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Flooding in Dawson Place home means a temporary water shut-off to repair pipe

By Billie Owens

The basement of a home at the end of the street on Dawson Place in Batavia is flooding. According to city fire command on scene, it's already a foot deep and more water is flowing in with no way to stop it. So a city public works crew is going to have to shut down the water supply on the street temporarily to repair a broken pipe. It is said to be an ongoing problem on that street because of the configuration of the pipes. "We'll keep our fingers crossed," says command, hoping that the problem can be resolved quickly.

Rollover accident with a minor injury on Bethany Center Road

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover, just a minor injury, possibly a sign-off, is reported at 10719 Bethany Center Road. Bethany Fire Department is responding. The location is between Linden Road and Route 20.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: The Bethany assignment is back in service.

Fire in apartment over garage on Route 5, now out

By Billie Owens

Fire police are shutting down all westbound traffic on Route 5 at Lake Road to accommodate emergency traffic following a structure fire in the 5000 block of Main Road, Pembroke. It was a fire in an apartment over a garage which is now out. A code enforcement officer is requested to the scene. East Pembroke and Pembroke fire are among the responders.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: Corfu Fire Chief Brian Schollard told Alecia Kaus at the scene that when firefighters arrived they saw smoke and flames coming from a second-story window above the garage. The structure is a single-family home with two separate sides, above a garage. Two people were inside at the time, a mother and her son. One was watching TV and the other was sleeping. They were able to exit the building safely. The fire started in a bedroom closet. The right side is uninhabitable. The power is off and if it can be restored, the occupants plan to stay in the left side. But that remains unknown at this point. Route 5 was closed for a couple of hours and seven fire departments responded to the scene -- Corfu, Pembroke, East Pembroke, Indian Falls, Alabama, Darien, as well as Akron. A Crittenden crew stood by in their quarters.

Chimney fire reported on Broadway Road, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 5901 Broadway Road. Bethany Fire Department is responding. The location is between East and Transit roads.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: Stafford fire is called to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Stafford is told to remain in quarters.

UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: Bethany command tells Stafford to stand down.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

Possible house fire on Davis Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

Smoke is reportedly coming from the roof of a house at 12 Davis Ave. The residence is being evacuated. City Fire Deparartment is responding.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: City fire reports nothing showing. Investigating. It's a two-and-a-half story house.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: They searched the building. The smoke is actually steam coming off the roof. City fire is picking up and preparing to leave the scene.

Rollover accident with injuries on Genesee Street, Corfu

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported at 922 Genesee St., Corfu. Corfu Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:59 p.m.: A responder on scene says the driver is out of the vehicle, alert and walking around. "He appears to be fine."

UPDATE 11:07 a.m.: Fire command cancelled the medics. A State Trooper is handling the scene.

Two-car crash with injuries on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on westbound Thruway at mile marker 380.7. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding. A crew from Pavilion is staging in Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: The Thruway Authority says there is reportedly another accident along the same stretch of roadway at mile marker 388.7 and the Town of Batavia was called to respond. "It may be one and the same accident. ... It is unfounded at this point," says the dispatcher.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Le Roy and Pavilion are back in service.

 

House filling with smoke on Macomber Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A house is reportedly filling with smoke at 6912 Macomber Road, Alabama. The location is between Judge and Ham roads. Alabama Fire Department is responding. Dispatch says it is possibly a chimney or wood stove problem.

Head-on collision on Lewiston Road, minor injuries reported

By Billie Owens

A two-car head-on collision with minor injuries is reported at 1630 Lewiston Road, east of Route 77. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE: Photo submitted by Bruce Webber, who said he was in the area working on his truck and saw the crash. The silver car, he said, went off the north side of the road and the driver appeared to over correct and hit a Honda almost head on. "I was a couple of feet away," Webber said. "Parts and pieces everywhere."

Structure fire reported on Route 19, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A structure fire CO detector is activated at 9259 Route 19, in the area of Robbins Road, Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service responding, with mutual aid from Pavilion standing by in quarters.

UPDATE 9:54 p.m.: This was a CO detector call, not a structure fire.

UPDATE 9:56 p.m.: Pavilion standing down.

Former county legislator seriously hurt in Wyoming County crash that killed another person

By Billie Owens

Former County Legislator Richard M. Rudolph of District #3 was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident this afternoon in Warsaw which left another person dead.

State Police responded to the accident, which occurred on Route 98 just south of the intersection with Lindsey Road in the Town of Attica, at about 2:30. They determined a vehicle operated by Terry J. O'Neill, 54, of Varysburg, was southbound, rounding a curve in the highway. The roadway was partially covered with windblown snow.

She lost control of her 1998 Buick LeSabre and went broadside, crossing into the northbound lane. A second vehicle operated by 88-year-old Rudolph, now of Akron, was northbound and could not take evasive action in time before striking O'Neill's vehicle directly broadside on the passenger side.

Both vehicles continued off the highway and came to rest in a field on the east shoulder.

Rudolph was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center for treatment of chest abrasions and pain, but his injuries appear do not appear life threatening. O'Neill was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw by Attica Ambulance, suffering from severe head trauma and she succumbed to her injuries at approximately 4 p.m.

Troop A Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to assist with the investigation, which is continuing. Troopers were assisted by Attica and Varysburg Fire and Rescue personnel, Wyoming County Medic 80 and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office.

BHS Production Club presents Elton John and Tim Rice version of 'Aida'

By Billie Owens

"Aida: The Timeless Love Story" will be presented by the Batavia High School Production Club at 7:30 p.m. on March 7 and 8 in the school auditorium, located at 260 St. Street in the City of Batavia.

The musical is based on the popular Broadway version created by Elton John, who wrote the music, and Tim Rice, who wrote the lyrics. In turn, that production is based a the book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Fall and David Henry Hwung.

The original "Aida" is a four-act opera set in ancient Egypt. It was written by Guiseppe Verdi in 1871.

Event Date and Time
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BHS Production Club to present Elton John and Tim Rice version of 'Aida'

By Billie Owens

"Aida: The Timeless Love Story" will be presented by the Batavia High School Production Club at 7:30 p.m. on March 6, 7, 8 in the school auditorium, located at 260 St. Street in the City of Batavia.

The musical is based on the popular Broadway version created by Elton John, who wrote the music, and Tim Rice, who wrote the lyrics. In turn, that production is based on the book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Fall and David Henry Hwung.

The BHS production is overseen by Caryn Burk, musical drama director.

Cost is $8 for students and seniors, $10 for general admission. Tickets are available at the school office or at the door.

The GO ART! Salon Series returns this Spring with "Small, Small World"

By Billie Owens

Press release:

After a year’s hiatus, GO ART!’s popular Salon Series returns in 2014 for three programs in March, April and May, on the theme “Small, Small World.” All GO ART! Salons are casual and fun, and each includes a themed menu, presentation from our artist(s), and time for socializing and discussion. They are sponsored by The Bank of Castile.

The line-up includes the following programs:

No Place Like Home: “America’s Songs – The Great American Songbook” with Michael Lasser

  • 7 p.m. - Friday, March 28 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main Street, Batavia.

Michael Lasser says, “I’m not sure why, but American popular music is rich with anecdotes.”

Songs from the Great American Songbook -- when such songwriters as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter were at the height of the powers – were often collaborations between a composer and a lyricist. They often include anecdotes that give insight into how people work together, and also how the making of a song results from intuition and luck as often as intent.

Lasser’s talk weaves together the stories of how and why some of America’s most beloved songs came to be written. Books will be available for purchase!

Americana Menu: Chuck Brenner’s famous apple pie a la mode, assorted flavors of popcorn, mini hot dogs with mustard dips, chips and dip, chocolate chip cookies and soda. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Far East: GCC Forum Players “Tales From Japan”

  • 5:30 p.m. - Friday, April 25 at GCC “Roz” Steiner Gallery & Stuart Steiner Theatre, Batavia

For this Salon, your reservation includes Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, the Salon program AND your ticket to the 7 p.m. performance. We start in the “Roz” Steiner Gallery where Director Norm Gayford shares entertaining insights about the production, presented by GCC Forum Players.

“Tales From Japan” is a collection of traditional Japanese tales where treasure is discovered in unexpected places, even the most unassuming characters are heroes, and beauty is found in all aspects of nature. From an old woman using her wisdom and wit to save a kingdom to a peach boy defeating the village monster, these exciting stories bring to life the subtle and surprising aspects of Japanese culture.

Zensai Menu: Asian cookies, spring rolls, cucumber rolls, ramen salad, fruit kebabs with plum sauce and green tea.

Across the Pond: St. James Handbell Choir

  • 7 p.m. - Friday, May 16 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia

Enjoy traditional English music presented by the Handbell Choir of St. James Church, Batavia. Director Theresa DeMars helps us explore the history of the bells and the different techniques used to produce their beautiful sound.

This Salon includes a delightful English inspired menu, bell choir concert, and some exciting audience participation. The first tuned handbells were developed in England around 1700 and were first brought to the United States in 1902. The English handbell evolved as an instrument to be used for practicing change ringing of church tower bells. Many English pubs in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries had sets of handbells available so that the change ringers could sit by the fire, purchase a pint or two, and practice their changes.

Ms. DeMars and the St. James Handbell Choir bring the history of the bells to life in our English themed Salon.

Sweets & Savories Menu: Scones with jam, cheese board with biscuits, tea sandwiches, trifle, assorted candies and English tea. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Enjoy all three Salons in the Series for $45/members, $50/nonmembers; or join us for individual Salons for $18/members, $20/nonmembers.

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Reservations may also be made online at <http://www.goart.org>  under “Events.”

Sheriffs' Association Honorary Membership Drive gets under way, helps pay for kids' summer camp

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership Drive in Genesee County within the next few days, according to Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

The institute was established in 1979 and is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, and contributions to it are tax deductible.

While the Sheriff's Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs' Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs offices where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single-county basis.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs' Institute is the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically challenged children. This camp, in its 37th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children statewide attend each summer. The institute pays the entrie cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn't otherwise have an opportinuty for vacation travel or a summer camp experience.

The Sheriffs' Camp program conbines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ration allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

"In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation," Sheriff Maha said. "By becoming an Honorary Member you are supporting the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children."

In addition, the Sheriffs' Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State's Community College Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

For more information about the Sheriffs' Summer Camp and other Sheriffs' Institute Programs, visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org

Another crash on Route 98, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 9865 Alexander Road (Route 98), north of Peaviner Road. Alexander Fire Department and Ambulance Service responding.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: Two Mercy rigs are also called to the scene. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is available. Route 98 will be shut down -- northbound at Peaviner, and southbound at Dodgeson. There are three patients, one of whom has minor injuries.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene. It has a three-minute ETA. Mutual aid from Town of Batavia fire is requested.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: The helicopter will land in a hay field on the west side of the road. The patient is a 77-year-old female who was a passenger in one of the vehicles. She is conscious and alert and complaining of chest pain.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. Town of Batavia's Brush Truck #23 is on scene.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: Mutual aid from Attica fire is en route.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Alexander ambulance is transporting a patient to UMMC. The patient is a 17-year-old female who experienced "major intrusion into the compartment (of the dashboard?)" and complains of a headache and pain below the sternum.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: A Mercy ambulance is transporting a patient to Strong also.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: The road is reopened. Town of Batavia and Attica are back in service.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: Alexander is back in service.

Law and Order: Alleged underage drinking party on State Street Saturday night results in four arrests

By Billie Owens

John J. Astrologo, 20, of 107 State St., Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at his residence on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Evan W. Horton, 19, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and is set to return to Batavia City Court on March 4.

Lukas M. Baildon, 18, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested on Saturday following an investigation into an underage drinking party and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Brody A. Jorgenson, 19, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of alcohol following an investigation into an underage drinking party on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on March 4.

Christopher Douglas Ball, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is accused of 33 counts of criminal contempt. It is alleged that he violated an order of protection issued by Family Court on several occasions by sending 30 text messages, having two phone conversations, and by having personal contact with the protected person. Following his arraignment on Thursday, he was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He is set to reappear in Town of Oakfield Court on March 3.

Christian Gerand Santana, 32, of Kally Street, Rochester, was arrested Friday and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise valued at $129.99. He is also charged with possession of burglar tools for allegedly using a cutting instrument to aid in the theft, as well as second-degree harassment for allegedly pushing loss prevention personnel when they attempted to detain him. Following his arraignment in Town of Batavia Court, he was jailed on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. He is set to reappear in town court on March 3.

Courtney A. Gaebler, 36, of Soccio Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to maintain lane after crashing her car into a utility pole on Liberty Street on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the pole and car. She will be arraigned in City Court on March 11.

Sharon Jean Chase, 55, of Route 19, Le Roy, was arrested last Monday and charged with third-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing several items from the apartment of an acquaintance. She is scheduled to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 20.

Michael E. Mistler, 48, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself into Batavia Police after a bench warrant was issued for failing to answer a traffic summons. He posted bail and is scheduled to return to City Court on Tuesday.

Jake Ross Simmons Jr., 27, of North Hill Parkway in Atlanta, Ga., was arrested on Friday for aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree following a traffic stop. It is alleged that he was driving while his privileges are suspended. He was also cited for failure to keep right.

Rollover accident on Alexander Road, minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 9922 Alexander Road (Route 98). Minor injuries reported. Alexander Fire Deparment and an ambulance are responding. The location is between Peaviner and Lang roads.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: The female driver is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. She has no complaints of pain.

Grand Jury indicts man on four counts of first-degree sex crimes

By Billie Owens

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Nathan W. Larson is indicted on four counts. The first is the crime of first-degree attemped rape, a Class B felony, for actions which allegedly occurred on Aug. 3 in the Town of Le Roy. He is accused of attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. In count two, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, A Class D felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible complusion. In count three, he is also accused of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact when the person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, he is accused of first-degree criminal sexual act, a Class B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless.

Steven E. Palmer is indicated for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 1998 Acura on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy on Nov. 8 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

Stephen J. Holdaway is indicted for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 2004 Ford pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia on Aug. 21 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for having allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

Robbery at Five Star Bank, East Main Street, in the city

By Billie Owens

A robbery is reported at the Five Star Bank, 567 E. Main St., in Batavia. The suspect handed the teller a note and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was displayed. The suspect is described as female, 26 years old, white, 5'7", wearing black sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt, with a train-conductor-type hat. She has a butterfly tattoo on her neck and had on black gloves. She may have gotten into a gray Honda Civic. Unknown direction of travel. Multiple law enforcement units on scene. A canine will be deployed shortly.

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