A house fire is reported at 2463 Brown Road. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Corfu, Pembroke, Alexander, Darien, and the City's Fast Team. Town of Batavia is requested to fill in at East Pembroke. The location is between Ridge and Halstead roads.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: East Pembroke -- all available manpower to the scene.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: East Pembroke command calls Town of Batavia to a dry hydrant on Wilkinson Road. Oakfield is asked to fill in at East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 2:32: The city's first platoon is called to headquarters.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Command says an occupant is out of the house.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: Tankers from Bethany, Alabama and Oakfield are requested to the scene. National Grid was advised that wires are down. The high winds are making this fire difficult to fight.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: A crew from Elba is requested to stand by in its quarters in case needed for the Oakfield Fire District.

UPDATE 3:23 p.m.: Without specifying why they are needed, Mercy medics are called to the scene.

A utility pole is snapped and down in over the roadway along with wires at 64 Clinton St.

City fire is responding.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: The street will be temporarily closed near the incident. The wires are "still hot and there is concern they could start arcing."

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Power is out at Clinton Street and East Main.

A Batavia resident says he and a friend were attacked over the weekend in the area of Swan Street and East Main Street by an unknown group of assailants, and police have confirmed there is an ongoing criminal investigation as a result of a complaint received early Sunday morning.

The local resident who shared his story in an e-mail to The Batavian said his friend required "emergency jaw surgery" after the attack, which he said occurred around 3 a.m., Sunday.

Det. Todd Crossett said at this time, investigators have little more to go on than a general description of the suspects.

The description provided to The Batavian is that of several young black men in the age range of 17 to early 20s.

The victim who contacted The Batavian said he was at a costume party when he volunteered to make a run to 7-Eleven for more snacks. 

"Upon walking back from 7-Eleven, I was approached by a young African-American male asking for a cigarette," he said. "When I shuffled the pizzas I was carrying to reach into my pocket to oblige him, he physically attacked me."

Several other individuals then joined in the attack.

"They struck me multiple times in my head and face, shot me in my face with an airsoft pistol, and kicked me while I was on the ground in the middle of the road," he said. "They demanded that I empty my pockets, which were already empty because I was wearing a Halloween costume and I had spent the money I brought on the cheap 7-Eleven pizzas that were littered in the middle of Main Street."

Unable to get money from the victim, the group ran off, he said.

He returned to the party and told his friend what happened.

The friend "ran off to look for them and report them to the police," he said.

He found them, along with two more individuals, who attacked him "in a more violent manner before two friends could join him."

That second victim was taken to UMMC, where he underwent jaw surgery, the first victim said in his e-mail.

He said he e-mailed The Batavian about the incident because, "It would be great if the attackers could be brought to justice, but at the very least citizens of Batavia could better avoid becoming victims of a similar attack if they are on the lookout."

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation can contact Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350 or through the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

To hear council members describe it, the feedback they're getting from constituents on the proposed new police station on South Swan Street is akin to the decibel level in a library reading room. 

In other words, if the public has anything to say about it, they're not saying it to members of the Batavia City Council.

Which is why the council is going to invite the public to a meeting Nov. 23 where feedback and input will be invited on the proposed $10-million investment in a new building to house police officers and the activities that support their public safety role.

"If only two or three people show up, that also sends a message," said Councilman Eugene Jankowski. "If people are upset, they'll probably show up. If they don't show up, that's almost acceptance. There is a thought, silence is acceptance. If they remain silent and see that path we're going (on), I only have to assume that they're happy about it."

The proposal for the location of a new police station came from a council-appointed task force that studied a dozen or so options, gathered financial data, considered the topography, traffic patterns, security and proximity to city activity before arriving at the plot of land on South Swan where the Wiard Plow Factory once stood as the best available location.

The entire process and final selection has been broadly publicized in local media, but apparently, to council members, that hasn't prompted a lot of public feedback.

Jankowski first raised the concern during Monday's meeting that before spending $10 million there should be some sort of process for the public to weigh in on the decision, and since it isn't the kind of matter that goes to a public vote, the council unanimously backed the idea of a public meeting.

City Manager said the meeting will be publicized just as if it is an official public hearing, though it isn't that, either.  

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs argued in favor of moving the process forward as quickly as possible rather than, once again, "kicking the can down the road."

"It's time to put up or shut up," Briggs said.

"Then I'll shut up," snapped Councilwoman Rosemary Christian.

Christian expressed reservations about backing a new police station because paying for the bond might require an extra 2-cents per thousand in property tax and Christian doesn't believe Batavia residents can handle any further taxation.

She also expressed concern about potential runaway costs.

"What if we get into this and it costs $20 million instead of $10 million?" Christian asked.

Molino explained that the bulk of the costs -- material and labor -- is pretty easy to calculate before construction starts, so it's hard to fathom that kind of runaway expenditure. The one unknown expense for the South Swan property is environmental cleanup, but there will be a detailed assessment done before the city acquires the property, so that cost should be known before the project receives final approval.

How the project will be paid for remains an open question. The council is eager for Molino to explore grant options, though grant opportunities are limited for this sort of project. To the degree bonds are required, they will be issued at a time when existing bonds are being paid down and paid off, freeing up cash flow to help finance this project. Molino also floated the idea of fashioning a unique arrangement that would involve a private developer owning the property and the building and leasing it to the city, which could save taxpayer money, avoid any interest payments and give the city the option to buy the property at the end of a 30-year term, or build a new station if needed.

Some council members expressed concern that a lease could saddle a future council with a tough decision about how to deal with a police station situation.

Whatever options the council should consider, Jankowski said he would like to hear what city residents think, and he hopes some voices will be heard at the Monday, Nov. 23, meeting.

"If they want us to move in a certain direction, like, say, merging with the Sheriff's Department, the public needs to express that opinion now and then that's something we will explore," Jankowski said. "Rignt now, I'm hearing silence. We're moving toward a new building. I'm hearing silence, so I would assume we're going in the right direction."

Basketball is upon us. The NBA kicks off its season tonight, college games are just a couple of weeks away and the high school season won't be far behind. For boys in grades one through six, it's time to plan for the winter season.

Eligible boys in the Batavia City schools can sign up for a mini-camp proceeding the league play season. The camp runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 12 at John Kennedy.

For boys participating in league play, there is a $70 sign-up fee.

To register, download and complete this form (PDF), which also has more information about the camp and league play.

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at West Main and River streets. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia):

“I am proud to announce that Gov. Cuomo today signed into law legislation that will provide a property-tax exemption for residents who purchase and renovate dilapidated homes and zombie properties," Assemblyman Steve Hawley said. "This ensures that renovation costs do not exceed property values for homeowners and provide an incentive for residents to purchase these abandoned properties and revitalize our communities.

"This is a revolutionary program that has the potential to work in other cities and is the first of its kind in Batavia. Zombie properties have plagued our city for several years dating back to the housing collapse of 2007. This law will increase the number of properties on the tax rolls, thereby reducing our tax burden and increasing property values.

"My colleagues and I in the Assembly and Senate worked diligently at the end of session to pass this bill through both houses and I applaud the governor’s efforts to make this bill a reality for Batavia.”

A house fire is reported at the intersection of Route 98 and Batavia Elba Town Line Road. Elba Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia and South Byron.

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene. Stafford, Oakfield, Bergen, City of Batavia's Fast Team, and Byron are now called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: Elba Fire Police are requested to shut down Route 98 at Edgerton Road.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: The city's first platoon is called to stand by in headquarters.

UPDATE 11:51 a.m.: Albion Fire Department is dispatched to the scene.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m.: Route 98 is being shut down at Saile Drive.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: State Street Road at Town Line Road is being shut down.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that $1 million is now available to aid aspiring farmers to enter the agriculture industry.

The New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will provide up to 50 percent of the cost for new farmers to start projects, purchase farm machinery and equipment and construct and improve farm buildings. The submission deadline for applications for the grant program is Jan. 22.

“As the owner of our family-owned farm for many years, I know firsthand how difficult life in the agriculture industry can be,” Hawley said. “Profits from produce and livestock sales fluctuate and the possibility of drought and flooding is always real. I can imagine the trepidation many young men and women feel as they begin their career in farming and agriculture, and this funding is a tremendous opportunity for aspiring farmers to get on their feet.

"Up to $50,000 in matching grant funds are available for everything from tractor and plow purchases to construction of barns and silos. I am proud of the work we have done to bolster the agriculture industry in New York State and I pledge my continued support going forward.”

Town of Darien Justice Wade Schwab on November 3, 2015!

• Justice should be “swift and appropriate."
• Strongly supports local Law Enforcement.
• Town residents should feel that the local justice system will work to serve and protect their peace and safety.
• A lifetime of serving the public and working with people during their worst times and their best times.
• Fair and tough on crime.
• Keep “justice” in the justice system.
• Strongly supports OUR constitutional rights.
• A man of integrity.

It's easy to read and interpret the laws, the important part is listening to people and being fair and just!

• NYTOA - New York Tactical Officers Assn.
• NTOA - National Tactical Officers Assn.
• NRA - National Rifle Assn.
• G.C. Fish & Game Protective Assn.
• Big Lakes Regional EMS Council
• Genesee County EMS Council
• 10 Years Fire Service
• 25+ Years Volunteer EMS Service
• Graduate of Alexander Central School

Tesla Renee Greck, 23, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Greck was arrested after patrols responded to her residence on an unrelated matter. Officers Jame DeFreze and Marc Lawrence allegedly found living conditions there "deplorable." Greck's three children lived at the residence.

Clarence Arthur Johnson, 57, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching and resisting arrest. Johnson is accused of touching the buttocks of a child at a location on Lewiston Road, Batavia. Following an interview, when Johnson learned he was going to be arrested, he allegedly resisted arrest verbally and physically. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Steven Erwin Crowell, 21, of Emily Court, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and drinking in a motor vehicle. Crowell's vehicle allegedly left the roadway and struck another vehicle at 1:41 a.m. Sunday on Trisha Lane, Bergen. The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 20, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Pierce is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

A 16-year-old resident of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth is accused of doing donuts in a vehicle on the soccer fields of Alexander School and damaging the fields. A 17-year-old resident of Pike Road, Batavia, was also charged.

Jared M. Wendt, 33, of County Road, Angelica, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and aggravated family offense. Wendt was allegedly involved in a domestic incident in the Town of Bethany on Oct. 17 that involved damage to a vehicle and a violation of an order of protection.

Adama William David Brown, 31, of Wilder Road, Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, moving from lane unsafely and open container. Brown allegedly was driving when his vehicle stuck a parked car at GCC at 9:50 a.m. Oct. 22.

Samuel C. Longhini, 22, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to use headlights. Longhini was stopped at 2:40 a.m. Oct. 20 on Alexander Road, Attica, by an Attica PD patrol.

Jordan Matthew Brown, 23, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Brown allegedly violated a stay away order of protection.

Kristen M. Meeder, 30, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and three counts of falsifying business records. Meeder is accused of stealing from her employer.

Michael T. Phelps, 44, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Phelps was arrested following an investigation into a complaint of two males drinking alcohol in a vehicle on Harvester Avenue at 7:03 p.m. Oct. 21. The vehicle was located on North Spruce Street by Officer Christopher Lindsay and Phelps was arrested.

Brian K. Laird, 21, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant following a tip that he was located at a residence on State Street. Laird was jailed without bail.

Jessalyn A. Gates, 24, of Seneca Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Employees of McDonald's reported a possible drunken driver in the parking lot at 1 a.m. Oct. 22. Following an investigation by Officer Chad Richards, Gates was arrested.

Amy M. Carpenter, 40, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, refusal to take breath test and inadequate stop lights. Carpenter was stopped at 2:43 a.m. Oct. 18 on State Street by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Batavia's literary legend John Gardner was honored Saturday night by the John Gardner Society with the annual reading from passages of his work at his favorite restaurant, the Pok-A-Dot.

The Batavia Cemetery Association hosted its annual ghost walk last night, with local actors playing the roles of historic figures who are buried in (with the exception of William Morgan) the cemetery on Harvester Avenue.

Gen. John Martindale, played by Derek Maxfield.

Philemon Tracy, played Tim Buckman.

Mary Elizabeth Wood, played by Anne Marie Starowitz.

Dean and Mary Richmond, played by Charley and Connie Boyd.

Patrick Weissend as Joseph Ellicott.

An accident with injuries is reported at Ford Road and Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Officials in the Village of Corfu held an open house today to show off their wastewater treatment plant, which has undergone $1.8 million in renovations, increasing capacity while lowering energy consumption.

The plant takes in untreated sewage and runs it through three stages of treatment to remove the solids, with the clean water eventually flowing in to the Tonawanda Creek and the dried and composted sludge being shipped off to a local landfill.

The plant is currently treating 66,000 gallons of sewage per day and the electricity cost has been cut from $4,000 a month to $2,000 per month.

An accident with minor injuries is reported 5264 Clinton Street Road at the intersection of Seven Springs Road. Town of Batavia fire is responding and Bethany's ambulance.