From Assemblyman Steve Hawley: 

The passage of a property tax cap is the culmination of years of hard work from both New York taxpayers and the Assembly Minority Conference who have never wavered in their support of protecting this state’s families and businesses. No longer will Western New Yorkers, facing some of the highest property taxes in the nation, be prevented from obtaining the American Dream of owning their own home.

No longer will upstate businesses be forced out of our community, which has led to massive job loss and unemployment. Today is a new day in New York – a day that we finally say to our family and businesses, “You are welcome here.”

However, the victory in our long battle for this tax cap must also highlight the need to expand mandate relief. Our homeowners and businesses are not the only ones that suffer from Albany’s spending addiction, our local governments and school districts are struggling to cope with these issues as well. The measures we have taken to reduce the crushing burden on localities is not the end of a journey, but rather a first step toward the true, sweeping reforms it will take to repeal the onerous cost drivers that Albany has passed onto local governments.

We have opened the door for real, substantive mandate relief, but we haven’t done enough. I pledge to continue working tirelessly to ease the burden on local governments and school districts so that they can provide the vital services that our communities rely on without increasing costs to the taxpayer. I am confident that the accomplishments made today will serve as a springboard for even more success in the future.

From Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer:

“The State Senate passed historic legislation last night to make New York the 44th state to cap property taxes.  A cap will stop property taxes from spiraling out of control and prevent homeowners from being taxed out of their homes. But in order for the cap to work, mandate relief will be needed.”

“That is why the State Senate also took the first steps to begin to provide $127 million in much needed mandate relief for school districts and municipalities. The act also sets up a Mandate Relief Council to establish a procedure to repeal unfunded mandates.”

“There is still much work to be done on mandate relief, including relieving counties of burdensome Medicaid and pension payments and school districts of onerous and duplicative audits.  As the year progresses, I will work with the Governor, and my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly, to not just take first steps, but to make giant leaps towards achieving additional mandate relief.”

The United Way of Genesee County announced this week that it surpassed its goal for the 2011 campaign by 6 percent. The annual campaign, which ended May 15, raised $414,702. 

“We are so grateful to the people of Genesee County for their support and generosity," Executive Director Jamie Rada said. “We will be able to invest these resources into programs that do the most good to help our community.”

United Way annually supports 15 community agencies that provide emergency services and programs that are vital to the quality of life for Genesee County residents. A United Way donation ensures that the best resources remain available to those who are in of assistance.

In addition, the United Way sponsors the annual Day of Caring that draws more than 260 volunteers who help with projects that assist local not-for-profit agencies. The United Way also initiated and funds the successful backpack program in the City of Batavia schools.

United Way officials announced that the 2012 campaign chaircouple will be Jay and Ann Marie Gsell.

Claudia Germuga, a Batavia High School senior, has won a $5,000 Student of Integrity Scholarship from the Upstate New York Better Business Bureau.

She is a very accomplished dancer and art student who has received lots of recognition from her school. She is described as a student with strong convictions who is determined to set a good example for her peers.

Here's a press release from Holiday Hollow in Pembroke.

After 20 years of family oriented Halloween entertainment and three years of Christmas and "tea tasting" shows, the George Walker family at Holiday Hollow in Pembroke has added dinner theater to their repertoire.

On Saturday, July 16, they will premiere "13 Memento Mori Lane," a comedy/mystery/farce, at their new theater, Yorkshire Hall.

Author/director Zachary Walker says that "the show begins the moment you enter the door, as the villain greets you...as you sit down do a delicious dinner, mind your belongings, and get ready for poison brandy, tangled tangos, crashing chandeliers -- and broccoli. What murder would be complete without broccoli?"

Yorkshire Hall shows are usually limited to group bookings and tour buses.

"This is a chance for the general public to get to see our elegant new hall and have a great dinner and show as well," said George Walker, senior member of the family.

But he says that this presentation is unique and future "general public" presentations will depend on response.

"We receive many requests to open our shows to local residents, and this will be a chance to see if there's enough community interest to make future offerings possible," Walker said.

The July 16 "world premiere" of "13 Memento Mori Manor" is scheduled for just one performance at this time, but will feature a "super discount price" of $19.95, which includes dinner, the show, and gratuity.

Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 762-8160. Additional information is available at www.Yorkshire-Hall.com.

The deadline is fast approaching for people interested in enrolling in the Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology Certificate Training Program.

Applications will continue to be accepted until July 15, and after that people will be placed on a waiting list. The program is FREE of charge and will run for 11 weeks, beginning in September.

Applications for the program are available through the Genesee County Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, East Town Plaza, Batavia. Updates regarding the program will be posted on the Genesee County Economic Development Center's website at www.gcedc.com

The GCEDC -- in conjunction with Genesee Community College (GCC) and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) -- developed the program to help bridge the gap between employers and prospective employees.

Funded by a grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal, the training program is designed to prepare participants for entry-level manufacturing positions by introducing them to the skill sets necessary to succeed in a high-tech and advanced-manufacturing environment.

“We currently have a tremendous pool of applicants for the certificate program, but will continue accepting applications for the program to ensure that any community member who would like to participate is given an equal opportunity,” said John Jakubowski, education consultant for the GDEDC.

Preparation for employment is crucial in any industry.

“The more prepared students become in advanced manufacturing, the more successful they will be in future endeavors and valuable to employers,” Jakubowski said.

Successful participants will earn a certificate in Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology and have an opportunity to meet with local employers at the end of the program.

Many people who are unemployed have to make a conscious effort to learn a new trade, or go back to school because there are limited opportunities in their desired field.

“When I speak to employers they continually tell me that they need workers," Jakubowski said. "When I speak to the unemployed they want to get back to work. The disconnect occurs between what types of jobs are available and what types of employment is sought; expectations on both sides must be managed."

The summer concert series in Jackson Square, Downtown Batavia, sponsored by the Business Improvement District, kicked off this evening with a show by 78 RPM.

It's just about time once again for Batavia's premier music and arts festival -- Ramble.

This year's Ramble is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. next Saturday, July 2.

More than 30 music acts will perform on two stages (Jackson Square and T.F. Brown's), plus there will be the arts, crafts and fun for the kids.

Admission is free to this family friendly event.

Pictured above are local musicians Bill Pitcher, Kay McMahon, Jim Catino, Brian Garz, Charlie DelPlato, Bill McDonald and Tim Pitcher.

A live electrical wire has apparently fallen onto a bus -- unknown what type of bus -- in the area of 4820 Hundredmark Road, Elba.

One occupant is still on the bus.

Elba Fire Department has been dispatched.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Elba fire on scene. National Grid in route. ETA less than five minutes.

UPDATE 6:25 p.m.: The line is off the bus (and I think I heard, too, the occupant is off the bus).

View Larger Map

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Delavan's, 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.

Alli's, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

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.

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.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY. Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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.

SOLD OUT

Booboo is the cherished companion of Jennifer McDonald, of Pavilion, and Booboo has been missing since this past weekend.

Apparently Booboo got out when Jennifer's husband left a door open.

Booboo, who was recently groomed, so his hair is shorter than in this picture, was last seen on Route 19 near the fire hall.

Both Jennifer and her husband, Mel, work at Mancuso Limousine and according to David Mancuso, Mel is in the doghouse even at work (though Jennifer adds, "he really does feel bad about it"). So Mancuso is stepping in to do what he can to help. He's offering $100 cash or a free ride in a limo to whomever finds and returns Booboo.

UPDATE: Booboo is back home.

Lisa Ann Weese, 29, of North Main Street, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Weese is accused of shoplifting $110.12 worth of merchandise from Kmart at 4:11 p.m., Thursday.

Crystal Lee Marsceill, 30, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Marsceill is accused of shoplifting $55.18 worth of merchandise from Walmart at 7:57 p.m., Thursday.

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.