If you still need to finish out that Christmas shopping list, there are plenty of local businesses with just the right items to make the special people in your life quite happy.

A few of them have items readily available on Shop Batavia, such as:

• Roxy's Music
• Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles
• Charle's Mens Shop
• Wendy Wood's Custom Design
• En Garde
• Valle Jewelers
• Bruggie's

Most readers know that a big motivation behind what we do at The Batavian is promote our local community.  We believe that communities that are filled with volunteers, people who make a personal investment in their community and -- just as important -- shop locally, help improve their community and create a community that thrives.

That's always been a part of our goal at The Batavian, and Shop Batavia helps us focus that aim.

According to NPR, this breed of localism is a growing trend. Here's the article, which unfortunately promotes the very un-local Groupon and Living Social instead of mentioning the more than 100 local online news sites (similar to The Batavian), which truly are part of the localism trend.

Whether you use Shop Batavia or The Batavian to shop local, just remember, for the sake of the health of our community, shop local first.

A Buffalo-based radio host decided to throw truth to the wind on Tuesday and hand out T-shirts at Batavia High School with a simple message, "Merry Christmas."

The act stemmed from an inaccurate news report by Rochester's News 8 that the school district recently banned "Merry Christmas" and other sectarian religious expressions from the school district.

As The Batavian posted the night News 8's report aired, the district has a decades-old policy about public religious expressions, but the policy also explicitly allows students and facility to engage in personal expressions of faith.

The Batavia Daily News story makes it sound like Batavia City Schools are intolerant of such expressions.

Kathy Weppner, whose program is broadcast at WBEN Radio, 930 AM, said she brought 300 shirts to the high school to support freedom of speech for students and faculty.

...

BHS junior Chelsea Dibble, 16, gave out shirts after she was asked to by Weppner and the four fans she brought with her.

“We think we should be able to wear what we want to wear,” Dibble said.

Dibble said the shirt has to say “Happy Holidays” and not “Merry Christmas” to be worn in  the school.

“I think it’s cruel,” she said.

Of course, according to school policy, Dibble can wear a shirt that says "Merry Christmas" on it.

The school district responded in comments:

1.There is no letter, nor was there ever a letter, sent home to parents that explains BHS policy on teaching about religion and culture.
2. No students were ever told by a teacher that they couldn't talk about Christmas inside the school.
3. It is not against any school rules in the district to wear clothing that has "Merry Christmas" written on it.
4. The policy on religious expression, posted on the website, is the district's policy and is based on state and federal laws, including the First Amendment. It makes no mention of the expression "Merry Christmas."

In a way, you can thank Walmart for the new grocery store downtown, which held its ribbon cutting today and will officially open Wednesday.

Co-owner John Hedlund (top photo, right) once owned a grocery store in a small town in Pennsylvania, then Walmart came to town. The giant retailer leveled a hill across the street from his store and within six months had taken away half his business.

After closing the store, he started looking for other opportunities in the grocery business, and with his desire to remain entrepreneurial and independent, the Save-A-Lot model appealed to him.

Hedlund converted his Jubilee store in Salamanca to Save-A-Lot and along with business partner Bill Larson now owns and operates four Save-A-Lot locations in Pennsylvania and New York.

Larson was owner of the former IGA store in Corfu.

"Walmart devastated me, but they also put me on a different track," Hedlund said. "The Save-A-Lot program is a great business to bring to a community."

Save-A-Lot is a mixture of corporate-owned stores and licensed stores, such as the new one in Batavia. The company operates 1,200 stores nationwide.

The Save-A-Lot model is to maintain low prices with a comparatively limited inventory and smaller stores -- Batavia's store is 18,000 square feet, which is large for a Save-A-Lot. The store also sells its own brands, such as Bubba's sodas, Malone's canned meats and Manita's pasta (names taken from actual people who work at corporate headquarters in Earth City, Mo.

"The Save-A-Lot format is to provide quality products at lower prices," Hedlund said.

Larson (top photo, left) said the produce and meat offered at Save-A-Lot are always fresh and of the highest grade available.

Victor Gautieri's family company owns the former Jubilee/Latina's building -- between Jackson and Court streets on Ellicott Street -- where the new store is located. There are still 22,000 square feet available for lease. Gautieri said he hopes it becomes a retail hub for downtown anchored by Save-A-Lot.

"From the word on the street, we're hearing people say this is a godsend for Downtown Batavia, " Gautieri said. "And we're finally getting this white elephant off the shoulders of the city."

Outgoing City Council President Marianne Clattenburg said, "We're very happy in the City of Batavia to finally have another grocery store downtown."

More than a dozen customers were in the store after the ribbon cutting to check out what it has to offer and buy a few items.

"I like it because I used to drive to Save-A-Lot in Le Roy, but that's too far to drive," Carla Laird said. "And it's hard to get to Tops a lot of times."

Billie Jo Laird said, "It's great for people who don't have a car and can't drive."

Hedlund said it's the goal of his company to help the communities they serve to thrive.

"The downtown area was missing a grocery store and it needed a grocery store," Hedlund said. "This is a great opportunity for us."

A 43-year-old man who apparently set himself on fire in a thwarted suicide attempt will serve 10 years in prison, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled Tuesday afternoon.

Paul Atkinson admitted Oct. 26 to arson, 2nd, and Noonan was bound by law to impose a prison sentence, even though the defendant's sister and Atkinson himself both asked that he receive mental health treatment.

"I fully acknowledge the terrible losses you have had in your life," Noonan said. "The diseases that affilicted you, the personal pain that comes with divorce, the ping-pong life of children going back and forth, the loss of employment, financial hardships and the stress in your family. It's a soap opera. It's a very, very sad story.

"But," Noonan added, "you're very, very lucky you're not standing here before me accused of murdering several people."

Noonan said the record will reflect that Atkinson wants and need mental health treatment and that the state prison system does have programs in place.

"I hope you avail yourself of the help available, because you will be released from prison some day and when you're release you should get on with your life," Noonan said.

Atkinson started a fire July 14 in his father's home at 3 Orchard Drive, where he, his father and his sister and her husband were living at the time.

Atkinson's sister, Wendy Nelson, made a victim's statement and said that she suffered cracked ribs, a collapsed lung, smoke inhalation, anemia and post-traumatic stress syndrome as a result of the fire and hasn't been able to work since.

Yet, she said, she wants to see her brother get help.

"It's hard for him to ask for the help he needs," Nelson said. "I need to speak for somebody whom I feel cannot speak for himself and ask that he receives this help."

When Atkinson was given his turn to make a statement, he turned and thanked his sister and was barely able to be heard as he said, "I want help bad."

Noonan said he couldn't understand him, and Atkinson's next two attempts to speak were not understandable. Then he stood up a little straighter and said, "I know I need help now. I wish to receive help if it's offered to me. I'm very sorry for my crime."

Press release:

The Batavia School District Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher J. Dailey as the district’s new deputy superintendent, effective Jan. 1.

He will assume the role of superintendent of the district following the anticipated retirement of current Superintendent Margaret Puzio. Dailey has served as Batavia High School Principal since May 2008.

“At a time when there is a tremendous shortage of quality superintendents and increasing turnover rates, we are extremely fortunate to have an individual that offers us a proven track record, a smooth transition, and is someone with a strong commitment to our community," said Board President Gail Stevens. "Mr. Dailey, in his role as high school principal, has earned the respect of the teachers, students, administration and community."

In 2010, the board identified the need for a succession plan to be put in place for key personnel who were nearing retirement. As part of that plan, Dailey was identified as a strong candidate to succeed Puzio. A process for conducting a new superintendent search had been considered as well, but searches can be expensive in a time of limited resources and sometimes lead to disappointing results.

After conducting extensive interviews with Dailey, each member was confident that the district had the right person internally to continue the district’s success and ensure continuity in these uncertain financial times.

In August, Dailey completed the Transition to Superintendency program through the educational Leadership Institute at Oswego State College. The program orients experienced school administrators to the skills and attitudes needed to become superintendents, according to the program description.

Dailey’s strengths are considerable. He is an excellent communicator who listens well and respects the views of others. His leadership of the high school has fostered pride and inspired a drive for excellence from both staff and students.

Although he is recognized for his strong administrative skills, he has earned multiple awards for his teaching and coaching. His experiences as a social studies teacher and coach in the Rush, Henrietta, Le Roy, and Brighton school districts prepared him well for his role as instructional leader.

This is a great opportunity for the district to carry on many of the initiatives that are under way with continuity in leadership and knowledge. Some examples of initiatives in which he has been involved include: a focus on improvement in student achievement; data driven instructional planning, including assessment analysis and targeted academic interventions; credit recovery and increased graduation rates; establishment of enhanced teacher leadership; alignment of curricula to the new Common Core Standards; and the new teacher and principal APPRs.

“I believe the board made a terrific choice for the district and I look forward with working with Mr. Dailey,” Superintendent Puzio said.

Before joining the administrative team in the Batavia City School District, Dailey was assistant principal in the Churchville-Chili School District. His numerous leadership roles -- including department chair, high school principal, high school assistant principal, and varsity coach -- signal a record of previous school leadership success. This led to consensus among members of the Batavia City School District Board of Education that he will be an excellent district leader.

Dailey holds a B.A. from SUNY Geneseo, and a master's degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies from SUNY Brockport.

For a report on Monday's school board meeting, click here.

A man accused of taking part in a November stabbing in an apartment at Woodstock Gardens almost blew his plea deal in Genesee County Court on Monday.

Timothy Andrews, 22, became confused when Judge Robert C. Noonan asked him if he thought the evidence against him would likely lead to a conviction at trial.

"I don't know how to answer that ... um, no," Andrews said.

He needed to assure Noonan that he felt he would be convicted under terms of his plea, known as an "Alford" plea.

The legal term refers to a situation where a defendant doesn't admit actually committing the crime, but enters a guilty plea in order to receive a negotiated sentence, fearing if found guilty at trial, he would receive a longer sentence.

Andrews has maintained he is innocent throughout his legal proceedings.

Andrews corrected his answer in court and is now facing from two to seven years in prison. His sentencing is set for March 15.

(Via WBTA)

A woman's nationwide effort to steal people's identities and then their money came to an end in Batavia after she was caught trying to withdraw $3,000 from the local Bank of America branch.

In Genesee County Court on Monday, Cassandra Montrevel, 25, of Sacramento, Calif., told Judge Robert C. Noonan that she entered the local branch March 18 and used another person's identity to withdraw funds from her account.

Montrevel was later caught and admitted to police that she had used the same scheme at Bank of America branches across the United States.

The California woman has already entered a guilty plea in federal court to the crime in other states. 

Montrevel faces a possible New York prison sentence of four years and another five years in federal custody.

(Via WBTA)

Batavia police are responding to Jackson Street where a person is waiting who claims to have been stabbed at about 9 a.m. at the skate park behind the Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street.

Mercy EMS is responding, too.

UPDATE 10:45 a.m.: The alleged victim had only three small marks on his back and was not cut, according to police. "We don't know what it was, but it definately wasn't a knife," said Officer Eric Hill. The alleged victim reportedly told a friend of a friend that he was stabbed and that is the person who called emergency dispatch. Police searched the area behind the ice arena (that's Officer Dan Coffey in the picture above) but found no corroborating evidence.

Andrea Licata, 29, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Licata was allegedly observed with Kelly Marie Howell, 26, of Jackson Street, Batavia, who was allegedly stealing merchandise at Walmart with Licata's knowledge and agreement. Howell was allegedly hiding stolen merchandise in her infant's stroller. Howell was also charged with petit larceny, conspiracy, 6th, and endangering the welfare of a child.

A 16-year-old resident of State Street is charged with petit larceny. The suspect is accused of stealing a stereo cable from Walmart.

Randy J. Heslor, 18, of 2398 Pratt Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Heslor allegedly visited a residence in the city where a woman lives that Heslor is barred from contacting by order of the Batavia City Court.

A totally "fully involved" car fire is reported at Main and Fargo roads in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: The fire is out. No one was hurt. Stafford is back in service.

Craig Daniel Martin, 27, of Morton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlicensed operation. Martin was stopped on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 1:09 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Patrick Reeves for alleged traffic violations. Martin was allegedly found in possession of two types of controlled substances and a quantity of marijuana concealed in his vehicle.

Brittany Megan Hart, 24, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hart was charged following a traffic stop for alleged violations at 11 p.m. Sunday on Jackson Street, Batavia, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Daniel John Hickey, 33, of Sherwood Drive, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Hickey was stopped at 1:22 a.m., Saturday on Route 262 in Elba by Deputy James Diehl.

Nicholas Keith Thorne, 23, of Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd. Thorne allegedly smashed a glass door and window at the Econo Lodge on Route 77, Corfu. Thorne was jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Dennis P. Schroeder, 54, of Cotton Hill Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and inadequate exhaust. Schroeder was stopped at 7:40 p.m. Dec. 15 on Tinkhem Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Nicholas M. Worrells, 24, of 10253 Roosevelt Highway, Lyndonville, is charged with criminal contempt. Worrells was allegedly found hiding under the rear deck of a residence on East Main Street, Le Roy, after police responded to a report of a disturbance. Worrells was allegedly with a person at the residence in violation of a complete stay-away order. Worrells was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Dayton G. Schultz, 52, Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of. 08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Schultz was stopped at 10:35 p.m. Friday on Route 262, Elba, by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Eric Matthew Kingsley, 24, of Perry Road, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and illegal parking on a highway. Kingsley was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile following a report of a vehicle fire at 4:48 a.m., Saturday, on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

Jeremy John Haynes, 35, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Haynes was stopped at 11:27 p.m. Friday on East Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Brent Michael Semmier, 36, of Cypress Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, speeding (90 in 55 mph zone), alcohol consumption in a motor vehicle and improper right turn. Semmier was stopped at 4:29 p.m. Sunday on Route 19, Le Roy, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Press release:

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has named local attorney Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr. as a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees. He will serve a seven-year term.

Bonarigo holds an associate degree from GCC and is a member of the college's Class of 1979. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the college's Alumni Hall of Fame in recognition of his professional accomplishments and service to the community.

He is also a cum laude graduate of the University at Buffalo (1979), and holds the Juris Doctorate degree (1982) from the University at Buffalo. He lives in Batavia.

Since 1983, he has practiced law in the community as a self-employed general practice attorney. He has also served as City of Batavia Law Department director (2002-2008); Oakfield Village attorney (2001-2010); and Oakfield Central School District attorney (2002-2009).

Bonarigo has a long history of public service. He is currently a member of the Appellate Division, 4th Department Grievance Committee; Secretary of the Genesee County Bar Association; and member of the boards of Batavia Youth Football and Literacy Genesee/Orleans.

He is a former member of the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees and Notre Dame High School Foundation Board of Directors. He is also an active member of numerous community organizations.

The 10 members of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees are volunteers. Five members are appointed by the Genesee County Legislature; four by the governor; and one, a student trustee, selected by the student body.

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees were out driving around on December 18th looking at all the homes that had decorated for the holiday season. We didn’t get a chance to see every house, but what we did see made judging tough!

There are a lot of beautiful homes decorated throughout the community. These awards are meant to be given out as a friendly community project. If you have any questions about the contest, please leave the Jaycees a message at 343-5775.

Homes were judged on five different categories and the winners are:

• Most Traditional – 107 Grandview Terrace
• Simple & Elegant – 323 State Street
• Most Colorful – 237 Vine Street
• Most Commercial – 206 North Spruce Street
• Overall – 37 Union Street

The judging committee also had a few Honorable Mentions to give away:

Outside the City Limits:

• 8485 Stringham Drive & 3927 West Main Street
• 28 Roosevelt Avenue & 16 Vine Street

Some roads we thought did a great job: Redfield Parkway, Union Street, Elm Street, Stringham Drive & Violet Lane.

Today's poll is a little different. It's four poll questions. Vote once on each question.  The idea is, in a hypothetical race against the likely Democratic nominee, who would you vote for -- the current president, or one of the possible leading Republican challengers?

On my Sunday drive I took a turn down Brookville Road in Alexander and started to drive past a little craft store I've passed many times, but this time, I decided to stop.

It seemed like a good place to maybe find a present for my mother.

Once inside I met Barbara Richmond, the sweet and caring proprietor (she owns the shop with her husband, Hugh).

Barbara told me all about the store, which is stocked with handmade items from artisans and crafters from throughout Western New York.

A lifelong crafter herself, Barbara got to know many other knitters, quilters and seamstresses during her many years of attending craft shows.

Two years ago, a little weary of traveling to craft shows, Barbara decided to open Simply Homespun in a little shop next to her home at 10431 Brookville Road.

"As I got older, I found I wanted to have something closer to home and many of our vendors are also getting older and they find its easier to sell in one outlet rather than travel distances to put something up for sale," Richmond said.

The little shop is stuffed with what Barbara calls "needful things" -- dish towels, pillows, blankets, pot holders, scarves and hats, for example.

"This was the way I was raised," Richmond said. "We learned to make the things we needed and the things we wanted because you couldn't always afford to buy these things."

The shop is seasonal and is currently stocked with Christmas-themed items.

Store hours March through Dec. 31 are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The phone number is 591-0470, which is important to know because if an item you want isn't in stock, perhaps Barbara can find somebody to make it for you.

"If you need a special time or something special made, we have the people and the time for you," Richmond said.

The crafters who supply Simply Homespun are all located in Western New York, from Buffalo to Rochester, and several right in Genesee County.

"The general public needs to know, too, that there are still things out there that are handmade, that are needful things, that are available," Richmond said. "You don’t need to go to another country (to have things made)."

A meter box on the house at 6566 N. Lake Road, Bergen, is reportedly on fire.

There is smoke inside the residence.

Bergen Fire Department along with mutual aid from Churchville dispatched. Mercy EMS also dispatched.

Chief on scene reports fire coming from the meter box on the outside.

UPDATE 3:40 a.m.: Churchville requested to respond through the village. The crew will need to lay a line on the south side of the structure.

UPDATE 3:46 a.m.: Le Roy requested to Bergen's hall to fill in. Fire at the meter is out. Crews checking for extension. Ventilation in progress.

View Larger Map

A homeowner on Stringham Drive has created a light show at his house.

Here's the Christmas light photos I was able to shoot this evening.

I've not been down, necessarily, every street in Batavia, but over the past week I've been through every neighborhood. Time permitting, next week I'll try to get out to some of the villages.

Above, North Avenue.

Victorian Drive

North Spruce Street

Naramore Drive

Belvedere Drive

Garden Drive

Garden Drive

Fordham Drive

Grandview Terrace

Stringham Drive

A car accident with injuries is reported at Route 19 and North Road in Le Roy. There are three patients. Traffic police are called to shut down traffic on Route 19 at Parmalee and Route 19 and North Road.

Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service is responding along with mutual aid from Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: A third ambulance is requested as mutual aid from Caledonia.

UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: Caledonia's response has been cancelled.

UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: Two patients are being transported to United Memorial Medical Center.

UPDATE 6:33 p.m.: Tow trucks are on location. Two more patients are being taken to the hospital. Mercy EMS is taking one of them to Strong Memorial Hospital.