We had a couple of unexpected visitors to our place last weekend. Being February and given the sort of winter we've had, it was more than a bit of a surprise to see a pair of bluebirds come calling last Saturday morning.            

A male and female alit in the apple tree and I never thought they'd sit tight with the powerful wind gusts whipping the branches about. But sit they did and I was able to get several shots of the male while the female was obscured by branches.

A female cardinal seems to be shrieking with delight, perhaps celebrating the sunshine and blue sky

This cardinal seems content to sample a snow-capped frozen apple.

A chickadee sticks close to brushy cover.......

while another helps itself to sunflower seed and millet.

Pileated woodpeckers have shown up quite regularly this winter......we often hear their raucous call long before they come into view.

How did this gray squirrel get a snow hat?

He and some friends were digging for the walnuts I had tossed into the briars last autumn. I knew the squirrels would find them, but I never thought they would wait till there were several inches of snow on the ground before doing so.

This guy, meanwhile, appears to be rubbing his paws in anticipation while eyeballing the bird feeder. 

Prior to last weekend, the last bluebird I saw was just before Thanksgiving. Winter set in on us right after that. I've never seen one this early in the year. I've heard or read somewhere that bluebirds sometimes winter here, it all depends on the weather and availability of food. Regardless, I know we've got some single-digit lows coming later this week, but I've always felt Mother Nature was pretty good at predicting the weather.....here's hoping!

Washington Post: Opening Day Day: Does the return of baseball deserve its own holiday?

Two Batavia residents are accused of being drug dealers after Sheriff's investigator went to their house on an unrelated matter and allegedly spotted controlled substances in plain view inside their South Main Street residence.

A search warrant was secured and investigators claim they seized crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, hydrocodone pills, clonazapam pills, detroamphetamine pills and a hydromorphone pill.

Arrested were Kevin J. O'Connell Jr., 33, and Samantha L. Hicks, 26.

The investigator went to their South Main Street residence to speak with a person who reported a burglary.

After spotting what he believed to be narcotics, the location was secured and the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force was called in along with uniformed deputies and K-9 Destro.

O'Connell and Hicks are both charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony that indicates investigators believe they had enough narcotics that they were selling the drugs.

O'Connell is also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Besides the three counts of criminal possession, 3rd, Hicks is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. She is also charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th.

O'Connell was jailed without bail and bail was set at $10,000 for Hicks.

Michelle D. Kantz, 43, of Edwards Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree welfare fraud. Kantz was arrested following an investigation by Batavia PD. No further details released.

Zachary W. Burke, 21, of Alexander, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unreasonable speed. Burke was arrested by State Police following an investigation ito an accident at the intersection of Maxon Road and Route 354, Bennington.

David V. Tubbe, 50, of Darien, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Tubbe was stopped by State Police on Saturday on Route 20 in Darien. Tubbe allegedly had a BAC of .10.

Terry J. Toote, 36, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Toote allegedly threatened physical harm to another person while in the presence of a police officer.

Joey Robert Tatro, 19, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with criminal mischief and harassment, 2nd. Tatro is accused of striking another person and damaging a vehicle during an incident reported at 5 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street, Batavia.

Via WBTA:

City of Batavia Firefighter Charles Hammon was named the 2013-2014 City of Batavia Employee of the year.

Hammon was honored by the city council for his management of the child safety seat program conducted by members of the fire department at various times throughout the year.

Hammon received the proclamation from Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathleen Briggs.

Story via WBTA:

Only one person spoke in opposition Monday night to the proposed 2014-2015 City of Batavia budget. The $24 million financial plan is scheduled for a vote on March 10.

John Roach of Batavia questioned the need for an assistant city manager, a position eliminated several years ago by City Manager Jason Molino in a budget-cutting move. Molino now wants the post filled at an annual salary of between $64,000 and $78,000 plus benefits.

Ward Six Councilwoman Rosemary Christian asked if there would be “another opportunity” to discuss the budget prior to a vote. She was told by Molino that comments could be made prior to the vote on March 10.

Christian said she had “a very important matter” to discuss concerning the budget but she declined to elaborate.

No one spoke during a second public hearing Monday night on a proposed increase in water rates. The proposed rate per 1,000 gallons of water will go up by 9 cents to $4.62. Molino estimated the water increase would cost the average homeowner another $10 per year.

While the budget is scheduled to be voted upon at the next council business meeting on March 10 there would still be an opportunity to vote on the budget during the March 24 meeting. The budget must, by law, be adopted by March 31.

Press release:

After a year’s hiatus, GO ART!’s popular Salon Series returns in 2014 for three programs in March, April and May, on the theme “Small, Small World.” All GO ART! Salons are casual and fun, and each includes a themed menu, presentation from our artist(s), and time for socializing and discussion. They are sponsored by The Bank of Castile.

The line-up includes the following programs:

No Place Like Home: “America’s Songs – The Great American Songbook” with Michael Lasser

• 7 p.m. - Friday, March 28 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main Street, Batavia.

Michael Lasser says, “I’m not sure why, but American popular music is rich with anecdotes.”

Songs from the Great American Songbook -- when such songwriters as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter were at the height of the powers – were often collaborations between a composer and a lyricist. They often include anecdotes that give insight into how people work together, and also how the making of a song results from intuition and luck as often as intent.

Lasser’s talk weaves together the stories of how and why some of America’s most beloved songs came to be written. Books will be available for purchase!

Americana Menu: Chuck Brenner’s famous apple pie a la mode, assorted flavors of popcorn, mini hot dogs with mustard dips, chips and dip, chocolate chip cookies and soda. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Far East: GCC Forum Players “Tales From Japan”

• 5:30 p.m. - Friday, April 25 at GCC “Roz” Steiner Gallery & Stuart Steiner Theatre, Batavia

For this Salon, your reservation includes Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, the Salon program AND your ticket to the 7 p.m. performance. We start in the “Roz” Steiner Gallery where Director Norm Gayford shares entertaining insights about the production, presented by GCC Forum Players.

“Tales From Japan” is a collection of traditional Japanese tales where treasure is discovered in unexpected places, even the most unassuming characters are heroes, and beauty is found in all aspects of nature. From an old woman using her wisdom and wit to save a kingdom to a peach boy defeating the village monster, these exciting stories bring to life the subtle and surprising aspects of Japanese culture.

Zensai Menu: Asian cookies, spring rolls, cucumber rolls, ramen salad, fruit kebabs with plum sauce and green tea.

Across the Pond: St. James Handbell Choir

• 7 p.m. - Friday, May 16 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia

Enjoy traditional English music presented by the Handbell Choir of St. James Church, Batavia. Director Theresa DeMars helps us explore the history of the bells and the different techniques used to produce their beautiful sound.

This Salon includes a delightful English inspired menu, bell choir concert, and some exciting audience participation. The first tuned handbells were developed in England around 1700 and were first brought to the United States in 1902. The English handbell evolved as an instrument to be used for practicing change ringing of church tower bells. Many English pubs in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries had sets of handbells available so that the change ringers could sit by the fire, purchase a pint or two, and practice their changes.

Ms. DeMars and the St. James Handbell Choir bring the history of the bells to life in our English themed Salon.

Sweets & Savories Menu: Scones with jam, cheese board with biscuits, tea sandwiches, trifle, assorted candies and English tea. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Enjoy all three Salons in the Series for $45/members, $50/nonmembers; or join us for individual Salons for $18/members, $20/nonmembers.

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Reservations may also be made online at <http://www.goart.org>  under “Events.”

New York Times: Genetically Modified Babies

The person in the surveillance photos to the right is wanted for questioning in connection with a robbery of a bank in Batavia today.

Batavia PD believes the woman is the suspect who robbed the Five Star branch at 567 E. Main St. at 2:11 p.m.

The perpetrator presented a note that claimed she had a gun and demanded money and left on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. She did not display a gun.

She is described as a female, mid-20s, 5'7" to 5'8" and slim build.

Tellers said the woman had a large, bright pink butterfly tattoo on the left side of her neck.

Tips and information can be provided to Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Press release:

The New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership Drive in Genesee County within the next few days, according to Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

The institute was established in 1979 and is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, and contributions to it are tax deductible.

While the Sheriff's Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs' Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs offices where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single-county basis.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs' Institute is the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically challenged children. This camp, in its 37th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children statewide attend each summer. The institute pays the entrie cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn't otherwise have an opportinuty for vacation travel or a summer camp experience.

The Sheriffs' Camp program conbines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ration allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

"In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation," Sheriff Maha said. "By becoming an Honorary Member you are supporting the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children."

In addition, the Sheriffs' Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State's Community College Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

For more information about the Sheriffs' Summer Camp and other Sheriffs' Institute Programs, visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 9865 Alexander Road (Route 98), north of Peaviner Road. Alexander Fire Department and Ambulance Service responding.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: Two Mercy rigs are also called to the scene. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is available. Route 98 will be shut down -- northbound at Peaviner, and southbound at Dodgeson. There are three patients, one of whom has minor injuries.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene. It has a three-minute ETA. Mutual aid from Town of Batavia fire is requested.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: The helicopter will land in a hay field on the west side of the road. The patient is a 77-year-old female who was a passenger in one of the vehicles. She is conscious and alert and complaining of chest pain.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. Town of Batavia's Brush Truck #23 is on scene.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: Mutual aid from Attica fire is en route.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Alexander ambulance is transporting a patient to UMMC. The patient is a 17-year-old female who experienced "major intrusion into the compartment (of the dashboard?)" and complains of a headache and pain below the sternum.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: A Mercy ambulance is transporting a patient to Strong also.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: The road is reopened. Town of Batavia and Attica are back in service.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: Alexander is back in service.

John J. Astrologo, 20, of 107 State St., Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at his residence on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Evan W. Horton, 19, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and is set to return to Batavia City Court on March 4.

Lukas M. Baildon, 18, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested on Saturday following an investigation into an underage drinking party and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Brody A. Jorgenson, 19, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of alcohol following an investigation into an underage drinking party on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on March 4.

Christopher Douglas Ball, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is accused of 33 counts of criminal contempt. It is alleged that he violated an order of protection issued by Family Court on several occasions by sending 30 text messages, having two phone conversations, and by having personal contact with the protected person. Following his arraignment on Thursday, he was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He is set to reappear in Town of Oakfield Court on March 3.

Christian Gerand Santana, 32, of Kally Street, Rochester, was arrested Friday and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise valued at $129.99. He is also charged with possession of burglar tools for allegedly using a cutting instrument to aid in the theft, as well as second-degree harassment for allegedly pushing loss prevention personnel when they attempted to detain him. Following his arraignment in Town of Batavia Court, he was jailed on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. He is set to reappear in town court on March 3.

Courtney A. Gaebler, 36, of Soccio Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to maintain lane after crashing her car into a utility pole on Liberty Street on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the pole and car. She will be arraigned in City Court on March 11.

Sharon Jean Chase, 55, of Route 19, Le Roy, was arrested last Monday and charged with third-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing several items from the apartment of an acquaintance. She is scheduled to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 20.

Michael E. Mistler, 48, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself into Batavia Police after a bench warrant was issued for failing to answer a traffic summons. He posted bail and is scheduled to return to City Court on Tuesday.

Jake Ross Simmons Jr., 27, of North Hill Parkway in Atlanta, Ga., was arrested on Friday for aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree following a traffic stop. It is alleged that he was driving while his privileges are suspended. He was also cited for failure to keep right.

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 9922 Alexander Road (Route 98). Minor injuries reported. Alexander Fire Deparment and an ambulance are responding. The location is between Peaviner and Lang roads.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: The female driver is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. She has no complaints of pain.

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Nathan W. Larson is indicted on four counts. The first is the crime of first-degree attemped rape, a Class B felony, for actions which allegedly occurred on Aug. 3 in the Town of Le Roy. He is accused of attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. In count two, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, A Class D felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible complusion. In count three, he is also accused of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact when the person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, he is accused of first-degree criminal sexual act, a Class B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless.

Steven E. Palmer is indicated for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 1998 Acura on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy on Nov. 8 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

Stephen J. Holdaway is indicted for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 2004 Ford pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia on Aug. 21 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for having allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

A robbery is reported at the Five Star Bank, 567 E. Main St., in Batavia. The suspect handed the teller a note and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was displayed. The suspect is described as female, 26 years old, white, 5'7", wearing black sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt, with a train-conductor-type hat. She has a butterfly tattoo on her neck and had on black gloves. She may have gotten into a gray Honda Civic. Unknown direction of travel. Multiple law enforcement units on scene. A canine will be deployed shortly.

New York Times: Pentagon Plans to Shrink Army to Pre-World War II Level

The saying is that defense wins championships, and if that’s true, Batavia could be raising another sectional trophy next Saturday.

The Blue Devils’ defense was in full lockdown as they defeated Honeoye Falls-Lima, 56-37 in Class A2 action.

Batavia got off to a fast start offensively and defensively, as Justice Fagan scored the first seven points of the game as part of a 14-0 run to open the game. In fact, the Blue Devils held HF-L without a point until Evan Quackenbush knocked down a free throw with 57 seconds left in the first quarter.

“We had almost ten days to prepare for them,” Batavia Head Coach Buddy Brasky said. “We stressed our man-to-man defense all week. We saw, scouted them well, and we were pretty familiar with some of their sets. I thought we played great defensively.”

Quackenbush would score five more quick points to cut the lead to eight to end the opening frame.
Batavia would get back to their stifling defense at the start of the second quarter though, holding the Cougars to just 11 points in the first half.

“We got off to that good start, but then we struggled scoring,” Brasky said. “But, I preach all year that when the shots aren’t falling, your defense keeps you in it.”

One player that did not struggle in the second quarter or throughout the game, was sophomore forward Malachi Chenault. He scored eight of his 18 points in the frame to propel the Blue Devils to a 24-11 halftime lead. He also would add nine rebounds for the game, as Batavia dominated the glass 34-16.

“Malachi had a monster game,” Brasky said. “We’ve been waiting for a game like that from Malachi. If he can play like that then we will be a tough team to beat.”

The third quarter saw a familiar face get hot, as Jeff Redband picked up the scoring load coming out of halftime. The junior forward scored eight of his game-high 20 points in the third quarter as Batavia extended their lead to 39-23 heading into the fourth.

Until the final quarter, the Blue Devils had not allowed a three-point field goal the entire night.

Finally, HF-L was able to break through, knocking down four from beyond the arc.
The lead was cut to nine with just 3:53 to play, but every time the Cougars made a push, Batavia had an answer.

Justice Fagan countered with his own three-pointer on one occasion and Redband knocked in another basket to extend the lead.

In fact, only three Blue Devils found the scoring column, but Redband (20), Fagan (18) and Chenault (18) accounted for 56 points.

“We’d like to have more, but all year long that’s kind of what the deal is,” Brasky said. “We’d like to have more, but we’ll do whatever it takes to win. We’re trying to play really good defense. We try to get the ball to our go-to scorers, have our role players play their roles, but as long as we win we’re fine with it.”

Redband also added 12 rebounds and three blocks, while Fagan pitched in five rebounds.
Quackenburg finished with 10 points and six rebounds for HF-L (7-12).

Batavia (13-5) will play second-seeded Newark (17-2) on Tuesday at the Blue Cross Arena. Tip-off will be at 7:15 p.m.

A fire is reported in apartment #11 at 337 Bank St. in the city. Engine 11 is on scene and command says it looks like a fire burned itself out. Nothing was showing when they got there. The whereabouts of the occupant of the apartment is not known at this point. A firefighter says the first floor is clear and they are checking the second floor and ventilating the apartment. The second platoon was called to the scene and the fourth platoon was told to stage in the fire hall.

UPDATE 9:58 p.m.: The complex is called the Walden Estates. The fire is confirmed to be out and firefighters are overhauling the apartment. Apparently, no one is home.

UPDATE, Sunday (by Howard): The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage, according to city fire. There was heat and smoke damage to the entire two-story apartment. Nobody was home at the time of the fire. The fire was reported by a neighbor who heard the smoke detectors sounding. City fire was assisted at the scene by Batavia PD, Mercy EMS and National Grid. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A large crowd filled the newest Habitat for Humanity home for a dedication at 11 Harvester Ave. in Batavia this morning.

The home will be occupied by Herb Neal, his mother, Barbara, and his two sons, Christopher, 13, and Matthew, 10. 

Neal says, "Moving in here will give my family the fresh start that we need."

Jessica Maguire Tomidy, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Genesee County, says the home is the 11th project for Habitat for Humanity in the county, the 7th home in the City of Batavia.

Work on the Harvester Avenue house started in May of 2013. Hundreds of volunteers from all over WNY put in over 10,000 volunteer hours to make the renovations happen. The Neals will move into their new home March 16th.

Maguire Tomidy says the home was in very bad shape when they purchased it from the city. There were dead cats and dead squirrels inside and the remains of a dog in the backyard. The last time it was occupied was in 2007.

In under 10 months, Habitat for Humanity was able to identify a family with a need and put the property back on the city's tax rolls.

"It was not without a lot of resources, volunteer hours, energy and a lot of love, Maguire Tomidy said. "People have to have it in their hearts to help, and they do it again and again for us."

Habitat for Humanity paid the city about $2,000 for the Harvester Avenue parcel, according to City Manager Jason Molino, who says the renovation has increased its assessed value by about 35-38 percent.

"A renovated home and a new family add many benefits to a neighborhood and they contribute to the City's revitalization effort," Molino said.

Habitat for Humanity is currently rehabilitating another home at 2 McKinley Ave. and it will be completed and ready for another family by the end of the year.

Father James Fugle blesses the Neal home on Harvester Avenue.

There's a power outage at Walmart in Batavia and the store is being evacuated. There is reportedly a patron who is refusing to leave. Law enforcement is on scene to deal with that individual as well as assist personnel with clearing the store of shoppers.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Officers say they've walked the aisles and believe all the customers are out of the building.

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire is at the store after the smell of something burning was reported. No signs of fire. Investigating.

UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: Firefighters have tracked the problem to a National Grid transformer across the street, which will have to be repaired or replaced. The store will be closed while that is happening "at least four or five hours, if all goes well."

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: The Town of Batavia Fire Department's assignment at Walmart is back in service.