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Pavilion woman hurt in Wyoming County crash

By Howard B. Owens

A 19-year-old Pavilion woman was injured in a crash Sunday in Wyoming County after a driver from Perry allegedly failed to yield the right of way.

Kristi L. Fox suffered a concussion and facial injuries, according to State Police. Investigators blamed her injuries on the lack of a safety belt. She was issued a citation.

The other driver, Stacey R. Lamm, 45, of Perry, reportedly stopped at a stop sign at VanAllen and LaGrange roads, but then proceeded through the intersection.

She was issued a citation for alleged failure to yield right-of-way.

Lamm was not injured.

Fox was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where she was treated and released. 

Wyoming Fire and EMS responded to the scene.

Police Beat: Three DWIs, a larceny and one resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Sean Christopher McGuire, 25, of South Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings. McGuire was stopped at 12:31 a.m. today by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Kevin E. Kern, 22, of South Main Street, Manfield, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of. 08 or greater, and speeding. Kern was stopped at 12:12 a.m., today, on Route 33, Town of Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

Joseph Beszczynski, 24, of Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Beszczynski was arrested by State Police in the area of 11000 Darien-Alexander Townline Road at 9:13 a.m., Monday. No further details were released.

John E. Swabb, 54, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI with no priors. Swabb was stopped by State Police on Wortendyke Road, Batavia, at 3:18 p.m., Sunday.

LaToya D. Jackson, 24, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and violation of probation. Jackson was arrested by State Police at 4036 W. Main St., Road, Batavia, at 12:05 a.m., Monday. No further details available.

Driver on Walker Road said he didn't see the curve coming

By Howard B. Owens

A driver on Walker Road said he didn't see a sign for an upcoming curve, leading to a single-vehicle rollover accident at 2:45 a.m. today in Darien.

The driver, 18-year-old Conor F. McNealus suffered "complaint of pain" injuries, according to the report prepared by Deputy Eric Seppella, but was not transported to a hospital.

McNealus, a resident of 19 Hubbell St., Canandaigua, was cited for alleged DWI, driving an uninspected vehicle and speeding.

His passengers, Taylor M. Selkirk, 19, Corbyn B. Manning, 18, and Joel Stitt, 19, were not injured.

The group was traveling in a 1996 Honda sedan.

Photos: First-graders meet cows, learn about dairies at Lamb Farms

By Howard B. Owens

First-graders from throughout Genesee County got to visit Lamb Farms in Oakfield today to meet cows, play in grain, climb on big farm equipment, see how milk is produced and learn some of the other facets of the dairy business. The annual event gives local school children a real hands-on experience with local agriculture.

Special Olympic torch run passes through Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Members of the local law enforcement community carried the Special Olympic torch through Genesee County as it makes its way to Utica for the opening of the games on June 4. After passing down Oak Street, the runners made their way to Walnut and the headquarters of Genesee ARC where there was a special reception.

Firefighters announce annual 'Fill the Boot' campaign for MDA

By Howard B. Owens

City of Batavia firefighters are asking local residents to once again "fill the boot."

The annual fundraising drive benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

At 9 a.m. Friday, residents are encouraged to drive through the intersection of Court Street and Ellicott Street or Court and Main and drop donations into a firefighter's boot.

This is the 16th year City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896 has sponsored a local "fill the boot" drive.

Last year, the community donated $4,500 to the effort.

"Everyone at the firehouse is looking forward to this Friday," said Union President Greg Ireland.  "The guys really appreciate the generosity of those that can give, whether it be their spare change, a dollar or even more."

Donations help cover everything from wheelchairs to braces, physical therapy sessions to kids summer camps.

Photo: File photo from last year.

Driver says he didn't have time to stop before rear ending other car

By Howard B. Owens

The driver of a car hit from behind on Route 63 in Pavilion at 4:10 p.m., Tuesday, was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A witness to the accident disputes the account of the accident given by the driver who rear-ended the other car.

Brandon R. Brade, 28, of 1943 Genesee St., Corfu, said he was driving northwest on Route 63 when a car ahead of him swerved to avoid a car that had stopped for a left turn. Brade said he didn't have time to stop before hitting the car.

Paul Cody of Corbettsville said he saw the accident, but he never saw another car swerve ahead of Brade's car.

Injured was Craig S. Prucha, 49, of 6810 Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion. Prucha had apparently stopped to make a left hand turn into a driveway of 6808 Ellicott Street Road.

Brade was driving a 2003 Olds sedan and Prucha was driving a Ford pickup.

Deputy Matt Butler issued a traffic citation to Brade.

Police Beat: Father accused of using shotgun to threaten son

By Howard B. Owens

Michael T. McKeever, 42, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with menacing, 2nd. McKeever is accused of exiting his home with a shotgun and approaching his son with it during a domestic incident. McKeever then approach a car and shot out the passenger-side window. At McKeever's arraignment, an order of protection was issued and McKeever was ordered to turn over all of his weapons to the Sheriff's Office.

Randell Lee Krtanik, 59, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, failure to reduce speed for hazard. Krtanik was arrested following a traffic accident on Bethany Center Road, Bethany, at 11:33 a.m., May 22. Krtanik was uninjured in the accident, and neither the mailbox he hit nor his vehicle were damaged. Krtanik allegedly swerved to avoid another car making a turn. The accident was investigated by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Melvin Leverne George, 42, of E Avenue, Akron, is charged with trespass. After being arrested for an alleged fight on Council House Road, Alabama, George is accused of staying on private property after being told to leave.

Robert Conrad Grant, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Deputy Jason Saile reports that at 2:22 a.m., Sunday, he stopped Grant on Angling Road, Pembroke. Upon investigation, Saile determined that Grant was allegedly in possession of stolen telephone wire from a property on Route 5, Pembroke. Grant allegedly fled the scene of the traffic stop on foot. Grant was also charged with unlicensed operation, driving left of pavement markings, unregistered motor vehicle, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Grant was issued an appearance ticket.

Today's Deals: Alex's, Adam Miller, Herbly Wonderful, T.F. Brown's and more

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for four weeks of yoga (four sessions), a $40 value, for $20.

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!

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

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The final chapter of the Batavia Elks Lodge written by an auctioneer's call

By Howard B. Owens

Mike Klotzbach and Mike Corona showed up at the Batavia Elks Lodge #950 today, they said, for a sense of closure.

Klotzbach had been involved with the lodge for more than a decade and Corona for nearly 15 years.

They had a lot of good times in the lodge building, they said, and they enjoyed serving the community through Elks.

In February, the Grand Lodge shut down Batavia's 105-year-old lodge for reasons that have never been fully explained.

Today, the Bontrager auction service took bids on many of the items left in the lodge building at the corner of East Main Street and Wiard. Both Klotezback and Corona said they wanted some memento of their dedication to the lodge. For Klotzbach, he walked out of the back door with an American flag. Corona successfully bid on a set of red velvet chairs.

"It's just  a keepsake," Klotzbach said, "just something to remember the club by, the time and effort."

Klotzbach said there were 200 members in the lodge, 35 or so who were active and essentially kept the lodge running, and among those, he said he would count himself as the top three most active. As a trustee and board member, he said, he was deeply involved in the issues surrounding the Grand Lodge's decision to pull the local charter.

He said it came as a total shock when it happened.

"I felt let down," he said.

As Corona loaded the last of his dozen or so chairs in the back of his black pickup truck, he said he would miss his time at the lodge. For him, it wasn't just a place to hang out, it was a place that enabled community involvement.

"I'll remember the time we gave to the community," he said.

The local Elks were involved in fund raising for local youths, including scholarships for deserving high school students.

Klotzbach added that everybody involved in the lodge misses the camaraderie.

"People just don’t know what to do now,"  Klotzbach. "Where do you go? It was more than just a neighborhood bar.

"With the closer of something you’re intimately involved with there is a hole," Klotzbach added. "The schedule of our lives revolved around this place. We’re doers. We’re leaders. We weren’t followers."

Both Klotzbach and Corona expressed concern about some items not being put up for auction (which resumes at 9 a.m., Wednesday) and those are the plaques upstairs that list the names of deceased members. They said auctioneer Todd Jantzi only told them the plaques weren't being put up for auction, but he doesn't know what will happen to them.

"The last thing I want to see," Corona said, "is for them to wind up in the basement of some other lodge."

The Batavian attempted to contact Kenneth Perry, one of the trustees appointed to the closure of the Batavia lodge by the Grand Lodge, but he was not available when we called.

"We knew a lot of the people on those plaques," Corona said.

Water buffalo reported loose on Chaddock Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff's Dispatch has received a report of four or five water buffalo loose on Chaddock Road in Alexander.

Attempts to contact the man on Spring Road who is believed to own the water buffalo have been unsuccessful, so a deputy is in process of trying to make contact now.

UPDATE: 8:45 p.m.: A deputy reports that the animals have broken into the pasture of a neighbor and that neighbor has contacted the owner of the water buffalo.


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County Nursing Home to get replacement for 20-year-old roof

By Howard B. Owens

It's been 20 years since the Genesee County Nursing Home had a new roof, and it's gotten to the point where the facility staff must battle against leaks.

The ceiling tiles are stained in places, and that look can lead to demerits on state inspections, according to County Manager Jay Gsell. Too many demerits, and reimbursements for care get held up.

Today, the Human Services Committee approved a $132,277 bid for a new roof on the front five-story section of the building. The contract, if approved by the full Legislature, will go to Elmer W. Davis, Inc., of Rochester.

According to Legislator Hollis Upson, Elmer W. Davis is currently doing the roofing job on 400 Towers. He said it's one of the few companies in the region with the equipment to handle multi-story roofing jobs.

The highest of the five bids for the project was $247,000. The names of the other five firms who submitted bids were not released at the Human Services meeting, where new Nursing Home Director Charles Rice presented the proposal.

Gsell said the new roof will be a rubberized layer over the existing roof. He said what many homeowners might refer to as a "tear-off" would cost more than $1 million.

Accident reported on Route 77 at Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

Route 77 at the Thruway is apparently blocked following a traffic accident involving a tractor trailer.

At least one person suffered minor injuries.

Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire are responding as well as Mercy EMS.

There's a report of "quite a bit of liquids leaking."

Scott Doll pleads not guilty on contraband charge; lab results not back yet

By Howard B. Owens

An unshaven Scott F. Doll appeared in City Court this afternoon to deny a charge of promoting prison contraband.

Doll is accused of hiding on his body a green balloon containing a white powder when he was admitted to Genesee County Jail on May 21 following his conviction by a jury of murder, 2nd, for killing Joseph Benaquist.

Lab results on the white powder are not yet available.

After Doll's attorney, Daniel Killelea, entered Doll's not guilty plea, Judge Robert Balbick set an other hearing date for June 29, giving the county ample time to produce the lab results.

Even though Doll, who appeared in the jail's orange jumpsuit and shackles, is locked up without bail on the murder conviction, Killelea ask for a nominal bail in the case so that Doll might get credit for time served on the contraband charge.

Balbick declined to set bail since Doll showing up for future appearances in the case is not in doubt.

Police Beat: Camping in a cornfield leads to trespassing and mischief charges

By Howard B. Owens

Lee Earl Galton, 31, of East Main Street, Angelica, is charged with criminal mischief and trespass. Galton is accused of allowing a vehicle to be driven onto a farmer's cornfield, then setting up camp on the field and burning a wood campfire while camping overnight on the recently planted field, all without permission of the landowner. The field is in the area of 9666 Route 77, Darien. Also arrested and charged in the alleged incident was Bethanne Marie Brown, 27, of Angelica.

Michael John Johnson, 19, of Sprucewood Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with assault, 3rd. Johnson is accused of using Super Glue on a person who was sleeping. He is accused of trying to glue one of the person's eyes and ears shut. Johnson was jailed on $500 bail.

Joseph M. Miano, 20, of Akron Road, Corfu; Joseph N. Striegel, 19, of Main Road, Pembroke, as well as a two 17-year-olds from Pratt Road, Batavia, are charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. At 2:49 a.m., Tuesday, Deputy Jason Saile was dispatched to the TA Travel Center where a group of people were reportedly causing a disturbance. Striegel was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing a laser pointer.

Sandra Lynn Pearce, 51, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with disorderly conduct. Pearce is accused of interfering with a police investigation of a reported disturbance at an address on Genesee Street.

Robert Gehron McCarthy, 52, of Belvadere Lane, Batavia, is charged with harassment.  McCarthy is accused of getting into a fight with another person while at the dog show in Alexander Fireman's Recreation Hall.

Johanna Marie McCarthy, 60, of Belvadere Lane, Batavia, is charged with harassment. McCarthy is accused of getting into a fight with another person while at the dog show in Alexander Fireman's Recreation Hall.

James Ross Sweet, 49, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Sweet was taken into custody at 2:59 a.m., Monday, after the Sheriff's Office was called to the Country Meadows Trailer Park on three separate occasions within an hour's span. Sweet was reportedly playing his music too loud, honking a car horn more than 10 times and using profane language. Sweet was jailed on $250 bail.

A 17-year-old from Depew is accused by Batavia City Police of providing a false identification to a police officer on May 19, even after being warned that it was a crime to provide a false identity. Her true identity was later learned by police and she was located on Monday and arrested. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kevin J. O'Connell, 29, of 433 E. Main St., Apt. 8, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. O'Connell was charged following a domestic incident in which he allegedly hit another person and the child was knocked down.

Judson James Adamski, 42, of 142 Pamona Drive, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct. Adamski is accused of walking into a Subway restaurant in Pembroke at 9:02 p.m., Monday and yelling profanities.

Michael Cameron Humphrey, 19, of East Bethany Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child and criminal nuisance, 2nd. Humphrey is accused of hosting an underage drinking party. The alleged party was discovered while the Sheriff's Office investigated a 9-1-1 hang up call.

Cheryl A. Wittman, 40, of Bergen, is charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17. Wittman was arrested by State Police following an alleged incident reported at 3:16 p.m., Saturday. No further details were released.

Matthew L. Hume, 19, of Silver Creek, and Joshua Fisher, 24, of Warsaw, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hume and Fisher were cited by State Police at 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, on Route 19 in Le Roy.

Eric J. Chaffee, 28, of Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC. of .08 or greater with two priors and unsafe turn. Chaffee was stopped at 11:46 a.m., Wednesday, by State Police on Akron Road in Pembroke.

Accidents reported in the State Police blotter:

9 p.m., Friday, Gillate Road, Alexander, one vehicle; Driver 1: Gary R. Ewert, 58, of Corfu. No injuries reported.

10:18 a.m., Thursday, West Main Street Road, Batavia, two vehicles; Driver 1: Michelle L Konieczny, 41, of Batavia; Driver 1: left the scene. No injuries reported.

4:11 p.m., Thursday, Home Depot parking lot, Batavia, two vehicles; Driver 1: Walter C. Purtell, 73, of Retsof; Driver 1: Lawrence P. Steen, 83, of Le Roy. No injuries reported.

Today's Deals: Herbly Wonderful, Blue Peark, South Main, Delavan's 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

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for four weeks of yoga (four sessions), a $40 value, for $20.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

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.

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.

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Photos: Batavia Memorial Day Parade

By Howard B. Owens

There was a nice turn out on a bright sunny day for Batavia's Memorial Day Parade.

More pictures after the jump:

 

 

 

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