Joanne Beck covered last night's meeting of the Batavia City Council in a pair of articles in today's Daily News. Both stories—a parking ban on Oak Street and a discussion on changing the city's system for payment of trash collection—were featured on WBTA this morning. The Batavian referenced both articles in our morning news roundup.

Genesee County sheriff's deputies are looking into a string of complaints about a contractor not providing services that were paid for in advance. Lakeside Home Beautification, operated by Martin A. Miller, is based in Stafford. One homeowner, Jennifer Taberski, told Scott DeSmit that she paid Miller $3,800 to fix their roof in June. Nothing has yet been done, and her money was never returned, she claims. "He basically kidnapped my money," she said. Another homeowner was recently refunded their $1,750 after Miller allegedly failed to repair a roof.

DeSmit reports:

Miller, 48, served two one-year jail terms from a criminal case in Wyoming County.

He pleaded guilty in 2002 to four counts of petit larceny for scheming people out of more than $12,000.

Sheriff's deputies are encouraging anyone with information about Miller, or anyone looking to make a complaint, to contact them at (585) 343-5000.

In other news, Virginia Kropf put together a folksy piece on five Albion families who got together Monday for a reunion of their golden retrivers, all of which—unbeknownst to the owners—came from the same Valentine's Day litter. Interesting.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Batavia residents will continue to pay for trash collection through their property taxes... at least, for now, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. City Council took up the issue last night, debating whether it might not make more sense to switch to a non-exempt fee system. Fischer cites an example brought up by Councilman Sam Barone last night who said that the Genesee ARC costs the city $900,000 per year in trash collection, yet the group is exempt because of its non-profit status. Council will take up the issue again in April.

Eight property owners from Oak Street told the City Council last night that they oppose the state's proposal to reduce that street from four to three lanes, one heading north, one south, and one that would be used for turning only. A public informational meeting will be held on the proposal on December 18.

When Chris Lauzze filled out information for his University at Buffalo football profile, he put that one of his dreams was to play in a bowl game.

After red-shirting one year, Lauzze is a fifth year senior at UB and now that dream is going to come true as the Bulls will be playing in the International Bowl on Jan. 3. It is the first Bowl game UB has played in since becoming a Division I school in 1999.

"This is really amazing," said Lauzze, who is a Pembroke graduate. "I said on my profile that it was my goal to play in a bowl game. It's kind of fun to accomplish that. It wasn't the easiest trip - there was a lot of losing in my first three years, but to win a MAC championship and go to a bowl game is huge."

Lauzze graduated from Pembroke in 2003 when he led the Dragons to a share of the Genesee Region League title. He is one of the most dominant offensive lineman ever to come out of the GR.

He redshirted his freshman year and worked out with the UB scout team. Lauzze spent the next season working with the scout team, but was considered a freshman on the team.

As a sophomore, he appeared in five games, and then earned the back-up center position in his junior year. He played in 11 games that year and was the team's long-snapper.

"It was kind of a weird situation," Lauzze said. "I was going into winter workouts last January and I was competing with another kid. During spring ball I was battling with him and after spring I had a meeting with coach (Turner) Gill, and he said I was the clear-cut winner. That was a great thing."

Lauzze has been the team's center all season long as the Bulls compiled a 7-5 record en route to earning a trip to the MAC title game. Buffalo shocked previously undefeated Ball State 42-24 to claim the first title since joining D1.

"It was real crazy because we were big underdogs," Lauzze said of playing the 12th ranked team in the nation. "I keep thinking about how far we've come, with this being my fifth year here. It is crazy."

A big reason why the Bulls have turned around is coach Turner Gill, who has completely turned the program around.

Buffalo had won just 10 games in seven years before Gill was hired. The Bulls went 2-10 in his first year, then 5-7 last season. UB had not won five or more games since 1996, when the team went 8-3 while playing a Division I-AA schedule.

Gill - who is one of just three black head coaches to lead a Division I team - is now getting serious looks from a lot of schools. He played football and was an assistant coach on NCAA championship teams at the University of Nebraska. 

The head coaching job was open for the Cornhuskers last year and Gill was one of the top candidates. Right now he is being considered as a top choice for the Syracuse and Auburn jobs.

"He brought a different attitude to the (UB) program," Lauzze said. "In terms of building relationships with players, he did that. He brought in new coaches and a new system. He's a players coach, I'd say."

Lauzze has been taking one class this semester, finishing up his business degree. He already has job offers and is continuing to look for what's best for his future.

But right now, he's enjoying being one of the few Genesee Region League athletes to play sports at the Division I level.

"There aren't that many guys playing college football at any level." Lauzze said. "Many guys play Division III for a year and then quit. To play Division I and start in my final year is definitely rewarding."

Last week, we asked readers to consider what one project Batavia should pursue if the funding were in the bag, no strings attached. Batavia's City Council President Charlie Mallow called for the resurrection of the city's old plans for reconstruction of the Masse-Harvester industrial complex downtown. We were curious to hear more of these plans, so we sought further information. Here's what we've found out so far.

Let's start with the graphic, shall we...

This swank boulevard would be the view from the ground in the midst of the "Industrial Powerhouse Square," otherwise known as the "Swan Masse Village" in Batavia's Central Corridor between Harvester and Swann streets downtown.

From the original project proposal:

Overall, the goal in this project area was to rejuvenate the Swan Masse Village, as it once was a renowned downtown industrial hub and “business incubator.” The plan introduces separate structures of mixed-use light industrial, commercial and housing with an urban appeal and vibrancy that consists of lighting, pavement enhancements, pedestrian pathways, open space and streetscape amenities. Central to the development was keeping the powerhouse intact for two important reasons: 1) to keep costs down by retaining the boiler system for the nearby structures that rely upon it, and 2) to strengthen the image as an industrial center as well as maintain the historical integrity and sense of place.

This "downtown hub" of mixed-use structures, tree-lined avenues and "streetscape amenities" would rise from the ashes—or in this case the demolished rubble—of some 40 acres of vacant land and crumbling infrastructure. It would look something like this:

We've been informed that the Genesee County Economic Development Corp. is looking into potential state grants totalling some $2.7 million that would be used for the city's Central Corridor. Other grant opportunities are being researched by the city, as well. Whether or not anything like this plan for the Swan Masse Village would be part of those plans remains to be seen.

What do you think? Would this be a wise way to remake the city's Central Corridor? Would it provide the spark to send Batavia into its renaissance? Do we need more? Less?

Click here to download the plans.

Last month, the state Department of Transportation came to the Batavia City Council with a proposal to transform Oak Street from four lanes to three and use the center lane for turns only, according to the Daily News. At least one Oak Street resident, Carol Grasso, plans to oppose that proposal because it would mean that vehicles would no longer be able to park on the street. (Parking is currently allowed, save between the hours of 7:00 to 9:00am and 4:00 to 6:00pm.) Grasso will voice her disapproval of the project at this evening's Council meeting.

In other news, this year's Toys for Tots campaign has kicked off for the season. Wal-Mart in Batavia will host a collection this Saturday and Sunday. Other barrels will be out for collection at the Genesee County Career Center, the Batavia City Fire Department, HSBC Bank and Hospital Heart Rehab Center. Call Ed Weiss at (585) 343-8279 if you would like to donate or to find out how your business can host a collection barrel.

Crossroads House will remain closed temporarily for construction and to allow the home to potentially locate a new full-time director and better organize its internal management. Crossroads, a "comfort home for the terminally ill," is funded almost exclusively by public donations. The group hopes to be back open soon.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

No cause has yet been determined in the fire that tore through several barns at My T Acres on Lewiston Road in Batavia last week. Tim Yaeger, Genesee County Emergency Management coordinator, told us that he was still working to determine what led to the blaze, along with members of the fire department and several provate investigators.

"We haven't yet ruled anything out," said Yaeger. "It doesn't look suspicious. It was an accidental fire. But we don't have anything yet. We continue to work at it."

The following photos were submitted by Molly Riner, a member of the family that co-owns the farm. The first shows the view inside the main barn shortly after the fire broke out. Below that is the interior of the "gym" that sustained some damage in the blaze. Lastly, we see the main barn after it had become completely engulfed.

Most viewed posts for November:

• State says: Pontillo's Pizza in Batavia owes more than $112k in back taxes, by Philip Anselmo

• Democrats take control in Albany, by Philip Anselmo

• Genesee County Sheriff to Hunters: Be wary of straying on Indian land, by Philip Anselmo

• Pontillo's brothers may head to court, by Philip Anselmo

• A sad loss for the Section 5 football family, by Brian Hillabush

• The Little Mall of Horrors, by Daniel Jones

• Something huge on Main Street, by Philip Anselmo

• Batavia Daily News for Friday: Sam Pontillo tells his side, by Brian Hillabush

• Graham Corp. stocks take a hit, by Philip Anselmo

• Still no answers from Victorian Manor..., by Philip Anselmo

If you have a "favorite" post that maybe wasn't one of our most viewed for October, please add it in the comments section. This is a great way for folks to go back and check out what they may have missed. I was particularly proud of our coverage of Election Day.

Mitchell S. Schultz, 32, of Medina, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schultz was seen swerving over the lines on Lewiston Road in Oakfield shortly before he was stopped by deputies. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely, driving across hazard markings, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jon H. Bush, 25, and Rachael A. Baehr, 21, both of Elba, were charged with second-degree harassment Thursday, deputies said. Bush and Baehr are accused of getting in a fight with Kenneth Holley and Tanya Baehr.

Michael T. Ellis, 20, of 120 State St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, city police said. Ellis was stopped for traffic violations on Tracy Avenue in Batavia. He was also ticketed with unsafe tires and failure to keep right.

Repair crews should be on scene this morning at the site of a water main break on West Avenue near Woodrow Road, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Road conditions could be tricky in that area, as any ground water is likely to freeze pretty quickly. Fortunately, salt dispensers should also be on scene to keep those city streets from turning into ice rinks.

In other news, Batavia's City Council will meet tonight at 7 o'clock at City Hall. On the agenda: Looking at alternate means of funding garbage collection.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of the numerous species of woodpeckers found in North America. Unlike its smaller cousins, the Pileated is rather shy and can be difficult to get a look at. 

I’ve seen several solitary Pileateds over the years, but only handful of pairs. One afternoon during the archery season several years ago, there were several in the vicinity of my tree stand in the AlabamaSwamp. They were enjoyable to watch until one of them decided to start hammering away on the same tree I was in.   

Approximately the same size as a crow, they will use their powerful bill to drum on trees to mark territory and attract a mate. It also comes in handy for excavating nest cavities. A mating pair will both perform the latter task, making several large holes in trees and selecting one for a nesting site. There they will incubate the eggs for approximately eighteen days.

 When Michelle Jordan found the ball in her hands in overtime at the Elba Tournament at Genesee Community College, instinct had to take over.

Had the junior forward thought about the importance of the shot she was about to take who knows what could have happened.

Instead, she let her natural basketball ability take over and banked it into the hoop, giving Batavia a 41-40 advantage with four seconds left to go in the extra session. The Blue Devils held on to the lead and won a fourth consecutive game, claiming the championship in front of an enthusiastic crowd at GCC.

The basket, which is captured on video below, was a once in a lifetime bounce and opportunity that Jordan capitalized on.

It was a back and forth battle through regulation that saw both teams use strong pressure defense to try and take control of the contest.

The Blue Devils had a 6-4 lead after one period of defensive play.

The Lancers got four points from Katie Newton in the second quarter and led 17-13 at the half.

The lead kept changing hands in the second half with Elba taking a two point lead on a Rachael Cook basket midway through the fourth quarter.

Batavia and Elba kept trading leads when the Lancers took a two point lead with just after a minute left on a Newton foul shot.

Brittany Mazurkiewicz tied the game at 33 with a pair of free throws with 18 seconds remaining.

Jaycee Shirk blocked a shot at the other end, Batavia turned the ball over, Elba missed a jumper and the Blue Devils missed a half court heave at the buzzer and the game went to overtime.

Cassie Engle gave the Lancers a lead with a bucket early in overtime and Shirk gave Batavia a one point lead with a basket and foul shot a little over a minute late.

Kristen Klein - who had another big game with eight points - made it a three point contest with a basket with 1:42 left in overtime.

Missy Call hit a free throw and Engle tied things up with a basket, with just under a minute left.

Mazurkiewicz hit one of two free throws before the Lancers took the lead back on a pair of Newton free throws. There was 18 seconds left in overtime at that point.

Mazurkiewicz missed a shot, that was tipped towards out of bounds on a rebound attempt by Elba's Sarah Schwartzmeyer. But Schwartzmeyer saved it before going out of bounds and tossed it back into the middle of the paint, where she hoped either Julie Marshall or Cook would grab it.

The pass went right into the hands of Jordan, just a few feet from the basket, and she put it right in to give Batavia a 41-40 lead with under five seconds left. The Lancers missed a shot at the buzzer, giving the Blue Devils their second straight tournament title early on in the season.

Chelsie Pangrazio (12 points) and Newton (8) joined Albion's Page Golden and Batavia's Shirk (9 points, 3 blocks) and Jordan (6 points) on the all-tournament team.

Mazurkiewicz scored 10 points and handed out five assists to earn her second straight tournament MVP award.

Elba is 1-1 and will host Kendall on Wednesday. Batavia is now 4-0 and will host Monroe County League powerhouse Pittsford Mendon on Tuesday.

With the holiday fast approaching, I have found myself a total stranger in a new city.

I had the opportunity to attend Christmas in the City Friday night. The sidewalks were filled with shoppers, carolers and lots and lots of teens running around having a grand time. I was busy with Care-A-Van Ministries handing out delicioius brownies and hot chocolate. It was a fun filled evening.

I must say it was not easy finding the public restrooms in the mall among the crowd. Thank goodness for good ole reliable JC Penneys! I came home exhausted and chilled from standing on the streets.

This morning I got up and got ready to go to another event in the city. It was the Christmas gathering of the local  Aglow Women's chapter.

What is Aglow you ask?

The biggest question mark for the Batavia basketball team coming into the season was basically who would take care of the scoring duties that were held by Bryan Anderson and Mike Hoy last season.

Those questions were answered this weekend as the Blue Devils captured the title at the Olean Tournament, defeating two defending state champions in the process.

 Andrew Hoy scored 21 points in Saturday's 68-42 over defending Class B champion Olean, giving him 41 in the tournament. He was named the tourney MVP for his efforts.

"He needed to fill that role and he got off to a nice start this weekend," coach Buddy Brasky said. "He shot the ball well and I'm very pleased with that."

It was a solid defensive effort by Batavia as they held Olean's offense in check and led to points for the Blue Devil offense.

"We didn't play real well yesterday," Brasky said. "We watched film this morning and I showed them the film this morning and their mistakes. Our defense really sparked our offense today, that's what I'm most pleased about."

Point guard Marcus Hoy led the defensive effort and Brasky believes he could have been the MVP as easily as Andrew. Marcus had 10 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in the game, making the all-tournament team.

 Dakota Irvin had a huge opening tournament for Batavia and proved to be another scoring option and made the all-tournament team. He hit three 3-pointers in the first game to score nine points, then followed it up with three more trifectas and 11 points with five rebounds.

"He's important to us," Brasky said. "He gives us some length in there. He has long arms and is 6-foot-2ish. He gives us another scoring option."

Joe Schlossel had eight points with Robert Hoy and Josh Budlong pitching in seven apiece.

Batavia (2-0) will be at Mendon on Wednesday and will host Victor.

This was the view from Lewiston Road, facing south toward Batavia, right after it started.

For more photos from Christmas in the city, look here.

This dog was spotted at Christmas in the City. Does anybody know who he belongs to?

There has been several reports of a lost dog recently, but this one doesn't match the description. 

From the Batavia Police Department:

The Batavia Police Department is informing citizens that the phone numbers listed in the ‘The Talking Phone Book’, 2009-2010 for the Batavia Police Department are not accurate.

The proper numbers are as follows:

Emergencies: 911
Dispatch: 345-6350
Police Personnel: 345-6444
Confidential Tip Line: 345-6370

The Police Department suggests you clip this article from the newspaper or write the proper numbers down and  attach them to your copy of ‘The Talking Phone Book’ 2009-2010. Also refrigerator magnets are available at the Police Department 10 W. Main St. Batavia NY.