Candidate for State Senate Marc Coppola put out this news release today, calling for "streamlined economic policies to encourage development and job growth."

The candidate for New York State Senate’s 61st District says too many layers of bureaucracy and red tape discourages small- and medium-size businesses. The end result is lost time and money that should be put into business building not government.

Coppola claims that there are too many layers of bureaucracy for entrepreneurs to deal with when attempting to open or expand their business.

“Current or prospective business owners get frustrated with the amount of paperwork and levels of government that they have to go through to open a business, let alone asking for assistance,” Coppola said.

Small- and medium-sized businesses are especially hurt because they don’t have the time or resources to hire lawyers and consultants to deal with all of the bureaucratic red tape.

“Just look on any wall of our local restaurants," he said. They have so many permits from so many different agencies that it could be wallpaper."

State economic development policies can provide safety for consumers while providing a "one-stop shop" for business owners so that they can spend less time dealing with government entities and more time growing their business and creating jobs.

“The state has the ability and authority to do this and should act swiftly in doing so. The ‘silver-bullet’ mentality for creating jobs in Upstate New York has gotten us nowhere. It’s time we recognize that and provide assistance to entrepreneurs, not barriers."

An overhaul of the state's economic development policies and consolidation of services and agencies is badly needed.

“(We should create) a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs in order to assist them as well as spend less money on administration and more on job creation."

He also claims that politicians too often say that they are working to help business and job growth with no details or plan of how to do so other than the customary, “cut taxes” approach.

Genesee County Republicans gathered at 5 Jackson St. today to officially open their local campaign headquarters.

More than 100 people showed up, according to Legislator Jay Grasso, who added that many new faces were in the crowd.

Above, Steve Hawley, left and County Clerk Don Read with a member of the party.

Destin Danser submitted four photos from the Notre Dame vs. Pembroke game. Pembroke moved 5-1 with the 20-13 victory over Notre Dame (3-3).

More photos after the jump:

In Cal-mum and Leroy's 77th game against each other, Cal-mum defeated Leroy 42 to 0. Since it was Leroy's homecoming game, the stands were filled with excited fans and school attendees. Unfortunately for them, Leroy took a hard loss.

Jon Cappotelli had 19 carries, 98 yards, 1 touchdown run.

Christian Hallett had 1 carry, 41 yards, 1 touchdown run.

Trevor Haut had 6 carries, 28 yards, 1 touchdown run.

Tyler Lauffer had 10 carries, 57 yards, 2 recoveries and 2 touchdowns.

A car has hit a guardrail on Route 262 just east of Elba.

There are possible injuries.

Elba Fire and Mercy EMS being dispatched.

UPDATE 8:27 p.m.: Accident is located west of the village line toward Weatherwax Road.

Victory was sweet for the Batavia Blue Devils on Friday as they took down Bishop-Kearney 38-20.

It was Senior Night and the Van Detta Stadium stands were packed with friends and family as 13 varsity players appeared on their home field for probably the last time.

"I'm just so happy for the seniors," said Head Coach Dan Geiger. "These guys have just worked so hard all year. They're a team that really touches my heart and their work ethic and their stick-to-it-iveness and come out on Senior Night and have a big game, I'm just really proud of them."

It was a big night for senior Ryan Pyatt who ran for 237 yards and scored his first three touchdowns of the season.

Another senior, QB Aaron Gugel, whose 2010 was his first full season in his high-school career, also had a big night, completing four of eight passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. He also had 11 tackles on defense.

Sophomore Justin Washington had four big catches, including one for a touchdown. He gained 81 yards.

Senior Spencer Stressing helped lead the defense with two and a half sacks while Senior Kyle King made eight tackles.

At 2-4, Batavia travels to Wellsville for a must-win game Friday. If the Blue Devils can beat Wellsville (0-6), the team will gain the eight-seed spot in sectionals.

Here's how they scored:

Francisco Martinez, eight-yard run
Kyle King, safety
Ryan Pyatt, nine-yard run
Justin Washington, 12-yard pass from Aaron Gugel
Ryan Pyatt, 51-yard run
Ryan Pyatt, 55-yard run

In other Genesee County football Friday and Saturday:

• Elba/Byron-Bergen moved to 4-2 with a win over Oakfield-Alabama (0-6), 35-14. Dylan Bordonaro gained 169 yards 22 carries, scoring twice, and Eric Kowalik went 5-for-10, passing for 122 yards and one touchdown;
• Cal-Mum beat Le Roy 42-0;
• Alexander fell to 0-6 with a 26-10 loss to Holley (5-1);
• Pemroke (5-1) beat Notre Dame (3-3), 20-13. Caine Cole gained 168 yards and scored two touchdowns on 30 rushes. Trevor Gray made 17 tackles for Pembroke and recovered a fumble, while Wyatt Chittenden added 10 tackles and two interceptions. For the Irish, Mike Pratt ran for 107 yards on 21 carries.

Next week, Pembroke travels to Holley for a 1:30 game on Saturday afternoon that pits two of the three teams in the Geneesee Region division that have 5-1 records. Attica, also 5-1, hosts Elba/Byron-Bergen (4-2).

More pictures from Batavia's Senior Night after the jump:

City firefighters were back in training mode Friday afternoon, getting more practice with a safety system that will help them escape a burning building if they ever become trapped on a second floor or higher during a fire.

Chief James Maxwell said that in order to help personnel achieve the proficiency in the system he thinks they need (see previous story), he's now requiring the firefighters practice with the system at least once a quarter rather than only twice per year.

Not to be one to ask of his firefighters something he wouldn't do himself, Maxwell went through the training today as well.

Above, Firefighter Harmon goes through the drill. After the jump, Chief Maxwell and Firefighter Anne Kleinbach.

An alarm system and quick response from the Batavia City Fire Department saved a home on East Avenue from destruction tonight when a fire started in the kitchen while the homeowners were away.

The alarm came in at 7:41 p.m. at 224 East Ave., Batavia, and when firefighters arrived on scene, according to Capt. Craig Williams, the inferno building inside wasn't obvious.

"When pulled up we could hear an audible alarm sounding but couldn’t see any smoke," Williams said. "There was nobody home at the time. It was closed up tight. When we went to the front door, we could smell something burning inside and we could see steam on the inside of all the windows, so it was pretty hot in there."

During an exterior check of the house, a firefighter saw flames through a rear window, so crews broke in through the front door.

The kitchen was quickly fully involved and firefighters began beating back the flames from a front window, pushing the fire toward the back of the house.

Chief James Maxwell credited the crews with a quick, strategic response for saving the structure. As rapidly as fire can spread, without either the alarm or the fast response, the whole structure could have become engulfed quickly.

The home, owned by Jeffery and Rebecca Oshlag, suffered $30,000 damage from what is officially classified as an accidental fire.

The kitchen was destroyed and there was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the house.

Two cats survived the fire. One suffered from smoke inhalation and was taken to a veterinary clinic. It is expected to survive. (NOTE: See comment below from Rachel Oshlag -- one of the cats, an orange tabby, is still missing. Rachel believes it's in the neighborhood someplace.)

Rebecca Oshlag said she was grateful for the alarm system and the quick response from the fire department.

She also praised Nancy Nickerson and Sean Valdes, owners of the D&R Depot in Le Roy, where she and her husband were having dinner. 

She said they had just sat down when Jeffery received the call about the fire alarm.  Thinking that it was a false alarm, Jeffery hopped in his car and headed toward the house, planning to return to dinner.

When they found out it was a real fire, Rebecca said she approached Nancy and said she had a problem -- there was a fire at her house and Jeffery had already left. Sean drove Rebecca home.

"It was wonderful, wonderful help from the Depot," Rebecca said. "It's one of the advantages of small-town living."

(initial report)

Photo: Submitted by a reader.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center is asking businesses to update contact information that dispatchers need in case of fire, break-in or just a false alarm.

If you own or run a business in Genesee County, including in Batavia, Corfu and Le Roy, you should download the information form and fax it to 343-9129.

The information is kept confidential, according to Steve Sharp, director of emergency communications. It will be used only for the purpose of contacting business owners or key holders in the case of an emergency.

A fire is reported at a residence at 224 East Ave. in the City of Batavia.

City firefighters and Mercy medics are responding following a fire alarm there. A second fire platoon is requested to standby in headquarters. Batavia police are helping with traffic control.

National Grid is being notified about the incident, but no other details have yet been reported. The occupants are not home.

UPDATE (7:57 p.m.): The fourth platoon is requested to standby in headquarters and the second platoon is called to the scene. It is reportedly a fully involved kitchen fire.

UPDATE (8 p.m.): Firefighters on scene are told to come in through the back sliding glass doors. The homeowner is en route according to the alarm company.

UPDATE (8:03 p.m.): The fire is "knocked down." National Grid is expected momentarily. Traffic barricades are soon to be delivered.

UPDATE (8:07 p.m.): The homeowners are on scene. One cat has been rescued, but firefighters are told there's another one still inside the home.

UPDATE (8:19 p.m.): The firefighters are now doing "overhaul" to ensure the fire's complete extinction.

Here's information from a news release:

The completion of Jerome Senior Apartments in Batavia was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

Jerome Senior Apartments is a 37-unit affordable senior community owned and managed by Conifer Management. This brand-new complex is available for seniors 62+, and is located within the United Memorial Jerome Center, which makes it possible for residents to ride an elevator to appointments within the center.

The complex hosts a variety of services and amenities to accommodate the specific and individual needs of its residents. These include Energy Star-rated appliances, wall-to-wall berber carpets, window treatments, an emergency call system, a controlled building-access system, a community room, an exercise room, a computer lab and more.

It is located near financial institutions, churches, the senior center and shopping areas.

“It is heartening to see this type of housing made available for our citizens,” Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said. "It is equally impressive that the former St. Jerome Hospital has been refurbished instead of torn down…our history continues, intact, with existing structures instead of tearing down and starting all over!”

The complex is located at the site of the St. Jerome Hospital, 16 Bank St. Opened in 1917, the hospital was a iconic landmark of Batavia for more than 75 years. Several major renovations, notably in 1922 and 1947, display the unique architectural elements that were incorporated into the current renovation.

Jerome Senior Apartments share the building with professional and retail businesses, adding to the appeal for senior living in a mixed-use and accessible neighborhood.

Number of units: 37 affordable senior apartments
Unit type: One and two bedroom
Developer: Conifer Realty, LLC
Architect: Clark Patterson Lee
Contractor: Conifer-LeChase Construction, LLC
Not-for-profit partner: United Memorial Medical Center
Construction lender: Bank of Castile
Equity financing: M&T Bank/Tompkins Financial Corp.
Financing: $687,000 - DHCR Low Income

Housing tax credits: $4,690,245 -- 9-percent tax credit equity
(M&T Bank & Tompkins Financial Corp.)

$5,139,571 - NYS Housing Trust Fund TCAP
$703,000 - FHLB NY
$118,802 - FHLB Pittsburgh
$107,000 - NYSERDA
Sales Tax Exemption & PILOT - Genesee County Economic Development Center

REMINDER: Please do not purchase a gift certificate you've already purchased in the past six months.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate 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 $20 gift card for $10.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

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.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 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.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Try the new lunch buffet. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Nov. 30, 2010).

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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

SOLD OUT

The Democrats held an open house for their 2010 Genesee County Campaign Headquarters in the mall this evening.

Above, Chris Charvella explains how much he loves The Batavian (um, actually, I have no idea what he was talking about at the time). Below in the dark suit is Senate candidate Marc Coppola. Bonus picture for regular readers after the jump.

Dozens and dozens of people turned out to Go Art tonight for the release of Jim Nigro's first novel, "Tapestry: A Life Walk Among Friends."

When Nigro was at best about half way through signing copies of his book, he said his hand was getting tired. When I arrived, the line out the door was at least 20-people deep. When I left, it was still at least 20-people deep.

For more about the book and Jim, click here.

It was Pink Hatters Night at the Holiday Inn this evening.  The event is an annual breast cancer awareness program.

It included a Chinese auction, dinner, Dr. Nina Strollor as a speaker and a comedy variety show hosted by Nels Ross.

Jerry Arena is planning to open a new bar at property he owns on Park Road. He will call it The Ten Cent Millionaire Tavern. He intends it to be a relaxing, affordable environment for a couple of drinks and maybe some chicken wings or a burger. 

He's already bought an attractive curved -- and very long -- bar for inside and is working on remodeling now.

There are some permits to secure from the Town of Batavia and he will add more space on the back of the building.

If everything goes to plan, he expects to open in the spring. More realistically, he said, he will likely open later in the summer.

Volunteer firefighters from several companies turned out to Pembroke Primary School today as part of East Pembroke's annual effort to educate students on emergency preparedness.

Eleven trucks rolled up to the school first thing this morning, with all the sirens, horns and flashing lights the children could hope for.

Most of the trucks stayed at the campus throughout the school day and classes of children took turns touring the rigs.

Firefighters also provided information on emergency preparedness.

Ray England is 70 years old and lives in Albion. He cleans windows for a living and has a handful of clients in Downtown Batavia.

He was on Main Street this afternoon in his top hat and green scarf taking care of some shop windows when I met him.

He uses a contraption that he built himself. It's quite ingenious. One metal poll with a cleaning wand at the end. A tube is connected to the wand and an air-pressure garden sprayer on a pull cart. England can spray water up the tube and onto the window.

One advantage of the system, he said, is that his hands never get wet, so he can easily clean windows in winter.

The squeegee he uses to wipe the water off the windows has a swivel head so he can handle any shape, including rounded edges, of a window.

The idea for the design came to him after he was seriously hurt in an auto accident.

“My arm was broken in three places and split at the wrist," England said. "For two years I couldn’t use this arm. It was dead meat. That’s when the great Lord above, the great engineer, He designed the universe, showed me this idea. I put it together and I’ve been using it ever since."

England claims to have a patent on the design and would like to find a U.S. manufacturer to build it and sell it so Americans could be put to work, but he claims a German company stole his idea and is building the same system out of cheap plastic.

"Mine is made with steal and copper and I sell it for $600," England said. "They sell theirs for $1,700 and if you drop it, it breaks."

Ben Cook, 9, saw fencing in a movie and thought it would be fun. Peter Koziol, 12, thought it would be like sword fighting. Clair Zickl, 10, was inspired by her older brother and has already competed in her first tournament.

The three young fencing students are taking classes from Colin Dentino at his En Garde Fencing Academy on Harvester Avenue.

Dentino said fencing is appropriate for youngsters because it's a sport that anybody can enter at any age and learn.

"For me, I always liked the mental aspect," Dentino said. "It's really like a three-dimensional chess game with your opponent."

For Ben, Peter and Clair, it's just fun.

"I like fencing because I'm making new friends," Ben said. "It's physically active, and it's just really, really, really fun."

Claire is advancing fast, according to Dentino. She placed 17th out of 22 in her first tournament, competing against girls in her own age bracket, but who have been fencing up to five years.

Claire started just this summer.

"For her to finish anything higher than 22nd is fantastic," Dentino said.

She is mentally tough and has absorbed her lessons quickly, Dentino said, which allowed her to take one match against a girl with more experience who eventually went on to finish third in the tournament.

Her performance qualified her to compete in an April 15 tournament in Portland, Ore.