The Sheriff's Office is looking for help identifying the person captured in this video so he can be questioned in connection with alleged criminal mischief at the BOCES campus on State Street, Batavia.

On May 21, between 7:15 and 7:35 p.m., and on May 29, between 7 and 7:45 p.m., somebody entered the BOCES campus and caused considerable damage to vehicles parked behind the school.

An engine compartment on a tractor-trailer used to train truck drivers was vandalized, causing about $500 damage. The windshield and gas cap cover on an old school bus was damaged. The suspect also spray painted vulgar words on the bus and set off a fire extinguisher inside. The estimated damage to the bus is about $1,000.

So far, investigators have been unable to identify the subject in the video after circulating it through the local school system.

Investigator William Ferrando would like to interview the subject who appears in the video. Ferrando can be contact at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3573

Democrat & Chronicle: Emily Good case goes viral

The view from West Bethany Road as our late afternoon storm rolled in.

The current water level in the lake at Dewitt Park on Cedar Street is six inches above the highest level ever recorded previously, according to Paul Osborn, parks supervisor.

The previous record was 1997. Measurements were not taken prior to 1995.

Osborn said water levels rose nine feet in two months.

How much the water level drops over the course of the summer, Osborn said, depends on how much rain we get. Typically, he said, the water level can drop two or three feet during the summer.

For comparison sake, below is a picture of the same dock as above taken last summer.

Carlos A. Torres Jr., 35, who first made the news after showing up at UMMC with gunshot wounds and claiming he was shot while on Little Indian Falls Road, is now accused of dealing drugs. He entered a not guilty plea on those charges in Genesee County Court today.

Torres, who is being held on $25,000 bail, was indicted in early June on three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

He was arrested April 1 by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

He was found to allegedly be driving under the influence of drugs and allegedly carrying cocaine, crack and heroin with an estimated street value of more than $7,000. 

At the time of his arrest, the head of the task force characterized the alleged drug dealing by Torres as pretty significant.

"The weight of the powder cocaine, along with the number of bags of both crack and heroin, on top of his $4,000 (in cash), is significant for this county," Sgt. Steve Mullen said.

Torres came to the attention of investigators in May 2010 when he showed up at UMMC with gunshot wounds.

A Batavia resident who tried to steal alcohol from a home on Washington Avenue on May 15, and when unsuccessful came back with a gun, entered a guilty plea in Genesee County Court today to a charge of attempted burglary, 2nd.

Andrew J. Rock, 24, of 206 State St., Batavia, faces a possible prison sentence of three (the minimum allowed as a second felony offender) to seven years.

He will be sentenced Aug. 4.

Rock is currently being held in Genesee County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Previously: State Street resident accused of trying to steal booze on Washington Avenue.

A 41-year-old Batavia man accused of stealing $58,000 from an elderly woman entered a plea of not guilty today during his arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Myron W. Hartford is out of jail under supervision of Genesee Justice.

He is charged with grand larceny, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, and three counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st. 

Hartford and his wife, Marline, were both indicted on the alleged left from the elderly woman and both are accused of stealing $1,000 from DSS.

Marline did not appear in court today.

A hearing on pre-trial motions in Hardford's case was set for Aug. 31.

For previous coverage, click here.

Even though it's only been a handful of months since Ellicott Street was repaved, crews were working at several intersections today putting down new asphalt. A supervisor told me the previous "new" asphalt was removed because the state determined it was "too rough."

A suspect who fled from law enforcement following an attempted traffic stop on Little Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, on Wednesday was eventually cornered by K-9 "Pharoah," who found the man hiding behind a fallen tree.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said Pharoah, who was off leash and ran ahead of his handler, Deputy Brian Thompson, did exactly what he is trained to do. He barked. He didn't bite.

"He barked in his face and as long as he (the suspect) didn't do anything stupid, Pharoah isn't going to do anything but just hold him there," Dibble said.

Taken into custody was Robert Leiser, 42, an Oakfield man that both troopers and deputies on scene yesterday said they've had many dealings with and knew he would turn up eventually.

The initial search for Leiser included a State Police helicopter, but that search, which lasted more than an hour, was called off at around 1:45 p.m.

Thompson was one of the last members of law enforcement -- the search initially included three state troopers, two deputies and a DEC officer -- to leave the Little Falls area. Just as he was leaving, a resident of the area reported spotting the suspect in his back yard.

That resident reportedly grabbed a gun and chased the suspect off his property, but the encounter helped Thompson narrow his search area. 

He let Pharoah off leash and searched for at least another hour and was just about to call off the search for a second time when Pharoah found Leiser.

Leiser was taken into custody by Trooper Holly Hanssel, who initiated the traffic stop on Little Falls Road that began the manhunt, and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, possession of a hypodermic instrument and resisting arrest.

Bail was set at $5,000 and if Leiser makes bail he will be turned over immediately to authorities in Ontario County where he is wanted on two warrants.

At the time of the traffic stop Leiser was observed with a female passenger whom he may be barred from contacting. The state police are investigating a possible criminal contempt charge.

Well, it's official -- Batavia resident Lisa Barrett's song, "When You Look at Me," is now the best original song in the world.

"It's difficult to grasp the 'in the world' part," Barrett said in a thank-you letter to her fans. "I feel like I'm dreaming this!"

After five months of anticipation, "When You Look at Me" was selected as the winner of "Best Original Song," an international contest that started off with 100 music videos from around the world, on Monday.

This victory is especially meaningful to Barrett because of her nephew, Austin, in whose memory she wrote and performed the song. Austin died of cancer just shy of his second birthday.

"I’m so grateful  to all of you, the voters who have stood by me and supported me and this song in memory of  Austin," Barrett said. "I am touched beyond words, and I feel so honored. Your kindness will not be forgotten, and Austin’s spirit will live on through the music."

As the winner, Barrett will get:

• her own web page on www.bestoriginalsong.com
• promotion from Best Original Song to record labels, recording artists, producers and music agents
• a press release to various media outlets, including music magazines (including this Nashville-based publication) 

Barrett is also the featured artist on Best Original Song's website right now.

The Batavian warmly congratulates Barrett on a job well done. For previous Batavian coverage, see:

Batavia singer/songwriter has high hopes for very personal song

Singer/songwriter Lisa Barrett advances to next round in world competition

Batavian Lisa Barrett moves up in international song contest

Lisa Barrett one of three finalists in worldwide songwriting competition  

This information is from Community Partnerships for a Tobacco Free New York.

The Community Partnerships for a Tobacco Free New York has launched a campaign to educate New Yorkers about the benefits of tobacco-free outdoor recreational areas: "Keep butts away from where we play!"

The campaign helps raise awareness of the environmental impact of tobacco litter, dangers of secondhand smoke and influence on children when tobacco use is not restricted.

Tobacco litter is poisonous to children and wildlife. Discarded cigarette butts are the most common form of litter. Studies show they are toxic, slow to decompose and costly to remove. Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds and other marine animals and can cause digestive blockages. Children routinely pick up these toxic butts and try to put them in their mouths.

“The Community Partnership has designed a paid media campaign to educate communities about why we need to adopt more tobacco free outdoor policies,” said Kevin Keenan, Genesee County program coordinator for Smoke Free NOW; a program of GCASA. “Family recreation for children should not mean having to play among cigarette butts or being exposed to secondhand smoke."

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

“When we consider that children have smaller lungs than adults and consequently breathe in 50 percent more air pollution, it’s clear that we need to do everything we can to expand smoke-free outdoor areas so we can reduce exposure and prevent tobacco-caused disease," said Dr. Irwin Berlin, board chair of the American Lung Association in New York.

Public support for outdoor tobacco use restrictions is growing. Currently, outdoor tobacco use policies have been enacted in more than 280 local municipalities throughout New York State. Local Community Partnerships can provide sample policies, signage and/or assistance in creating outdoor tobacco-use policies. Visit www.TobaccoFreeNYS.org to learn more.

Driving down West Main late this morning, I was struck by this stunning tree with its white flowers against the deep-blue sky.

Once again, I have no idea of the name of this type of tree.

I took several photos.

The Genesee County Animal Shelter is in need of dry kitten, cat and dog food, clay litter and laundry soap.

If you can help with any of these supplies, please drop off at the shelter during adoption hours.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

Adoption hours are:

• 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday through Friday, but closed on Thursdays
• 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Brandon Alan Eisenberg, 27, of Village Gate, Williamsville, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of marijuana, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and inhalation of toxic gas (Nitrous Oxide). On June 8, Eisenberg was initially charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and now these new charges have been added. Eisenberg was arrested in Darien.

Alysasa Marie Lori, 19, of Roe Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Lori is accused of continuing to make harassing phone calls and sending text messages to a person after being warned by that person, a Corfu resident, and police to cease the communications.

A 16-year-old from East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with false personation. The youth is accused of providing a false identity to police during an investigation of an alleged underage drinking party at 1:04 a.m., June 5, at 98 North St., Le Roy.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

Note: if you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Batavia Concert Band performed in Centennial Park, Batavia, on Wednesday evening. Wayne Burlison conducted.

Click Here to purchase quality, affordable prints of these photos.

More pictures after the jump:

There was a big turn out this evening at the United Methodist Church in Indian Falls for the 66th Annual Strawberry Social. The event not only featured some mighty tasty looking deserts, but a chicken dinner, pie sale and auction. A couple hundred people, at least, attended.

You know, it occurred to me yesterday -- I haven't posted a barn picture in a while. So here's one for you. It's off Little Indian Falls Road, Pembroke.

A landscape shot from Meiser Road, Indian Falls.

A historical marker for Gen. Ely Samuel Parker off Sliker Road, Indian Falls. Gen. Parker was born in Indian Falls (he's Seneca Indian) and served in the Civil War. Parker inscribed (based on Gen. Grant's writing) the terms of surrender at Appomattox. (Wikipedia)

This post is a paid advertisement, brought to you by Pink Gorilla Tees and Graphics.

Center Street Smokehouse is the place to be this Friday night! Tim Walton has arranged for MTV and reality star Wes Bergmann from "Road Rules: Challenge" and "Real World: Austin" to be in the house celebrating the season premier of his new show "Rivals: Challenge."

"We are going to have the place packed. It's going to be like Halloween, Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day in there. It's gonna be a fun night for everyone," says Walton, who also set up the iTeen event that will take place at 7 p.m. at the rink for teens.

He had gotten a lot of feedback from the adult crowd asking for an event to take place.

"I had people asking me when I was going to do something at a bar, so I decided to talk to Wes and he agreed to extend his party to the adult crowd that night."

The bar will feature the band "Night and Day" playing on the band deck and a radio DJ will be spinning Top 40 and dance hits upstairs all night.

"The DJ is something new that people had been asking for. You can come out and listen to the band or you can dance and party to Top 40 music. We are catering to both crowds."

A professional photographer has been hired for the event so whether you want a photo with Wes or with just your friends, they will be taken for everyone there.

Walton says that this is just what he hopes to be the first of many events. If this goes well, then there are other celebrities and events that he hopes to bring to the area later this year. We have been in contact with Bam Margera, Pauly D, and athletes as well."

Walton has been part of events in Buffalo that have had great feedback from everyone and hopes to see the same here.

"It's up to the people to let us know what they want. If they show up and make this big, more things will happen."

The event will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.