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Person possibly pinned under car after rollover accident on Creek Road

By Howard B. Owens

A person may be pinned under a car following a rollover accident in the area of 8943 Creek Road, Town of Batavia, between Lehigh and Dorman roads.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m. (Billie): Lehigh Avenue is being shut down completely, starting at Ellicott Street. Mercy Flight is called with a 10-minute ETA. A landing zone is being set up on Lehigh Avenue, in one of the few places not crisscrossed by wires. The victim is stilled pinned under the vehicle.

UPDATE 10:29 a.m. (Billie): The victim has been extricated. Mercy Flight is now four minutes away. Traffic police are shutting down Creek and Dorman roads.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m. (Billie): There's a utility pole down at 8937 Creek Road and National Grid will be on scene in roughly 10 minutes.

UPDATE 10:37 a.m. (Billie): Mercy Flight is on the ground. National Grid is there now, but they are blocking the space needed for Mercy Flight to handle the accident.

UPDATE 11 a.m. (Billie): Mercy Flight went to Erie County Medical Center. The Town of Batavia fire crews, as well as City units, which assisted, are back in service. Sheriff's deputies remain to handle traffic control.


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Pembroke students skip gift exchange, raise money for charity

By Howard B. Owens

Children in the Pembroke Primary classes have been raising money for Wings Flights for Hope this month rather than exchanging Christmas gifts. So far, they've raised more than $200. The classes raising money are taught by Mrs. Altmann and Mrs. Parada. Mrs. Altmann, a volunteer firefighter in Williamsville, has promised to match what the amount the kids raise by Dec. 23.

Submitted by Kimberly Schiefer.

Photos: Christmas at 400 Towers

By Robin Walters

On their second night out of celebrating Christmas, Care-A-Van Ministries stopped by the 400 Towers to have a celebration with the residents there.

Photo: Winter solstice moon

By Howard B. Owens

Did you see the spectacular, low-hanging moon this evening? I did, and headed out to Griswold Road in Stafford to get a shot of it behind one of my favorite barns.

Photos: Christmas lights for Dec. 21

By Howard B. Owens

For Christmas photos tonight, I managed to get around a bit on the north side of town.

Above, Joe Gerace has his place on Vine Street quite lit up.

More pictures after the jump:

Vine Street

Trumbull Parkway

Elm Street

Fordham Drive

Tracy Avenue

Summitt Street

Open House for the Genessee County Mental Health Association

By Akari Iburi

The welcoming ambiance of cookies and coffee warmly greeted those who attended the Genessee County Mental Health Association's (MHA) open house between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The open house was especially unique in that it marked the re-opening of a new and much improved clothing store.

Pictured above, Sueann Schramm (far left), Lee Albert (back right), and Kathy Hanley (front right), are three of the five voluneers who helped revamp the old clothing store into one that offers many options. It took the members seven weeks to completely improve the area, two of the seven dedicated to the meticulous organization of the clothes.

"It's been a lot of work but we got it done," proudly stated Sueann who was working behind the register as Kathy cheerfully welcomed those entering the clothing shop section of the MHA establishment. Donated clothing is thoroughly washed, organized and hung according to size and item. All profits made from the clothing is recirculated into the purchase of alternative items available such as various hygenic products. The clothing shop is open three days a week, Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and all donations are welcomed and much appreciated.

The open house offered papers describing their services, including a book of poetry and CD of music (sponsored by Go Art!)  created by members of their Social Club. The purpose of the MHA society is to advocate wellness and support those in need in a safe and friendly environment. Some of their programs include Trauma Services, Survivors of Suicide support group, and The Warm Line.  The Warm Line is a non-crisis phone service that is accessible  after the designated hours of typical help lines.

With his door open and willingness to talk during the hours of the open house, Charley DelPlato, pictured above, is the passionate Warm Line Coordinator. "We offer support and encouragement," he exclaimed while describing the wholesome efforts made by the Warm Line.  Not only does the Warm Line provide phone services after hours of typicial help lines, they additionally participate in "outreach" programs through visits at hospitals, sending out cards, and taking individuals out for coffee or shopping.

The MHA provides an excellent service to the community of Genessee County and has continuously done so for the past sixteen years. A warm thank you to Sue Gagne, Assistant Executive Director, and all members of the MHA staff for their willingness to provide the Batavian with such valuable information.

For more information on the MHA or of their clothing store, visit their website at gcmha.org or contact them through phone at (585)-344-2611.

Christmas in the schools, part 3

By Daniel Crofts

The third and final "Christmas in the Schools" video features students from Holy Family School (Le Roy), Batavia Middle School and St. Joseph School (I was going to go to Oakfield Elementary, but the weather prevented me -- St. Joe's was having the official holiday concert at the same time that evening, so I figured this would give me the chance to film those St. Joe's students who weren't caroling at the City Centre).

I have to warn you, the video quality is not quite as good as the other two installments.  I was having some unexpected camera troubles -- some of this was my fault, some of it the fault of circumstances. But I hope that the quality of the students' performances will make up for this.

Finally, I just need to correct a quick error in the first video: "Santa's Playlist" was written by John Jacobson and Roger (not Robert) Emerson; you will notice that these two wrote one of the songs appearing in this video.

Thank you to all of the schools for allowing me to see and showcase the students' hard work and talent, and congratulations to the kids on a job well done.

Car strikes parked vehicle on Summit Street

By Billie Owens

It is reported that a car has possibly struck a parked vehicle at 160 Summit St. Unknown injuries.

Batavia City fire and a medic are on scene.

Photos: The Christmas Light Truck

By Howard B. Owens

James Dwyer spends most of his year driving coast-to-coast as a long-haul trucker, but for two weeks around Christmas, he gets to stay home, so he parks his truck and drapes strands of more than 400 feet of Christmas lights over it.

The 48-foot-long flatbed trailer is decorated by his wife with various animated characters.

He's been decorating his truck every Christmas for about eight years and he says each year it seems to grow in popularity, with more and more people driving by his Knowlesville Road home to check it out. To get there, take Lewiston Road/Lockport Road in Alabama and head north on Knowlesville.

Photos: Notre Dame 'Grotto'

By Howard B. Owens

This is the "Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes," or "The Grotto," on the campus of Notre Dame High School, just off Richmond Avenue.

The photos are from last night.

Charvella case moved to Town of Batavia Court

By Howard B. Owens

Because of a conflict of interest with the judges in Le Roy, where the case originated, Judge Robert C. Noonan this morning assigned the case of Chris Charvella to Town of Batavia Court.

Charvella is charged with harassment, 2nd, for allegedly placing a phone call to the home of Legislator Jay Grasso.

It will be up to the court in Batavia to set a time for Charvella's next appearance, and whether that appearance will be in front of Justice Tom Williams or Justice Mike Cleveland.

After the hearing this morning, Charvella said he couldn't comment on the case, but added, "When all is said and done, I'm confident I'll be completely vindicated."

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Fennell said there's been no discussion in the DA's office about whether or not to proceed with the case, but indicated that Charvella was arrested so he would be prosecuted.

He said he doesn't see this as a First Amendment issue.

"It's not the political aspect of the case that's been at issue," Finnell said. "It's the phone call to his home for no apparent legitimate purpose."

New York's harassment law bars phone calls for "no purpose of legitimate communication."

At the time of the call, according to Charvella's blog entries, Charvella believed Grasso was responsible for placing a Mike Ranzenhofer campaign sign on Charvella's front lawn. Charvella said he called Grasso's house to thank him for reading his blog, where he had previously written about a Ranzenhofer signs showing up in front of the family business, where he works.

Charvella, a frequent contributor to The Batavian, is active in local Democratic politics and ran in 2009 for county legislator against Grasso's colleague Hollis Upson, losing to the GOP incumbent.

Besides sitting on the legislature, Grasso is a part-time aide to Ranzenhofer, now in his second term representing Genesee County in the state Senate.

Circle of Love has clothing and toys available for Christmas

By Robin Walters

Billie Ball, founder of Circle of Love, announced that the foundation will be open this Wednesday, Dec. 22 for families to come in and receive gently used clothing and toys. The hours for this special event are from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a great opportunity for families to be able to get gifts for their children or other family members. They have children and adult clothing of all sizes.

During the year, people can come to Circle of Love by appointment. The phone number is 585-202-2566. Financial donations can be sent to the foundation by mailing to Circle of Love 3284 W. Main St., Batavia, NY, 14020. Also donations of items can be dropped off and put in the drop box out front.

PHOTOS: Spreading Christmas Cheer

By Robin Walters

Care-A-Van Ministries was out tonight and will be the next two nights, spreading Christmas joy and cheer. A group of volunteers from several churches came along and provided caroling as well as hot chocolate and Christmas goodies. Christmas gifts were also given to the residents. We  were at Park apartments, Platt Boarding Home and a home of a very special couple. A delicious chili dinner was served at the boarding home as well.

 

An open letter of praise to The Batavian

By Bob Harker

Howard and Billie, you are to be commended on allowing uncensored comments and replies on this site.

Howard, though at times we are on opposite ends of the spectrum in our views, never once have you deleted my comments, or those of others - with only one exception I am aware of in which the poster was abusive towards others.

This open policy of The Batavian may seem to be a given, but in these politically correct times it is rarely seen - either here locally or in the larger metro markets.

I attribute a large part of The Batavian's success to your respect of free speech. It is amazing to me that so many "news" organizations - that make their living through freedom of ideas and speech - censor what they consider to be socially or politically incorrect comments.

Keep up the good work. It's appreciated.

Bob

Police Beat: Woman accused of resisting arrest, spitting on patrol car equipment

By Howard B. Owens

Summer Ogden, 34, of 4036 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, attempted criminal mischief, 4th, and criminal tampering, 3rd. At 6:28 p.m., Monday, the Sheriff's Office attempted to execute a warrant out of Batavia City Court for her arrest for allegedly violating probation. While taking Ogden into custody, she allegedly physically struggled with deputies. After the arrest, she was allegedly found in possession of an illegal knife. During transport to Genesee County Jail, Ogden allegedly kicked at the windows of the patrol car and spit on equipment inside of the car. Ogden was jailed on $2,500 bail. (Prior reports on Summer Ogden)

Eric James Flowers, 23, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance (hydrocodone), 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation and uninspected motor vehicle. At 8:21 a.m., Dec. 5, Flowers was observed by Deputy Brian Thompson driving on Trumbull Parkway, Batavia. Flowers was known, according to Thompson, to have a suspended or revoked driver's license. After being stopped, Flowers was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and hydrocodone.

Collin Michael Camp, 19, of North Spreet, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unsafe speed. Camp was arrested at 12:20 p.m., Dec. 5, after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana during an accident investigation conducted by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Timothy R. Tucker, 45, of Medina, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Tucker was arrested by State Police at 3:13 p.m., Saturday, following an investigation into a two-car accident on Alleghany Road, Alabama. No injuries were reported in the accident.

Photos: Robert Morris teachers try to get more votes for playground

By Howard B. Owens

More than a dozen Robert Morris School teachers withstood subfreezing temperatures and light snow last night in an effort to garner more votes in the Pepsi Challenge. If the school gets enough support, Pepsi will donate $50,000 for a new playground.

Teachers were handing out handbills to passing drivers and car passengers with information on how to vote, plus the school's computer lab was open for anybody who needed help voting.

Santa in the picture is Paul Bernardi, of Pauly's Pizza.

To vote:

1. You can go to refresheverything.com/robertmorrisplagyround, where you can find more information -- including a video made by students, staff and parents -- and vote by clicking the "Vote for this idea" tab (upper right).

2. You can also vote via text messaging. Simply text to 73774 and enter 104607 in the message.

Parrinello: “I'm really not a person, I'm an object.”

By Howard B. Owens

WHAM 13's Sean Carroll sat down with John Parrinello, the prominent Monroe County attorney and politician arrested recently at GCC and charged with criminal trespass.

Parrinello says he's retained Batavia attorney Lisa Kroemer to represent him. He believes two five-minute videos of the incident posted on YouTube vindicate him.  He indicates he was trying to leave when he was arrested, but wanted to leave by the exit nearest his car rather than the one the trooper wanted him to leave by (don't all exits from the gym lead to one exit to the parking lot -- I mean, does it really matter which gym door he goes out of to be "closer to his car"?)

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