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Car crash blocking traffic at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road. A caller at the scene reports no injuries. It is blocking traffic. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics for evaluation.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Now one person is said to have a minor injury.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: A patient is being transported to UMMC.

School district clarifies Title IX settlement, calls Empire Justice statement misleading

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from Batavia City Schools:

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to report that a settlement has been agreed to in resolution of the lawsuit filed against the District by two families with respect to the District’s softball fields. While the District is glad that this situation is behind us and we can now fully focus on the completion of these projects, we are a bit dismayed by the characterization of this situation portrayed in the Empire Justice Center’s press release. The Batavia City School District is proud of its student athletic program and continuously works toward achieving equality across all sports.

The District has always been committed to its girls’ athletic program. As a District we cannot proceed with capital projects of this nature without voter approval. We sought voter approval in 2011 to make improvements to our playing fields but the voters did not approve the plan at that time. Despite this outcome in 2011, the District invested as much funding as possible for material and labor to resurface the girls’ softball infields and to make arrangements for games to be played on other appropriate local fields.  

The facts of this situation speak for themselves:

·      The District had committed to the upgrades prior to the commencement of the lawsuit. There are no substantial differences between this settlement and the capital improvement plans that the Board of Education proposed and approved in February 2013 for presentation to the voters in May 2013.

·      The scope of the Board and voter approved capital improvement project was incorporated into preliminary plans by the Young & Wright architectural firm in the Spring of 2013. The plans were finalized this year with the intention of completing the project by September 2015.

·      It is unfortunate that, despite the District’s stated intentions and voter approval, the plaintiffs felt compelled to proceed with this lawsuit. The pending litigation resulted in an unnecessary expenditure of District resources during these difficult economic times.

·      There is only one change to the project requested in the settlement that was not initially taken into account, but the District believes is reasonable, and that is the addition of a safety cap to the track and field fence at VanDetta Stadium that is adjacent to the JV softball field.    

·      Not directly related to the specific project plans under way, as part of the settlement the District was asked to confirm its obligations to equal opportunity in athletic programs pursuant to Title IX, which we have always followed and are happy to continue to do.

·      The District has always been, and will continue to be, committed to its girls’ athletic program.

Genesee Chorale preparing to perform Dvorak on Friday and Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

Under the direction of Ric Jones, the Genesee Chorale will perform Antonin Dvorak’s "Requiem Mass" on Sunday at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia.

Featured vocal soloists are Maureen DeGolyer, soprano, Pat Fussell, alto, Mark Ross, tenor, and Jim Ellison, bass.

Tickets for the 4 p.m. performance will be available at the door and are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

On Friday, the chorale will perform at 7 p.m. in Albion's Pillars Estate in the Grand Ballroom. There will be complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available online at geneseechorale.com or at the door. The Pillars is located at 13800 W. Country House Road, Albion.

Daily News selling Apollo Drive building; buyer asking GCEDC for assistance on business expansion

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from GCEDC:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider two projects at its June 5, 2014 board meeting.

U.S. Gypsum Company is planning to upgrade its paper mill at 2750 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, NY.  The project will include replacing and relocating equipment, stock cleaning and enhanced manila production to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the facility. The projected capital investment is approximately $23 million and will ensure employment retention of 98 existing manufacturing jobs and the addition of 12 new production jobs.

9 Apollo Drive is planning to purchase the former Daily News building at 2 Apollo Drive in Batavia. With the purchase, the company anticipates further growth and plans to expand its business and manufacture more doors and windows. The projected capital investment for the project is $750,000.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Meetings are held at the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate Med & Tech Park -- 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia, NY, on the 2nd floor, across from Genesee Community College. 

UPDATE: John Johnson, CEO of Johnson Newspapers, says that the Daily News hasn't sold its building and has no plans to move.

Rap video could become relevant in Dashawn Butler case

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia resident Dashawn Butler, suspected of discharging a firearm on State Street in September, was jailed Monday in lieu of $25,000 cash bail after being arraigned on a three-count Grand Jury indictment.

Butler entered a not guilty plea to counts of criminal use of a firearm, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, and attempted assault, 1st, also a Class C violent felony.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman declined to discuss much about the case after Butler's appearance in County Court, citing concerns that pre-trial publicity could make it more difficult to select a jury, but he acknowledged that a rap video featuring Butler could possibly be used in future court proceedings.

The video is attributed to Mobb Bugatti and was produced by Rochester-based Triple R Muzik Group. The video, along with another one Butler is featured in called "Rollin'," and widespread Web marketing and publicity on social network and music sites indicate the aspiring rapper and TRMG are pursuing a music career for Butler.

The video could be taken in that context, or be seen as something more sinister.

During "Red Flags" Butler is seen waving a red bandana and rapping about "murder death kill kill" and disrespecting (using a different word) the law.

The professionally produced video appears to have been shot on State Street, Hutchins Place and Lewis Place. One scene shows a Batavia police car cruising down a street.

If Butler and his defense attorney Thomas Burns decide to make the people prove Butler's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the video could become relevant if Friedman decides to portray Butler as gang affiliated and that the shots-fired incident Sept. 27 on State Street was tied to possible gang activity.

Friedman declined to answer a question along those lines.

Asked if the video might tell us something about Butler that might be relevant to the case, Friedman said, "some people might feel that way."

There was some wrangling in court Monday over Butler's bail status.

Butler has been out of jail since a couple of days after his arrest in December because Friedman wasn't ready at the time to conduct a felony hearing in City Court.

Friedman argued Monday that Butler is facing three C violent felonies, has a prior felony conviction that could make him a second felony offender for sentencing purposes, and has a prior instance of failure to appear.

Burns countered that Butler has made his court appearances on time in this case, the prior failure to appear was many years ago in New York City and Burns doesn't believe Butler will qualify as a second felony offender.

There's also a speedy trial issue to look at in the case, Burns said. An arrest warrant was issued for Butler in October, but he wasn't arrested until December and only just now indicted.

Friedman said it took two months for Batavia PD to locate Butler. When he was arrested it was in the house of a person parole officers were looking for and Butler was hiding in a bathroom. Those circumstances negate the speedy trial issue, Friedman indicated.

Burns said Butler has lived in Batavia since 2001, moving here from NYC. He currently has a part-time job with a local food service business. He asked that if Noonan were going to set bail that it be something reasonable like $4,500.

Noonan set bail at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond, which was the bail amount set in City Court when Butler was arrested in December.

The attorneys will spend the next 45 days preparing motions in the case and Butler is due in court again at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 4.

Warning: The video below contains profanity. This clip is edited to show just a representative portion of the video.

Jim Kelly present in spirit at 28th annual charity tournament at Terry Hills

By Howard B. Owens

Jim Kelly wasn't at Terry Hills today for the 28th annual charity tournament that carries his name because he's weakened by chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer.

At the start of the tournament his brother Dan had his head shaved both to honor his brother and to raise money for the Kelly for Kids Foundation. He challenged all of the golfers -- donors, athletes and celebrities to follow his example and over the course of the day, many of them did. (Cutting his hair, above, Michelle Napierala).

The Hall of Fame quarterback may not have been at his event this year, but he was there in spirit. Blue "Kelly Tough" T-shirts were everywhere and friends, such as ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman, spoke of Kelly's toughness and said that toughness is why he'll beat cancer and be back at Terry Hills next year to host his tournament. 

Former Bill and CBS Sports broadcaster Steve Tasker said much the same thing.

“We miss Jim being here,” he said, “but at the same token, it’s because of Jim’s presence and the quality of this event and what this event means – this is more than just a bunch of guys getting together for another event; this is like a reunion, not just a team reunion, but a family reunion for a lot of guys who’ve known each other for a couple of decades. The tournament’s been going on for 28 years and these guys are lifelong friends. The fact that Jim can’t be here today won’t change that.”

A fan gets her picture taken with the Bills 2014 #1 draft pick Sammy Watkins.

Former NBA star Gus Williams stops for a free brownie on the ninth hole, where a group of Batavia residents hang out every year to hand out treats to the stars and maybe get an autograph or picture.

Tasker talking with the media.

Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone with a group of Bills fans.

Berman talks with the media.

Actor Dan Baldwin, center, with his group on the first tee.

Tasker teeing off to start the tournament.

Mike Ziegler, a professional golfer and long-drive champion, would, for a donation, hit the drive for golfers on one of the back holes.

Neighboring buildings unharmed by fire that destroyed long-standing Pavilion structure

By Howard B. Owens

If one picture could tell a story, this would be it. The eastern exposure of Country Hill Gifts with its second-story flower box completely unharmed by a fully involved fire that destroyed the former grocery store building at the corner of Ellicott Street Road and West Park Street. There's no real damage to the entire eastern exposure.

And the building to the north of the destroyed building is also fine.

Chad Freeman said today once the fire started, it was largely fought defensively with a mind toward saving the neighboring structures.

The cause was likely electrical with a line arcing, causing insulation in the second floor ceiling to smoke and burn until air hit it, giving fuel to the fire.

Freeman noted that the first floor was almost completely undamaged by the fire. The building was too heavily damaged, however, and last night an excavator had to knock it down.

This afternoon, crews were on scene to pump water from the basement of Country Hill, but there was even very little smell of smoke in the store.

The two items below were posted to the Pavilion, New York Facebook page by Jay Brooks. A bit of the store's history.

City Schools will build girls softball field as part of settlement of lawsuit

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from the Empire Justice Center:

The Empire Justice Center is pleased to announce that a settlement has been reached in the class-action suit Myers v. Batavia City School District. Three female softball players and their families filed the case in April 2013 seeking equal treatment to their male classmates in the provision of practice and competitive facilities and equipment. Among other things, the players alleged that the District’s policy of renting a professional minor league stadium for all boys’ varsity baseball home games, while providing the girls with substandard playing fields at the school, violated Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.

“More than anything, I am so proud of these young women for having the courage to stand up for themselves,” said Kristin Small, attorney for Empire Justice Center. “They saw that the way they were being treated was unfair and decided to do something about it, knowing full well they might face backlash from their community and that they themselves might never see the benefit of their efforts.”

As part of the agreement, the District has agreed to build a brand new varsity softball facility with permanent dugouts, good drainage, outfield fencing, a permanent electronic scoreboard and other amenities. The improvements are projected to be completed in time for the 2015 softball season. The District has also committed to making significant improvements to the junior varsity and modified softball fields, and affirmed its commitment to ensuring that boys’ and girls’ sports receive equal benefits, even when that requires the District to compensate for donations made by third parties, such as booster clubs.

After hearing that the District had agreed to the settlement, plaintiffs Elizabeth and Rebecca Myers said, “We are proud and thankful that the Batavia City School District has recognized the importance of female athletics and the need for equal treatment. We look forward to a bright future for Batavia girls’ softball, as players will now be able to enjoy and be proud of the fields that they will be playing on. We would like to thank Empire Justice Center for helping us resolve these disparities.”

“We hope that other school districts will take note of this settlement and be reminded that the movement to achieve equality in athletics between boys and girls is far from over,” noted Jonathan Feldman, a senior attorney at Empire Justice Center. “Many districts face similar challenges leftover from an earlier time when equality in sports was not seen as important. We congratulate the Batavia City School District for stepping up to the plate and working with us to find a solution that will ensure fair and equal treatment of all student athletes, regardless of gender.”

Law and Order: Alabama man charged with two felonies, several violations for allegedly riding ATV while intoxicated

By Billie Owens

Joshua Scott Bettilyon, 26, of Gorton Road, Alabama, was charged with two felonies and several violations stemming from an incident on May 30. He allegedly operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, which is a felony, and was also charged with DWI with a previous conviction of same within the last 10 years, another felony. In addition, he was cited for alleged ATV violations -- reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, unregistered vehicle, unlawful operation on highway, inadequate brake lights, unsafe tires, no / improper lights, and uninsured vehicle. Bettilyon was arrested by Sheriff's deputies after a short vehicular pursuit. NYS Police assisted in this incident, which was investigated by deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by troopers Hanssel and Kosowski.

Donald E. Ford, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, in an incident on May 30 on Oak Street. He allegedly threatened to harm an individual while that individual was in the presence of three children. He was jailed and bail set at $2,500. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Eric Hill, assisted by officer Frank Klimjack.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff Jr., 35, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, was arrested by Sheriff's deputies on May 30 and charged with two counts of menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Stancliff allegedly displayed a 6-inch kitchen knife during a domestic dispute, threatening his girlfirend and an acquaintance. After his arraignment in Pembroke Town Court, he was jailed. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by deputy Christopher Parker.

Christopher Lynn Bayliss, 35, of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested June 1 following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident on Attica Road in Alexander. He is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, refusal to take breath test, unsafe backing of a vehicle and driving without a seat belt. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail and is to return to Alexander Town Court on June 10.

Bryan H. Fetterly, 28, of Barrville Road, Elba, is charged with harassment in the second degree -- physical contact, and criminal mischief in the third degree -- damaging property of another person in excess of $250. It is alleged that on West Main Street in the City of Batavia on May 30 Fetterly and two other subjects were in a vehicle when an argument took place. Fetterly allegedly kicked one of the subjects several times before exiting the vehicle and then struck the vehicle, causing damage to that vehicle. He was arrested and released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards.

Allen W. Gray, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with harassment, 2nd, following an incident on South Main Street, Batavia, on May 29. Batavia PD officers went to investigate a disturbance complaint and it's alleged that Gray shoved two people following a verbal altercation. He was issued an electronically generated appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by officer Christopher Camp.

Mamie M. Baugh, 36, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident on May 25 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia. She was arrested after Batavia PD responded to a disturbance at that location. She was issued an appearance ticket for city court. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Keven DeFelice, assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Joseph Bennett, 26, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny. He was transferred to Batavia Police by Albion Police on May 29 after being arrested on a warrant for violation of Genesee County probation. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond and is due in Batavia City Court on June 6. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Nedim Catovic.

Darrin Mitchell Brown, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. On June 1, he was arrested by a Sheriff's deputy for allegedly violating a court order of protection by threatening the protected person. Brown was issued at appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Town of Oakfield Court on June 16 to answer to the charge. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftus.

Joey Aaron Evans, 23, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on May 29 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for allegedly failing to comply with drug court and petit larceny. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is to appear in city court again on June 26.

Michael D. Snyder, 42, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an incident on May 30 wherein he allegedly took a 30-pack of Budweiser beer from Top's Market without paying for it. Snyder fled eastbound on Route 5 and was apprehended near the Batavia Fire Department. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards, assisted by officer Richard Schauf.

John A. Snook, 26, of Gillette Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing $51.95 in merchandise from Walmart on May 14. He was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and is currently in Orleans County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on June 16. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftis.

A 16-year-old student at Pavilion High School was arrested on May 30 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The student was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while at the high school. The student was issued an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court at a later date. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Chad Minuto.

Manure pile on fire on Marble Road

By Billie Owens

A manure pile is on fire at 8122 Marble Road, according to a farm hand there. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. The location is between Akron and Gabbey roads.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m.: The site is next to the alpaca farm. A responder on scene says "it's smokin' pretty good."

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Fire is out. Indian Falls is back in service.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Pembroke is back in service.

Former Batavia resident, Iraq War veteran dies during training at Fort Bragg

By Howard B. Owens

The Army is investigating the death of 21-year-old Paratrooper Shaina Schmigel, who grew up in Batavia before moving to Medina.

Schmigel was found unresponsive during a jump at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

She enlisted in the Army four years ago after graduating from Medina High School in 2010. She was promoted to sergeant in January and recently committed to four more years with the Army, Krissi Gress, a friend of the family, told OrleansHub.

In a statement, Army officials said, “All of the Paratroopers in the brigade are deeply saddened by the loss of an extraordinary and much-respected member of our team,” said Lt. Col. Albert Paquin, commander of the 2nd BCT. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this time of great loss. Our chaplains and our health care professionals are available to help comfort and support all of her fellow Paratroopers affected by this tragedy.”

As a paratrooper in the Army, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn from July to November 2011.

Her awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.

The Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Batavia will be handling funeral arrangements.

Thank you to Tom Rivers of OrleansHub with coverage of this story.

Fire spread quickly in Pavilion building even as firefighters poured water on the flames

By Howard B. Owens

After nearly an hour on scene in Pavilion yesterday, I told a chief things seemed under control and I was heading back home to my yard work.

At that point, the two-story commercial and residential structure at the corner of Ellicott Street Road and West Park Street looked fine. There was a faint whiff of smoke in the air, but no smoke showing and certainly no visible fire.

"You might want to stick around," the chief said.

A firefighter told me a few minutes later as he laid out hose from a tanker truck, "this could get really interesting really fast."

Later the chief would tell me, "see, my worst fears came true."

The origin of the fire was in the crawl space of the attic. An area covered in hard wood, spray-in installation and only 18 inches of space in any direction.

First Assistant Chief Sean Vogt said his crew was poking through the ceiling, trying to find the right access point to the smoldering fire and Le Roy's crew had punched a ventilation hole in the roof, then the fire took on a life of its own.

"If we we could have gotten up there, gotten our hose lines up there, wetted it down, maybe we could have saved a little more of the building, but with it going through the roof, it just flashed over on us too fast," Vogt said. "It was just rough."

Pavilion's volunteer firefighters responded to the structure at 2:40 p.m. for the report of smoke in the building. Le Roy was immediately requested to the scene. Soon, responses from Bethany and Stafford were requested as well, then Bergen.

By the time fire broke out, there were two ladder trucks in position (Town of Batavia had its ladder in place minutes after the first flame erupted through the roof).

Even with Le Roy shooting water at the first flames, the blaze spread quickly once it got going.

As big and as destructive as the fire became, firefighters did manage to contain it to the one building, even though a house sat inches from the north wall and another commercial building was only two or three feet to the west.

County records do not list what year the building was constructed, but the west wall was covered in the same faux-brick metal siding that show up in 150-year-old photos of the former Wiss Hotel in Le Roy (the last building standing that I know of in Genesee County with this siding is in Corfu).

As many as 200 firefighters from Genesee, Livingstone and Wyoming counties responded to the fire. 

While the responding fire trucks can pump at least 1,250 gallons of water per minute, the fire hydrants in Pavilion flow at no more than 450 gallons per minute. At least a dozen tanker trucks responded to the scene to draw water from a nearby creek to provide additional water flow.

At least two firefighters were overcome by smoke and heat and were transported by Mercy EMS to area hospitals for evaluation.

Initially, while the fire was just smoldering, residents of the apartments were able to retrieve some belongings. The residents of the house to the north rescued their cat before the smoke got heavy.

Red Cross was on scene to provide food and beverages for firefighters.

(Initial Report)

To purchase prints, click here.

Alleged one-eyed bandit accused of stealing gas clerk's prescription glasses

By Billie Owens

The clerk at the Kwik Fill at the corner of Ellicott and Jackson streets reports that an elderly white male allegedly stole his prescription glasses. The suspect was last seen walking toward Save-A-Lot and law enforcement is responding. He is described as being 5'10'' with a skinny build, wearing a flannel shirt, suspenders, a cowboy hat and he has one eye.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: The glasses are aviator style and the theft is allegedly on the store's film, which an officer is reviewing.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: The suspect has been located and police are taking him to the Kwik Fill.

Allegedly drunk motorcyclist causes ruckus at Indian Falls Log Cabin

By Billie Owens

An allegedly intoxicated motorcyclist is said to have caused a ruckus at Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. The male allegedly punched an employee's car. He was last seen riding a Harley-Davidson toward Route 77. Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: The bike is black. A female employee was also allegedly punched. City police are notified as the license returns to a city street.

Possible fire in apartment above bakery and deli in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A possible fire is reported at 6946 Ellicott Street Road in an apartment above the Heavenly Sweets Bakery & Deli. Pavilion Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy. The caller is a resident who came home and found the smell of something burning inside the building and a light haze.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: The first responder on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: This is now a working structure fire. Bethany and Stafford fire departments are called to the scene and Stafford is also requested to provide a fill-in engine and crew for the Pavilion Fire Hall.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: A Mercy medic unit is requested to come in non-emergency in case needed.

UPDATE 3:09 p.m.: The city's Fast Team is requested to respond.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: The city's first platoon is called to stand by in its headquarters.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Heavy smoke is reported in the attic.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: Firefighters are informed that the attic runs the length of the entire building, which is quite large.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: The roof has been opened up but only light haze is coming out. Bergen is asked to fill in at Le Roy Fire Station.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Confirmed that all occupants are out of the building.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Calendonia fire is on scene to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 3:58 p.m.: More smoke is filling the second floor. They are going to draw water from Hanson's crick.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: Although there are no flames visible, command is still concerned about the potential for combustion. The building's sprayed insulation is smoldering and causing much of the smoke, which makes it difficult for firefighters to see inside.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: York firefighters are on scene and establishing a draft site.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: A Sheriff's deputy is called to the scene to secure firearms.

UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Town of Batavia's fill-in crew is requested to the scene. Heavy black smoke is pouring from the roof where they opened it up.

UPDATE 4:47 p.m.: All interior firefighters are told to get out. Now they're going to open up the side of the building.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: The color of the smoke spewing out the windows is changing color, reports a firefighter. South Byron fire is asked to stage in their quarters.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Darien, East Pembroke and Elba firefighters are asked to man their ladder tanker trucks and stand by in their own quarters in case needed at the scene or anywhere in Genesee County.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Firefighters are ordered off the roof. Another Bethany crew is asked to stand by in their hall.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: Interior firefighters from Alexander are asked to stage in their quarters. Flames are said to be visible.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: National Grid has shut off power to the burning building and the one next to it.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: National Fuel reps are on scene and are asked to shut off the gas lines(s) to the buildings at the street.

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: A second Mercy rig is asked to stand by at the fire scene.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: Some standby tankers are called in, plus another South Byron crew is told to report to their hall. All staging for fire crews is being moved to the front of the bank. Barre fire is asked to stand by in Barre's hall.

UPDATE 5:37: Town of Batavia's Rescue 20 and all available interior manpower called in.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: The second story is completely gutted and the building is a total loss. Heavy equipment is en route to raze the structure. A crew from Wyoming Correctional Facility is on scene to help with clean-up. A pet cat was rescued.

GC Dairy Maid tells why dairy products are important to your diet

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Dairy Maid for 2014 is 9-year-old Georgia Luft, of Elba. She wrote this article to kick off National Dairy Month.

June is National Dairy Month. What greater time to make sure your have at least three dairy products in your daily diet than now! Research recommends that everyone should consume three dairy products daily to be healthy.

Dairy products have many health benefits, especially for your bones and teeth. Dairy foods provide vital nutrients that include calcium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc, riboflavin and protein. Dairy products provide a powerhouse of nutrients!

Eating dairy products may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older adults, while helping children and adolescence build bone mass. Dairy products have also been associated with reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and lowering blood pressure in adults. Recently research has suggested that by enjoying three servings of dairy products a day, part of a nutrient-rich and balanced diet, dairy products may help in maintaining a healthy weight. Keep in mind that choosing low-fat or fat-free forms of dairy products provide little or no solid fat while providing many other health benefits.

Keep the “3-A-Day” theme in mind as you plan your daily meals. Experts recommend three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy food every day. Many of us could use to add one additional daily serving of nutrient-rich dairy products to help meet recommendations. One dairy serving is equal to: An 8-ounce glass of milk, a 6- or 8-ounce container of yogurt, or 1½ ounces of cheese.

It’s easy to get your 3-A-Day in when you start with some yogurt for breakfast with fruit, some cheese with lunch and a big glass of milk with dinner. Enjoy a cool glass of milk during the summer months, as it does the body good!

Top Items on Batavia's List

Part-Time Children's Library Clerk Haxton Memorial Public Library is seeking a Part-Time Children's Clerk 19 Hours a week $15.00/hr. Interested applicants please go to www.co.genesee.ny.us for an application or come to the library at 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. Any questions, please call at (585) 948-9900
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