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Police Beat: Man accused of drinking slushy without paying for it

By Howard B. Owens

Adrian Michael Alexander, 29, of Meadow Drive, Geneseo, is charged with petit larceny. Alexander is accused of consuming a slushy at 8204 Park Road in Batavia and not paying for it.

Christine Leigh Thomas, 21, of W. Park Street, Albion, was picked up on a bench warrant. Thomas was arrested by Albion Police and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Thomas was jailed without bail. No information was released on the reason for the warrant.

Driver accused of not stopping for red light, causing accident

By Howard B. Owens

A car that reportedly failed to stop for a stoplight allegedly caused an accident yesterday on Clinton Street Road that sent one person to the hospital.

Suffering non-life threatening injuries was a passenger in one of the cars, Kathleen L. Alianell, 81, address unknown.

No other injuries were reported.

Cited was Richard J. Satkowski, 75, of Blair Road in Medina.

The driver of the other car was Robert W. Frye, 59, of Lucinda Avenue, Rochester.

Satkowski was reportedly driving southbound on Batavia-Stafford Townline Road. Fry was driving west on Route 33. Satkowski reportedly failed to stop for the red light.

The accident was reported at 1:23 p.m.

(initial report)

Photo: Giant storm puddle on Tracy Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Stevens, left, runs through a giant rain puddle on Tracy Avenue, with his dog, some neighbor dogs and a neighbor's boy.

The flooded street is now reportedly drained.

Below, a reader submitted the photo showing the flood waters outside Aldi's on East Main Street.

Photo: Old school news delivery device spotted

By Howard B. Owens

Dig the '80s style lettering on this old truck.

When I was poking around on Cedar Street this morning looking for some reported law enforcement effort going on, and finding nothing, I noticed Wade Avenue. I've never been down Wade Avenue before, so I drove to the end of the short street.

And the end was parked this old school delivery device for news, apparently put out to pasture. Shouldn't it be in a museum?

Today's Deals: Delavan's, Clor's, Sallome's, T.F. Brown's, Alex's, Center Street

By Howard B. Owens

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

SOLD OUT

Multiple raids this morning on suspected meth distribution ring

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff Gary Maha arrived at 3658 Townline Road a short time ago where, within the hour, law enforcement had arrived on scene and conducted a raid.

Maha also confirmed there had been a raid earlier on Cedar Street in Batavia. He said there were "three or four" locations raided this morning. He said it's related to an investigation into methamphetamine distribution. When asked where the meth was being manufactured he said he couldn't say.

The Sheriff's Office, State Police and an Orleans County K-9 unit are on scene.

Maha said his office would release a statement later this afternoon.

Photos: 6th Annual Taste of Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Tonight was the 6th Annual "Taste of Stafford," which brought together Stafford's finest food and an event to honor the community's veterans (gathered above for a group picture).

Local businesses and community groups participated -- all to raise money to maintain the Stafford museum.

More pictures after the jump:

Mistler's new South Beach poised for a grand opening

By Howard B. Owens

When I stopped into South Beach, 59 E. Main St., Batavia, this afternoon to see what was up with the re-opening plans, the first thing Ken Mistler did was give me a cup of ice water.

Man, was it good. And not just because it was 96 degrees outside.

Mistler has a whole new filtration system that all the water -- for cooking, ice and table service -- goes through. It's as pure and clear as a pristine mountain stream.

And it's also evidence of the first-rate job Mistler has done in putting together the new South Beach. He's not calling it "Ken Mistler's South Beach," but that's how we might start thinking about it. It's both that different and yet still South Beach.

Inside are the same bamboo and beachy themes, but Mistler has also made a lot of changes, from adding a side-door entrance and doing away with the Main Street entrance, to enclosing the kitchen. The latter change helps keep heat in the kitchen instead of the dining room. He's also added new, larger, more private booths.

There's also more seating overall and a bigger bar.

And Mistler isn't done. He's got expansion plans for downstairs once the main restaurant is running smoothly.

The new South Beach officially opens Tuesday.

As for the food, Mistler said it will be "South Beach with a flair." There will be steaks and seafood and pineapple dishes, but one unique feature is that diners will have the option of ordering -- and paying less -- for smaller portions.

"We thought, when we go out to eat the plates are just too big, too much food on the plate, and you feel obligated to eat it," Mistler said. "We’ll do away with that by offering the same dish, but a smaller portion at a lower price."

The 25 highest paid public employees in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Using data from See Through New York, here's a list of the 25 highest paid public employees in Genesee County in 2009 (the most recent year with complete data available).

  • Edward Orman: $236,708, Superintendent, Pavilion Central Schools
  • Gary Mix: $211,413, Superintendent Pembroke Central Schools
  • Steve Hyde: $199,259, President and CEO, GCEDC
  • Gregory Geer: $149,605, Superintendent, Byron-Bergen Central School District
  • Martin Basinait: $137,850, Director, Western Off-Track Betting
  • Cindy Herzog: $132,708, Superintendent, Le Roy Central School District
  • Margaret Puzio: $127,000, Superintendent, Batavia City Schools
  • Christopher Todd: $123,600, Superintendent, Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools
  • Michael Crowley: $121,242, CFO, BOCES
  • Lawrence Friedman: $118,187, District Attorney, Genesee County
  • Pamela Buresch: $117,862, Administrator of Student Assessment, Batavia City Schools
  • Kathleen Maerten: $115,200, Superintendent, Alexander Central Schools
  • Stephen Mahoney: $112,077, Human Resources, BOCES
  • Kevin Hamilton: $110,430 Vice President for Finance and Operations, Genesee Community College
  • Michael Glover: $109,301, Superintendent, BOCES
  • Gregory MacAluso: $109,301 Asst. Superintendent, BOCES
  • Sheila Eigenbrod: $109,275, Middle & High School Principal, Pavilion Central Schools
  • Joan Cole: $108,250 Superintendent, Elba Central Schools
  • William Lang: $107,201, Asst. Superintendent, Pembroke Central Schools
  • Sandra Griffin: $105,935, Middle School Principal, Batavia City School
  • Trisha Finnigan: $105,924, Director of Special Education, Batavia City School
  • Brian Moran: $105,454, Athletic Director, Le Roy Central School District
  • Keith Palmer: $105,065, Principal, Pembroke Central Schools
  • Ted Hale: $104,700, Director of Instructional Programs, BOCES
  • Craig Williams: $104,581, Fire Captain, City of Batavia 

UPDATE: In comments, Jeff Allen correctly points out that we left out judicial salaries.  The bottom three on the list above would have been pushed off by the following three judges:

  • Robert Noonan, $139,479, Fourth Judicial Department, County Court Judge
  • Eric Adams, $123,240, Fourth Judicial Department, Family Court Judge
  • Robert Balbick, $115,540, Fourth Judicial Department, City Court Judge

Minor injury accident at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road

By Howard B. Owens

An injury accident is blocking the intersection of Clinton Street Road and Seven Springs Road, Batavia.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS are dispatched.

Minor injuries are reported.

A pickup truck has lost a wheel and rear axle and needs to be towed from the intersection.


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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.

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