A truck struck a natural gas pipeline and it is leaking at 6511 N. Lake Road, Bergen. Bergen firefighters are called to respond.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: Churchville is called to provide mutual aid. RG&E has been notified.

Press release:

Due to harsh drought conditions experienced by many of New York’s farmers, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties have been designated natural disaster areas and are eligible for assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

State officials will be conducting on-site assessments of the damage to local farms and working with Cornell University experts to devise recovery solutions.

“Farmers are the backbone of New York’s already excellent, diversified and growing agriculture sector,” Hawley said. “As the former owner and operator of our family farm for many years, I can personally attest to the determination of our famers to battle ever-changing weather and devastating floods and drought in Western New York.

"It is important to protect the livelihood of our producers and assist them when unforeseen circumstances threaten their prosperity. I am pleased the federal government is offering our famers this much needed assistance.”

Further information and a list of services available can be found here.

• Anthony Bateman, Genesee ARC (Batavia), custodial

​NYSID is a not-for-profit business with a mission of "Turning business opportunities into JOBS for New Yorkers with disabilities."

(Photo courtesy of RUS NY.)

Press release from RUS NY:

The race that so many have been working all summer for is finally here. Tonight (Sept. 7) at Batavia Downs, horses and riders will be competing to capture the title of champion of the New York Racing Under Saddle Fair Series. 

Racing under saddle (RUS), also known as Monte racing in Europe, is where trotters are raced with riders on their back rather than with a sulky behind them like you normally see at Batavia Downs. 

The RUS event is a non-wagering event that will be raced after race eight at about 8:50 p.m. This is the first time in the 70 history of Batavia Downs that racing under saddle will be conducted there. 

This marks the third year of the series, which included 12 races at nine fairs across the state and a race at Saratoga Raceway. Horses earned points during the series to determine final entries.

In order to be eligible for the final, horses needed to compete and finish in any two races. Fifteen horses participated in the series with nine qualifying to race in the final. This year’s field will consist of five horses:

Jeanie Marie: This is the first year Jeanie Marie has been used under saddle. The mare leads the group with 176 points. She has raced in five races, winning three. She was a close second to Funny Photo in Palmyra. Jeanie Marie’s worst finish was Tuesday in Saratoga where she placed eighth with a new rider. Jeanie Marie will be starting in post position four. She has mostly been ridden by Heather Reese and the two of them are a strong team.

Funny Photo: Funny Photo Is second in points with 145, but could be considered a favorite because he and rider Sophie Engerran have shown good speed on the big and small tracks. Funny Photo won a race at Vernon Downs in a time of 1:59.1. The duo has captured three wins on fair tracks, only losing one when they were placed down for not losing ground when making a break. Engerran started racing under saddle in France in 2004. She raced there for 10 years.

Funny Photo and Engerran were introduced last year when the horse was being trained by Andy Gardner at Vernon Downs. Engerran broke the dark chestnut to ride and had success on the track and decided to purchase him last November. According to Engerran, it was not planned to race at the fairs this year because Funny Photo is more comfortable on big tracks, but she said they gave it a try and the horse seems to enjoy it.

Admirable Hanover: Is not far behind in points (138), but shows to be more of a threat on the fair tracks. Batavia may pose as a challenge for the 9-year-old gelding and his rider Vanessa Karlewicz. The duo, who will be starting on the rail, has shown improvement as the season has moved forward so don’t totally count them out. They captured victories in both Morris and Bath and finished mid-pack on the bigger Saratoga track. This marks Karlewicz’s second season with Admirable Hanover and her first year participating in RUS on a regular basis. The rider said she mostly used Admirable Hanover in the amateur driving series last year.

“He's a pretty handy horse on the fair tracks and I've been happy to have three wins with him this year,” she said.

My Friend Charlie: Will be defending his title. This 5-year-old gelding and his rider, Andrea Pratt, were named the winners of last year’s fair final in Monticello. This duo has raced on three fair tracks this year, earning two seconds and a fourth. In July, Pratt rode My Friend Charlie to a second-place finish at Vernon Downs in a time of 2:02.1. The pair has a total of 59 points and placed sixth in the final race of the series in Saratoga. My Friend Charlie seems to like the bigger tracks better so having the final at a larger track may give this team an added edge. They will be starting in post position two.

Kash Now: Is the longest shot on the board, so to speak, as there is no betting on RUS. This is the only horse that no longer races in harness. She was ridden by Michelle Miller in the first fair series where the two of them learned to race under saddle together. The duo didn’t make a comeback until mid-season in Morris as Miller was using another horse. The 12-year-old mare had not raced in almost two years, but was used to ride and keep Miller in shape. Kash Now has always struggled to finish strong, but has been getting stronger each outing. This duo will be starting in post position three and really have their work cut out for them. Kash Now and Miller have earned 50 points in four races.

All participants will earn $800 for earning their way into the championship race. Batavia Downs is contributing $1,000 toward the final purse and the rest of the money comes from RUS NY sponsors and fundraising. The New York Sire Stakes is the series’ flagship sponsor and generously donates $5,000 as initial purse money. 

The winner will also receive a championship saddle pad donated by Everett Hopper of Advantage Edge Equine-Pro and a halter and lead line gifted by Divine Equine Custom Equipment.

A High Point Rider Award will once again be presented at the final to the rider who has earned the most points, regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series. To be eligible for the award riders must participate in at least three races.

Post time for the complete card of harness racing is 6:15 p.m.

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee announces its 6th Annual Farm to Table Celebration. Please join us at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18th, at the Le Roy Country Club.

Special guests include New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Batavia native Diana Kastenbaum -- Democratic congressional candidate for the 27th District, and Erie County Minority leader and candidate for the NYS 61st Senate District, Tom Loughran. We will also be honoring the Ferry family of Darien for all of their contributions to the community.

A suggested $25 donation covers a beautifully crafted turkey dinner, 50/50 auction, basket raffles and a selection of local wine and beer. All funds raised will stay in Genesee County.  

Tickets may be reserved by emailing Jennifer Keys at Jennifer.Keys@rochester.rr.com

Despite a Certified Public Accountant's report that painted an increasingly bright picture of the City of Batavia's finances, which include more than $8 million in assigned and unassigned fund balances, three City Council members on Tuesday night voted against a salary increase for Manager Jason Molino.

Yes, Molino did receive a 2.75-percent raise, lifting his annual pay to $93,782, but it was by a 6-3 tally with Alfred McGinnis, Kathleen Briggs and Paul Viele casting "no" votes.

John Canale, Adam Tabelski, Brooks Hawley, Patti Pacino, Rose Mary Christian and Council President Eugene Jankowski voted in favor of the raise, with the usually tight-fisted Christian offering a glowing endorsement of Molino prior to the vote.

"I have seen three managers come and go," Christian said. "The first one gave us a stadium that he said wouldn't cost us anything and it cost us millions. The second manager gave up our water, and the third manager gave us this building (City Centre) which cost us millions again.

"Jason came in 10 years ago and the city was in debt. He was the first one who decided not to have a raise one year. He is the person who applied for the grants, and we received millions of dollars in grants. We have two pump stations, a new fire truck, new cars in the police department, newer equipment ... all because of Jason. He's the one that got us out of debt. And we have new streets, sidewalks ... reserve funds in different departments, and we never had this before."

Briggs and Viele had previously voted against the 2016-17 budget, which included an appropriation for Molino's raise, but McGinnis switched gears last night after going on record as being in favor of management raises.

McGinnis said he's not against raises for department heads, based on performance, but would like to use Video Lottery Terminal funds (money from Batavia Downs Gaming that is not in the city budget) for this purpose.

"I know we can't do it this year, but I propose in the coming budget year to look at pay raises for management the same way corporations do it, performance-based, with the money coming out of VLT funds," McGinnis said. "This saves the taxpayer money and still takes care of management. We should step into that corporate world and use the VLT money."

Asked after the meeting why he didn't vote for a pay raise for the manager, McGinnis took out a slip of paper from his pocket showing that the mayor of Buffalo earns $104,000 for a city of 261,000.

"Jason already makes close to that," he said.

Earlier, Laura Landers, CPA and partner with Freed Maxick, reported that the city showed a surplus of $1.3 million for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which increased its restricted/committee/assigned fund balance to $6.6 million to go along with an unassigned fund balance of $1.8 million.

The general budget fund balances include $770,000 (insurance), $3.4 million (capital projects), $700,000 (employee benefit accrued liability), $433,000 (retirement contributions), $145,000 (Dwyer Stadium), $152,000 (Vibrant Batavia and the city's Comprehensive Plan) and $1.2 million (funding of reserves proposed by Molino for 2016-17).

Landers said that Batavia has the "reserves and financial means to address what is in its (Comprehensive) plan" and has seen its expenditures come in under budget consistently since 2007.

Council agreed to move to next month's Business meeting a draft recommendation by Molino to allocate $1.2 million to the following general fund reserve funds -- police equipment reserve ($50,000), fire equipment reserve ($150,000), DPW equipment reserve ($200,000), Dwyer Stadium repair reserve ($125,000), facilities reserve ($400,000), sidewalk reserve ($150,000), administrative services equipment and software reserve ($50,000) and employee benefits accrued liability reserve ($75,000).

In other action, Council voted unanimously to pass four resolutions:

-- A local law to amend the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) plan, which addresses the organization's excessive district assessment charges in its 2016-17 budget and a need to adhere to Open Meetings and Freedom of Information laws. 

The city has been holding on to $49,571 in BID assessment money that exceeded the authorized amount allowed for operations and debt service payments under the General Municipal Law, a move that was questioned by Jankowski.

"Why are we holding that money?" Jankowski asked, noting that the BID already has $202,865 in a reserve account of its own. "Why not give them all the money, so that it can be kept in one place?"

Molino countered by saying that "technically the money shouldn't have been levied in the first place."

"If we turn it over (to the BID), we may not be able to ever get it back," he said. "There is no need to use it until the district plan is in place."

--  An application for a Community Development Block Grant to rehabilitate homes owned by those with low- to low-moderate incomes who occupy the home.

-- An application for a Restore NY grant program that provides up to $50 million for redevelopment projects in urban areas. The city is hoping to receive funds to advance the Ellicott Station redevelopment project led by Buffalonian Samuel Savarino.

-- A decision to declare five DPW vehicles as surplus, with any revenue received from their disposal to be placed into the respective departments' equipment reserve funds.

A motorcycle accident is reported in the area of 7550 Telephone Road, Pavilion.

Injuries are reported.

The motorcycle is off the roadway.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: There are two victims. Mercy Flight isn't necessary.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: Second ambulance requested to the scene.

WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association Schedule of Events:
Daily Demonstrations: Threshing, Working Blacksmith Shop, Saw Mill & Model Demonstrations, Pumpkin Cannon.

Thursday, September 8th - Gates Open at 9am
9:00am - Opening of Huge 170 Vendor Flea Market
3:00 - 6:30pm - Pasta Dinner
4:00pm - Consignment Auction - Auctioneer: Bontrager Real Estate
7:00pm - Truck Pull - Street Legal Stock 4x4

Friday - September 9th - Gates Open at 9am
9:00am - Flea Market
12:00pm - Old Time Tractor Stone Boat Pull
3:30pm - 6:30pm - Live Music - “Shopkeepers” Concert
4:00pm - 7:00pm - Live WCJW Broadcast
5:00pm - Steamed Sweet Corn
7:00pm Start - Tractor Pull, Steamer Pulls, Exhibition Team Pulls, Semi Trucks, Superstock, Modified and Superfarm
Tug-A-War - Steam Engine vs. Kids - during evening Tractor Pull Performance
7:30pm-10:30pm - Live Music - “Kelly’s Oldtimers” - Round & Square Dancing

Saturday - September 10th - Gates Open 9am
9:00am - Flea Market
10:00am - Tractor Pull - Antique -Semi-Antique - 1959 & older, EGTPA & Stock - Off the lawn garden tractor & team pulls - continuing through day & evening.
10am - Dick Davis Memorial Dedication
12pm - 50th Rally Parade - Followed by Carla Wright Memorial Dedication
2:00pm - Live Music - “Alexander Firemens Band” Concert
3:30pm - 6:30pm - Live Music - “Shopkeepers” Concert
4:00pm - Benefit Concert for Veterans - Multiple bands - Sponsored by Sacred Heart Productions, LLC
5:00pm - Steamed Sweet Corn
Tug-A-War - Steam Engine vs. Kids - during evening Tractor Pull Performance
7:30-10:30pm - Live Music - “Don Newcomb & Rawhide” - Round & Square Dancing

Sunday September 11th - Gates Open at 9am
9:00am - Flea Market
9:00am - Church Service
10:00am - Car Show
12:00pm - Tractor Pull - Farm Stock & Team Pulls
1:00pm - 3:00pm - Live Music "Niagara Frontier Fiddlers” Concert

For more information on the event, click here to visit us online.

A dated Sept. 2 letter was received today by many of Batavia's KeyBank customers informing them that the branch located at 219 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia is closing at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2.

The nearest branch for those customers will be located at 69 Main St. in Batavia. That location is currently a First Niagara branch that is scheduled to become a KeyBank branch on Oct. 11. Services for customers affected by the closure of 219 E. Main St. will be available at the 69 Main St. branch on Monday, Dec. 5.

The letter -- written by Kevin J. Sloan, executive vice president, Branch Network, KeyCorp -- says:

"As we bring First Niagara and KeyBank together, subject to regulatory approval, we've evaluated the branch networks of both banks to see how we can serve you most efficiently. As a result of the evaluation, your KeyBank branch (219 E. Main St., Batavia) is closing."

Those with questions are asked to stop by the Batavia branch of KeyBank before Dec. 2 or to call KeyBank customer service at 1-800-KEY2YOU (1-800-539-8336).

Press release:

"Great reads at great prices!"

The Corfu Free Library's popular Book Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at 10 a.m. at the Brick House Corners Fair on the corner of routes 5 and 77 in the Town of Pembroke. 

The Book Sale is perfect for avid readers who want to stock up on books covering a wide variety of topics and authors at amazing prices. This fall’s large selection of used books features titles for all ages of readers and a sizeable selection of DVDs of movie titles and some on informational/educational topics as well. 

The used books and DVDs being sold are items that were donated by residents for someone else to read and enjoy, along with a small number of outdated or discarded materials from the library’s shelves.

In addition to the Used Book Sale, the Brick House Corners Fair, which is sponsored by the Pembroke Historical Association, also features children’s games, a bake sale, pie judging contest, entertainment, historical exhibits and much more. 

The Used Book Sale at the Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and is held annually and is a great opportunity for readers to get some popular titles and authors at discounted prices. While residents are there, they can pick up a copy of the Library’s brochure so that they can learn more about the materials, electronic services and programs the library has to offer.

For more information about the Annual Book Sale, or any of the programs at the Corfu Free Library, please call 585-599-3321. 

The Corfu Free Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org.

A deputy has been dispatched to the Mount Rest Cemetery in Bergen, Route 262 and Route 19, to investigate a complaint of damage to headstones.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department has been investigating the discovery of a deceased male in the sand wash at DeWitt park. The City of Batavia Police Department is issuing a clarification in the timeline of the originally reported events.

The timeline is as follows:

• 08:54HRS: Fisherman discovers deceased male, contacts Genesee County Dispatch Center 09:03HRS: Officers arrive on scene
• 10:30HRS: Genesee County Coroner Douglas pronounces time of death
• 11:13HRS: City of Batavia Fire Department and Batavia Police Department Detectives perform water recovery

Cause of death is still under investigation. The Batavia Police Department will not be releasing the identification of the deceased male until the next of kin has been notified. The Batavia Police Department will update the media with any new information as it becomes available. 

The city's animal control officer has been dispatched to an address on Union Street where a caller reports that a dog is tied up outside every day and barks all day.

"The caller has had enough," the dispatcher told the officer.

A second caller, who heard the dispatch, says he believes the dog is on Woodrow.

City Council is expected to vote tonight on a local law to amend the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) plan, a proposed action supported by a six-page report from City Manager Jason Molino and coming on the heels of last week's resignation of BID Executive Director Laurie Oltramari.

The Business session of tonight's City Council meeting at the Council Board Room at City Hall gets under way at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a Conference session.

The city and the BID have been at odds since May when Molino reported that the BID's 2016-17 assessment budget exceeded the General Municipal Law limits for district assessment charges used for operations. Molino also recommended requiring the BID to adhere to Open Meetings and Freedom of Information laws, and to post its bylaws and meeting notices and minutes on its website.

According to Molino's report, the BID -- which includes business property owners located in the downtown section as well as on Ellicott Street -- assessed a levy of $120,000 for 2016-17, an amount that exceeds the authorized amount allowed for operations and debt service payments under the General Municipal Law. As a result, the BID assessment that was levied May 1, 2016 was an additional $49,571 in confilict with the GML and the district plan with no authorized use of additional funds.

The city has made several budget amendments to correct the situation, including holding the additional levy of $49,571 in a trust account until the BID plan could be updated and approved by City Council to include a capital infrastructure project. Molino's report also calls for the BID's Management Association to forward its proposed budget to the City Manager no later than Jan. 15 of each year, subject to review by City Council.

Emails and calls to Oltramari for comment regarding her resignation have yet to be returned. BID President Victor Gautieri confirmed the resignation and said the board would meet in the coming week to decide what to do next. 

Also on tonight's Business agenda:

-- Resolutions to submit applications for a Community Development Block Grant to rehabilitate homes owned by those with low- to low-moderate incomes who occupy the home and a Restore NY grant program that provides up to $50 million for redevelopment projects in urban areas;

-- A resolution to authorize a 2.75-percent hike in Molino's salary, which would increase his annual pay to $93,782.

An accident with injuries is reported at Lockport Road and Albion Road, Oakfield.

Oakfield fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:10 a.m.: Oakfield Fire Police on location. Both lanes blocked.

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.: Minor injuries.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: Units back in service.

We came across this time-lapse video on YouTube of the construction of the new wing at Liberty Pumps.

A 16-year-old male, no address provided, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. on Sept. 3 following a reported burglary in progress on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The subject was located at the incident location and was subsequently involved in a foot chase with patrols. He was apprehended on Liberty Street, then transported to Batavia Police headquarters for processing. He is charged with third degree attempted burglary, third degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglar tools. He is scheduled to be in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Lisa Marie Cordier, 32, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, Cordier waas arrested for allegedly slapping and striking two people. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old who lives on Castle Drive in Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly punching and pulling the hair of another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Steven Richard Holt, 40, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly slapping and pushing another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Carly Marie Fazio, 28, of Trowbridge Street, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing government administration. At 11 a.m. on Sept. 4, Fazio was arrested for allegedly obstructing government administration during a domestic incident at Darien Lake Theme Park and resisting arrest. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Kevin Michael Jones, 31, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 1:39 a.m. on Sept. 4 on Route 5 in Pembroke, Jones was arrested following an investigation into an erratic driving complaint. In addition to the charges, he was ticketed for having inadequate exhaust and driving a vehicle with a broken windshield. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. At 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 31, while investigating a report of a domestic altercation, Weichman was allegedly found to be in possession of a switchblade knife, while having a prior conviction for a crime. He was arrested and jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail. He is due in Batavia Town Court on Sept. 19. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 7:24 a.m. on Aug. 24 on Bank Street in Batavia after he allegedly violated an order of protection by having contact with the protected party. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Kiha S. McNear, 18, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 2 on two bench warrants out of City Court. McNear was located at a residence on Walnut Street and was held on bail in jail. McNear is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay. 

Ryan R. Hernandez, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 3 on a bench warrant out of City Court. The warrant was issued after Hernandez failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor vehicle and traffic law charge. He was released on his own recognizance and in due in City Court on Sept. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Rummaging around in the radio station's transmitter site on Creek Road a couple of years ago, WBTA's owner Dan Fischer found the old stainless steel call letters that once adorned the second-floor exterior of 90 Main Street, the radio station's first home 75 years ago.

When the radio station moved to Cedar Place some years later, so did the letters, but whenever the station's studios moved again, the letters were shuffled off to storage at the transmitter building and forgotten until Fischer uncovered them.

As part of a remodeling project at the station's current location at Main and Center, Fischer had the letters polished up and Jeff Gillard designed and built a mounting system that off-set the letters two inches from the wall and back lit them with LED lights.

The long hallway like area at the front of the office has always been a hard area to decorate, Fischer said. It was just a long blank wall and a few small pictures really did not do the space justice. The call letters are a perfect fit.

"They’re obviously a showpiece, a conversation piece, they bring back the history of the station, they’re 75 years old, and when you think of that, and most those years, they were outside, I think they held up pretty well," Fischer said.

A porch fire is reported at 41 Maple St. in the city. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: Fire is out; checking for extensions.