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There is a severe thunderstorm watch taking effect at 7:23 p.m. for Western New York, and it will be in effect until 2 a.m.

How many ways can New York come up with to tax us?

That's one of the things Batavia resident Louis Dobbs wonders.

Assembly Steve Hawley and Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer held a joint press conference at the Batavia home of Dobbs today calling for a repeal of a recently enacted two-percent tax on utilities.

"It just never seems to end," Dobbs said. "Just when I thought New York State had exhausted all the possible ways to tax us, they find one more way to squeeze a few more dollars out of our wallets." (listen)

Hawley and Ranzenhofer are asking their constituents to sign petitions, which they, along with other Republicans in the legislature, will take to Gov. David Patterson, hoping to convince him to drop the tax.

The tax is scheduled to take effect next July.

Hawley said these are very difficult times in upstate and Western New York, and the new fees and taxes don't help (listen).

To sign the petition yourself, you can contact Steve Hawley’s office at 589-5780, or click this link: Sign the Petition

(This post based on the reporting of Geoff Redick from The Batavian's news partner, WBTA.)

By the time fire crews from Indian Falls and Pembroke arrived on scene of a truck fire this afternoon, the tractor, but not the trailer, was fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters quickly noticed a placard on the trailer warning that it hauled an oxidizer chemical and notified dispatchers. Genesee County's hazmat team was dispatched to the fire location -- the Flying J off the Thruway at Route 77 in Pembroke.

While it took firefighters from Indian Falls, Pembroke, East Pembroke and Corfu nearly an hour to battle the blaze, they did manage to contain most of the fire to the tractor, according Tom Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County.

The fire was initially reported at 1:22 p.m..

The fire did extend into the trailer, the but it was kept well away from the hazardous chemical, Yaeger said.

The chemical was potassium nitrate. The chemical has a wide variety of uses, including fertilizer and fireworks. At one time it was used as a food preservative for meats.  In this case, it was stored in a small electrical component, Yaeger said, and did not spill or leak.

Still, it was a good thing the hazmat team was already in place because more than 240 gallons of diesel fuel leaked into the Flying J's drainage system.

The system, Yaeger said, is designed to contain such spills and none of the fuel went beyond the Flying J property. Most of it wound up in a containment pond, where hazmat crews were able to soak up most of the diesel.

At 4:30 p.m., Yaeger and his team, as well as Pembroke's fire crews, were still on scene awaiting the arrival of a private company to finish the clean up.

There were no injuries in the fire or as a result of the spill or the emergency efforts.

Route 77 was shut down for a couple of hours as a result of the incident.

The tractor is described by a Sheriff's Office report as a 2006 Volvo Tractor, owned by Homes Freight, Inc., out of Ontario, Calif. The tractor was a total loss.

Previously: Fire involving chemicals at Flying J

NOTE: If any of the firefighters who responded happened to take pictures, we would be happy to share them with readers.

Apparently, the arms are down and the lights are flashing at the train crossing on Wortendyke Road in Batavia, but there's no sign of any train.

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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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.

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

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South Main

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The Enchanted Florist

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Settler's

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

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Alex's Place

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Adam Miller

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The Mane Attraction

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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.

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

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.

A pedestrian has apparently been hit by a car and suffered a leg injury near the entrance to the parking lot of Tops, 390 W. Main St.

Traffic is currently blocked at Cinton Street Road and Stringham Drive by a two-car accident.

There are possibily two injuries.

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.