Pavilion

Matt Mondoux, a resident of Grand Island and an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, is walking for Lou.

Mondoux, who passed through Genesee County yesterday, is walking the width of New York, all the way to Yankee Stadium, in order to raise money for research into Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"When you see a bunch of people who aren’t getting the kind of help you think they deserve, you realize they need somebody who isn’t directly effected by the disease to help out," Mondoux.

Lou Gehrig's Disease wasn't something Mondoux paid much attention to until a friend was diagnosed and he started doing a little research.

He said reading the blogs of victims raised his awareness and concern for people who have been afflicted.

"Reading up on it, I got kind of emotionally attached," he said. "It was kind of sad that even though I’m a New York Yankee fan, I didn’t know exactly what Lou Gehrig’s Disease was."

Mondoux served 10 years in the Army, but works now at a Seneca-Niagara casino. While he said his employer has been exceptionally supportive of his walk, the 14 days he's taking for the trek is an unpaid leave of absence.

People along the route have already been incredibily supportive, he said.

While he stopped in Bethany and spoke with a reporter, somebody drove up and handed him $2, apologizing that he didn't have more money with him.

A guy walking down the road in a Yankees uniform gets a lot of attention, Mondoux said.

Once he arrives at Yankee Stadium, Mondoux will attend a game using donated tickets. He hopes to be able to get all of the Yankee players to sign his jersey.

If he can raise $2 million, he said, he would like to donate the jersey to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to help raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"I'll even give them my lucky hat," he said.

He bought the Yankees cap on Sept. 11, 2001, just outside of New York City -- he could see the towers burning that day from where he was, he said.

"It's been with me everywhere," he said. "It's been with me in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wore it the day my daughter was born. It's been everywhere, from Europe to Las Vegas."

Now it's going to Yankee Stadium.

To donate and to track Matt's progress, visit Walking4Lou.com.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Telephone and Cook roads in Pavilion. It's possibly a head-on collision. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding and the availability of Mercy Flight is being checked.

UPDATE: 1:10 p.m.: A responder on scene says there are minor injuries, including a chest injury and an arm injury. No need for Mercy Flight. Three vehicles are involved.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at the junction of routes 63 and 246. Pavilion and Mercy EMS are responding. Four victims are involved. Vehicles are not blocking. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: An ambulance from Le Roy is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Patients are taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: All Pavilion units are back in service. State Troopers remain on the scene.

Booboo is the cherished companion of Jennifer McDonald, of Pavilion, and Booboo has been missing since this past weekend.

Apparently Booboo got out when Jennifer's husband left a door open.

Booboo, who was recently groomed, so his hair is shorter than in this picture, was last seen on Route 19 near the fire hall.

Both Jennifer and her husband, Mel, work at Mancuso Limousine and according to David Mancuso, Mel is in the doghouse even at work (though Jennifer adds, "he really does feel bad about it"). So Mancuso is stepping in to do what he can to help. He's offering $100 cash or a free ride in a limo to whomever finds and returns Booboo.

UPDATE: Booboo is back home.

Anthony Devon Alexander, 37, Wast Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Alexander is accused of slapping a 13-year-old boy on the face leaving welts and bruising. The alleged incident occurred at noon, Sunday (Father's Day).

Stephanie Rae LaVoice, 26, of Brown Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of the pavement markings in a no-passing zone and driving left at railroad crossing. LaVoice was stopped at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, on Brown Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Ryan M. Palmer, 29, of 10 Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Palmer is accused of shoving a female acquaintance.

Paul B. Heale, 58, of 29 Linwood Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest. Heale was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 6 p.m., Saturday.

Shawn William Shanahan, 40, of Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to keep right, possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Shanahan was stopped at 2:16 a.m., Sunday, on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Rene Corez-Marrero, 28, of East Utica Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and dark window tint. Corez-Marrero was stopped at 7:54 p.m., Saturday, on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Corez-Marrero is also charged with coercion, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Corez-Marrero was reportedly involved at an incident at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at Darien Lake Theme Park where Corez-Marrero allegedly did not allow a woman to contact police and took her personal property.

Dean Wilkins, 47, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wilkins is accused of depositing a forged check into an account at the Le Roy Federal Credit Union. Wilkins was jailed without bail.

Heidi L. Thomas, 27, and Denise R. Queen, no age given, both of 20 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, are charged with attempted petit larceny. Thomas and Queen allegedly tried to steal merchandise from Dollar General on June 17.

Hannah E. Dibble, 18, and a 16-year-old, both of Akron Road, Corfu, and a 17-year-old of Longs Lane, Corfu, are all charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of shoplifting at 10:08 p.m., June 14, from Walmart.

A driver involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident late Saturday afternoon died as a result of his injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Lavern L. Williams, 57, of Black Street Road, Pavilion, was transported to UMMC by ground ambulance following the 6:23 p.m. accident where he was pronounced dead.

Williams was driving a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee southbound on Linwood Road when his vehicle went off the west side of the road, striking a utility pole then a pile of brush, which caused the Jeep to overturn. The Cherokee came to rest on its wheels. 

Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments were called to the scene and Williams was extricated from the vehicle. 

Mercy Flight was called to the scene, but Mercy EMS transported Williams to UMMC.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Chad Mower, Sgt. Greg Walker and Deputy Eric Seppala of the Crash Management Team.

(initial report)

In Pavilion, a serious car accident at 9673 Linwood Road with entrapment has been reported. The car has hit a pole and there are wires down. One person in the back seat is unconscious and has serious injury. 

Mercy Flight 6 out of Buffalo is on the way to the scene along with Mercy Medic 2, and Pavilion Fire Department. Extrication is needed. Mercy Flight has a 14-minute ETA. Le Roy fire assisting with landing zone.

Update: Person has been extricated and Mercy Flight has a 7-minute ETA. National Grid called to the scene. No ETA given.

Update: National Grid to the scene in 25 minutes.

A little less than a year ago, there was only one independent bakery in Genesee County. As of yesterday, there are six.

The latest to open is Sweet Ecstasy, next to the Stafford Trading Post, in Stafford. Above are Tonisha Price, Carla Price, Ginny Robins and Debra Ingham. In the store, Sweet Ecstasy offers cookies and pastries and takes special orders for cakes and other baked dessert items.

Sweet Ecstasy took over the former location of Heavenly Sweets • Deli, which has moved to the corner of routes 63 and 19 in Pavilion. Heavenly Sweets offers pastries, bread and cakes, as well as a fully stocked deli counter. Pictured are owner Bonnie Totten, lower center, Peggy Ellis, left, Caitlyn Meeder and Sherif Woodworth.

The first of Genesee County's current six bakeries is Greg'ry's in Bergen. Greg'ry's was opened 17 years ago by Diane Cunningham. It was started nearly 20 years ago by Gregory Stefl, who sold it to Diane Cunningham. She sold it two years ago and then reacquired the bakery just two weeks ago.

Her new partner, Maura Schaffer (unfortunately, not in today when I dropped by unannounced) has created a line of all-natural pet treats. The bakery still carries a full line of breads, pies, cakes and pastries.

The trend of new bakeries started with Mary Margret Ripley opening up Scratch Bakery in Le Roy (on Main Street, sharing space with Java's). Scratch does most of its business special order, though there's usually cookies and scones (one Ripley's specialities) available in the store. Ripley also has a number of wholesale customers and sells items at local festivals. Customers can order a full line of cakes, cup cakes, pastries, cookies and bread. Ripley also offers home delivery.

Michelle's Bakery and Cafe opened in February on West Saile Drive, Batavia. Michelle said the bakery specializes in old-fashioned pastries, "like grandma used to make." It's a full-service bakery and owner Michelle Farina, left, said the shop can make a decorated sheet cake for any special occasion. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and offers sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Farina also offers catering. Pictured with Michelle are Samantha McDonald, Cassandra Hirsch and Liz Fenton.

The second newest bakery is Buttercrumbs Bakery in Corfu. Owner Darlene Miller, right, said she researched more than 100 bakeries, including some as far away as Florida, before coming up with a business plan. The shop, right in the Village of Corfu, has a seating area and offers pastries, pies and bread as well as cakes on special order. Miller said the closing of the village grocery store created a real opportunity for her and local residents have responded enthusiastically to the new business. "Corfu has never had anything like this before," said Miller, a longtime resident. Pictured with Miller is Julie Patterson.

It's perhaps just coincidence that I finally got around to putting this post together (I started planning on it back when there were only four bakeries) on the same day my dad is arriving from California for a weekend visit. I grew up in the bakery business and have always loved what a good, independent bakery can produce.

The baked goods at the chains can never match what a good independent bakery makes. Genesee County is now blessed with six quality local bakeries. As consumers, we need to be sure to support them. Entrepreneurs like these owners are what make a community strong and prosperous.

As they do every year -- nobody remembers for how many years -- the volunteers of the Le Roy and Pavilion fire departments towed their antique firefighting hose wagons to Stafford for the Stafford Fire Department's annual parade.

The parade is at 7 p.m.

The carnival runs all weekend with the annual Corvette drawing on Sunday (Father's Day).

Unfortunately, I'll be unable to attend either the parade or the carnival this year (my parents are visiting from California). If anybody else wants to post some pictures, feel free.

This is a press release from Genesee Community College.

At the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees on Monday, they agreed to locate an educational wind turbine at the Batavia campus in cooperation with Batavia, Alexander and Pavilion high schools.

The three schools received a Title I federal grant to purchase the wind turbine, which will be used by the high schools and the college for science and engineering instruction. Trustees anticipate locating the turbine at the northeast corner of the campus. The turbine will be much smaller than many windmills, standing only 70 feet. The schools identified the Batavia campus an ideal location for the turbine since it is believed to be the windiest location in Genesee County.

The turbine will generate a variety of wind and meteorological data that will be transmitted to a computer housed at the campus. Students will use and analyze the data as part of their educational programs. The college has identified at least nine engineering, chemistry and physics courses that would use the turbine and turbine-related data. Eight Genesee Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Physics courses offered in area high schools are also expected to use turbine data. And at least two of the high schools are developing courses that would specifically include use of the wind turbine.

Hundreds of students will directly benefit from the equipment each year, said Eunice M. Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs. The turbine could also be used for community courses and demonstrations in the future, President Stuart Steiner said.

In addition to its small size, the wind turbine is very quiet, rated with a noise level of 35 decibels, which is softer than a typical conversation. One side benefit of the wind turbine is that will generate about 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, which will slightly decrease the college's electricity bill.

Besides supporting educational programs, the wind turbine reflects the State University of New York's system-wide commitment to an "energy-smart" New York.

"We have a real commitment to sustainability and we want to help meet SUNY's vision of an energy-efficient New York state," Bellinger said.

An accident at Wyoming County International Speedway Pavilion Motocross Park in Perry Covington has Mercy Flight out of Batavia flying north of the racetrack and Pavilion Fire Department setting up a landing zone there.

A 36-year-old man has suffered bumps and bruises to his chest and has been unconscious for 10 minutes.

The location is Taylor and Perry roads.

A structure fire is reported at 11341 Wyoming Road, in Pavilion near Route 19. The caller states that her husband says the fire is out, but it's in a crawl space and she's concerned that it might not be out.

Pavilion Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: The caller called back and said now there's a natural gas leak. A firefighter says the fire is out and they are investigating further.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: A thermal imaging camera is requested at the scene.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: National Fuel has an ETA of about 30 minutes.

A group of seniors at Pavilion High School drove tractors to school today.

Above, from left, Jonathan White, Andy Kelkenberg, Emma Jensen, Morgan Schumacher, Rosie Darby, Kyle Kalpper, Taylor Richardson and Dan Kelkenberg.

Below, substituting riding lawn mowers for tractors, are Jake Elliott and Cody Reinhardt.

A 14-year-old boy was in a rollover tractor accident in Covington and the tractor is still on top of him. He's conscious.

He's behind a house at 7303 Morrow Road. "It's the house on top of the hill."

Mercy Flight is available. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene. The victim has been extricated.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: Mercy Flight has left the ground. If a destination was mentioned, we didn't hear it.

Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding to a call in Covington after a car overturned and landed in a ravine. A 17-year-old is complaining of back pain.

The injury is said to be minor. The location is Silver Lake and Old State roads.

Wires on a pole are on fire at 637 Route 19, behind a building near the railroad tracks, in Pavilion. It's about 50 to 60 feet from the roadway, posing "no immediate danger."

Pavilion Fire Department is responding. National Grid is being notified.

Also, the traffic light is out at the junction of routes 63 and 19. And a fire chief says traffic is "blowing by" without stopping at the intersection.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Pavilion Fire Department has cleared the scene. National Grid's ETA is at least an hour. But all businesses in the area have electricity. State Troopers are handling the traffic situation at the lightless intersection of routes 19 and 63. The Department of Transportation's traffic detail will be responding to the intersection.

Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments are responding to a serious injury accident on Old State Road in Covington.

Covington is part of the Pavilion Fire District.

There are two victims, and adult and a child. At least one victim was entrapped.

One Mercy Flight helicopter is in route.