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Sponsored Post: Oakfield Fitness expands to include cross-training room

By Press Release

Oakfield Fitness and Cross-Training Center has expanded to include a fully appointed cross-training room with dumbbells, squat racks, wall balls, ropes, step-up boxes and other training devices.

There is an experienced cross-trainer providing assistance and training Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 to 8 a.m.

The gym is fully equipped with a weight room including dumbbells, free weights and universal machines and a cardio area with treadmills, bikes and rowing machines.

The monthly fee for the weight room and cardio area is $30. To use the cross-training room is an additional $30 a month (total, $60 a month).

There's no sign-up fee.

The gym is open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information and to inquire about a membership, visit OakfieldFitness.com, or call (585) 948-8000.

Photos: Foot patrol on Maple Street

By Howard B. Owens

Det. Todd Crossett, working patrol today, takes a shot with a basketball while on foot patrol this evening on Maple Street.

Batavia PD officers have been doing a few neighborhood foot patrols this summer.

With Crossett are Jzon Richardson, left, and Santiago Deluna.

Stafford's big yellow barn collapses on a mildly windy day

By Howard B. Owens

One of Genesee County's grandest of the old barns collapsed today.

A good portion of the yellow barn next to the Stafford Fire Hall on Main Road, Stafford, simply gave way about 1:45 p.m.

Stafford Fire Chief Bill Plaisted said residents heard a lot of creaking coming from the old barn -- probably built in the 1830s -- all this morning.

Firefighters used a thermal-imaging camera to ensure nobody was trapped in the structure.

Plaisted said the barn was likely headed for demolition soon anyway. The owner wanted to donate it to the department for a controlled burn for firefighting practice, but Plaisted said before that could happen, workers would have been required to remove the shingles from the roof.

"Looking at it now, that wouldn't have been safe," Plaisted said.

He also recalled a local resident telling him how years ago there was a basketball court on the second floor. From the second floor to the ceiling, it was so high, he said, that nobody could throw a ball from the floor up into the rafters. That's how big the barn was.

In April 2010, I took a photo of the barn (bottom photo in this post) that proved pretty popular. UMMC purchased a large canvas print of the photograph to hang in its new surgical wing (the print has since been moved to another part of the hospital). To view a larger online version (or to purchase a print of the picture, click here).

Photos: Indian Falls United Methodist Church Community Days

By Luke Cullinan

Today the Indian Falls United Methodist Church held its annual Community Days -- Blueberry festival. The festival featured a car/tractor show. There were complimentary hot dogs, baked goods and other items for sale by the churches members. 

At 4, the church held a kids peddle kart race for children of all ages to come out and race each other. 

At 5, the church hosted a lawnmower race that was open to everyone to come out to and race. 

The Indian Falls Fire Company also attended community days, bringing along two trucks with them. 

'Reach Out for Robbie' benefits Oakfield boy with severe medical problems, donations needed

By Billie Owens

A 10-year-old Oakfield boy with dire medical needs and his family will be the beneficiaries of a benefit next Saturday at Elroy D. Parkins Memorial Town Park. The public is encouraged to attend. The park is located at 37 Drake St. in Oakfield.

"Reach Out for Robbie" will feature entertainment, face painting, food, games, a yard sale, theme basket raffle and a raffle of others items, including gift certificates for goods and services. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 10.

Robbie Burdick suffers from severe scoliolis -- curvature of the spine -- as well as Larsen Syndrome. He uses a ventilator with trach and a feeding tube. His scoliosis has worsened this year, increasing the painful pressure on his chest wall.

Money raised at the event will help pay for medical equipment not covered by Medicaid, the family's travel expenses to and from the hospital, including parking fees and meals.

Themed gift basket donations would be greatly appreciated, along with items to raffle, gift certificates and gently used items for the yard sale.

For more information and/or to arrange for pick up of donations, contact:

  • Heidi -- 815-3947 -- for Financial Contributions
  • Teri -- 813-4669 -- for Raffle Items/Baskets
  • Pam -- 356-6505 -- Yard Sale Donations

To mail a donation, send to:

Robert J. Burdick

Supplemental Needs Trust

c/o Heidi Burdick

56 N. Pearl St.

Oakfield, NY 14125

Woman allegedly striking child in Walmart parking lot prompts 9-1-1 call

By Billie Owens

A caller reports possible child abuse at Walmart and Sheriff's deputies are responding. A woman was allegedly in the parking lot striking a child.

UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: They left in a gray Dodge Caravan and officers have it stopped in front of a nearby pizzeria.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: The van's occupants and the 7-year-old are on their way now after speaking with law enforcement. This was apparently a case of "grandparents trying to control their out-of-control grandchild," said an officer. No report was taken.

Photos: Elba Boosters build new concession stand

By Howard B. Owens

Volunteers with the Elba Boosters began construction today on a new concession stand adjacent the Lancers' football field.

Above, John McCulley and Kevin Bezon working on a portion of the back wall.

Jeff Singer

John McCulley

Barn collapses just west of fire hall in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A barn reportedly collapsed behind the Stafford Fire Hall. The caller does not believe anyone was inside, but a person was seen running from the barn. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

It's believed to be on property of the Kemp Family Trust Homestead, west of the hall.

"There's all sorts of activity at your fire hall and people running around so use caution," says the dispatcher.

No injuries are reported.

Sports show taping at City Slickers on Monday with up to 30 Buffalo Bills players attending

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Monday night, City Slickers will be the place to be. Several Buffalo Bills players will be in Batavia at the restaurant for a live filming for Sports Q Television, a Buffalo-based company. The event which starts at 9:30 p.m. will feature two DJs, and up to 30 Buffalo Bills players that will be arriving shortly after in a limousine, courtesy of Mancuso Limousine (sponsor). The filming will take place on the stage and will be open to the public to enjoy and watch, and will be followed up with an after party.

The names of the players can't be released because of contractual arrangments.

"There will be even more guys coming out. Some of them we can't announce until they show up, others we are just waiting on confirmation," said event coordinator Tim Walton. "We have invited the whole team, so anyone can show."

City Slickers is no stranger to hosting the Buffalo Bills. Walton has recently put on events that included Buffalo Bills players Stevie Johnson, Aaron Williams, Kelvin Sheppard, TJ Heath and Crezdon Butler. The Bills will be traveling from St. John Fisher College, where they have been staying for training camp. They have Tuesday off due to the PGA Tour.

This event is 18+ with proper ID and will run from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear Buffalo Bills gear and to come out for dinner before.

The restaurant, which is not usually open on Mondays will be opening at 4 p.m. and offering a full dinner menu. 

For more info you can visit the event at Facebook.com/CitySlickersBar   (https://www.facebook.com/events/185226108319418/)

Sponsored Post: High Voltage Tattoo has added an additional tattoo booth and another artist

By Lisa Ace

High Voltage Tattoo has added an additional tattoo booth and another artist.

In response to increasing business, we at High Voltage Tattoo and Piercing have added another tattoo booth and hired another artist. For most of 2013 all of the tattoo artists at the shop have been booked in advance with appointments, so we have rarely been able to accommodate walk-ins. Hopefully with an additional new workspace and another tattoo artist, we will be able to get more walk-ins into a chair.

Jeremy is the latest artist to join the High Voltage crew. Jeremy tattooed in Buffalo for six years and has recently moved to Batavia. We now have five people working full time to better meet the needs of our customers.

High Voltage Tattoo is Genesee County's longest established tattoo and piercing shop. We blend old-school values with modern safety standards. Our tattoo artists create custom artwork, coverups or they can bring your own sketches to life. Our studio is a sanctuary of creative self-expression and we uphold a zero-attitude policy. Each client is treated with integrity and respect.

We are open 7 days a week, so stop in for a new tattoo or piercing or call (585) 201-1127 to book an appointment. Visit us online: http://www.hvolttattoo.com/

ATV rider remains hospitalized after spending eight hours in ditch with broken legs

By Howard B. Owens

An ATV rider with two broken legs who spent at least eight hours lying in a ditch by the side of Meadville Road, Basom, before being found by another person remains hospitalized.

Arlyn L. Jonathan, 34, of Shanks Road, Alabama, was reportedly driving an ATV on Meadeville Road at 1 a.m., Thursday, when he lost control and went off the roadway.

As the ATV flipped over, Jonathan was ejected and struck a tree. His ATV struck another tree.

He apparently had no means of communication and wasn't found until about 8 a.m.

Alabama Fire Department respond to the scene and Jonathan was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

A hospital staff member said Jonathan remains hospitalized but his condition is not listed on his records.

Deputy Lonnie Nati investigated the accident and reported the cause as "unsafe speed." He did not report any citations being issued.

Vehicle rolls over multiple times on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A vehicle reportedly rolled over multiple times on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 388. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Mercy Flight is put on standby.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: The chief said everyone's out of the vehicle, which went off the right shoulder, and they are being treated by medics on scene. The assignment is held to Engine #24. The Thruway accident is not far from the college.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: The town is back in service.

Law and Order: Three petit larceny arrests reported

By Howard B. Owens

Christopher Paul Hoffman, 28, of Route 78, Java Center, is charged with petit larceny. Hoffman allegedly stole $34.93 in merchandise from Kmart.

Rachelle K. Mandigo, 42, of Holley, is charged with petit larceny. Mandigo was arrested by State Police on Wednesday for an alleged incident reported July 26 in the Town of Batavia. No further details released.

Michael C. Hill, 22, of Pike, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hill was arrested Wednesday for an alleged incident at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further details released.

Jessica Mae Pfenninger, 31, of Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine on a reckless endangerment, 2nd, charge.

Photos: First GLOW Corporate Cup 5K race

By Howard B. Owens

Some 500 people participated in the first ever GLOW Corporate Cup 5K race, which started and ended in Centennial Park this evening.

Brandon Reaert, of Oakfield, won the race with a time of 17:43.

Runners signed up in teams from companies throughout the GLOW region.

Once the race was over, participates hung out in Centennial Park for After GLOW, the "largest office party" ever, at least locally. Companies were encouraged to set up their own tents and tables and enjoy live music.

Photos: Grand Opening of Insource Urgent Care

By Howard B. Owens

Insource Urgent Care, the revolutionary health care provider that chose Batavia for the first location for its new chain of clinics, held its official grand opening today.

The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Insource President Mark Celmer, center, Dr. Magdi Credi and VP of Operations Melissa Marsocci.

Local company demonstrates field drainage system to help farmers grow more corn

By Howard B. Owens

The high price of corn the past few years has local farmers trying to figure out how to increase their yields, according to Drew Klotzbach, owner of Alleghany Farm Services, and one way is to improve the drainage of the field.

The better the draining, especially in wet years such as this one, the more corn that will grow.

One of the specialties of Klotzbach's company is installing drainage tiles and he said he's seen an increase in demand locally in recent years.

"It's just a way to improve production," Klotzbach said. "They've got to improve the land. They're not making more land, so ..."

Klotzbach hosted an open house today for interested parties on a farm field next to his business lot on Route 77 in Alabama. Along with his son and employees, he demonstrated his GPS-guided trenching and tile-laying machines.

"It's all about getting the water off the ground faster," Klotzbach said.

The tiles -- more like hoses these days -- are perforated and collect water and drain it off into retention ponds.

"In dry years, it will even help bring up water from the bottom," Klotzbach said.

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