The Genesee County Baseball Club hosted its annual Hot Stove Dinner last night at the Clarion Hotel. The event featured a silent auction and a live auction. K-9 Destro with Deputy Chis Erion also made a guest appearance.

The Batavia Muckdogs first home game is at 7 p.m., June 14.

In middle school, Spencer Hubbard was bullied. Today, you can call him Mr. Batavia.

The Batavia High School senior won the title Friday night during its second annual Mr. Batavia competition.

When Hubbard's name was announced as the winner, a packed auditorium of high school students, parents and faculty let out a robust cheer and round of applause.

"It shows how far we've come as people that a gay student can become Mr. Batavia," Hubbard said during his acceptance speech.

Hubbard was tops in a field of 10 in a competition that included lip syncing, a talent contest, a Q&A and a tuxedo walk. Five judges from the community awarded points to the contestants and a committee tallied up the points to pick the winner.

More than $2,200 was raised for the winner's charity. In this case, Hubbard picked Habitat for Humanity.

"I feel like it's a basic need, that people need homes," Hubbard said. "A lot of people are homeless who don't deserve to be. They really need that help."

Hubbard is planning to attend the University of Tampa on a $25,000 scholarship. He will major in journalism.

BHS Principle Scott Williams praised Hubbard as a bright student and talented actor.
As part of the competition, Hubbard performed a self-written satire of a Target clerk that had more funny lines than a Saturday Night Live skit. 

Hubbard said he thinks his acting talent and his self confidence, especially during the swimsuit competition and lip syncing, is what helped sway the judges in his favor.

Last year, Lee Johnson won the contest, in its first year, and Johnson returned Friday night to entertain the crowd while the judges' ballots were tallied. It was a regular stand-up routine, but as he began to run out of material, Williams stepped in to help entertain the crown, including setting up an Ellen-like, Academy Awards selfie.

Competing this year were Adam Weaver, Charlie Williams, Blake Carter, Jake Paine, Tim Martin, Mathew Gabriele, Kenny McMaster, Casey Grice and Michael DiBaccco.

During his acceptance speech, Hubbard praised his fellow competitors and thanked them for being so supportive of each other throughout preparations for the show.

The fact that Johnson is so different from Hubbard, Hubbard said, shows the competition is valuable to the community.

"It shows different people can win," Hubbard said. "Last year Lee won, and he's really different from me. He runs in a different crowd. He was straight and I'm gay, and that was probably a really big thing, too. I said that in my speech as well. It shows how far we've come as people."

A lot has changed for Hubbard, he said, from middle school to his senior year.

"The award means a lot because in middle school I was bullied and now, look how far I can come," Hubbard said. "I think the big thing was I was just myself when I got to high school. I didn't really care what people thought. I didn't try hard to impress people."

Hubbard being congradulated by his fellow contestants.

Mike DiBacco sings Frank Sinatra's, "I've Got the World on a String."

Hubbard performing his sketch, a satire of a clerk from Target.

Sydney Loria, Ashlee Yasses and Haley Case were hostesses for the competition.

Matt Gabriele at the front of the stage during the tux walk.

Lee Johnson, last year's winner.

Principal Scott Williams during an Ellen/Oscar-inspired selfie with the cast and crew of the Mr. Batavia competition.

To purchase prints of these photos and the photos in the slide show, click here.

Four-year-old Ethan Pritchett watches a marble roll through a track as part of a game at Oakfield-Alabama's annual winter carnival.

More than 1,500 people who attended the event were able to enjoy more than 40 carnival games, music, food and entertainment during the carnival Friday evening.

The carnival is hosted by Oakfield-Alabama Elementary Community School Organization and is a major fundraiser for the group.

David Schichler, 5.

Kadeen Cusmano, 10.

Ashley Ostrander, 8.

Amora Mabon, 5, watches as Deputy Snyder and Deputy McCarthy create a child identification card for her little brother.

An injury accident is reported at Route 77 and Indian Falls Road. Two vehicles are blocking traffic. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: One patient is transported to ECMC. "I don't know about for whole area, but we need to throw something down to cover the ice," says fire command. Salt is mentioned.

UPDATE 8:01 p.m.: The Pembroke assignment is back in service.

An injury accident is reported on a bridge over Route 490 in Le Roy. One car is blocking traffic. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: "Patient transported. Roadway cleared. Le Roy assignment back in service," says the chief on scene.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is proud to announce the addition of the following officers: Officer Peter Flanagan, Officer Eric Foels, Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Officers Flanagan, Foels and Cronmiller graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy on December 20, 2013. All three have just recently completed the intense Field Training Program at BPD.

Officer Flanagan is a United States Marine Corps veteran having served his country in Afghanistan, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Officer Flanagan is married with two children.

Officer Foels will be carrying on the family tradition as his family has been in law enforcement for the past 50 years. Officer Foels’ family members are current and retired members of the City of Tonawanda Police Department.

Officer Cronmiller is no stranger to law enforcement either, two of his 10 siblings serve in law enforcement, one as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent and the other a police officer with the Town of Hamburg Police Department.

Officers Flanagan, Foels and Cronmiller are dedicated to making the City of Batavia a safer and more enjoyable place to live and work.

Photo (submitted): From left, Officer Stephen Cronmiller, Chief Shawn Heubusch, Officer Peter Flanagan, Officer Eric Foels.

Batavia PD is looking for the public's assistance in identifying the driver of a hit-and-run vehicle that struck a residence at 219 Liberty St., Batavia, at 9:11 p.m. Thursday.

The car is described as a silver or light blue front- four-door sedan. It will likely have heavy front-end damage, especially on the driver's side front.

It was last seen heading southbound on Liberty Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350.

Batavia PD has completed its investigation into a Nov. 29 accident at Oak and Richmond that injured six people and have charged one of the drivers with felony driving while under the influence of drugs.

Michael I. Sanders, 46, of 22 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWAI Drugs, with a prior conviction within 10 years, vehicle assault, 1st, and vehicle assault causing serious physical injury.

He was arraigned on the charges and jailed without bail.

Investigators filed the charges against Sanders after receiving the results of toxicology tests, which allegedly indicated Sanders was under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision.

Two vehicles and two pedestrians were involved in the accident, with six people being transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

It appears -- though not certain at this stage of the ongoing investigation -- that the fire that heavily damaged Bed, Bath & Beyond's store in Batavia in January was deliberately set, according to Investigator Kris Kautz, of the Sheriff's Office.

Kautz is requesting the public's help in identifying people who were in the store that day so they can be interviewed. He's looking to identify the four people in these photos because he would like to talk with them.

None of the four are considered suspects.

In fact, the Sheriff's Office has a person of interest in the case, but still needs to gather more evidence.

"We have no proof of his actions, if in fact he's involved at all," Kautz said, "but there is an individual in video footage who appears consistent with a known individual we are looking at."

Kautz acknowledges these four pictures are low quality, but it's all he has to work with. They are still photos shot of a video monitor screen.

Sometimes people can recall things that seem unimportant to them, but would be important to the case.

"Any of these people might remember this or that or they can say 'I saw a guy,' " Kautz said. "You never know. This is a fishing trip as we call it in the business. Sometimes people know stuff they don't know is important. Sometimes all they need is a little prodding to know what they know."

The retail store in Batavia Towne Center has been closed for months and officials say it will be a long time yet before it reopens.

Investigator Kautz can be reached by calling the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000. He's hoping people who recognize themselves will call him, or perhaps a friend, neighbor or relative might recognize somebody and provide Kautz with the identity.

A German shephard allegedly bit an 11-month-old child in the face in the 6900 block of West Bergen Road. The dog is said to be on the porch and calm at this time and the resident has been told to secure the animal inside. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding along with Sheriff's deputies.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: The baby is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m. (by Howard): According to State Police, the dog belonged to a family member who was visiting from out of state. The family was gathered in a room with the baby crawling around. The baby "made a beeline for the dog" and the dog, described as "elderly" and "14 years old," just reacted and nipped the child. The child was transported to Strong where the child received some stitches and was released. No charges are anticipated.

After a 30-year career representing people in Genesee County who don't have the ability to provide their own legal defense, Gary Horton is changing jobs.

He's leaving the Public Defender's Office and taking a position that will help public defenders provide better representation to veterans.

Though not a veteran himself, he's long been involved in the local veterans community, so it's no surprise Horton will work for the New York State Defenders Association, a private, nonprofit group. He will be developing and directing a program that will provide training and best practices for the defense of veterans who have been arrested.

Last night, friends and colleagues gathered at Center Street for a retirement party for Horton.

In 30 years with the office, he was the public defender for the past 20.

"I was very lucky that not only did I have a job I enjoyed and was challenging, I truly believe I had a career doing what I was meant to do," Horton said. "I was meant to be a public defender. I've always enjoyed it. I've always enjoyed working with clients. I've had terrific attorneys work with me. It was a pleasure."

The Batavia native will be able to stay in his hometown in his new job.

Asked why the public defender's job is an important one, Horton said, "often times our clients are poor. They don't have the resources or wherewithal to present themselves well. They come to us with other problems than their criminal case or family court case that they have to deal with. Often times they stand in the courtroom alone. There's no family there. There's nobody to support them. At the end of the day, win or lose, we're the only ones standing there with them."

Press release:

Since the initiation of the Boil Water Advisory (BWA) one week ago 31 private drinking water wells have been tested, with 15 confirmed to have bacteriological contamination of coliform bacteria and E. coli. Residents who have had their water tested and confirmed positive have been notified at this time.

These organisms can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants and people with compromised immune systems. Residents in this area who are experiencing these symptoms should contact their medical provider.

The Genesee County Health Department continues to assist the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with their investigation to determine the exact origin and extent of the contamination.

Residents near Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road east of Rt 63 and Lewiston Road south of Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road are urged to continue following the instructions below until their water can be confirmed safe to drink.

Instructions: Boil (rolling boil for one minute) tap water or use bottled water for drinking and cooking. If well water quality changes as noticed by color and/or smell, immediately stop using it for all household uses other than flushing toilets.

For additional information about a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) and how to stay safe during one, visit: http://www.readygenesee.com/BoilWaterAdvisory.pdf.

For additional information on coliform bacteria please visit:

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/docs/coliform_bacteria.pdf

A one-vehicle rollover is reported at 9922 Alexander Road. The occupants are out. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:07 a.m.: A responder calls for Mercy medics to respond, non-emergency. Alexander fire is told to stand down.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: This assignment is back in service.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Route 98 north of Federal Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding and are advised that the roads are extremely icy. Law enforcement is on location. No word on injuries.

UPDATE 8 a.m.: Fire command is holding equipment in quarters. Medics are on scene along with state troopers.

UPDATE 8:18 a.m.: The Town of Batavia assignment is back in service.

The initial call came in as a chimney fire, but when East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton first got on scene he could see it was more than just the chimney on fire. Nearly the entire back wall of the barn at 2689 Brown Road, Corfu, was on fire.

He immediately called for a second alarm.

Firefighters were initially hampered by a lack of water, so Newton called on more tankers from neighboring departments.

But even facing these difficulties, the volunteer firefighters were able to save much of the structure and most of the contents, including a 40-foot yacht.

Besides East Pembroke, the departments responding were Corfu, Pembroke, Indian Falls, Town of Batavia, Alexander and Darien.

Mercy EMS also responded.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.

(Initial Report)

This information is provided by Genesee Community College:

The Ninth Annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest happens at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. This fun-filled, educational event aims to increase awareness of important environmental issues while celebrating Earth Day.

It's free and open to the public. The first 250 attendees will receive free tree seedlings to plant. And more than 40 exhibitors will have booths including exotic wildlife, make-it take-it activities, and you get a chance to recycle items you often don't know what to do with.

Some favorite recycling initiatives from years past continue, including the collection of rubber sneakers to be made into running tracks, paperback books sent to American troops overseas and the worn American flags collected for proper disposal.

But just like Mother Earth, the Cool Kids ECO-Fest is ever-changing with new opportunities each year. Planners are excited to be welcoming Habitat for Humanity's call for non-fabric, wood or metal furniture including desks, bookcases, tables and dressers. In addition, old bicycles and reusable bike parts are being collected by Trailside Bikes of Orleans County.

For the first time, Cool Kids ECO-Fest at GCC will not be accepting any electronic waste (E-waste) such as computer CRTs, televisions, stereo equipment or microwave ovens.

Also new this year will be the Seeds of Change -- The Earth Charter and Human Potential Exhibit created by the Soka Gakkai International and The Earth Charter Initiative. The multi-panel display is seven feet tall, and with dynamic images and compelling messages viewers learn about community empowerment, water harvesting, the Green Belt and The Paulo Freire Institute and much more.

After ECO-Fest, GO ART! will screen the environmental film "Comfort Zone" in the Conable Technology Building.

Each recycled item from the list below earns a Cool Kids ECO-Raffle ticket increasing the chances to win great, green prizes including the grand prize of a brand-new bicycle from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

Recyclables being accepted are:

•    Non fabric, metal or wood furniture for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore

•    Old bicycles and reusable bike parts collected by Trailside Bike

•    Old rubber sneakers (no cleats, please)

•    Paperback books for American troops overseas

•    Worn American flags for proper disposal by Shepard, Maxwell and Hale

•    Old eyeglasses

•    Computer ink cartridges

"The small things we do as individuals have a big impact on our planet. That's the theme of Cool Kids ECO-Fest every year. Each one of us makes a difference," said Cool Kids' Steve Appleton. "The items people have brought to Cool Kids ECO-fest over the years have kept thousands of pounds of waste out of landfills. Let's keep it going. ... We can celebrate Earth Day every day as individuals, but on April 12th we come together and become Green Gangsters!"

To expand the festival to a broader audience, GCC is partnering with Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) to show the film "Comfort Zone." Essentially it asks, "How big is your carbon footprint?" This critical question is addressed by three Upstate New York filmmakers who explored the impact of climate change from a personal perspective. "Comfort Zone" takes an in-depth look at what happens when the issue comes to our backyards.

The screening is set for 3 p.m. in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building. Following the film, one of the filmmakers will be on hand to answer questions. The event is a fundraiser for GO ART! and costs $10 for GO ART! members, $15 for non-members, and Cool Kids ECO-Fest volunteers can attend free with seat availability. For more information about the film, please visit http://comfortzoneproject.com.

Cool Kids ECO-Fest is co-sponsored by GCC's Student Activities Office, College Village, and Brockport-based Generation Cool.

There is reported smoke coming from the barn at 2689 Brown Road, Corfu.

East Pembroke fire and one engine from Corfu dispatched.

Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 12:49 a.m.: A responding chief warns of slick roads in route to the scene. More manpower requested to East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 12:51 a.m.: Working chimney fire in the barn. Heavy smoke showing. East Pembroke chief requests a second alarm.

UPDATE 12:58 a.m.: Pembroke dispatched to the scene. Town of Batavia to stand by in East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 1:04 a.m.: Town of Batavia tanker requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:08 a.m.: Indian Falls is responding.

UPDATE 1:15 a.m.: Firefighters are having water supply issues. More tankers requested to the scene. Another pumper requested from Pembroke to set up a hydrant draw site. Fire now breaking through one of the walls.

UPDATE(S) by Billie 1:24 a.m.: The fire has broken through another side of the barn.

UPDATES 1:43 a.m.: Heavy smoke and flames are coming out of the east side of the barn. Alabama is requested to have an engine fill in at East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 1:52 a.m.: Initially, the property owner did try to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, but realized the effort was futile and he got out of the barn safely.

UPDATE 2:12 a.m.: A lot of white smoke is still coming from the back of the barn, but no flames are showing at this point.

UPDATE 3:02 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene to cut power to the barn and to find out why there's no power at the house. It's unclear if power is out at other properties in the immediate vicinity.

UPDATE 3:10 a.m. (by Howard): Fire is out.

A rollover accident is reported in the area of 7714 Lewiston Road, Town of Batavia, and dispatchers believe there is one injury.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:51 p.m.: A responding chief warns responding units to proceed with caution. The roads are very icy, he said.

UPDATE 10:54 p.m.: The assignment is being held to Engine 23 and Engine 24.

UPDATE 11:22 p.m.: Town of Batavia back in service.