Doug Thompson
August 19, 2022 
Danielle Tooley
A Batavia woman, who applied for and received unemployment benefits connected to COVID-19 relief programs that she was not entitled to, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison. 37-year-old Danielle Tooley must also pay $18,000 in restitution to the federal government. Law enforcement found six New York State unemployment benefit cards during a traffic stop, when she was arrested for alleged criminal possession of a controlled substance. Further investigation revealed that Tooley consistently withdrew money from bank accounts associated with the cards.
Governor Hochul announced today that New York’s college Tuition Assistance Program is now available to part-time students. Previously, the program was available only to people enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester. Last year, 250,000 students across the state got financial support through the program, with an average award of $3,300. With this change, students attending public state colleges in the SUNY or CUNY system and those in private, nonprofit New York colleges taking as few as six credits are now eligible for the assistance.
The cost per gallon of gas continues its downward trend. According to Triple A this morning, the national average price for a gallon of regular is $3.92. In New York State, the average is $4.28. So why do gasoline costs differ so much from one area to the next? Economists attribute it to many different things related to supply chains, the local cost of doing business, taxes and environmental policy, among other factors. Crude oil is a global commodity, whose prices are set by supply and demand. But it also has to be transported to a refinery, processed and then shipped to individual fuel stations, which have operating costs of their own. Each link in that chain is reflected in what consumers pay at the pump, and that cost varies significantly depending on the location. With all of this in mind, in Batavia as of this morning, the average cost is $4.36. That’s down 6 cents from a week ago and a quarter from a month ago.
The clock is ticking down for New Yorkers who want to cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming primary. The early voting period that started last Saturday comes to an end on Sunday. There are primary elections being held for Congress and state Senate. In Genesee County, the only early voting location is at the ARC Community Center at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. The hours vary each day so check the Genesee County Board of Elections page for early voting hours. Primary Day is Tuesday, August 23 and polls that day are open from 6am to 9pm.
Mayor Malik Evans
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says that the gun violence state of emergency presently in place, will remain in effect for a few more weeks. Evans said that the order has been extended until at least September 17th, noting that the reason for his decision is connected to what’s being called unprecedented levels of gun violence in the city.
Starting today, police across the state will be taking part in the latest “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” STOP-DWI campaign. Police are going to be increasing patrols through September 5th in an effort to get drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol off the roads. According to data from the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, the number of police-reported impaired driving crashes went up by 11% between 2020 and 2021. During last year’s campaign, more than 2500 people statewide were arrested for impaired driving.
NASCAR at Watkins Glen – file photo
The stars of the NASCAR Cup Series are going to be doing battle in the Empire State on Sunday. Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch among others will be competing in the Go Bowling At The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Harvick has crossed the finish line first in the last two Cup series races at Michigan and Richmond and is looking to make it three victories in a row. The green flag will wave Sunday shortly after 3pm.
Hadi Matar – file photo
The man who is accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie has been indicted by a grand jury. Prosecutors say 24-year-old Hadi Matar attacked the 75-year-old Rushdie last week at the Chautauqua Institute. Rushdie survived the assault but suffered severe injuries to his liver, arm and eye. In court yesterday, Matar’s attorney asked that his client be released on bail while he’s awaiting trial but the judge denied that request. Matar was also told that he could not participate in any more media interviews.
The Buffalo Bills take the field tomorrow as they continue to prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The defending AFC East champions will host the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The Bills won their first preseason contest last week, beating the Indianapolis Colts 27 to 24. Kickoff for tomorrow’s game with Denver is set for 1:00.
In Attica, the Department of Public Works has shut down Exchange Street just south of the rodeo driveway entrance thru this Friday, August 19th. Residents and visitors can access Exchange from Main Street. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call the Village Office at 585-591-0898.
Applications are now being accepted from people who want to receive money from the Buffalo 5/14 survivor’s fund. The fund was put together after a mass shooting at a Tops store in Buffalo that left 10 people dead and three others hurt. In order to get benefits, individuals must be a legal heir of the victims, have been hit by a gunshot or suffered some sort of physical injury, have been present at the time of the shooting and are dealing with mental trauma or been an associate of the Jefferson Avenue store who was not present on the day of the shooting. The deadline to submit an application is September 14th.
The man accused of carrying out a deadly stabbing at a homeless shelter in Rochester has been indicted on several charges. Prosecutors say 40-year-old Nathaniel Jeanpierre, III killed 68-year-old Michael Nairy at the House of Mercy shelter on August 7th. A man in his 20s was also injured in the assault but survived his injuries. Police say that the attacks against both men were unprovoked.
According to a preliminary report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake occurred Monday in Genesee County. It happened early in the morning today. The quake’s epicenter was located east of Batavia, north of the Stafford County Club, between Prentice Road and Randall Road. Overall, it wasn’t a powerful earthquake, only registering a magnitude of 1.2 on the Richter scale. USGS says it was five kilometers deep.
Genesee County Sheriffs tell us that 35-year-old Adam Kopper of Batavia has been charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing $737.00 between July 13, 2022 and July 16, 2022 while employed by a retail store located on Veteran’s Memorial drive. He was arrested at this residence in the Town of Batavia and issued an appearance ticket. Kopper will appear in the Town of Batavia Court next month.
People who will be hitting the road this week are going to want to keep an extra close eye on their vehicle’s speedometer. That’s because police across the state will be increasing patrols through this Sunday in an effort to make sure everyone is following the correct speed limit. Preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College shows unsafe speed contributed to 353 deadly crashes last year, an 11-percent jump from 2020. During last year’s Speed Awareness Week, law enforcement gave out over 23-thousand speeding tickets.
Western New York drivers are still seeing lower prices at the pump when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $4.45. That’s down eight cents in the past week and is 34 cents less than this time last month. Currently, the state average is $4.34 a gallon while nationally it’s $3.96. In Batavia, the average price per gallon this morning was $4.40, down 28 cents from a month ago today.
With the number of drug overdoses rising across the Empire State each day, action is being taken to try and save people’s lives. Starting today, naloxone can be dispensed at pharmacies in New York without a prescription under an order issued by state Health Commissioner Doctor Mary Bassett. Naloxone is used to block the effects of opioids and helps a person regain consciousness and resume regular breathing if they’ve overdosed. New Yorkers who are struggling with addiction can get assistance by calling the state’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-846-7369.
Cassandra Elmore, the Batavia woman accused of allowing her dog access to narcotics, leading to emergency veterinarian treatment for overdoses on three separate occasions, was a no-show in City Court yesterday. It was suggested by one of her friends who called the court about four hours earlier, that Elmore might be in the hospital. However, City Court Judge Thomas Burns had no proof that the claim was true, so he has issued a warrant for her arrest. Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal under New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law, Section 353.
Experts still don’t know what has caused cracks to appear on the property at 445 Scribner Road in Pembroke, which forced a family from their home. The cracks were first noticed last Sunday by the homeowner, Gene Nati, and the initial thought was that a sinkhole had formed but geologists have now ruled that out. Instead, they’re classifying it as a catastrophic movement of the earth. The last time any shift or movement there was noticed occurred this past Monday and Tuesday. Monitoring equipment will be installed in a well to check water levels in the affected area and a seismograph will be placed to monitor if the ground is still moving. As of last night, Nati’s home is still standing and Scribner Road remains closed.
You may already have heard, at $3.98, the national average price for a gallon of gas has now dropped to under $4, for the first time since March. The New York State average is $4.38 (down 5 cents since Monday, and 11 cents since last week). Average prices for the four-county GLOW Region remain above the state average, and Orleans County – with an average price of $4.66 – is among the highest in New York State. Only New York County, at $4.80 per gallon, and Delaware County, at $4.67 per gallon, was higher than Orleans County. The lowest prices in New York were found in Suffolk County, $4.15 per gallon. In Batavia, Triple A tells us the average price per gallon this morning is $4.42, down a nickel since last week and 30 cents from a month ago.
The Buffalo Bills will continue their preparation for the upcoming season when they host a preseason game tomorrow afternoon. The Bills are going to be taking on the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The Bills are coming off of a season that saw them win another AFC East title but once again fall to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. Kickoff for tomorrow afternoon’s contest is scheduled for 4:00.
Both the FAA and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office are looking into a plane crash that left two people injured. According to WKBW, the individuals onboard the aircraft were conducting training exercises last night when the plane went down in a wooded area near Baker Street Extension in the town of Harmony. The victims were treated at the scene and taken to a hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. There’s no word on their conditions.
The City of Batavia Water Department is shutting down water mains tomorrow in the area of Oak Street and Richmond Avenue (due to the Richmond Avenue Water Line Project). The streets with possible water interruptions will be from, North of Richmond Ave on Oak Street, Richmond Ave from Oak Street to State Street, Verona Ave from Richmond Ave to Hillcrest Street, all of Buxton Ave, Genesee Street, and New York Place. Additionally, new water main valves will be installed on Prospect Ave and State Street. During valve installations, water will be shut down on Prospect Ave from Richmond Ave to Oak Street and on the West side of Oak Street from Prospect Ave to the Ellicott Ave and Main Street intersection, along with an area on State Street from the Richmond Ave intersection to just South of Park Avenue. The length of time the water will be off is unknown. As is typically the case, when water service is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
Residents in the Town of Batavia may experience low water pressure through tomorrow as the town continues to make repairs and upgrades to the Ellicott Street Water Booster Station. Once the work is completed, the town says water pressure will be restored to normal.
The controversial ReAwaken America Tour is scheduled to come to Batavia Friday and Saturday, and protesters again made their feelings known about the upcoming event. Protesters were outside Cornerstone Church on Sunday, which is hosting the event after the original location in Rochester declined to host after public backlash. Protesters are concerned with the tour’s ideology and that nearly 3,500 people are expected for the event. Representatives of the Cornerstone Church have said they plan to move forward with the event, as scheduled.
Dive teams are expected to be back in the water at Canandaigua Lake today as the search for a missing man resumes. Officials say the man didn’t have a flotation device on when he jumped into the lake Friday in the area of LeTourneau Christian Camp in Rushville. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office tells the Democrat and Chronicle the search couldn’t move forward until today because the department was waiting for special dive equipment to arrive. So far, the name of the man hasn’t been released.
The New York State Fair is opening soon, and Amtrak will be making it easier for people to attend. The rail company is offering direct service to the fairgrounds in Syracuse. Officials say by deciding to take the train, folks will be able to avoid things like parking fees, traffic and tolls and save money on gas. Tickets are available right now and can be purchased online at 
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved incentives for a $3.72 million financial investment by Ivy Village Corp. that would create 20 units of market-rate senior housing in the village of Le Roy. Ivy Village Corp. plans to build market rate residential units in three phases with each phase calling for the construction of 10 duplex residences. The development is located on 16 acres off Lake Street with easy access to village amenities and is a twenty-minute drive to downtown Rochester. The GCEDC board also granted mortgage, property and sales tax incentives totaling about $805,000.
The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, August 11th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. New York State Public Health Law requires all dogs, cats and domestic ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies after they reach the age of 4 months. Animals must also remain up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and owners can be fined up to $200 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up to date. Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car please. For more information, call 344-2580 or click over to GOHealthNY.org
A free household hazardous waste collection has been set for September 17. The collection is open to Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston County residents. It will take place 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Batavia and is by appointment only. Those interested may check 
Governor Hochul says progress is being made in the ongoing fight against gun violence. Since the start of the year, State Police have seized close to 800 firearms, which is an increase of 104-percent compared to the same time period in 2021. The governor says that statistic was boosted when a specialized Gun Trafficking Interdiction Unit carried out a months-long investigation that led to a large cache of firearms being seized and multiple arrests being made. Overall, more than 3100 gun seizures have been reported by all law enforcement agencies in the state.
A Buffalo man is in some serious legal trouble after he allegedly threatened to kill African American people at grocery stores around the city. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says days after the May 14th mass shooting at the Jefferson Avenue Tops that left 10 people dead and three others hurt, 24-year-old Rolik Walker created a Twitter account and posted messages claiming he and his associates were targeting four stores and were only looking to kill African Americans. Walker also tried to mask his online activity using a virtual private network. If convicted, he’s facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
New Yorkers who are looking to change the preferred gender on their license can now do it online. Officials say that in-person visits to the Department of Motor Vehicles are no longer required to make the change. The state introduced “X” as a gender marker for driver’s licenses, permits, and non-driver IDs earlier this year. DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder says the online process is private and simple, adding one small letter can make a monumental impact on someone.
A Genesee County Grand Jury has indicted 35-year-old Lakeisha Gibson of Albion, accusing her of the crime of criminal possession of weapon (third degree, a class D felony), menacing (second degree, a class A misdemeanor), and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly threatening to stab a person with a pair of scissors while in the presence of three children under 17 on April 14, 2022 in the City of Batavia. Gibson was previously convicted of the crime of attempted criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor, on January 14, 2020. This conviction forms the basis for count one in the indictment.
Starting today, all in-person visits at both the Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional facility are suspended. The sheriff’s office said last night that this change is due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. The suspension is temporary and is expected to only last through August 11th. Up until July 5th, in-person visits at both facilities weren’t allowed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Batavia Muckdogs started out strong in yesterday afternoon’s game against Amsterdam; they tied the series with a final score of 8-1, which forced game 3. In the end, the Amsterdam Mohawks were able to close out the series; they won, with a final score of 7-2.
State authorities have lifted a ban that had previously stopped state prison inmates from reading a book about the 1971 Attica Correctional Facility uprising; this, following a First Amendment lawsuit brought by its author. New York State officials, however, said they would continue to censor one small part of the Pulitzer-prize winning book for security reasons. A two-page map of Attica will be removed from copies sent into the prisons. {“Blood in the Water: The Attica Uprising of 1971”, by Heather Ann Thompson, a historian and professor at the University of Michigan – Published in 2016}
State Attorney General Letitia James says she’s doing her part to help crack down on those annoying robocalls many Empire State residents receive each day. She has joined a coalition of attorneys general to form a nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Taskforce, which will investigate and take legal action against the telecommunications companies who are responsible for enabling foreign robocalls. James believes that New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about being scammed every time they answer their phone. Scams can be reported by using a form that has been posted on the Office of the Attorney General’s website.
The Batavia Muckdogs lost the first game of the championship round series to Amsterdam 9-5 and travel back to Dwyer today. Game 2 is a must-win for Batavia to have a chance of winning the best of three. This afternoon players take the field at 4:30; if needed, game 3 starts at 7:30.
Amazon is offering to help its employees in the region pursue a higher education without them having to pay the large price of tuition. The retail giant says it’ll cover all the fees of hourly workers who decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Brockport. It’s part of Amazon’s more than one-billion-dollar investment towards upskilling 300-thousand of its workers by 2025. Anyone who is interested in applying can find out more information by visiting 
According to a state report, at 2.7%, Wyoming County had the lowest unemployment rate in the GLOW region, as of June 30. Genesee County’s unemployment rate was also low at 2.8 percent, with an estimated 900 people unemployed. That marked a 1.6 percent decrease compared to June 2021, when the rate was 4.4 percent with 1,300 people unemployed. Bronx County in the New York City area had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 8.4 percent.
The Genesee County Sheriffs Office tells us that reports of a massive brawl of up to 200 people at Six Flags Darien Lake were greatly exaggerated. While there were a few fights in the parking lot Sunday evening, it took no more than 45 minutes to clear out everyone involved and the Pitbull concert proceeded without any issue. Sheriffs from surrounding counties were called in for backup, which was noted to be typical under the circumstances. There were no injuries or major arrests.
The Muckdogs shutout the Utica Blue Sox for the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) West Division championship last night at Dwyer; the final score was 6-0. That means, the Muckdogs have advanced to the championship round of a three-game series and are on the road to Amsterdam for the first game tonight. They’re back at Dwyer tomorrow for a 4:30 start and if necessary, game 3 will start at 7:30.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles says a civil service exam for people who are interested in working for the agency is now available online. Applicants for Motor Vehicle Representative positions have until 11:59pm on Wednesday, August 31st to take the test. Anyone who wants to be considered for a Motor Vehicle Representative job must meet the minimum qualifications, which include having a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma and a year of customer service experience or 30 semester credit hours of college level courses. The starting annual salary for these positions is more than $37,000.
Family members of the people who were killed when Continental Flight 3407 crashed in Clarence Center over a decade ago have been honored in Washington, DC. Yesterday, the FAA dedicated a plaque to those relatives for their hard work to prevent another airline tragedy from happening. Following the February 12th, 2009 tragedy, family members of the victims pushed for things such as the creation of a pilot records database and also additional crewmember training. Those efforts led to legislation being passed in Congress and signed by former President Barack Obama.
The Batavia Muckdogs strengthened their hold on first place in the West Division with a win last night against the Auburn DoubleDays; final score was 6-3. Tonight they host Niagara with the game starting at 7:00.
New Yorkers are hoping luck is on their side as they try to win the second-largest prize in the history of the Mega Millions lottery game. Whoever picks all six winning numbers ahead of tonight’s drawing will win at least one-point-one billion dollars. The biggest Mega Millions jackpot was more than one-point five billion dollars back in 2018. Tickets cost $2.00 each and the drawing will be streamed live online at 
The monkeypox virus that’s been spreading rapidly across New York State is now being called an imminent threat to public health. That declaration by the state Department of Health Commissioner Mary Bassett means that local health departments engaged in response and prevention activities, will be able to access additional state reimbursement after other funding sources are maximized. New York State is leading the nation with monkeypox infections, most of which are in New York City; at last count, Monroe County has six confirmed cases. Monkeypox is commonly spread through exposure to an infected person’s lesions or respiratory droplets. Governor Hochul says 110,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine will be arriving in the next few weeks. Roughly 80,000 doses will go to New York City and the remaining doses will be distributed around the state.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection has issued a reminder warning to residents about an ongoing text phishing scheme. The agency says scammers are sending messages where they’re impersonating financial institutions and claiming that a customer’s account has been compromised due to unusual activity. But, the messages are actually an attempt to get people to share personal information such as their social security number, credit card information or bank account number. Anyone who gets a fraudulent text message should delete it immediately.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that the vast majority of $567 million dedicated to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past due bills, would soon be reflected on their accounts. At the direction of the Governor, the Department of Public Service, worked with the state’s major utilities to credit customers’ accounts. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant financial hardship for New Yorkers, particularly low-income consumers. Since March 2020, the number of customers more than 60 days behind in their electric and gas utility bills and the total dollar amount owed across all the customers statewide, had grown to unprecedented levels. It’s anticipated that low-income customer credits will be posted to accounts beginning August 1 and consumers can expect to see the credit on their next billing cycle.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Red Cross officials say donations are down nearly 20 percent. This could lead to a seasonal shortage—which can affect patients in hospitals all across the country. Type O negative blood donors are especially needed now. Locally, the next two blood drives will be held next week: On Tuesday, August 2nd at the New York State School for the Blind from 10am – 3pm, and on Thursday, August 4th at Northgate Free Methodist Church on Bank Street, from 1-6pm. Donors need to make an appointment ahead of time and by doing so, will be entered to win a $10 e-gift card. Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by visiting 
At the city Planning and Development Committee meeting, the focus of much discussion was on farm animals – and how to enforce restrictions, and which animal species should or should not be allowed in the city. In the end last night, the group agreed to put forth a recommendation, to use City Manager Rachael Tabelski’s drafted resolution, with a few alterations. The changes included: limiting chickens to six, banning roosters from being kept in the city, and requiring city residents to register their animals by a certain date, to be determined by council if it adopts the recommendation, or not be allowed to keep the animal on their city properties. Registering the animals will allow folks that already have chickens, goats and the like to keep them, and should make it easier to track who has what and where. This will next go to City Council for review and eventually a vote. And a public hearing will be scheduled before a final decision is made. The resolution by Rachael Tabelski “restricts people from owning, bringing into, possessing, keeping, harboring or feeding farm animals, cloven-hoofed animals, equine or fowl, including but not limited to cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, swine, lamas, alpaca, ducks, turkey, geese, feral cats, ponies, donkeys, mules or any other farm or wild animal within city limits.”
Fifty-two organizations in Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties will benefit from $400,000 in impact grant investments by the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. This will include over $100,000 for 19 programs for summer camp and after-school programming, giving children and youth a safe place to socialize and gain new skills in leadership, literacy, art, work; as well as over $50,000 for seven food pantries and Meals on Wheels, helping seniors get proper nutrition and ensuring families have enough food to put a balanced meal on the table.
A Genesee County Court jury has found a Corfu man guilty on all counts of sexually assaulting a child. 21-year-old Shawn Myers was found guilty Thursday of first-degree criminal sexual act, a Class B violent felony punishable by up to 25 years in state prison. He also was found guilty of misdemeanor counts of third-degree sexual abuse and sexual misconduct, both of which happened while at Target on Veteran’s Memorial Drive. Myers was found guilty of engaging in anal sexual conduct by forcible compulsion on Jan. 28, 2021 in Batavia. The victim was less than 17 years old. Myers is to be sentenced in September. The verdict came after a four-day trial that included the victim’s testimony.
State Police tell us that a passenger on a motorcycle died in a collision involving a deer. The accident occurred last night on Cockram Road in the Town of Byron. Investigation revealed that a 1998 Harley Davidson operated by 30-year-old Leland Fuller, IV of Byron was traveling east bound on Cockram Road with a passenger, 28-year-old Daylin Fagundo-Rodriguez, also of Byron. A deer entered the road and was struck by the motorcycle. Both occupants were ejected; Fuller was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Fagundo-Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deer also died at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.
According to Triple A this morning, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas dropped 16 cents nationally in the past week to $4.36 and 11 cents in New York State, to $4.58. A year ago, the state average was $3.19. In Batavia, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas is $4.52, that’s down 36 cents since a month ago but still up $1.35 from one year ago today.
Rochester Regional Health has made the decision to close the Batavia Urgent Care at the Jerome Medical Center, which will take effective August 1. This is in preparation to offer what they are referring to as re-imagined urgent care services in the Batavia Medical Campus on Oak Orchard Road, opening in the spring of 2023. Every staff member from Batavia Urgent Care is moving into another position within their system while the organization works through the Urgent Care redesign. In the coming days and weeks, patients will receive letters with more information and there will be new signs at the Batavia Urgent Care site about the changes. Primary care offices remain open, and providers aware of the changes ahead are prepared to see any patients with urgent needs.
Public Works Director Brett Frank tells us that the second phase of the roof replacement is just the beginning of the revitalization of the City Centre Mall. The vision for the mall is to have the entrances completely redone and once they are made more attractive and the water buckets inside are gone they hope more people will want to come in and more stores will want to set up shop inside. Money for the entrance project is coming from a 1 million dollar downtown revitalization initiative grant.
Residents of Albion have expressed concern regarding the $236,000 over-payment that has been made to police officers during the previous five years. The village board room in Albion was packed last night with discussion focused on whether or not the money should be recouped. A CPA firm last week presented the results of an audit, looking at officers’ pay checks over five years, ever since the village changed from having officers work five 8-hour shifts a week to 12-hour shifts. The change was made to reduce overtime in the police department and to give officers more days off. However, the village made an error in determining the hourly pay rate. In the end, board members voted to have the officers continue to be paid at the rate they’ve been getting, at least for the time being, until all details of the overpayment are available.
The Town of Batavia Fire Department responded to a small fire in one of the rooms at the Red Roof Inn on Park Road. Last night around 9:30, they were called as the hotel was evacuated. The fire was contained to a small corner of one of the rooms, put out with an extinguisher. The hotel was ventilated and guests were allowed to return to their rooms a short time later. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lithium-ion battery from a remote control car that overheated while being charged.
33-year-old Roy Watson Jr. of Batavia has pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He admitted to entering a home in Medina without permission and damaging items. He may be required to pay $650 in restitution. That amount will be determined during sentencing in October. Watson faces a maximum of 60 days in jail or four months of weekends. He could also receive a conditional discharge and three years of probation.
According to data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, the number of confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties is holding steady, with 86 confirmed cases in the two counties from July 13 to July 19, compared to 81 the previous seven days. In Orleans, the Covid cases increased from 28 to 36, while in Genesee they decreased from 53 to 50. In New York State, the seven-day positivity rate, ending on Monday, was at 8.93 percent statewide. Orleans and Genesee counties are in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region, where the seven-day positivity rate is at 6.87 percent. The percentage is the highest in Western New York at 10.39 percent and the lowest in the Southern Tier at 6.64 percent.
Next week, 84 Lumber will be holding a hiring event as the company tries to add employees to its stores in the Buffalo area. The job fair is happening on Wednesday, July 27th from 7:00am until 5:00pm at the Depew store, which is located on Walden Avenue. Among the positions that are available include manager trainees, truck drivers, window and door service technicians and also forklift/yard associates. Anyone who is interested in attending can pre-register online and should be prepared to participate in an interview. 
There is a heat advisory in effect for our entire region today, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90’s in combination with high humidity. The National Weather Service encourages folks to drink plenty of fluids, avoid working or being outside in the sun if possible, stay in an air-conditioned room, and check up on relatives and neighbors. The elderly, young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, as they are the most susceptible to health issues associated with the heat.
The Genesee County Office for the Aging reminds people to be aware of the danger signs for heat exhaustion. They include heavy sweating, tiredness, headache, a cool, moist feeling on the skin, paleness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, a fast or weak pulse rate, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting or fast, shallow breathing. The danger signs for heat stroke include: extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit), red, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache or dizziness and nausea. The following can help everyone to protect themselves from heat-related problems:
Amazon is now one step closer to building a brand new three-million-square foot facility in the Town of Niagara. Last night, the Town Board gave the green light to the retail giant’s plan to construct a new warehouse on more than 200 acres of land in the area of Niagara Falls International Airport and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The Buffalo News reports Amazon’s board of directors must sign off on the project before construction can begin. The distribution center is projected to create over 1000 jobs in the area.
The official opening of the Genesee County Fair is Saturday, July 23rd, but there will be horse shows and entertainment this Friday as well. The fair opens at 9am and rides and buildings close at 10pm but special ticketed entertainment will run later at night. Each day of the fair features a theme. Saturday is drive your tractor to the fair day and kids day. Sunday is Senior Citizens day. Monday is Veterans day. Tuesday is 4-H Day and Chapin manufacturing day. Wednesday is Emergency Responders Day and the second Kids Day. Thursday is HP Hood day and Friday is Chamber of Commerce Day. Kids Day for the last day of the fair. Admission is 10 dollars and an unlimited wristband for the midway can be had for 25 dollars or 15 on the first and last day of the fair, both of which are Kids Days. For more information visit the fair website at 
The New York State Fair is just a few weeks away, and today tickets and parking passes for the very popular event will be going on sale. Admission is $3.00 and parking is available for $5.00. People 65 and older and children 12 and under will still get in for free. This year’s fair begins Wednesday, August 24th and runs through Monday, September 5th; to buy tickets and for a full list of events, go to 
The Batavia Muckdogs played their rival Jamestown Tarp Skunks last night at Dwyer Stadium with the ‘Dogs coming out on top, 2-1; both the Muckdogs and Utica won their games last night so Batavia maintains the top spot in the West Division. The Muckdogs take on the Power tonight at Niagara…the next home game is tomorrow night against Elmira, starting at 7:00.
Rochester police are continuing their investigation into a shooting that left one person dead and two others hurt. According to 13 WHAM, officers were on patrol in the area of North Clinton Avenue and Rauber Street overnight when they heard gunshots and found the victims. A 19-year-old man was killed, a 25-year-old man suffered serious injuries and a 29-year-old man is expected to survive. Anyone with information on this case is asked to dial 911 immediately.
The city’s filtration plant stopped pumping out water this past weekend due to a problem with a controller, a part that sends a signal to the pumps to turn off. This resulted in the Control Panel defaulting to the off position, with no power going to the pump. So, in summary, for about a two-hours Sunday afternoon, there was no water coming out of the Batavia Water Plant; when this happens, county highway superintendent Tim Hens said that water storage tanks are used in lieu of working pumps. The detailed story is available on the website of our news partner, The Batavian; here is a direct link: 
Members of the Erie County Gun Violence Prevention Task Force have released their first report. The group is made up of agencies including the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo Police Department and Erie County District Attorney’s Office. The task force was created after more than 30 shooting incidents happened last July. Since then, the task force says it has accomplished several things including expanding the Summer Youth Employment Program which allows young people to take part in a 16-week program where they work 25 hours a week. The complete report can be found on the county’s website.
One of the oldest hotels in the area will be going up on the auction block later this year. A real estate firm has put the over 300 room Millennium Hotel Buffalo located on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga up for sale and the minimum bid is two-million-dollars. The hotel is still open and operational and the auction is scheduled for September 6th through the 8th. The hotel was built back in 1973 and features 12-thousand square feet of event and meeting space and also a restaurant.
The Batavia Muckdogs remain on top in the West Division with 24 wins and 10 losses (the last 10 games: 8-2). The Utica Blue Sox remain a close second. Tonight the Muckdogs host the Jamestown Tarp Skunks; game time is 7:00.
The Richmond Memorial Library Tweens & Teens Staff will be sponsoring a Book Drive for Children’s and Young Adult books beginning later this month. The book drive starts July 27th; they welcome books for children or teens of all ages’ they must be in new or good condition, and can be dropped off anytime the library is open. The Library G.I.F.T. Program (Generate Imagination in Families Today) is dedicated to making new or gently used books available to children and their families in our area, and to raising awareness of the lifelong benefits of early childhood literacy. For information on the book drive and other library programs, visit the library website at 
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that SUNY and CUNY community colleges will receive $5 million in funding to support the creation or enhancement of short-term credential programs or course offerings that provide pathways to employment in the cannabis industry. The funding supports programs that will create or enhance non-degree and degree-eligible courses and programs, stackable credentials, and/or micro credentials that quickly address local employer skill needs within the cannabis sector, a projected multi-billion dollar industry with tens of thousands jobs. Selected campuses must also partner with local employers in the cannabis industry and receive their input on curriculum development. Additionally, the New York State Department of Labor and the Office of Cannabis Management will support efforts to expand learning opportunities by helping to connect businesses and job seekers to these essential training programs. Upon completion, the Department will help candidates complete resumes, prepare for job interviews and provide regional job leads.
Police are investigating after ten cars were stolen from a West Herr dealership in Orchard Park Saturday night. Five of the vehicles have since been found as of 11:00 yesterday morning, without any damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact local police.
35-year-old Stacy Patterson of LeRoy is charged with petit larceny after she allegedly stole groceries after passing all points of sale at Walmart in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and will return to Batavia Town Court late next month.
Our region is getting much-needed rain today after very little precipitation the past month. All of Western New York and much of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Region are either abnormally dry or in moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Southern half of Genesee County is under moderate drought conditions, which have turned many lawns and fields yellow.
A Leicester man was killed when a car pulled in front of his motorcycle at Morgan Road and Union Street Friday night, Monroe County Sheriff’s investigators said. 49-year-old James E. Lee III was pronounced dead at the scene of the 9 p.m. crash. Deputies said Lee was traveling south on Union Street when a Pontiac Vibe that was going west on Morgan stopped and then pulled out in front of Lee.
Batavia City Police report the dog that overdosed on cocaine and an unknown narcotic is recovering at Genesee County Animal Shelter. The French bulldog was seized after police investigation revealed it had overdosed three times, over the course of approximately five weeks (on May 15, May 25 and again on June 21). Assistant Chief Christopher Camp said the dog was taken from its owner, 30-year-old Cassandra Elmore of Batavia. Elmore was charged with three counts of injuring an animal and one count of owning an unlicensed dog. She is to appear later this month in City Court. Elmore may have attempted to conceal the incidents by going to vets in another county. However, police tell us the veterinarian who treated the dog after the third overdose, will not face any repercussions since it was the first time the dog was brought to that vet.
The number of Finger Lakes residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus is continuing to rise. The latest data from the state shows the 7-day average infection rate is now over 6.7%. At this time last week, the infection rate was 5.4%. And the number of Western New York residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus is also continuing to rise. The latest data from the state shows the 7-day average infection rate is now over 9.8%. At this time last week, the infection rate was 9.1%. People are being urged to protect themselves and others from the illness by being vaccinated, getting their booster shots and wearing a mask indoors.
Hundreds of nurses who work at Rochester General Hospital have voted to form a union. Overall, more than 400 nurses said they wanted to join the Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals while nearly 300 of them voted against the move. The outcome of this vote still needs to be approved by the National Labor Relations Board and that process could take a few days to complete. In a statement, officials with Rochester Regional Health expressed disappointment with this vote, saying they believe a direct working relationship with employees is best for the hospital and team members.
Alexander’s Zoning Board has decided against putting up a windmill off Dry Bridge Road. The key issue was the height: The Town only allows 500 feet as the maximum for windmills and this one would have to be 650 feet tall. 500 feet was standard when the town approved its zoning code. However, changes in technology and industry standards now require 650 feet. The proposed 4.5-megawatt windmill would have been the only wind turbine on the 147-acre parcel as part of a community-based renewable energy project.
New York is giving grant money to abortion providers throughout the state following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Governor Hochul says $10,000,000 from a newly created Abortion Provider Support Fund is being sent to 13 organizations that have dozens of abortion clinics across the state. The money will be used to expand abortion clinic operations with out-of-state residents expected to come to New York seeking abortion services. New York will also soon give $15,000,000 to independent abortion clinics in phase two of the grant funding.
The Batavia Muckdogs shut out the Jamestown Tarp Skunks last night 4-0…the ‘Dogs record is now 19-10. They’re in second place in the West Division, behind the Utica Blue Sox (22-11). The Muckdogs saddled up the horse this morning to travel to Elmira; they’ll take on the Pioneers at 7:00 tonight.
Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 9-8-8 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 9-8-8 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code will be connected to one of New York’s 9-8-8 crisis centers. Calling 9-8-8 provides a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health or substance abuse related distress. A chat feature will also be available through the Lifeline’s website (988lifeline.org). There are currently 13 operating 9-8-8 crisis contact centers in New York State and two in the development stage. The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will be able to:
Wegmans is holding a hiring event today as the supermarket chain looks to fill hundreds of positions at its Rochester area stores. It’s happening from 2:00 until 6:00pm at the Pittsford Wegmans located on Monroe Avenue in Rochester. Among the jobs that are available include food service workers, pharmacy techs, cooks and management opportunities. Anyone who wants to apply can do so by visiting jobs.wegmans.com.
The summer concert season is underway, and multiple state agencies are working together to prevent underage drinking at venues across the state. Under an initiative called Operation Prevent, there will be enforcement sweeps to stop the use of fake IDs to buy alcohol. Anyone under the age of 21 who’s caught using a phony ID or someone else’s ID can get a ticket and have their license revoked for up to a year. Police will also be keeping an eye out for drunk drivers during and after concerts.
In a press release issued today, the City of Batavia tells us: There is an urgent need to fill crossing guard positions for the 2022-23 School Year. The salary is $13.46/hour, and they’re accepting applications for the position of part-time School Crossing Guard. Qualifications: Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. Civil Service employment applications may be picked up in the Human Resources Department, City Hall, One Batavia City Centre. Please submit completed applications to Dawn Fairbanks, Human Resources Director, e-mail: fairbank@batavianewyork.com. Background check and drug testing required. Candidate must become a resident of the County of Genesee or any adjacent town to the County of Genesee within 6 months of the date of conclusion of the probationary period for the City of Batavia. EEO