New York Times: Emmys 2014: ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Modern Family’ Take Top Honors

There's some big onions growing in the muck of Genesee and Orleans counties.

A photographer lining up his focus on a particularly bulbous specimen observes, "I don't remember seeing any onions this big last year."

"I haven't seen onions this big in 15 years," responds Paul Mortellaro, co-owner of Mortellaro Brothers in Elba.

On the one hand, the heavy rains of spring created near optimal growing conditions, especially for the onions that were started as transplants. On the other, heavy rain caused some flooding and damaged portions of some fields.

"You're not going to get 100 percent of your crop on 100 percent of your land, but I haven't seen a crop like this in 10 years," Mortellaro said.

Over the next few weeks, local onion farmers will be reaping that harvest. Already, several hundred acres of onions have been crated and bagged.

Much of the success so far of the onion crop is really the near ideal growing conditions of the middle of summer, where enough rain fell to feed the onions, but cool weather and enough dry days allowed perfect growing conditions.

The muckland farmers still have potential weather problems to worry about before the growing and harvest season is over. Mortellaro recalled one year when a severe hail storm came through and heavily damaged the crops of a couple of farms unlucky enough to have their fields right in the line of the main part of the storm.

But if conditions remain good, 2014 will go down as an excellent year for local onions.

A Mortellaro field. Once onions are ready for harvest, a machine pulls them from the ground and sets them back on the soil so the onions can dry before being harvested.

A big onion in a Torrey Farms field.

Mortellaro onions ready for harvest. As part of processing, the dry outer skins are removed, so they'll have a nice shine on store shelves.

Dried onions in a Torrey field being harvested.

Workers at Torrey Farms crate harvested onions. At the Torrey plant, workers arrange three rows of 20 crates each, with enough space between to drive a truck through. Trucks come in only minutes apart, giving workers very little time between loads to get the trucks empty. Mortellaro said it's a difficult job, hot and dusty and constant motion.

Crates full of onions at Mortellaro's processing facility.

Torrey Onions

Not onions. Beets. MY-T Acres land at Transit and Chapell roads, Byron.

Out of jail and out of work, Jacquetta Simmons, the young woman who punched an employee at Walmart on Christmas Eve 2011, is seeking a modification to the restitution order levied against her.

Her victim, Grace Suozzi, is entitled to reimbursement on $2,000 in medical expenses, Judge Robert C. Noonan has said. Simmons has been ordered to make monthly payments of $100.

According to statements made by Noonan from the bench today, Simmons is seeking a suspension of restitution payments.

While Simmons appeared in County Court today, she did so without her attorney.

She had written Noonan asking for the hearing, but her attorney, Earl Key, wasn't notified of today's court appearance in time for him to be in Genesee County Court.

Noonan rescheduled the appearance for Sept. 10.

Asked if she was looking for work, Simmons told Noonan she has applied for jobs.

Noonan told her that when she appears Sept. 10, she should have prepared an affidavit on her financial standing and outlining steps she's taken to find work.

For previous coverage of Jacquetta Simmons by The Batavian, click here.

Tomorrow, Aug. 26, the city Bureau of Maintenance will be doing a sewer repair at Frankin Street  and Davis Avenue, just east of Williams Park. Motorists can expect traffic to be reduced to a single lane at times.

For questions call, the bureau at 345-6400, ext. #1.

The rear apartment at 103 Bank St. was evacuated due to natural gas in the residence with ill effects. The caller was National Fuel. Medics are on scene.

Christopher James Clark, 34, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Clark allegedly stole a knife at Walmart and then while inside the store allegedly used it to try and open packages containing drill bits. He tried to abandon the alleged stolen property under the vehicle in the parking lot when police arrived.

Carrie M. Capizzi, 30, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, driving without an interlock device and open container. Capizzi was stopped at 10:01 p.m. Thursday at 12 City Centre, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

Kathleen E. Gonzalez, 52, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gonzalez is accused of stealing three packages of steak from Save-A-Lot in Batavia.

Lizbet D. Cramer, 37, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Cramer allegedly left her 4- and her 15-year-olds unattended. The 4-year-old was allegedly abandoned at Austin Park for at least one hour before police were notified.

DaShawn A. Butler, 34, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Butler allegedly issued a verbal threat of harm to another person.

Brandon N. Benz, 19, of Clinton Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and forcible touching. Benz allegedly had inappropriate contact with a person under age 17 while at a playground at Jackson School at 4:33 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Nefetiria L. Turner, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on three warrants for alleged failure to appear on charges of unreasonable noise charge, aggravated unlicensed operation and harassment, 2nd. Turner posted cash bail and was released.

Deavin Herman, 20, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Herman allegedly stole a bicycle from a location on Walnut Street.

Shane Zimblis, 43, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Zimblis was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a warrant arrest.

Scott Allen Cratsley, 43, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Cratsley's dog was allegedly seen running at large by Officer James Defreze and Sgt. Dan Coffey. That breed of dog, a St. Bernard, has allegedly been seen running at large several times previously.

Alexander L. Jordan, 19, of Pine Terrace, Macedon, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a third-degree menacing charge. Jordan posted $500 police bail and was released.

Michael S. Garrett, 23, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, turned himself in on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a parking on city streets ticket issued March 18.

Forrest Ansel, 24, of Cone Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal contempt. Ansel allegedly went to the residence of a protected person. He allegedly stole property of that person.

Lawrence William Worsley, 34, of Presbyterian Street, Knowlesville, is charged with disorderly conduct. Worsley allegedly became verbally and physically abusive while at the Viper ride at Darien Lake Theme Park at 6:20 p.m., Sunday.

Jared Lewis Long, 44, of Clinton Street Road, Stafford, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Long allegedly took the Chevrolet Equinox of his girlfriend without her permission. The vehicle was returned to the residence and Long was ordered to stay away from the residence. He was later found by Sheriff's K-9 in a field behind the residence. 

Jessica Lynn Hill, 29, of Leonard Street, Mattydale, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to yield right of way and license restriction violation. Hill was stopped at 10:45 p.m. Thursday on West Main Road, Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

William Allen Roll, 54, of Clinton Street, Attica, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Roll allegedly punched another person in the face at 3:54 a.m. Saturday while at an apartment on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Roll was jailed on $500 bail.

Karen A. Lemaster, 54, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, 1st. Lemaster was stopped at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Ohio Street, Village of Medina, by State Police.

Rhonda L. Reisman, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Reisman was stopped at 2:35 a.m. Sunday on Route 33, Stafford, by State Police.

Brian C. Reynolds, 33, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Reynolds was stopped at 11:32 p.m. Thursday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Erica A. Cook, 26, of Webster, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cook was stopped at 11:45 p.m. Thursday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Zachary W. Plath, 21, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08. Plath was stopped at 12:20 a.m. Friday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

New York Times: One Way to Fix the Corporate Tax: Repeal It

Photographer Amanda Earl covered the wiener dog race at Batavia Downs. 

Press release from Batavia Downs:

Kristy Drabek’s 2-year-old dachshund named Brinkley stormed down the stretch of America’s oldest lighted harness racetrack to win the championship final of the 2014 Genesee Feeds wiener dog races on Sunday afternoon at Batavia Downs Gaming.

The official margin of victory was a half a (dog) length.

Six-year Pablo Penders, owned by Adrienne Penders, surged at the wire to nip another 5-year-old, early leader Ruby, owned by Sarah Farley, for second.

Over 70 fleet-footed wiener dogs participated in the annual races that act as the final piece of Family Fun Day at the races.

Brinkey’s win was worth $100 in gaming free for his happy owners while second and third paid off $50 and $25 in free play, respectively.

Reigning champion Gordon, who has won the last three years, did not enter.

“It was a great crowd and a great day,” Todd Haight, Director/GM of live racing, said. “Our marketing department put together a plethora of activities and it certainly brought a huge crowd.

Batavia Downs video:

I've taken pictures of this barn on Upton Road before, but today, the golden rod, blue sky and clouds made for a much better scene.

In Darien today, it was Darien Day, with music, food, entertainment, vendors and a basket auction.

Genesee County Emergency Services and the Town of Batavia Fire Department conducted a confined spaces drill yesterday at the Muller Quaker Dairy plant.

Nationally, from 80 to 100 people die every year in confined space accidents and even rescues can be difficult and dangerous.

Photos submitted by a reader.

Photographer Amanda Earl attended the Relay for Life at Van Detta Stadium on Saturday. The annual event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and brings together the families of those who have lost loved ones to cancer as well as cancer survivors.

Nicole Voltura has survived nine cancer surgeries and was the "Survivor of Honor" for the event. Her initial diagnosis was in 2011. It was chondroma sarcoma, stage one. She is now fighting a rare autoimmune disease that is caused by her past medical situations. It's terminal. She is a mom, and credits her husband for pulling their family through, keeping the kids strong, and being her constant caregiver.

Different colored beads were handed out at the completion of each lap around the track. Each color represents a different type of cancer.

These signs, signed my local people, will be used in Washington, D.C., at a rally to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

Andrew R. Witzel, 18, of Rochester Road, Lakeville, is charged with criminal trespass and trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return both times. Witzel was arraigned in Darien Town Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. 

Bart M. Bartlett, 29, of East 2nd Street, Jamestown, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the VIP area of the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.  Bartlett was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Alexandra H. Mitchell, 20, of Lamont Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass, harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly entering the Employee Road Exit after being told several times not to enter the area. Mitchell also allegedly pushed a deputy and then resisted arrest.

Nicholas A. Cummings, 18, of Lori Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Joseph P. Fedele, 20, of Harvest Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Taylor J. Greean, 19, of Holley Byron Road, Holley, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, after allegedly being found in possession of brass knuckles.

Jacob S. Vail, 24, of Nicole Lane, Angola, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Joshua A. Kuminski, 25, of Briarcliff Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly punching a PAC security officer in the face after being asked to leave the venue and then fighting with PAC security while being ejected.

Daniel M. Regan, 22, of Greenwood Place, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly slapping a PAC security officer in the face.

William Dormann Jr., 32, of Bennett Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching and twisting the hand of a Darien Lake security officer.

Gary R. McTarnaghan, 27, of Route 408, Nunda, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly participating in a large fight in the lawn area of the concert venue.

Joseph S. Tonque, 30, of Main Street, Corning, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with PAC security.

John P. Mahoney, 44, of Seib Road, Girard, Pa., is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue without a ticket.

Braydon B. Wolfe, 25, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Brian D. Adams, 24, of Robbins Nest Court, Lancaster, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Bradley T. Willis, 24, of Allens Hill Road, Honeoye, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Christopher P. Colby II, 35, of Linwood Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Margaret M. Hout, 54, of Griffon Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a patron in the face, striking two other patrons in the face and pulling one's hair. 

Brittany E. Hout, 24, of Griffon Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pulling another patron's hair and pulling her to the ground.

He said it last year. Frost Ridge is a special place. Phil Vassar, a singer-songwriter with more than 10 Top 10 hits to his credit, said it again this year.

"It's very homey," Vassar said in an interview before his show Saturday night. "Everybody is so nice. You're just hanging out. We talk, even during the year, we look forward to seeing you guys come back, we talk and text each other. So it's fun. You get to hang out with your friends and play music.  There's nothing better than that. It's not like going to some venue where you just go in. It's got real character and real people. I love it."

Vassar loves it so much, he asked to come back this year.

Just a month ago, it didn't seem like Vassar's show this year would even be possible. Frost Ridge was locked down as a live music venue by a court order stemming from lawsuits filed by the Town of Le Roy and a pair of neighboring property owners.

As the lawsuits wind through the hearing process, taking longer than expected, Judge Robert C. Noonan lifted his ban on live music for a show last week and Saturday's Vassar concert.

The suits allege live music isn't allowed at the campground -- and even question the legality of the campsites themselves, while owners Greg and David Luetticke-Archbell and their lawyer contend that all of the current activities are grandfathered in, or are "prior, nonconforming uses."

Vassar takes a pretty straightforward view for the lawsuits, calling the controversy, "very silly."

"You have a lot of people who really want something and just a small number of people who don't," Vassar said. "I don't know about government, but it seems like to me it's by the people, for the people, all right. It's pretty simple. It seems like if you've got a majority who want something and it's a great thing. I don't understand it.  

"It's not like it's an every night deal," Vassar added. "It's a real special place. It's a special place to play music. You just kind of hope that everybody just kind of lets it go and has some fun. You know, people are stiff. I hate it. I hate it. I'm over it. People just need to get a life."

Through three sets of music -- the Kentucky Moonshiners, the Morgan Twins and Vassar -- several hundred music fans did have a life. And it was a party, especially with Vassar on stage making sure everybody had a good time.

The Morgan Twins are from Rochester and have appeared on such shows as The Voice and American Idol.

While Vassar was still on stage performing, a check of the sound level at Oatka Trail and Conlon Road, near the homes of plaintiffs -- the Cleere and Collins families -- found that once again, the crickets were louder than the music.

The next scheduled show at The Ridge, if it's allowed to proceed, is the Marshall Tucker Band, Sept. 6.

A fan brought in a homemade cake during the meet and greet with VIP patrons before the show.

Bottom photo: by Peggy Barringer. David, in red, and Greg, joined Vasar, along with the Morgan Twins, on stage for the show's final number, a sing-along of "Piano Man."

A car vs. pole accident is reported at 9587 Fargo Road. Darien fire and medics are responding. The driver is out of the vehicle and injuries, if any, are believed to be minor. The pole was not knocked down. The location is between Genesee Street and Reynolds Road.

The Elba Betterment Committee is hosting a pig roast in the village park today. The event goes until 8 p.m.

Instructors, parents and students of Refuse 2 Lose Martial Arts on Liberty Street hosted a BBQ chicken dinner sale today along with a basket raffle.

Right now the premiere Elba Community Pig Roast is under way at their Village Park. So if you're looking for an afternoon of food, music, fun and a Super Cruise car show, this is a great option.

The event started 15 minutes ago and runs until 8 p.m.

The Super Cruise will be along on West Avenue starting at 1 o'clock with prizes in three categories: Best of Show, Best “Super Rod” and Best Antique.

The pig roast costs 10 bucks and includes a pork sandwich and three sides. There will also be hots, hamburgs, blooming onions, fries and ice cream. All of the food is provided by Chap’s Elba Diner.

Mercy Flight will be flying in and the Elba Fire Department will have a truck on display. There will be music from 1 'til 8 with the Ghost Riders performing from 5 to 8.

There will be crafters, wine tasting and 50/50 raffles. The Historical Society will also have their museum open from until 4 p.m.

Money goes toward the Elba Betterment Committee's fund to help provide activities for families in Elba and to assist the Town and Village with beautification projects.

Photographer Amanda Earl attended last night's Goo Goo Dolls concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Here are four of her shots from the show.

A Le Roy resident already facing a felony charge for allegedly forcing a sexual act on a woman who was physically helpless has been arrested on a rape charge involving another woman.

Michael J. Stack Jr., 37, of 7450 Randall Road, was arrested by Le Roy PD and charged with first-degree rape.

Stack was arrested July 23 and charged with criminal sexual act, 1st, for allegedly having oral sex with a victim by forcible compulsion while the woman was physically helpless.

After the investigation into that allegation, another woman came forward and said she was raped.

Stack was jailed on new charge on $10,000 bail.