Local businesses can now use The Batavian to help promote their social media marketing efforts.

Glance down the right side rail of local ads and you'll find two boxes, one with links to the Facebook pages of local businesses and another to promote the Twitter feeds of local businesses.

Social media is becoming a powerful tool for small businesses to connect with customers and one of our primary goals at The Batavian is to help local businesses use the Internet intelligently.

Besides offering the best online advertising program in the region, working with local businesses in their social media efforts helps us further that goal.

If your business already has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, call Howard Owens at 260-6970 to find out how to get a link added to our Facebook and Twitter boxes. And if you haven't put your business on Facebook or Twitter yet, call us and we'll help you get started. We can even manage your social media efforts for your business.

The Genesee Justice Foundation can now accept your donations.

The foundation was formed in the wake of the County Legislature nearly shuttering the pioneering restorative justice program when writing the 2010-11 county budget.

Only after then-director Ed Minardo resigned and staff agreed to cut back its hours was the program saved, but with the intent of creating a nonprofit fundraising arm.

The cuts saved $100,000, and that's how much the foundation must raise in 2011 to keep Genesee Justice going and restore staffing levels.

Some of that revenue may come from a grant the county's Job Development Bureau is applying for this week.

Both the Genesee Justice Foundation and the Child Advocacy Foundation have 501(c)3 (nonprofit) status pending, but until granted, the American Baptist Churches of Genesee County have agreed to accept donations on the behalf of the Genesee Justice Foundation.

Tiffany Szymanek, assistant director of Genesee Justice, delivered a report on the status of Genesee Justice on Monday afternoon to the legislature's Public Service Committee.

Szymanek said the agency is managing to do more with less, however.

Genesee Justice's case load is up significantly over a year ago.

Currently, Genesee Justice has 183 people in its offender programs, compared to 127 at this time last year, and 91 people, compared to 54 a year ago, are doing community service.

"It's harder than it was last year, but we're keeping up," Szymanek said.

In effort to save money, GJ renegotiated its lease, knocking down its rent on the former Sheriff's Office on West Main Street from $1,500 per month to $1,200 per month. (See clarification below)

Most of that savings came because GJ agreed to take over its own lawn maintenance and snow removal.

The Batavia Kiwanis have adopted Genesee Justice as its annual project, and besides raising funds for GJ, the club has volunteered to help with lawn service and snow removal.

"We also have community service workers," Szymanek said.

The new foundation is being headed by Jane Schmider, president, and Mike Mohun, vice president.

As for the job development grant, that money would be used to fund a program to provide job training to young offenders (18-24). While the grant would come through the county's Job Development Bureau, GJ would administer the program. The grant could restore most of the staff's hours.

After Minardo resigned, a part-time position with Genesee Justice became vacant and Minardo took on the DWI conditional release tasks.

Szymanek said the foundation is eager for donations either from individuals or corporations. She said she will also be working on additional grant applications.

If the foundation is successful in fundraising, the annual revenue would be allocated to the county to cover Genesee Justice expenses and the legislature would decide how to budget the department.

Legislator Bob Radley asked Szymanek to provide a document showing revenue benchmarks and information on fundraising efforts.

Mary Pat Hancock, chair of the legislature, wondered how far along the fundraising effort was going.

"On paper, I understand the intent is to raise $100,000, but that's not the same as raising $100,000," Hancock said.

Szymanek said she will start providing a progress report on fundraising.

There will be a fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Foundation March 24 at Tully's.

CLARIFICATIONS: The lease issue and snow removal/lawn refers only to the Child Advocacy Center at 108 Bank St.  Also, both Kiwansis and American Baptist boards still need to vote to approve their organizations' participation in supporting Genesee Justice.

Right on schedule, the migratory gulls that have plagued downtown buildings the past few years -- most notably the former Latina's location on Ellicott Street -- are returning.

This March, they're getting a slightly different reception.

The one-time Montgomery Ward store has a new owner, V J Gautieri Constructors, Inc., and CEO Vito Gautieri is determined both to get new tenants in the building and keep the gulls away.

"The key is to keep them from nesting," Gautieri said. "Once they nest, we can't touch them."

To that end, employees of Gautieri's were recently on the roof installing streamers and decoy owls (mean-looking ones at that).

Today, the gulls circled the building and cried their perpetually angry sounding cry, but none were landing on the roof.

Friday, Don Burkel, executive director of the Business Improvement District, sent a message to BID members asking them to deal with any developing gull problems promptly.

As the gulls return downtown we should be prepared to resolve any problems that may develop. If they are beginning to nest or create a problem with your property do not hesitate to contact us. We can put in touch with the Wildlife Services who professionalyl deal with these issues promptly.

As for the building on Jackson, Gautieri said he is weeks away from signing at least one new tenant for the building, and possibly two. He said he's had interest in the building from two or three grocery store operators and discount retailers. One particular retailer and one grocery store would be a particularly good fit as neighbors in the building, he said.

"They would be a draw for each other," Gautieri said.

Gautieri recently closed his purchase of the building from Tom Lewin's LKLWL Properties. Lewin made regional headlines late last summer as the city took steps to condemn the building and press code violations charges against the Buffalo-area resident.

Gautieri said it's in his best interest to keep the property clean and gull free, especially if he hopes to attract a grocery store to the location.

The second floor, Gautieri said, will also be available for office space or apartments. The plans are still being drawn up but, in either case, Gautieri said he is planning to install an elevator to help draw tenants to the location.

Gautieri was the contractor who built the structure and he said because of a high water table under the building, it was too expensive to put in a basement, so the second floor was originally designed as warehouse space with the ability to hold a150 lbs.-per-square-foot load.

Here's a news release from Republican candidate Jane Corwin.

WILLIAMSVILLE – Jane Corwin, businesswoman and unanimously endorsed Republican candidate for New York’s 26th Congressional District, announced today that she has received the endorsement of the New York State Independence Party.

Corwin received the unanimous endorsement after a meeting held by the Independence Party on Saturday, March 12.

“I appreciate the support shown by the New York State Independence Party and thank them for their endorsement,” Corwin said. “The support I’ve been shown by so many has been truly humbling.

"I’ve heard the message from Western New Yorkers loud and clear – they want Washington to cut spending and stop the borrow-and-spend policies from the last few years, and they want those elected to serve the people to focus on strengthening the economy to create jobs.

"If honored to be Western New York’s next representative in Congress, Western New Yorkers can count on me to represent their values and fight for them in Washington.”

By receiving the endorsement this weekend, Corwin’s name will now appear on two ballot lines when the special election for New York's 26th District is held on Tuesday, May 24.

A patient apparently suffered a cut hand and bump on the head in a car-tractor trailer accident on Route 490 on or near the county line by the Bovee Road overpass.

Le Roy Fire Department is dispatched.

View Larger Map

Alabama Fire is responding to 2082 Lewiston Road for a flooded basement and possibly related gas leak.

Charges may be pending following a one-car accident at 10:38 p.m. Saturday, on North Street Road, Le Roy.

The driver has been identified as Philip M. Niccloy, 24, of 75 Summit St., Le Roy.

According to initial reports, the car Niccloy was allegedly driving, was found unoccupied at the accident scene and several law enforcement officers were involved in a search for the driver.

The Sheriff's Office accident report does not include information on how Niccloy was identified as the driver nor how he was found, though on Saturday night, the owner of the vehicle, also a Summit Street resident, said she wanted charges pressed against the driver.

The vehicle involved was a 2010 GMC pickup.

The truck hit a tree at the bend of the road in the area of 8471 North Street Road. The driver-side airbag was deployed.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Matthew Butler wrote on his report that the investigation is ongoing and there are "charges pending."

Lorrie B. Fischer, 32, of 128 W. State St., Albion, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, three counts of aggravated DWI (children in the vehicle), criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, moving from lane unsafely, and improper or unsafe turn. At 5:19 p.m., Sunday, Fischer was reportedly observed driving in an erratic manner by an off-duty Batavia police officer. Fischer was stopped by Officer Chris Davis. There were children ages 11, 12 and 14 in the car.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 20, and Shante R. Williams, 27, and Sarah L. Marcello, 18, all of Batavia, are all charged with harassment, 2nd. Officers Marc Lawrence and Chris Camp investigated an alleged incident at 4:45 p.m., Saturday, in the area of 112 State St., Batavia. Robert Williams accused Marcello of hitting him. Marcello accused Shante Williams and Robert Williams of hitting her. All three were issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on March 15.

Tyler Alan Cole, 18, of Alley Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Cole is accused of hosting a party where people under 21 were allowed to consume alcohol. The party was investigated at 5:06 a.m., Sunday.

Michael Roberrt Turturro, 32, of Jeffery Drive, Depew, was arrested on a family court warrant and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and no seat belt. Turturro was stopped by Deputy Chris Parker on Alleghany Road in Alabama.

Billy Joe Budziszewski, 19, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Budziszewski allegedly threated another person during a phone call.

Shane I. Crosby, 34, of 62989 W. Main St., Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI, speeding and unlicensed operation. Crosby was stopped at 3:45 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by officer Kevin DeFelice.

Thomas M. Pillo, of 8991 Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, no tail lamps. Pillo was stopped at 11:57 p.m., Friday, by Det. Richard Schauf on School Street, Batavia.

Tiffany J. Howard, 20, of 210 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Howard is accused of unlawfully entering an apartment on West Main Street at 8:42 p.m., Saturday, and punching a person in the face.

Timothy K. Schiffmaker, 20, of 19 Hyde Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Schiffmaker is accused of breaking into a house in the city at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, damaging a door in the process. Schiffamker was confronted and held by the resident until police arrived.

Lauren E. Charache, 31, of 3 East Ave., Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Charache was issued a citation for unlicensed operation following a traffic accident in the city on Sept. 3. Charache was taken into custody by Trooper Bentley outside of the city and turned over to city police. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Gary R. Sitarski, 48, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Sitarski was stopped by State Police at 10:07 p.m., Saturday, on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Michelle L. Cramer, 26, of Canton, Ohio, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cramer is accused of having physical contact with another person. The alleged incident took place in Byron on March 4. Cramer was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Michael A. Cintron, 47, of Lackawanna, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cintron was stopped at 11:50 a.m., Friday, by State Police on Route 77, Pembroke.

Sunday morning, four teams from Batavia's Adult Hockey League met in two playoff games.

The Beachy Cabinet Maker "Wild" and The Genesee Orthopaedic "Blues" won their games and will now face each other for the league championship this Sunday.

Below are details of the games provided by Charles Mahler.

7 a.m.: The Beachy Cabinet Maker "Wild" vs. The Kelly Holland Inn "Stars." The Wild defeats the Stars 9-3 with the winner advancing to the championship game.

Scoring for the Wild: Todd Meier 3 goals and Rich Baskin 3 goals (w/ the game winner), Shawn Beachy, Tom Antinore and Ryan Diflippo each 1 goal. Assists: Rich Pearson with 2, while 1 each to Todd Meier, Tom Antinore, Shawn Beachy and Ryan Diflippo. Scott Fauth was in net facing 28 shots

Scoring for the Stars: Adam Luckenbach, Nick Martell and TJ Peca.     Assists: Nick Busch with 3, TJ Peca, Rick Piazza and Nick Martell with 1 each. John Grande was in net facing 27 shots

9 a.m.: The Genesee Orthopaedic "Blues" vs. The Batavia Legal Printing "Sharks." The Blues defeats the Sharks 6-3 advancing to the championship game.

Scoring for the Blues: Shawnee Oberholtzer with 2, Bill Kusmierski, Cory Stearns, Dave Holtz and Joe Mahler each having 1 goal with Mahler's being the game winner. Assists: Brian Schrader with 2, Greg Ames, Kevin Hamilton and Joe Mahler with 1 each. Jason Molino faced 24 shots in the win.

Scoring for the Sharks: Dan Reuter had a natural hat trick with 3 goals and the only assist going to Andy Pfalzer. Bill Hertel faced 25 shots in net.

Sunday March 20th at 7:30 a.m. will be the "Consolation Game" with the Sharks going against the Stars. At 9 a.m. the "Championship Game" with the Blues taking on the Wild.

Then on Sunday March 27 at 8 a.m. the "B-Line" All Star Game. Followed at 9:30 a.m. by the "A-Line" All-Star Game.

There are another 30 pictures, plus these, on our photo sales site. Click here.

A caller reports black smoke coming from a house at 101 North St., Batavia.

The caller says nobody answers the door, but dogs can be heard barking inside.

City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: A Mercy medic is first on scene and reports black smoke coming from a side vent. No flames showing. Batavia police are asking dispatch for contact information for the owner.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: No fire. Pellet stove. The type of fuel used in this case creates the black smoke. City fire back in service.

View Larger Map

Dispatch has received multiple calls about a transformer arcing and sparking at 5158 East Main St. Road in the area of the Gravel Pit.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: The arcing and sparking appears to be coming from a power line in front of the power plant substation, not a transformer, according to an official on scene. "That's a recurring problem," says another. National Grid has been notified, but no ETA is given. There will need to be portable stop signs placed at intersections on the east end of town because, apparently, the power line problem is affecting traffic lights. For example, the intersection at East Main Street and Clinton is completely out, not even blinking.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: Approximately 2,100 customers are without power. National Grid is en route to fix the outage problem.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: A National Grid supervisor in on scene.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: The supervisor estimates power will be restored in about one hour.

UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire crew is returning to quarters. Flares will be placed at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road, which is an intersection without power. Elsewhere portable stop signs were placed at intersections on the east end of town by county highway personnel.

UPDATE 1:23 p.m.: Dispatch has received a number of calls saying power is back on now.

A car fire is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.5 in the eastbound lane.

The caller states she could see flames from the undercarriage and the male operator was getting children out of the car.

Mile marker 385.6 is about 8/10 of a mile east of the Clinton Street Road overpass.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:01 a.m.: First responder: Fire appears to be out.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: The drive shaft appears to have punctured the fuel tank. Fire is out. Engine 24 to respond for the fuel spill.

Despite blowing a cylinder today, Stafford's Jason DiSalvo managed to pull of a victory in one of motorcycle racing's most prestigious events, the Daytona 200.

AMAProRacing.com describes the race as challenging for all of the riders with multiple lead changes.

DiSalvo was in and out of the lead several times during the race.

“It’s really unbelievable after what the team went through today with everything with the engine. Those guys worked so hard, it was probably the biggest thrash in all of motorcycling history to get that bike put back together and ready to rock in time for the start. It’s just amazing. I’m almost a little bit speechless. As to how I feel about winning this race, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I have to thank a couple of people, one is the AMA Pro officials for letting us restart the race. I know there was some question about it, and then we were given the go-ahead, so I want to thank them for that, and then of course my crew. It’s just unbelievable—I watched that bike go back together in 20 minutes.”

Full Story.

A car has gone off the road and hit a tree in the area of 8481 North St. Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and ambulance dispatched.

A first responder says there has been air bag deployment, but she says, "I haven't located the driver yet."

A deputy reports that the driver has apparently left the scene.

UPDATE 11:02 p.m.: The registered owner has been located and wishes to press charges against the driver. Police seem to have some idea who the driver is and are searching for him.

UPDATE 11:16 p.m.: The suspect has not been located yet. He is likely on foot and may be within the village boundaries.

View Larger Map

The Stafford Volunteer Fire Department held its annual installation dinner and awards ceremony at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia on Saturday night.

Above, Karen Nostrant, who received the Chief's Award from Fire Chief Dave Rumsey, dedicates her award to the late 3rd Assistant Chief Paul Hendel, who died Feb. 17 at the age of 49.

Brian Breemes (pictured below with Rumsey) was named Firefighter of the Year. Breemes achieved 226.7 hours of firematic/EMS activity.

Ben Fox won the EMS Achievement Award with 154 hours.

The most EMS training hours were achieved by Chris Scopano with 170.5 hours, while Chris Bobo had most firematic training hours at 126.17.

The department has 40 active members. Total activity and training hours for the department in 2010 was 3,880.48.

The department responded to 237 calls: Fire, 39, rescue and EMS, 146, hazardous condition (no fire), 10, service calls, 2, good intention calls, 28, and false alarms, 12.

More pictures after the jump:

Tom Laird, master of ceremonies.

Chris Bobo

Bill Taylor, "Best Patient of the Year." (Taylor volunteered many times to be the "victim" in training sessions).

Batavia police officers made 575 criminal arrests in 2010 and responded to 16,606 calls.

Chief Randy Baker released the department's annual report, which notes that patrols logged more than 100,000 road miles.

Officers also completed 1,685 hours of training.

There were 534 motor vehicle accidents in the city, with 98 reported as personal injury accidents. There was one fatality.

Major investigations included a fatal fire on State Street, the Wiard Plow fire and assisting Elmira police in the investigation of an infant's death.

Full press release after the jump:

DETAILS: The 2010 Batavia Police Department annual report has been completed and can be viewed on the Batavia Police Department’s Web site at www.batavianewyork.com. During 2010, the Batavia Police Department responded to 16,606 calls for service, logged over 100,000 miles on patrol and performed 1,685 hours of training. The police department handled approximately 534 motor vehicle accidents, 98 which were reported as personal injury and 1 fatal accident. The department handled 575 criminal arrests and 196 warrant arrests.

Department training topics included firearms, defensive tactics, taser, emergency response team techniques, domestic violence, patrol procedures, DWI detection, DNA procedures and interviewing techniques. The emergency response team, which includes members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, traveled to Verona, NY to train with the New York Tactical Officers Association and competed in a SWAT team competition in Erie County in September of 2010.

Major cases and investigations for the year included, a fatal fire on State Street in February, an industrial fire in May at the old Wiard Plow Factory building. Three juveniles were arrested and sent to Family Court after an extensive investigation. Detectives worked with the Elmira Police Department investigating the death of an infant. Detectives also worked with the Kansas City Missouri police department to arrest a sex offender who was texting an underage female in Batavia. An investigation was completed and a subject arrested for fraudulently obtaining $58,000 from an elderly female. Major trials were held for Andre Scott who was convicted and sent to prison for arson and attempted murder for a fire started at a multifamily residence in 2008. Dalton Wilkie was convicted on federal charges for soliciting sex online from what he thought was a minor in Batavia. He was actually contacting a Batavia Police Department Detective.

The county drug task force, which includes a detective from the Batavia Police Department, investigated 95 drug cases, made 86 arrests and executed 18 search warrants. One of the drug investigations coordinated with the FBI disrupted a major methamphetamine drug ring in Genesee County.

Detectives monitored on average 60 Level I, II and III sex offenders in the city.

The juvenile office worked with GCASA on National Night Out, Project 365 and alcohol compliance checks.

Traffic patrols funded by the NYS Governors Traffic Safety Committee for Buckle Up New York and STEP resulted in over 300 hours of extra traffic patrols. The local STOP DWI committee supported over 400 hours of special DWI patrols which resulted in over 439 vehicle stops. There were 48 DWI arrests made by the department in 2010.

The crime rate for the city for Part I crimes at 34.93 per 1000 of population remained relatively stable. There was a slight decrease in the crime rate in 2010 from the crime rate of 37.20 in 2009. Part II crimes, a new rate monitored by the department, was 58.67 and increased slightly from the rate in 2009 at 55.18.

Awards received by department members in 2010 include Officer Camp Kiwanis Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the Batavia Police Department. Officer Mileham was given the GCASA Law Enforcement of the Year Award for his dedicated service to Drug Court.

Hiroshige Yamabe, an exchange student at Batavia High in 1988-89, currently lives in Japan and has been in contact with his former host family following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the country two days ago.

Yamabe sent the following e-mails to Jason Smith. Smith said Yamabe has visited Batavia frequently since his high school years. He currently works for Boehreinger Pharmaceutical in Japan.

March 11:

"It was horrible experience in my life. But mostly people in Tokyo are OK. But we can not go back home, just staying at the office. Anyhow, I am responsible for confirm the production sites/plants close to the centre of origin. Hope phone line will be improved. thank you."

March 12:

Dear all,

Thank you so much for your concerns. Yes, I tried to call Jason and James but not made it. Then I called to the funeral home.

We are all safe. Last night I stayed at the office waiting for the recovery of transportation. We could not catch the taxi and I saw people made a long line. Even though catching the taxi, then it seemed to be a heavy traffic. When I come back home this morning by subway, I did not see so much damage on the building except some items fell down.

In Tokyo now all the infrastructure are fine. But the northern part is terrible. Boehringer Japan Group has three plants in Narita, Yamagata and Fukushima. I am a little bit worried about Fukushima Plant. Cause it is just few kilometre away from the nuclear plant. Anyway, I shall be quite busy for the next few weeks. Thank you again and get in touch.

Kind regards,

H. Yamabe

P.S.
Now we have a little shaking again...

UPDATE:  Here's a new e-mail from Hiroshige:

Thank you, Jason. Just I talked with my mother. My brother & sister's family, they are all safe. I just concerned about my colleagues' family in Northern part area in Japan has anything wrong. Public transportation is not recovered. So I am still in the office at mid-night. But pretty fine.

A motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported on Lewiston Road, just south of Galloway Road.

Oakfield Fire Department is on location and Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to respond. Mercy medics are also called.

The day is coming, according to Mark Peterson, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, when the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Albany will rival any high-tech corridor in the world.

Peterson made his bold prediction at the Genesee County Economic Development Center's annual luncheon at Genesee Community College.

More than 100 people attended the 90-minute event that featured presentations by GCEDC executives and elected officials -- both predicting a bright future for economic development in Genesee County and complaining about New York's hostile environment to business.

Peterson said high tech will be drawn to Western New York through the cooperative efforts of the industrial development agencies in Genesee, Orleans, Niagara and Monroe counties.

GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde (pictured above) echoed Peterson in his closing remarks.

"We will help bring back manufacturing to Western New York and we will do it with high tech, green tech and advanced manufacturing," Hyde said.

With five shovel-ready projects, Genesee County is poised to employee 3,000 more people, Hyde said.

"That's more than double the existing manufacturing work force in Genesee County," Hyde said.

He added that once the Alabama STAMP project is completed and completely built out, Genesee County will employ 9,300 more people.

"But it's not just about jobs," Hyde said. "It's about building a tax base."

Hyde said that process is already benefiting Genesee County.

"We have 114 active projects," Hyde said. "That's up 65 percent from 2005. Those projects collectively pay out $4.5 million annually into the tax jurisdictions of Genesee County, towns, schools and the city."