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Mellow crowd for Dylan at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made during the Bob Dylan/Wilco/My Morning Jacket concert at Darien Lake on Thursday.

Conor B. Stebbins, 17, of Middle Cheshire Road, Canandaigua, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a switchblade knife and a small amount of marijuana.

Emily E. Chadwick, 19, of Zittel Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and Alprazolam.

The following people were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

24 names were redacted in June 2020.

The following people are accused of unlawful possession of marijuana and possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Six names were redacted in June 2020

The following people were cited for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Eight names were redacted in June 2020

Heat and wind predicted for this afternoon

By Howard B. Owens

The heat index is expected to reach 100 degrees again this afternoon, but there's also wind coming, and a possible thunderstorm, though the chance of severe whether is considered slight.

Heat and wind advisories are in effect from noon to 8 p.m.

Wind speeds are expected of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

After the wind, expect cooler temperatures.

Pomeranian on Brookville Road, Alexander, tied outside without water

By Billie Owens

A Pomeranian is reportedly tied outside to its doghouse on Brookville Road in Alexander and has no water, which is a dangerous condition in this hot weather -- 82 degrees wth a heat index of 87. An officer will be responding to check on its welfare.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: An animal control officer reports the dog is not outside at this time and it does have water.

Photos: Elvis at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens

After hamming it up with Tom Mazerbo during his performance Thursday at the Genesee County Fair, Elvis impersonator Patrick Johnson said, "I better not see that on the front page of the paper."

OK, it's not on the front page of the paper.

Mazerbo was quiet happy with the scarf he got from Elvis.

On auction night, 4H members learn whether hard work raising livestock will pay off

By Howard B. Owens

Auction night at the Genesee County Fair is a big night for 4H members. It's the night members find out whether a year of hard work raising lambs, hogs and steers is going to pay off, both in terms of ribbons and cash.

Bidders are a mix of local farmers, business leaders and vendors to farms who often pay higher than market prices to help reward the perhaps future farmers for their efforts.

The auction was conducted by William Kent, Inc.

Here is a collection of pictures from Thursday evening's auction.

Lauren Young prepares her steer for auction.

Taylor Ross with his prize-winning lamb.

Lukas Johnson

Moving cattle to and from the auction ring can get a little crowded.

Bidders are provided with a list of animals coming up for auction.

Winning bidders receive a blue ribbon and a photo of the animal they won with the 4H member who raised it. Winning bidders have the option of taking the animal or letting it go to commercial auction and paying only the difference between it's market value and what they actually bid.

A winning bidder.

Dylan Weber and his second-place hog.

Hudson Weber brings his hog to the auction ring.

A hog in line to enter the auction ring.

Two hogs resting after their turn in the auction ring.

Julian Duyssen waiting for his turn to enter the auction ring with his hog.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here. More photos from the auction in the slide show.

Justice Alexander removed from all pending court cases in Pembroke by order of state

By Howard B. Owens

The state's commission on judicial conduct has ordered that all cases assigned to Town of Pembroke Justice Alexander be reassigned to Justice David O'Connor.

Alexander, the former justice for the Village of Corfu, was indicted yesterday on three misdemeanor crimes, including coercion and official misconduct.

An e-mail was sent to officials in Corfu and Pembroke today informing them of the order.

The e-mail reads:

For your information, kindly find the attached administrative order AO/201/2013 signed by the Hon. A. Gail Prudenti reassigning all judicial matters currently pending before the Hon. Robert E. Alexander, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, to the Hon. David M. O'Connor, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, effective immediately, and direct that no further judicial matters be assigned to Justice Alexander until further order of the Chief Administrative Judge.

Thank you.

Kate Breen
Court Analyst
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge's Office
for Courts Outside New York City

The Batavian has not yet obtained the attachment cited in the e-mail.

Alexander is the father of Brandi Watts, the former court clerk in Corfu who is accused of stealing more than $10,000 in court funds and filing false documents.  Alexander was charged with crimes related to his alleged attempts to disprove there were missing court funds.

O'Connor is a justice in the Town of Pembroke Court and the Village of Corfu Court.

UPDATE: The attachment, the actual order, is short and to the point:

Pursuant to the authority vested in me, I hereby reassign all judicial matters currently
pending before the Hon. Robert E. Alexander, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, to the Hon. David M, O’Connor, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, effective immediately, and direct that no further judicial matters be assigned to Justice Alexander until further order of the Chief Administrative Judge.

It's signed by Judge A. Gail Prudenti.

Photo: Yellow Rose of Texas in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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.

1930s era Golden Gloves champ from Batavia passes

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Today's Deal: O'Lacy's, Bohn's, Oliver's, Adam Miller, Spirits, and more!

By Billie Owens

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 Spa99 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 stolen from irrigation pivot on farm field in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

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.

County's jobs number jumps from previous month, but still lags a year ago

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Weather service warns of another day of hot weather, caution advised

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Indictment contains 64 charges against former village justice and his daughter

By Howard B. Owens
Brandi Watts

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

Sherwin-Williams employee accused of assisting in burglary of store

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Law and Order: Man accused of recklessly using pellet gun

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Photos: Genesee County Fair Parade 2013

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Car crashes into tree near a house at South Spruce and Main streets in the city

By Billie Owens

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.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Part-Time Children's Library Clerk Haxton Memorial Public Library is seeking a Part-Time Children's Clerk 19 Hours a week $15.00/hr. Interested applicants please go to www.co.genesee.ny.us for an application or come to the library at 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. Any questions, please call at (585) 948-9900
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