentally disabled.

Then a guy named Steve, of Orleans County, who said his county is probably the poorest one in Upstate New York, wanted to know why a disabled, wheelchair-bound citizen like himself can't get into many businesses to buy their goods. His questions to the proprietors result in "blank stares" and they claim to "know nothing" about accessibility for the disabled.

Hawley suggested he contact his local elected officials for help, including two staffers -- "Jaylene or Eileen" -- from his office.

Another caller asked about the steady gravy train of benefits offered by New York to those who flock here to take advantage of the system.

The Assemblyman acknowleged that New York is the most "benefit-rich" state in the Union, surpassing not only every state individually, but even California, Texas and North Carolina combined -- shelling out $90 billion a year in benefits. It is that reason many people flock here, the Assemblyman said, not jobs or family reasons.

This is one incentive for introducing legislation strengthening proof of residence requirements and mandating drug and alcohol testing for applicants, Hawley said. The proposal will be on the November ballot.

"The problem is that Downstate has a problem with reining in public-assistance spending," Hawley said.

Dorothy asked about casino gambling and Hawley said he voted against a proposal to expand gambling but favors a bill asking voters this November whether to allow three or four casinos Upstate, east of Route 14 (no specific geography cited).

Caller John said he has dim hope that slicing the state in half will ever happen, but wanted to know how Downstate can be made to hear and help resolve problems Upstate.

As far as splitting up New York, Hawley acknowledged it's a longshot, but said "there's more and more talk about it." (C'mon -- even Staten Island doesn't want to be considered a burrough of NYC anymore.) In a nutshell, the people Downstate live vertically and rent, we live horizontally and own homes, have grass, and more land -- they don't understand us, and how their tax-and-spend "solutions" are anything but.

Still, Hawley emphasized the need to stay engaged and keep working for resolutions with a view of the world where the "glass is always half full."

Asked about the utility tax, Hawley said he was very disappointed that the tax increase, set to expire in March 2014, has been extended by the Governor for another four years, costing taxpayers billions.

Rhonda, in Albion, asked about the plethora of abandoned houses there and complained that efforts to fix them up end up being a tax burden on the citizens of Albion. Hawley offered only that she try and work with local code enforcement officers to resolve issues.

Next, Hawley decried the ever-present burden of unfunded mandates -- noting that the biggest one is Medicaid -- and the Feds pay 50 percent of bill, the State pays 25 percent, and local government is responsible for the remaining 25 percent but is not reimbursed. That escalates the cost of doing business here.

Governor Cuomo's promises to reduce unfunded mandates have been empty ones, Hawley said.

The session ended with Hawley promising more Telephone Town Halls, saying they are helpful to him and to citizens and they increase accessiblity and transparency in government.

Like most of us, Tom King works hard to make ends meet.

So an $1,800 loss following a hit-and-run accident in Oakfield is hard to take.

He's hoping readers of The Batavian will help solve the crime.

His wife's car was struck by a dark-colored pickup truck at about 11:30 p.m., July 6 on Sunrise Parkway. The truck, driven by a male driver, then fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The truck likely suffered front-end damage.

State Police are handling the investigation but have been unable to locate the truck or the driver.

King's wife and daughter were in the car and suffered minor injuries. King was standing on the front porch of his home, he said, and witnessed the accident.

The car is a total loss. The rear was smashed and the frame cracked.

"All I'm asking for is a little help," King said. "We work hard for the little that we have, but an $1,800 loss for the car is too much."

Anybody with information that may help solve the case can contact State Police at (585) 344-6200.

A second rider was reported down and injured at Area 51 in East Pembroke. Mercy medics responded. The responders are now back in service.

A possible house fire is reported off Route 33, just south of Route 19. Bergen fire is responding.

UPDATE 8:40 p.m.: A call back reports that the fire appears to be a controlled burn at 7062 Route 19. The fire department is continuing to confirm.

A 14-year-old boy with a head injury will require Mercy Flight transportation to a hospital. He's a rider at the Area 51 motocross track in East Pembroke, located at 3500 Harloff Road.

The Batavia helicopter is responding, along with Mercy Medics and East Pembroke Fire Department.

He's believed to be in the "far left area" of the facility.

UPDATE 8:16 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

A car fire, with flames showing, is reported in the parking lot of Aspen Dental office on Veterans Memorial Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

The annual Hogs for Paws event to benefit animals at the local shelter is happening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Stan's Harley Davidson in Batavia. The dealership is located at 4425 W. Saile Drive.

This is both a fundraiser and a reunion and will feature a K-9 demo, obedience training performance by Fort Hyde Kennel, a 50/50 Raffle, T-shirt sale, vendors and a Pet Photo Contest.

To get lunch, make a monetary donation or bring an item on the wish list of Volunteers for Animals, which includes: canned or dry cat and dog food; bleach; liquid soap; paper towels, and NON-clumping cat litter. Lunch is a hot dog, beverage, and salad (provided by Frank Penna Catering).

This year there's also a 'Pick Your Prize' raffle. Tickets are $2 each or six tickets for $10.

Tickets are entered into the drawing of your choice. You can enter one drawing or enter them all!

Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. on the day of the event. You need not be present to win.

The prizes are:

• #1 -- $100 gift card from Stan's Harley Davidson
• #2 -- $100 gift card from Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge
• #3 -- Bissell Pet Spot Cleaner ($100 value)
• #4 -- Handcrafted Cat Tree donated by VFA volunteers (Solid wood construction, about 44-inches high, with three steps/perches, and covered with a neutral-colored carpet.)
• #5 -- $100 gift card from Main Street Pizza
• #6 -- Watercolor painting (Framed 8x10 inch, hand-painted, donated by Ashley Vranich, DVM from Batavia Animal Hospital.)

To buy tickets, go the volunteers' Web site <www.Vol4animals.org> and click on "Pick Your Prize Raffle Tickets" and download the raffle entry form and follow the instructions.

A man who suffered a serious head injury during an altercation at the Kid Rock concert at Darien Lake on July 6 is making medical progress, according to a Facebook page maintained by his family.

Jason McNeil, 43, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has reportedly been sitting up and communicating with his family.

Here's an entry from Sunday:

Today was a good day. Jason was sitting up, waiting on our arrival. He looked himself and even gave me a kiss! I also got the "I love you" sign before we had to leave. He was exhausted by the end and we left him to rest. Praying for more good days to come.

The man who allegedly hit him, Craig Malcolm Lawson, 34, of Talbot Street, Courtland, Ontario, Canada, was originally scheduled for a court appearance this evening, but that appearance has been rescheduled to Sept 3.

The attorney handling the case for the prosecution, Robert Zickl, is out of the office today, so we don't know why the appearance was rescheduled, but it's also not unusual to change appearance dates at this stage of proceedings.

Lawson was initially charged with a misdemeanor, assault in the third degree, and while it's possible the charge could be upgraded to a felony of assault, 2nd, the prosecution would need to prove the suspect intended to cause serious physical injury to sustain the charge.

According to witness accounts, McNeil was hit once and fell backward, striking his head on the pavement.

He was initially in a coma but according to the Facebook page, he appears to be conscious and aware of the people around him over the past few days.

McNeil, originally from Alden, is reportedly well known in Tuscaloosa for his volunteer and charity work.

His family set up a donation page to help assist with his medical needs, which has so far received more than $44,000 with 11 days left to reach a goal of $50,000. Among the apparent donors was Kid Rock, who reportedly gave $5,000.

A wheat field is reportedly on fire at 9802 Simmons Road. Darien Fire Department is responding. The location is between Bennett and Richley roads.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The Gator from Alexander is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Fire command reports that fire they are getting a handle on the fire, believed to have started by the heat from the catalytic converter on the owner's pickup truck, when the engine was running. The chief ordered the engine shut off of the Sheriff's patrol car on scene, so the fire would not reignite.

Corfu Fire Department is also on scene.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: They are dousing hot spots. Bennington Fire Department, which was called to provide mutual aid, is put back in service.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: All responders are back in service.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is offering a second round of applications for its Food Processing Training Program. The program provides individuals with a certification to work in the food-processing industry, including the yogurt companies in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 1.

Up to 25 individuals will be accepted for the class. Members from first graduating class are already working at local companies.

Applications can be picked up at the Genesee County Career Center at 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Eastown Plaza in Batavia. The application also is available at the GCEDC Web site <http://www.gcedc.com>. Applicants also will need to complete a Customer Registration Form as well as submit an up-to-date resume with their application.

“We want to build off the success of the first graduating class and get as many applications submitted as possible in order to enhance the talent pool of individuals with the skills to work and be successful in the food processing industry,” said GCEDC Chairman Charlie Cook.

The training program is being funded by an Area Development grant obtained by the GCEDC from the National Fuel Gas Corporation with additional financial support from the Finger Lakes Food Cluster Initiative — funded by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration in the amount of $38,000 or 28 percent of the program.

In addition to receiving a non-credit certificate and certificates in Team Building and OSHA Safety in a Manufacturing Environment from Genesee Community College, participants will receive certificates in Lean Systems Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Rochester Institute of Technology) and Basic Dairy Science & Sanitation Certificate (Cornell University).

“Our goal is to increase the 78 applications we received for the first class and we were encouraged that we received so many applications from outside of Genesee County,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “It shows that the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park is a regional economic asset and that people are willing to travel for good jobs.”

An officer from the Sheriff's Department was dispatched to a residence on Maple Avenue in Bergen in an effort to resolve a problem with a belligerent woodchuck.

It attacked the family dog and has taken up residence in a sandbox on the property.

For now, the critter has moved along. But it likes the sandbox and may return.

A barn fire was reported at 9697 Harper Road in Darien, at Lamb Farms, but now "most of the hay is pushed out of the barn" and the fire appears to be out. Darien Fire Department is responding.

"It's the rear old barn to the west," according to a Sheriff's deputy on scene.

Cows are out of the barn but have been mostly "pushed into a field," though they are making sure they are all accounted for.

UPDATE 10:42 a.m.: Fire command cancels mutual aid from Alexander and holds the Darien assignment to the single unit at the scene.

UPDATE 10:53 a.m.: The fire is confirmed to be out. Darien is back in service.

It's an ambitious plan, one that takes in 366 acres in the heart of Batavia and targets at least five major areas for redevelopment, and it got a some favorable responses at a special public meeting Monday night.

"There have been a lot of plans done over the past 15 years and they have been shelved," said local businesswoman Mary Valle. "Now, we are ready to move forward. There are a lot of exciting things going on in the county and the city. I do believe the people are ready to support it and more forward."

Perhaps the most dramatic redevelopment proposal involves knocking down part of the downtown mall and extending Jackson Street north to Alva Place.

The plan would open up some of the mall concourse, improve parking and traffic circulation and improve development potential in the area, officials said.

An artist's rendering shows a new three-story, L-shaped building at the corner of the extended Jackson Street and Main as well as a new three-story building on the east side of the new Jackson Street, next to the existing Bank of Castile building.

"I like the idea that we are doing something," said Councilman Pier Cipollone. "I would prefer to see more retail come into the mall. I really like the idea of opening up the concourse.I would actually like to see the entire concourse opened up and create an open area walkway. I understand the notion of an indoor winter area, but I still thik it would make more sense to just open it up and give all those businesses access from the outside."

The plan also calls for redevelopment in and around the Della Penna building on Ellicott Street, to stretch down Evans toward Mill Street and along the railroad tracks almost to Jackson Street.

Included in what's known as the Batavia Opportunity Area is the Harvester Center -- which has already undergone some redevelopment with the Masse Place project -- and what the plan calls the medical corridor, which is the area east of Bank Street.

The plan builds on Batavia Central Corridor Urban Design, Marketing and Development Plan completed in 2006 and the recently completed Community Improvement Plan.

The planning phase is covered under a $260,000 state grant, the Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program.

The presentation, with artist renderings, is supposed to be posted on the Batavia Opportunity Area Web site some time this morning.

Story via The Batavian's official news partner, WBTA.

New York Times: Smart, Social and Erratic in Captivity