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Pavilion bulk water filling station closed until November

By Howard B. Owens

While Pavilion's water tower is being repainted, the town's bulk water filling station will be closed, according to Town Supervisor Gary Knepshield.

It will be closed until November.

A town employee told me residents use the station for supplemental water, such as filing their pool, extra water for livestock and extra water when wells start to produce less water during the summer.

Knepshield said town residents can go to 2712 Short St., York, for water until the station re-opens (map below).


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New diner planned for location on Ellicott Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

Alice Buckel places lettering on a sign on the property of the former Beehive Diner, 4974 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, to let the world know it will soon be the Fedora Diner.

The Beehive closed years ago and the building near the corner of Ellicott and Shepard was most recently a location for the St. Nick's Club Ladies Auxiliary.

Buckel has crews inside painting, cleaning and installing restaurant equipment. The outside is also being repainted. She expects it will be six to eight weeks before the Fedora Diner opens.

The name was suggested by her son, who will play piano in the diner once a week. The interior theme will suggest the 1940s era.

"I wanted to do something on my own," Buckel said.

She has previously run her own cake-decorating business from her home.

The diner will be open for breakfast and lunch, closing at 2 p.m.

Among the specialities planned, Buckel said, are mini-donuts and special pancakes.

As new anti-DWI program draws near, local company seeks to become vendor for locking devices

By Howard B. Owens

Just about any driver who has been charged with DWI in the past eight months, but hasn't been sentenced yet, should plan on a future of blowing into a tube to start his car.

On Aug. 15, a provision of Leandra's Law goes into effect that will require drivers convicted of DWI to have installed an "interlock" device, which is a piece of equipment that can measure the blood alcohol content of a driver and prevent the car from starting if the BAC is over certain limit.

County officials say, no matter how imperfectly the law was drafted, they're ready for the new regime.

"The way the law was written, it does cause some chaos," said Ed Minardo, director of Genesee Justice. "We'll try to do as we always do in the county and implement it in a way that does not impact the business flow. We'll manage it."

The Probation Department will oversee many of the drivers who will be required to have the devices installed on all personal vehicles, but not all people convicted of DWI are put on probation. Some people are given a "conditional release," which means they get a degree of supervision by Genesee Justice.

Julie Smith, head of probation, said six manufacturers of interlock devices were approved by New York, but the Probation Department was able to set its own criteria for approved devices.

For Genesee County Probation, devices must have a camera to confirm who is blowing into the tube and issue real-time reports to the probation department.

Only two manufacturers currently offer such a device, Consumer Safety Technology, the manufacturer of Intoxalock, and Interceptor Ignition Interlocks.

The Intoxalock is represented in Genesee County by Bill's Auto on Evans Street, Batavia. Interceptor does not yet have a known installer in Genesee County.

Another manufacturer, Smart Start, recently contracted with The Detail Shop, 3875 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, to install its device.

While the Smart Start device lacks real-time reporting, it does have an infrared camera.

Assistant County Manager Frank Ciaccia, who is in charge of the DWI fund (money collected from DWI fines used for anti-drinking-and-driving measures), visited The Detail Shop on Thursday to get a demonstration of the Smart Start Machine.

He said he wanted to fully understand its capabilities and to see whether it will meet county needs.

The Detail Shop owner James Gayton said adding the Smart Start installation to his business's offerings just made sense. The Detail Shop already offers custom installation of sound systems, GPS systems and other similar in-car electronics. He's hopeful his company will soon be added to the approved list for Genesee Justice and possibly County Probation.

Pictured are Ciaccia, front, Gayton to his left, then Nelson Baker and Michael Surujballi, both with Smart Start.

Gas leak shuts down East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road

By Howard B. Owens

A gas line break caused by construction work has led to East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road being shut down.

Le Roy Fire responded and now reports the road will be shut down for at least another hour.

National Fuel is on scene and is now checking area residences for leaks or pilot light problems.

UPDATE: Woman faces two felony charges after allegedly shooting husband in his knee

By Howard B. Owens

A Corfu woman is being held in Genesee County Jail without bail after allegedly firing a .22 caliber rifle several times at her husband Sunday night, striking him once in the knee.

Patricia A. Hardesty, 52, of 3483 County Line Road, Corfu, is charged with one count of assault, 1st, and one count of criminal use of a firearm, 1st.

Her husband, Robert Hardesty, was transported to ECMC where he is listed in stable condition.

UPDATE: The State Police have released more information regarding this incident. Hardesty and her husband reportedly argued all weekend. After the last argument, Hardesty allegedly grabbed a gun from inside the house and went out to the patio where her husband was cooking on the grill and fired several shots at him.

(Initial Report)

Batavia man allegedly tried to outrun law enforcement, until he ran out of gas

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man allegedly led Avon and Livingston County law enforcement on a high-speed chase into Genesee County, where he initially evaded detection, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

A vehicle reportedly being driven by Randy S. Rumble, 27, of State Street, Batavia, was spotted in the Tops gas station in Le Roy and a Sheriff's patrol followed it out of the station and identified it as the same vehicle chased into the county.

Rumble was eventually taken into custody on Morganville Road when his car ran out of gas.

He's been charged with Genesee County with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, felony unlicensed operation, unlawful fleeing law enforcement, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, two counts of failure to stop for a stop sign, unlicensed operation and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Rumble was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and jailed on $5,000 bail. Charges are pending in Town of Le Roy, Village of Avon and Livingston County.

At about 7:20 p.m., Avon police notified Genesee County dispatch of a pursuit on westbound Route 20. The pursuit entered Genesee County on Route 20 and continued north on Route 63.

At that point, the Avon patrol broke off the pursuit and lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, a citizen called dispatch and reported seeing a car matching the suspect vehicle driving north on Roanoke Road.

It was soon after that that a Sheriff's patrol spotted the suspect car at Tops.

Rumble allegedly drove from Tops north on Keeney Road. After confirming it was the suspect vehicle, the deputy attempted a traffic stop. The car continued on Keeney, onto Randall Road, across Route 237 onto Morganville Road, where it ran out of gas.

Rumble allegedly fled on foot. He was reportedly found a short time later lying in a hedgerow.

Involved in the pursuit and investigation were Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, Sgt. Greg Walker, Deputy Patrick Reeves, Deputy James Diehl, Le Roy Officer Emily Clark, Trooper Holly Hansel, Avon PD and Livingston County K-9.

Police Beat: Woman reportedly told not to drive, allegedly does, slapped with Leandra's Law felony

By Howard B. Owens

JodyLynn Wetmore, 35, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and with a felony count of driving  with a BAC of .08 or greater with a child passenger (in violation of Leandra's Law). Wetmore was reportedly observed at the East Pembroke Mud Races in an intoxicated condition. She was reportedly told by a Sheriff's deputy not to drive. Some time later, she was allegedly observed driving out of the parking lot. Wetmore was stopped at 10:14 p.m., Saturday, by Deputy John P. Weis. Wetmore allegedly had an 8-year-old passenger in the car.

Dean Wilkins, 46, of Route 20, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Wilkins is accused of slapping his roommate, who had an order of protection in place.

James Michael Palladino, 33, of Waterman Street, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and no or inadequate headlight. Palladino was stopped at 11:06 p.m., Saturda, on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Nicholas Anthony March, 23, of Phillips Road, Oswego, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. March was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 1:48 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves, who reportedly found a quantity of marijuana in March's car during a search.

Jane Amanda Lachut, 23, of Phinney Road, Hannibal, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Lachut was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop on Route 77, Pembroke, at 1:38 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Roberto R. Ayala, 25, of 5 Valleyview Drive, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. Ayala is accused of striking another person with parts of a broken chair during a domestic incident 8:10 p.m., Thursday.

Philip J. Ritter, 56, of Stonehall Road, Rochester, is charged with public lewdness. Ritter is accused of urinating in public at around noon, Sunday, in the area of the town park, Town of Pembroke. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Anne C. Levy, 21, of 21 Prospect Ave., Ithaca, is charged with DWI and speeding. Levy was stopped at 11:51 p.m., Friday, on Pearl Street by Officer Dan Coffey.

Martin F. Jones, 39, of 10 South Main St., Batavia, is charged with exposure. Jones was observed by Officer Thad Mart allegedly urinating in public in Austin Park.

Chrystal Marie Bush, 21, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bush is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Jonathan Paul Bouter, 26, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bouter is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Vincenzo M. Delucia, 34, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, a right-of-way violation and refusal to take a breath test. Delucia was stopped by State Police at 11:38 p.m., Saturday, in Darien.

Melessia A. Winkler, 23, of Amherst, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Winkler was stopped by State Police at 11:10 p.m., Friday, in Darien.

David R. Meier, 51, of Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating without insurance, no license, aggravated unlicensed operation and suspended registration. Meier was stopped by State Police at 7:08 p.m., Thursday, on Alexander Road, Alexander.

Accident reported in the Village of Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident has been reported in the area of 8 North Main St., Elba.

It is believed to be a minor-injury accident. There is air bag deployment.

Elba Fire and EMS are being dispatched.


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Five people injured in three-car accident on Route 19, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Five people were injured in a three-car pile up on Route 19 near Parmelee Road in Le Roy at 7:42 p.m., Sunday.

The accident was reportedly caused when the driver of a car, southbound on Route 19, failed to realize another car was stopped waiting to make a left-hand turn onto Parmelee. That car hit the car waiting to turn, pushing it into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by a pickup truck.

Cited for speeding was Quinton V. Holmes, 19, of 1141 Dale Road, Dale. Holmes was injured in the crash and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Three passengers in Holmes' car were injured and taken to Strong: Jeffery A. Price, 16, Hannah V. Holmes, 16, Caleb C. Holmes, 6.

Also injured were Thomas M. Rowe, 36, of 9 Rock Island Road, North Chili. He was the driver of the pickup truck.

The other driver, Ann L. Fisher, 53, of 9604 Asbury Road, Le Roy, was not injured.

Another passenger in Holmes' vehicle, Tonisha M. Price, was also reported uninjured.

The accident was investigated by Sgt. Greg Walker.

(Initial Report)

Rollover accident in Stafford sends four girls to the hospital

By Howard B. Owens

Four teenage girls were taken to area hospitals following a single-car rollover accident off of Buckley Road in Stafford at 3:45 p.m., Sunday.

Taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital was Chelsea M. Mutter, 17. Also injured were driver Jessi M. Heale, 19, (also transported to Strong), Alexis R. Kenyan, 16, and Alison M. Budd, 17. Kenyan and Budd were taken to UMMC.

Mutter is listed in guarded condition at Strong. Strong lists all patients in ICU as "guarded."

Healey was reportedly driving her 1998 Chevy sedan down a stone lane in the area of 8740 Buckley Road when the car went onto the south shoulder for some reason. Healey reportedly overcorrected and lost control of the car. It overturned and landed on all four wheels.

No citations were issued.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto.

(Initial Report)

Muckdogs split pair in Jamestown

By Howard B. Owens

The Muckdogs five-game winning streak was snapped Sunday as Batavia split a double-header in Jamestown against the Jammers.

In a pair of low-scoring affairs, the Muckdogs dropped the first game 3-1 and picked up the nightcap 2-1.

With Williamsport beating Mahoning Valley 5-3, Batavia drops back into second place, a half game out.

In the first game, Nick Longmire supplied the Muckdogs' lone run with his eighth home run of the season in the 6th inning. Yuner Castillo had three hits. Third-year pro from Camden, Ariz., Zach Russell gave up three runs in three innings to get tagged with the loss. It was Russell's sixth start of the season. He's now 1-2, but his ERA remains a low 2.48.

In game two, corner infielder Jon Rodriquez hit his first home run of the season. Patrick Biserta, a first-year pro from Harriman, had two hits and an RBI.

Starter John Gast went three innings, giving up four hits and no runs. Matt North pitched two scoreless innings and was credited with the win, and Jose Rada, despite walking two and giving up a hit and a run, notched his 10th save of the season.

The Muckdogs are home tonight (7:05 game time) and take on Mahoning Valley. Tomorrow's game against Mahoning Valley starts at the unusual time of 11:05 a.m.

Following the two game series, Batavia hits the road for six games, returning on Aug. 10.  The next fireworks night is Aug. 13 against Hudson Valley.

Today's Deals: Margarita's, O'Lacy's, Matty's, Settler's and more

By Howard B. Owens

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. 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.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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.

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.

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.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

Man reportedly shot during domestic dispute in Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A woman has  reportedly shot a man in his leg during a domestic dispute on Countyline Road, Corfu.

The dispatcher first said the man was in the driveway and the woman inside, now the dispatch is that woman is in the driveway and the man is inside with the gun.

Law enforcement and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: Police on scene, the .22 has been secured and a tourniquet has been applied to the man's leg.

Apparent accident on Route 19

By Howard B. Owens

We missed the initial call, but there was apparently an accident on Route 19 in the area of Selden and Parmalee roads.

It sounds like possibly three vehicles involved. There is a pickup truck about 20 yards off the road.

One person was transported by Bergen ambulance to UMMC.

Relatives of people involved in the accident are showing up at the scene.

That's all we know at this time.

UPDATE: A reader e-mails: "It is another car pile up, unknown number of cars in Le Roy, reported seven injuries and requested five ambulances -- Didn't sound like anything too serious though original call for Mercy Flight, then canceled a short time later."

Saturday was last day of business for Sallome's Italian Deli

By Howard B. Owens

Sallome's Italian Deil announced today that it is closing -- for good.

Saturday was its last day of business.

Owners Stephen and Penny Sallome said efforts to sell the deli over the past year were unsuccessful and the amount of work to run a food-service business was taking over their entire lives.

Sallome's will reimburse any gift certificates purchased prior to the closing.

A full statement following the jump:

Saturday, July 31st, 2010 Sallome’s Italian Deli has closed its doors permanently. We know that we are leaving many of our loyal customers extremely disappointed. However, this decision is what we feel is best for us and our family and we are truly sorry. It has been a very, very tough decision and we can only hope that most people will understand.

We began the process of purchasing the old “Betty’s Bridal Shop” in late 2007 after our youngest son graduated from high school and decided that it was the perfect time for us to fulfill my husband’s lifelong dream of having his own restaurant.

We fulfilled that dream when we opened in September 2008. When we reopened in August 2009 it was because it was advised to us that it would be easier to sell if it was open, so that’s what we did. Hoping that we would be able to sell it, or fall in love with it and not want to give it up. It’s been on the market for almost a year with only a few lookers.

The deli has brought us whole new respect for the “Mom and Pop” food-service establishments and the people who have chosen to do this their whole lives. It is extremely hard work, more than most people realize. With everything else that we have going on we just physically can’t keep up this pace. It is just too much.

We don’t wish to work our lives away. It has been a great journey and we have been fortunate enough to meet and employ some really great people. The business has grown tremendously and walking away is very difficult, however, we know that for us, it is the best thing to do.

We would like to make sure that for those who have gift certificates, including those purchased through The Batavian, that they get a refund. Simply mail the gift certificate along with name, address and phone number to the deli at 40 Oak St., Batavia, and we will send their refund directly to them.

If there is anyone who may be interested in either leasing or buying the deli property, we would love to talk to them. It’s a growing business, in a great location, with some really terrific food with a great deal of potential for the right person. Anyone interested in a fantastic business opportunity can reach Steve @ 585-356-3608.

Rollover accident on Route 5, Stafford, with an injury

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident has been reported in the area of Buckley Road and Route 5 in Le Roy.

A person is trapped and there is reportedly an injury.

The vehicle is reportedly well off the road.

The patient is unconscious.

UPDATE 3:51 p.m.: One person conscious, one unconscious in the vehicle. Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is on in-air standby. Stafford Fire requesting a second ambulance.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: Mercy Flight responding with a 17 minute ETA. (Unrelated, but Elba Fire is responding to a reported plane crash in Wilson.)


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Fight reported at Pringle and Wood, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A fight involving several men was reported at the corner of Wood Street and Pringle Avenue.

A purple van reportedly pulled up to the corner and four young men got out and started fighting with another group of men, and then fled.

Batavia Police have detained four young men with a purple van on Central Avenue.


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Photos: Post-game fireworks

By Howard B. Owens

Another great post-game fireworks show at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday.

Here's three photos of the show.

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