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Railroad ties reportedly on fire in Attica

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander Fire is being dispatched to a report of railroad ties on fire at Genesee Street and Maplewood Road in Attica.

UPDATE: Attica is being dispatched for additional manpower. The first responder reports its only a couple of ties on fire, but in the midst of very steep terrain and will be accessible on foot only.-


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Fire involving chemicals at Flying J

By Howard B. Owens

Hazmat crews are responding to a truck fire at the Flying J on Route 77 at the Thruway in Pembroke.

The chemical involved hasn't been identified yet, but there is some concern about it mixing with water used to put out the fire and going down a storm drain in the parking lot.

The fire has been extinguished. The primary fire was contained the tractor with some extension into the trailer.

UPDATE: Around 3 p.m. Route 77, which was shut down in response to the chemical spill, was reopened.

Today's Deals: Picasso's, South Main, Enchanted Florist, Settler's

By Howard B. Owens

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually).

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: From cozy to contemporary is what you'll find at this well-stocked gift store. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Settler's has a 25-year history in Batavia of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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

Picasso's

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

The Enchanted Florist

SOLD

Settler's

SOLD

Police Beat: State Police make two arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Mark S. Hoadley, 46, of Geneseo, is charged with DWAI. Hoadley was stopped in Pavilion by State Police for allegedly failing to stay in his lane of travel. Hoadley was reportedly found with a BAC of .07 percent. He was issued a ticket for driving with ability impaired by alcohol and failure to stay in designated lane.

Samoni T. Hazle, 23, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Hazle was stopped on Route 33 in Bergen for allegedly straying from his lane of travel. State Police report Hazle registered a BAC of .09 percent. Hazle was also accused of having an open container.

Suspect in car break-ins allegedly caught with stolen bike

By Howard B. Owens

Yesterday, a woman who's bike was apparently stolen overnight saw a man riding her bike on East Avenue and called Batavia police.

When police responded, they reportedly found Nicholas McKague, 18, of 1 Colorado Ave., riding the bike.

According to a Batavia Police Department press release, McKague admitted to stealing the bike from 4 Elm St.. Upon further questioning, he also allegedly admitted to breaking into several unlocked cars and taking items in the area of Union, Oak and Allen streets Monday night/Tuesday morning.

The property taken has not been recovered.

Tuesday morning, several people reported their cars on Redfield, Kingsbury and North Lyon streets were broken into overnight. Bikes were also reported stolen on North Lyons Street.

The investigation is continuing and other suspects have been implicated.

The Batavia Police are asking residents to continue to be vigilant in locking cars and securing bikes and other property in garages or on porches.

Minor injuries reported from two-car accident yesterday on Route 33

By Howard B. Owens

Another car apparently rear ended a car stopped to make a left hand turn from Clinton St. Road onto Stringham Drive in the Town of Batavia yesterday, causing an accident that injured both drivers and shutdown the roadway for a short time.

Frank N. Spiotta, 44, of 8484 Stringham Drive, reportedly stopped to turn when his 2008 Nissan sedan was reportedly struck from behind by a 2007 Cadillac driven by William J. Henry, Jr., 68, of 7 College View Drive, Batavia.

Spiotta was transported to UMMC complaining of back pain.

Henry reportedly had minor bleeding from his neck and was treated at the scene, but not transported to a hospital.

The accident is under investigation by Deputy Chris Parker.

Previously: Traffic accident reported at Clinton Street Road and Stringham Drive, Batavia

Police Beat: DWI arrest in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

Neil R. Ramsey, 43, of 342 South Ave., Medina, is charged with felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ramsey was stopped yesterday at 4:57 p.m. by Deputy Bradley D. Mazur on Route 237 in Byron following a citizen complaint of a possibility intoxicated driver. Upon investigation, Mazur arrested Ramsey for allegedly driving drunk. Ramsey was also issued a ticket for an uninspected vehicle. Following his arrest, Ramsey was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff on an outstanding arrest warrant.

Today's Deals: Center Street, Alex's Place, Adam Miller and The Mane Attraction

By Howard B. Owens

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, N.Y.: 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.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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

Center Street

SOLD

Alex's Place

SOLD

Adam Miller

SOLD

The Mane Attraction

sold

Paper reports extradition paperwork filed, but accused criminal may go free

By Howard B. Owens

William John Riley may be one of the luckiest accused criminals in New York.

Riley, who was arrested in Batavia on May 19, is wanted in Illinois on a home repair fraud case, but because the proper paperwork for his extradition has not reach the Genesee County District Attorney's office, he may soon go free.

If he does, he need never worry about about extradition from New York.

But it isn't like Illinois hasn't tried to bring Riley to justice. The Daily Leader in Pontiac, Ill., reports that the Illinois governor's office there did in fact request extradition from Gov. David Paterson's office.

Livingston County Sheriff’s Police Chief Ken White said this morning that sheriff’s police had received a letter on Aug. 6 from Gov. Pat Quinn’s extradition office saying a letter of request for extradition of Riley had been sent to the governor of New York.

“That was really the last informational update we have received on this case,” said White.

“This morning, we have talked to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and they have informed us that Mr. Riley, in May, posted $2,500 bond on the Livingston County charges and does not have to reappear in court until the extradition hearing.

“Apparently the paperwork is hung up in the New York governor’s office and when it is received in the Genesee County courts Riley’s lawyer will be notified and a hearing date will be set.”

But once 90 days have passed from the time of Riley's initial arraignment -- Riley was arrested on the May 19, but it's not clear yet when he was arraigned, but most likely no later than May 20 or 21, which means 90 days holding time expired today or tomorrow --  he can no loner be held by New York.

Once he's freed, he cannot be detained on the same charges.  So long as Riley remains in New York -- he better like high taxes and cold winters -- he cannot be extradited.

The wrinkle is that Riley is out on bail, so maybe the 90 days doesn't apply.  Judge Robert Noonan is expected to rule on that technicality soon.

Fire Training Mondays: East Pembroke Fire Department, ladders and the original truck

By Howard B. Owens

This is the second in our occasional series on Fire Training Mondays. On Mondays, local fire departments meet and train. It's our goal over the next few months to visit each fire department and show a bit of their training and maybe learn a little more about the department.

This Monday, I was able to make it out to East Pembroke, where I saw the volunteers do an equipment check, learned about their original fire truck, and observed their ladder training on an acquired house.

Previously: Fire Training Mondays: Elba Volunteer Fire Department trains on car fires

'Fajita flare up' sets off fire alarm at Margarita's

By Howard B. Owens

Apparently a fajita skillet at Margarita's got a little hot and set off the fire alarm. 

City fire units were dispatched, but a first responder sounded the "all clear" pretty quickly.

"Dispatch, you can disregard," was the first responder's message. "They had a fajita flare up."

Dispatch: "Copy. Fajita flare up."

If you don't eat much Mexican food and are unfamiliar with "fajita," this from Wikipedia:

In many restaurants, the fajita meat is brought to the table sizzling loudly on a metal platter or skillet, with the tortillas and condiments served on the side.

Additionally, some restaurants keep a flame burning under the skillet.

True fajita is beef skirt steak, but most restaurants also serve chicken and shrimp fajitas.

House fire in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A house fire has been reported in Oakfield.

The initial call reported heavy smoke and sparks in the attic.

I don't have the address at this time.  A reader says it's: 10 Irving Parkway.

The fire is reported under control.

City firefighter use hot day to train for water rescues

By Howard B. Owens

With Monday's hot weather, city of Batavia Firefighters took to the water yesterday, according to a press release from the firefighters' union.

Firefighters conducted training at DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street, where they deployed a 16-foot aluminum boat with a 6 hp engine and also rolled out Engine 12, which comes equipped with Coast Guard-approved life vests, rescue ring and several hundred feet of rope.

There are 58 acres of water (ponds and lakes) within the city's first-response area, and 2.75 miles of Tonawanda Creek, plus numerous pools.

"The rapid deployment craft is the most versatile piece of water rescue equipment in service with the City of Batavia," wrote Robert Fix II. "It is quickly inflated and can be used in many situations including open water (DeWitt Recreation Area),  swift water (Tonawanda Creek)  and ice rescues. It is particularly well suited for rescues at low head dams like the one located behind the county courthouse."

Late Closers return to Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Three divisions of New York bred 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters, with purse money of $12,700 each, highlight the 12-race Wednesday evening (August 19) Batavia Downs Casino program. The action gets underway at 7:05 p.m.

Race two kicks off the Late Closing action. Aruba Vacation, by Dream Vacation, starts out at 5-2 on the morning line for trainer/driver Dan Daley. Aruba Vacation has earned over $7,300 after making four lifetime starts -- three against New York Sire Stakes competition and one in the Tompkins-Geers at Tioga. Also entered is the locally owned Wrinkle This, a Wrinkle In Time colt who is already a three-time winner, his last victory coming at the Caledonia fairgrounds.

Division two is carded as race five. Another Dan Daley juvenile, Sun Island, figures to get most of the attention. The CR Excalibur gelding comes off a second place finish in a $30,786 NYSS event at Saratoga. George Ducharme, trainer of Downs 2-year-old track record holder Donttellmywife, sends out the Malabar Man colt He’smyman. Local reinsman Jack Flanigen will be at the controls.

Race ten will be the final Late Closer of the evening. Incentive Hall, fresh off a second place finish last Sunday afternoon in a $25,149 New York State Fair event, looks poised for a big effort. The Conway Hall colt is trained by Jim Mulcahy. Kevin Cummings will be back in the sulky.

The Wednesday program also features the $9,000 Filly and Mares Open pace. Jezzabell Hotspur, already over $65,000 in seasonal earnings starts out as the favorite. Sherri Holliday conditions the talented side-wheeler for owner Betty Tauber. Chris Page will be in town to drive.

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Monday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday. Simulcast action from North America’s top tracks is offered every day but Tuesday and the Gaming Floor, featuring over 600 slot machines is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. 

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

UFC fighter Matt 'The Hammer' Hamill to appear at Dwyer for Muckdogs game

By Howard B. Owens

Matt "The Hammer" Hamill, a UFC fighter with Western New York ties, will appear at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday when the Batavia Muckdogs take on the State College Spikes.

Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Hamill will be on hand to sign autographs for an hour before game time, and for an hour after he throws out the first pitch.

The popular UFC fighter attended RIT and while a student there, he was was a three-time NCAA Division III National Champion in wrestling.

Matt, who is deaf, also has a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling and a gold medal in freestyle wrestling from the 2001 Summer Deaflympics.

He was a contestant on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show, training under Tito Ortiz in the 205 lb weight class. He is currently 7-2 in his 9 professional Mixed Martial Arts fights.

Ladies' Night at The Mane Attraction

By Howard B. Owens

Last night was Ladies' Night at The Mane Attraction on E. Main Street, downtown Batavia.

The monthly event brings together members of the community along with more than a dozen local businesses. It's a chance to learn more about the local businesses, as well as receive educational material related to a topic important to women.

Last night's theme was "Domestic Violence Awareness."

There was a raffle, Chinese auction and "awareness pins" handed out.

The event raised $180 for YWCA.

Picture provided by Byron Ariyaratnam, co-owner of The Mane Attraction.

The next Ladies' Night is Sept. 21 at The Mane Attraction, from 5 to 8 p.m. The theme will be "Ovarian Cancer Awareness."

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