Notre Dame used a 13-2 second-quarter run to edge past Alexander in the first round of the Batavia Rotary Tournament at Genesee Community College, 57-43.

Neither team appeared to have an edge early on, with the score being tied after the first quarter. The Fighting Irish started the second quarter with a bang, outscoring the Trojans 18-6 in the frame. The run was keyed by three point field goals made by Shea Norton and Emma Francis, and the Irish ratcheted up their defense.

“After the first we tried to change up defenses,” said Notre Dame Head Coach Dave Pero. “We went back to basics and got us back to where we could get into the lead.

Notre Dame’s defense suffocated Alexander all night, coming away with 13 steals and holding leading scorer Sarah Loranty to six points on 2-of-12 shooting for the game. The Trojans also failed to connect from beyond the arc, missing on all seven attempts.

The Irish offensive attack was balanced all night long, getting 11 points apiece from Melanie Taylor and Shea Norton, while Riley Norton chipped in with 10. Pero’s squad also got seven points each from Francis, Laurie Call and Maddie Mancuso.

“You can’t score if you don’t shoot,” Pero said. “We always tell our players to shoot the ball if you’re open.”

Taylor continued her solid start to the season with another superb all-around game, collecting seven rebounds and six assists to go with her 11 points. Shea Norton added 12 rebounds to go along with her 11 points and Mancuso chipped in with six rebounds off the bench for the Irish (8-1).

Despite being held in-check for most of the night on the offensive end, Loranty did dominate the boards, bringing down 17 rebounds in the loss. Maria Dominick scored a game-high 13 points and grabbed five rebounds for Alexander (7-2), which lost two straight after winning their first seven.

Notre Dame will go on to face Batavia in the finals on Thursday night after the Blue Devils overcame a 30-19 halftime deficit to defeat Perry, 57-48.

The Blue Devils managed to cut the lead to five heading in to the fourth quarter and were able to outlast the Yellowjackets and hand them their first loss of the season.

Batavia got gigantic performances from two freshmen, Madison McCulley, who scored a game-high 15 points and dished out 10 assists while Tiara Filbert chipped in 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Blue Devils (8-3), who has defeated Perry in the Rotary Tournament for the second straight season. The Yellowjackets fell 44-41 in the finals a year ago.

Perry (7-1) got 13 points from Ashley Miller and will play Alexander in the consolation game at 6 p.m. on Thursday night at GCC. The finals between Batavia and Notre Dame are scheduled to tip-off at 7:30. 

To purchase photos, click on the link in the slide show that says "purchase photos."

All photos by Howard Owens.

Steven Leo Decker, 62, of Francis Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Decker is accused of breaking out the windows of a victim's vehicle with a sledgehammer. The incident was reported at 7:53 p.m., Tuesday.

Chad M. Johnston, 26, of 111 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Johnston is accused of punching another person in the head at 5:15 p.m., Tuesday.

Douglas G. Bryant Jr., 41, of 1 Florence Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Bryant is accused of threatening another person and spitting on that person and throwing food at that person. Bryant was jailed on $500 bail.

Sean P. Case, 25, 47 of Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd, and assault, 3rd. Case is accused of punching a person in the face and breaking his nose during an incident at 6:50 a.m., Jan. 1, at a residence on South Main Street, Batavia. He is accused of injuring another person who attempted to intervene. Case, arrested Tuesday, was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance.

Jason Lee Perry, 18, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with sexual misconduct. Perry is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old girl.

Michael Steven Bennett, 31, of Columbus Avenue, Mt. Morris, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to pay fine. Bennett is being held on an unrelated matter in the Livingston County Jail. He was released to the custody of the Sheriff's Office for arraignment in Genesee County Court and then returned to Livingston County.

A wind advisory kicks in at 10 a.m. with gusts up to 45 mph expected.

Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph from the southwest are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

The advisory is in effect until 5 p.m.

City firefighters were called at about 9:08 p.m. to 405 Garden Drive after a caller reported a loud noise followed by smoke in the familty room. It was thought to be a possible electircal fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a small fire, extinguished it and ventilated the house. A city code enforcement officer was contacted and it is estimated that he will arrive on scene in the next 20 to 30 minutes.

The time might be right for a third party to try to make a difference in Genesee County politics, the way Phil Ricci sees it, so he along with a small group of like-minded residents are working getting the Libertarian Party established locally.

The process involves signing up members for the committee, holding a convention and finding a candidate or two to run for local offices.

"I think this has been coming for a long time," Ricci said. "There's a growing interest in the breakdown of the two-party system. People see either Republican or Democrat and they just don't fit in. I think what the ideology of Libertarian stands for is vastly misunderstood. More people have what I believe are libertarian beliefs and are looking for viable options to the two-party system. They want less intrusive government and people in government who are responsible financial stewards."

Rather than trying get candidates elected to national and state offices, Ricci thinks any viable third-party effort needs to start at the local level where it's easier to build an organization.

And localism fits well with the basic Libertarian tenant of less intrusive government.

"Here's the big thing -- I'm tired of people far away telling people here, where we live, what's best for us," said Ricci, who ran for Batavia City Council in 2009 and is currently a member of the Batavia City School District Board of Education.

"We control were we live, and we do that as an individual, so why does our government, which has no real local connection, even think about telling us what we should do for our local community? We need local ideas, local vision, to fix local issues."

At a minimum, Ricci would like to have Genesee County Libertarians well enough organized by late summer to run at least one candidate for city council, perhaps a candidate or two in village or town elections and maybe the county legislature.

"Our first goal is to allow people who support individual liberty to have a viable choice at the local level," Ricci said.

On Facebook: The Genesee County Libertarian Committee.

It seemed to be a beautiful day for snow clean up, though I'm sure city crews would even do it on a bitterly cold, overcast day.

Driving down Evans Street this morning I spotted crews making mountains of snow behind the ice arena and decided to stop for pictures. A worker told me they were clearing snow today from city parking lots, so I followed one of the trucks over to the parking lot off Jefferson Avenue.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today that Genesee County has been approved as a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), the first FTZ in the Finger Lakes Region since a similar zone was created in Monroe County in 1987. An FTZ is a site within the United States designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce where foreign and domestic merchandise is considered to be in international commerce.

“This is a historic day for economic development in Genesee County and a critical component of our broader efforts to sustain job creation and investment in our region,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of GCEDC. “The approval of this application for FTZ status will help spur economic growth and foreign investment by incentivizing businesses with customs duty savings and other tax advantages, as well as increased flexibility in the handling of domestic and imported merchandise.”

The application designates two Genesee County industrial parks – Apple Tree Acres and the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park – as magnet sites, which allows businesses looking to develop at these sites a fast-tracked application process. Other magnet sites can be added later.

Because an FTZ is considered to be “outside” the customs territory of the United States, foreign or domestic merchandise may enter without a formal customs entry, or the payment of customs duties or government excise taxes. When a final product is exported from an FTZ, no U.S. Customs duty or excise tax is levied. If the final product is imported from the FTZ into the United States, customs duty and excise taxes are due only at the time of formal entry into the United States. The duty paid is the lower of that applicable to the product itself or its component parts.

Genesee County’s application, submitted by the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC), establishes an FTZ under the program’s Alternative Site Framework (ASF). This framework provides Genesee County’s FTZ greater flexibility as a broad geographic area, as opposed to traditional FTZs, which were building/site-specific.

There are a total of only 14 FTZs currently approved in New York State, four of which are located in or near New York City.

Attorneys for the estate of James T. Hackemer and Darien Lake Theme Park have reached a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hackemer's family, according to the Buffalo News.

The decorated and disabled Iraq War veteran died at the theme park in July 2011 when he was ejected from the Ride of Steel while on an outing with his family.

The Buffalo News reports that as part of the settlement, Darien Lake does not admit liability but will provide Hackemer's daughters, both under age 10, an annuity with a total value that exceeds $1 million.

“Darien Lake and its management are relieved to settle this case,” said Hugh M. Russ III, a lawyer for the amusement park. “And while they admit no liability, they did feel obligated to help care for Mr. Hackemer’s two children.”

The exact amount of the settlement is confidential under terms of the agreement.

Thomas Harold Hofer, 51, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with coercion, 1st, two counts of criminal mischief, 4th, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and trespass. The charges against Hofer stem from an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend at 9:43 p.m., Sunday, in the Town of Batavia. Hofer was jailed on $5,000 bail.

John Everett Pfalzer, 48, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Pfalzer is accused of striking the hand of another person. The alleged incident was reported at 10:40 a.m., Monday.

Deborah A. Schramm, 32, of Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear on an attempted petit larceny charge.

Washington Post: Chuck Hagel nomination creates rare partisan fight over Pentagon post

I'm excited to announce this this morning: Join The Batavian Club and receive two free tickets to a Batavia Muckdogs home game in 2013.

That's right, each member of the club will receive a voucher redeemable for two general admission tickets to any home game (July 3, excluded).

Also, we're up to $270 in gift certificate value for members redeemable at 26 different local businesses.

Join The Batavian Club and SAVE: Currently, members will receive $270 in gift certificates to local businesses -- far more value than the cost of the membership! (more info below).

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Le Roy Fire Department is being dispatched to 78 Lake St. for a possible electrical fire in a second-floor apartment.

A Le Roy police officer is on scene with the building's owner who reports a circuit breaker has been tripped and there is an odor of burning plastic, but no smoke.

Bergen fire is requested to the scene non-emergency.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: Bergen can go back in service. Le Roy responding non-emergency.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Negative results from thermal imaging cams. Some Le Roy units going back in service.

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Press release:

On his first full week on the job, Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) met with approximately 40 local farmers this afternoon to talk about what they want to see as part of a new farm bill. Congress is set to debate a new five-year farm bill over the coming months. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, Collins has made it a top priority to work with his colleagues to pass a new farm bill as soon as possible. The current legislation expired and Congress passed a short-term extension at the end of 2012.

“America’s farmers need their federal government to act and pass a comprehensive, long-term farm bill,” Collins said. “Congress must come together to give our agricultural community the support and long-term stability it needs.”

Held in Batavia, today’s meeting participants included dairy and crop farmers from the various counties that make-up New York’s 27th Congressional District. Dean Norton, president of the New York Farm Bureau, also participated. Today’s informal meeting gave Collins an opportunity to hear directly from local farmers in advance of his first Agriculture Committee meeting in Washington. In the near future, Collins’ office will establish a formal Agriculture Advisory Committee.

A new farm bill would establish farm commodity, conservation, trade and nutritional programs for the next five-year period.

“Hardworking farmers cannot be left in limbo while Washington partisans remain deadlocked on the major issues of the day,” Collins said. “A new farm bill is too important to agricultural interests not only in our own community, but all across this country. We all rely on the hard work of America’s farmers and now the federal government needs to do its job.”

A female who claims she was jumped by three other females on State Street is seeking treatment in the emergency room at UMMC. Police are responding to the ER.

Trouble is brewing at the Batavia Mobile Home Park. One tenant has called emergency dispatchers with a complaint of loud music at one of the lots. The person playing the music called dispatchers to gripe that the irate neighbor is banging loudly against the side of his/her trailer (in an obvious attempt to quiet things down). Sheriff's deputies are responding.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino has closed the books on another record year, with a casino expansion starting in less than one month and the possibility of enhanced gaming on the horizon. The facility has enjoyed at least 4-percent growth every year since opening in 2005.

The 640 video lottery terminals at the track’s gaming parlor generated $45.1 million last year in net winnings, according to the NY Lottery. This figure is up 13.38 percent from 2011’s $39.78 million. Earnings in 2011 were 5.53 percent over what was earned in 2010.

“As one of the nine New York State Racetrack Casinos, we are giving back to the State of New York via our daily contributions to the New York State Lottery, and our distributions to our member municipalities,” said Michael Kane, CEO and president for Batavia Downs Casino.

Batavia Downs in owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation. Municipalities that own Batavia Downs Casino include: the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, and the counties of Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming.

“As a public benefit corporation, all revenues net expenses are distributed to the fifteen counties and two cities of Western New York,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of marketing for Batavia Downs Casino. “People know that when they come here for entertainment, their money is going to New York State, either via the lottery for education or to the counties that they live and work in. We’re happy to give back.”

Press release:

In efforts to assist Oxbo International Corporation improve upon its quality manufacturing and productivity, National Grid has awarded its Byron plant a Manufacturing Productivity Program Grant.

The grant will be used by Oxbo to help offset the cost of an engineering study on its manufacturing problem solving methodology; development/ validation of appropriate measurements systems; implementation of tools to analyze low-volume variation problems; and, to enhance the Oxbo Product Development Cycle to include best quality practices within their welding department. Oxbo currently utilizes approximately 10,000 different weld configurations which presents high complexity to its problem solving measures and solutions.

“National Grid is committed to assisting and providing value to the manufacturing companies we service,” said Paul Kazmierczak, manager of community and customer management for National Grid in Western New York. “This grant will help ensure Oxbo International is manufacturing its products in the most resourceful method possible.”

“We are very appreciative to National Grid for this $40,000 grant -- it will assist with the development of our next generation corn harvester, which is one of our most important products,” said Gary Stich, president, Oxbo International Corporation. “In our competitive environment, this assistance in improving our efficiency helps to ensure the long term success of the product line.”

National Grid’s Manufacturing Productivity Program provides matching grants of up to $40,000 or 60 percent of the costs incurred by eligible applicants who commit time and resources to lean manufacturing and growth activities.

Oxbo International Corporation develops, manufactures and supplies specialized agricultural equipment for niche market agribusiness worldwide. Oxbo is a direct supplier of much of its equipment, and also utilizes dealers / distributors for certain products and territories. Over the years, Oxbo's product lines have grown to wide acceptance in their markets. Integrity, innovation and superb customer service are time-tested core values of the company’s business practices, and have helped to secure its continuity in an ever-changing agricultural environment. Oxbo currently supplies equipment worldwide to more than 20 countries, making exporting an important part of the business.

Maurice G. Leach, 36, of 212 State St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and criminal tampering, 3rd. Police officers Eric Hill, Thad Mart and Chris Camp responded to a report of a male subject hitting a woman outside 212 State St. at 8:39 a.m., Sunday. During the investigation, Leach allegedly became combative and when officers attempted to place him into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest. While at police headquarters, Leach allegedly urinated and defecated on the floor of the holding cell. Leach was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Edward R. Freida, 41, of 47 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Freida was allegedly found in possession of a switchblade knife during a routine search of his residence by a probation officer. Because Frieda has a prior conviction for criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, the charge is elevated to third degree. Freida was jailed without bail.

Jessica L. Polk, 36, of 202 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Polk is accused of pushing and grabbing a child during a domestic incident.

Ann M. Schlegel, 35, Lawrence A. Atkins, 35, and Leon D. Atkins, 16, all from Medina, are charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of attempting to steal $337.31 in merchandise from Kmart at 5:54 p.m., Sunday.

Scott Dwayne Kingdon, 46, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Kingdon is accused of sending e-mails to a person in violation of an order of protection.

Nathaniel L. Beglinger, 21, of Peaviner Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Beglinger is accused of recklessly causing damage to a building in Darien, causing more than $250 damage, at 12:35 a.m., Dec. 1.

Dennis J. Saporito, 25, of Culver Road, Albion, turned himself in on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for alleged driving while ability impaired. Saporito was arraigned and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Robert Lee Ealey, 26, of Phelps Road, Rochester, Ealey was taken into custody by Rochester PD on a bench warrant issued by Genesee County Court and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Ealey was held pending arraignment today.

Adam M. Miller, 20, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Miller is accused of damaging property with a value greater than $250 at 4 a.m., Jan. 1, in the Town of Shelby. Miller was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

A driver making a left-hand turn out of Rite-Aid said he never saw a pedestrian in the middle of West Main Street Road at 12:55 p.m., Saturday, sending the victim to Strong Memorial Hospital aboard Mercy Flight.

The victim, Arthur L. Osborne, 46, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, has been discharged from Strong.

Craig D. Rich, 56, North Lyon Street, Batavia, was cited for allegedly driving without a license.

Rich was exiting the Rite-Aid parking lot with the intention of heading east when he struck Osborne, who was in the center of Route 5 at the time.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Corona.

(Initial Report)