A two-car accident is reported at 2784 Buffalo Street Road between Bowen and Townline roads. There are no injuries, but there is entrapment and the accident is blocking traffic. Alexander fire is on scene. An Attica deputy is called to the scene to slow traffic down.

Press release:

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about the hidden costs in grocery delivery apps and providing tips to help save money when opting for delivery services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers more than doubled their use of food delivery services. Unfortunately, most consumers do not see the additional fees on grocery deliveries until checkout or when they directly compare prices in-store.

Stores frequently charge more for items they offer for delivery and replace items for something more expensive when an item is out of stock.

“Grocery store delivery has been a critical service many New Yorkers have relied on for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “To avoid being surprised at checkout with additional fees, consumers should check their delivery orders carefully when they receive them and follow basic tips to save money.”

“As a result of the expansion of retailers across New York State that accept Supplemental Nutrition payments for online food purchases, an increasing number of SNAP recipients are ordering groceries for delivery or pickup," said Mike Hein, commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees SNAP.

“While SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees or gratuity, all shoppers should be aware of these charges in advance before they place an online order.”

Grocery delivery apps incorporate their fees in a few different ways:

• Shopping List: Charges for food can vary across apps for the same item, at the same store. Grocery store apps tend to get most of their fees by charging more for different items.
• Delivery Fees: These depend mainly on your total bill. Generally, the more you buy, the less the cost; however, this is not always the case, particularly if there are promotions. Many stores are charging standard delivery fees for orders over a certain amount and then a premium when less is purchased.
• Fuel Surcharge or Service Fee: Some apps, depending on your location and total delivery, may charge a fuel surcharge or service fee in addition to the delivery fee.
• Pickup Times: To save money on delivery fees, curbside pickup is offered at some stores. Pickup times closer to your order time may charge a premium.
• A gratuity is typical for restaurant food delivery, and most grocery store delivery apps offer it as well. The requirements for tipping and the amount that goes to the driver can vary.

The Division of Consumer Protection recommends the following tips to save money when using grocery delivery apps:

1. Make a list -- Food is one of the top national impulse purchases across all age groups and can contribute to 20% or more of a grocery bill. If you shop on the app with a list, the bill will likely be lower because you are not walking through the aisles.
2. Choose store pickup, next day -- Curbside pickup allows consumers to save money on delivery fees, but some stores charge a premium to pick up your items close to your order time. Place your order a day before you need it, to keep fees down.
3. Shop around -- If you are ordering food from one grocery store, see what the same order would cost you on another app or grocery store in the same area. Searching on “grocery delivery near me” is a good way to find out what stores and apps will deliver to your location.
4. Search for more -- Availability may vary, depending on the app, so consumers may have to look for those items elsewhere online. Consumers should be aware that shopping on multiple apps results in separate fees and delivery charges.
5. Confirm the gratuity policy -- Often the grocery delivery people work as independent contractors and are not paid an hourly wage; instead receiving a per delivery stipend. Thus, the gratuity added is an important part of their income. Some delivery companies keep a portion of the gratuity charge rather than passing it on to the drivers in full. Check the app’s policy to understand what portion makes it to the driver – you may want to choose to cash tip the driver directly.
6. Become a member -- Some grocery delivery apps are charging a fee and giving members additional promotions. Depending on the fee and the amount of actual deliveries a member utilizes, it may be beneficial for a frequent user to become a member. It is important to read all the terms and conditions for membership before signing up to ensure membership does not end up costing more over time. For more tips on membership programs, click here.
7. Look at reviews -- If you have never ordered from a grocery store before, check out reviews to see what to expect. Also check out the delivery services reviews in your area since delivery services are based on individual drivers and can vary greatly in different locations.
8. Check your order upon receipt. Stores may substitute items for more expensive alternatives. To save money, consumers should understand the store’s return policy and return the items to the store, if less expensive options are available.
9. Separate services, separate complaints. If there is a problem with your groceries, the delivery person is not necessarily connected with the grocery store. When you have an issue with your groceries, try contacting the grocery store first.

To learn more smart shopping tips, consumers are encouraged to sign up for a free webinar hosted by the Division of Consumer Protection entitled, "Savvy Shopping Tips for Smart Consumers," which is taking place on March 25 at 6 p.m. Register to participate here.

Consumers who encounter problems with grocery delivery services are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers.

For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or visit the DCP website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Press release:

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization located in Le Roy, is in need of additional volunteers to help in its expanding program.

The mission of Purple Pony is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of special needs riders through horseback riding and equine assisted activities.

Purple Pony is currently seeking volunteers to assist with riding lessons for the Spring 2021 session, from May 4^st to June 18^th. Forty-five minute lessons will be offered Tuesday and Friday at 4:45, 6 and 7:15 p.m. at the KD Ranch in Le Roy.

The  ranch is located at 8321 Lake Street Road.

Volunteers are needed for rider assistance as a horse leader or side walking. Training is provided on April 13 and 16 at 6 p.m.

To participate, or for more information, please contact Gail at (585) 721-9080 or e-mail:  gail@purplepony.org

Press release:

With one month to go before the April 15 tax return filing deadline, The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is encouraging taxpayers to take advantage of the free resources available 24/7 at www.tax.ny.gov, including the Free File program.

Taxpayers with income of $72,000 or less in 2020 can electronically complete and submit their federal and New York State income tax returns online for free.

“Nearly 100,000 taxpayers have already taking advantage of our free filing services through the Tax Department website,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt. “Free File is fast, safe, secure, and will help ensure you don’t overlook any beneficial credits or deductions.”

To be directed to the free filing options, simply click Free File your income tax return on the Tax Department’s website.

To ensure you're not charged a fee, you must go to the Tax Department’s website to complete your return. You’ll save on preparation fees, prevent costly errors, and ensure that you directly receive any refund you’re owed in the most efficient way possible.

The Tax Department has produced a series of video tutorials to assist New Yorkers with the tax return filing process. Topics range from gathering the necessary documents to choosing the right software. You can view the videos at our Get ready to e-file your income tax return webpage.

Filing your return electronically is safer and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. About 95 percent of all personal income tax returns in New York State are electronically prepared and filed. All returns, regardless of how they’re filed, undergo the same systematic review.

You’ll also receive your refund faster if it’s directly deposited into your bank account rather than mailed as a paper check.

To use direct deposit, simply choose the “direct deposit” option on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. For checking accounts, this information is available on your checks; for savings accounts, contact your bank.

Need individual assistance?

If you need assistance in filing your tax return, free help is available. If your federal adjusted gross income in 2020 was $72,000 or less, Tax Department representatives can guide you through the free tax preparation software to help you electronically prepare and file your 2020 federal and state income tax returns at no cost.

To register, see Register for a virtual FSA session.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.86, up 9 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.27. The New York State average is $2.90 – up 7 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.50.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.84 (up 8 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.82 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.87 (up 7 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.87 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.92 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.85 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.92 (up 6 cents since last week)

Rising crude prices, tightening gas supplies, and increased gas demand continue to drive pump prices to higher ground. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gas stocks are down while demand is up. Last week’s demand measurement is the highest since the end of November 2020. If these trends continue alongside higher crude prices, drivers can expect pump prices to increase.

From GasBuddy:

"As Americans turn optimistic on COVID-19 pandemic recovery, we've been seeing insatiable demand for gasoline, which continues to recover far faster than oil production," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "According to GasBuddy data, last week's gasoline demand was just 1 percent below the pre-pandemic level, an extremely bullish factor likely to continue driving gas and oil prices up in the short term.

"The recovery in the last few weeks has been astounding -- both the speed and overall volume increases we've seen in our data lend credibility to the recovery, and perhaps will lead to continued price increases due to the continued imbalance between supply and demand.

"It's no longer a question of if we'll see gasoline demand return to near normal this year but when, and will oil producers rise to the occasion and be able to quickly ramp up output, or are we going to see the highest summer prices since 2014 until they jump into action? Only time will tell, but it's looking like things are heating up far more than expected since the start of the year."

Without a doubt, Batavian Nathan Cordes is on a roll.

For the third straight week, Cordes led the way in the 12-team Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

This time, the 31-year-old right-hander fired 247-235-279 for a 761 series, a bit better than his teammate, Rich Wagner, who posted a 748 series.

Last week, Cordes rolled a 300 game in a 754 series and the week before that, he had a 280 game in a 772 series. The recent outburst has raised his average to 220.

In other action in the Genesee Region USBC, Hall of Famer Fred Gravanda of Batavia popped a 275 game en route to a 748 series in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

GRUSBC Association Tournament Starts Friday

The 14th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament gets underway at 7 p.m. Friday.

Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen is hosting the Team (four-person) event while Legion Lanes in Le Roy is hosting the Doubles & Singles events over the next two weekends.

Team squads are 7 p.m. on Fridays; noon and 3 p.m. on Saturdays; noon and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 28. The Team event is limited to 80 teams.

Doubles & Singles squads are 7 p.m. on Fridays; 1 p.m. on Saturdays; 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 28. The D & S event is limited to 68 doubles teams.

Bowlers are urged to contact Mike Pettinella, Genesee Region USBC association manager, at mikep@bowlgr.com or at (585) 861-0404 as soon as possible to reserve their spots.

Already, the noon squad on Sunday, March 21 for the Team event is full.

The per person cost per event is $30. The All-Events (total of Team, Doubles and Singles) fee is $10.

Police investigators have yet to determine what may have caused a driver of a minivan to accelerate -- if she did -- after the vehicle struck a Town of Batavia fire chief's car that was heading to a serious injury accident on Galloway Road.

The minivan appears to have been exiting the Tops Market parking lot shortly after 9 a.m. with the intention of turning left when it struck the emergency vehicle, which was in emergency mode, driven by Fire Chief Dan Coffey. Coffey's vehicle sustained damage on the passenger side front fender.

The older female driver, whose name is not being released at this time, then proceeded eastbound on West Main Street Road. The minivan appears to have accelerated after the initial collision, Sgt. Mitch Cowen confirmed, but what may have caused that apparent acceleration hasn't been determined.

The minivan headed toward the West Main intersection with River Street where both lanes were blocked by cars stopped at the red light. Lynn Mucica was driving one of those vehicles and said she saw a car coming up behind her fast and thought it was going to strike the car next to her and possibly involve her in an accident. The minivan then swerved and struck a utility pole with three transformers on it, snapping the pole off near the base. The minivan continued east and came to rest on its side in the yard of 389 W. Main St.  

City fire responded and extricated the driver from the vehicle.  

The driver is being treated at ECMC for minor injuries and has not yet been interviewed.  

A citation is possible, Cowen said.

Coffey was uninjured in the collision and did eventually make it to the accident scene on Galloway Road.

At this hour, West Main remains partially closed. National Grid crews are repairing the pole. At least one of the transformers leaked its oily liquid onto the roadway and National Grid has also dispatched an environmental cleanup team to deal with the spill. The work is expected to be completed shortly.

(Initial Report)

Press release:

The operation of youth sports in the LeRoy community will never be more important than in the coming months. Today LeRoy Youth Softball's Board of Directors announce that it is getting a grant for $3,700 from the Victor L. Blood and Maudaline L. Blood Charitable Foundation to support youth athletics in the community of LeRoy.

Youth softball in Le Roy has been steadfast for decades, in the local community.

Officially incorporating in 2020 as a 501(c)(3), it has seen a resurgence benefitting from the outpouring of community support including: sponsors, parents, board members and coaches. The Blood Foundation recognizing the significance of youth sports in Le Roy, can be added to list of vital contributors. 

The Blood Foundation, as it is commonly known, was created on April 14, 1989 through the generosity of Vic Blood, a prominent businessman from LeRoy. He envisioned a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of the Town and Village of LeRoy. Vic Blood passed on in 1996, but his legacy lives on through the work of the Blood Foundation. 

Last summer, LeRoy Youth Softball was able to safely conduct several months of skills, drills and inter-squad scrimmaging. This winter the program has been holding safe indoor clinics for girls who meet the 8U up to 16U criteria. The 2021 season is quickly approaching, LeRoy Youth Softball will have five teams safely competing in the GLOW Academy League this summer. 

The future of youth softball in Le Roy is bright. The contributions from the Blood Foundation will assist with the building of club storage shed to house the equipment needed to support the 70 some girls who will play this summer.

The LeRoy Youth Softball players, coaches and Board of Directors would like to say THANK YOU to the Blood Foundation for its generous contribution.

A driver told an investigator he fell asleep prior to a head-on collision on Galloway Road at 9 a.m. that sent both that driver and another driver to ECMC.

Rylend L. Callicutt, 18, of Batavia, was driving a white 2011 GMC SUV eastbound when it crossed the center line. The vehicle struck a 2011 Hyundai sedan driven by Danielle C. Neuhaus, 31, of Batavia.

Neuhaus was trapped in the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. She was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC, where she is currently in the trauma ICU.

Callicutt was transported by Mercy EMS.

He was issued a citation for failure to remain in the right-hand lane.

The accident report was prepared by Deputy Travis Demuth. The Crash Management Team also responded to the scene.

(Initial Report)

Submitted photos and information from Jason Smith.

As part of the Faith Formation program at Resurrection Parish, grade 9 and 10 students were given a tour of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church this morning. It is located at 18 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia.

The tour included information about the stained-glass window panels, the altar and sacristy.

The students' teachers are Judy Clark and Ron Chrzanowski.

Newspaper clippings and old photos were displayed. One taken in the 1920s shows the altar in its original splendor with elaborate white steeples, which were later removed.

Another is of the church's once-trademark mural, an enormous painting done in four sections by Buffalo artist Alex O. Levy that was completed in 1940. It weighed 800 pounds and depicted incidents in the life of the Virgin Mary. The mural deteriorated and was subsequently covered with wallpaper.

Two Le Roy wrestlers came away from the Section V tournament on Saturday with championship titles.

Brock Flint won at 160 pounds and Joey Brennan won at 162 pounds.

Coming in second at 138 pounds, Cole Rauscher, and at 152 pounds, Nate Andrews.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Brock Flint

Joey Brennan

Number 3 seed, at 10-2, Oakfield-Alabama knocked off #1 seed Cal-Mum, at 13-0, by a score of 55-50 to win Saturday's Class C2 Section V trophy at Cal-Mum.

Travis Wiedrich scored 20 points and Kaden Cusmano sunk a trio of three-pointers on his way to a 19-point game.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here, here, and here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department announces the launch of CRIMEWATCH, a new website that gives people who use social networks and mobile devices an easier, more effective way to help fight crime and stay informed.

The new Batavia Police Department website was developed in partnership with CRIMEWATCH Technologies and is part of the CRIMEWATCH Network (crimewatch.net). The website is an online tool that gives the public direct access to crime and public safety-related information happening in their community. 

“This new website is the perfect entry point for establishing better police and public relationships. CRIMEWATCH gives us the opportunity to communicate with the public and gives residents the anonymity to report neighborhood issues. Several police departments throughout the Northeast region are having great success using this technology”, said Chief Heubusch, City of Batavia Police chief.  

The City of Batavia Police Department is the first New York-based police department to go live on the CRIMEWATCH Network; a communications platform developed specifically for law enforcement agencies that allow for geographically targeted information sharing and intelligence gathering.

This resource allows residents to do the following:

• Sign up for a free account to receive e-mail alerts;, 
• Submit a tip to the Batavia Police Department; 
• View recent arrests and “most wanted” lists;
• Get info on local sex offenders; 
• Share information with others through social media; and 
• Get connected with resources and services.

A motor-vehicle accident with entrapment is reported at River Street and West Main Street, Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: Possible transformer on fire in the area.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) (9:34 a.m.): A vehicle is on its side in front of 389 W. Main St. A utility pole is sheared off that has three transformers on it. The city's second and fourth platoons are called to stand by in quarters. A woman named Lynn Mucica says she was in her vehicle eastbound on West Main Street at the stop light at River Street and there was another car next to her's, when a car approached at a high rate of speed. She feared it would hit the vehicle next to hers. But it swerved instead and struck the pole, then came to rest on its side.

UPDATE 9:44 a.m.: There is a lot of debris in the roadway on West Main Street and some spilled fluids; it appears the accident at West Main and River may have started at the light in front of Top's Market as the car now on its side turned left from the parking lot onto West Main Street.

UPDATE 9:54 a.m.: City command calls for clean up of the spilled fluids, some of which is said to be oil from a transformer.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: A rep from National Grid is on scene and awaiting a bucket truck. Command requests that Five Star Bank personnel be contacted and informed that power is partially out to the bank building.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m. The following closures and detours remain in effect, per City Fire.

CLOSED: River Street between West Main Street and South Main Street
CLOSED: Five Star Bank - No power, No ATM
NO LEFT TURN: From Redfield Parkway to West Main Street
NO LEFT TURN: From West Main Street to Redfield Parkway
OPEN: West Main Street 1 lane both east and west bound.
OPEN: Dunkin’ Donuts!
EXPECT RESTRICTIONS & POWER OUTAGES FOR APPROXIMATELY THE NEXT 8 HOURS

A motor-vehicle accident with people trapped in a vehicle reported in the area of 2905 Galloway Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Mercy Flight being placed on ground standyby.

UPDATE 9:11 a.m.: One person trapped, a lengthy extrication expected, Mercy Flight requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 9:30 a.m.: Galloway Road is being shut down at Downey Road. Mercy Flight is en route and will land in a church parking lot.

UPDATE 9:37 a.m.: The entrapped person has been extricated.

UPDATE 9:52 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with one patient, en route to ECMC.

UPDATE 10:11 a.m.: The accident involved a white GMC SUV and a black sedan. The white GMC crossed the center line and struck the sedan head on. A second patient was also taken to ECMC, via ground ambulance.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: The Town of Batavia fire assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 10:21 a.m.: A press release will be issued later and photos from the scene will be posted at that time.

Notre Dame traveled to South Seneca today as the #2 seed in the Class D1 tournament, with two losses on its record, and proceeded to upset the unbeaten #1 seed 55-48 to win a Section V title.

The Lady Irish were once again lead by sophomore Amelia McCulley who scored 30 points.  Lindsey Weidman scored 14 points. Emma Sisson had 12 rebounds, Maylee Green, 11, Weidman, nine, and McCulley, eight.

Submitted photo.