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Fight on Main Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A fight is reportedly in progress at 40 Main St. in Le Roy. At least two police cars are en route.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Three people were involved. Police have the situation under control.

Grand Jury Report: Man stopped in Stafford allegedly a scofflaw with 10 or more fails

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Grand Jury issued these indictments today:

Shonnon J. Jefferson is indicted on one count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. Jefferson was stopped on Feb. 3 on I-90 in the Town of Stafford while driving a 1995 Dodge and allegedly had a revoked or suspended driver's license. Further, Jefferson had in effect 10 or more suspensions imposed on at least 10 separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. To wit, in the Town of Irondequoit, on July 29, 2009. And the City of Rochester on: March 16, March 20 in 2006; Jan. 24, Sept. 7 and Oct. 31 in 2007; March 13, May 19 and June 2 in 2008; Feb. 12, April 8 in 2009; and Jan. 19 this year.

Andrew L. Dailey is indicted on one count of DWI and one count of aggravated DWI for allegedly driving with BAC of .18. Both are Class E felonies. Dailey is accused of driving a 2010 Hyundai on Roanoke Road in the Town of Stafford on April 3 while intoxicated.

Five local students earn academic honors at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton recently recognized students who excelled academically during the Spring 2011 semester.

To receive President's List honors, full-time students must earn a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For Deans' List, full-time students must receive a GPA of 3.25. Part-Time Honors are awarded to students earning at least a 3.25 GPA on six to 11 credit hours.

Among the students who earned honors for academics were:

  • Tarry M. Fluker, of Oakfield, a Legal Studies major, made Part-Time Honors. Fluker is a 1988 graduate of Le Roy Central School.
  • Stacy E. Holley, of Bergen, a Criminal Investigation major, made President's List. Holley is a 2008 graduate of Byron Bergen Junior-Senior High School. This student also graduated from SUNY Canton in May.
  • Nathan J. Herman, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major, made Deans' List. Herman is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.
  • Quinton J. Jensen, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major, made Deans' List. Jensen is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.
  • Justin A. Richardson, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major, made President's List. Richardson is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.

American Legion Auxiliary #332, Batavia, donates $1,000 for annual Patriot Trip

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced that the American Legion Auxiliary #332 Batavia has contributed $1,000 to his annual Patriot Trip, a program that brings area veterans to Washington, D.C., for a tour of military monuments and memorials.

The crucial funding will be used to help provide a profound experience available to as many local veterans as possible.

“The contribution made by American Legion Auxiliary #332 will directly serve the veterans participating in this year’s Patriot Trip, and I cannot thank the people of this organization enough for their generosity and commitment to supporting Western New York’s veterans,” Hawley said.

“The Patriot Trip is an inspiring, moving experience for everyone involved, and donations such as the one presented by Auxiliary President Brenda Burg are vital in the effort to provide a trip that will have a lifelong impact on our proud veterans.

"Contributions go directly to enhancing this experience for our local veterans, and it is groups like Auxiliary #332 that make the Patriot Trip affordable for our patriots.”

Patriot Trip IV will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War and FDR memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery, the Marine Museum, the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum and the U.S. Capitol.

Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $300.

Individuals and organizations interested in making a contribution, as well as those looking for more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at (585) 589-5780. Approximately 20 openings remain!

Independent Living of Genesee Region to provide key support for new health project

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce that Director James C. Moody has been selected to serve as the program coordinator / facilitator for “Step Up to Stop Falls in Genesee County.

Moody will coordinate activities of four workgroups (Exercise, Community Education, Home Assessments and Health Fairs) and manage partner accountability to carry out the project plan.

Local partners include the Genesee County Office for the Aging, University of Buffalo, Genesee Community College Nursing Program, Summit Physical Therapy – UMMC and Catholic Charities of Western New York. These partners are working with several other Genesee County agencies.

Moody will also work with the project's executive leader, Office for the Aging Director Pamela Whitmore, to develop long-term plans that involve all community residents.

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious issues, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

Genesee County residents age 65 and older average more than 425 visits per year to the emergency department because of falls. Typically, 177 of those incidents result in a hospital stay. The annual cost for these services is more than 3 million dollars!

Step Up to Stop Falls in Genesee County is a prevention project funded by the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York to provide Genesee County elderly residents with information needed to help reduce the risk of falling and thus, reduce costs to the community.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four core services: information and referral; peer counseling; independent living skills training and individual and community advocacy.

For more information about ILGR, to become involved in the Falls Prevention Project or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorcyclist now on foot, being pursued by the law

By Billie Owens

A man on a motorcycle is now the subject of a foot pursuit in a cornfield near routes 63 and 20 in Pavilion. The incident began in the City of Batavia. We didn't hear how things started, only that he's being hunted by Sheriff's deputies.

While he was gunning his motorcycle with the law in hot pursuit, the chain on his bike broke. He ditched it, along with his helmet, and ran into a nearby cornfield. They spotted him by a hedgerow and then he disappeared into the field again.

State Troopers are on scene, too, and they are asked to provide a helicopter to locate the suspect. Pharoah, the Sheriff's Office dog, is working the scene as well. The dog hasn't located the guy yet, but did return to his handler, Deputy Brian Thompson, from the west.

The man being sought is wearing jeans and has on a black leather jacket. The motorcycle doesn't have plates.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: A "whole family of deer" is hanging out in one area of the search, so they are thinking he hasn't gone in that direction. The helicopter is flying above.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: The helicopter is continuing a sweep of the farm fields west-to-northwest.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: The "family of deer has been spooked from its location" and so officers on the ground are asked to scour that area. The motorcycle is being towed "to a secure location."

UPDATE 8:27: The motorcycle is a 1990 GST Suzuki with an expired registered out of Belmont. The manhunt has yielded no results. The helicopter is returning to base.

UPDATE 10:14 p.m. (by Howard): Photo, Deputy Thompson and Pharoah. Deputies and troopers cleared the scene about about 9:30 p.m. with the suspect still at large. The chase started when Deputy Joseph Graff performed a traffic stop on a motorcyle that didn't have plates. After Deputy Graff exited his vehicle to approach the motorcyclist, the rider took off at high speed.

Suicide standoff on Pratt Road ends peacefully

By Billie Owens

The skills of a seasoned negotiator and the quick, efficient response of several different agencies is credited with helping diffuse a volitile suicidal standoff on Pratt Road that began about an hour ago.

The white male who had a gun pointed under his chin and threatened to kill himself was just taken safely from the scene outside of the Apple Grove Mobile Home Park to the State Police barracks, where he will be properly evaluated. Charges against him are pending, but no details have been provided.

"The situation was resolved peacefully," said State Police Sgt. Ron Lobur. "...(The responders) are all heroes. They all did a good job. We had a positive outcome. Nobody was hurt."

In addition to state troopers, responders included Sheriff's deputies, Mercy medics and the East Pembroke Fire Department.

Lobur said it was fortunate that State Police Investigator Leo Hunter happened to be on duty and got to the scene swiftly.

A witness said officers kept the man talking and kept giving him cigarettes to enjoy. Then Hunter arrived.

"Within three minutes, he had him put the gun down," the witness said.

Armed suicidal man on Pratt Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A suicidal man in the roadway with a gun pointed under his chin is prompting law enforcement to shut down Pratt Road by the Apple Grove Mobile Home Park.

Sheriff's deputies are on scene. Mercy medics en route. A negotiator is staging at Kelsey Road and Route 5, along with a unit from the East Pembroke Fire Department. The scene is not yet secure.

UPDATE 6:25 p.m.: Residents who live on Kelsey Road are lining up and want to get to their homes. Officers will let residents access homes on Kelsey, but no one is going to get through to Pratt at this time.

UPDATE 6:29 p.m.: Mercy units are told to stand down. They will not be needed.

UPDATE 6:50 p.m.: The fire police are told they can stand down. The roadways are reopened. "Transporting one white male from Pratt Road to the barracks."

UPDATE 6:53 p.m.: All units are clearing the scene.

Bluegrass concert at Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church

By Billie Owens

Like to hear a good banjo and fiddle? Well, you're in for a treat. The Wissmann Family will perform live bluegrass music starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church.

The church is located at 2210 Judge Road. A free-will offering is appreciated.

Event Date and Time
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Bluegrass concert to be held at Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church

By Billie Owens

Like to hear a good banjo and fiddle? Well, you're in for a treat. The Wissmann Family will perform live bluegrass music starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church.

The church is located at 2210 Judge Road. A free-will offering is appreciated.

Water flow testing on Cedar Street Friday morning

By Billie Owens

At about 9 o'clock on Friday morning, Aug. 5, the city fire department will be conducting water flow testing on Cedar Street. Nearby homes and businesses may be affected.

Possible affected areas would include Ellicott Street, Edward Street, Wallace Street, Florence Avenue, Buell Street, Webster Street, and Wade Avenue.

Water flows may create a temporary discoloration in the affected areas. Should your water become discolored, you are advised not to wash your clothes until the water clears.

Mower refuses to stop mowing

By Billie Owens

Meanwhile on the scanner...

A neighbor dispute is reported over lawn mowing and the "right of way." One neighbor wants the area between the properties mowed, the other doesn't. The mower "refuses to stop."

Isn't it usually the other way around?

Healthy raccoon bothering everyone in the village

By Billie Owens

Meanwhile on the scanner...

There are complaints in a village about a pest and a bother. (Didn't catch which village.) A law enforcement officer wants more details.

"It's a very healthy raccoon that seems to be bothering everyone in the village today," comes the reply.

He was intially under the logical impression that it was a human pest-and-a-bother that the law had previous contact with.

As it turns about, this one is much more irksome.

Good luck catching the mischief-maker.

Today's Deals: Clor's Meat Market, Settler's, Delavan's, and more!

By Billie Owens

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 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.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

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.

Cookies & Milk, 28 City Center, Batavia, NY. Cookies & Milk offers a wide selection of delicious cookies, cakes and pies. Now offering a full lunch menu that includes soups, salads and sandwiches. Stop by for something sweet! We have $10 gift certificates available for $5.

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

SOLD OUT

Nation's leading harness racing driver at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

    Tim Tetrick, also known as "The Bionic Man," makes his first-ever Batavia Downs & Casino appearance on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) when the New York Sire Stakes' 2-year-old pacing fillies roll into town.
    First race post time is 6:40 p.m.
    The 30-year-old Tetrick is currently leading all of North America in wins with 457 and purse earnings totaling $7,773,683. Throughout a career that began in 1998, he's won 6,425 and his drives have earned $98,024,539.
    His best year came in 2007 when he won 1,189 races. In 2008 his drives earned more than 19 million dollars.
    Tetrick is listed to drive in the first race, a $9,000 Open for fillies and mares and all five New York Sire Stake races, carded as races 2,5,7,8 and 11, with each division worth over $24,000 in purse money. Tim will have a long day as he is scheduled to drive in the first 11 races at Harrah's Chester, located in Chester, Pa., in the afternoon.
    Racing fans unable to attend the races can watch all the action via live streaming video at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Simply click on the "Live racing" section and then on the "streaming video" link.

Communication breakdown? Cop says haul out the stone tablets and chisels

By Billie Owens

Meanwhile, on the scanner...

What does a law enforcement officer advise when computers are on the fritz, say, possibly the server's down?

"We'll use stone tablets and a chisel."

Dispatch's reply: "As will we."

However, The Batavian remains steadfast in its belief that said communication tools belong in a newseum with the dinosaur (and mastodon) bones.

Nation's leading harness racing driver at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Tim Tetrick, also known as “The Bionic Man,” makes his first-ever Batavia Downs & Casino appearance on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) when the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old pacing fillies roll into town.

First race post time is 6:40 p.m.

The 30-year-old Tetrick is currently leading all of North America in wins with 457 and purse earnings totaling $7,773,683. Throughout a career that began in 1998, he’s won 6,425 and his drives have earned $98,024,539.

Event Date and Time
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Nation's leading harness racing driver makes first Batavia Downs appearance

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tim Tetrick, also known as “The Bionic Man,” makes his first-ever Batavia Downs & Casino appearance on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) when the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old pacing fillies roll into town.

The 30-year-old Tetrick is currently leading all of North America in wins with 457 and purse earnings totaling $7,773,683. Throughout a career that began in 1998, he’s won 6,425 and his drives have earned $98,024,539.

His best year came in 2007 when he won 1,189 races. In 2008 his drives earned more than 19 million dollars.

Tetrick is listed to drive in the first race, a $9,000 Open for fillies and mares and all five New York Sire Stake races, carded as races 2,5,7,8 and 11, with each division worth over $24,000 in purse money. Tim will have a long day as he is scheduled to drive in the first 11 races at Harrah’s Chester, located in Chester, Pennsylvania in the afternoon.

"We’re thrilled to have the leading driver in all of North America come to the Downs on Wednesday night.” said Todd Haight, general manager of live racing. “Throughout the years we’ve had Hall of Famer after Hall of Famer race here and Tim only adds to that list.”

Racing fans unable to attend the races can watch all the action via live streaming video at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Simply click on "Live racing" section and then on "streaming video link.

Freshman pacing fillies in NYSS action at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Thirty-seven of New York’s finest pacing fillies converge on Batavia Downs and Casino as New York Sire Stakes action continues on Wednesday night (Aug. 3). Five divisions highlight the 12-race program with over $120,000 in NYSS purse money up for grabs.

First race post time is 6:40 p.m. The first division takes place in race two, with seven fillies set to go behind starter Mark Phillips. The ones to keep your eye out for are the Bettor's Delight-Silky Western filly, Silk Purse, and the Art Major-Impagain filly, Park Lane Paige.

Silk Purse comes off a 1:56.3, track record performance at Buffalo Raceway. Tim Tetrick, making his first-ever Batavia Downs appearance, drives for trainer Linda Toscano. Park Lane Paige looks for her third win in a row after scoring in 1:54.4 at Tioga in a division of the Tompkins-Geers and in 1:57.1 at Buffalo. Once again Jim Morrill Jr. will steer for trainer Mark Ford.

JK Fine Art figures to get all the attention in the second NYSS division, race number five. The Art Major-Presidential Lady offspring is 2- for-2 in her career with wins at Yonkers (1:56.2) and Buffalo (1:58.1). Tetrick will once again be in the sulky for trainer Toscano.

Centralia Hanover, by Art Major-Calgary Hanover, looks like the horse to beat in the fourth division of sire stakes, race eight. She’s 2-for- 2 against New York breds, with victories at Yonkers (1:56.1) and Buffalo (1:58). Her only defeat came at Harrah’s Chester when she made a break at the start. Morrill will be in the bike for trainer Mark Harder.

The final stakes of the evening is carded as race 10. Handsoffmycookie (Art Major-Observe Me) starts out as a prohibitive 4-5 favorite on the morning line. She sports back-to-back scores at Yonkers (1:57.3) and Buffalo (1:57.1). Trainer Scott Di Domenico will have the services of Tetrick. The other sire stakes of the evening is race seven. It’s the most contentious of the events and features an eight-horse field and seven betting interests.

Racing fans unable to attend the races can watch all the action via live streaming video at www.bataviadownscasino.com <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/>. Simply click on the "Live racing" section and then on "streaming video link."

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