Stories from

Driving back from Genesee County Park this afternoon, Billie and I headed down Francis Road and spotted a man on the side of a cliff digging. It wasn't hard to guess what he was doing, so I stopped to talk with him. Yup, Bob Lann, of Spencerport, was digging for fossils.

What I didn't know is that this old railroad cut in Bethany is recognized as a good spot for fossil hunting.

Lann is a veterinarian and amateur fossil hunter. This was his first trip to Bethany.

Based on a little Google search, I came across a fossil hunting blog by James Heaney. He says Western New York -- and Lann said this, too -- is a great place for fossil hunting, especially from the pre-dinosaur ages. A guy named Robert Eaton also has information online about fossils in the Genesee region.

Below, Lann displays portions of a trilobite he found today and a bit of coral.

While I was out with my film cameras today, I came across Mark Dougherty and Wayne Newton on my street with their old Ford trucks. That seemed like a suitable subject for film photography, and these are both beautiful old trucks.

After taking pictures of the first two Veterans Day observances this morning, at Genesee County Park and the VA center, I decided to go home and exchange my digital camera for a couple of my film cameras. Just to do something different, produce some pictures at the historical Upton Monument that had an old-time feel. 

I was shooting with a Nikon F, loaded with Ilford XP2 400 and a Contessa range finder loaded with Kodak Ektar 100. Both cameras are fully manual.

Two people were taken to regional hospitals by Mercy Flight after an accident at 2:40 p.m. on West Main Street at the turn-in for Valu Plaza.

Both people, the driver of one car and his passenger, had non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken ECMC and the passenger to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A third person, the driver of a red Chevy Avalanche involved in the crash, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS.

Reportedly, the driver of a blue Chevy Aveo was making a left-hand turn from the westbound lane into Valu Plaza. He allegedly pulled in front of the red Avalanche.

City and Town of Batavia fire departments responded and Sheriff's deputies are investigating the accident.

Information and photos provided by Alecia Kaus.

Veterans and supporters gathered in five locations in Genesee County today for observances in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States armed services.

Here are pictures from the Genesee County Park and Veterans Administration hospital.

We're getting requests for information regarding a number of police cars heading through Le Roy with lights and sirens. 

It's for a domestic incident. We generally don't report on domestic incidents off the scanner.

However, we will tell you this involved a gun. A phone may have been shot. It doesn't sound like any injuries.

At this time, it sounds like responding law enforcement units (deputies and troopers) have the situation under control.

If there's an arrest, there will likely be a press release and we'll report on that when released.

Students from Penn State are on Batavia's street corners today and tomorrow morning collecting spare change from passing cars as part of there charity drive on the behalf of pediatric cancer.

The students are part of a group called THON, which was first organized at Penn State in 1977. The group has raised more than than $89 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Last year alone, students raised $10 million.

The students came to Batavia this weekend because one of the members, James Leisenring, is from Genesee County.

They will be collecting change until 4 p.m. today and tomorrow morning before heading back to State College, Pa.

Each year, THON culminates its fundraising efforts with a 46-hour dance marathon. For more information, visit THON.org.

Pictured is James Metz, of Butler, Pa., and below, Rick Mancuso, who happened to stop at the Hess Station and then found out about the fundraiser and kicked in a donation.

Bottom photo of participating students submitted by Lisa Rapone.

Members of Adventure Crew 69, Scout Pack 69 and Boy Scout Troop 69 were on the Southside this morning collecting donations for the food pantry at St. James Episcopal Church.

Photo submitted by Jason Smith.

So far, according to Mike Adams, everything about moving Kreative Design Kitchen and Bath to a new location at 5582 E. Main Road, Batavia, has been a success.

Mike and Debbie Adams founded their business in 1993. A big reason for the move was so they could enjoy the financial benefits own owning their own building. In doing so, they also expanded their showroom space by 800 square feet. The expansion has allowed them to expand their business to include more flooring and closet systems.

In the kitchen and bathroom departments they still offer Omega and Diamond cabinets.

With more than 100 people showing up for the grand opening weekend last Saturday and Sunday, Adams said he's pleased the new location is attracting some attention.

Photo, Debbie and Mike Adams, left, and designer Aubrey Kingston.

Yesterday afternoon I stopped by GCC to meet artist Dale Inglett and see the installation of his new show at the Roz Steiner Gallery. From what I could see during my short visit, the show looks like it will be visually interesting and well suited to the bright space and clean lines of the gallery.

Here's a press release from GCC about the show:

The large, clean and adaptable space of the Roz Steiner Art Gallery will host an exhibit by Alfred University Assistant Art Professor Dale Inglett, slated to open on Thursday, Nov. 15, and continuing through Jan. 3. Inglett's "Transient Beings" series includes large-scale canvasses, drawings and videos that examine both the connections and the divisions between the mind and body.

Gallery Director Shirley Tokash Verrico says the figurative images "allude to human transformation and capture a sense of transience and movement. It's an exciting opportunity to see an artist explore a unified concept through a variety of media." She notes that the artworks are an ideal fit for the new gallery which continues to draw more than 300 visitors each month.

Inglett is the recipient of a Strategic Opportunity Stipend from the New York Foundation for the Arts and has exhibited around the world, including the Neon Gallery in Brosarp, Sweden; the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, Ga.; and Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center in Buffalo. His works in painting, printmaking and video explore aspects of identity, time and existence. He received his MFA from Studio Art, Lamar Dodd School of Art in 2004 from the University of Georgia, and his BFA from Augusta State University in 1998.

Inglett's "Transient Beings" exhibit stems from an investigation "between physiology and psychology and include the viewer in an exploration of mortality. I make figurative images that allude to human transformation and non-objective images that capture a sense of transience and movement. My studio practice centers on painting and incorporates drawing, digital media, video and, at times, printmaking."

He uses the printmaking processes to create the footage for the video "Patriarch, Matriarch," yielding both prints and video in the exhibition. The content of the video work is ephemeral and fluctuating with images dissolving and continually shifting to indicate a mutable, transformable nature of identity.

The paintings, however, build on patterns and reticulations of fluidly painted surfaces. Through the pairing of individuals with fleeting qualities in the different media, Inglett alludes to human transformation, transience and passing. While informational aspects of historical photographs are diminished, relationships and family are emphasized.

For further information about this exciting artist visit his Web site: http://www.daleinglett.com/index.html

An artist reception is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. Mr. Inglett will also visit the Batavia campus and his exhibit on Tuesday, Dec. 11 as part of the special Encore Celebration. It will feature the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performance for Genesee Community College Foundation's annual student scholarship fundraising gala.

The Rozalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery is adjacent to Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College Batavia Campus, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. The gallery hours are generally Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and during special events or by special appointment. Contact Shirley Verrico at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6490 or stvierrico@genesee.edu. The gallery Web site: www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts/gallery/

For door-to-door driving directions visit: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps.cfm.

A 27-year-old Batavia man stopped for alleged traffic violations is in jail today, being held on a warrant out of Clark County, Nevada, for alleged sexual assault of a child under age 14.

Kevin Jerome Bacon II, of Bank Street, was stopped by Deputy Joseph Graff for allegedly operating a vehicle in the City of Batavia without headlights or taillights.

Subsequently, Bacon was identified as a warrant suspect.

Bacon is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail as a suspected fugitive from justice.

A 42-year-old Manhatten Avenue resident was taken into custody today on suspicion of selling cocaine in Batavia.

Robert K. Andreassen is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Andreasson is accused of selling a quantity of cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Task force members along with Batavia PD officers arrested Andreassen at his residence.

Following arraignment in county court, Andreassen was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

An ashcan, or ashtray-type container, is reportedly on fire at 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

The owner has pulled the container away from the building.

City fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Fire out. City fire back in service.

John Woodworth suggested last year that this year -- and he just reminded me -- readers of The Batavian who are veterans should get together on Veterans Day for lunch.

So we're going to have our lunch this year on Monday, noon, at Settler's.

If you're a reader of The Batavian, please join us for lunch. It's Dutch treat, but we would love to see you there.

Although banks, government offices and schools will be closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day, the important date for veterans is Nov. 11, and that falls on Sunday this year.

On Sunday, veterans will observe the solemn day at the following locations and times:

• 9 a.m. -- Genesee County Park (Vietnam Veterans of America)
• 10 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave. Ceremony will be held by the flagpole at Building 3, followed by coffee social in Building 4, Recreation Hall.
• 10:20 a.m. -- New York State Veterans Home - after the reading of the NYS proclamation and ceremony several proclamations honoring Joseph Joy for membership to the American Legion for 70 years will also be read.
• 11 a.m. -- Upton Monument
• 11:30 a.m. -- Jerome Center at United Memorial Medical Center

On Monday:

• 1 p.m. -- Genesee Community College at the flag pole.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) received the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of the Year award from the Upstate chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association at the organization’s annual awards dinner on Nov. 8 at the Locust Hill Country Club in Rochester.

“For the second year in a row, NAIOP is pleased to recognize the Genesee County Economic Development Center,” said David Reddinger NAIOP president-elect and Genesee County resident. “As a Genesee County resident I can see firsthand the significant economic development that is occurring in our county and it is largely because of the efforts of the GCEDC.”

The IDA of the Year award was based on the GCEDC’s work in developing the Genesee Valley Agri Business Park in the Town of Batavia. The 2,011-acre site is home to international yogurt manufacturing companies Alpina Foods and Muller Quaker Dairy.

“This award and recognition would not be possible without the collaboration and support of our key partners, including the public sector and entities such as Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and Greater Rochester Enterprise,” said Steven Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC.

“I also want to recognize the leadership of the GCEDC board which had the vision to invest in this site to make it shovel-ready to bring companies like Alpina and Muller Quaker to our region.”

Last year the GGLDC was recognized by NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Upstate New York Chapter for the development of the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre, located in Batavia, NY. Selected industrial, retail, and residential development projects were judged on their design, functionality, project challenges, aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and economic success.

Submitted by Bare Antoles:

The students of Notre Dame started their day on Friday by gathering to cheer on their classmates, the Girls XC Sectional Championship team -- Madison Gluck, Laurie Call, Anna Warner, Emily McCracken, Shelby McGinnis, Rosemary Flumerfeldt, Emily Sherman -- and Boys Sectional Champion Jeffrey Antolos prior to leaving for the NYSPHSAA State Championships to be held tomorrow at Elma Meadows Golf Course in Elma, NY.

A Brooklyn man is facing a rare bribery charge in Genesee County, but that's not nearly the end of his legal troubles.

He's also wanted in Poughkeepsie and Virginia.

Christian J. Nykian, 20, was in custody and identified as a man wanted on a warrant out of Henrico County, Virginia, when he allegedly told State Troopers, “Yo, I will give you all my money in my pocket to make this go away."

In his pocket, according to Investigator Andre Dunlap, was $198.28.

Troopers Jenny Bryman and Steve Brady initially made contact wth Nykian at College Village on Wednesday after responding to a trespassing complaint.

Four subjects were found in a dorm room who allegedly did not have permission to be there.

When questioned, Nykian said his given name was Christian, according to Dunlap. When a records check turned up a warrant in Virginia, he said his real name was Johnny.

The troopers took him back to the State Police Barracks on West Saile Drive and a fingerprint scan positively identified him as Christian J. Nykian, Dunlap said.

That's when Nykian allegedly offered the troopers his $198.28 to "make this go away."

Locally, Nykian is facing a Class D felony for the alleged bribery of a public official as well as false personation and obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd.

In Virginia, Nykian is wanted for felony false pretense and false utterance.

Poughkeepsie PD authorities are also seeking Nykian on charges of grand larceny, 3rd, and possession of a forged instrument, 2nd.

Dunlap said both jurisdictions have said they will seek extradition of Nykian. He will likely face the New York charges before being sent to Virginia.

Nykian is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

A 40-year-old man turned himself in to Batavia PD following a complaint that the man sexually abused a child under age 11.

John W. Eastridge, 40, of 7058 N. Pearl St., Oakfield, was charged with sexual abuse, 1st. Following arraignment he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Eastridge allegedly subjected a child to sexual contact in September 2009 in Batavia.

Assisting Det. Charles Dudek on the investigation were Chris Erion and John Dehm of the Sheriff's Office.