A fire behind a stove is reported at the Sportsman's Coonhunters Association, an archery club, located at 8776 Hopkins Road in East Pembroke. The flames are out but firefighters are called to check for extensions into the walls.
East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. A firefighter on scene says extensions are unlikely. An infrared camera is requested to be sure.
The newest member of the Batavia Police Department has graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University.
Officer Matthew D. Lutey has been attending the academy for the the past 24 weeks. At graduation ceremonies Monday, Lutey was presented the Joseph E. Steblein Memorial Award, named after the academy's first director.
The award is presented to the individual who demonstrates overall excellence in all areas of training.
Officer Lutey is a graduate of Genesee Community College and served six years in the Air Force. He is currently assigned to Field Training Officers where he will complete 16 additional weeks of on-the-job training with time spent assigned to all shifts.
Library officials and supporters made a pitch to the Genesee County Legislature on Monday to protect funding for books, materials and support for the county's six libraries.
Funding has decreased in recent years and as budgets continue to tighten, officials are concerned that one key source of funding is in jeopardy.
"You’re frugal and we are, too," said Anne Engel, director of the Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield. "We use everything two or three times. But there's a study that shows that for every taxpayer dollar that is put into a library, more than $3 is returned to the economy."
In 2010, county aid to the library system was $57,351, down from $60,370 in 2009.
Libraries are funded through a combination of school taxes, grants and fees and fines as well as county aid.
Library officials spoke to the Public Services Committee, whose members offered no feedback on the request nor was there any pending item up for vote.
Esther Marone explained that prior to 1984, the county provided no aid to libraries, but when the Richmond Memorial Library expanded and began providing more services, its expenses went up.
Rather than seek funding for just the Richmond library, the county's librarians got together and worked for three years on a plan to present to the legislature to provide aid to all of the local libraries.
Part of the reason, said Diana Wyrwa, executive director of the Richmond Memorial Library, was that some communities in the county have no direct expense for libraries, but residents still use neighboring community libraries, so the aid helps cover the expense of serving those residents.
And the libraries remain popular.
In 2010, there were 472,991 books circulated.
"The new book area always has people hovering around like bees looking for the newest and the greatest releases," Engel said.
Libraries pay a particularly important role for people who can't afford computers and internet access, by not only providing easy access to books and periodicals, but also computers for personal use.
In tough times, funding a library system is particularly important, argued Thomas Bindeman, (pictured above) executive director of the Nioga Library System.
"Whenever there’s an economic downturn, people come to libraries," he said. "When times get tough, we’re used."
Get ready to rock and roll at Dwyer Stadium Friday night with Batavia's own "In Plain View."
Pictured above in the band's poster are lead guitarist Joe Lambert (top left), drummer Mark Assenato (top right), bass player Mike Burns (bottom left) and singer Pete Cecere.
"In Plain View" has roots in the players' high school days, but officially got its name last year -- during 4th of July weekend, to be exact.
Burns, a graduate of Batavia High School, said his class celebrated its 26-year reunion -- that's right, 26-year reunion -- at that time, and the band got back together to play for the occasion. They were asked to play again the following night at a private party, which was held at Haul 4 Less.
"(And we thought,) 'Here's four guys who haven't played in 26 years,'" Cecere said, "'and what people see is what they get, in plain view.'"
Included in the group's repertoire are rock songs from almost every era, from the '60s to the present. They play songs that multiple generations will know and appreciate, as evidenced by the fact that Cecere has received positive comments from his daugthers and from some of his aunts and uncles.
"(We'll play) anything from The Kinks to Jimmy Eat World," he said. "We like to pick songs that are interesting and out of the ordinary, but still popular."
"Our goal is not to be the typical bar band," Burns said.
Dedication is a key ingredient in the work that "In Plain View" does. Lambert, who lives in New York City, flies into Batavia for every gig, which is followed by a good five, six or seven hours of rehearsal.
Cecere and Burns, for their parts, have been able to manage this while working full-time jobs. Cecere works in sales at Diamond Packaging. Burns is a manager of client services at the Rochester Institute of Technology -- and coaches a girls soccer team through a season of near total victory.
When asked how they found the time for rehearsals, Cecere replied: "Very carefully."
If you're going to be part of this band, he added, "You've got to do your homework."
"In Plain View's" pre-game concert will start at 5:30 p.m. and last about 45 minutes.
Anyone who purchases tickets to the Muckdogs game will get to see Friday's show at no extra cost.
The band's expenses are being covered by the Juliano Allstate Agency, but they themselves are not getting paid for the concert. As huge Muckdogs fans, all four members are more than happy to donate their time.
"We are extremely blessed to have the Muckdogs," Cecere said. "It's cheap (price-wise) family fun."
"We went by (Dwyer Stadium)," Burns said, "and Joe said, 'This is where we've got to play.'"
For more information on "In Plain View" and their upcoming concerts, visit www.inplainviewband.com.
Bottom two photos taken by Stephen Ognibene.
Batavia's 11-year-old All Stars run at a championship season came to an end Monday with an 12-2 loss to Tonawanda.
Tonawanda moves on to the state championship next week in Pinebush.
Batavia made it to the District 1 regional championship game after beating Seneca Falls and Oleans.
Batavia’s Casey Radka turned a double play for the team, with Jerry Reinhart who pitched well in the loss to Tonawanda. Nick Bezinque and Evan Bender had the hits for Batavia in a well-played game by both teams.
The 2011 11-year-old All Star roster included: Evan Bender, Alex Jones, Jerry Rinehart, Philip Koziol, Taylor Stefaniak, Nick Bezinque, AJ Marcello, Casey Radka, Griffen Moore, Michael Calderon and Cameron Ells.
The coaches were James Soggs, Dave Hall and Todd Bender
The team was coached by James Soggs, Dave Hall and Todd Bender.
Slide show of more photos below (be sure to click on the button in the lower right for full screen version).
Pictures from this event can be purchased by clicking here.
The clouds after the storm late yesterday were pretty spectacular. I was tied up on something else, so didn't have much time drive around for pictures. But as soon as I was free, I went out to one of my favorite spots along Creek Road and took this picture.
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.
Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.
Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.
Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985. Pizza, wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)
Settler's, 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.
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. Decorate your home or office for summer. We have a $20 gift certificate 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.
SOLD OUT
Note: if you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.
An elderly female fell out of her wheelchair and struck her head on the pavement at the intersection of Oak Orchard and Hundredmark roads in Elba. Mercy EMS and Elba fire responding. Mercy Flight is responding to transport the victim.
UPDATE: Mercy Flight landed a few minutes ago.
UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.
A front porch carpet fire, believed to be out at this time, is reported at 11133 Saint Mary's St. in Pavilion. A person there suffered burns to the legs trying to put out the blaze. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS responded. They are checking the site with an infrared camera to ensure the blaze is out.
The victim is reportedly a 14-year-old who was playing with matches. A Sheriff's deputy is requested to the scene because of concerns of child endangerment.
UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: Those at the scene ask the deputy to "step it up."
UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Mercy medics are en route to Strong Memorial Hospital with the burn victim. The Sheriff's deputy is back in service.
UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: Pavilion fire is back in service.
Scott Eric Hodgins, 43, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Hodgins is accused of punching another person in the head several times causing a concussion.
Latoya Yalonda Stanley, 23, of State Street, is charged with petit larceny. Stanley is accused of shoplifting about $96 worth of merchandise from Kmart.
Nicholas A. Clark, 21, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Clark was stopped late Friday by Le Roy Police after reportedly being observed vomiting from his vehicle while on Munson Street.
Sherry L. Demmer, 39, of 20 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Demmer is accused of kicking a neighbor in the chest during an incident at 10:30 p.m., Friday.
Joseph H. Schenk, 19, of Route 33, Bergen, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Schenk is accused of displaying and swinging a hammer toward family members during a dispute at 9:35 p.m., Friday. Schenk was jailed on $1,500 bail.
A two-car accident with injuries, not blocking traffic, is reported at Allegany Road near Roberts Road Route 63 and the Orleans/Genesee county line.
Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. "All parties are conscious. There is an infant involved." A second ambulance is requested out of Medina.
UPDATE: 3:13 p.m.: A responder says "We have three adults and three small children. All injuries appear to be minor at this time."
Smoke is reportedly coming from the basement of a house at 312 Eillicott St. in Batavia. City firefighters are en route. The landlord says the smoke is coming out of the cinder blocks.
UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: Fire command reports the smoke is coming from a crawl space and they have limited access to it. They are going to get at it through a breach they made in the wall.
UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: City fire has cleared the scene.
Photos submitted by Frank Capuano.
A two-car accident with minor injuries is blocking traffic at West Main Street and West Avenue in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service is responding.
UPDATE 12:53 p.m.: The roadway reopened.
An accident in the area of 7495 Maple Road is believed to have resulted in minor injuries.
OnStar reports impact was in the side of the car at 33 mph. There was air-bag deployment.
Alabama Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene.
A house has been reportedly struck by lightning at 11053 Mill Road, East Bethany.
There is a smell of smoke in the residence.
Bethany Fire Department being dispatched.
UPDATE 5 22 a.m.: More manpower requested to the scene. A house across the street also appears to have been struck. A chief requests help to further investigate the homes.
UPDATE 5:32 a.m.: Two houses are without power. National Grid requested to the scene (note: So far, no other power outages reported in the county).
A severe thunderstorm is passing through the area and a storm warning is in effect until 6 a.m. for parts of Genesee County.
A storm capable of producing damaging winds up to 60 mph is currently centered around Medina and moving southeast at 30 mph.
The storm may pass directly through Oakfield and Byron.
Heavy hail and cloud-to-ground lightning are part of the storm.
The National Weather Service warns that people outdoors should seek shelter immediately.
UPDATE 5:02 a.m.: New warning from the National Weather Service says the storm is centered near Attica and continues moving southeast at 25 mph.
Photo: Hail on the porch of Tammy Way at 4 a.m.
It's always gratifying when I'm at some public event and a fan of The Batavian comes up to me and tells me how much he or she loves the site. The word "addiction" pops up frequently.
Often times I remind the fan, "If you love The Batavian, tell our sponsors."
With out the local businesses who support The Batavian, the site wouldn't exist.
So, please, when you shop or dine, try to support a local business first, and the local businesses you should support first and foremost are the ones that help keep The Batavian going.
To help you in your quest to support sponsors of The Batavian, here's an updated list:
A.D. Call and Sons
Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
Alabama Hotel
Alberty Drug Store
Alex's Place
Alli's Cones and Dogs
Baker's Frontier Kitchens
Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
Batavia Downs
Batavia Muckdogs
Beds 'n' Bones Pet Lodge
Beverly's Florist
Bohn's Restaurant
Bontrager's Auction
Bontrager's Real Estate
Bourbon & Burger Co.
Carlson's Studio
CASA
Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
Center Street Smokehouse
Classic Home Improvements
Clor's Meat Market
Cookies & Milk
Computer & Phone Repair
Crazy Cheap Cars
Cruiser's Creamery
D&R Depot Restaurant
Dan's Tire
Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern
The Detail Shop
Dupont TV
Empire Tractor
The Enchanted Florist
Espresso Salads and Subs
EZ Budget Insurance
Fastec Automotive
Fedora's Diner
Ficarella's Pizzeria
Foxprowl Collectibles
Genesee Community College
Genesee County Emergency Services
Genesee Country Farmers Market
Genesee Dental Group
Genesee Graphics
Gilmartin
Glass Roots
Grammy's Laundry
Greens of LeRoy
H.E. Turner & Co.
Hardcor Audio
Hawley's Hots
High Voltage Tattoo
Holy Family School
I.R. Systems
The Insurance Center
J. Leonard McAndrew
Jagged Edges Salon
John's Service Station
Ken Barrett
KleenAll
Kraving's Kafe
Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath
L.C. Mosman
Lamb Family Medicine
Larry's Steakhouse
Lathan Tree Service
Le Roy Hearth and Home
Lei-Ti Campground
LPL Financial
Main St. Pizza Company
Making Memories of Travel
The Mane Attraction
The Manor House
Mark Lewis Agency
Matteo & Mullen, CPA
Max Pies
Michael Tomaszewski
Millennium Computer
Minty Wellness
Next Level Fitness
Nothnagle - Danielle Torcello
Nothnagle - Frank Minuto
O'Lacy's Irish Pub
Oliver's Candies
Optique
Pauly's Pizza
Pellegrino Auto Sales
Planned Parenthood
Present Tense Books
Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center
Red Osier
Russell Marchese, DDS
Scofield Roll-Off Service
Scratch Bakery
Select Collision
Settler's Restaurant
South Beach
South Main Country Store
Stafford Trading Post
Southside Deli
Terry Hills
The Finishing Line
Tim Kabel Building
T.F. Brown's
Valle Jewelers
Viking Valhalla/Rose Bowl
Windy Woods Custom Design
West Main Wine & Spirits
WNY Fireplace Outlet
Yassess Construction
Zoom N Groom Dog Grooming
When you try to put together a youth sports team here in Batavia, you're usually lucky to get more than 30 kids on board -- let alone 30 of the most most athletic kids, like in the larger districts near Buffalo and Rochester.
That's why it's all the more impressive that Batavia's U12 (under 12) soccer team won 11 out of 12 games and suffered no losses -- the exception to the winning streak being a tied game, which was played on a 92-degree evening -- during the 2011 season.
Led by Head Coach Pete Cecere, along with assistant coaches Mike Burns and Steve Moore, the team of 11- and 12-year-olds competed against several Rochester area teams, including: Penfield, Victor, Webster, Churchville-Caledonia, Livonia and Bloomfield (that was the tied game).
On Friday night, Cecere and Burns -- who, in addition to coaching the team, are also on the board of directors for Genesee Amateur Soccer Association (GASA) -- took time to answer some questions for The Batavian at Cecere's home, where the team had a pool party to celebrate their successful season.
Cecere gave a lot of credit to the girls for the effort they put into the games.
"A good core of the team played with me year-round (in preparation)," he said. "We had tremendous defense, great goalies," including Paige Hamiester, Courtney Burns and Maggie Cecere.
"Pete has taken the girls a long way," Burns said.
Up until now, U12 was more of a recreational league than anything else. Cecere, along with other GASA board members, wanted to take it up a notch.
As an assistant coach for the Batavia High School varsity team, he understood the challenge that awaited these girls as they approached the age where they would get into modified sports. Soon, they will match athletic prowess with top-notch athletes from some of the region's bigger districts, where coaches have a much larger pool of players from which to draw.
For that reason, the board wanted to take this "rec" program and make it more competitive.
"About half the girls on this team are going to be playing modified in the fall," Cecere said. "And we (the GASA board) decided that the only way they were going to get better was by swimming with the sharks."
Passionate as he was about this prospect, he was also realistic.
"I said, 'Rochester teams have 150 girls when we're beggin' to get 30, so we probably won't do very well. But the girls (our kids) will be playing now are the same girls they'll be playing in modified, and the only way they're going to be prepared is if they actually get out there and play."
To him, it was about how to make the kids better players rather than how to get more kids on the team.
So what did he and the other coaches do to guide these young ladies through this surprising streak of impressive games? Basically, the strategy involved getting them excited about the game of soccer -- including the whys and wherefores of the game's rules and mechanics.
According to Burns, "you could definitely see the spark in their eyes" as they grew in their knowledge of the game.
"One of the beauties of soccer is that it's a game that teaches itself," Cecere said. The girls were able to "learn by doing," as they say.
Cecere, for his part, made sure that there was always activity on the fields during practices.
"I'm a firm believer that there shouldn't be a lot of standing around at practice," he said. "I try to keep them moving, change up activities so they don't get bored, and be supportive. (It's important to) accentuate the positive."
And whenever he does point out any given player's mistake, he phrases it in the form of a question (for instance, "Can you tell me where you went wrong here?")
"And nine times out of 10, they know the answer."
You could say he's a tough coach. He had his girls play the tough teams, and he definitely kept them movin' during those practices. But as a coach, he is also encouraging and fun.
"He has a great rapport with the girls," Burns said. "It's fun to watch someone who can connect with them, both on a game level and on a fun level -- whether it's goofing around on the sidelines or teaching them about how the game works."
For Cecere, it's all about passion for what he does.
"There is literally nothing I like better than coaching these girls," he said.
For more information on GASA, visit www.gasabatavia.org.
Photo taken by Barbara Paserk
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