Not only was Michael C. Kraatz hauled off to jail today in handcuffs, his car was impounded as well as part of a Batavia PD investigation into a Sunday morning strong-arm robbery of the 7-11 store on East Main Street.

Kraatz is charged with robbery, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, and resisting arrest. He was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance.

The 34-year-old Batavia resident is accused of entering the 7-11 at 4:04 a.m., Sunday, grabbing a clerk and demanding money.

The suspect fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

When asked about the robbery this morning, Chief Shawn Heubusch characterized the case as "a very active investigation."

Three hours after Heubusch made that statement, police were knocking on the door of a residence on North Spruce Street.

Officers reported over the radio that the suspect was fleeing -- Kraatz allegedly jumped out of a rear window -- and minutes later an officer reported that he was "15" (code for making an arrest) with the suspect in the parking lot behind the apartments at 20 N. Spruce St.

As part of the investigation, police identified a late model Mercedes Benz as a suspect vehicle, which may have helped lead them to Kraatz. The vehicle was impounded shortly after Kraatz was taken into custody.

The Sheriff's Office and State Police, along with Genesee County Jail personnel, assisted in the investigation and apprehension of Kraatz.

Investigating the case from Batavia PD were: officers Arick Perkins and Matt Lutey; detectives Paul Caffo, Kevin Czora and Charles Dudek; Det. Sgt. Pat Corona, Todd Crossett and Sgt. Dan Coffey.

In New York, a person is guilty of fourth-degree grand larceny when the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,000.

CLARIFICATION and UPDATE: While one subdivision of grand larceny 4th states a theft of property worth $1,000 or more, there's also a subdivision that covers the alleged use of extortion and the threat of physical harm during the course of the theft.  That is why Kraatz was charged with grand larceny 4th.  However, it turns out, that the same set of circumstances can also lead to a charge of grand larceny 2nd and the charge against Kraatz are scheduled to be upgraded today to grand larceny 2nd.

Previously: Police nab suspect in robbery of 7-11

Press release:

Petty, party-line politics have halted business in Washington D.C., leaving many Americans with a distrust and disinterest in government at all levels. It is truly disheartening to see such issues casting a pall on the institution of public service, and it will take time to rebuild the trust that is eroding as we speak. There is an aspect of the federal government shutdown where no time can be wasted, however: the reopening of the monuments and memorials dedicated to the honorable men and women who have sacrificed for our country.

Over the last six years, I have had the honor of leading an annual Patriot Trip with local veterans to Washington, D.C., visiting the sites and venues dedicated to their service. Throughout the course of the trip, more than 650 veterans and family members have embarked on this emotional journey, which has featured many of the monuments and memorials currently shut down due to gridlock within the federal government. This year’s trip included veterans from the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War eras who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom and way of life. I cannot imagine showing up with my bus full of veterans and having to tell them their government would not allow them to experience the structures specifically meant to recognize their personal sacrifice.

The mere fact that open-air venues would be closed off to the public illustrates just how far the government has gone astray. While departments, employees and entities have been deemed “non-essential” and had their operations put on hold, it’s actually taking effort to keep veterans away from these destinations. Conversely, the groups of veterans who have broken through the barricades at the World War II memorial show the indomitable spirit of our servicemen and women. As always, these veterans have shown that strength in one’s convictions and a willingness to let actions speak louder than words will always win the day. This is a lesson from which many of the people responsible for the government shutdown could stand to learn.

As Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, I understand that government must step up to the plate to recognize and honor the sacrifice made by our courageous heroes. If government can’t get that right, then I can’t blame the American public for being disheartened. I urge the National Park Service to right this wrong and reopen these monuments and memorials at once, not only to honor our veterans, but to show that government is capable of fulfilling its most basic and essential duties.

When Karen Reisdorf began meditating 15 years ago. The local yoga instructor studied Transcendental Meditation (TM) with a teacher from Rochester but found the process lacking, particularly the follow-up and sense of community. “There was no support,” she said, “I felt like I’d been left to figure out the rest on my own,” until she met Michael DeFrancisco and experienced his Blessing Meditation technique. Now the Batavia resident and owner of Blue Pearl Yoga is collaborating with DeFrancisco to bring “Blessing Meditation” to Western New York in a series of skype workshops in October and an in-person visit in November.

Meditation can be found throughout history. In fact, some of the earliest written records of meditation date to around 3000 BC while cave paintings depicting meditative rituals go back as far as 15,000 years ago. It became a phenomenon that caught the eye of Westerners in the mid-1960’s when The Beatles traveled to India to study with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (Fun Fact: DeFrancisco studied with the Maharishi Mahesh for six months in 1975.) While meditation became the darling of rock-n-roll royalty and movie stars, it felt largely unavailable to the rest of us. “Many meditation programs require some sort intellectual understanding or academic background,” says DeFrancisco. And he should know. He’s taught nearly 30,000 people to find their bliss for 38 years – first at a meditation center in Philadelphia, PA and later as a private teacher in LaJolla, CA.  Because standard meditation techniques, as well as some wellness methods like acupuncture, chiropractic, and special diets, do not teach any way to effortlessly access inner peace the results are often temporary. Blessing Meditation offers a simple approach to build a contemplative routine.

More after the jump (click on the headline):

The benefits of a consistent meditation practice are well documented. Studies suggest that those who spend as little as 20 minutes a day meditating can enjoy lower blood pressure, decreased stress, anxiety, and depression and improved cognitive function. The rub, according to DeFrancisco, is that “although our society is more technologically advanced than ever before, we’re stuck with the same old vulnerable psycho-emotional system.” Simply put, we might be able to give voice commands to our iPhones but our “fight-or-flight” mechanism has us positioned – emotionally anyway – squarely in the jungle. That guy that cut you off in traffic this morning? He might as well be a Wooly Mammoth and its dinnertime. “People are stressed and overwhelmed. They may have reached a high level of achievement but feel very little fulfillment.” Blessing Meditation can move us out of the 21st century jungle and into a state of inner peace that already exists, “we just need to uncover it,” he says.

Learning to meditate is easy. Easier, according to DeFrancisco, than Raja Yoga, which he began practicing in 1971. “It was difficult and required rigorous concentration.” By 1974 he jumped on the Transcendental Meditation movement that was sweeping the country and experienced immediate benefits. DeFrancisco’s brand of Blessing Meditation is “effortless and requires no concentration or difficult positions or postures. It’s not yoga and it’s not a religion,” he says. “In fact, I’ve taught priests and ministers.” Meditation is a practical tool that can be used in the daily routine to bring about spontaneous happiness. The benefits too are spontaneous…and cumulative. Many people report an increased sense of calm and relaxation that deepens as they continue their meditative practice. And, this technique is endlessly transportable. “It can be done anywhere,” says DeFrancisco. Indeed, he has taught, attended courses, or led workshops and retreats in Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina, Texas, Iowa, New York, Canada, India, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Students hail from such far-flung locales as Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Europe. And participants get an added bonus when they study with Michael – the support that Reisdorf was searching for is abundantly available; Monthly skype visits are organized at Blue Pearl Yoga where students gather to “check in” and fine-tune their practice. This personal component “is more than support,” Reisdorf says, “it creates a real sense of community.”

Blessing Meditation can most accurately be defined as a transfer of grace – a charming gift of the divine. Blessings are used in many cultures, from the ancient shamans of Siberia to First Nation medicine men and women. “My first experience with blessings occurred in 1992 with a spontaneous, innocent movement of my hands to my head and face,” DeFrancisco states. An inner vision – or God – moved my hands during meditation and suddenly the light of love - the light of God – descended on me in a magnificent display of blissful love that is impossible to capture and express in words.” DeFrancisco will regularly give blessings to the people he meditates with, either in person or during one of his popular skype sessions, prompting him to admit “technology is often a very good thing!” He considers his blessings “a charming gift from the divine that awakens the recipients own divine nature.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Blessing Meditation may register for a Skype workshop, “Everyday Meditation with Michael DeFrancisco” on October 10 at 1 p.m. at Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 East Main Street, Batavia or on October 19 at 7 p.m. at Harvester 56 Theatre, 56 Harvester Avenue, Batavia. He will be in Batavia at Blue Pearl Yoga on November 7 to meet with prospective students. Workshops are free but space is limited so pre-registration is strongly suggested. For additional information visit www.bp-yoga.com or call 585.230.5430.

Batavia police have apprehended a suspect in a Sunday morning robbery of the 7-11 convenience store on East Main Street (former Wilson Farms location).

The robbery occurred at 4:04 a.m. Sunday and investigators believe the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

After tracking down a series of leads, city police closed in on a residence on North Spruce Street late this morning. The suspect tried to flee but was captured after a brief foot chase. No further information is being released at this time.

Sarah Della Penna sent in this photo she took of a button buck in the Genesee County Park.

Melissa A. Williams, 43, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Williams is accused of shoplifting at Tops in Le Roy.

Jerry Lee Eleczko, 25, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operator, failure to keep right and driving without insurance. Eleczko was stopped at 1:15 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Karl Edward Vattes, 39, of Habgood Road, Black Creek, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and promoting prison contraband. Vattes was allegedly found in possession of suboxone while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail.

Richard Blaine Nichols IV, 19, of Townline Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Nichols is accused of stealing scrap metal from Batavia Driving Academy property.

Donald Eugene Campbell, 55, of Church Street, Dansville, is charged with petit larceny. Campbell is accused of stealing $24.98 in merchandise from Kmart.

Patrick John Coffey, 48, of Beck Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in no passing zone, uninspected motor vehicle and insufficient tail lights. Coffey was stopped at 1:38 a.m. Saturday on Chick Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Justin Virgil Easterbrook, 31, of Gray Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Easterbrook was stopped at 4:23 a.m. Saturday on Fisher Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Douglas G. Goodwin Jr., 22, of 130 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd. Goodwin is accused of pushing a woman out of a moving vehicle during an argument over property. The woman suffered an injury.

Patricia A. Dulmage, 19, of 20 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dulmage is accused of shoplifting at Dollar Tree.

Gerald E. Nicholson, 46, of 128 1/2 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Nicholson was arrested following an alleged domestic incident. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Joseph G. Sumeriski, 21, of Warsaw, and Justin M. Johnson, 23, no permenant address, are charged with petit larceny. Sumeriski and Johnson were arrested by State Police for an alleged crime reported at 7:07 p.m. Aug. 22 in the Town of Pavilion. No further details released.

Press release:

As the leaves begin to fall and gardens/ yards are cleaned, city residents are provided the opportunity to bring yard waste – “green” matter (i.e. grass, leaves, branches) to the yard waste station on Law Street. The yard waste station is open from April 15th till the beginning of December. This year the yard waste station is scheduled to close Saturday, Dec. 7 for the season. The normal hours of operation are Monday – Saturday, noon till 6 p.m. (April 15 – Oct. 19) and when the days get shorter we are open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. (Oct. 21 – Dec. 7).

Unfortunately we cannot accept other refuse such as garbage, fill or building materials.

In addition to the yard waste station, the City will begin citywide leaf collection on Oct. 28. Residents of most city streets can rake their leaves to the curbline on this date.

Residents of the following streets can rake to the parkway but do not place in the street; these streets are: Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main Street), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak and Walnut),Walnut Street Richmond Avenue (between Oak St and Prospect Avenue. If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

Leaf operations typically start with one crew on River Street moving east in areas south of Main Street and a second crew will begin on Grandview Terrace moving west north of Main Street. It takes about a week and half to go through the entire city. Leaf collection operations will end Nov. 27. Any resident with leaves after this date can bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION

• Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris. 
• Leaves should not block traffic.
• Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/ bicyclists/ pedestrians.
• Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding.  
• Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.  
• Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire.
• Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection.
• If it is snowing, we plow first.
• There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Christian Science Monitor: Are prayers before public meetings OK? Supreme Court to decide.

Batavia’s struggles in Monroe County League play continued as they fell to Eastridge on senior night, 38-14.

The Lancers got off to quick start after Batavia’s opening possession stalled after three plays, and Jametrius Lewis returned the Blue Devil punt 54 yards for a touchdown to go up 6-0 just a minute into the ballgame.

Batavia showed some signs of life though, taking the ensuing drive 57 yards on 12 plays and was capped off on a Greg Mruczek 1-yard quarterback keeper.

The Blue Devils also cashed in on a two-point conversion pass from Brandon Stevenson to James Cryer to take an 8 to 6 lead in the first quarter.

Eastridge would respond, however, going 73 yards on just five plays before freshman C.J. Turner darted 29 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Disaster would strike on Batavia’s next possession.

After another three-and-out, Eastridge recovered the ball at Batavia’s 16-yard line after the punt snap was too high to handle. The Lancers only needed two plays before Jay’Von Hampton scored on a 14-yard touchdown run to go up 18-8.

Batavia’s defense held strong in the second quarter as each team traded punts. The Blue Devils figured to have the Lancers pinned inside their own 10, but Lewis ripped off another big play. This time, he sprinted down the left sideline 92 yards for a backbreaking touchdown.

Bad luck continued for Head Coach Brennan Briggs’ squad as Mruczek was intercepted on the final play before halftime and Eastridge took a 24 to 8 lead into the locker room.

The Lancers would score on the opening drive of the second half, and then pick up another touchdown from Turner to put the game out of reach.

Senior Ryan Budlong made the most of his final home game for Batavia, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Batavia star Stevenson was held in check for most of the game, rushing for 38 yards and throwing for another 10. Mruczek went just 5-of-14 for 47 yards, two interceptions and was under duress for most of the night. Senior Nick Canzoneri ran for 48 yards and had another 27 receiving.

Turner went 4-of-5 passing for 61 yards and a touchdown for Eastridge (3-1).

Batavia falls to 1-4 on the season and will play at Greece Arcadia next Saturday. 

Other games on Friday and Saturday (added by Howard Owens):

Notre Dame (5-0) remains the only undefeated team in the Genesee Region after scoring all the points it would need in the first half to put away Pembroke 32-13. QB Tim McCulley continued his dominance over opposing defenses this season going 12-22 for 140 yards and two TDs. He also carried the ball 16 times for 65 yards and a TD. Andrew Mullen had seven carries for 56 yards and a TD. Charlie Hebert had four receptions for 75 yards and TD, and Josh Johnson had three catches for 35 yards and a TD. On defense, Tim Taylor at 7.5 tackles and a sack. Hebert, seven tackles, Joe Zickle 6.5 and Tyler Stroud 4.5. Hebert also had a sack. ND had 285 yards total offense to 162 for Pembroke.

Le Roy (5-0) also preserved his undefeated record trouncing Avon 34-17. QB Mike McMullen was an efficient 11-15 for 138 yards and three TDs. Ryan McQuillen hauled in four of those passes for 62 yards and a TD. Tom Kelso had a TD reception among this three catches for 58 yards. Nick Egeling also scored on a McMullen toss. Peter Privitera carried the ball 24 times for 89 yards. Kelso rushed for 70 yards and a TD on 11 carries. Leading the defense was Kody Lamkin with 11 tackles and one sack. Brandon Van Grol had five tackles. With four tackles apiece were Tom Kelso, Ryan McQuillan, Zack Fitzsimmons and Brian Hodges. 

Alexander's impressive 2013 campaign continued Saturday with a shutout victory over Holley, 42-0. The Trojans are now 4-1 on the season. Dylan Scharlau had 30 carries for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Nelso Burke was 9-for-15 passing for 157 yards and three TDs. Jake Riggs had four receptions for 62 yards and two TDs. Sam Browne gained 71 yards on four catches and scored a TD. Riggs and Browne also had two interceptions on defense. Tyler Laird led the defense with 14 tackles, including two for a loss.

It's been a few years since Oakfield-Alabama made it through the fifth week with a winning record, with but with Saturday's victory over Elba/Byron-Bergen, the Hornets are now 3-2 on the season. The Lancers drop to 2-3 with the 20-15 loss. Allen Chatt was 11-15 for 145 yards and a TD. Chris Nanni gained 58 yards on the ground and scored once. Chase Manzella had 10 tackles.

In week six: Wellsville (2-3, coming off two consecutive shutout victories) is at Le Roy, 7:30 p.m., Friday; Oakfield-Alabama is at Alexander, 7 p.m. Friday;  Holley is at Pembroke, 7 p.m., Friday; Notre Dame is at Finney, 1 p.m., Saturday; Attica is at Elba/BB, 1:30 p.m., Saturday; Batavia is at Greece-Arcadia, 2 p.m., Saturday.

A truck versus bicycle accident is reported at 8220 Prole Road Extension. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy Medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: Despite reports the bicyclist "flew through the air," the 20 40-year-old male suffered no loss of consciousness and he is alert, with some road rash injuries.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: A witness says the vehicle which struck the bicyclist is not a truck. It's a small red car, which left the scene, heading toward the city on Route 33. It is missing the passenger side mirror glass as a result of the impact.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: The right headlight may also be damaged.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: Stafford firefighters are back in service.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: The patient is being transported to UMMC for evaluation and treatment of abrasions on his elbow.

With this long stretch of summer-like weather, many people are jogging and walking in Batavia. Some are tripping over sidewalks that are uneven and bowed by ever expanding tree roots and others are not able to use them at all.

The sidewalk on the east side of Fairmont and Norris was one such case: It was cracked and buckled several inches, making it difficult to walk on for most people and impossible for Marguerite Badami to push her elderly, wheelchair-bound father across.

"My father is a longtime resident of the area and I take him for walks every day," Badami said. "I always have to push him in the street because there is just no way I can get his wheelchair over that huge bump on the sidewalk."

The city is responsible for repairs to sidewalks that are inoperable and uneven, those which present walking and tripping hazards. If they cannot be patched, then the concrete has to be removed, the roots ground down and new cement poured.

Peter Corbelli and his family live in the house adjacent to the same sidewalk. We interviewed him a few days before repairs began and he said couldn't understand why the city hadn't done anything about it.

"It was in bad shape when we moved here in 1998 and it just gets worse every year," Corbelli said.

We left a message with City Manager Jason Molino on Thursday about the sidewalk problem. On Friday, he said it was scheduled for repairs this fall and that they were taking care of it.

Later that day, residents of Fairmont and Norris informed us that city construction on the sidewalk finally began.

"The city spent $500,000 in the last five years on sidewalk fixes and we're making this a priority," Molino said. "We are attacking the areas that are used the most often, then working our way out. We are getting there slowly, but surely."

Although the city is making progress, this is an ongoing project. There are thousands of trees here and many of them are silver maples, which have aggressive root systems that can cause serious damage to sidewalks and power lines.

"Batavia spends $25,000 a year on tree removal and another $5,000 on planting different species of less invasive trees," Molino said.

Shane M. Bell is indicted for second-degree assault, a Class D felony. With intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, he is accused of causing such injury to such person or to a third person in the vicinity of the Harvester Bar on Aug. 25. It is located at 100 Harvester Ave. in the City of Batavia.

Shannon L. Bartz is indicted for third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. She is accused of stealing property having a value in excess of $3,000 between October 2012 and March 2013 at the Pizza Hut, located at 412 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. In count two of the indictment, she is accused of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. With the intent to defraud, she allegedly made, or caused to be made, false entries in the business records at Pizza Hut or she omitted true entries, in violation of duty. Her alleged intent to defraud included intent to commit another crime -- larceny or to conceal larceny.

Beth M. Overacker is indicted for aggravated driving while impaired by drugs, a Class E felony. On May 25 in the Town of Batavia, she is accused of driving a 2007 Chevrolet on R. Stephen Hawley Drive while her ability was allegedly impaired by drugs and while a child of age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of the same thing, while having a second child age 15 or less also in the car. In count three, she is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree for knowingly and unlawfully possessing Alprazolam on May 25.

Wilfredo Camacho is indicted for aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, while in the Town of Le Roy on Sept. 21, 2012. He is alleged to have driven a 1999 Ford on the Thruway while intoxicated and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, he is alleged to have had a BAC of .08  while a child age 15 or less was a passenger.

The Grand Jury for the July 2013 Term issued a no bill for Amanda T. Sterzick after it considered evidence relating to a possible charge of second-degree assault for incidents which occurred Aug. 9 in the City of Batavia.

Press release from the state Department of Transportation:

A portion of Route 77 in Darien will close next week for railroad repairs. Motorists should allow extra time to take an alternate route.

The Norfolk Southern Railroad will be working on a grade crossing on Route 77 for approximately one week beginning Monday, Oct. 7. The road will be closed between Route 20 and Route 354. Access to all driveways will be maintained. Local traffic will be permitted up to the work site. Through traffic will be prohibited.

A detour will be posted directing traffic to utilize Route 238. This work is being performed under permit by Norfolk Southern Railroad.

For real-time travel information, visit www.511ny.org

Press release:

Due to the Federal Government partial shutdown, the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District has temporarily been relocated to the Genesee County Park on Bethany Center Road in Bethany.

We are open for business, but do not have access to our regular staff e-mail, so you can use this e-mail address to contact us <genco.soil_waterconservation@yahoo.com> or call 344-1122.

A caller to dispatch reports an emaciated dog is outside of a residence on Walnut Street. City police are responding to the complaint.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: The officer tells dispatch "I'm familiar with this dog. It's certainly not emaciated. I'm leaving a contact card and I'll be clear (leaving)."

Photo courtesy of Alecia Kaus.

An armed robbery just occurred at Tops Market in Le Roy, located at 128 W. Main St. A black male wearing glasses, tan pants and black windbreaker allegedly displayed a handgun at the service desk, took an unknown amount of cash, then fled on foot toward the Sunoco Gas Station. Police on scene say no one matching that description could be found by the gas station. Six units are responding.

UPDATE 10:59 a.m.: "He ran east to the back of the 'pod mall,' came around front, then ran westbound from the pod mall," clarifies an officer. Another says "we haven't seen him to this point, it's likely he got into a vehicle." They are going to deploy a State Police helicopter, if available.

UPDATE 11:02 a.m.: The helicopter is going airborne. The Tops incident is a county-wide alert.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.:  The suspect is further described as a being in his 30s, wearing a black hoodie, black sunglasses, tan brown pants, and it is confirmed he did display a pistol to the cashier.

UPDATE 11:19 a.m.: The Le Roy schools were notified about the situation.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m.: Police have been informed of a possible suspect vehicle that was seen circling in the parking lot of the Napa Auto Parts store (7180 W. Main St.) around the time of the robbery. It's a white Mitsubishi Diamante-style mid-size sedan driven by a white male who had a black passenger. In another development, police say they've determined the last place the suspect fled on foot and will begin tracking from that juncture.

UPDATE 12:11 p.m.: Five minutes ago, the State Helicopter went back in service after scouring the area around Tops for the suspect without locating him. There is a K-9 Unit trying to track the suspect, although it sounds as if police believe he more likely got a ride.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: A white male and black male have been spotted by a caller to dispatch walking out of the woods off Route 19 and Lake Street near Bob Adams Automotive.

UPDATE 12:26 p.m.: The pair are said to be walking "westbound on the south branch of the railroad tracks."

UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: There's some confusion since the caller reported seeing them walking eastbound.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: Police caught up with the pair. Both men are white.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: State units are back in service. The investigation continues.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council announces a call for artists to submit work in all media on the theme “Oh, The Weather Outside Is…” for exhibit Nov. 4 through Dec. 17.

Submitted artwork will be displayed in three GO ART! Galleries, including: GO ART! Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia; Batavia Satellite Gallery, Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia; Medina Satellite Gallery, The Shirt Factory Café, 115 W. Center St., Medina. All galleries are equipped with the Walker Hanging System.

The exhibit invitation is open to all artists in all media. Both emerging and experienced artists are encouraged to submit for this unique exhibit. All artwork submitted must be winter-related or connected somehow to the theme, and two-dimensional work must be framed and ready for hanging. Three-dimensional work will only be displayed at GO ART!, Seymour Place, Batavia.

A maximum of five pieces may be submitted. Requested drop-off dates are Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29 and 30 at locations in Genesee and Orleans counties.

For more information, or to request the guidelines and submission form, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313, info@GOart.org or visit <http://www.GOart.org> to download the form.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recently named to the Farm Bureau’s 2013 Circle of Friends list, which recognizes members of the state legislature for their support of New York’s farming industry. The honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance, sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau supports, and opposition to policies that the organization has deemed harmful to farming.

“Farming is both the engine that drives our economy and an integral part of our way of life in Western New York,” Hawley said. “Providing our family farms with the support they need to stay competitive and prosperous in our global economy has been a top priority of mine throughout my time in the Assembly, and I remain committed to strengthening our proud, agricultural heritage. I have worked with the Farm Bureau on many critical issues over the years and I look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

Hawley is a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. He is a past president of the Farm Bureau and former owner and operator of Hawley Farms.

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center honored the years of service of more than 100 employees at its annual recognition dinner on Oct. 2 at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia. Employees were recognized for their years of employment at five-year milestones.

Aida Nogueira and Laurentina Rosa, both Environmental Services technicians, achieved the 45-year milestone. Pamela Boshart-Lynch RN BSN, director of Education, Healthy Living and Cardiac Rehab Services was honored for 40 years of dedicated service along with Elizabeth Brian of the Emergency Department and Judy Yager, RN of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit. Celebrating 35 years were Ann Arent and Julie Kelsey from Medical Records, Mary Bibler and Marie Lawrence of the Laboratory Department, and Pamela Kader of Environmental Services.

Honored for 30 years of service included Linda Buckel RN and Nancy Johnson RN, Emergency Department; Mary Gerych RN, Intensive Care Unit; Kathleen Green RN and Lori Hebdon RN, Obstetrics; Cheryl LoVerdi, Finance manager; Ed Nogueira, Facilities Management; and Susan Reed, Radiology.

Achieving 25 years were Donna Clark, Central Supply; Alanna Dailey RN and Debra Langford, Nursery; Lori Donley, 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit; Vicki Downs and Deborah Johnson, Supply Chain Management; Donna Keough RN, Ambulatory Surgery Unit; Hope Knapp and Todd Wilkes RN, Surgery; Mary Lama RN BSN, 3rd Floor Medical/ Surgical Unit Clinical Care Coordinator; Rebecca Schrader, Intensive Care Unit; Joann Shaffer, Medical Records; Peggy Stevens, Environmental Services; Anna Sunderland, Food Services; and Donna Weibel, Risk Management.


Those celebrating 20 years of service include Bonnie Bezon RN, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department; Sandra Boryczka, Laboratory; Chad Caccamise, Information Services; Louis Schrauger, Environmental Services; Susan Wlazlak, Human Resources; and Cindy Zarcone RN; 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit.

There were 32 employees who received recognition for five, 10 and 15 years of service. Each employee received dinner for themselves and a guest, flowers and a gift certificate. Employees with 25 years or more of service were honored individually by their manager and senior leader with a presentation highlighting their contributions.