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Car-into-tree accident reported on West Bergen Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, a car into a tree, with unknown injuries, is reported in the area of 8251 W. Bergen Road, between Randall Road and Selden Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: Law enforcement on scene reports the driver is out of the vehicle and walking. Responding units can come in non-emergency.

Video: The 30th Bergen Park Festival

By Howard B. Owens
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Video: Bergen Park Festival parade

By Howard B. Owens

 

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Saturday residents of Bergen enjoyed perfect weather for the 30th Bergen Park Festival and the annual parade.

Watch for two more videos we'll post later from the Bergen Festival.

Official White House announcement of Medal of Honor for Batavia resident David Bellavia

By Howard B. Owens

Official announcement:

On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, President Donald J. Trump will award the Medal of Honor to David G. Bellavia for conspicuous gallantry while serving as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.

Then-Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, while serving as a squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia was clearing a block of houses when his platoon became pinned down. He quickly exchanged an M16 rifle for an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, entered the house where his squad was trapped, and engaged insurgents, providing cover fire so that he and his fellow soldiers could exit safely. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle arrived to help suppress the enemy, but it could not fire directly into the house. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia reentered the house, armed with an M16, and assaulted insurgents who were firing rocket-propelled grenades. He proceeded to kill one insurgent and wound another, who then ran to another part of the house. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia was soon engaged by another insurgent rushing down the stairs when the previously wounded insurgent reemerged to engage him as well. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia returned fire, killing both attackers. He then took enemy fire from an insurgent who had appeared from a closet across the room. He pursued him up the stairs and killed him. Soon thereafter, he moved to the roof where he engaged and wounded a fifth insurgent, who fell from the roof of the building. That remarkable day, then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia rescued an entire squad, cleared an insurgent strongpoint, and saved many members of his platoon from imminent threat.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND:

David Bellavia enlisted in the United States Army in 1999. After previously serving in Kosovo, he deployed to Iraq in 2004 with Company A, Task Force 2-2, 1st Infantry Division. He was released from duty on August 16, 2005. David now has his own daily radio talk show for WBEN in Buffalo, New York. He continues to serve the military and veteran communities through a number of philanthropic organizations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE MEDAL OF HONOR:

The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty while:

  • engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
  • engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
  • serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

Gas prices dip slightly but summer demand expected to push prices higher

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.75, down 6 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.92. The New York State average is $2.90 – down 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.07. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia - $2.83 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Buffalo - $2.87 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Ithaca - $2.84 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Rochester - $2.84 (down 3 cents since last week)
  • Rome - $2.86 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Syracuse - $2.81 (down 3 cents since last week)
  • Watertown - $2.88 (down 5 cents since last week)

Gasoline stocks rose again last week though they remain much lower than last year. If stocks continue to increase, alongside declining oil prices, American motorists will likely see the cost of gasoline continue to fall at their local gas stations this week.

Summer 2019 gasoline demand is forecasted to be extremely high -- reaching some of the highest levels on record in the United States. If the country sees warm summer weather that encourages travel and demand reaches expected levels, pump prices could see modest increases, especially if supply is tight in local markets.

Video: The American Legion's 100th Anniversary picnic in Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens
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Glenn S. Loomis Post 332, Batavia American Legion, celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Saturday in Centennial Park.

Video: Oakfield-Alabama Color Run

By Howard B. Owens
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The girl's basketball team at Oakfield-Alabama held a color run Saturday as a fundraiser for the program.

Le Roy PD looking for man accused of approaching young girls, asking about piercings

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: The person has been identified and has been in contact with police. The investigation and interviews are continuing.  No further update from Le Roy PD pending further investigation.

A man is suspected of approaching young girls in the area of Wolcott Street School and asking them if they had any piercings followed by a request to photograph the piercings claiming he was going to post them on his web site.

Police are asking the public's assistance in identifying the man.

He is described a white male, late 20s to early 30s, with short/buzzed hair, wearing a gray t-shirt with an unknown logo and "size matters" on it, along with gray shorts, and gray shower shoes/slip-on sandals.

He was carrying a DSLR camera.

Police believe the man was picked up by another individual driving a red/burgundy four-door sedan.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m., Saturday.

Anyone with information on the identity of the male subject or anyone that has been approached or has had a child approached by the subject is asked to contact the Le Roy Police Department at (585) 345 6350.   

Photos: Ceremony honoring veterans who have been been through the Batavia PTSD Clinic

By Howard B. Owens

Five former residents of the Batavia PTSD Clinic who died within the past year were honored and remembered Friday in a ceremony that including reading their names (their names will be added to bricks in a path to the memorial flag pole) and laying a wreath in their honor.

The five veterans honored were:

  • Daniel R. Criswell, Army
  • Thomas R. Kintner, Marine Corps
  • Haley M. Messer, Army
  • Matthew J. Rizzo, Army
  • Matthew M. Shaw, Army

Video: Pembroke HS DWI Drill

By Howard B. Owens
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Volunteers from fire departments in Pembroke, Indian Falls, East Pembroke, Darien, and Corfu, along with personnel from the Sheriff's Office, Coroner's Office, C.B. Beach Mortuary, Mercy EMS, and Mercy Flight, conducted a DWI drill Friday afternoon for the benefit of seniors from Pembroke High School in advance of tonight's prom.

Previously (ICYMI):

Video: Batavia Downtown Public Market opened on Friday

By Howard B. Owens
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The Batavia Downtown Public Market opened Friday at Alva Place and Bank Street.

Accident reported on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on the Thruway in the westbound lane at mile marker 398.7.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:53 a.m.: Two vehicles, two patients, one complaining of injuries. "We'll be all set with the resources we have," says a first responder.

UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

VIdeo: Batavia City Fire, IAFF Local 896, Fill the Boot

By Howard B. Owens
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Members of Batavia City Fire, IAFF Local 896, were at locations on Main Street and Ellicott Street in Downtown Batavia today for their annual Fill the Boot campaign to raise money for MDA.

This year, they raised more than $11,000 from thousands of small donations by residents passing by the firefighters with boots.

Video: Le Roy HS Senior Prom DWI Drill

By Howard B. Owens
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Le Roy Fire Department, with assistance from Le Roy PD and Le Roy Ambulance, staged a simulated DWI fatal accident to help make seniors at Le Roy High School more aware of the dangers of distracted driving, and drinking and driving.

Video: Smokin' Eagle's Battle of the Bands starts 2019 season with $3K donation to Golisano

By Howard B. Owens
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Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew kicked off its 2019 Battle of the Bands on Thursday night with two acts taking the stage and a check presentation to Golisano Children's Hospital for $3,100.

This season's goal: $5,000.

The lineup for the remainder of the summer series:

  • June 20: MoodPill and Deep Blue
  • July 18: Pentanol and The John Payton Project 
  • July 25: Midnight Cruisers and Ice Cream Social
  • Aug. 1: Element 36 and Johnny 9 & The Scream
  • Aug. 15: Stupid November and 585 Shindig

Video: Elba HS DWI Drill

By Howard B. Owens
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First responders, including personnel from the Elba Volunteer Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, conducted a DWI drill Thursday at Elba High School for the benefit of seniors prior to their prom and their first summer after graduation, which is the most deadly 100 days for teens.

City issues statement in response to recent criminal activity

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

In response to the senseless criminal actions over the past weekend, the City offers its condolences to victims, thanks those who responded, and commits to decisive action.

“The City shares in the grief felt by the families and friends of the victims, acknowledges the selfless acts by our citizens, appreciates the tireless work of Batavia’s finest, and thanks those who aided in the quick identity and arrest of criminal suspects this past weekend. Out of respect for those who gave their lives, and work so tirelessly, we commit to decisive action that will aid community crime prevention,” said Martin Moore, City of Batavia manager.

“The City will implement effective ideas, expand on successful neighborhood actions, and continue ongoing efforts to promote and ensure the safety of our community. We will continue to work cooperatively with community leaders, law enforcement, criminal justice officials, media representatives, neighborhood groups and business leaders to target criminals,” said Moore.

“Criminal violence and the loss of life is never acceptable and my sincere condolences go out to all those in the community that were impacted. It was encouraging to see people come forward and help the police quickly apprehend those believed to be responsible. To prevent violent acts in the future we must stay involved. If you see suspicious activity please report it to the police so that they can intervene and possibly prevent a serious crime from occurring. Over the next few weeks, City Council will be reviewing ways to assist our first responders and strengthen our public safety. Together we can make a difference,” said Eugene Jankowski Jr. City of Batavia of council president.

“The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Dispatch Center, New York State Police, Genesee County Local Drug Task Force, City of Rochester Police Department, City of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, the Staff in the ER at UMMC and Police Chaplain Don Shirk for the assistance over this past weekend with the major crimes that took place in the City of Batavia. Because of the support received, the Police Department as able to quickly identify and arrest both parties responsible for these senseless crimes,” said Shawn Heubusch, City of Batavia police chief.

“The City extends its gratitude to witnesses that helped us to locate, identify and subsequently arrest both individuals involved in last weekend crime. With witness accounts, our job is much easier and we are heartened to see the public’s cooperation and willingness to get involved when a crime like this occurs in their neighborhood,” said Chief Heubusch.

“The Fire Department appreciates the opportunity to partner with City Police and assist in a support capacity. We were pleased to share specialized equipment and department personnel to aid in the investigative process, and acknowledge the outstanding work of the City of Batavia Police Department during these (last weekend’s) unfortunate events,” said Stefano Napolitano, City of Batavia Fire Chief.

Ongoing community safety is the first priority of the City of Batavia. All of the City’s departments are committed to keeping our City a healthy, violence-free place where our families can live, work and enjoy our City.

Video: Track and Field Day for Batavia fourth-graders

By Howard B. Owens
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Every year, fourth-graders in Batavia get to try track and field to see if it's a sport they might enjoy. This year, because of the new stadium being built at Van Detta/Woodward Field, the track and field day was held at Oakfield-Alabama High School.

Video: House fire on Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens
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For our initial post about the fire, click here.

UPDATE: Video code corrected. It works now.

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