John Duyssen says he spent several years studying alternative energy, primarily considering whether to convert his farm to solar or wind.

In the end, the sun won.

"It's more consistant than wind, in my opinion," Duyssen said. "We're putting it in cattle pasture, so there's no wasted space. I don't have a 140-foot tower and cable wires to look at. And it's cool."

In all that study, and all the green agriculture classes and seminars Duyssen attended, he learned a few things about solar power.

With the help of Stein Fabrication in Le Roy, Duyssen installed specially designed platforms for the solar panels that will track the sun both on its daily and seasonal movements. The panels will absorb direct sunlight, which experts told Duyssen will increase the power production of the panels by 30 to 40 percent.

"We'll produce enough power for the farm and the house," Duyssen said. "That's our goal."

The panels and installation are being handled by Liberty Solar out of Buffalo.

The extra, lower-cost power, Duyssen said, should help him increase strawberry and honey production. Honey, he said, takes a lot of electricity for heating and refrigeration.

Asked if he wanted to share how much the solar panels are costing (some of the cost is offset by power company grants), Duyssen said, "Oh, no, because everybody will say I'm out of my mind to do this."

The 10-year break-even point could be accelerated by ongoing increases in fuel cost and/or increased production at the farm.

"Utilities just keep going up and up, gasoline, heating oil, diesel," he said. "Every little bit (of savings) helps. I've jammed the numbers and I think it's going to work."

Previously: Duyssens keep 'the family' in family farming

I was out on Bater Road in Le Roy this morning and passed by this old barn with some old farm equipment parked out front.

When I drove by DeWitt Park this morning, about an hour after the snow stopped falling, the lake was covered with geese. Of course, when I moved in close for a picture, they paddled toward the other shore, but it was still an impressive site.

As for the winter storm watch/warning, it's been downgraded to a winter storm warning. The radar map predicts some snow for Batavia around 2 p.m. and a bit heavier band of snow hitting around 5:30 p.m.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m.

Join in the fun of Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday at Scooter's of Batavia. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting by the fireplace from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Get one child's meal FREE with each adult food purchase ordered off the menu. Plenty of seating. No reservations necessary.

Enjoy a great meal and the thrill the kids get when they see Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Scooter's of Batavia, 3711 W. Main St. Road. Phone is 343-2101.

Leiland B. Jonathan, 42, and Larue F. Jonathan, 36, both of Basom, are both charged with both charged with DWI and three counts of driving drunk with children under 15 in the car. Leiland's DWI charge is a felony because of a prior DWI conviction. The couple was involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 11:39 p.m., Thursday, in the Town of Clarance, according to the Buffalo News. Following the accidents, witnesses reportedly told police they saw the driver and passenger switch places. Larue was also charged with charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.

Joseph Leonard Elmert, 24, of Dugway Road, Conesus, and Joseph Bly Gohlman, 20, of Maple Beach Road, Geneseo, are charged with criminal trespass. Following an investigation into a report of a suspicious vehicle complaint in Darien at 7:39 p.m., Thursday, Elmert and Gohlman were allegedly found in a secured area of Darien Lake Theme Park without permission. The two men allegedly climbed a fence to gain entry.

Kevin Michael Bartz, 35, of Route 98, Varysburg, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and trespass. Bartz allegedly became involved in an altercation with another person while on private property. The incident was reported in Corfu at 10:50 p.m., Dec. 4.

Jared R. Burns, 25, of 309 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Burns is accused of pushing another person while that person was holding a child.

Press release:

David Cecere, executive vice president for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, has been selected by Safeco Insurance as one of its 12 “community heroes” from across the country. Based on applications submitted by Safeco agents, Cecere’s selection to this group of heroes has earned his favorite local charity, the United Way of Genesee County, a $5,000 charitable donation from Safeco.

But that’s not all. … and you can help! In a nationwide contest to determine which local hero can get the most votes, two of these 12 will win even more for the charity of their choice. When the voting is over on Dec. 15, the hero with the most votes will receive an additional $10,000 from Safeco Insurance for the nonprofit he or she supports! The charity supported by the runner-up gets $5,000.

Anyone can vote for Cecere as our own local community hero, and support the efforts of the United Way of Genesee County. To read more and cast your vote, go to:
http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/175622  before the Dec. 15 deadline. You can vote once each day.

Why vote? One of the strengths of the United Way is that it assists a wide range of people and groups in local communities. Cecere feels strongly about that the breadth of services the United Way can provide. As an extremely active board member for the United Way of Genesee County (affiliated with the United Way of Greater Rochester) in New York, he’s seen first-hand the benefits such a strong safety net can provide to society.

The list of ways the United gives back to the community is too long to list here, but includes youth advocacy, literacy efforts, support for neglected, abused, disabled, pregnant and addicted individuals. (Read the full story on the voting link.)

Over the years, he has served as the United Way Campaign chair, the board chair, and the New Accounts chair and treasurer — an impressive range of roles for a charity that provides such an impressive range of support.

Help our local hero do more by voting today!

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., has 15 offices in Western New York and six offices in Central New York. A part of Tompkins Financial Corp., (trading as TMP on the AMEX), the agency is affiliated with The Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering coverage through more than 25 different companies for businesses and consumers. Further information is available at www.tompkinsins.com.

Press release:

On Thursday, Governor Cuomo announced $785 million in economic development funding through Regional Economic Development Councils. A $450,000 portion has been carved out for the City of Batavia to improve commercial and residential mixed-use buildings.

The city had applied to the NYS Office of Community Renewal in April for these grant funds which are earmarked to enhance streetscapes and to renovate 20 buildings consisting of 10 commercial and 10 residential units within downtown.

The application was reviewed again by the Regional Economic Development Council during the state’s newly defined consolidated funding application process. Overall, it was an extended process compared to previous rounds for competitive applications. The total project will be at least $750,000 worth of public-private investment.

“The city is extremely pleased that we were awarded these funds,” said Jason Molino, city manager. “It complements the city’s strategic planning efforts and the city council’s commitment to revitalizing the civic heart of our community.”

A variety of properties were identified in the original application along Main Street, East Main Street, Center Street, Jackson Street, Court Street and School Street. Also included was the former Carr’s warehouse located at 13-15 Jackson St., rear. Just last week, the Batavia Development Corporation began to solicit developer interest in the property for redevelopment purposes.

“I am thrilled that we may dangle a little carrot in front of the prospective developers,” added Julie Pacatte, Batavia Development Corporation economic development coordinator. “Not to mention, it demonstrates the forward-thinking efforts of the city leadership.”

Pacatte was not as pleased with the lack of state funding for the new Save-A-Lot store planning to open Dec. 21 at Ellicott and Jackson streets.

“It was a very competitive process with hundreds of applications across the state,” she said. “We have already begun to look at other options to assist.”

Along with the Save-A-Lot project, the City of Batavia had also applied for Vine Street infrastructure improvements and a grant for the needed repairs to the police station. Those projects weren't funded either.

As for the NY Main Street grant, it is expected the state contract process will take another 30-60 days to complete. Meanwhile, the grant funds will not likely be available until early Spring 2012.

In all, Genesee County received $1.9 million out of the Finger Lakes Region award of $68.8 million for 93 projects. Another $1.1 million is available for the county through shared programming with other out-of-county communities.

A lake effect snow warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, with the worst of it for Genesee County in the area of Alabama and Oakfield.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m., Friday.

Accumulations of two to four inches overnight and four to six inches Friday in the areas of heaviest snowfall are predicted.

Portions of Erie County are expected to be the hardest hit.

Visibility during heavy parts of the storm will be reduced to a quarter mile.

The worst driving conditions are expected to be during the morning commute.

A precautionary note from the NWS:

IF YOU LOSE POWER AND PLAN ON RUNNING A GENERATOR...MAKE SURE THAT THE GENERATOR IS LOCATED OUTDOORS AND IS PROPERLY VENTILATED. SPACE HEATERS SHOULD ALSO BE PROPERLY VENTILATED AND USED ONLY IF THEY ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. MAKE SURE SNOW DOES NOT BLOCK EXHAUSTS AND FRESH AIR INTAKES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACES AND WATER HEATERS.

For some time I've been intrigued by the idea of taking a picture of the Batavia Downs sign. Last week, while in the parking lot of Office Max, I spotted an angle that looked promising. Driving home tonight, I thought the light conditions might be right to give it a try.

A deputy dispatched at 1:43 p.m., Thursday, to a report of an erratic driver on Route 33 saw the driver slumped over the steering wheel just before his large SUV veered left and struck another car head on.

The driver of the car, Gladys E. Worthington, 79, of Woodside Drive, Bergen, was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by ground ambulance.

Worthington reportedly pulled to the side of the road when she saw the deputy's patrol vehicle heading her way with emergency lights flashing. 

Deputy Nate Balduf was attempting to stop a Chevy Suburban driven by Raymond T. Buckner, 67, of Maplewood Avenue, Spencerport.

Buckner's SUV, headed westbound on Route 33 near Caswell Road, swerved across the eastbound lane and struck Worthington's stopped car head on.

Worthington's car flew back eastbound and came to rest about 120 yards from the point of impact.

A witness, a truck driver from Akron (who probably didn't give us his real name), described the collision as looking like "two dragons colliding in midair."

Worthington was conscious and alert following the accident and as she was transported to Strong. Her injuries are not believed to be serious.

Buckner was also transported to strong and did not sustain any life threatening injuries.

No information was released on what Buckner's medical condition might have been prior to the accident.

No citations were issued.

The accident investigation was completed by Balduf.

(Initial report)

A head-on motor-vehicle accident is reported on Route 33 at Caswell Road. There are two minor injuries. The driver, who was allegedly operating his vehicle erratically before he crashed into another car, is complaining of numbness to his left side.

The accident is blocking the roadway. Traffic is being shut down at routes 237 and 33.

Stafford and South Byron fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

A law enforcement officer witnessed the accident and told dispatch about it as it was unfolding. He said the car was careening all over the place before smashing into a car in the opposite direction.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: The Town of Batavia Fire Department is requested to shut down traffic at Prole Road and Route 33.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The driver who allegedly caused the crash "has been removed from the scene (vehicle)." He is being attended to at the scene.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Town of Batavia is told to go back in service.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: Both ambulances are going to be transporting to Strong Memorial Hospital. Howard, who went to the scene, said responders told him a woman driving a sedan had pulled over onto the shoulder of the road to allow and emergency vehicle to pass. A man driving a large SUV crossed over into the other lane and onto the shoulder, striking her stationary vehicle, pushing it about 120 yards down the street. Truck driver John Smith, of Akron, saw the whole thing and said "The car was all over the road. (At the time of impact) It looked like two dragons colliding in midair."

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: The roads are reopened. Stafford is returning to service.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: An official from the Sheriff's Department tells dispatch to let the state Department of Transportation know that "signage was knocked over by this gentleman." There are two signs down across the road from 7137 Route 33, those being a "reference marker" and a light-reflector marker.

The winner of the Week 13 contest was JD Conti, who was among four people to correctly pick Percy Harvin as the week's top receiver. Harvin gained 156 yards for Minnesota.

Conti wins two dog dishes. He has one week to claim his prize.

Click here to enter this week's contest.

Press release:

Mancuso Business Development Group is proud to announce that Creamy Creation LLC will be the first new business in the Masse Place redevelopment project.

An international leader in the development and production of cream-based beverages, the Creamy Creation team will be growing into over 7,000 square feet of office, laboratory and storage space.  Construction will begin as soon as plans and approvals are finalized to renovate a portion of the empty industrial building for their unique operations.

Creamy Creation entered the North American market in the early '90s with a one-person sales office located in La Crosse, Wis. In 1995, the U.S. operations relocated to Batavia, NY in the heart of New York dairy country.

Partnering with Genesee County's O-AT-KA Milk Products resulted in a steady source of top quality New York milk and cream as well as a competent and dedicated workforce. Creamy Creation opened a new production facility on the grounds of O-AT-KA in 2008 and its staff has since grown to nine people. Plans are in place to add two more people in 2012.

More than 60,000 square feet of flex space for office and commercial uses in a park-like setting was created at Masse Place by the partial demolition and creative revitalization of a portion of the Batavia Industrial Center.

“These buildings that were originally built in 1907 now have new utilities and facades so that we can attract businesses and jobs for the 21st Century to Batavia,” said B. Thomas Mancuso, SIOR, the president of the Mancuso Business Development Group.

The Masse Place redevelopment effort started in 2004 as a result of the City of Batavia’s Central Corridor Redevelopment Plan. Actual demolition did not begin until the summer of 2010 and the initial phase of improvements was just completed this August.

Press release:

First as a student and now as a faculty member, Patty Page has been making a difference in the lives of Holy Family School students in Le Roy for the past 23 years. A 1965 graduate of the school located in eastern Genesee County, Page will receive the “Sister Lucille Socciarelli - Father John Sturm Making a Difference Award” on Jan. 26 at the annual dinner that raises funds for needs-based tuition assistance for students attending Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo.

In his letter of nomination, Holy Family School Principal Kevin Robertson wrote, “Patty is a very spiritual person and shares her great sense of responsibility with her students and coworkers every day. Patty’s second-graders leave her classroom at the end of each school year with knowledge of Jesus, His many teachings, the saints and the essential values of being a caring and honest person.”

Father Michael Rock, OdeM, canonical administrator of the school, said that for Page, teaching is a true vocation and call to ministry.

“In everything she does, she is not only an exceptional professional but she has the compassion and gentleness of a true Christian,” Rock said.

The award that Page will receive at the “Making a Difference Dinner – A Celebration of Catholic Schools,” was originated in 2000 by the late Tim Russert of NBC’s “Meet the Press.” The South Buffalo native was inspired by two religious mentors, Sister Lucille Socciarelli, RSM, who taught him at St. Bonaventure School in West Seneca, and Father John Sturm, SJ, dean of discipline at Canisius High School in Buffalo.

Following Russert’s death in 2008, the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo decided to continue the award on Russert’s behalf.  Since the 2009 dinner, Russert’s son, Luke, has introduced the honoree via videotape from the NBC News set in Washington, D.C. The practice will continue at next month’s dinner.

Lead sponsors of the dinner are the William E. & Ann L. Swan Foundation and Restonic – Tom and Jean Comer. Platinum sponsors are the Mazurkiewicz Family and Mrs. Arthur J. Schaefer, Lawley, John and Betsy Sullivan, and Richard and Karen Penfold.

Tribute sponsors are KeyBank, Jake and Katie Schneider, Steve and Kellie Ulrich, M&T Bank, Pratt Collard Advisory Partners, LLC, and The Kenneth L. & Katherine G. Koessler Foundation, Canisius High School, Dietrich Law Firm, Personal Touch Food Service, Phillips Lytle, Franchise Technologies, Catholic Health, St. Mark Parish and School, and Dave and Mary Pietrowski.

For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Susan Burns, coordinator of Special Events, at 716-847-8373 or sburns@buffalodiocese.org.

Press release:

Downtown Batavia – The first “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District, which took place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, was a huge success. More than 400 people attended the Friday night tastings under the Holiday Tent.

Seven area restaurants participated and three winners were selected by the people as the “Best of…The Taste of the Holidays” based upon their favorite tastings.

First place went to the B.I.D.’s own Sunny’s Restaurant,12 Batavia City Centre, for their outstanding Artichoke French and Vodka Pasta dishes. Second place went to Delavan’s, 107 Evans St., for their scrumptious Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions, and in third place was Batavia’s Original, 500 E. Main St., for their delicious Specialty Pizzas. Other participants were: Coffee Culture, Molasses Hill, O’Lacy’s Irish Pub and T.F. Brown’s. All should be congratulated as they made the debut of this event most successful.

Three individuals who won the gift certificates were: Jeff Allen from Oakfield, Darrell and Janet Smith from Medina, and Carrie Lawrence from Batavia.

Jeff Allen from Oakfield said, “Hope this is a tradition that will grow.”

We hope so, too, and encourage more area restaurants to join us next year. Any restaurants who are interested in participating or individuals who would like being on the committee for the 2012 “Taste of the Holidays,” please let us know by calling Don Burkel at the B.I.D.: 344-0900.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

The final package of legislation voted on today included added measures providing tax relief for families and businesses that Western New Yorkers desperately need.

By reducing income levies on tax-paying citizens and business owners, we are embracing the families and job creators that make New York the Empire State. Additional provisions that support our educational institutions address even more issues facing our region, making today’s vote a victory for Western New Yorkers.

In addition, I supported a pair of hostile amendments that would have addressed the most pressing issues facing New York – mandate relief and a state spending cap – which were denied by the Assembly Majority.

These are solutions to problems that have plagued New York State for years. Until we address these issues, we cannot dig New York out of the financial hole it persistently finds itself in, but the numerous other benefits of this legislation are steps in the right direction for Western New York.

Chad Alexander Koschuk, 25, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with petit larceny. Koschuck is accused of shoplifting a DVD worth $19.99 from Kmart.

Stephanie Lynn Buss, 23, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with petit larceny. Buss is accused of shoplifting jewelry worth $20.49 from Kmart.

Kati Mancuso, 28, of Fordham Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mancuso is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Jenny Elizabeth Stephens, 28, of Jerome Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stephens is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Christopher James Seller, 49, of Cedar Street, Akron, is charged with DWAI/alcohol and speed in zone (56 mph in a 40 mph zone). Seller was stopped at 12:24 a.m., Wednesday on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Philip Michael Busch, 20, of Bowen Road, Alexander, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Busch is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at his home.

An Attica resident accused of selling drugs to an undercover agent of the Local Drug Task Force turned herself in Tuesday evening.

Charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, was Virginia R. Jozwiak, 44, of Graff Road, Attica.

Jozwiak was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Jozwiak allegedly sold pills containing a controlled substance to an agent in February.

Following arraignment in Alexander Town Court, Jozwiak was released on her own recognizance.

The unlicensed operation ticket was issued after it was discovered that she had allegedly driven herself to the Sheriff's Office while on a suspended license.