A fire is reported at 6471 Hudson Road in the Town of Pavilion. No structures are involved -- it's a livestock feed bunk. Pavilion, Le Roy and Stafford fire departments are responding. "We've got heavy, heavy black smoke in the air."

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Tankers from York and Bethany are also called to the scene. A wind advisory for parts of Western New York, including Genesee County, is in effect until 6 p.m. Winds are expected to average 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of up to 50 mph. which, of course, makes fires more difficult to fight.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: Fire police will be deployed at Route 19 to stop westbound traffic onto Hudson Road so tankers can draw water from a pond near that juncture. Perry Center's tankers, if available, are summoned.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Mutual aid from Alexander, Town of Batavia and Bergen are called in.

UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Caledonia is called to the scene and also to stand by in Pavilion's quarters.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Brockport and Mumford are enlisted.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Pavilion Fire command says "The fire's contained, but we've got to get up here and put these hay bales out. I'm not sure the ladder's going to reach that far." Wyoming #2 is called, Perry Center is cancelled.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: They want to get a backhoe in there to bust up the hay bales. "They're going pretty good." There's a big heap of corn cobs to deal with, too.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: Mercy medics are responding in case they are needed.

UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: The Pavilion Auxiliary and/or Salvation Army is going to bring refreshments. Attica Rescue is called to fill air bottles.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The fire is pretty much knocked down. No hands lines are in use at this point. Alexander is released from the scene and others will be soon.

Local history was on display at GCC today with history groups from Genesee County's villages, towns and museums gathering in the college's forum.

Visitors could see displays on history, view artifacts, buy books and gift items and learn directly from the people who know the most what our predecessors did in Western New York.

As part of the event, War of 1812 reenactors, the Genesee County Militia, Kellogg Company, offered lectures and demonstrations on what military life was back 100 years ago.

In the early 1900s, then-Governor Al Smith created the civic position of local historians. New York is the only state to declare preservation and dissemination of local history to be a public purpose. (source)

By 9 a.m. the closest open parking space to St. Joe's was at least a block way in any direction.

Once inside the annual Super Mammoth Sale, it was pretty much wall-to-wall people.

By 9:05 a.m., the first bargain shoppers were hauling their treasures to their cars.

As always, you had to get their early and act quick to find the best deals.

Blue Devil's pitcher Ryan Tenney went five innings Friday, surrendering only three hits and two earned runs in his first varsity start and Head Coach Richard Saunders is hopeful the performance is a sign of good things to come.

"If he can throw like that the rest of the year, I've found my solid #2 starter," Saunders said.

Despite Tenney's strong performance, Batavia dropped the contest to Medina 6-3.

It's the first game of the season and the cobwebs showed, Saunders said.

"Any time you go out for the first time in the spring, you're going to have some glitches in the game," Saunders said. "I think the whole game boiled down to the fact that we had some plays that we'll make all year long and we didn't make them today. That put us behind the eight ball the whole time."

Saunders expects his team to contend not just for the division lead, but a sectional title in Class B.

"We went to the finals last year and I've got six guys from that team coming back," Saunders said. "I might not have my big boppers, but I've got guys who can run and play defense. I expect to be there with this team."

Tenney, Zach Hale and Tom Grammatico each had an RBI. Zeke Lynn had two hits.

Top photo, Brett Scheurelein getting a hit in the third inning.

Ryan Tenney

Tom Grammatico was tossed from the game after he failed to slide coming into home plate. In the style of Pete Rose, Grammatico bowled over Medina's catcher, dislodging the ball from the catcher's glove. The home plate umpire initially ruled Grammatico safe, but after consulting with the field umpire, reversed the call and tossed Grammatico. In Section V players must slide rather than running into players at any base.

To purchase prints, click here.

A passerby reported flames coming from a chimney at 856 Genesee St. in Corfu. Corfu, City of Batavia Fire Department's Fast Team along with Darien, Pembroke, East Pembroke, and Indian Falls are called to the scene. First responders confirm flames shooting from the chimney.

UPDATE 11:46 p.m.: Only Corfu and Darien are told to continue to the scene. Akron and Crittenden, the Fast Team and the others are cancelled. An infrared camera and a ladder to access the side of the house are requested.

A car and motorcycle collision is reported at 5 Prospect Ave. There are injuries. City fire is en route and police just arrived on scene.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: Mercy medics are there now.

UPDATE 8:29 p.m.: Fire department has cleared the scene. The motorcycle needs to be towed.

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at East Main and Summit streets in the City of Batavia. The bicyclist is refusing medical treatment. Police are on scene.

UPDATE 6:12 p.m.: Now the cyclist is reporting pain in the wrist so a Mercy medic is dispatched non-emergency.

MISSING: This 8-year-old Australian shephard answers to "Bindy" and was last seen in the West Main Road of Batavia. There's a reward for the finder. Please call Rita at 716.474.4121.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Rita says the woman who found the dog yesterday contacted her about an hour after this post went up this evening to say Bindy was taken safely to the animal shelter. Because it's now after-hours, Rita won't be able to take Bindy home until tommorrow. Rita said she was overwhelmed with the response from readers of The Batavian who contacted her about the lost dog. And she thanks everyone who tried to help put.

A local businessman is planning a housing development on 100 acres of vacant farm land just off Route 5 and Seven Springs Road in the Town of Batavia, and the town's planning board has scheduled a public hearing on the subdivision application.

Peter Zeliff, an executive EIF Renewable Energy Holdings and a Batavia resident, has filed the application to convert the farmland into 76 lots for 120 single family and town home units.

The public hearing is set for 7:30 p.m., April 16 at Batavia's Town Hall, 3833 W. Main Street Road.

The location of the proposed development is north of Route 5, across from the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

Zeliff is best known locally as an aviation buff, so much so that he built a large house near the west end of the Genesee County Airport runway. He owns small planes and a helicopter.

Among his charitable work is the annual WNY Aviation Camp for youngsters throughout the region.

He's also a member of the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors. CORRECTION: Zeliff is a member of the Genesee Gateway local Development Corporation, which is affiliated with GCEDC.

The owner of the parcel is listed as Oakwood Hills, LLC. It's currently assessed at $128,200.

A distraught young female who was seen walking and screaming "inconsolably" in Oakfield was reported to dispatch and a law enforcement officer responded to her location at Maple Avenue and Gibson Street. She apparently refused to comply with the officer's directives and became abusive. As the officer attempted to arrest this person, she physically resisted and was pepper-sprayed. Mercy medics just arrived on scene to provide aid for the "irritant to the eyes."

UPDATE 1:38 p.m.: The patient was transported to a hospital in Medina.

Elizabeth A. Denise, 32, of 2 Fisher Park, lower, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Batavia PD responded Tuesday to a complaint about an abandoned dog. Upon investigation, Officer Frank Klimjack reported finding an apartment in "deplorable condition" and two children residing in the dwelling. The dog was removed from the residence and taken to the animal shelter. Denise was issued an appearance ticket. There was no further information released about the children.

Daniel L. Dioguardi, 31, 4993 Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with burglary, 2nd, petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Dioguardi turned himself in on a warrant and was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Pavilion fire is on scene of a field fire in the area of 7364 Dillon Road, Pavilion.

It was apparently a controlled burn that got out of control and was reported to be about 50 yards from a structure.

A chief reports that it hasn't gotten into the nearby woods.

Another chief said that once crews are on scene with brooms, it should be easy to knock down.

UPDATE 10:46 a.m.: A chief reports fire is definitely out and he's walking the perimeter of the whole area to ensure it's out.

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There are few things in nature so graceful and sublime as the tundra swan in flight. In recent weeks they've been arriving in sizeable flocks from their wintering grounds along the mid-Atlantic Coast.

A split second before touch down in a local farm field, this pair will join the main flock in gleaning the remnants of last year's crop.  

Their respite will be brief before continuing onward to their breeding grounds in the Far North. The landowner said the previous two days the south end of this field held so many swans it resembled moguls on a ski slope.

While only a remnant of the previous day's flock remains, there were enough to suit me. This photo was taken seconds after they spotted me in a hedgerow. Moments before they were meandering about, heads to the ground as they helped themselves to last fall's leftovers. Now alert, their necks erect, they begin to move slowly away.

I certainly would liked to have captured this group against a blue sky....but like the saying goes, you play the hand you're dealt.

This is Raven, a first year black lab and she certainly doesn't seem to mind Claudia and I encroaching on her territory. Though these are her stomping grounds, she could care less about swans.....she just wants to make friends!     Raven is owned by Ed and Luanne Mileham who told us about the swans and gave us access to take photos. Thanks Ed & Luanne!!!   

By the time the mating season kicks into high gear, these swans will be just a memory, nesting somewhere in the Canadian Far North.

NOTE: This isn't about tax incentives or not, nor meant to address "shop local" or not. Whenever news comes up about new stores opening or coming to town, it always generates talk from people about "I wish this or that store would come to Batavia," so I thought the topic would make a fun and interesting poll. That is all.

After the first hula hoop class presented by Blue Pearl Yoga this evening, the oft-repeated word was "fun."

Instructor Rachelle Simons said it is fun, that's why she went from a mom hooping with her four children to a serious devotee of the sport.

"It's a tremendous work out that works virtually ever muscle in your body, from head to toe," Simons said. "As you're doing it, you don't even realize you're doing it because it's so much fun."

The introductory class covered hoop basics, stretching and a bit of actual hip movements to keep the hoop going.

For many of the dozen students, it was the first time they had hooped since they were children.

The last time for Julie Yaeger, "probably not since I was 12, and I won't tell you how long ago that was," she said.

Donna McJury joined the class because she expected it to be fun, relaxing and a chance to get fit.

"I think I'll get more energy," she said. "And maybe a smaller waist."

Simons ended the class with a demonstration of hula hoop dancing, showing off several tricks and techniques, telling class members that they were all capable of learning everything she did.

She then talked about the types and weights of hoops she has available, and which people might consider using based on their hoop plans and abilities. Her hoops are available at luvhoopsonline.com.

The cost for the five-week session is $45 and if there's demand, more classes could be added.

Press Release from Phil Ricci, chairman of the Gensee County Libertarian Committee:

Dick's Sporting Goods also does not expect to win, or ask for, tax abatements to expand here. "Our goal is to deliver everything at the lowest price," Hennion said. "We really don't feel like we should be using customers' money to build our stores."

That was a direct quote from the VP of Dick's Sporting Goods!

The classification of the Batavia Towne Center as a "tourist destination" is laughable at best, and a complete deception regardless. More than $6 million dollars has already been promised to COR over a 10 year period. Yet even though the company did not complete many of the promises within the original project, they are asking for an additional $ 1 million in "tax incentives" to re-fit a previously failed space!

No tax payer should be asked to subsidize a multi-billion dollar retail chain, so they can do business in their town, but what's even worse is when that retailer is not asking for the help!

Stop the abuse! Tell Mary Pat Hancock and the GCEDC Board to not approve the additional funds!

Sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/706/682/307/stop-the-additional-funding-of-tax-incentives-to-cor-for-dicks-sports/

Press release:

The City of Batavia is proud to make the announcement of the following promotions and appointment.

Sgt. Robb Yaeger, a 25-year veteran of the Police Department, is being appointed effective April 7 to fill the position of assistant chief of Police. City Council approved the creation of the position of assistant chief of police as part of the 2013/14 budget.

Sgt. Yaeger began his career in law enforcement in 1986 in the position of corrections officer assigned to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Jail. Prior to this he had served for two years as an animal control officer for Genesee County. In 1988 Sgt. Yaeger was hired by the City of Batavia as a police officer for the City of Batavia. During his time as a police officer Robb served as a field training officer, was assigned to the Neighborhood Enforcement Team, was assigned to the Genesee County Drug Task Force, was a member of the Batavia Police Department’s Crash Management Team and joined the Emergency Response Team.

In 2003 Robb was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He became the Field Training Program’s coordinator, having helped mentor and train countless new police officers. Sgt. Yaeger also served as the department’s quartermaster, fleet maintenance officer, a certified Taser instructor, the department’s STOP-DWI coordinator as well as coordinating several grants awarded to the police department. All this while operating as a uniformed supervisor on various assigned shifts. Sgt. Yaeger is a past recipient of the Batavia Police Officer of Year and was also honored with the Distinguished Public Service Award.

Robb has demonstrated his dedication to serving the City of Batavia, its residents and commuters, all the while holding himself to the highest of standards. Robb is married with three children and lives in the Town of Batavia.

Robb's duties will include, but not be limited to, acting in the capacity of the chief of police when necessary, overseeing and directing the duties and functions of the Road Patrol section of the police department, as well as assisting the chief of police with day-to-day managerial functions of the department.

Officer Chris Camp was promoted to sergeant in February following the retirements of Lt. James Henning and Sgt. John Peck.

Chris is a dedicated police professional, having been assigned to Road Patrol since being hired in 2006. Chris has consistently demonstrated a high drive and zest for police work. Sgt. Camp became a field training officer in 2009, is a certified police instructor, firearms instructor and member of the police department’s Emergency Response Team. He is also a past recipient of the Kiwanis Officer of the Year.

Officer Eric Bolles is to be promoted on April 7 to fill the Sergeant position vacated by the appointment of Assistant Chief Robb Yaeger.

Officer Bolles joined the police department in 2006 after having worked in the private sector. Eric is a former member of the Air Force, having supervised several lower ranking members of his unit. Officer Bolles is also a field training officer, having mentored several new officers.Officer Bolles’ private sector and military leadership will be beneficial to the police department moving forward.

After nine years, Kathy Stefani, of Batavia, will soon gallop into the sunset as organizer of the Super Mammoth Sale at St. Joseph School.

But she will be going out with a bang, as they say, because this year's sale is the biggest thus far and includes several new attractions.

The sale will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. -- with a 15-minute break for restocking at 12:30 p.m. -- at St. Joseph School, at 2 Summit St. in Batavia.

Here are some pics:

NEW: Car/Truck Room

Volunteer Jerry Fisk will be running the car/truck room, which will feature models and toys of various vehicle types from the oldies right up to Nascar.

The Baby Room

Paintings and prints

Artisan Doll Room

Showroom #1 (cafeteria) - stage

Showroom #1 (cafeteria) - main floor

Showroom #2 (gym)

Note: Because there is so much inventory this year, both showrooms will be restocked at 12:30 (in the past, this has only been done for showroom #1).

Other items for sale will include a "barely used" Wii system with two remote controls for only $100, four Elvis Presley albums, and a copy of The Beatles' very first album.

There will also be a tent outside featuring furniture, gardening equipment, grills, and other miscellaneous items.

All proceeds of the sale will benefit St. Joseph School. For more information, call Stefani at 344-2701.

Adam M. Brodie is indicted by the Genesee County Grand Jury for the criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, which is a Class B felony. He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully selling cocaine on Oct. 18 at 67 Main St. in Le Roy.

In count two of the indictment, Brodie is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it.

In count three of the indictment, he is accused of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly selling cocaine on Oct. 23 at 67 Main St. in Le Roy.

In count four of the indictment, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it on Oct. 23.

UPDATE: Since this post, the Sheriff's Office has put out a press release on Brodie's arrest. Brodie, 29, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, was arrested as the result of an investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Following arraignment in County Court, he was jailed on $7,500 bail.

A distraught man inside a house on Bank Street Road is threatening to harm himself and he reportedly has a pistol. Law enforcement is on scene and traffic is being stopped at East Saile and Bank, and at R. Stephen Hawley Drive and Bank. He was on the phone with a counselor, but now is not answering the phone.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: An adjacent house is ordered to be evacuated.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The occupants of the adjacent house have left. A state investigator is talking with the original caller to dispatch about this incident to try and glean more information. A nearby church is going to be checked and if anyone is there, they will be told to leave.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: Mercy medics are told to go to Bank Street Road and Hawley Drive in case they are needed.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: A responder who checked out the church says it appears to be sealed up and no one is there.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: At the scene: "We've got him coming to the front door. ... we made contact briefly. He went back inside the front door."

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: Parents of children in a nearby daycare center are informed that when picking up their kids, they must travel via the city northward to the daycare facility.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: The man is in custody. The Emergency Response Team is cancelled.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: The adjacent residents are being called and told they can return home. The road is reopened. "The daycare knows what's going on and they're all set."

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Responders are back in service.