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Law and Order: Batavia man allegedly violated order of protection

By Billie Owens

Brad C. Doward, of 10 Hall St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment, 2nd. The 22-year-old was involved in a domestic incident Aug. 3 on Prune Street wherein he allegedly pushed a female acquaintance in the presence of a 10-year-old child. There's an order of protection in place directing the defendant to refrain himself from harassment against this female. He turned himself into the Batavia PD on Aug. 5, was arraigned and put in jail without bail pending his court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. The investigating officers were Frank Klimjack and Jason Ivison.

One-car rollover on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident with four occupants still inside is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 393.7. Unknown injuries. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: The vehicle landed on its roof and it's actually on the shoulder of Harloff Road. One person remains trapped inside. There are multiple cars pulled over near the accident scene.

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: Two adults and two infants were in the car, with one adult still inside. A second ambulance is called along with traffic control.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: The driver is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 8:01 p.m.: The babies are being transported to Women's & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: East Pembroke is back in service.

Diabetic female at top of Indian Falls prompts rescue efforts

By Billie Owens

A 60-year-old female with diabetic problems is in need of rescue at the top of the falls behind the Log Cabin Restaurant -- on the opposite side.

"She is at the top of the falls ... she's approximately 30 feet down," says a responder.

The county Rope Rescue Team is on standby in case needed. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responded and gave her some insulin and medical aid.

The woman came to the attention of others because she "was not responding appropriately."

UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: A fireman on scene says her blood insulin level at this point is 43. "We will have to take her up manually unless we can get her blood sugar up higher." Medics are on their way.

UPDATE 8:37 p.m.: For those who don't know, the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant is located at 1227 Gilmore Road in Corfu.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: The rescuers are going to employ a rope and a basket to bring up the woman. Her blood sugar is now reported to be 51. "We'll probably be taking her out of here -- unless it gets better real quick," says a responder. Other responders headed to the scene are requested to continue in full emergency mode.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Rescuers are directed to the north side of the creek to assist with efforts under way.

UPDATE 8:47 p.m.: More rope is demanded "for those coming up and down to hold onto something." Assurance is given that it is on the way.

UPDATE 9:04 p.m.: At this point, "Everybody's topside." In other words, the woman has been brought to the top of the falls, as well as her rescuers, and is ready to be transported to the hospital via ambulance.

UPDATE 9:11 p.m.: Mercy Flight, which was on standby, is back in service and responders from Pembroke and Indian Falls are breaking down their light towers and equipment and returning to service. The patient is being taken to UMMC.

Car-into-pole accident in Bergen results in four minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with four people suffering minor injuries is reported at 7615 Clinton St. Road, just west of Jericho Road. Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. All of the victims are out. The vehicle reportedly smashed into a pole.

UPDATE 9:10 p.m.: Because young children are involved in this minor-injury accident, a second Mercy ambulance is called to the scene. 

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: Responders are asked to stop east of the incident and leave only one lane of traffic open, westbound.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: One patient is being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 9:39 p.m.: Two patients are being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'You've Got Mail'

By Billie Owens

Reel Discussions at Richmond Memorial Library will feature the film "You've Got Mail," beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

The Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan romantic comedy is the story of two rival bookstore owners who battle in real life and unknowingly begin an Internet romance.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'Midnight in Paris'

By Billie Owens

Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library in August will feature the movie "Midnight in Paris." It begins at 6 o'clock on Thursday evening, Aug. 23.

Paris is a city that lends itself to daydreaming, to walking the streets and imagining all sorts of magic. "Midnight in Paris" is about a screenwriter hero named Gil who strolls the lanes of Paris with his head in the clouds and walks right into his own best fantasy.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward.

Event Date and Time
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Sunday afternoon racing returns to Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Beginning Aug. 5, racing at the nation’s oldest lighted harness track moves to a schedule of Sunday afternoons, and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Sunday's program features 13 exciting races, including the $9,000 featured Open Trot and $7,600 Open II Trot. Sundays with Ashley Parade Marshal and outrider Ashley Holliday will be available for pictures every Sunday trackside in Downs Winner Circle from 12 to 12:45 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your camera for family photos with Ashley and her horse “Jake.”

The matinee post time is 1:15 p.m. Sunday food and drink specials include $1 Sahlen's hot dogs, sodas and draft beer served from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Paddock Room.

On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 6:25.

In addition simulcast wagering will be available from some of North America’s top tracks including Saratoga racecourse. Admission and parking is always free. For more information please visit http://www.bataviadownscasino.com

Motorcyclist down, has shoulder injury at Route 5 and Boyce Road

By Billie Owens

A motorcyclist "dumped his bike and has a shoulder injury" and he's sitting roadside at Route 5 and Boyce Road in Pembroke. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The roadway is clear.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: He has a lot of road rash on his shoulder. There were no other vehicles involved.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: This accident involved a bicycle, not a motorcycle.

Deputies pursuing driver who won't stop

By Billie Owens

A motorist is failing to stop for law enforcement, which has been trying to get him to pull over for several miles on different roadways. The speed is slow. He's northbound on Swamp Road. The car the guy's driving has a stolen plate.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: The older-model Ford truck has a red and silver tailgate. The driver is a white male with a baseball cap worn backward. There's no front license plate and one of the front tires "looks like it's gonna blow." Monroe County authorities have been notified.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Now the pursuit is eastbound on Reed Road. State Troopers are also responding.

UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: The truck drove onto a laneway east of Root Road and the subject is now in custody.

Two-car accident on Meadville Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at 7202 Meadville Road at the corner with Parker Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. There is air bag deployment, extrication is needed. A responder on scene says one victim is "pretty well pinned in. He believes his leg is broken." Another victim says "she hurts all over." Mercy Flight 6 out of Batavia is on standby. Sheriff's deputies are also heading to the scene.

UPDATE 8:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight is dispatched to the scene along with a second Mercy rig.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: A rescue unit out of Akron is requested to respond, mutual-aid.

UPDATE 8:55 p.m.: About three minutes ago, the man with the injured leg was extricated.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m.: I think a 32-year-old female was transported to UMMC and a younger female was taken to ECMC. The transmission has been patchy.

Field fire at Maple and Ledge roads

By Billie Owens

A field fire is reported at Maple and Ledge roads. Alabama Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: A responder on scene says the fire is near the gravel pit on hill or berm.

UPDATE 4:58 p.m.: The fire is out.

Car crash at Route 237 and North Bergen Road

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, believed to be with minor injuries, is reported at Route 237 and North Bergen Road. Byron Fire Department is responding along with medics.

UPDATE 1:19 p.m.: Law enforcement on scene confirms minor injuries. Two flatbed tows are called.

Bicyclist down at Ellicott and Hutchins

By Billie Owens

A bicyclist was struck, how is not clear, but he is conscious. This happened at Ellicott and Hutchins streets in the city. City fire is responding along with police and a medic.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: City fire is back in service. Apparently, everything's OK.

Cropduster crashes, pilot not injured, in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A cropduster crashed, but the pilot was not injured, in a field near the junction of Brookville Road and Route 20. This happened at about 10:30 a.m. Alexander Fire Department responded and is still on scene, awaiting a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration (required in all flight accidents). The FAA rep is expected in the next 10 minutes or so.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: The FAA has completed its inspection and is releasing the plane back into the custody of the pilot.

Motorcycle crash on Knapp Road

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported at 644 Knapp Road. The motorcyclist is in a driveway and is reportedly conscious, argumentative and "possibly combative." Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. A responder says the gas tank is leaking. The rider reportedly got up and tried to leave, but fell back down. Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 11:52 a.m.: Mercy Flight will not be needed. The male rider will be transported by ambulance.

UPDATE Noon: Mercy medics are back in service. "The patient left by private vehicle prior to our arrival," the medic said.

GC Bar Association launches its first Web site, unique within GLOW region

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Bar Association, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation formed for the benefit of the legal community, announced this afternoon the launching of its first-ever Web site.

GCBA President Durin Rogers, Esq., said he thinks this type of Web site is the first of its kind in the GLOW region.

The association tinkered with the idea of developing a Web site for several years, but recently pursued the endeavor due to increased member interest. According to Rogers, the newly developed site offers its members a robust platform to access legal information including GCBA directories, associated legal Web sites, and a Members Only section.

Rogers is extremely proud of the site and noted that it also provides the community with information as well, including information about the bar association, its members, and where to go for legal help.

While the GCBA does not make direct referral to clients, the new member directory will give the community a starting point when searching for competent legal counsel.  

The site was developed by Rockhopper Technologies, Inc., a full-service technology firm headquartered in Livonia. Professional photographer Amanda Earl spent many volunteer hours taking and producing the Web site photography.

For more information on the GCBA, please contact Rogers via email at:

durin.rogers@dfa.state.ny.us

Or visit the association Web site at http://www.gcbany.com

Sometimes a weed is just a weed, really

By Billie Owens

A landowner contacted the Sheriff's Office and tipped them that there was a pot crop growing on another property. The caller was told this morning that law enforcement had a helicopter fly over the property to search for the marijuana and none was found.

The insistant tipster called back a few minutes ago, apparently to double-check on the status of the matter. An officer contacted the one who spoke with the caller earlier today and asked what to tell this guy.

The officer, sounding slightly annoyed, said "Like I told him this morning, we had a helicopter fly over the property and saw the plants and they weren't marijuana."

In other words, "There's NO POT growing on your neighbor's land."

Maybe they really are just weeds.

Donate school supplies to 'Stuff the Bus'

By Billie Owens

It's time to stuff the bus to help local school children in need. This event will take place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Aug. 9 and 16 at the Batavia Walmart.

All kinds of school supplies are wanted. Look for the Head Start school bus in the parking lot to drop off your donations.

"Stuff the Bus" is sponsored by Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, The Salvation Army, and Genesee/Orleans Ministry of Concern.

Event Date and Time
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Freshman pacers in NYSS action on Wednesday at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Possible stars of the future -- 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers -- converge on Batavia Downs Casino when New York Sire Stakes action continues on Wednesday night (Aug. 1).

Wednesday's 13-race program, which gets under way at 6:25 p.m., features three NYSS legs worth more than $36,000 each and five divisions of the Excelsior series worth more than $12,000 each.

Flipper J’s freshman 1:54.4 track record set in 2010 and tied by Forever Just in 2011, both with Jason Bartlett in the bike, could be in jeopardy. Cowgirl Hall lowered the benchmark for 3-year-old trotting fillies (1:57.2) when the New York Sire Stakes made its first local start of the season here this past Saturday night.

The NYSS kicks off in race two when a short but select field of New York breds square off for purse money of $36,900. Drawing post five is the Artiscape-Lo Gophobia colt, Framed Art. He comes off a 1:53.4 track record performance at Saratoga Raceway with Mark MacDonald at the controls. Trainer Andrew Stafford gives MacDonald the return call.

Installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite is the Art Major-Classical Yankee colt, Doctor Butch. He comes in off a 1:54 score at Saratoga with Tim Tetrick in the sulky. Doctor Butch briefly held the record at Saratoga until it was broken later on the program by Framed Art. Trainer Linda Toscano hands over the lines to Jim Morrill Jr.

Goshen track record holder (1:56.3), Thirty Two Red, was a prohibitive favorite in his Saratoga leg but he made a costly break at the start and was eliminated. That was the son of Bettor’s Delight-Sakura Hanover’s first defeat after NYSS wins at Monticello and Buffalo. Ray Schnittker is the trainer/driver.

The field also includes Dealmaker, second to Framed Art at Saratoga, and the Ron Burke trainee Royce Blue Chip.

NYSS action continues in race five, when a field of six will line-up for $37,600 in purse money. The Bettor’s Delight-Flibbertigibbet colt, Swift As A Shadow, who drew the rail, starts out as the 5-2 favorite. Once again trainer Linda Toscano will call on the services of Jim Morrill Jr. Swift As A Shadow’s lone career win came at Monticello when he paced his back half in :56.1, to score in 1:56.4, in his first New York Sire Stakes engagement.

Three colts and three geldings do battle in the third and final $37,600 NYSS division, carded as race seven. This could be a race handicappers may be shopping for some value. I’m Banksy (Art Major-Delightfully Yours) begins as the 2-1 favorite. He ships in off a 1:53.4 score at Pocono but has never raced on a half-mile racetrack. Jim Morrill Jr. drives for trainer Fred Grant. Trainer/driver Patrick Lachance sends out a very dangerous colt in Sir Cary’s Z Tam.

The son of Bettor’s Delight -Yankee Celebration had the misfortune of coming first over against the talented Doctor Butch at Saratoga and before that, finished behind the same rival and another top colt, Thirty Two Red, at Monticello.

The five Excelsior races go off as races one, three, eight, 10 and 12. Racing fans unable to attend the races can watch all the action from Batavia Downs via streaming video at www.bataviadownscasino.com <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/> . Simply click on the “Live Racing” section and then on the “Video” link.

Car wreck at Alexander and Rose roads

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Alexander and Rose roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. One person has a head injury, unknown severity. They are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight is not needed.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m.: Two vehicles were involved in this accident. I'm not sure about the status of patient(s), but I think one person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service.

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