I got back to Genesee County from Batavia's game in Rochester yesterday shortly after sunset.  

A motor vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 7652 Clinton Street Road, Bergen.

Bergen Fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 8:35 a.m.: All occupants out. Pole snapped.

Batavia's landscape is changing, with more vegetable gardens, chicken coops and solar panels, and that's a trend the city would like to see continue, said City Manager Jason Molino while showing off his family's new greenhouse in the backyard of their home on Vernon Avenue.

Molino said code enforcement officers Ron Panek and Doug Randall report seeing more and more of these sort of backyard amenities, which is right in line with the city's strategic thinking about creating a more livable and sustainable environment, the kind of environment marketing studies and news reports show Millennials are seeking.

"This is just one example of what you can do," Molino said. "It shows how you can take your space and make it more livable and enjoyable for the whole family."

This particular greenhouse cost Molino a bit less than $900 to build, and the size of it required a city permit. But greenhouses can be built for a lot less and at a smaller scale so that no permit is required. As the city goes through its comprehensive plan review, one thing planners will be asked to consider is how to both streamline the process and protect the ability of residents to incorporate these sort of projects into their yards.

Every board, nail and pane of glass was locally sourced, Molino said, including the unique roof, which is a green roof grown right here in Batavia.

Comprised of several varieties of sedum, which is a plant that stores water and grows well in a wide range of climate zones, green roofs help insulate a building, control stormwater runoff (and thereby inhibit the flow of pollutants into storm drains) and improve air quality.

Vegetal I.D. is a company based in Batavia (the U.S. division of the French company Le Prieuré) that grows trays of sedum for green roofs on land leased from C.Y. Farms. The company's customer base, said Sander Teensma, is within a 500-mile radius of Batavia, which brings in a variety of climates where these sedum roofs thrive.

"This is an idea that is gaining momentum," Teensma said. 

For the Molino family, the greenhouse is a project "that took on a life of its own," Jason said. For the past few years, the Molinos have been growing vegetables in their backyard, and as their children have gotten older, they've become more active participants in the process. It's a life-learning lesson the Molinos want to encourage. So they started talking about what they could do next -- more raised beds, a chicken coop, or perhaps a greenhouse.

Molino got his uncle involved and they started designing a greenhouse and finding sources of local material for construction. One thing led to another, and Molino decided a green roof would be perfect for the project, especially since there was a local company that could provide the roof.

And the whole project fits right in with the direction of the city's plan for a revised comprehensive plan that aims to focus on amenities and lifestyle choices for the up-and-coming generation of Americans who seek a life less defined by corporate dictates, more authentic in food choices and more environmentally conscious.

The comprehensive plan can help guide the city toward the kind of living environment people increasingly seem to be seeking so it doesn't lose out on the growth opportunity.

"We incorporate those ideas into the comprehensive plan so we advance the ideas and they can be done more easily," Molino said. "It helps market the community to capture a lot of the growth that's going to happen in the county over the next 10 years."

If projects such as STAMP are successful -- and the coming of 1366 Technologies is a hopeful sign -- then it should mean an influx of the kind of jobs Millennials will seek, then it's critical for Batavia to position itself as a livable community for those workers, or risk losing most of them to Buffalo or Rochester.

"The comprehensive plan reflects the values we want to see in the community over the next five to 10 years," Molino said. "We want to encourage and make it easier (to build these sorts of projects). If these are the amenities and quality-of-life features that people want, and we're seeing a trend when they buy homes and properties, how do we ensure that we can continue that trend and how can we build off of that? That's what the comprehensive plan does."

Craig Yunker, of C.Y. Farms, Jason Molino, Sander Teensma, and Paul Brent, production manager for Vegetal I.D.

The watchword for the Batavia Blue Devils this football season has been relentless. Coach Brennan Briggs has it stenciled on the back of his game day windbreaker. But there's another word that can apply to the 2015 edition of the team: dominating.

Over the past six games, no opponent has been able to finish a game within three touchdowns of the Blue Devils. Whether on the ground or through the air, the Batavia offense has scorched every defense they've faced and the defense has been, well, relentless.

The Blue Devils started the year ranked #1 in a coaches' poll, but Briggs wouldn't discuss on the record how much confidence he had in his team. After today's win over Livonia by a score of 52-20 for the team's second straight Class B Section V title, Briggs admitted he believed this team was that good all along.

"It's what I expected," Briggs said. "I downplayed it all year because there was a lot of hype. I don't like the high expectations. I just like to out there and get the job done. The kids have answered the bell every single week."

Briggs (top photo with the trophy) is in his fourth season as head coach and he becomes the first head coach in school history with back-to-back sectional titles in football to his credit.

A lot of credit for today's win goes to the ground game led by Dom Mogavero and Ray Leach, and senior QB Greg Mruczek's performance was certainly title worthy, but what it really comes down to, the players say, is the play of the offensive and defensive lines.

"They've been incredible all season for us," said Mruczek, who was 9-11 passing for 158 yards and two TDs. "They work hard every single day at practice. They work hard. The trenches are where football games are won and I think people overlook that sometimes."

Mogavero put together another stellar performance, rushing for 177 yards on 14 carries, scoring twice, and he gave all the credit to the linemen.

"Those guys work hard in the trenches," Mogavero said. "They played their tails off."

Danny Williams, who has been a team leader on defense all season and had eight tackles today, said it's an amazing feeling to be part of a winning team that works so hard together.

"We're such a family," Williams said. "I've never been on team that's got my back more than this team does. However I play, they've got my back. If I mess up, there's somebody right there to make the tackle. If I don't mess up, I make the tackle or they make the tackle. It's so easy to get down, but they just help me pick up. It's great."

Batavia came ready to play a tough, physical game, Briggs said.

"The nice thing is, they're (Livonia) a smashmouth team and we wanted to show that 'hey, we can beat people up in the trenches and we can do a great job,' " Briggs said. "Our kids just played relentless football all day long. They wanted it and nobody was going to take it from them."

Trevor Sherwood had three catches for 32 yards and a TD, Malachi Chenault had two grabs for 15 yards and Anthony Gallo scored on a 60-yard TD reception, which was the second play of the game and set the tone for the day.

"It was definitely huge," Mogavero said. "It definitely gave us a little kickstart."

That well-balanced game is part of what makes Batavia hard to beat, Briggs said.

"We have athletes all over the field and we also have tough guys in the trenches, and if we want to run the ball we can run it," Briggs said. "If we want to throw it, we can throw it. A lot of it comes down to what we're seeing, what we think we can do and what we can do to open other things up. Our line, our receivers and our running backs -- all of them together just make a great football team."

Next week, we get to find out if Batavia is indeed that good. They will play Cheektowaga for the Far West Regional Championship, a stepping-stone to a shot at a state championship game. The Blue Devils went into last season's regional with high expectations, only to bump into the reality of the Warriors, losing 35-18. The 2015 edition of the Warriors are 12-0 and have as many dominating wins as Batavia.

They players are eager to go against the Warriors, they said, with some thoughts of avenging last year's loss and some just out to prove they deserve the victory.

"We're going to want some revenge, but we've got play hard just like we played today and then we'll see what that score, what that outcome, is," Williams said.

Mruczek is excited at the prospect of matching up with Cheektowaga again.

That's definitely going to be a fun game," Mruczek said. "We're all looking forward to the opportunity to play them again for sure."

Asked if the team was looking for a chance for revenge, Mogavero wouldn't go there, not quite.

"We're definitely grateful for the opportunity to play them again this year," Mogavero said.

Briggs downplayed any talk of revenge, even after saying, "we feel like we owe it to them."

"They're a great football team," Briggs said. "We're going to have to come prepared and I know they're going to come prepared."

Game time for the regional is 1 p.m., Sunday, at Sahlen's Stadium.

Anthony Gallo made a 60-yard TD reception on the second play of the game, and after that, there was no more looking back for the Blue Devils.

Dom Mogavero scores on a two-point conversion after Gallo's TD reception.

Ray Leach on the carry.

Ray Leach headed for the end zone.

To purchase prints of game photos by Howard Owens, click here.

Slide show of photos by Howard Owens:

Slide show of photos by Jim Burns:

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in the area of mile marker 397.5 on the eastbound Thruway.

The injuries initially described are not serious.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 6:16 p.m.: A second Mercy ambulance requested to the scene, non-emergency.

Batavia defeats Livonia 52 to 20.

Complete coverage to follow.

Steve Foster got into the handcrafted gift business when he started making metal sculptures at Adams Welding and Fabrication, and today he expanded the gift business into a space open to other crafters. On the Adams Welding property, 5782 Main Road, Stafford, Foster opened a gift shop filled with crafts of his own creation along with other artisans who have brought items by for him to sell.

It was Try Hockey for Free Day at Falleti Ice Arena and Nora, almost 3, couldn't wait to play, said her father Brian Gildner. In fact, Nora is eager to play every time Brian takes her older brother to practice.

   David Martin

A 54-year-old Batavia resident is facing an attempted assault on a police officer charge after allegedly trying to drive his vehicle away from a traffic stop while an officer's arm was inside the vehicle.

David J. Martin, of Elm Street, allegedly led law enforcement on a pursuit into Stafford, where he was stopped with the aid of spike strips.

Following arraignment on several charges, including DWI, Martin was jailed without bail.

The incident began with a traffic stop after a Le Roy PD officer observed a vehicle in the village without license plates. Martin was identified as the operator. The officer observed that it appeared Martin had been involved in some sort of altercation. During the investigation, officers came to believe Martin had been driving drunk. Martin was instructed to step out of the vehicle, which, at that point, had its engine shut off. Martin allegedly started the engine and while patrols attempted to prevent Martin from putting the vehicle in drive, Martin allegedly started driving away while an officer's arm was still in the vehicle. Martin allegedly continued on the roadway and patrols tried to get him to stop.

Charges against Martin include: attempted assault on a police officer, a Class D felony; DWI, second offense, a Class E felony; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony; unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor; resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor; two counts of reckless driving, a misdemeanor; no distinctive plate, a violation; driver’s view obstructed, a violation; unsafe start, a violation; two counts of improper or unsafe turn/turn without signal, a violation failure to keep right, a violation; and refusal to take a breath test, a violation. Along with these charges, the Genesee County Sherriff’s Office has also charged Martin with: fleeing a police officer in motor vehicle in the third degree; speed over state limit/55 mph, a violation; and speed in zone, a violation.

Martin is scheduled to reappear in Town of Le Roy Court at 1 p.m., Nov. 19.

Brodes J. Gibson is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 11 in the City of Batavia, Gibson drove a 2008 Cadillac on Main Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. Furthermore, Gibson was allegedly under the influence or alcohol or a drug at the time. In count two, he is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving without a valid license while having three or more suspensions in effect on at least three separate dates -- for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine -- and while under being under the influence. In count three, he is accused of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor for driving on Main Street, and the parking lots and driveways of the Batavia Gardens apartments on East Main Street, while he was under the influence. In count four, Gibson is accused of the crime of reckless driving as a misdemeanor for operating the Cadillac in a manner which "interfered with the free and proper use" of Main Street. In count five, he is accused of unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Knowing he had been stopped by police, he then allegedly attempted to flee by driving at speeds which equaled or exceeded 25 mph above the speed limit or engaged in reckless driving. In count six, Gibson is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to a child less than 17; one or more children were present in the courtyard vicinity of the playground at the Batavia Garden apartments at the time he allegedly drove through the courtyard area.

Colton A. Cole is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicted as a Class E felony. On June 20 in the Town of Byron, it is alleged that Cole drove a 2009 Chevrolet on Townline Road while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more at the time.

Nimora C. Chong is accused of the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 25 in the Town of Batavia, Chong stole property having a value in excess of $1,000. Chong is accused of stealing $2,650.52 worth of merchandise.

Assistant Principal Jon Wilson, left, and Principal Carol Messura greet students Friday during a celebration of Wolcott Street School's designation as a 2015 National School of Character. 

Call it a show of good character, featuring a cast of “good characters.”

About 700 of them, to be exact.

The Wolcott Street School community gathered along Trigon Park on Friday afternoon to celebrate — cheerfully and loudly — its designation as a 2015 National School of Character.

Principal Carol Messura and Assistant Principal Jon Wilson arrived aboard a Le Roy Fire Department ladder truck, which carried a National School of Character banner and was escorted by the fire department along Main Street to the school.

They exchanged high-fives with students, before heading indoors for an assembly in Memorial Auditorium.

The elementary school was named a National School of Character in May by Character.org (formerly the Character Education Partnership), a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for character education. School administrators traveled to Atlanta last month to accept the honor.

Messura said it’s something to share.

“This award represents every single student, every staff member, every worker here, every parent, every administrator past and present, board members, families and our fabulous community at large,” she told students.

“This award lives in all of you.”

National Schools of Character are schools and districts where character education has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate, according to Character.org. Designated schools have the right to use the National School of Character name and logo for five years.

Messura said 276 schools from across the United States applied for the honor this year. Wolcott Street School was one of only 64 schools and three districts that were awarded.

For Wolcott Street School, the story actually began about 15 years ago, when a Character Education Committee was created under the direction of then-principal Jim Thompson.

After his retirement, the character education program continued under his successor, Casey Kosiorek. The school earned a “Promising Practices” award in 2010, the same year it adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. 

Wolcott Street School was named a New York State School of Character in 2012.

Thompson and Kosiorek were among local dignitaries on stage for Friday’s celebration.

“You know what we’re all here for? To make a difference with kids,” said Thompson, who now directs the Instructional Coaching Service for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

The Character Education Committee was formed in light of changing times, Thompson said. It had become clear that developing good character, was a responsibility schools had to share.

“It needed to be taught and it needed to be celebrated,” Thompson said. “And not in a heavy-handed way, but in a good way.”

Highlights from the assembly:

— John Panepento and Riley Wood each spoke on behalf of the sixth grade, which was asked to describe what character education has meant to them.

— Sixth-graders also sang “Hakuna Matata,” from Disney’s “The Lion King Kids.” The class presented the musical — to rave reviews — on Thursday.

— Wilson announced that every student will receive a T-shirt to commemorate Friday’s celebration. Students chose shirts over wristbands in a school-wide vote.

Friday’s celebration capped “Character Day” at WSS. Students participated in class activities throughout the day.

“Building character in each and every classroom is really our goal,” Wilson said.

“There’s a lot going on in education right now,” he added. “But we can never lose sight of the fact that character education is the heartbeat of our school district.”

Wolcott Street School Principal Carol Messura and Assistant Principal Jon Wilson, center, are pictured Friday with former principals Jim Thompson, left, and Casey Kosiorek.

Press release:

The Salvation Army in Genesee County will begin its annual Red Kettle Campaign on Friday, Nov. 13.

“This year our goal is $70,000,” said Major Robert Kurtz. "The money raised not only supports our holiday assistance programs but also enables us to provide emergency services.

"Last winter we provided 12 men a warm place to sleep, helped 15 families avoid homelessness, and gave away over six tons of food.”

All funds raised during the Red Kettle Campaign are used to provide food, toys and other services to Genesee County residents throughout the year.

Again this year individuals have the option of creating their own virtual Red Kettle online. Money raised through this online tool will be added to the Red Kettle Campaign and be used for Genesee County residents.

If you are interested in “ringing the bell” online go to our secure Web site www.empiresalvationarmy.org to create your “kettle."

Volunteer bell ringer slots are still available. If you, your family, or group is interested in participating in the Genesee County Red Kettle Campaign please contact Major Robert Kurtz at 585-861-0676 or robert.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Use your smartphone to check out our bell ringing app @ red kettle bell.

A car vs. tree accident is reported in the area of 7691 Caswell Road.

There are unknown injuries.

Byron and South Byron fire departments along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: A utility pole may also have been hit.

UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: Byron is back in service.

A two-vehicle accident in which at least one vehicle has rolled over and a person is trapped is reported in the area of 7205 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: Mercy EMS transporting two to UMMC.

The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble kicks off its third season with a 4 p.m show Nov. 15 at Elba Central School with pieces by John Williams, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Mark Camphouse, among other composers.

Yvonne Freeman, a member of the ensemble and a board member sat down with Lucine Kauffman for her WBTA show called "Genesee Life" and discussed the ensemble and upcoming show.

Freeman said the program is intended to be challenging and provide a wide variety of classic and modern sounds for the whole family.

Chap's Elba Diner, normally closed on Sunday evenings, will open after the concert and provide discounted dinners to ticket holders.

There are two major differences between a wind ensemble and a typical orchestra, Freeman said. First, there are no strings, and second, there is typically one musician per part.

"Each person has to be really good at their part," Freeman said. "There's nobody else that is going to cover those measures that are tough."

To listen to the entire interview, visit the Genesee Life page on WBTA's Web site.

Andre Bailey, 28, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Bailey is accused of stealing $4,000 from the bank safe at Woodforest National Bank, located inside Walmart. Bailey was employed by the bank.

Jay D. Schutt, 27, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Schutt was stopped by State Police on Warsaw Road, Le Roy, for allegedly speeding. At the Batavia barracks, he allegedly tested with a BAC of .16.

A 17-year-old resident of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth is accused of intentionally damaging the property of a family member while the person was not at home. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

A 17-year-old resident of Route 237, Byron, is charged with forcible touching. The youth is accused of grabbing a fellow student's body parts. 

Press release (submitted photos):

For the third year, the Byron-Bergen Elementary School community of students and teachers united to celebrate their culture of diversity and anti-bullying.

The afternoon of October 27 began with a school tradition: the photograph of more than 500 students, taken from the vantage point of the school's rooftop. Their matching anti-bullying T-shirts featured the District's strategic goal for the year, "Creating leaders one student at a time."

After the photo was taken, the school gathered for its annual Anti-Bullying Assembly. Principal Brian Meister started things off with an acknowledgement of the District's recent designation by Character.org as a New York District of Character, thanking the students for making their school a shining example.

Much of the afternoon's entertainment was based on Carol McCloud's award-winning book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" "Bucket fillers" say and do nice things and help fill people's emotional buckets with positive feelings, while "bucket dippers" treat others hurtfully and leave them feeling sad and empty. Teachers and students presented a gameshow-type skit, complete with prizes, where student contestants had to guess whether teachers were demonstrating bucket-filling or bucket-dipping behavior. 

The school recognized participants in the 2015 Empire State Games with a special video commemoration of the event and an awards presentation. The proud winners included students: Camryn Brookhart, Robbie Gaylord, John Klafehn, Draven Liles, Chelsea Vanelli, and Emily Yun.

The school's Students of the Month and the Sixth-Grade Safety Patrol also received special honors.

The assembly included music, provided by the sixth-grade choir, a great dance number illustrating beauty in diversity, and a promise from the newest Pre-K members of the Byron-Bergen school community, to support others and report bullying behavior. Older students led the assembly in reciting the Seven Habits from the school's Leader in Me Program, which along with the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program forms the foundation for Byron-Bergenís character-building success. 

For more information on the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.violencepreventionworks.org" http://www.violencepreventionworks.org. For information on The Leader in Me visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.theleaderinme.org" www.theleaderinme.org.  



Press release:

On Friday, Nov. 6th, the Veterans One-stop Center of Western New York officially opened its Batavia office. Located at 29 Liberty St., the Grand Opening and Open House gave the community an opportunity to visit the new space and meet Veterans One-stop Center of WNY staff. Stakeholders from the community were present to support the event.

“Today is a wonderful day for the Veterans community. This community has been in need of this type of organization for decades and I look forward to working with the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY and continuing to help Veterans in the community,” said Gary Horton, member of the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY Board of Directors and former board member of the Genesee Veterans Support Network.

In July of this year, the Genesee Veterans Support Network consolidated with the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY.

“For the past year, we have been privileged to work with dedicated veterans’ advocates in Genesee and Wyoming counties to make this day possible,” said Roger L. Woodworth, president & CEO of the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY. “We look forward to continuing to work with the community to invest in our veterans, providing access to opportunities that allow veterans to continue to serve as civic assets.”

With the opening of the new Batavia office, the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY will be able to more effectively empower veterans in the region through their successful model of community impact. Veterans and military family members will have access to services that lead to economic success, housing stability, and emotional health and well being.

The Veterans One-stop Center of WNY provides local support for veterans in collaboration with existing local, regional and national resources.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after President Obama formally rejected the Keystone XL pipeline.

“President Obama once again put politics ahead of American job opportunities and the energy security interests of our country,” Congressman Collins said. “Rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline wastes an opportunity for America to achieve energy independence and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.”

Press release:

The Salvation Army of Genesee County has begun receiving applications for the Holiday Assistance Program. This year an estimated 1,200 families will receive toys, food and gifts as part of the Emergency Holiday Assistance Program.

To meet this need The Salvation Army is need of turkeys, traditional holiday menu items, and toys.

“Soon the Angel Trees will be in place; this gift-giving program is a great success and provides numerous toys directly to local children," said Major Patty. "The WBTA/Ken Barrett Chevrolet Toy Drive, on Friday, December 11^th is another venue for individuals to donate toys.”

Donations of turkeys can be dropped off during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m to 4 p.m. at The Salvation Army on East Main Street. Monetary donations can be mailed to: The Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia NY 14020 and in the memo write: Banquet in a Box.

For more information contact: Major Patty at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.