It's not often you see cactus growing in somebody's front yard in Western New York, but Ellicott Street resident Frank Belluuci has two potted beaver-tail cactus plants that are in bloom with gorgeous yellow flowers. 

The variety, he said, is known as "Yellow Rose of Texas." 

While Frank's cactus are potted and can be stored indoors during the winter -- I have seen, and he's seen, the same variety of cactus growing outside in WNY.

The flowers should produce an edible fruit, but the growing season here isn't long enough.

This sign is in the door of the former Salsa & Curry location on Jackson Street, Batavia.

The owners are not ready to discuss their plans, but as you can see, they're getting ready to open a frozen yogurt bar, hopefully by the end of the month. Workers were busy today installing the counter. 

You can follow the progress on the new shop's Facebook page.

One of Batavia's most accomplished boxers from the 1930s passed away last week -- Salvatore V. “Sam” Cintorino, who won five Golden Glove titles as a lightweight fighting as Sammy Devine.

Cintorino was the brother of Joseph Cintorino, who fought as Mickey Devine when he turned professional and became one of the biggest names in boxing to come out of Batavia.

The brothers were part of a vibrant boxing scene in Batavia in the 1930s when some 40 to 60 young men trained locally and fought all over WNY, even nationwide.

The 96-year-old Sam Cintorino was born Nov. 8, 1916 in Brooklyn to parents who immigrated from Italy. Soon after, the family moved to Batavia.

As Sammy Devine, Cintorino is a member of the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame.

For his full obituary, click here.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for a discount on one private yoga session, a $60 retail value. We have a $20-off gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Sweet Pea’s Cupcakery Café, 23 Jackson St., Batavia, NY. We are a full-service Cupcake Bakery and Café. Now serving soft-serve ice cream! We offer a variety of baked goods, mainly varieties of specialty and traditional scratch-made cupcakes, as well as other bakery items such as cookies and brownies. We also serve a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages. Check out our location, or place an order for parties, gatherings or any other reasons you can think of to enjoy some cupcakes. We have a $10 gift card for $6.

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa, 99 Main St., Batavia, NY: offers "Affordable Luxury" in downtown Batavia. We pride ourselves in the great customer service we give to the entire family. Men, women and children are all welcome either by appointment or walk-in. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, facials, leg and back waxing, Shellac Polish System, manicures and pedicures. We are the only salon in Batavia that has an airplane chair for kids' cuts! Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Daphne's Restaurant, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Andy’s Pizzeria, 4434 Ford Road, Elba, NY: We have been in business over 30 years and offer pizza, subs and wings. Our Everyday Special: Large cheese plus 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and a 2-liter Pepsi -- Only $29 (tax included). Other places tell YOU how great their food is…. At Andy’s: WE LET OUR CUSTOMERS DO THAT FOR US! Phone is 757-6699. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or workplace, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

Copper wire from an irrigation pivot was stolen in Stafford earlier this month and the Sheriff's Office is looking for tips that might lead to identifying the person or persons involved.

The wire disappeared from the pivot some time between July 8 and Tuesday from a farm field off of Nilesville Road that is owned by Torrey Farms.

An underground well pump was damaged causing $2,500 damage.

Investigator Roger Stone is handling the case and can be reached at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3570.

The Sheriff's Office is also asking that residents who observe suspicious vehicles near irrigation equipment to contact dispatchers immediately at (585) 343-5000.

There were 100 fewer jobs in Genesee County for June compared to June 2012, but the month-over-month number looked much, much better.

According to NYS Labor Department statistics just released, Genesee County gained 600 jobs from May to June, going from 23,300 non-farm jobs to 23,900 non-farm jobs.

There were 24,000 jobs reported in June 2012.

The county's unemployment numbers are not yet available, but the state's unemployment rate fell to 7.5 percent, the lowest it's been since early 2009 and lower than the national rate of 7.6 percent.

This morning, a deputy talking with dispatch said, "It's as hot as Texas." The dispatcher agreed, and now so does the National Weather Service.

A heat advisory is effect from now until 8 p.m.

The heat index values are expected to climb to 100 to 104.

Exposure to high temperatures can be a health risk, especially for young children and the elderly.

From the advisory:

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE...RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK...THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY - CALL 9 1 1.

Remember, don't leave your dogs in parked cars. Somebody will call it in and The Batavian will report it.

Even leaving a dog outside in this heat is extremely dangerous. Yesterday in Erie County, a dog died some time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., even though the owner had left it with water.

Of 61 criminal counts lodged against Brandi Watts, the former court clerk in the Village of Corfu, 53 of them deal with allegedly filing false time cards exaggerating the number of hours she worked.

Watts and her father, Robert Alexander, former justice in the village and a current justice in the Town of Pembroke, were arraigned on criminal charges yesterday following an 18-month State Police investigation into alleged missing funds from the court.

A state comptroller's audit and uncovered the potential of as much as $10,000 being diverted from the court treasury.

The Batavian obtained a copy of the 42-page indictment this morning from Donald O'Geen, district attorney in Wyoming County, who is acting as a special prosecutor on this case.

Watts is also charged with two counts of grand larcen,y 3rd, and one count of grand larceny, 4th.

In the indictment, she is accused of stealing $8,819 between 2009 and 2011, and of stealing another $3,770 in that same time period. She is also accused of stealing $1,308 on June 7, 2011.

She is also accused of altering the files of six traffic citations, leading to six counts of tampering with public records in the first degree.

Alexander was also arraigned on two counts of coercion. The indictment contains no details on the specific acts that led to the charge, but accuses Alexander of using the power of his office as justice to induce fear to cause a person or persons to do something they might not otherwise do.

He's also charged with official misconduct, which accuses him of performing acts as a justice that he was not authorized to perform.

UPDATE: We've learned that the charges against Alexander stem from a harassment compliant lodged by current court clerk Pamela Yasses. At an Oct. 8 meeting of the trustees, Yasses said Alexander threatened her job and tried to intimidate her after she completed a financial audit of the court -- at his request -- that she said reached a conclusion similar to the comptroller's audit.

Yesterday's story: Former Village of Corfu court clerk charged with grand larceny

An employee of Sherwin-Williams is accused of participating in a June 1 burglary of the paint store at 16 Liberty St., Batavia.

Rebecca G. Morse, 21, of 130 Bank St., Batavia, is accused of supplying a key to others and receiving some of the stolen cash in return.

Morse is charged with burglary, 3rd.

Whomever actually broke into the store, smashed the front door with a rock. A safe was opened and money was stolen.

The investigation is ongoing and no other arrests have been announced.

The investigation was conduced by Officer Kevin DeFelice and Det. Charles Dudek.

Morse, who no longer works for Sherwin-Williams, was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Richard T. Fleig, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd. While a friend was setting up a target at a location on North Road, Le Roy, Fleig allegedly fired a pellet pistol down range. A pellet struck the friend's hand causing an injury.

Emily T. Cockman, 17, of East Main Road, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Cockman and a 14-year-old are accused of stealing $35.07 in merchandise from Walmart.

Wall Street Journal: Global Survey Finds Economic Shifts are Changing Perceptions of the Two Nations

It was a sparsely attended parade today at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. It could have been the heat, or it could have been the fact that new state DOT regulations forced organizers to keep the parade entirely on fairgrounds property rather than the traditional route that starts on Route 5. There was also the fact that several fire companies that usually participate were tied up in Corfu for the fire at Ed Arnold's scrap yard.

Here are the highlights of tomorrow's events:

• 5 to 10 p.m. -- Rides by Mainevent Amusements
• 6 p.m. -- Raceway 5 Stock Car Racing
• 7 p.m. -- 4-H Livestock Auction
• 8 p.m. -- Patrick Johnson - Elvis impersonator
• 8 p.m. -- Karaoke Finals

The slide show contains yesterday's fair photos as well.

A one-car accident is reported at South Spruce and Main streets in the city of Batavia. The vehicle struck a tree and is within 15 feet of a residence. City firefighters are responding along with Mercy medics. Batavia PD are on scene to help with traffic control.

UPDATE 11:20 p.m. (by Howard): Police say the driver of the car was eastbound on East Main Street when for an unknown reason, her car left the roadway and struck the curb and then drove across the front lawn of 534 E. Main St., and through the side yard on the east side of the house. The car went through the back yard and then turned northbound in the side yard on the South Spruce-side of the house. It then struck a tree and caught on fire. Both occupants were out of the car when police arrived. The driver was transported to UMMC with complaints of neck and back pain. The male passenger was unhurt. Nobody else was hurt. Police say the investigation is continuing and it's unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Top photo: Sparks and water fly as city firefighters use a radial saw to cut the hood off the car.  Second photo: Firefighters inspect the engine compartment after removing the hood. Third photo: A bike with a bent front tire that police said was ejected from the trunk of the car when the car struck the tree.

The cause of a fire at Ed Arnold Scrap Metal Processors this afternoon remains under investigation.

The fire is out at this point, but fire crews remain on scene putting out hot spots.

East Pembroke Fire responded with mutual aid from Corfu, Alabama, Darien, Alexander, Pembroke, Indian Falls and the Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: Fifteen agencies responded to the blaze. East Pembroke, Pembroke/Indian Falls, Alabama, Alexander, Town of Batavia, Corfu, Darien fought the fire. Crews were on stand by from Elba, Crittendon, Alden, Akron and Attica. Plus, Mercy EMS helped along with Genesee County Emergency Management Office and Wyoming County Correctional Facility.

In addition, The Salvation Army provided cold drinking water.

The former court clerk for the Village of Corfu has been indicted on two counts of grand larceny stemming from an investigation by State Police into missing court funds that originally were uncovered by a state comptroller's audit.

In all, Brandi Watts was charged with 53 counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, five counts of tampering with public records along with the two grand larceny, 3rd, counts and a count of grand larceny, 4th.

Her father, former village justice Robert Alexander was arraigned today in Genesee County Court on three misdemeanor counts of coercion (two counts) and official misconduct.

Watts was jailed on $10,000 bail and Alexander was released on his own recognizance.

The prosecution of the case is being handled by Donald O'Geen, district attorney for Wyoming County, to help avoid any potential conflicts of interest with the Genesee County District Attorney's Office. Attorneys from the DA's office would have prosecuted cases in Alexander's Corfu courtroom and still do prosecute cases in the Town of Pembroke courtroom.

O'Geen said his office has also overseen a criminal investigation involving Corfu mayor Ralph Peterson, but there has been insufficient evidence uncovered thus far to charge him with any crime. There have been allegations raised in Corfu that Peterson has tried interfering with the investigation into Watts and Alexander. O'Geen said the investigation remains open, but he indicated he doesn't expect to file charges based on available evidence.

MORE T/K

A car struck a pole then careened into a field at 3684 Lockport Road, near Fisher Road. Injuries are reported. Oakfield fire is responding, along with medics and a Sheriff's deputy.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: An 18-year-old male is being transported to UMMC and complains of right hand pain.

Press release:

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory which will be in effect until 6 p.m.

The heat index will be as high as 100 degrees.

If proper precautions are not taken, heat exhaustion and other heat-related symptoms could develop in those exposed to hot and humid conditions, with the young and the elderly most at risk.

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot termperatures and high humidity create a situation in which heat-related illnesses are possible.

Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in an air-conditioned room. Stay out of the sun. Checks on neighbors and relatives.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, OSHA recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency -- call 9-1-1.

A large pile of cars is on fire at Ed Arnold Scrap Processors at 2216 Angling Road in Corfu. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with an engine and tanker from Corfu.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Alabama Fire Department is called to respond mutual aid. Foam will be needed to fight the fire, which includes other debris such as "ground-up tires" and upholstery. An ambulance is called to provide aid to firefighters if need be.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: Darien, Alexander, Pembroke, Indian Falls and Town of Batavia are also called in, along with fire police to control traffic.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: All traffic is being shut down at Route 33 and Angling Road.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Fire is knocked down. Now doing overhaul.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: The roads are reopened.

A disabled container truck is completely blocking the northbound lane of Oak Street south of Richmond Avenue. It is also straddling the center line and partially blocking the southbound lane. Batavia PD is responding.

Press release:

A water main break occurred on Elm Street near Chase Park at approximately 7:30 a.m.  Crews are on site to begin repairs, and water service has been interrupted on Elm Street between East Avenue and Chase Park, and on Chase Park between Elm Street and Vine Street.

Residents in the immediate area may experience periods of discolored water as a result of this break, and should avoid activities such as laundry until water clarity returns to normal.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: Break repaired. Service restored.