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One person critically injured in rollover accident on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident on the Thruway at 2:48 p.m., yesterday, sent all five people in the GMC Jimmy to Erie County hospitals, two by Mercy Flight, with one person still listed in critical condition at ECMC.

The SUV was driven by Lorriann Mingle, 44, of Depew. Mingle apparently swerved to avoid an unidentified car coming into her lane of travel. When she tried to move back into her lane, she over corrected, according to State Police, and when her tires hit the soft shoulder, the car flipped over.

Her front seat passenger, Dawn Hess, 40, of Palmyra, suffered a head injury, broken ribs and a broken arm.

Hess is listed in critical condition.

Mingle suffered cuts and abrasions and was treated and released at ECMC.

The Thruway was closed in both directions for 30 minutes while Mingle and Hess were picked up by Mercy Flight.

Three children in the back seat were transported to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo for evaluation of minor injuries. Their names were not released.

All five people were wearing their seat belts properly, according to State Police.

The driver of the other vehicle has not been identified and no charges are pending.

(initial report)

Water incident at Austin Park

By Howard B. Owens

City Police are being dispatched to Austin Park.

The trouble: "Kids are throwing water at each other."

In the words of the dispatcher, "apparently, the parents don't like that."

Police Beat: Rochester man accused of stealing from Target and Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

Kristopher David Cadieux, 32, of Strathallen Park, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and aggravated unlicensed operation. Cadieux allegedly stole two video cameras from Target on Monday. On Tuesday, he reportedly returned to the store and was spotted by Target security. As he left the store, the Sheriff's Office was contacted. He was later spotted at Walmart. He then reportedly drove to the Lowe's parking lot, where he was stopped and identified. During the stop, Deputy John Baiocco reportedly found four stolen video games in Cadieux's car.

Jordon J.J. Herthum, 20, of 7109 Chili-Riga Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to keep right. Herthum was stopped at 3:37 a.m. on Lake Street in Le Roy by Sgt. Michael Hare.

A 17-year-old resident of North Lyons, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing money from Darien Lake Theme Park while an employee.

Michael Aaron Witkop, 18, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of fireworks, possession of alcohol under 21 and inadequate vehicle exhaust mechanism. Witkop was stopped at 1:54 a.m. by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Law Street, Batavia for an alleged traffic violation. He was allegedly found in possession of fireworks and alcohol.

Today's Deals: Herbly Wonderful, South Main Country Gifts, Enchanted Florist and more

By Howard B. Owens

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Unique specialties for your home and garden, from floral arrangements, to heirloom vegetables, herbs, teas and spices. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. A great Valentine's gift!

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Give yourself the gift of flowers, or give to a friend. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out. We have $10 gift certificates for $5 each.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Annual book sale begins at the Masonic Temple, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Janet and June Lee had things just about ready by late this afternoon for the annual Order of the Eastern Star book sale at the Masonic Temple, 200 E. Main St., Batavia.

The sale opens Thursday at 9 a.m., rain or shine, and runs through noon, Saturday.

Proceeds benefit the VA Nursing Home and other charities.

Book donations are still welcome, but the Lee sisters request no professional or college books, National Geographics or encyclopedias.

Available are a wide variety of books, both paperback and hardback, from all types of fiction to books on cooking, crafts, sports and politics.

Photos: Hot time, summer in the city

By Howard B. Owens

After taking care of my advertising-related tasks today, I decided to drive around the city (and only the city, for the whole "Summer in the City" theme) and get pictures of people dealing with the heat, or enduring the heat (such as guys still forced to work even though between the heat and humidity, the climate was ungodly).

I started at Dewitt Park on Ceder Street where I spotted this boy wading in the water, apparently hunting for crawfish.

Below is Eva Bohn, who took a book to one of the pavilions at Dewitt. She said sunny days are too precious to waste, so she tries not to spend them indoors. She found a shady spot with a little breeze and whiled away the time with a thick book.

Of course, no photo essay about summer in the city would be complete without a visit to the spray park in Austin Park -- there's one picture of it below, and then more after the jump.

Bikes on the dock at Dewitt -- I have no idea where the riders went.

Tackle box, a rod and reel at DeWitt.

Zack (left) and Nick Merlotta were at Dewitt today fishing in a nice shady spot. Zack, who was quite interested in having his picture taken by The Batavian, said his brother caught a pike and a bass yesterday.

Jerry Douglas and Russ Morey, both from Rochester, endured the heat as they installed pipes for electrical lines as part of the UMMC expansion.

Three construction workers at UMMC leaving work. They were very focused on leaving and didn't seem to want to be bothered with me getting their names.

Boys relaxing in a shady tree at Austin Park.

A woman with a bright red headband at Austin Park.

As I took a picture of the woman with the bright red headband, this boy, thinking I was taking pictures of him, started in with boxer poses, so, I took a picture of him, too.

As I drove down Liberty Street, I spotted Paul Berardini eating watermelon on a porch, so I stopped. It turns out he was at his cousin's house, who was hosting a BBQ for some Batavia Muckdogs players (who had the day off). Above are Mike O'Neill and Matt Valaika.

Pauly with Muckdogs centerfielder Nick Longmire.

Mike Storh, of Depew, was among the work crew installing a new sidewalk on Liberty Street this afternoon.

Charles Vaccaro, of Williamsville, takes a break during the sidewalk installation on Liberty Street.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski was on Union Street this afternoon collecting signatures on a nominating petition. He didn't say who for.

It wasn't rain, sleet or snow, but postman Jason Warren was out on Bank Street proving that no matter what the weather, the postal service is getting the mail out.

Geoff Redick only had to report how hot it was, otherwise, he enjoyed the air-conditioned confines of the WBTA studio.

Main St. Pizza Company was packed as early as 4:30 p.m., and the kitchen was sweltering. Owner Vic Marchese said the area of the ovens, friers and woodpit BBQ can get up to 120 degrees on a day like today.

Hot wings on a hot day: One of Vic's cooks flips an order of hot wings on the BBQ grill in his kitchen.

Injury accident reported on Tonawanda Reservation

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle accident has been reported at Griffin and Bloomingdale roads, on the Tonawanda Reservation.

There is an injury.

Alabama Fire is responding along with Mercy EMS.

Police Beat: Driving while impaired charged against woman with children in car

By Howard B. Owens

Cassandra D. Griffin, 37, of Liverpool, is charged with driving while impaired by alcohol, endangering the welfare of a child, and driving with driver's view obstructed. Griffin was stopped by Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 11:13 p.m., Tuesday, on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu. Griffin allegedly had her three daughters with her, all under 17 years old.

Kyle Roger Esten, 25, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Esten is accused of making harassing phone calls to his ex-girlfriend.

Tama Lee Reiss, 46, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, unsafe backing, refusal to take pre-screen test, failure to keep right. Deputy Patrick Reeves responded to a report of an erratic operator on Route 33 in Pembroke at 8:05 p.m., Tuesday. When Reeves reportedly tried stopping Reiss's car, she eventually pulled over and then attempted to back up, causing both lanes of traffic to stop in order to avoid a collision.

Cody A. Bush, 24, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Bush is accused of pushing and striking another person during an argument at a residence on East Main Street Road, Town of Batavia.

Town of Batavia Fire Harley raffle under way

By Howard B. Owens

The Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department is holding its annual Harley raffle.

Tickets are available at the Fire Hall on Lewiston Road and Stan's Harley Davidson. Only tickets 2,700 will be sold. Tickets are $20 each. The drawing is July 24.

Tickets can also be purchased by mail: Town of Batavia Fire Department, C/O Raffle Chairman, P.O. Box 417, Batavia, 14021-0417.

Pictured with the Harley is Bill Leonart, who was at the Fire Hall today selling tickets.

Police Beat: Trooper nabs suspected drug dealer in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Michael J. Wilkins, 28, of Nunda, is charged with manufacturing/possession/selling of a prescription controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and unlawful possession of marijuana. Matthew A. Moir, 19, of Portageville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wilkins and Moir were arrested by State Police on Route 20 in Alexander at 11:30 p.m., Friday. No further details were released.

Vamaca Noe Velazquez, 22, of Hundred Mark Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unregistered motor vehicle, switched license plates and operating without insurance. Velazquez was stopped at 1:02 a.m., Monday, on Hundredmark Road, Elba, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Velazquez was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Assante Darrell Huggins, 18, of Brunswick Road, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Huggins is accused of stealing $416 while employed at Darien Lake. The alleged thefts occurred between June 6-26.

Matthew R. Norstrand, 25, of Vroom Road, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlicensed operation. Norstrand was stopped at 8 p.m., Friday, on North Street Road, Le Roy, by Matt Butler. Norstrand was allegedly driving on a suspended license. During the traffic stop, a marijuana pipe was allegedly found in his car. Norstrand was jailed on $500 bail.

Samuel F. Richardson, 45, of 231 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unsafe backing. Richardson was reportedly involved in a minor traffic accident at 4:15 p.m., Monday, at the Wilson Farms store on West Main Street.

Cindy S. Dudek, 51, of Darien, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dudek was arrested by State Police at 9:45 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Jayson L. Bryant, 26, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt/disobeying a court order. Bryant was arrested in Oakfield at 1:45 p.m., Sunday, by State Police. No further details were released.

Cheryl A. Vagg, 53, of Warsaw, is charged with driving under the influence of drugs, 2nd offense in 10 years. Vagg was arrested at 5:22 p.m., Friday, by State Police on Ledge Road, Alabama. Vagg was jailed on cash bail. No further details were released.

Mercy Flight responds to medical emergency at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Mercy Flight picked up a patient at the Batavia Downs parking lot around 9 a.m.

According to a witness, a man apparently fainted and fell off a truck at the Farmers' Market.

No further information is available.

Weather: Temperatures in the 90s today, tomorrow and Thursday

By Howard B. Owens

It's going to be hot for the next few days, with highs in the 90s, humidity in the 50s and very little wind.

The National Weather Service is recommending that people avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

Ozone levels could pose a problem for people with respiratory problems (when ozone - naturally occurring in the upper atmosphere --  increases on the surface of the earth, there's less oxygen to breathe).

Temperatures are not expected to drop into the mid 80s until Friday, when a possible thunderstorm will hit the area.

Muckdogs pick up win on the road, 9-6

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew Moss, perfect in his last outing, wasn't quite as perfect Monday night, but good enough to notch his third win of the season.

The Batavia Muckdogs beat Tri-Cities 9-6 behind the hitting of catcher Audris Perez, a  third-year pro out of the Dominican Republic. Perez had three hits, driving in four base runners.

Second baseman Colin Walsh had the team's only other multi-hit game with two singles. Walsh, a first-year pro from San Diego and a product of Stanford, recently joined the team from Johnson City.

For the second time of the season, Nick Longmire homered in the lead off spot. It was his fourth homer of the season.

Moss went 5 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs on three hits, but he also walked five batters.

Jose Rada fanned two hitters in the ninth to pick up his fourth save.

The Muckdogs are in Tri-Cities again tonight, have Wednesday off and start a three-game home stand Thursday against Connecticut.

Weather: Heat, humidity and poor air quality

By Howard B. Owens

The Weather Channel has issued an extreme heat alert for Genesee County, and the National Weather Service is warning of diminished air quality.

While the reported high temperature is 92 degrees, the heat index is 96. Humidity is 55 percent.

An air quality alert is in effect until 10 p.m.

The AQI (air quality index) exceeds 100 today, according to the weather service.

The higher the AQI the greater the health concern.

From the alert:

WHEN POLLUTION LEVELS ARE ELEVATED... THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS THAT INDIVIDUALS CONSIDER LIMITING STRENUOUS OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS. PEOPLE WHO MAY BE ESPECIALLY SENSITIVE TO THE EFFECTS OF ELEVATED LEVELS OF POLLUTANTS INCLUDE THE VERY YOUNG, AND THOSE WITH PRE-EXISTING RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS SUCH AS ASTHMA OR HEART DISEASE. THOSE WITH SYMPTOMS SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING THEIR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN.

Police Beat: Second arrest made in alleged credit card theft

By Howard B. Owens

Melissa C. Kent, 18, of 131 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. Kent is accused of being with Kyle Monroe when he made purchases at a local store using an allegedly stolen credit card. Monroe is accused of stealing a credit card from a car on Gateway Drive on June 14.

Juanita Jackson, 53, of 214 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. While investigating a report of two children fighting, Officer Kevin DeFelice found that a 9-year-old had allegedly been left to care for a 3-year-old. The 3-year-old was reportedly left alone in the house. Jackson was located and arrested.

Annette C. Eleczko, 50, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to dim headlights. Eleczko was stopped at 11:20 p.m., Saturday, on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Lisa Marie Elmore, 45, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to dim headlights. Elmore was stopped at 2:37 a.m., Sunday, on Route 33, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jamie Lynn Haseley, 25, of 30th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Haseley was stopped at 11:06 p.m. on Harlow Road, Darien, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Cheryl Adele Vagg, 53, of Warsaw, is charged with promoting prison contraband and unlawful possession of marijuana. Vagg was arrested at 3 a.m., Sunday. She was allegedly found to have marijuana in her purse while in Genesee County Jail.

Abram W. Harrison, 21, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs. Harrison was stopped at 9:57 p.m., Friday, in the Walmart parking lot by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Jarrett Tyler Pietrowski, 21, of Broadway Road, Lancaster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, criminal possession of a controlled substance, improper right turn, failure to keep right. Pietrowski was stopped at 1:40 a.m., Saturday, on Route 20 in Darien by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Tashara Moore, 28, of Andrews Avenue, Cheektowaga, is charged with petit larceny.  Moore and James Alfred Hicks, 40, of Andrews Avenue, Cheektowaga, were detained by loss prevention officers at Kmart, where they were accused of trying to steal more than $450 in merchandise.

Adam James Robertson, 23, of Pennels Drive, Rochester, is charged with assault, 3rd. Robertson is accused of breaking the arm of another person while attending the Dave Matthews concert at Darien Lake on June 2.

Justin Mathew Forrester, 29, of Evergreen Circle, Fairport, was arrested in Monroe County on a family court warrant and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Robert J. VanPelt, 33, of Council House Road, Alabama, is charged with vehicular assault, 1st, DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. VanPelt's arrest stems from an investigation into a motor vehicle accident May 2 at 7605 Sandhill Road.

Gas line broken, fuel spill on Clinton Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A gas line is broken at the gas station at 16 Clinton St., Batavia.

Fuel is spilling.

City Fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:44 p.m: There's about 30 gallons of gas on the ground. The line has been shut off.

Four arrests and eight citations at Darien Lake's Lynyrd Skynyrd concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests and citations were made in conjunction with the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert July 3 at Darian Lake.

William H. Chapple, 42, of Pine Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, tampering with physical evidence and unlawful possession of marijuana. Chapple is accused of allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana and attempting to destroy it. While being processed he was reportedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

Lawrence P. Taylor, 37, of Main Street, Depew, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly throwing a cup containing alcohol onto another patron.

Dennis M. Moquin, 38, of Buffalo Street, Silver Creek, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another person in the parking lot after the concert.

Eric J. Ronchi, 18, of Bay Road, Webster, is charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing hot dogs and firewood from the General Store at Darien Lake.

The following citations were issued for alleged underage drinking:

David E. Bucholz, 18, of Briggs Avenue, Buffalo
Mario V. Tremblay, 19, of Wickman Road, Cattaraugus
Cody E. Sawyer, 19, of Mosher Highway Road, Cattaraugus
Chantelle L. Niemer, 18, of Greenleaf Lane, Cheektowaga
Chelsie L. Suttell, 19, of Penwood Drive, Cheektowaga
Marissa M. Floyd, 18, of Carol Drive, Cheektowaga
Nathan W. Studley, 18, of South Main Street, Cattaraugus
Kyle A. Wittrock, 19, of Stateland Road, Cattaraugus

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