The first regional home and business expo sponsored by the Batavia Area Jaycees kicked off this morning in Batavia City Centre.

The Genesee Region Expo replaces the home show run by the Jaycees for 60 years.

More than two dozen vendors are ready to explain to visitors this weekend how they can make their homes more attractive and more comfortable.

The event includes food and a kids zone for children to hang out while parents visit vendor booths.

The show runs today through 7 p.m. and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The traffic lights are reportedly out at Summit and Main streets, and also at Ross and Main streets in the city. There's a wire down at Ross and Main as well.

Traffic is backed up at Route 63 near Batavia-Stafford Town Line Road as the roadway is either closed or partially closed. We didn't catch why. Law enforcement is on scene.

The Batavia Muckdogs Booster Club held its annual Hot Stove Dinner and auction at Terry Hills on Friday night.

Above Todd Jantzi, of Bontrager's, auctions off a painting being held by Joe Gerace. Below, Gerace receives a donation for Genesee Cancer Assistance from Brian Paris, president of Genesee County Baseball Club, Inc. And in the bottom photo, the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Baseball Club.

A 26-year-old Le Roy resident is accused of serving a 17-year-old alcohol and then having sex with her.

The sex was allegedly not consensual.

Alexander J. Kessler, of Myrtle Street, is charged with criminal sexual act, 1st, aggravated sexual abuse, 3rd, forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child.

The top charge carries a potential sentence of five to 25 years in state prison.

Le Roy Police arrested Kessler following an investigation after receiving a complaint today that Kessler supplied an underage girl with alcohol.

Following arraignment, Kessler was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Intra-county rivals Elba and Notre Dame met in Letchworth tonight for a Section V title clash and the Lancers came out on top 44-33.

On Saturday, at 3 p.m., the Elba and Notre Dame boys teams will meet for the Section V title in Rochester.

As far as anybody knows, according to WBTA, it's the first time two schools from the same county clashed for a Section V title in both boys and girls basketball.

The Batavian will cover Saturday's game.

We expect some picture's from Friday's game later.

A possible house fire is reported in Pavilion. A neighbor who lives at 10099 Perry Road says she can see a glow and what appears to be fire coming from her neighbor's home two doors down to the south. That would be 10246 Perry Road, according to dispatch, which is quite some distance from the caller's home.

Pavilion Fire Department is responding. The location is between Heffer and Junction roads.

The intersection at Perry and Junction roads will be closed.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: A firefighter in the area reports seeing nothing.

UPDATE 8:12 p.m.: Firefighters on scene say they are with the homeowner who is trying to put out a rubbish fire in his back yard. The homeowner is "going to bury this with a pile of stones." Responders are told to come in non-emergency. "This is the big new log house on top of the hill." It's the same location where, a couple of months ago, a car was driven into a pond accidently.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m.: The homeowner has extinguished the rubbish fire. The Pavilion assignment is back in service.

An apartment fire is reported at 145 Park Road. The location is the Genesee Park Place Apartments. City fire is on scene but says there's nothing showing.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: A firefighter inside reports there is white smoke in an apartment on the second floor.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: There is no fire. A teapot was left on the stove and was smoking. The place is being ventilated.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Traffic is being shut down at Park Road and Veterans Memorial Drive.

UPDATE 5:58 p.m.: A fire official reports that there was approximately $250 in damage to the contents of the apartment, but no damage to the structure. City firefighters on this assignment are back in service.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Oak Street and Park Road in Batavia. It is blocking traffic.

City firefighters and Mercy EMS are responding. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: Extrication is needed. A second ambulance from Oakfield is requested.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The ambulance out of Oakfield is cancelled. A power pole is damaged.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: Law enforcement is shutting down traffic at Park Road and Veterans Memorial Drive.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: A 45-year-old female driver is being transported to UMMC with complaints of ankle pain.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

Workers were on Swan Street in Batavia today knocking away loose bricks from the facade of the old Wiard Plow factory office building. Property co-owner Todd Audsley said the goal was to remove loose bricks before high winds hit the area tonight.

Long-term, the owners are working on a restoration project for the building. The facade will eventually be restored to look as much like the original as possible.

There is a high-wind warning in place starting at midnight through 10 p.m., Saturday.

Winds of 35 to 40 mph are expected with gusts up to 70 mph.

Shane Scott, 17, of Forestville, Pa., William Gorton, 17, of 92 Lake St., Le Roy and a 15-year-old boy are accused of participating in a burglary. Shane and William are charged with burglary, 3rd, and attempted burglary, 2nd. They are accused of entering an apartment building Thursday on Bacon Street, Le Roy, and attempting to steal property from the apartment. The 15-year-old will be referred to Family Court. They were arraigned and released under supervision of the probation department. William was also charged with burglary, 2nd, in connection with an alleged break-in Feb. 19 on Myrtle Street. Additional arrests in the case are pending.

Katie L. Orlando, 19, of 24 Craigie St., Le Roy, is charged with coercion, 1st. Orlando is accused of going into the apartment of a person and threatening that person. Orlando allegedly later called that person on the phone and issued a threat. The alleged threats came after the victim reportedly called 9-1-1 the night before and were allegedly intended to intimidate the victim from calling 9-1-1 in the future. Orlando was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Steven Carnell McKnight, 18, of 14th Street, Buffalo, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 2nd. McKnight allegedly forced his way into a residence on Gabbey Road in Pembroke on Feb. 14 in order to steal property from the residence.

Willie F. Irvin II, 29, 12 Elm St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and reckless endangerment of property, and Randy Johnson, 24, of 110 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment of property. Irvin and Johnson are accused of fighting in a bar in Batavia and in the process damaging a video game and glass display case.

Casey Willowbear, 52, of Sanford Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Willowbear was stopped for allegedly speeding at 9:12 p.m., Wednesday, on West Main Street Road by Deputy Matthew Fleming. She was allegedly found in possession of a glass pipe containing burnt marijuana inside her vehicle.

A 17-year-old of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with petit larceny. An employee at Wilson Farms, 25 Main St., Oakfield, observed the youth allegedly trying to leave the store with merchandise concealed under her shirt.

SHOP BATAVIA SPECIAL: Turnbull Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, 50 Franklin St. Batavia, NY: Save $25 on a residential heating or air conditioning diagnostic visit from Turnbull Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. CLICK HERE to purchase this special offer.

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.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate 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.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently so you can try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Log Cabin Restaurant 1227 Gilmore Rd, Corfu, NY: Overlooking the picturesque Indian Falls on the Tonawanda Creek, the Log Cabin is known for casual dining, beef on weck, burgers, steaks, prime rib and mouthwatering BBQ baby back ribs. The Log Cabin is located off Route 77, 1.7 miles north of Exit 48 on the Thruway. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Scooter's Family Restaurant, 3711 W. Main St. Road, Batavia NY: Nestled just outside of the Village of Batavia, Scooter's offers a homestyle menu, daily specials, kid's meals and homemade desserts! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Note: if you've never purchased Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board approved the following two projects for tax-abatement assistance:

University Eye/Lassiter Properties, 217 Summit St., Batavia. Planned 1,961-square-foot expansion, six new jobs, total capital investment of $755,000. Sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies of $26,000 and a PILOT tax exemption on the increased value of the property of $52,500 over 10 years.

R & D Electronics, 5272 Clinton St. Road, Stafford. Planned 10,800-square-foot expansion, six new jobs. The company will construct a warehouse facility and move its current electronics repair business into the new space. The company will use its existing space to expand its Ebay sales business selling refurbished and factory returned products. Total capital investment of $312,000. Sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies of $10,800, mortgage tax exemption of $2,500, PILOT tax exemption based on $76,700 of increased property value.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced that the Senate Aging Committee voted Senate Bill No. S6286 out of committee today. The legislation, written by Senator Ranzenhofer, would reinstate the STAR rebate check program for seniors.

“Senate Bill No. S6286, restoring the STAR rebate check for seniors, is on the move after being introduced in the State Senate earlier this session. I am pleased to report that this legislation has received approval from the Aging Committee, clearing the first hurdle in the legislative process. As this bill continues on, I will be working with my colleagues in the State Senate to ensure its passage,” Ranzenhofer said.

Under the proposed bill, seniors who qualify for the Senior STAR exemption would be eligible for a STAR rebate check. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

“Seniors continue to face rising property taxes while living on a fixed income, making it difficult for them to afford the increased costs of staying in their homes. Owning and living in your own home is a major part of the American dream for seniors and eliminating the STAR rebate check program in the State Budget almost three years ago didn’t make it any easier. This legislation would ease that burden by reinstating property tax relief which was done away with,” Ranzenhofer said.

Initiated in 2006, the STAR rebate check program was eliminated in the 2009-2010 State Budget. Senator Ranzenhofer is also the author of legislation, Senate Bill No. S4338, to reinstate the Middle Class STAR rebate check program.

The Batavia Business Improvement District and Shop Batavia are now working together to help promote downtown businesses.

In a special arrangement for BID members, extra features and discounts are now available through Shop Batavia and participating BID members will be part of an association page, helping customers more easily find downtown businesses on the site.

BID members will be able to more effectively use Shop Batavia to promote their businesses and sell merchandise online with the enhanced features.

Details available in this PDF.

Here are the most viewed posts for February:

• Batavia woman's cause of death not yet known
• Four smoke shops on reservation raided by feds -- cigarettes, fake pot, bath salts seized
• All three alleged bookies released from jail following bail review hearing
• Possible fight involving 20 males reported at Oakfield-Alabama school
• Le Roy superintendent releases a letter to the community
• Early information indicates alleged gambling operation was dealing in significant amounts of cash
• Two city firefighters accused of bookmaking
• Le Roy illnesses: today's efforts to gather more information
• Today's Poll: Should health care plans be required to offer women free birth control?
• Father saves baby son from smoke-filled room

For the 29 days in February we had 326,840 visits and 496,811 page views.

Also, it's now officially been three years since Billie and I became sole owners of The Batavian.

A registered sex offender who was also recently arrested on a burglary charge in Oakfield entered a guilty plea in Genesee County Court today and faces up to six years in prison.

Steven Mullen admitted to failure to register as a sex offender and burglary, 3rd.

He waived indictment on both charges and also waived his right to appeal.

The plea deal would mean one-and-a-third to four years in state prison on the failure to register charge and the burglary charge has a penalty of three to six years.

The sentences would be served concurrently.

In 2004, Mullen was convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree and served two-and-a-half years in prison.

Mullen remains in Genesee County Jail on $100,000 bail.

A Rochester man accused of dealing cocaine in Batavia has a chance at avoiding prision if he can just stay out of trouble while awaiting his sentence.

In Genesee County Court today, Edward J. Fuller (aka "Taz"), 21, of 1906 Parsells St., Rochester, entered a guilty plea to attempted possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

The plea arrangement will mean what's known as "shock probation" (an intermittent jail sentence and five years probation) if he can do things such as obey his 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and stay in contact with Genesee Justice between now and his sentencing.

Fuller was arrested in Batavia on July 12 following an investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. He was accused of possessing more than an ounce of cocaine and $3,000 in cash.

All other pending charges against Fuller were dropped as part of the plea deal.