The First Presbyterian Church in Batavia held their annual pancake breakfast this morning. As usual the Easter Bunny hopped on by to greet the children and pose for pictures.

Brian took pictures and made prints for the parrents.

Randy was the chef for the pancake feast.

Ben, Tommy, Melissa and Chelsea enjoy the breakfast.

Peyton gets her face painted.

Addison and Lilly color eggs. 

Stella picks a duck to win a prize.

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 7770 W. Bergen Road, "just south of the Bergen line." Injuries, if any, are minor. The driver is out and walking. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding.

An accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of Lockport and Lewiston roads. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding. State Troopers are on scene. One car smashed into a tree.

UPDATE 11:10 p.m.: Troopers report there are no injuries. Alabama fire is told to stand down.

Kirk Arnold Thomas Jr., 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and escape, 1st. Thomas was the subject of an investigation by Le Roy PD and the subject of a Town of Batavia Court warrant and was located by Batavia PD at Days Inn. At the time of his arrest he allegedly possessed a large quantity of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Peter John Olander, 41, of Rochester Street, Bergen, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Olander was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the Village of Bergen. Olander allegedly failed to comply with numerous lawful orders and/or warnings from deputies and physically resisted arrest when they attempted to place him in custody. Olander was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Christopher M. Colantonio, 35, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Colantonio was arrested as a result of an investigation in April 2014 into a complaint of stolen, forged and cashed checks. Colantonio is also charged with criminal sale of a firearm, 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th. The charges stem from a criminal complaint in November 2013 in which a family member reported a gun was stolen and sold.

Bryon Gilbert Keller, 20, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Keller was allegedly involved in an altercation with a family member, which was also a violation of a court order. Keller was jailed on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond.

Samantha Jean Glendhill, 24, of Chapel Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with petit larceny and possession of burglar tools. Glendhill is accused of shoplifting from Kmart and using a bag to conceal the stolen items.

A 17-year-old resident of York Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly struck another person during an argument.

Erick Antonio Castaneda, 18, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Castaneda is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's.

Holland Land Office Museum is hosting its 10th Annual Batavia Antique Show & Sale at Batavia Downs.

The event continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..

From The Batavian's news partner, WBTA:

Batavia City School District is looking at a reduction in their budget in comparison to last year’s. Benefit costs to retirement systems have decreased, allowing the school to save money in those areas.

Business Manager Scott Rozanski says the school is changing their philosophy on savings since their current reserve is expiring.

"The board has authorized the creation of a new capital reserve and has set the level at a 10-year reserve for $7.5 million. That's the maximum amount of money that can go into it. It's not how much it's going to be funded or funded initially. It will be funded through surplus or future-year budgetary appropriations," says Rozanski.

If the school has a surplus of money, it will be stored in the fund.

Rozanski says the board wants a flat tax levy.

In terms of administration, the school does not anticipate any major changes outside of three expiring board seats.

The budget vote will occur May 19th.

Press release:

There will be emergency roadwork between exit 48A (Pembroke – Medina – NY Route 77) and exit 48 (Batavia – NY Route 98) on I-90 eastbound the Thruway Authority announced today.

Work is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, continuing through Monday, March 23 at 6 a.m.

Isolated pavement repairs will be performed in both eastbound lanes. Motorists should expect single lane closures and a posted work zone speed limit of 45 mph.

In the event of inclement weather, work may be delayed or postponed.

Variable message boards (VMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR – 1630 AM) will provide updates for motorists about possible delays in the area.

The Thruway Authority appreciates motorists’ patience during this emergency work following a winter of bitter cold temperatures and extreme winter weather.

There was a big turnout for the Mexican-themed Family Night at Batavia Middle School, which featured a Mexican food feast (until the tacos ran out), crafts around Mexican themes, along with a raffle (prizes donated by local businesses) and community group booths and activities.

Tonight for the third year in a row the Batavia High School, National Honor Society sponsored a benefit "Going bald for Cancer"  All of the proceeds this evening went to Anna's Wish.  Mr. McKinney Pictured above (speaking far right) with his daughter Molly is the Founder and President of Anna's Wish.  

Scott Gillard (above) watching his daughter Tori Gillard, a 10th grade student at BHS (pictured below) getting her head shaved by Charlene Shultz from Total Image Salon.  Tori was the only girl who participated.  She raised $530.00 for the event.

National Honor Society Advisor Jillian Thomas spoke about the success of the money raised annually. For more information go to: http://www.annaswish.org/about/

Pictured below from left to right:

Sophmore Alex Snell, Teacher Nate Korzelius, Sophmore Tori Gillard, Sophmore Johnathan Currier, Sophmore Josh Franks, Senior Samir Jain, Teacher, President & Founder of Anna's Wish Jeff McKinney, Principal Scott Wilson

 For more photos go to: 

https://www.facebook.com/SteveOgnibenePhotography

They seem to have delayed their migaration as long as possible. Now, their biological clocks ticking, large flocks of Canada geese have begun to return  to their breeding grounds - even if the weather isn't fully cooperating. The problem? Presently there is  little open water to accommodate the thousands that have already arrived.

With a shortage of open water there's bound to be an occassional squabble.

Bottoms up!  The water is shallow enough for the Canada's to dabble for remnants of last autumn's corn.

Geese aren't the only waterfowl in search of open water. Note the barely visible Redhead in front of the Tundra swan.

Unlike the migratory species, whitetails have had to endure a long, hard winter. Until recently these cornstalk remains were buried beneath a thick snowpack. For deer, foraging for meals the past couple of months was a lot of work. 

Answer this question later today on the smartphone app Reacht for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate from Southside Deli. To download Reacht on your smartphone, click here

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has become a co-sponsor on legislation, Assembly Bill 06256, that will ease the financial burden placed on farmers. The bill would forgo the requirement that farmers who employ aliens admitted to the United States to perform farm labor pay unemployment insurance for such workers. Under state law, alien laborers are not eligible for unemployment insurance, so there is no need for employers to pay into the unemployment insurance fund.

“I have introduced this legislation with Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Madison County), current Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, after meeting with Farm Bureau representatives from my district,” Hawley said. “As the former owner of Hawley Farms, I know firsthand how hard farmers work for their profits and that sustainability of their business is not guaranteed year to year. This is common-sense legislation that will correct a glaring deficiency in the labor law that mandates farmers pay unemployment insurance for workers who are ineligible. My district contains many farm operations and I will do everything I can to help them keep more of their profits.”

Bus shelters to protect children from the elements are common sites on rural roads in this part of the country, but how many have you seen that are converted school buses?

The Stringham family on Transit road in East Bethany has such a shelter.

Previously: Photos: Dragon appears on Transit Road

It's Ag Literacy Week and farmers from throughout Genesee County are participating by going to their local schools and sharing about their careers and reading from a book picked especially for the occasion.

The book is "Weaving the Rainbow," by George Ella Lyon and Stephanie Anderson. The picture book is the story of a young woman who raises sheep, shears them, cleans, cards, spins and dyes the wool, using it to create works of woven art. The story is aimed at helping students make the connection between agriculture and its many uses and influences.

Above, Sharon Fuerch reads to a group of second-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School this morning.  

Below, Colleen Primm and her daughter Madelynn introduce a pair of their lambs to Byron-Bergen students.

The annual mock trial competition continued last night at the Wyoming County Courthouse, Warsaw. The winners advance to the next round.

In round one Batavia earned 63 points while Dansville scored 46. Pembroke came away with 47 points, narrowly beating Attica which ended with 46 points. 

Round two named Batavia the winner a second time with 52 points and Dansville earning 29. Attica was named the victor over Pembroke in round two – Attica earned 49 points, while Pembroke earned 41.

Total cumulative points for the winners:

• Attica – 307

• Batavia – 347

• Avon – 308

• Notre Dame – 302

Attica, Batavia, Avon and Notre Dame all advance to the semi-finals held March 23 at the Orleans County Courthouse. The finals will be held March 25 at the Genesee County Courthouse, Batavia.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Genesee and Orleans counties is accepting applications for Spring turkey hunting. The refuge uses a random drawing to fill the 75 turkey hunting permits available.

Hunters may apply for a permit for one of two season sessions. Session 1 runs from May 1 through May 15 and 50 permits will be issued for this session. Session 2 runs from May 16 through May 31 and 25 permits will be issued for this session.

To be entered in the drawing, interested hunters must obtain a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application form (Form 3-2356).Applications can be requested in person, by phone, mail or by e-mail at iroquois@fws.gov

A PDF version of the application form may also be printed from our Web site:

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois

Click on the link under “Visitor Activities." Applications, along with a $5 non-refundable processing fee, must be received by 4 p.m., March 31, 2015.

Please refer to our Turkey Hunting Fact Sheet, available at the refuge office or on our Web site, for additional information.

Please contact refuge staff at 585-948-5445, ext. 7036, for further information.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at 585/948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No.  1-800-877-8339.

Vandals destroyed this water fountain at Austin Park and city police were notified about it shortly before noon.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) issued the following statement after joining Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) and others in introducing the bipartisan Manufacturing Universities Act.

“As a small business owner who worked in manufacturing for over 35 years, I understand the difficulty in training and finding qualified manufacturing workers,” Congressman Collins said. “To expand manufacturing in Western New York, we need to have a workforce capable of filling these skilled jobs. I am proud to join Rep. Esty in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will provide partnering colleges and universities the resources necessary to equip their students with the skills needed to succeed in manufacturing.”

“I’m proud to join my friend and colleague Rep. Collins in introducing our bipartisan Manufacturing Universities Act,” Congresswoman Esty said. “Manufacturers provide good-paying jobs for our hard-working families, but manufacturers often struggle to find workers with the right skill sets. By providing additional support for manufacturing in engineering programs at colleges and universities, we can prepare the next generation of engineers for exciting — and in-demand — manufacturing jobs.”

“SUNY proudly supports the Manufacturing Universities Act of 2015 as it helps pave the way for the advancement of manufacturing efforts across the country,” SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said. “We thank Representative Collins and Representative Etsy for their leadership recognizing the valuable role public universities play in educating and training students for the 21st Century workforce.”

The bill would establish a Manufacturing Universities program within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. Colleges and universities with existing engineering programs would be eligible to apply for the Manufacturing University designation, which would: include up to $5 million annually for four years to improve engineering programs with an emphasis on manufacturing; increase the number of joint projects with manufacturing firms; and support students who participate in cooperative education and apprenticeships with manufacturers.

The Manufacturing Universities Act has been referred to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The bill is bipartisan and bicameral. The other House cosponsors are Reps. Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Rodney Davis (R-IL), and Mike Thompson (D-CA). The companion bill in the Senate was introduced by Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).