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Alleged hit-and-run driver charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

A 23-year-old Erie County man is accused of striking a minivan and another car at the intersection of Sumner Road and Route 77 at 8:29 p.m. yesterday.

The driver then allegedly fled the scene and was later located in East Aurora.

Jonathan Paul Murphy is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and failure to stop at a stop sign.

The driver of the minivan reported some pain to Deputy Eric Seppela, but was not seriously hurt. None of the children in the minivan were hurt, Seppela said.

The driver of the third car was also uninjured.

The hit-and-run vehicle was traced to Murphy after Seppela found a license plate from the vehicle at the scene of the accident.

The vehicle was later found by a witness in Erie County and Murphy was reportedly seen going into a building. He was taken into custody by State Police and transported back to Genesee County were he was evaluated for alleged DWI and charged.

UPDATE: Additional details released by the State Police. Murphy was reportedly found in the area of Two Road Road, Marilla, after Trooper Timothy Roof responded to the area where the car was registered and reportedly found it abandoned on Two Road Road. A nearby resident reported to Roof  that he thought someone was in his back yard. Murphy was reportedly found hiding in a corn field.

Tom Petty Concert at Darien Lake: 15 arrests, 22 citations

By Howard B. Owens

A 27-year-old Dunkirk man and his 17-year-old companion were accused of dealing hallucinogenic mushrooms prior to the Tom Petty concert at Darien Lake on Saturday.

Both men were jailed on $5,000 bail.

Brett A. Tofil (pictured, left) of Middle Road, Dunkirk, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 5th. He was also accused of possessing brass knuckles, leading to a charge of criminal possession of a weapon, 4th.

Also arrested was Joseph W. Kulig II (pictured, right), 17, of Custer Street, Buffalo. He was also charged criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th.

Additional arrests related to the concert:

Adam J. Phillips, 28, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with assault, 2nd, trespass and resisting arrest. Phillips is accused of entering the seating area without a ticket several times. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly fled on foot. When apprehended, Philips allegedly fought with officers, punching one in the face and injuring a deputy's finger. Phillips was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Sarah J. Cooper, 19, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and two counts of harassment, 2nd. Cooper was allegedly found in possession of marijuana in a vehicle in the parking lot. She is accused of resisting arrest, thrashing about and attempting to get away while being transported to the security office. While being processed prior to arraignment, Cooper allegedly kicked a corrections officer and also kicked a security guard. Cooper was jailed on $1,000 bail. She had also been issued a citation for alleged underage drinking and additional charges may be pending.

Matthew J. Pasternak, 20, of North Ivy Hurst Road, Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and harassment, 2nd. Pasternak was allegedly yelling and screaming profanities while in the concert venue parking lot. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly fought with them. He was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while being processed prior to arraignment. While EMT personal attempted to treat him for minor abrasions, he allegedly kicked at the emergency personnel. He was jailed on $750 bail. He also had been issued a citation for alleged underage drinking. Additional charges may be pending.

Jonathan Raymond (AKA John Doe),  21, is charged with trespass. He is accused of refusing to leave the concert venue after being instructed to do so several times. The suspect allegedly refused to cooperate and provide information about himself. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

James R. Ross Sr., 49, and James R. Ross, 25, of Washington Street, Lockport, were charged with disorderly conduct. They are accused of fighting with Darien Lake security while walking from the concert to the campgrounds. They were jailed on $200 each.

Tyler N. Taylor, 25, of Regent Street, Welland, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass. He is accused of refusing to leave the parking lot after being told several times to leave. He was jailed on $400 bail.

Eric M. Hallinan, 20, of Sheldon Road, Orchard Park, Jesse P. Hughes, 20, of Tim Tam Trail, Blasdell, and Clayton T. Bainey, 20, of Troupe Street, Buffalo, are all charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing a charcoal grill from a car in the parking lot.

Myles D. Macleod, 22, of Cedar Street, Akron,  is charged with disorderly conduct. He allegedly physically threatened an officer while in the concert venue.

Sara N. Rogers, 24, of Country Place, Lancaster, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, 1st. Rogers allegedly provided alcohol to minors.

Christopher T. Wailand,  28, of Chapel Glenn Drive, Hamburg, is charged with trespass. Wailand allegedly entered the concert venue without a ticket.

The following people were issued citations for alleged underage drinking:

Rachel R. Pawelski, 18, of Country Place, Lancaster
Kristie C. Dunphy, 20, of Cass Avenue, Cheektowaga
A 17-year-old, of Leawood Drive, Tonawanda
Gregory A. Minkewicz, 20, of Greentree Road, Tonawanda
Alexander B. Kucera, 19, of N. Ellicott Court, Amherst
Jonathan C. Wolf, 19, of Idlewood Drive, Tonawanda
Tony G. Molino, 19, of Herdle Avenue, Buffalo
Allison P. Reinagel, 20, of Canada Strett, Holland
Tracey A. Paglicci, 19, of Harlem Road, Amherst
Robin E. McDonald, 20, Dellwood Street, Amherst
Lyndsey M. Noreek, 20, of Christen Court, Lancaster
Robert C. Sedivy, 20, of Elm Avenue, West Seneca
Cassie J. Pomeroy, 19, of Claudette Court, Cheektowaga
Brock A. Morsch, 19, of W. Liberty Street, Dansville
Michael L. Daniel, 18, of Clinton Street, Dansville
Dustin R. Norton, 19, of Quigghollow Road, Andover
Robb F. Fuller, 19, of Charles Street, Scio
Joshua M. Bierman, 18, of Wadsworth Hill Road, Scio
Casey M. James, 19, of Church Street, Scio
A 16-year-old, of Drum Road, Allentown

Publisher's note: From about 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. last night, I hung out with members of the Sheriff's Office and observed concert day law enforcement activity. Similar to a story we did last year about a night in Darien Court, I'll have a story later this week about Saturday night during the Tom Petty concert.

Fourteen arrests, six citations at Darien Lake's Brooks & Dunn concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Brooks & Dunn concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center:

Gregory J. Smith, 23, of Austin Street, Alden, is charged with trespass. Smith allegedly returned to the concert venue after being ejected.

(Name removed upon request), 19, of Heyden Avenue, Orilla, Ontario, Canada, is charged with petit larcney. Gowanlock is accused of stealing Dippin’ Dots while in the Amusement Park. Gowanlock was released on $500 bail.

Alexander Vanloendersloot, 26, of E. Naples Street, Wayland, is charged with disorderly conduct. Vanloendersloot allegedly engaged in a fight in the parking lot of the concert venue. Vanloendersloot was released on $150 bail.

Travis E. Kanaval, 25, of County Route 92, Wayland, is charged with disorderly conduct. Kanaval is accused of allegedly revving his truck engine repeatedly causing annoyance and alarm while in the concert parking lot. Kanaval was released on $150 bail.

Frank W. Hoffman III, 21, of Michigan Street, Wayland, is charged with trespass, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hoffman is accused of refusing to leave the parking lot and then resisting arrest. Hoffman was also found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. He was released on $500 bail.

Jamie R. Perkins, 20, of County Route 90, Dansville, is charged with false personation. Perkins is accused of providing deputies with a fake date of birth. Perkins was also issued a citation for possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly being found in possession of an alcoholic beverage twice. Perkins was jailed on $300 bail.

A 16-year-old, of Mill Street, Cohocton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol.

A 16-year-old, of State Route 415, Cohocton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol.

Hilary E. King, 18, of Coomer Road, Burt, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She is accused of causing a disturbance inside the concert venue.

Tyler A. Austin, 20, of Mill Street, Cohocton, is charged with trespass. Austin allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected. Austin was also issued a citation for allegedly possessing alcohol under age 21.

A 16-year-old, of S. Main Street, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing a can of beer. He was also issued a citation for allegedly possessing alcohol under age 21.

Bryan E. Ehrhart, 26, of Glendale Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with forcible touch. Ehrhart is accused of touching a female in an intimate area.

Eric A. Eick, 21, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Middleport, is charged with assault, 3rd. Eick is accused of striking another patron causing physical injury.

Ryan J. Eick, 27, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Middleport, is charged with assault, 3rd. Eick is accused of striking another patron causing physical injury.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

A 17-year-old, of Pleasantside Drive, Wayland
Kevin J. Costello, 18, of East Avenue, Wayland
Kerrie L. Coykendall, 18, of Canadice Road, Springwater
Cassandra M. Dyckman, 19, of University Avenue, Atlanta
Coreena L. Prince, 19, of N. Main Street, Cohocton
Laura G. Rauber, 20, of Route 36, Dansville

Person jumps out of car, punctures tires, drives off

By Howard B. Owens

On Route 77, Darien, a person jumped out of a black Ford Crown Victoria, ran up to another car and punctured the tires.

The Crown Vic then sped off on Route 77 toward Route 20.

The car is registered at an address in Buffalo.

Erie County Sheriff's is being notified.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: Something is going on with this.  A father has been on the phone with dispatch. A law enforcement officer has said, "well, we can certainly work something out if he's willing to replace the tire." Also, the officer told dispatch to notify Buffalo PD so "they don't have to waste their time."  So, apparently, a subject has been identified and there is more to the story that's not coming across the scanner.

Dispatcher just said the father is returning to Darien and will take care of the tire, purchasing whatever tire needs to be purchased. "He's clearly not happy with his son," the dispatcher said. "He understands what we want?" said the officer. "He's very understanding and cooperative."  Officer: "We can't ask for more than that."

'I hear you knocking, but you can't come in ... '

By Howard B. Owens

For the second time tonight, a Batavia Police officer has been asked to respond to an address on State Street because somebody is ringing a door bell.

Officer: "Well, if she would just let her in since she lives there ... "

Dispatcher: "That was explained to her, but with a negative response."

Officer: "Roger. I'll head over there."

Car vs. pole at Vine and North in the city

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pole accident, without injuries, is reported at North and Vine streets. Also, Bank Street into the City of Batavia is shut down due to the same accident.

Utility poles are down, blocking the roadway. Law enforcement is requested at Law and Bank Street.

Barracades to control traffic are requested.

Photo submitted by Jeremiah Pedro.

Photo: Partridge Farms barn on Ellicott Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

This is a replacement barn. The original barn on Partridge Farms burned down some time in the 1950s and current owner Pat Partridge said the current structure was built.

Like many barns in Genesee County, the barn needs some repairs, and Partridge said there are some problems with the roof that are way too expensive to fix, but they do try to keep the barn in good shape.

Partridge Farms is located on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia (right across from Johnny's).

The picture below is from another building on the farm.

Johnny's goes (lime) green

By Howard B. Owens

Johnny's on Ellicott Street Road sure stands out these days.

Bartender Linda -- who wouldn't stand in our picture because she doesn't want any publicity for this -- said she doesn't really like drab colors.

For who knows how many years, the outside walls of Johnny's have been white.

Linda said she suggested to the owners that they paint it red and blue. That idea was rejected, so the "compromise" was lime green.

Linda doesn't know how long Johnny's has been around -- the current owners have operated it since 1955, and it was a bar before that, she said.

But I bet it's never been lime green before.

Citywide housing rehabilitation program funded by New York

By Howard B. Owens

New York has awarded a $400,000 grant to the City of Batavia to help low-income homeowners rehabilitate their residences.

The city applied for the grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal after receiving more than 60 applications for rehabilitation help. The show of interest from low-income homeowners was essential to the grant process.

With the funds, the city will be able to help 15 to 20 property owners rehabilitate their homes.

Very-low income homeowners (under $24,500 annual income) will be able to receive up to $24,500 to pay for repairs, and moderate-low income households can receive 75-percent reimbursement on rehabilitation, up to $18,375.

The homes must be owner-occupied.

As soon as the final paperwork is received from the state, the city will notify all applicants on how to proceed with their request for assistance.

Tax issue resolved, Margarita's set to reopen Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, shut down nine days ago over an alleged failure to pay state taxes, will reopen at noon, Saturday.

Owner Carlos Hernandez received the keys back to his restaurant today and was busy late this afternoon, working with his staff, getting the restaurant ready to reopen.

He said he's very happy to get the issue resolved.

Through an interpreter, Hernandez said the tax issue was an oversight.

"It was a misunderstanding with the accountants."

Tax officials claimed he owned more than $32,000 in unpaid sales and corporate taxes.

Hernandez hired an attorney to help him straighten the matter out and reached an agreement with New York so he could start serving fajitas and burritos again.

Hernandez also made a point of noting all the positive comments about Margarita's on The Batavian. He appreciates the support.

Hawley tours businesses for insights into improving WNY's economy

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release sent today from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley toured local businesses and met with local business leaders earlier this week to discuss ways to improve economic development in Western New York.

During the 2010 Legislative Session, economic development programs statewide were charged new fees and saw development funding significantly decreased, which Assemblyman Hawley voted against.

“As a local business owner in Western New York, I know firsthand how difficult and unfriendly New York State is for businesses, especially small businesses,” Hawley said. “Over the years, Albany has increased taxes, fees, and regulations to the point that starting or maintaining a business here is almost impossible.

"It is my hope that by working with local business leaders we can create a grassroots movement to tell Albany that it needs to stop its tax-and-overspend policies. We need to start investing in job creation and economic development programs.”

Hawley’s local business tours started earlier this month with a visit to Willow Specialties in Batavia on Aug. 6 to meet with CEO Bernie Skalny. Willow Specialties produces baskets and packing supplies for hotels, restaurants and supermarkets across the country.

On Aug. 17, Hawley met with Jim Lines, president and CEO, and Jeffrey Glajch, CFO, of the Graham Corp. in Batavia, a leading designer and manufacturer of vacuum and heat transfer equipment for energy markets and process industries.

On Aug. 24, Hawley met with Peter Milicia, president of BMP America, Inc., in Medina. BMP America specializes in manufacturing and converting technical non-woven textiles and engineered polyurethane elastomers.

Hawley’s local business tour will continue with planned visits to TREK, Inc., in Medina, Precision Packaging Products in Holley, and Allen’s Canning – Birdseye in Oakfield.

Earlier this month, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) released its 2009-2010 Voting Record, which outlines the voting record of legislators regarding critical economic development and job creating legislation in New York.

While 79 of 150 Assembly members voted against business interests 80 percent of the time during 2009 and 2010, Hawley was rated among the most business-friendly legislators in the state with a pro-business voting record of 91 percent.

Jill Kelly, Notre Dame grad and wife of former Buffalo Bills QB, talks about faith, hope and heartache in upcoming book

By Daniel Crofts

It all began with Hunter James Kelly, the little boy who wasn't supposed to live to see his second birthday.

Shortly after he entered this world, Hunter was diagnosed with Krabbe disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects one in every 100,000 children.

While his battle with the condition did ultimately cost him his life, Hunter beat the odds and made it to age 8. This was partly owing to his own strength and will to live, but also to the tireless efforts of his parents, who worked very hard to make sure he had the care and support that he needed -- both medical and personal.

His father is Jim Kelly, former quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. His mother is Jill Kelly, a former model, a longtime Attica resident and an alumnus of Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

The Kellys were devastated by the loss of their son, and this devastation could easily have shattered their family.

Instead, it brought them closer together.

The same devastation could also easily have snuffed out any faith they had in the possibility of any meaning, purpose or goodness in the universe.

Instead, it drew them into a close, personal relationship with a loving God.

Hunter's ordeal, the hurdles Jim and Jill faced in their marriage, their love for their children, the faith they both found...these are some of the subjects that Jill covers in her new memoir, "Without a Word: How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything." 

"Without a Word" will be Jill's third published work. The others are "Prayers for Those Who Grieve" and "Prayers of Hope for the Brokenhearted."

As you might expect, the memoir is told mainly from Jill's perspective. But it also includes contributions from Jim and the couple's two daughters, Erin Marie and Camryn Lynn. Each member of the Kelly family shares his/her experience as part of a family that has suffered together, loved together, struggled together, and believed together.

Jill will be featured on NBC's "Today Show" on Sept. 10 (the day after the book's release) and on "Fox and Friends" on Sept. 11.

In the meantime, she was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk with The Batavian about the faith that has sustained her throughout all of her ordeals and given her a strength, peace and joy that inspires everyone around her:

Q: How has your faith journey played out through all of this (the loss of your son, etc)?

A: My faith is what sustains me, even to this very moment. But I didn't turn to God or realize I needed Him so desperately until Hunter got sick. I never thought about the things of God with any depth until that point. I grew up with the religion aspect of faith, but I didn't realize that God was as real and as involved in my life as He actually was. He's an intimate God. He cares about all the details of our lives and orchestrates the things around us in order to help us draw closer to Him.

I think people have a choice -- in troubled times, they either turn away from God or they run to Him. In my desperate need for hope and heaven and healing -- because I was devastated -- I ran to God. And I was surrounded by other people who walked by faith, which was very encouraging. They helped me to seek God and to learn more about Him. It changed my whole life, the way I look at our very breath.

Q: Your friends say you and Jim have been "transformed" by your faith. In what way?

A: In every way. We live every moment in light of eternity. I live with the knowledge that I'll see Hunter again, that heaven is real, and that God has a purpose in our pain and suffering. Although we still grieve (for Hunter) at various times and in various ways, my great joy is in knowing what's to come. I'd say I live every moment of life differently as a result of trusting in Christ for everything I hope for.

I don't credit myself here -- it's not my faith as such that I'm trusting in, it's the Person behind my faith. Putting faith in Him has definitely transformed our marriage and our family. We live differently, we love differently, we see differently...everything's changed.

Q: Can you talk a little bit about your marriage, and the role your faith and struggles have played in that?

A: Every marriage struggles. When you have two people coming together, each one having his/her own issues and being a completely unique person, you're going to have problems. You have to choose whether to work it out or give up. With me and Jim, so much was stacked against us -- statistically, in terms of being married to a celebrity athlete and everything that goes along with that, plus having a desperately sick child and everything that goes along with that. We found ourselves in a position where nothing was for us except for God.

We've learned that marriage is not a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It's a process in which God helps us live out our lives, first of all for Him, and also for each other and for our children. Each day, we know that we need help and that we can't do it alone. Our marriage wouldn't survive without Christ, without prayer. It's a lot of work, but the blessings far outweigh the hardships. Most of all, we know we're honoring God and blessing our daughters by doing so.

Q: On your website, you've written that Hunter "loved those around him without being able to speak." How so, exactly?

A: Like you said, he couldn't talk, and he also couldn't move on his own. He couldn't smile or give you a hug or a kiss, or anything that we would normally understand as showing love. But just his very presence...I mean, I'm his mom. I took care of him, and I knew him. I know him. I knew he loved us. I mean, just the fact that he was alive, and loved life, and wanted to live, and struggled beyond anything I've ever experienced and yet...was full of joy. It's really hard to articulate, but I do the best I can to share this in the book. I hope the readers can grasp what I'm trying to say about Hunter, as hard as it is to explain.

Q: Would you say that the pain you went through and the experience of Hunter's suffering helped you to get closer to Christ in His suffering?

A: Absolutely. There's no doubt about that. I didn't understand that there can be beauty and value in suffering until I was able to take Hunter's suffering to the Cross. There is beauty in suffering if we have a place to take it where there's hope. I mean, Jesus didn't suffer on the Cross for nothing. If you're a Christian, you believe there is hope because of what Jesus did, and that we can take our suffering because it's not the end of the story. Hunter's suffering was not the end of his story -- his story is that he's with God, and we (meaning Jill and her family) will be there one day, too. And the story goes on. That hope changes the way you live, believe, treat each other...everything. That's the reason for the subtitle of the book -- God used this little boy to change everything!

Q: One of the typical objections of atheists and other skeptics of religion is, "If God exists, and if God is good, then why is there so much suffering in the world? Why do bad things happen to people?" How would you answer that, based on your experience?

A: I would say that I've seen the good that can come out of suffering. Also, you know, it's not my place to convince an atheist that God exists. God has already displayed Himself in creation. The fact that we have another breath is His goodness. Do I understand fully why God allows evil in the world the way it is, and disease, destruction, etc? No, I don't fully understand -- but that's the beauty of who God is. I don't understand all of Him. He wouldn't be God otherwise! He's beyond my comprehension, and He's beyond anything we can know. But, He has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Flesh and Blood of the God of Creation. Most people who would make the argument you mentioned have never read the Bible. I would say that until you've spent time getting to know this God Who has chosen to reveal Himself in His Word, don't say anything! (she said this last part with a bit of playful laughter in her voice)

And as far as saying, "If God is good, then...," who are we to stand in judgment of God? You know? Who are we to walk up to Him and say, "Who do you think you are, God?" We're created beings who don't have the capacity to fully understand these things. And I'm thankful for that, because I can at least trust what I know. I can trust what God says versus trying to figure Him out.

Q: You talk about your children and how much they mean to you, both on your website and in your book. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, "The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones such as these (meaning children)?"

A: Children are so trusting. They're willing to believe the unbelievable. They just have a way about that them receives truth. It sounds crazy, but we know it's true. We know children -- they think beyond the ordinary; they think the extraordinary. I think they tend to be more accepting of truth than we are, as adults. What we need to do is just allow the truth to be the truth, and not let our pride, our preconceived notions, our circumstances or our experiences dictate truth. Because truth is beyond what we can see. Also, children have this openness to the simplicity of faith. Faith is really a very simple thing -- you either believe or you don't! What Jesus is saying is, "You need to come like a little child." That way you can just accept what's true and receive the gift. You can receive the love of God, and what He has done.

Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to have faith, but face certain obstacles or are struggling with hurdles...whether emotional, intellectual, or otherwise?

A: Christ says that if you seek Him, you will find Him. He made a promise. He's not running away from us, He's running towards us. And it really has nothing to do with us, because He's the one who starts everything! So I would say that if you're seeking God and pondering these things -- and yeah, you might have different hurdles to overcome, but the fact that a person is even seeking God is evidence that God is already at work in that person's heart. Of course, we could choose to ignore Him and turn away, and that's our choice. But again, the fact that we're seeking Him is a sign that He's drawing us to Himself. My advice would be, don't give up! Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us. He's made many promises and kept every one. This isn't something I would know if I hadn't read His Word. I'm a student of the Word, and I spend time with it every day.

Jill's book will hit the shelves all across the country on Sept. 9, but is available now in Buffalo area bookstores -- including the Barnes & Noble on Niagara Falls Blvd. and Bender's Christian Supply Store on Sheridan Drive.

For more information on the Kelly family and Jill's writings, please visit her website: www.jillk.org.

To learn more about the Hunter's Hope Foundation, which Jim and Jill founded in honor of their son and for the purpose of helping children with Krabbe disease, go to www.huntershope.org.

Photos courtesy of Jill Kelly

Police Beat: Drug Task Force busts alleged crack dealer

By Howard B. Owens

William J. Butler, 40, of 3 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and promoting prison contraband, 1st. Butler was taken into custody by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force as part of an investigation into trafficking in crack cocaine in Batavia. Members of the task force, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Batavia Police Department executed a search warrant on Butler's residence. Butler was located in a vehicle on Route 33, Town of Batavia. As a result of the searches, Butler was allegedly found in possession of more than one-half ounce of crack cocaine. While being processed into Genesee County Jail, Butler was also allegedly found to have crack cocaine on his person. The total street value of the crack cocaine is estimated at $1,000. Additional charges may be pending. Butler was jailed with no bail.

Christopher Paul Rutherford, 26, of Cowan Road, Piffard, is charged with petit larceny. Rutherford is accused of giving away an oil change and tire rotation to a friend and fellow employee at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Earl Shateek Anthony Lockhart, 18, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lockhart is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Diane Mary Kotarski, 37, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. At 3:35 a.m., Kotarski allegedly grabbed a male victim by the neck and slammed him into a car window. Kotarski was arraigned and released and an order of protection was filed barring her from contact with the alleged victim.

Steven Michael Hauser, 41, of Stanridge Court, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hauser is accused of punching another person while inside the concert venue at Darien Lake. The alleged incident occurred at 10:45 p.m., Aug. 20.

Gerilynn Georgette Joannis, 43, of Stanridge Court, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Joannis is accused of punching another person while inside the concert venue at Darien Lake. The alleged incident occurred at 10:45 p.m., Aug. 20.

Today's Deals: South Beach, Settler's Carlson's, Clor's and more

By Howard B. Owens

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Only recently reopened, a fine/casual dining atmosphere, offering steaks and seafood and daily specials. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Nov. 30, 2010).

Settler's Restaurant, 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.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Weddings, new babies, family portraits, pet portraits and group events -- preserve those memories with professional photographs. We have a $100 gift card for $50 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card 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.

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

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card 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.

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.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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 $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

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Double-header split keeps Muckdogs in pennant race

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs remain much in the hunt for the Pinckney division crown after taking three of four games from the Williamsport Crosscutters at Dwyer Stadium over two days of double-headers.

The series put the Muckdogs, now 37-27, three games ahead of Williamsport in the wild-card race.

Tonight at Dwyer, Batavia split the double-header, taking the first game 6-3 and dropping the second 2-1.

Nick McCully (3-2) picked up the win going six innings (of a seven inning game) giving up seven hits and three runs.

First-year pro Mike Reid picked up his second save dispensing of Williamsport in the seventh on quick three outs.

First baseman Victor Sanchez had three hits and scored twice, while catcher Audey Perez had two hits and two RBIs and Jon Rodriquez tripled and drove in two runs. Nick Longmire scored two runs.

In the second game, reliever Keith Butler was unable to protect a one-run lead in the seventh inning. Butler gave up two hits and two runs.

Batavia's lone run came on a lead off home run by Chris Edmondson. It was Edmondson's first homer as a Muckdog. He hit six earlier in the year with Johnson City. Edmondson is hitting .324 in 18 games with Batavia.

Batavia managed only three hits in the second game against three Williamsport pitchers.

Tomorrow the Muckdogs travel to Pennsylvania for the first of five straight games against State College (32-33). The final three games, starting Sunday at 5:05 p.m., are at Dwyer Stadium.

More pictures after the jump:

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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