Molasses Hill Bulk Foods on Ellicott Street, Batavia, is closed after the store was seized by an agent of NYS Taxation and Finance this morning.
Neal Harder, husband of owner Shannon Harder, said he and his wife are trying to negotiate with Taxation and Finance to be able to reopen today with an agreement to pay taxes owed by July 15.
He said he felt the sudden closure was the result of a disagreement between his wife and the agent.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently lamented the loss of 174 jobs through the announced closure of the Bernz-O-Matic manufacturing plant in Medina. Worthington Industries, owners of Bernz-O-Matic, indicated that local employees would have the opportunity to transfer to the company’s plant in Wisconsin, which served as little consolation for proud local residents, Hawley noted. The assemblyman has reached out to Worthington Industries Chairman and CEO John McConnell to discuss the best ways to mitigate the economic damage in Medina.
“The news of Bernz-O-Matic’s closure is heartbreaking for the people employed at the plant, their families and all of us across Orleans County,” Hawley said. “Our immediate priority must be to help those affected find new work here in our community as quickly as humanly possible. I offer my deepest regrets to all of Bernz-O-Matic’s employees and pledge my full support in working through this difficult time.”
Coming on the heels of Chase Bank’s call center closure, Hawley lamented the job-killing policies forced on Western New York by out-of-touch lawmakers at the Capitol.
“How many more local jobs must be lost; how many more local families have to suffer before the Capitol lawmakers see the destruction that New York’s anti-business climate causes?” Hawley asked. “Runaway taxes, overregulation and regressive policies have run countless job creators out of our community, yet legislative leaders continue to repeat the mistakes of old that have left our hardworking families out in the cold. It’s time to open our eyes and change our courses before Western New York’s families are forced to watch another company take their jobs across state lines.”
One of four men caught in the act by Sheriff's deputies using a logging truck to steal scrap metal in 2009 in Corfu was sentenced in Federal Court yesterday.
Anthony Toscano, 48, who at the time of his arrested listed his address as 918 S. Goodman St., Rochester, will serve 18 months in federal prison for his part in the heist and pay $4,669.26 in restitution.
Toscano was convicted following a two-week jury trial of conspiracy to steal an interstate shipment and theft of an interstate shipment in September 2012.
Also convicted were Richard E. Riedman, 39, 542 Klem Road, Webster, Anthony J. Russell, 39, of 75 Snug Harbor Court, Rochester, and Timothy M. Stone, 23, 3735 Chili Ave., Rochester.
Riedman, Russell and Stone have not been sentenced.
Also arrested that night and convicted separately was Christopher H. Monfort, 41, of 113 Pine St., East Rochester.
All five men were observed by Sheriff's deputies using a logging truck to take processed and bailed scrap metal that was scheduled for shipment to a steel mill in Pennsylvania from Ed Arnold Scrap Processors. The deputies followed the truck into Batavia and stopped it in a well-lit area.
Riedman and Stone were indicted in April 2011 on federal racketeering charges for their part in an alleged plot to help 62-year-old James Henry McAuley Jr. (aka "Mitch"), an alleged Hell's Angel vice president, avoid apprehension for an alleged assault on a person viewed as a threat to the motorcycle club.
We have no information at this time on the status of that case.
Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2880 Transit Road, West Seneca, is charged with disobeying mandate. Stankwick was arrested following a complaint of a woman refusing to leave an apartment on State Street, Batavia.
Glenn H. Wright Jr., 43, of 118 Prospect St., Warsaw, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault, 3rd. Wright was arrested by Warsaw PD on an arrest warrant out of City Court.
Douglas Scott Sprague, 46, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with a felony count of criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Sprague was arrested on a warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court.
Timothy Huurman, 23, of Genesee Park Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (69 in a 55 mph zone), and refusal to submit to breath test. Huurman was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander, by Sgt. Ron Meides.
David Michael Snyder, 27, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Snyder is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Also arrested was Destany Ann Marie McNutt, 24, of East Main Street Road, Stafford.
Michael J. Anderson, 24, of Keady Road, Lodi, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Anderson is accused of threatening to shoot another person during a phone conversation, which allegedly violated a court order.
Timothy W. Churchill, 45, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and DWI with a child in the car, and Joanne M. Riggi, 43, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. A vehicle allegedly driven by Churchill was stopped by State Police at 5:18 p.m. Friday on South Street Road, Le Roy. No further details released.
Thomas M. Szarleta, 49, of Springville, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and improper passing on the right. Szarleta was stopped at 6:04 p.m. Sunday on Sumner Road at Route 77, by a state trooper.
Conor W. Wellott, 25, of North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI. Wellott was stopped at 12:10 a.m. Monday at Route 77 and Route 20 by a state trooper.
The Le Roy Community Pool was the place to be today with humidity high and temperatures well into the 80s. Dozens and dozens of residents made use of the pool, including above, Micheal Iten and 6-year-old son, Elijah, who was learning to jump into the water. Playing with Michael and Elijah is family friend Erin Overacker.
Steve Carr, a popular local businessman who managed the C.L. Carr store in its final years, passed away Friday after suffering a heart attack while swimming at Stafford Country Club.
Carr was 66.
Funeral arrangements are pending, but will be handled by H.E. Turner.
His death comes as a shock to many people who remember him as a warm and fun person.
Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian remembers that Carr helped her get reestablished in Batavia after she returned to her native city 40 years ago.
"He was a generous person," Christian said.
Peter Mumford, Carr's cousin, said they were both born in 1947 and grew up together and remained close.
"He was always trying to help people out," Mumford said. "I always considered him a bon vivant. He liked to travel. He liked people a lot. He liked music, especially blues."
Carr was the grandson of C.L. Carr who opened a retail store in Batavia in 1917. That store would become one of the mainstays in the city until about 2001, but changes in the local market made it difficult for the family to keep the large department store open.
Carr was the majority shareholder, but members of the Carr, Minor and Mumford families also held shares, Mumford said.
A member of Rotary, Carr remained active in the community after the store closed.
The Village of Corfu Trustees meet again tonight at 6:30 and sources say there will be much discussion of issues that have come up in the past few days related to Mayor Ralph Peterson.
Peterson's actions continue to draw criticism from fellow trustees and residents.
Items expected to be discussed tonight, according to sources:
Trustee Ken Lauer shared this e-mail he received from Peterson:
I had a conversation with the Camden Owner today. He informed (me that) you said I approved Al Graham to be on Village Property. I did no such thing! That was an outright lie! We never discussed this topic.
Maybe my typo was correct!
The last sentence refers to an e-mail Peterson allegedly sent to trustees spelling Lauer's last name as "Liar."
Lauer said he's concerned that Peterson is looking for ways to block a sewer project that could be critical to economic development in the Pembroke area.
Mark Boylan, attorney for the Village of Corfu, is expected to attend the meeting.
The winner of our recently completed Facebook Like contest sponsored by Council Opticians of Batavia is Cara Grosshans.
Cara wins a Coach handbag.
If you would like to get more fans for your business page on Facebook, contact Lisa Ace at (585) 250-4118 to find out more.
Jeremy K. Hogeboom, 38, of South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, speed not reasonable nor prudent, failure to keep right and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hogeboom was stopped at 12:06 a.m. Friday on Phelps Road, Pembroke, by Deputy James Diehl.
Tyler J. Aina, 21, of 13929 Waterport Circle Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving left of pavement marketings and failure to stop at stop sign. Aina was stopped by Officer Darryle Streeter at 1:09 a.m. June 15 on Oak Street.
Derrick R. Kio, 22, of 5471 Hudson Road, Pavilion, is charged with disobeying mandate. Kio is accused of violating an order of protection by calling the protected person.
Keith B. Besaw, 42, of 61 1/2 North Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Besaw was taken into custody by Batavia PD on an arrest warrant issued in City Court.
Brad C. Doward, 23, of 10 Hall St., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Doward was allegedly involved in a domestic incident.
A 17-year-old resident of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of shoplifting $39.72 in merchandise from Walmart.
Debra M. Davis, 53, and Samantha B. Steiner, 22, both of 620 Yacht Club Drive, Machias, are charged with petit larceny. Davis and Steiner were arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported in the Town of Alabama in October. No further details released.
The following people were arrested Sunday by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.
Thomas R. Cartere, 22, Graver Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.
Patrick J. Conte, 22, Cayuga Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.
Michael J. Adornetto, 24, Foxhunt Lane, East Amherst, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance at the concert venue.
Michael P. Kedley, 35, Daytona Avenue, Webster, is charged with disorderly conduct after causing a disturbance as he was being ejected from the concert venue.
Samuel J. Carrigan, 50, Hayes Road, Montour Falls, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance as he left the concert venue.
Sandra C. Bauer, 53, Meadow Drive, Boston, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Nicholas H. Nadrowski, 20, Lakeview Road, Lakeville, is charged with trespass and resisting arrest after reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Nadrowski then allegedly fought with deputies while being arrested.
Brittany D. McGown , 23, Ash Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, was arrested for trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket. McGown was released on $100 pre-arraignment bail.
The following people were issued citations for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21:
Alyssa T. Berkholder, 20, California Road, Orchard Park
Keegan M. Phalen, 20, South Willow Road, East Aurora
Jillian K. Voit, 18, South Woodland Ridge, Elma
Valerie A. Zgoda, 20, Preserve Road, West Seneca
Alexis M. Loffredo, 18, Palecrest Court, West Seneca
Jillian M. Polinski, 19, Valley View Drive, Elma
Nolan A. Ringo, 20, Valley View Drive, Hamburg
Cameron J. Coon, 16, Queens Lane, Hamburg
(Name redacted upon request), 19, Enchanted Forest, South Depew
Rebekah S. Czerniak, 20, Fairview Drive, Alden
Jonathan A. Voss, 17, Bekoda Road, Scottsville
Jonathan K. Cappotelli, 19, West Main Street, Caledonia
Daniel P. Biggins, 19, County Road #11, Rushville
Rachel A. McConnell, 18, South Wind Way, Rochester
Brianna J. Jager, 18, Evergreen Drive, Rochester
Amanda T. Winkler, 20, McKinley Parkway, Blasdell
Alyssa C. Winkler, 18, McKinley Parkway, Blasdell
Ryan A. McGillicuddy, 17, West Pleasant Drive, Eden
Sarah M. Deberardinis, 19, Prospect Street, Angola
(name redacted upon request), 19, Chase View Road, Fairport
(name redacted upon request), 20, Whitney Road, Fairport
Bradley E. Wellenzohn, 18, East Rolling Hills Drive, Orchard Park
Tyler J. Hayden, 18, Ridgewood Road, Buffalo
(Name redacted upon request), 18, Canterbury Trail, Fairport
Courtney J. Simon, 17, Atlantic Avenue, Fairport
Hannah C. Larson, 19, Cable Street, Buffalo
Danielle M. T. Pratts, 18, Fremont Avenue, West Seneca
Carly R. Hatten, 20, North Creek Road, Lakeview
Rebecca M. Bentley, 19, Cassandra Circle, Churchville
Kaila S. Fox, 20, South Prince Street, Depew
There's quite a sight on Lewiston Road, Batavia -- MY T Acres has planted acres and acres and acres of potatoes, which are now in flower.
Rep. Chris Collins told graduating Oakfield-Alabama students Sunday: slow down.
Collins recounted all that might be taken for granted today that didn't exist when today's seniors were born: DVRs, GPS, iPhones, Google, Twitter, text messaging, satellite radio. The pace of life has quickened, but students can navigate the fast pace of 21st Century life if they have core values and take time to weigh their decisions against those values.
"With all of these advances in your lifetime, can you imagine what the next 18 years are going to bring?" Collins said. "Now that I've spent the past several minutes preparing you to think about the speed of life, I'm going to give you some advice that may seem counterintuitive: slow down."
The young men and women of the 2013 graduating class should take time to write a personal vision statement to guide them as they go forward in life, Collins said.
"As everything around us moves faster, or at least it appears to, I think it is all the more important that you take time for what really counts," Collins said.
Graduates should take time, he said, to ask themselves, "What do you stand for?"
"Life is all about choices," Collins said. "What you do, what you say, how you make people feel are all choices."
Collins closed with a quote from Elbert Hubbard, the WNY writer and thinker from the 19th Century.
The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.
Today's graduates should take action, get involved and make a difference, Collins said.
O-A's top 10 graduates: Paige Chatt, Jessica Cherry, Chelsea Cleveland, Jennifer Crossen, Brittany Denton, Kerry Mills, Teresa Natalizia, Alyse Shamp, Katie Spence and Morgan Zakes.
Valedictorian Jennifer Crossen
Salutatorian Brittany Denton
It was another smokin' night of music at Frostridge Campground on Saturday night as the summer concert series Jam at the Ridge saw its second installment.
The headliner tonight was Blackberry Smoke, a band that's been winning fans in the year since the group last visited Le Roy, but for me, the highlight of the night was Blackjack Billy, the second act on the bill.
Blackjack Billy's country rock is fun and infectious, and they're also incredibly nice guys, giving fans all the time they needed for autographs after the show.
The band has one single out, which I was told is being downloaded 5,000 times a day on iTunes. The song is The Booze Cruise. The band played four or five other original tunes in their 90-minute set, mostly pretty much in the same vein -- rockin' country.
The band is based in Nashville and is comprised of Noll Billings, lead vocals, Jeff Coplan, lead guitar, Rob Blackledge, rhythm guitar, Patrick Cornell, bass guitar, and Brad Cummings, drums.
Next up for Frostridge is Molly Hatchet, July 13.
Before the show, fans who purchased VIP passes were able to go back stage and meet members of Blackberry Smoke, get autographs and get a souveniar picture with the band.
Jim Maier, of Brockport, won the drawing for the autographed guitar.
First slide show, Blackjack Billy, second slide show, Blackberry Smoke.
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Batavia's legendary landmark diner the Pok-A-Dot turned 60 today with a few hundred people turning out for the celebration.
Above, owners Joe Marone and Phil Pastore are congratulated by one of the regular customers, James Pero, on the anniversary.
Driving back from Darien Lake's 5K this afternoon, I stopped on Richley Road, Darien, for these two photos.
Stan's Harley Davidson hosted a car and bike show today at its location on West Saile Drive. More than 100 classic cars and show-quality motorcycles were on display throughout the afternoon.
Above, Stafford resident Don McDonald with his 1932 Ford, "Lucky Lady." McDonald bought the car in 1957 for $250, which was not only a lot of money in 1957, but it was a lot of money for a 1932 Ford, which in some cases could be picked up for $50 in those days, McDonald said. Some of his friends teased him then about overpaying for the car, but it's worth substantially more now.
Darrell Mase, of Batavia with his '57 Ford. The continental kit on the back is painted with a tribute to a late friend.
Paul Horton, of Lockport, with a '31 Ford Roadster Pickup that he restored and rebuilt with the help of some friends.
John Peck was serving up hotdogs and hamburgers.
Our DSL service at our house has gone out. We have an appointment for a service call on Monday. I can tether my phone, and I can go up to the office if necessary, but Billie's ability to post anything until it's fixed is limited. Since I won't always be around, this could mean delays with breaking news posts, and even some things that we might normally post not getting posted at all.
More than 8,500 people showed up at Darien Lake Theme Park today for the Color Me Rad 5K Technicolor Run and Walk. The event, which benefits Special Olympics, puts participants through a course filled with "color bombs" -- storms of colored cornstarch.
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