A caller reported smelling smoke and seeing ash falling in the Batavia Downs parking lot.

City Fire and Town of Batavia Fire were dispatched.

A Town of Batavia chief reports seeing a haze in front of Kmart.

Another responder reports smelling smoke in the area of Redfield and Richmond.

A security guard from Batavia Downs reported smelling smoke, too.

Firefighters are checking the grandstand area.

Another responder reporting seeing a plum of smoke in the area of BJs.

UPDATE 11:53 p.m.: The source has been located. It's behind BJs. It's apparently some sort of controlled burn. City units put back in service. Only Town of Batavia's Engine 24 is going to the scene. A deputy is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:14 a.m.: Fire extinguished. Town of Batavia units back in service.

For the literary-minded of Genesee County, Present Tense Books and Gifts at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, has become an important community hub.

Owner Erica Caldwell opened the shop five years ago, on Sept. 17, 2005, because she thought Batavia needed a bookstore.

Today, the store officially celebrated its fifth anniversary and Caldwell said its success has exceeded her expectations.

"I’m thrilled that we made it five years," Caldwell said. "That’s a great milestone and I’m thrilled that we’ve gotten so much support from the community."

In an era of mega-chains, and now e-readers, there's plenty of competitive threats, but Caldwell said Present Tense has done well filling a quite little niche for the customer who prefers the bookstore experience and doesn't want to drive to Buffalo or Rochester to get it.

"You have no idea of the number of people who came in and thank us for saving them a trip," Caldwell said.

While it's a small shop, so there isn't the massive selection you might find in one of the mega-chains, there isn't anything Caldwell said she can't get for customers, often the next day and without any shipping costs.

For Caldwell, running the store isn't just about business success. She said one of the greatest joys is getting to know her customers.

"I enjoy talking with people about books," Caldwell said. "It's great to see all the people who love to read. People come in and I know what they’re reading and they know what I’m reading."

Michael Dorobilala, a student at Robert Morris, thought his time in a plane flying over Genesee County today was "awesome."

The best part?

"Going down because it gives you a swoosh of excitement and you’re like tingly."

Michael was one of 60 kids to show up at the Genesee County Airport today to get a first-hand experience flying a small airplane. The Young Eagles event was sponsored by Experimental Aircraft Association chapters out of Buffalo and Rochester.

The EAA has been running the Young Eagles worldwide since 1992, when the idea was launched with the goal of getting one million children at the throttles of a small plane by the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight. To date, more than 1.6 million kids from 90 countries have been through the program.

Rochester Chapter President Norm Isler said the EAA wants to not only expose kids to aviation, but to show them a practical use for math and science.

Pilot Mary "Willie" Mattocks said, to her, being able to fly is a privilege, so a program like Young Eagles is a chance to give back.

The flight is more than a tag-along ride. The children actually are given a chance to fly the plane.

"It's a fantastic event for children," said Mattocks, who owns her own Piper Cherokee and has been flying for 20 years. "It gives them an introduction to flying and I think it stays with them for the rest of their lives. They get just such a lot of pleasure out of it."

As for Mattock's assessment of Michael, she wrote in his log book, "Michael will be an awesome pilot. Keep going with the math and science. Straight and level at 2,500 feet. Executed turn at Darien Lake."

On Friday, Megan Houseknecht sported an eye-catching face painting at John Kennedy Elementary School's Community Night.

The annual event is organized by the Parent Group at the school, located at 166 Vine St. Its purpose according to Parent Group President Jen Houseknecht, is to "welcome our kindergarten families and to reinforce what the community and our school have to offer."

Displays of school programs included:

The school Post Office, represented by Lydia (left) and Kaetyn, both pictured below.

Representatives from the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union with information on the Junior Banking Program, which allows kids in grades K-5 to set up primary savings accounts through in-school branches. This is a hands-on and fun way for them to learn how to be responsible with their money.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

Patti and Jim Pacino were there on behalf of the Kiwanis Club, an organization of volunteers dedicated to fostering community values and to the service of children and young adults. Patti takes advantage of the opportunity to advertise an upcoming pancake breakfast.

Representing the Batavia Fire Department were Tom Douglas (left), Chuck Dodson (center) and Chuck Hammon.

Diane (left) and Tammy -- whose last names are omitted by request -- for the YWCA.

Mark Fitzpatrick, the new program director at the YMCA, set up a hoop-jumping exercise for the kids and provided information on YMCA programs.

Mary Ellen DeFelice, of Cornell Cooperative Extension, couldn't wait for people to check out her "germy" ground beef.

Robin Ettinger, recruitment manager, for Girl Scouts of America. 

Kristen Drilling and Robin Cotler held down the fort on behalf of Images in Dance, a Batavia dance studio for kids and adults located at 29 Liberty St. For more information, please visit their website: www.imagesindance.com.

Bethany Gabriele of Cain's Tae Kwon Do is pictured here holding a board that was filled with circles a moment before, until an enthusiastic "karate kid" kicked them out one by one.

Outside the school, City of Batavia Police Detective Rich Schauf kept vigil by his car outside as kids checked out the back seat.

Close by, a couple of adventurous young fellows manned the wheel of a vehicle from Wormley Contracting and Development.

OTHER FUN STUFF:

Kids got free "tattoos" from Houseknecht.

Maria Branche "hits the greens" at the mini-golf station. 

Quinton, left, succeeds at getting whiffle balls into one of the Target Drop buckets.

Here's Quinton again, victorious.

Kennedy Kolb and a friend (hiding behind the curtain) entertain themselves and passersby with Puppet Theater.

The Parent Group officers in charge of organizing Community Night were Houseknecht (president), Sherri Wahr (vice president), Jill Halpin (treasurer) and Sheri Kolb (secretary).

Batavia Police were investigating a fender bender in the parking lot of Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union when a woman pulled up and said there was a propane tank in her car that was leaking. Batavia Fire was dispatched to the scene to deal with the situation.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50. (NOTE: Be sure to stop by Present Tense today for the store's 5th Anniversary celebration, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

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.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for seven weeks of yoga, a $70 value, for $35. Next session starts Sept. 27.

Terry Hills, 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, NY: Terry Hills features a championship 27-hole public golf course that has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the area and an all new clubhouse, boasting both a restaurant and banquet facility that offer panoramic views of the golf course. We have a pair of gift cards for 18 holes of golf with a value of $46 available for $23.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Get started on your spring gardening projects. We have a $25 gift certificate 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.

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.

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.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card 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 $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

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).

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

SOLD OUT

A minor-injury accident on the eastbound Thruway at mile-marker 400 is reported. Six people are involved.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding. Darien fire is requested to respond to the Pembroke intersection exchange on the Thruway.

UPDATE (8:48 p.m.): There is one car off the road, no roll-over. Looks like a "back axel accident" with people suffering minor bruises.

UPDATE (8:51 p.m.): The individuals involved are all purportedly refusing medical evaluation/treatment.

If I'm going to take pictures of barns, I need to take a picture of "The Barn" on Route 77 in Pembroke, right?

When I drove by today, the sky and the yellow wildflowers seemed like a good setting.

Limited to working Saturdays, we began the construction of the cabin in late July. First we needed to make inroads through a tangle of dogwood thickets, sumac and wild grape vine until we reached what we felt was a suitable building site. Then we needed to make a clearing. Axes, chain saws, weedeaters and loppers were employed those first few outings. After that it was time to build the foundation, then cut logs - mostly maple but a few red pine - and haul them  to the work area. Most cutting was done within a hundred and fifty yards of the cabin, but when the tractor broke down, carrying them made it seem so much farther. The logs were then notched by hand and chinked with mortar. Above the logs rough cut cherry was used.

The cabin was completed a week ago, situated in the clearing from which the red maples and cottonwoods tower above the dog thicket. Deeper into the property, beyond the thickets, are the mature hardwoods, filled with hickory, oak and more maple. Directly north and east property are massive fields filled with either corn or soy beans and the whitetails who feed on them are here in prolific number. Some of my favorite waterfowling grounds are in close proximity as is the Alabama swamp.

While sitting around the campfire last Friday, I looked up into the night sky. Despite the fire's glow, the stars were incredible. To the north was Cassiopeia, the North star and, directly overhead, a spiral arm of the Milky Way. 

In a few weeks, a couple of long bows will be hanging from the cabin wall,  quivers filled with arrows, and a lake plain woodlot filled with adventure yet to come. But about ten p.m. last Friday evening I wasn't thinking so much about the upcoming hunting season. Sure, I'm looking forward to glimpsing antlers darting through the thickets, the cry of honkers and ducks on the wing, but  looking at the stars, that signature handiwork high overhead, I couldn't help thinking about what really  matters most - and Who is really in charge.

The search for Jeffrey G. Fredericks resumed at nine o'clock this morning after going until 1:30 a.m.

The search for the 66-year-old man centers around his home at 1177 Sumner Road, Darien. This morning, the command post was relocated to that location.

The search continues to involve local law enforcement and volunteer firefighters.

Last night's search and rescue team was comprised of members from Cattaraugus, Niagara and Livingston counties.

So far, the search has covered about 200 acres.

Chief Gordon Dibble (pictured above, left, with Sgt. Steve Mullen) said search teams identified another "hot spot" and were about halfway through searching that area.

A two-car accident, with air-bag deployment but minor injuries, is reported at Seven Springs Road and East Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

It is blocking the roadway. Police, firefighters and medics are responding.

One person complains of back and chest pain.

David P. Neibert, 23, of Albion, is charged with DWAI-Drugs, two counts of criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal possesion of a controlled substance and several vehicle infractions. Neibert was charged following a head-on collision on Route 98 near West Saile Drive on Wednesday. Neibert's pickup truck hit a Thruway maintenance truck driven by Nick Ciccarelli, 42, of Lancaster. Ciccarelli was uninjured in the accident. A passenger in the Thruway truck, Kevin Thompson, 40, of West Seneca, transported himself to Mercy Hospital for a possible neck injury.

Thomas John Bressinger, 42, of Countyline Road, Darien, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. After coming home from work on Thursday, Bressinger is accused of breaking a computer monitor, punching holes in the wall next to his wife's head, kicking her and threatening to kill her.

An unknown type fire has been reported off Sumner Road, between Fargo and Countyline roads.

The caller reports seeing flames and a glow in the sky.

Darien Fire is being dispatched.

UPDATE 9:59 p.m.: It's sounding like a controlled burn. Law enforcement requested to the scene. A chief said, "I explained to him the other day he can't just burn anything."

The Sheriff's Office has released the identity of a man missing for more than a day from his home in Darien.

He is Jeffrey G. Fredericks, 66, of 1177 Sumner Road. He is 5'11" and 180 lbs. with blue eyes and "salt and pepper" hair.

Anybody with information that might help locate Fredericks is asked to call the Sheriff's Office 585-343-3000.

UPDATE 8:23 p.m.: Photo added. The command center has been moved to the Darien fire hall. Erie County's search and rescue team is on scene. Pending Fredericks being found, the search will continue until midnight. By midnight, teams will have meticulously searched about 200 acres of woods, marsh, streams and fields.

Previously:

• Search for missing man in Darien is continuing
• Multi-agency search under way in Darien for missing man

It can be hard to admit you might have been scammed, but if you think you've been caught up in a paving scam, Investigator Leo Hunter of the New York State Police needs to hear from you.

A family of Gypsies by the last name of Stanley, who have a record of arrests and lawsuits in other jurisdictions, may be operating in the area.

As The Batavian reported yesterday, one Corfu couple complained to the State Police this week about an apparent scam. A man identified as J. Stanley told a couple that he had extra asphalt left over from another job, and that he could pave their driveway for $3,000. But the couple wound up paying $7,500 once the job was completed.

From California to New Hampshire, the Stanleys are accused of tricking residents into paying high prices for shoddy paving jobs.

But proving an actual crime was committed locally could be difficult unless other alleged victims can be found.

The group of workers is described as driving shiny and spotlessly clean bright red trucks.

Hunter said the Stanley's normal mode of operating is to pull up to a house in like-new trucks and talk a good game about an inexpensive paving job. Then when the job is about half way through, start arguing among themselves -- to create an environment of confusion -- with the boss saying it's more work than expected and more asphalt is needed. They threaten to leave, with an incomplete paving job, unless the homeowner agrees to pay more.

According to Hunter, the Office of Homeland Security provided information on the Stanleys. They are believed to operate under a number of business names, including Century Paving and Driveways, Road One Paving, Patriot Paving, Verizon Paving and Premier Paving.

There are pending lawsuits involving the Stanleys in Vermont and Washington, Hunter said.

"They're bilking people out of money to the tune of millions," Hunter said.

One problem that makes them difficult to prosecute, Hunter said, is that just enough of the job is done to make the issue more of a civil matter than a criminal matter.

To contact Investigator Hunter call 344-6200, ext. 6212. If Hunter isn't available, ask for a supervisor.

Previously: Traveling pavement crews may be running asphalt scam in region

Google: "Stanley Paving Scams."

Even in this morning's downpour, contractors were out on Ellicott Street milling the intersections in preparation for resurfacing.

A two-car collision is reported in Pavilion at routes 19 and 63. There are minor injuries. The traffic signals at the intersection are not working properly.

Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

Search teams remain on scene in the Sumner Road of Darien at this hour looking for a man missing since yesterday afternoon, and according to Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger, the search may continue into the night and into tomorrow, if necessary.

Yaeger said searchers will take a break shortly and then the search may be taken up by fresh teams from Erie County.

The missing man is described as 66 years old, but since nobody saw him leave his house, there's no description of clothing available.

His family reported him missing at about 9 p.m. yesterday after spending close to seven hours themselves looking for him.

There is some concern that he may have been suicidal, but that isn't clear, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

"We just don't know," Dibble said.

Family members became concerned when they came home at 2 p.m. and all of his vehicles were still at the house. He was scheduled to report to work at 1 p.m., but there was a message on the answering machine indicating he never showed up. 

Family members searched the immediate surrounding area but couldn't locate him.

The multi-agency search began last night and included a State Police helicopter using infrared technology. 

What was described as  a "hot spot" by Dibble was found not far from the house, but nothing was found when search teams scoured the area just before midnight.

The search was halted for the rest of the night and resumed about 8:30 a.m. today. Personnel from the Sheriff's Office, State Police, the Darien Lake Park Police, the Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Darien Fire Department and Monroe County K-9 units have participated in the search.

Genesee County Emergency Management Services have provided scene support and a command post on Sumner Road just west of Route 77.

A special, free opportunity for young people interested in aviation takes place this Saturday at the Genesee County Airport in Batavia. That's when the Young Eagle Rally will be held to give those ages 8 to 17 a chance to experience flight and learn about what's involved.

Advance registration is requested and pre-registered kids will have priority. Registration is online at <www.EAA46.org> or <www.EAA44.org>. Click on the Young Eagle link to register. After doing so, the registrant will be sent a scheduled time to report to the airport via return e-mail.

The number of participating pilots is limited, so register ASAP.

A parent or guardian must accompany all Young Eagles, who will receive a short safety briefing before their flight. But parents do not fly with their kids. Most planes being used will be "general aviation aircraft" with only two or three seats. Flights will start at 8 a.m.

The weather forecast is sunny and in the 70s.

The rally is sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association and its chapters in Buffalo and Rochester. It is intended to interest young people in aviation. Pilots will talk about their aircraft, how airplanes work and the prime importance of safety at all times.

This program began in 1992 and since then pilots have flown more than 1.5 million youngsters in more than 90 countries.

"We have people who were once Young Eagles and now are pilots taking young people on flights," said pilot Norm Isler, president of the EEA's Rochester chapter.

He himself has flown between 35-40 Young Eagles and says they often are a little nervous at first.

"But then it's like 'Wow!'" Isler said. "They are excited about it. ... We want to develop the next generation of aviators and encourage them to learn the math and science that goes along with it."

Following the flight, each young person will receive a certificate making him or her an official Young Eagle and their names will be entered into the "World's Largest Logbook," which is on permament display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisc., or on the web at <www.youngeagles.org>.

For more information, call Bill King, president of the Buffalo chapter, at (716) 662-1083, or Isler, of the Rochester chapter, at (585) 638-7369.