Press Release:

GENESEE COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES COUNTY BUILDING I, BATAVIA, NEW YORK ANNOUNCES AN OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR:

POLICE OFFICER, O.C. #65-746

SALARY: City of Batavia- $49,654 – $63,057 annually (2018)

Village of LeRoy – $22.80 per hour full-time, $21.00 per hour part-time (2018). Village of Corfu – $16.00 per hour (2018)

VACANCY: This examination is being held to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies as they occur. An eligible may receive only one permanent appointment from this list. Once appointed, there will be a Probationary Period of 8-78 weeks based on performance of duties. During this probationary period the Department Head has the ability to terminate employment, without cause.

Residency Requirements to Participate in the Examination

Candidates must be legal residents of Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans or Wyoming County at the time of examination and for at least two months prior to the date of the examination.

Preference in Certification for Residents for Appointment – Section 23(4-a) of the Civil Service Law

When preference in certification is given to residents of a municipality pursuant to subdivision 4-a of Section 23 of the Civil Service Law, an eligible must have been at least two months prior to the date of the certification, a resident of the City of Batavia, the Village of LeRoy or the Village of Corfu in order to be included in a certification as a resident of such municipality. An eligible must also be a resident of such municipality at the time of appointment.

LAST FILING DATE———-JULY 18, 2018

EXAMINATION DATE———-SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must meet the following requirements on or before the last filing date:

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school, or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education.

AGE: Candidates must be at least 19 years of age on or before September 15, 2018 to be admitted to the written test. Eligibility for appointment as a police officer begins when the candidate reaches age 20. Candidates who reach their 35th birthday on or before the date of the written examination are not qualified except as follows.* Candidates may have a period of military duty or terminal leave up to six years, as defined in Section 243 (10-a) of the Military Law, deducted from their age for purposes of determining whether they meet the age requirement.

*Section 58.1 (a) requires that applicants not be “more than thirty-five years of age as of the date when the applicant takes the written examination . . .” Candidates who may be impacted by the maximum age requirement and who are requesting an alternate test date (for active military duty, religious accommodations or for an alternate test date situation which meets the conditions of the agency’s alternate test date policy) are advised to contact Genesee County Human Resources to discuss their request.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL: Candidates should be aware that an offer of employment will be contingent upon the passing of an appropriate medical and physical fitness examination as set forth by the Municipal Police Training Council.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: Prior to appointment, you will be required to participate in a psychological evaluation to determine your fitness to perform the essential duties of the position. Failure to meet the standards set forth in this evaluation will result in disqualification.

NOTIFICATION: Please be advised that in some municipalities, in order to be considered for a position as a Police Officer, all potential candidates will be required to submit to a polygraph examination as part of their background investigation.

 DRIVER’S LICENSE: To be eligible for appointment, candidates must possess a valid New York State Driver’s License. (PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH YOUR NYS DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER, EXPIRATION DATE AND CLASS OF LICENSE).

CITIZENSHIP IS A REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT RATHER THAN FOR ADMISSION TO THE WRITTEN TEST.

CONVICTION OF A FELONY WILL BAR APPOINTMENT. CONVICTION OF A MISDEMEANOR OR OTHER OFFENSE MAY BE SUBJECT TO EVALUATION AND MAY BAR APPOINTMENT.

If you are offered employment, you must be willing to submit to criminal history checks by both the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

NOTE: PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION

CANDIDATES, PLEASE NOTE: It is vital that you submit, with your application, all information necessary to show your qualification for examination. APPLICATIONS WHICH DO NOT SHOW TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE TO MEET MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE DISAPPROVED, AND WE WILL NOT REFER TO OTHER APPLICATIONS ON FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

NOTE – FILING FEES: (The acceptance of your application is dependent upon your following these instructions accurately):

A fee of $25.00 is required for each separately-numbered examination for which you apply. The required fee must accompany your application. The fee may be submitted in the form of either CASH or CREDIT CARD (if delivered in person), PERSONAL CHECK or MONEY ORDER, (if by mail). Personal Checks and Money Orders must be payable to the GENESEE COUNTY TREASURER. Please write the examination number(s) on your personal check or money order. YOUR APPLICATION FEE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED if you do not meet the requirements for admission to the examination. Compare your qualifications carefully to the requirements stated on the announcement and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified. A waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are receiving unemployment and primarily responsible for the support of a household. In addition, a waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or are receiving Supplemental Security Income payments, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Family assistance or Safety Net Assistance, or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local social service agency. All claims for application fee waiver are subject to verification. In order for us to verify your eligibility for an application fee waiver, you must complete a “Request for Fee Waiver” form and submit it with your application by the close of business on the Last Filing Date as indicated on the Examination Announcement. The “Request for Fee Waiver” form can be obtained at Genesee County Human Resources, 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or from our website, www.co.genesee.ny.us.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Patrols a specific district or beat on foot, on a motorcycle or in a radio cruising car; Checks doors and windows of unoccupied business and residential property;

Investigates suspicious activities and makes arrests for violations of Federal and State and Local ordinances;

Escorts prisoners to jail and to court and has them booked on charges;

Watches for and makes investigations of wanted and missing persons and stolen cars and property;

Directs traffic and maintains order in crowds, parades and other public gatherings; Directs the public and answers questions;

Reports serious defects in streets and in related matters requiring the attention of the public works department;

Sends and receives radio and teletype messages;

Assists in criminal investigations and apprehension of criminals;

Makes daily reports of activities;

May perform public speaking engagements to various groups on juvenile and/or adult crime prevention programs;

SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION: A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the following areas:

1. Applying Written Information (Rules, Regulations, Policies, Procedures, Directives, etc.) in Police Situations;
2. Memory for Facts and Information;
3. Reading, Understanding and Interpreting Written Information;
4. Preparing Written Material in a Police

USE OF CALCULATORS IS PROHIBITED FOR THIS EXAMINATION.

EXPANDED SUB-TEST DESCRIPTION:

Applying Written Information (Rules, Regulations, Policies, Procedures, Directives, etc.) in Police Situations-These questions test for the ability to apply written rules in given situations similar to those typically experienced by police officers.

Memory for Facts and Information-These questions test for the ability to remember facts and information presented in written form. You will be given 5 minutes to read and study the information in the Memory Booklet. After the 5-minute period, the Memory Booklet will be taken away. You will then be required to answer questions about the material that was presented in the Memory Booklet.

Reading, Understanding and Interpreting Written Information-These questions test for the ability to read, understand, and interpret the kinds of written information that police officers are required to read during their formal training period and on the job.

Preparing Written Material in a Police Setting-These questions test for the ability to prepare the types of reports that police officers write. You will be presented with a page of notes followed by several questions. Each question will consist of four restatements of the information given in the notes. From each set of four, you must choose the version that presents the information most clearly and accurately.

A Guide for the Written Test for Police Entrance is available at the New York State website: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm. Candidates not having access to a computer or the internet may request copy of the test guide from the municipal civil service office conducting this examination using the contact information found elsewhere on this announcement.

QUALIFYING PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST – The three elements measured in the qualifying physical fitness test are muscular endurance, absolute strength and cardiovascular capacity. The following is a brief description of the physical fitness test.

Muscular Endurance – The requirement is for a number of bent-leg sit-ups to be performed in one minute.

Push -Up – This test measures muscular endurance of the upper body (anterior deltoid, pectoralis major and triceps). The requirement is for a number of full body repetitions that a candidate must complete without breaks.

Cardiovascular Activity – 1.5 mile run; the requirement is for the attainment of a score calculated in minutes and seconds.

The Municipal Police Training Council adopted the physical fitness-screening test based on the model formulated by the Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research. The minimum passing scores, depending on age and sex, represent the fortieth (40th) percentile of physical fitness as  established by the Cooper Institute. Failure on a part of qualifying test will remove your name from further consideration for appointment. Copies of the physical fitness and medical standards are available upon request from Genesee County Human Resources or from our website at www.co.genesee.ny.us.

CROSS-FILING: If you have applied for other local government or state examinations, call or write to each civil service agency to make arrangements no later than two weeks before the date of the examinations. You must notify all local government civil service agencies with whom you have filed an application of the test site at which you wish to take your examinations. The “Cross-filer

Form” for Genesee County can be obtained at Genesee County Human Resources, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or from our website, www.co.genesee.ny.us.

NOTE: Religious Accommodations, Persons with Disabilities or Active Military: If special arrangements for testing are required, please indicate this on your application. An explanation of your need for special testing accommodations must be attached to your application. If due to disability – medical documentation must be provided.

ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBERS: Any member of the armed forces of the United States who has duly filed an application to compete in a scheduled competitive examination but was deprived of the opportunity to compete in the examination due to active military duty could be provided with a special military make-up examination.

Current members of the Armed Forces may apply for Veteran’s credits by filing an “Application for Veteran’s Credits” (Form VC-1). The “Application for Veteran’s Credits” can be obtained at Genesee County Human Resources, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or from our website at, www.co.genesee.ny.us. Proof of military status must also be presented and verified in order for consideration of granting of “conditional” Veteran’s credit. Acceptable proof may include a military

I.D. card, military orders, or other official military document that substantiates active military service at time of exam. This documentation and VC-1 Form must be received prior to the establishment of the Eligible List for this examination. The “conditional” status of the additional credits will remain until proof is provided indicating that the service was in time of war and that the veteran received an honorable discharge, or was released under honorable circumstances.

VETERANS: Additional credits are available to veterans who meet certain established requirements. Veterans who have not exhausted their credits should make application for their use, if desired. A COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR VETERANS CREDITS (FORM VC-1) AND a COPY OF SEPARATION PAPERS (FORM DD-214) MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE ELIGIBLE LIST FOR THIS EXAMINATION IS ESTABLISHED IN ORDER TO UTILIZE ADDITIONAL CREDITS.  DISABLED VETERANS MUST SUBMIT, IN ADDITION, A COPY OF

FORM VC-3 (AUTHORIZATION FOR DISABILITY RECORD). The “Application for Veteran’s Credits” can be obtained at Genesee County Human Resources, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or from our website at, www.co.genesee.ny.us.

ADDITIONAL CREDIT AUTHORIZED: Additional credits shall be allowed for children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty, as “child” in this section in competitive examinations for original appointment. (a) On all eligible lists resulting from competitive examinations, the names of eligible persons shall be entered in the order of their respective final

earned ratings on examinations, with the name of the eligible person with the highest final earned ratings at the head of such list, provided, however, that for the purpose of determining final earned ratings, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten (10) points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. (b) Such additional credit shall be added to the final earned rating of such child, as the case may be, after he or she has qualified in the competitive examination and shall be granted only at the time of establishment of the resulting eligible list.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: College graduates with student loans may be eligible to have part of their loan paid for after being employed in a full-time position at Genesee County. Additional information is available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/public-service- loan-forgiveness.pdf.

PLACE TO FILE: To get an application, come in or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Genesee County Human Resources, County Building I, 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or download from website: www.co.genesee.ny.us. Phone 344-2550, Ext. 2221.

Applications mailed to us must be postmarked with a date no later than the last filing date indicated on this announcement.

All correspondence will be sent only to the address provided on the application for examination. It is your responsibility to inform the Genesee County Human Resources office of any change of address. Correspondence returned for incorrect address will not be forwarded. All address changes must be submitted to the Genesee County Human Resources office in writing.

APPLICANTS: Please contact this office three days prior to examination if you have not been notified by us, as to your eligibility to participate in this examination.

The rating key for this examination will be established by the New York State Civil Service Commission prior to the date of the test, upon recommendation of a committee of police experts who will review all the questions for appropriateness and the key answers for correctness. There will be no review of the questions by candidates. This committee was selected with the assistance of and the endorsement of the Police Conference of New York, Inc., the New York State Association of PBS’s Inc., and the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc.

GENESEE COUNTY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, CITIZENSHIP STATUS, MILITARY OR VETERAN STATUS, CRIMINAL CONVICTION STATUS, PREDISPOSING GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OR GENETIC INFORMATION, PREGNANCY, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM STATUS, OR STATUS AS A MEMBER OF ANY OTHER PROTECTED GROUP OR ACTIVITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF EMPLOYMENT.

Press Release:

On June 22, 2018 at 3:00 a.m., the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Troopers out of SP Warsaw responded to railroad tracks off of Pflaum Road in the town of Middleburry for a deceased body. Further investigation revealed that on June 21, 2018 around 11:00 p.m. a Norfolk Southern Train was eastbound and believed they struck a deer or bear and called it in.

On June 22, 2018 at 2:07 a.m. a train westbound on the same tracks reported a possible deceased subject later identified as Janette M. Moore, 50 of Middlebury, NY. Moore was wearing dark colored clothing during the incident. The involved train is in Binghamton, NY and Troop C BCI are assisting in this investigation.

SP Painted Post BCI and Northfolk Southern are assisting with this investigation.
This is still an ongoing investigation.

Press Release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted for the 2018 Farm Bill that will strengthen and grow the Western New York dairy economy. In recent years, the dairy industry has faced significant challenges, including an overall decline in milk consumption due to unfair trade practices with nations like Canada. Provisions in the Farm Bill make commonsense reforms to safety net programs put in place to help farmers during a downturn.

Collins has been a staunch advocate for expanding the current H-2A visa program that has not met the need of dairy farmers to find a legal, experienced workforce. Provisions to address issues with visas were not included, although Collins was assured by House Leadership that a separate bill to solve these problems will be considered in July.

“Our nation’s dairy farmers are struggling and we have to do everything we can to keep this industry alive in Western New York,” said Collins. “I’ve met with local farmers who have told me on numerous occasions that the Margin Protection Program was simply not working and was based on flawed logic. The reforms passed in today’s bill are going to help these farmers better utilize this program as we continue to make reforms that will boost this industry.”

This legislation would provide greater coverage to dairy farmers through the Margin Protection Program (MPP) and will allow a farmer to participate in both the livestock and dairy protection programs. Additionally, the program will be relabeled the Dairy Risk Management Program (DRMP).

The newly created DRMP eliminates the current 25% minimum coverage level and allows producers to elect levels in 5% increments. It will also add higher coverage levels of $8.50 and $9.00 per CWT, a provision Collins advocated for in a 2017 letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (TX-11).

The legislation will also require the United States Department of Agriculture to study the accuracy of milk and feed costs used to determine the margin. This was implemented in response to the large amount of farmers that were unable to utilize the program because of ineffective calculations.

Collins added: “Since I have gotten elected to Congress, our region’s agriculture industry has been a main priority and I’m committed to continuing to do what is best for our farmers. While we still have work to do to turn this industry around, I’m pleased with the reforms we passed today.”

For more information on H.R. 2, Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, click here.

Press Release:

Cougar Soccer Program Leads Academic All-Region Student-Athletes from GCC

National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region III released its Academic All-Region honorees with 37 student-athletes coming from Genesee Community College.

Collectively, the soccer programs had almost one-third of that total with a dozen to lead all Cougar sport programs. From an individual team perspective, the men’s soccer team had the most with seven selections, followed by the women’s soccer and the swimming and diving teams with five each.

The list contains 470 total names that average to about 12.5 per-school in the region.

Genesee is nearly three-times higher than the average.

Molly Barden was the lone selectee to appear in two sports (women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse) although she is counted overall as one of the 37. The criteria included a combined 24 semester hours of coursework over the calendar year with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and includes the following student-athletes (by team):

Men’s Soccer (7): Kyle McMillen, Gaurav Cheema, Glenn Homles, Tate Dean, David Ormiston, Benjamin Wattis, Phillp Melo; Women’s Soccer (5): Jayna Wright, Molly Barden, Allison Becker, Kail Wright, Molly Reyngoudt; Swimming and Diving (5): Angel Priest, Alex Bookmiller, Ryan Mahaney, Nanako Shiozawa, Natalie Amico; Golf (4): Matthew McCoy, Evan Kerl, Brock Kerbs, Matthew Do Nascimento; Softball (3): Brittni Way, Shiori Ubukata, Maki Iwami; Volleyball (3): Lyndsey Rowland, Aleah Foos, Rebecca Dominesey; Women’s Basketball (3): Reika Murota, Sierra Chudy, Rosalyn Sealey; Women’s Lacrosse (3): Molly Barden, Nao Maeda, Sayaka Miura; Men’s Basketball (2): Savon Williams, Caylen Williams; Men’s Lacrosse (2): Collin Tolsma, Patrick Shea; and Baseball: Colin Noeth.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

DA says new laws and investigative evidence is overwhelming his current size staff.
Members of County Legislature have been informed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman that his office staff is too small to handle the currently increasing workload being thrust upon them.
During Mondays Public Service Committee Meeting he cited new technologies and laws that were weighing down on his assistant DA’s and that some lawmakers seem oblivious to the added work being created…

Friedman also mentioned that it can be overwhelming to parse through the lengthy body camera footage obtained by police and used as evidence.
Friedman requested funding for adding a new Assistant DA position to his staff next year.

Local Drug Task Force busts a Ross street resident for drugs.
44 year old William Schultz of Batavia was being taken in on a family court warrant Wednesday evening when deputies allegedly found him possession of pot and drug paraphernalia.
Shultz was taken into custody and hit with additional misdemeanor drug charges including Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia.
He is currently being held in lieu of bail in the Genesee County Jail.

Governor Cuomo says it’s his legal obligation to ensure immigrant children house in the state are healthy and safe.
There are approximately 700 children being held in New York who have been separated from parents and Cuomo is demanding information on them.
The Governor has written a letter and called the Department of Health and Human Services saying legally the state has a duty to protect the kids and provide services.
Cuomo says a lot of kids are being sent to New York because it has one of the country’s largest foster care networks.

Eight inning run turns the tables in the Muckdogs favor.
The Muckdogs improved to 3 and 4 on the season after scoring their first walk-off win of the year over the Williamsport Crosscutters last night.
Batavia did not score a run until the eighth inning when they were trailing 5 to zero.
The Voice of the Muckdogs Andy Helwig…

The final score was Batavia 6 Williamsport 5.
The Muckdogs continue their second match in the series against the Crosscutters tonight beginning with the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. You can hear all the action right here on WBTA.

Cynthia Nixon is calling for the abolishment of ICE, labeling the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency a “terrorist organization.”
The former “Sex and the City” star, who’s challenging New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nomination, made the comments on ABC’s “The View” on Thursday and later spoke at a Manhattan Church where she called Donald Trump the egomaniacal leader of ICE.
The New York primary is September 13th.

Some good news on the streets of Batavia
Gambit the tabby cat has been found.
A neighbor reported this morning that the grey and white tabby had been found on Elm Street in the City after WBTA had report the cat missing yesterday.
She thanked the local news outlets for leading to Gambit’s safe return.

Lawrence Friedman Genesee Co. District Attorney

The Genesee County District Attorney says he needs more help.
Lawrence Friedman says societal changes and changes in technology is taxing his office beyond its limit.
He told the County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee this week that reviewing police body-cam footage to make a case can be overwhelming

In his 21 years as D-A, Friedman has not asked for additional staff – until now. He is requesting money to hire an additional assistant D-A.

A Batavia man, while being served a family court warrant, gets hit with a drug charge.
Police say 44 year old William Schultz of Ross Street was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and pot.
He was jailed on $1,000.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is demanding information on the 700 separated immigrant children that he says are housed in the state. Calling President Trump’s executive order a sham, Cuomo says only by reversing immigration policy will children stop being taken away from their parents. The governor says the children are at foster care centers, which are regulated by the state, but contracted to the federal government. Cuomo says its his constitutional obligation to provide the children mental health services, and that barring him from gathering information is illegal.

The halls of the State Capitol are quiet again today after lawmakers finished this year’s legislative session. There was no action taken yesterday on major bills like legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes or sports betting. Those issues likely won’t be voted on until the next legislative session starts in January.

The Batavia Muckdogs are now 2 and 4 on the season.
The Dogs were beat by the Black Bears last night 4 to 3.
Batavia hosts the first of a three game series tonight against Williamsport. First pitch is 7:05 p.m. Andy Helwig calls all the on WBTA.

Press Release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce a new Dual Admission Agreement with Canisius College and also a renewed and expanded agreement Niagara University (NU). Each agreement provides students with guaranteed admissions to both GCC and the four-year transfer institution if all academic requirements are successfully met. Each program includes established articulation maps that detail the courses a student must complete at GCC to earn their associate degree, along with the courses the student must complete to earn a bachelor’s degree at the corresponding four-year institution.

“Dual admissions agreements maximize the college credits applicable for transfer for specific programs of study and gives students a predictable seamless transfer process with no surprises,” Kristen Hargrave, coordinator of GCC’s Transfer Services said. “We work tirelessly to initiate and establish, renew or expand articulation agreements to benefit our students.”

The new Canisius College dual agreement specifically maps nine associate degree programs at GCC to nearly 20 bachelor’s degree programs at Canisius. The agreement covers a wide variety of programs ranging from criminal justice and digital media, to English, chemistry, accounting, finance, marketing and many others.

The renewed Niagara University dual agreement was formally executed in February 2018, and establishes guaranteed acceptance at NU upon the successful completion of the corresponding associate degree requirements at GCC. There are 22 associate degree programs at GCC specifically mapped to 55 bachelor’s degree programs within NU’s College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education or the College of Hospitality & Tourism.

Enrollment into either of these dual admissions programs is open to new students for this fall 2018 semester, which starts at GCC on August 20, 2018.To take advantage of these and other similar programs, contact GCC’s Transfer Services Office transfer@genesee.edu or Kristen Hargrave at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6230, or klhargrave@genesee.edu.

GCC currently has more than 200 program-to-program articulation agreements in effect with approximately 11 SUNY four-year institutions and 15 private institutions. Details and frequently asked questions regarding GCC’s transfer services are available at https://www.genesee.edu/offices/transfer/ and the complete list of articulation and dual admissions agreements is available at https://www.genesee.edu/home/offices/transfer/transfer-information/.

Genesee Community College continues to accept students for the Fall 2018 semester, which begins Monday, August 20, 2018. The staff at GCC’s new Student Success Center encourage students of all ages to call 866-CALL-GCC to schedule a personal, one-to-one appointment with a designated student success coach who help students develop the best academic plan that addresses individual needs, interests and schedules.

Press Release:

The following statement may be attributed to NYFB President David Fisher:

New York Farm Bureau capped off the end of the 2018 New York State Legislative Session with a number of victories on bills it advocated for this year. Many of the bills will have a direct benefit on the diverse range of farms in the state. The organization’s priorities are geared towards reducing regulatory burdens and finding solutions to the economic challenges farms increasingly face.

In recent weeks, the legislature passed a renewal of the 10-real property tax exemption on new farm construction, NYFB’s top priority for the session. This helps to incentivize investment while limiting rising property taxes based on updated agricultural assessments of the farm property. Also, lawmakers supported a bill to modernize the assessment process by allowing the renter of leased farmland to electronically submit the agricultural assessment renewal application. This will simplify the annual process, making it easier for farmers to comply.

A bill aimed at improving road safety passed in the session’s final days. The bill would increase the speed at which a slow-moving vehicle, with an attached slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem, may travel on roadways. This legislation would help protect farm equipment drivers and the public from accidents involving farm equipment. Modern machinery can travel faster than 25 miles-per-hour, the current limit allowed for the use of a SMV sign. By alerting drivers that machinery will be going faster, but perhaps still not the posted speed limit, it can help to prevent collisions.

The Senate also passed legislation in the final hours of session in support of the Working Farm Protection Act that previously passed in the Assembly. Farms in some of areas of the state, like the Hudson Valley and Long Island, are facing major development pressure which is driving up land prices. In turn, this makes it more difficult for new farmers to purchase affordable farmland. This bill will allow conservation easements to include preemptive purchase rights which would help to ensure that working farmland could be sold at a reasonable price to another farmer.

Two pieces of legislation that will help the craft beverage industry also passed both chambers. The first bill will provide a six-year real property tax exemption for newly planted hopyards. This will bring the law in line with the same benefit provided to new vineyards and orchards. The exemption will reduce business costs for start-up hopyards while also making it easier to increase the hops supply to help farm breweries meet the New York grown ingredient requirement. The other legislation will let craft beverage makers produce and sell beer and cider infused ice cream, much like wine ice cream that is currently allowed in New York.

The successful legislative season followed a positive budget process that saw support for dozens of agricultural programs. This includes an increased state reimbursement rate for school lunch programs that spend 30% of their lunch budgets on New York grown, produced or processed food. New York State is also committing $5 million to improve infrastructure at county fairs. This year’s budget saw a nine-percent increase in funding for NY FarmNet which is sorely needed as the service is seeing a 50% increase in calls from farmers to help them cope with the stresses of a down farm economy. Some other budget lines that saw additional funding include honeybee research, hops and barley programs and support for the growing craft beverage industry. In addition, the budget support for the Environmental Protection Fund has a real impact on advancing conservation efforts on farms across New York.

New York Farm Bureau would like to thank all the lawmakers who have supported legislation important to our members with special appreciation going out to the Agriculture Committee Chairs, Senator Patty Ritchie and Assembly member Bill Magee. They have long championed the needs of farmers. We look forward to Governor Cuomo signing the legislation.

Press Release:

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and along with it comes the annual tradition of fireworks shows. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) urges New Yorkers let professionals handle the fireworks, and not to use these kind of devices themselves.

In 2014, New York State legalized the use of certain sparkling devices, defined as ground-based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. Counties have the option of banning the sale of these devices within their borders, but the vast majority of the State allows for them to be sold. Under the law, sparkling devices can be sold between June 1 and July 5 (as well as December 26 to January 1).

The legalization of sparkling devices does not change the fact that they are extremely dangerous if used by those without proper training. Despite their toy-like appearances, sparklers can seriously harm their users. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause severe 3rd degree burns. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sparklers cause roughly 25 percent of all fireworks-related emergency room visits, the most of any type of fireworks-like device.

“Fireworks and sparkling devices are extremely dangerous in the hands of a non-professional,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “ When misused, fireworks and sparkling devices can cause serious bodily harm, and even death, to their users and to those around them. Fireworks should only be used by professionals who have undergone the proper training and certification in their operation. Rather than take this sort of risk, FASNY urges New Yorkers to attend one of the many excellent fireworks displays available across New York State.”

In 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 68 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2016 occurred in the month surrounding July 4th, with almost one-third of those injured being children under the age of 15.

“FASNY wishes all a happy and safe Fourth of July. Should there be an emergency or unsafe situation, we urge everyone to call 911 for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” said President Pienkowski.

BDC board need not look far for their newly named director.
The Batavia Development Corporation Board has selected Rachael Tabelski to be their new director.
Tabelski is a Batavia resident and has served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Genesee County Economic Development Center for seven years.
Tableski was any easy pick according to the board who cited her work on many of the current BDC projects assisting former director Julie Pacatte.
She will receive an annual salary of $67,000, which is $2,000 more than the former director made.
Rachael’s husband Adam Tabelski will be expected to recuse himself from City Council votes pertaining to his wife’s compensation.

Phony Prize checks being reported by Batavia Police.

City Police are alerting residents of a current scam targeting Batavia residents.
They say scammers send a fake check and a phony letter from Publishers Clearing House in hopes that the victim will try to use it.
Lawmen say it will bounce and the victim will be stuck paying the check amount.
City Police encourage residents to remain cautious and to remember the old adage “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

Alabama man busted for conspiracy and shoplifting in Batavia.
37 year old Donald Stahl of Knowlesville Road was accused of conspiring with another female suspect to steal property including headphones from the Batavia Walmart.
Stahl was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and Conspiracy and was then turned over to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office as he was a suspect in a previous larceny out of Warsaw.
He is expected back in Batavia Town Court on July 7th.

District Attorney Office looking for more assistance with added workload from new laws and technologies.
During the Public Service Committee meeting Monday night members of County Legislature heard from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman that the workload for individual assistant district attorneys in Genesee County continues to grow as technology changes along with society.
Friedman said some lawmakers apparently don’t see the correlation between new legislation creating additional work…

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini joined Friedman to make the case for adding a new Assistant DA position to their staff in 2019.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Muckdogs fall to the Black Bears for second night in a row.
The now 2 and 4 Muckdogs dropped the third game in the series against West Virginia losing 4 to 3 last night.
Williamsport comes to Batavia for a three game series beginning tonight at 7:05. You can hear the game here on WBTA!

Tabby cat missing from the corner of Vine Street and East Avenue in Batavia.
Gambit is a young male gray and white tabby, he is neutered and very friendly.
He wears both a pink and a silver collar with a bell, and has a name tag with phone number.
A neighbor requested community members to check their sheds or garages and to possibly leave them open to entice the feline friend.
If you see Gambit, please call Mike at 297-0241.

Rachael Tabelski

The City of Batavia did not go far to find its new economic development director.
She is Rachel Tabelski. She is currently Director of Marketing and Communications for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Tabelski will make $67,000 a year in her new job.
She is the wife of City Councilman at-large Adam Tabelski who will recuse himself from any council votes related to his wife’s compensation.
Rachel Tabelski begins her new job on July 6th.

A Livonia woman was struck and killed by a van as she was retrieving her mail.
59 year old Judith Gillis of Livonia was killed Monday night after she was hit by a van operated by 32 year old Jaden Miller of Phelps.
Miller has not been charged but Livingston County Deputies are still investigating.

Five people arrested during the Dead and Company Concert at Darien Lake.
Two were arrested last night for selling balloons filled with Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas.

Governor Cuomo says more than 70 migrant children separated from their families at the border are being housed in New York State. There are about 10 facilities including ones in New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Ulster counties. Yesterday, Governor Cuomo welcomed Vice President Mike Pence to the state with a letter urging the Trump administration to stop separating families at the border.

State lawmakers are likely wrapping up their legislative session today.
No major bills are expected to be passed before they leave Albany. Among the unresolved issues, sports gambling, gun control and legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes.

The West Virginia Black Bears won their first game of the young NYP league season last night defeating the Batavia Muckdogs 7 to 6.
The Dogs staged a rousing 9th inning rally that fell just shot.
The Muckdogs and Black Bears meet again tonight at Dwyer Stadium.
First pitch 7:05 p.m. Live coverage on WBTA

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Katai C. Kongmany

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Katai C. Kongmany graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Kongmany is the son of April L. and Thoue S. Kongmany of Churchville, N.Y.

He is a 2017 graduate of Churchville Chili High School, Churchville, N.Y.

Press Release:

June 20, 2018

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Dead & Company Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on June 19, 2018:

Mark L. Olson age 48 of Kansas St. San Diego, CA arrested for Sale of Hazardous Inhalants after allegedly selling balloons filled with Nitrous Oxide. Mark was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $250 Bail.

Joshua A. Thompson age 23 of Jackson St. Woodbury, NJ arrested for Sale of Hazardous Inhalants after allegedly selling balloons filled with Nitrous Oxide. Joshua was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $250 Bail.

Michael D. Kopyscianski age 33 of Woodycrest Ave. Bronx, NY arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th after allegedly found to be in possession of Heroin. Michael was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $1000 bail.

Roger J. Furman age 54 of Shaker Hill Rd. Enfield, NY, arrested for Criminal Trespass 3rd after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Roger was arraigned in Darien Town Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Alicia M Trace-Stephenson age 42 of Concession 5 West Tiny Township, Ontario Canada arrested for Criminal Trespass 3rd after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Alicia was arraigned in Darien Town Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $150 bail.

The following were issued APPEARANCE TICKETS to appear in Darien Court on 7/3/18 at 3 PM:

Charles A. Restivo age 46 of Otto Pk Pl Lockport, NY arrested for Trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Matthew T. Gillespy age 30 of Essex St. New York, NY arrested for Disorderly Conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the parking lot.

Press Release:

The Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) Board voted to hire Rachael Tabelski as the organization’s new director today at their June meeting.

Tabelski is currently the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). Prior to working for the GCEDC she served as a Legislative Aide to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and an elected official serving as Councilman for the Town of Bergen. She is a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School and of SUNY Canton with a bachelor’s degree in Crime Scene Technology/Public Safety. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport in 2008.

“Rachael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic development that will help advance the BDC’s mission to improve the quality of life in the City of Batavia through a number or economic development collaborations, programs and initiatives,” said Pierluigi Cipollone, President of the BDC. “We are excited to welcome her and look forward to her leadership.”

Tabelski has core competencies in government relations, public relations, communications, economic development planning and project management, business and policy research, statistical analysis and business intelligence. Her roles with the GCEDC we numerous including marketing, public relations and stakeholder communications for seven greenfield corporate parks in various stages of development. She was responsible for disseminating information to engage constituents in complex multi-faceted projects and acted as liaison to utility, municipal, regional and state government officials to advance economic development projects throughout Genesee County.

“On behalf of the board of directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center and our staff, we wish Rachael the very best in her new endeavor,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “The good news is that we are going to be able to continue working with Rachael in her capacity at the BDC.”

In the city of Batavia, she played a key role in creating one of the first PILOT increment Financing (PIF) district in New York State with all taxing jurisdictions participating, that established an infrastructure investment fund to transform distressed neighborhoods. The Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) resulted in the attraction of Savarino Companies to a three-acre abandoned brownfield site in the heart of the city. Rachel also co-authored a winning Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application resulting in $10 million Downtown Revitalization Award to the City of Batavia and was involved as a staff member to the Local Planning Committee for the DRI.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will host a free electronic waste recycling event for local residents on Saturday, June 23 in the parking lot of 5130 E. Main Street in Batavia.

The event offers constituents an opportunity to safely and responsibly recycle their old cell phones, computers, monitors, printers and other old electronic equipment. Limit of 4 tube televisions per car.

WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)

WHAT: Free Electronic Recycling Event

WHEN: Saturday, June 23
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: Parking Lot of 5130 E. Main Street
(Next to National Grid, residents can enter off of Ag Park Drive)

GCC’s Time Capsule while it was on display in the trophy case of the Richard C. Call Arena

Press Release:

Last month, Genesee Community College officials marked the end of a multi-year 50th Anniversary celebration by sealing a special Time Capsule inside the stairwell at the south end of the new Richard C. Call Arena. The treasure trunk is filled to the brim with over 200 items of College memorabilia collected over the past 18 months to document, preserve and celebrate the College’s first 50 years. The Time Capsule is scheduled to be opened in May of 2068 as part of GCC’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Donald Conway ’79 and President Jim Sunser posing before the Time Capsule before it is stowed away inside the wall at the Call Arena

“Sealing up and stowing away our Time Capsule offers the perfect opportunity to draw our eighteen month 50th Anniversary celebration to a close,” Dr. James M. Sunser, president of GCC said. “It tied together our inspirational past and our dynamic present, and all within a new facility offering immense promise for GCC’s future. If there is a better conclusion to the whirlwind of anniversary celebrations and activities this past year, I can’t think of it.”

Within the collection are the following ten categories of items with several sample items highlighted:

• Academics – A sample syllabus, math book, testing form, Career Services flyers and a New Courier student newspaper
• Alumni – Six “Forum” newsletters, alumni buttons and the 1993 book, “Profiles in Success: Reflections of the Graduates of GCC”
• Athletics – A photo album, baseball cap and several jerseys
• Collectables – The musical score “Hymn to Genesee,” a mint proof set, and a set of 2017 coins
• College Life – Several college catalogs, staff directories, FAFSA forms and a dining flyer
• College Promotions – Folders, buttons, brochures, pamphlets, Report Cards to the Community and Fast Facts flyers
• GCC Events Materials: From convocation to commencement, Fashion Shows to Homecoming-more than 50 sample items represent the many events that have happened over the past 50 years at GCC
• GCC “Swag:” – Lapel pin, travel mug, USB jump drive, insulated lunch box, “Nail Your Future” emery boards, luggage tags, a whistle with “GCC has all the Bells and Whistles” and a stress cow that promoted the College’s new Food Processing Technology program
• History and Memorabilia – The original Deed for the GCC site, and an array of intriguing items donated by alumna Mary Yunker including newspaper clippings from 1970, Student Handbooks, a woman’s athletic uniform and a 1968 edition of Time Magazine
• Illustrations from the Era – Various newspapers, articles and the Batavia brochure from 2018
• Miscellaneous – Banners, College map, bus schedule, cellular telephone, calculator, dry eraser marker, stationery samples, student activity card, a sample bottle of GCC’s Apple Cider Syrup, t-shirt and “Muses of the Hill” book of poetry

A few historical highlights: GCC is one of the few colleges nationwide that was established as a result of a successful grassroots campaign that culminated in a successful 1966 public referendum supporting the creation of a community college. Genesee Community College first opened its doors on September 28, 1967 with 21 faculty members and 378 full-time and 243 part-time students-which was five times more than anticipated. In addition, alumnus Donald Conway, GCC Class of 1979, who worked on a major NASA project during his employment at Kodak, shared some of the collateral materials from the CHANDRA X-Ray telescope. Conway attended the Time Capsule ceremony and helped President Sunser stow the large trunk-size capsule. \

GCC’s first campus was on West Main in Batavia in a converted Valu Hardware Store. The College enrollment quickly outgrew this space and its permanent home opened in 1972 on College Road. Other innovations and openings include: the introduction of online “telecourses” in 1987; the Albion Campus Center opened in 1990; the Stuart Steiner Theatre was added onto the main campus in 1991 and the Warsaw Campus Center also opened in 1991 (moving to its current YMCA building in 2002); the Lakeville Campus Center opened in 1992 which became the Lima Campus Center in 2009; the Arcade Campus Center opened in 1995 which expanded in 2001; the Conable Technology Building was built in 2000; the Dansville Campus Center opened in 2002, which relocated in 2012; the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union opened in 2006; the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre housing GCC’s Nursing Department opened in 2010; the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery was built in 2011; and finally the Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena in were built last year in 2017.

To view the Facebook album of Time Capsule event photos go to: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156547012258103.1073741972.27494768102&type=1&l=6b6165c2b2

Lawmen identify woman struck by van in fatal Livonia accident.
Lawmen in Livingston County have identified 59 year old Judith Gillis of Livonia as the victim in a deadly accident near Richmond Mills Road and Livonia Center Road.
Investigators report that Gillis was retrieving the mail when she was struck by a van Monday night.
Officers say 32 year old Jaden Miller of Phelps was operating the van at the time.
Currently Miller is not facing any charges however police are still investigating the fatal incident.

Pembroke incident with a weapon lands a Corfu man in lock up.
39 year old Edwin Stancliff of Corfu was arrested and charged with two counts of Menacing with a Weapon, along with individual counts of Harassment with physical contact and Criminal Possession of a Weapon with a previous conviction.
State Troopers were called last Tuesday night to a reported domestic dispute in Pembroke where Stancliff was subsequently taken into custody for allegedly wielding a weapon.
He was ordered to be held in lieu of bail.

Trespassing in Darien leads to charges for Fort Drum man.
21 year old Malik Hambrick of Fort Drum which is home to the 10th Mountain Division and a military reservation in Jefferson County was arrested and charged with Criminal Trespassing after allegedly re-entering the hotel at Darien Lake Theme Park.
Hambrick was apparently taken into custody shortly after midnight on into Monday morning after being previously trespassed by Darien Lake Security.
He is expected back in Darien Town Court on July 17th.

Black Bears beat Muckdogs after home team rally falls short.
Last night the Batavia ball-team lost the second of a three-game series against West Virginia with a final score of 7-6.
You can hear the Muckdogs take one more shot at the Black Bears with the third and final game of the set tonight starting at 7:05 right here on WBTA.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is planning to sue the federal government over the “zero tolerance policy” being enforced at the border.
He says currently 70 children are being held at facilities in New York after being separated from their parents while trying to cross into the country.

In total, upwards of two-thousand children have been detained nationwide, causing a debate over border enforcement.
Cuomo says his lawsuit has three main arguments, and will be filed in the next two weeks.
The Trump administration has said that Congress needs to act towards significant immigration reform.

State lawmakers are likely wrapping up their legislative session today.
No major bills are expected to be passed before they leave Albany.
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo said everything that could have been passed is already part of the state budget.
Among the unresolved issues, sports gambling, gun control and legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today criticized New York City politicians on the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for blocking a number of bills that would ease the tax burden on veterans and small businesses and increase the amount of funding that smaller municipalities receive.

“It is truly disappointing that some of our downstate colleagues do not share our priorities of making life easier for our nation’s heroes, our veterans, and starting to change the narrative of New York state as the tax capital of the country,” Hawley said. “These are common-sense bills, many of which have bipartisan support, which New York City politicians will not even allow to reach the floor for a debate and discussion. In the waning days of session, I will continue to fight for our veterans, homeowners, small-businesses and seniors against misguided priorities coming from Assembly leadership.”

A complete list of bills that were blocked is as follows:

A.6558: Extends the period during which the county of Genesee is authorized to impose a county recording tax on certain mortgage obligations until November 1, 2019.

A.8040: Relates to enhanced aid and incentives for municipalities.

A.1740: Relates to exempting cranes from the petroleum business tax.

A.1783: Provides a tax credit in the amount of certain fees charged in connection with loans under the federal home loan guarantee program to National Guard and reserve veterans.

A.1559: Creates a tax exemption for leasing of certain aircraft used for flight schools.

A.1682: Relates to creating a local food and products sourcing tax credit.

A.1693-a: Creates a wage tax credit for employers who employ New York National Guard men and women, reservists, volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.

A.1561: Prohibits the transfer of unexpended moneys from funds receiving moneys from a dedicated fee into any other fund.

A.1565: Exempts veterans 85 years of age and older from the obligation to pay New York state income tax.

A.1616: Exempts compensation for active military service from inclusion in a resident’s adjusted gross income under certain circumstances.

A.1617: Prohibits the New York state Department of Taxation and Finance from charging a fee for applications for a certificate of registration pursuant to a re-registration program.

A.1645: Relates to compensation of certain district attorneys; requires the state to reimburse the counties for the entire cost of any increase in the annual salary of a district attorney due to an increase in the annual salary of a justice of the Supreme Court or a county judge; appropriates $1,600,000 therefor.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s Haunted History Trail of New York State program was recognized at the 2018 Rochester PRism Awards on Thursday, Jun. 14. The statewide tourism trail earned two recognitions for excellence in marketing and public relations – one first-place PRism Award and one Award of Excellence.

The PRism was awarded for the Trail’s “Spooky” Social Media campaign created and executed by Chamber member Break the Ice Media. Social channels saw growth across the board – nearly 40% page growth on Facebook, 22% on Twitter, and 90.4% engagement growth on Instagram – with events selling out and new visitors traveling the trail.

The program was also recognized with an award of excellence for the 2018 Haunted History Trail brochure, a beautiful 36-page travel magazine that was designed by Corfu designer Matt Steinberg of The Quackenstein Graphic Design Co., and featured stunning photography from the official trail photographer Steve Shoemaker of Amityphotos.com. Break the Ice Media led the team with copywriting and project management.

The PRism Awards are an annual award show put on by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Rochester Chapter, celebrating the best public relations work – both elements and campaigns – from the previous year.

About the Haunted History Trail of New York State

The Haunted History Trail of New York State is a tourism collaboration spearheaded by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with 32 county tourism offices that features haunted locations from almost every region of New York State. Haunted dining, tours, and overnights are available on the trail, with many of the locations tying back to New York’s history. For more information, visit: www.hauntedhistorytrail.com.

Press Release:

It is finally here! Summer and vacation time is upon us and for roughly half of the households in America, visiting new places is the highlight of summertime! However, traveling to a different time zone can lead to the modern day phenomenon known as jet lag and taint the beginning and end of a long-awaited vacation.

Most people who travel to new time zones feel tired and may struggle to fall asleep, and few understand what is happening inside their bodies. Sleep professionals including polysomnographic technologists, commonly known as sleep technologists, work with physicians to study jet lag and help remediate the severity of the condition.

Most living things, including humans live in an established circadian rhythm. This rhythm refers to the physical, mental and behavioral changes living things experience throughout a 24-hour cycle. While the circadian rhythm is predominantly established by our bodies, it can be impacted by external forces such as sunlight and temperature, climate changes, sound and even diet. The first recorded account of a circadian rhythm occurred around the 4th century BC when a ship captain serving under Alexander the Great described the changes he witnessed in the leaves of a Tamarind tree, indigenous to Africa. It wasn’t until the 13th century that the process was noted in humans, and the term ‘jet lag’ was coined in 1966.

Jet lag occurs when the external conditions of our environment (primarily sunlight and temperature) vary from an established circadian rhythm. The human body can take several days or biological cycles to adjust its rhythm to the new time zone. While it is adjusting, a person may feel the need to sleep during the day and stay awake at night – following the familiar time zone. Physicians and sleep techs have made great progress in sleep studies and the National Sleep Foundation list the following recommendations to minimize the effects of jet lag.

• When planning a trip, consider flight times. By selecting a flight that arrives early in the evening, you may be able to maintain a normal bedtime in the local time zone. If you absolutely must sleep outside of normal sleep times, take a nap early in the afternoon and for no longer than two hours.
• When you board the plane for your flight, set your watch or other personal items to the destination time zone to start your mind and body thinking in terms of the new time zone.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal and chocolate when you arrive; a light snack is a better idea.
• Sleep techs recommend avoiding alcohol or caffeine for at least three to four hours prior to your local bedtime. These stimulants can add to the challenges of falling asleep.
• Soak up as much sunlight as possible! Sunlight is a powerful factor in the regulation of your biological clock.
• Make sure to stay hydrated. When you are dehydrated, you can be more irritable, prone to headaches, and can even cause you to over-eat.
• After a fun-filled vacation day, make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark and quiet. The darkness combined with the cool air and white noise from an air conditioner may help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Consider earplugs and blindfolds to remedy sleep time disruptions.
• Don’t forget about your normal routines. If you normally go for walks or runs, try to do at least half of your normal routine while on vacation.
• If you are kept awake by worry or excitement over plans for the next day, schedule two wake-up calls to set your mind at ease.

Jet lag is just one of the 84 different classifications of sleep disorders affecting more than 70 million Americans – which explains why there is a projected 18% job growth expected through 2024 in the polysomnographic or sleep disorder industry! At Genesee Community College, Polysomnographic Technology students learn in state-of-the-art sleep tech labs with the latest equipment and one-on-one instruction. With a Polysomnographic Technology A.A.S degree from GCC, graduates work in one of the more than 2,500 accredited sleep centers in the U.S. monitoring patients, helping to conduct clinical research, counsel patients and much more.

The two year curriculum at GCC focuses on the Physiology of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Study Instrumentation, Sleep Disorders, and Polysomnography courses – including infant and pediatric modules. GCC’s Sleep Tech students also experience two clinical practice semesters where they apply new classroom skills and learning. Enrollment for the Fall 2018 semester is now open and there are still seats available in the Polysomnographic Technology program. Visit https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/Health/Sleep/ for more details.

“Combatting jet lag is just one minor aspect of what sleep technologists have contributed to general health and wellness,” Marshann Thomas, GCC’s Director of Polysomnographic Technology program said. “Quality and regular sleep is vital to every function of the human body and discoveries in this industry are dramatically improving our health. It is an extremely exciting field that offers flexible scheduling and attractive starting salaries.”

The field of sleep technology reports annual base salaries ranging from $62,000 in the New York City area to $50,000 in the Buffalo area. The list of available positions is substantial. To learn more go to: https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/Health/Sleep/ or call 866-CALL-GCC.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm
https://sleepfoundation.org/

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/to-combat-jet-lag-catch-some-zzzs-while-soaking-up-the-rays/4203

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY – Start-Up Genesee announced that the group will hold the next “Think & Drink” event on Thursday, June 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants should plan to meet at Eli Fish Brewing Company, 109 Main St, Batavia, NY and be prepared for an entrepreneurial walking tour.

The theme of the event is “Downtown Business” that will provide attendees the opportunity to tour the successful businesses located in the Batavia Business Improvement District. Business owners will be sharing their stories of success, how important a “brick and mortar” location is to their business strategy, and how they are succeeding with integrating online sales and marketing.

The event will begin with remarks from the START-UP Genesee network including Beth Kemp, Director of the Batavia Business Improvement District, Tom Turnbull, Director of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Sam Campanella, New York State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Advisor and Chris Suozzi, VP of Business and Workforce Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).

Other START-UP Genesee Business Advisors will be on hand for the tour including: Reid Smalley, Director of The Best Center at Genesee Community College, Lina LaMattina, Director and Assistant Professor of Business at Genesee Community College, Rachael Tabelski, Director of Marketing and Communications for the GCEDC, Gregory Hallock, Director of Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!), Tom Mancuso of the Mancuso Business Development Group.

During the downtown business district tour, attendees will stop at various businesses including:

• Eli Fish Brewing Company
• Charles Men’s Shop
• Pollyanna & Dot/ The Hidden Door
• Batavia Bootery
• T-Shirts Etc.
• Art Ah La Carte
• Six Senses Escape Room
• Tompkins Bank of Castile
• GO ART!

The event will conclude at GO ART! Tavern 2.o.1 will be open, Aunt Angie’s Cakery will serve desserts and there will be an opportunity to see the exhibit “Peru Children by Daniel Cotrina Rowe” as well as a meet Ty Dickey, an African-American artist from Detroit who paints fabric poles with mostly African symbolism.

Sponsors for the event include Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, Freed Maxick, Lawley, Tompkins Bank of Castile and Insurance Agencies, and Mancuso Commercial Realty. For more information or to RSVP please contact Rachel Tabelski at 585-343-4866 or rtabelski@gcedc.com.

New York looks into legalizing pot as opponents blow smoke.
New York’s health department may soon recommend legalizing marijuana.
Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo called weed a “gateway drug” as recently as last year, however he commissioned a study just six months ago through the State’s Health Department that has changed his tune…

State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker is releasing a long-awaited report, commissioned by Governor Cuomo, that supports the idea…

Republican challenger to Cuomo, Marcus Molinaro says the move represents a sprint to the political left and remains skeptical of legalization.
Governor Cuomo’s primary opponent, Cynthia Nixon, has indicated she supports legalizing marijuana as it pertains to criminal justice reform.

A Sex offender with a past in Pavilion is arrested for continued sex crimes in the southern tier.
70 year old Miguel De Jesus of Machias in Cattaraugus County was taken into custody by Troopers out of Batavia for allegedly forcibly touching a family member confined to a wheelchair.
De Jesus has a previous conviction out of Pavilion for Forcible Touching in June of 2015.
He was remanded to jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Pro Baseball is back in Batavia rain or shine.
A little rain can’t keep a good dog down and it couldn’t stop the Batavia Muckdogs from taking the field at Dwyer Stadium for their long awaited home opener last night.
After an hour rain delay The Muckodgs put on a show taking the team to 2 and 2 with a 9 to 6 win over West Virginia.
Ben Hayes President of the New York-Penn league dropped by the Dwyer stadium to see the work that has been done…

Hayes said the team is now focused on playing good ball on the field while speaking with our news partner The Batavian.
The Muckdogs continue their series against West Virginia tonight, with the first pitch is at 7:05 at Dwyer Stadium.

The age to buy tobacco products could be going up in Monroe County.
Democrats on the county legislature say you should have to be 21 to purchase them.
The current age limit is 18.
Supporters say they want to lower the number of smokers and tobacco-related health problems.
There’s no word when a vote on the proposal could happen.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is going back on trial in Manhattan.
He was convicted in 2015 of using his position to get his son Adam a series of do-nothing jobs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Both men were found guilty of corruption, but their convictions were overturned by a 2017 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Jury selection begins today and testimony could start tomorrow.

Paving operations to pick up this morning on Lehigh Avenue.
The second day of road work starts this morning at 7 shutting down Lehigh Ave between Ellicott Street and Creek Road to all through traffic.
Work is expected to be completed by 5 today.
The work is weather dependent.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch from now until 8 tonight for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.
A heat advisory posted earlier today was cancelled at 3 p.m.

State Police today have identified the victim of a fatal crash on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.
37 year old Morey Ground Junior of Basom was killed Saturday afternoon on Skye Road in the Town of Alabama.
Troopers said Ground’s car ran off the road and struck a tree.

A Cattaraugus County man with record of sex offenses in Pavilion has been arrested again.
Batavia based State Police arrested 70 year old Miguel De Jesus of Machias on for allegedly forcibly touching a family member confined to a wheelchair.
De Jesus was previously convicted with Forcible Touching in June of 2015 in Pavilion.

Paving work continues on Lehigh Avenue today.
Lehigh Ave between Ellicott Street and Creek Road will be closed to all through traffic until 5 today and from 7 to 5 tomorrow.
The work is weather dependent.

We are keeping an eye on the weather for this evenings Batavia Muckdogs home-opener at Dwyer Stadium.
Rain is in the forecast but right now, the game is still on.
The Muckdogs meet West Virginia Black Bears.
Opening pitch is at 7:05 tonight.
The Dogs 1 and 2 on the young season.

Today’s Game- Batavia opens up their first homestand of the season tonight against West Virginia (Pirates). This is the first game of the three game series against the Black Bears, and then Williamsport (Phillies) comes to Dwyer Stadium for three games.

That was yesterday- A four run 5th and 8th innings gave Auburn the lead late in the game. Jerar Encarnacion continued his hot streak going 2-5 in the game with a double. He currently sits third in the NYPL with a .462 avergae.

This year’s team- The Muckdogs roster consists of 14 returning players from last year’s roster. Four players have made it up to full season-A (Boyd, Cespedes, Martin, and Torres). The roster currently consists of 14 pitchers, four catchers, six infielders, and six outfielders.

Same Skipper- Calling the shots this season will be second year manager Mike Jacobs. Jacobs spent seven years in the bigs with Mets, Marlins, Royals, and the Diamondbacks. He clubbed 100 HR’s in his MLB career, 32 of which came in 2008 with the Florida Marlins. He also tacked on 93 RBI’s that year. His first year as a manager in Batavia saw the team go 30-45.

Some Superlatives- This year’s players come in all shapes and sizes. The tallest being Sean Reynolds who towers at 6’7”. The shortest five check in at 5’11”. The youngest Muckdog is Dakota Bennett who is currently 18, and the oldest on the roster is Logan Boyd who is 24.

Familiar Foes- The Muckdogs and Black Bears will square off 1 more times this season, the second most among any other opponent this season. The next meeting starts on July 1st with a three game set in Morgantown

Troopers based out of Batavia arrested 70 year old Miguel De Jesus of Machias, in Cattaraugus County on accusations that he was forcibly touching a family member confined to a wheelchair.

He was charged with felony counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Physically Disabled Person and Aggravated Family Offense for Forcible Touching.

De Jesus was previously convicted with Forcible Touching in June of 2015 in Pavilion.

He was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail and an order of Protection was issued for the victim.

Anyone with further information on De Jesus is encouraged to contact the State Police.

Troopers responded to a vehicle collision on Skye Road in Alabama at approximately 4:08 p.m. Saturday.

Further investigation revealed that a 2013 Ford Fusion operated by 37 year old Morey Ground Jr. of Basom was traveling eastbound on Skye Road.

According to investigators the vehicle left the roadway on a curve and over-corrected causing the vehicle to cross both lanes, exiting the south shoulder of the roadway and striking a tree.

Ground was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation. This is still an ongoing investigation.

Troopers identify driver in fatal one car crash in Alabama.
State Troopers based out of Batavia have identified 37 year old Morey Ground of Basom as the driver involved in a single motor vehicle accident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation reported over the weekend.
According to police the accident occurred on Skye and Meadville Road in Alabama shortly after 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon.
Troopers say investigation into the deadly crash remains on-going and have currently released little other details about the incident.

Domestic incident in LeRoy involving a hammer lands an upstate man behind bars.
Deputies arrested 56 year old Jefferson County resident Steven Carpino for allegedly smashing an individual’s phone with a hammer and then driving away from the scene in the same person’s vehicle without permission.
The arrest came Saturday night following report of the domestic incident on Conlon Road in LeRoy.
Carpino is facing charges of Criminal Mischief and Unauthorized use of a vehicle and was jailed without bail in Genesee County lock up.
He is scheduled to return Thursday to LeRoy Town Court.

Donation funds for a child allegedly taken by a Darien woman.
26 year old Heather Rheinheimer of Darien Center has been accused of keeping the donated funds from the ‘Tough like Mav’ charity for herself.
The charity was set up to help an 8-month old boy seriously injured in April after being attacked and bitten by a dog.
Rheinheimer was arrested and charged with Scheming to defraud and petit larceny and Police are still working to determine how much money may have been diverted.

The halls of the State Capitol will be buzzing this week.
Democrats and Republicans will try to strike last-minute deals on key issues like sports betting, recreational marijuana legalization, and school safety.
Any bill has to pass both legislative chambers and be signed by the governor to become law.
The legislative session ends Wednesday.

With the summer season upon us, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is urging the FDA to pull sunscreen pills from the market, saying they are “basically useless” and are likely dangerous.
The new, edible form of sunscreen is becoming popular, but Schumer insists sunbathers have a false sense of security because they do nothing to shield people from the sun’s damaging rays.
The National Cancer Institute says melanoma cases among adults have tripled since the 1970s.

Paving operations pick up on Lehigh Avenue in the city today.
Lehigh Ave between Ellicott Street and Creek Road will be closed to all through traffic from 7 AM and 5 PM today and tomorrow.
During the closures, motorists will need to seek out alternative routes, and local residents should expect delays.
As per usual this type of work is weather dependent.

One person is dead following a rollover accident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation in the Town of Alabama.
State Police have yet to release details of the accident.
The incident occurred around 4:30 yesterday afternoon on Skye Road in Basom.
Troopers did confirm there was one fatality.

A Darien Center woman is accused keeping money that was given to her to help a seriously injured 8-month old boy.
26 year old Heather Rheinheimer has been charged with scheming to defraud.
Attica Police say she kept money given to benefit little Maverick Brumsted-Shaw who suffered a serious facial wound in a dog attack back in April.
Police are working to determine how much money may have been diverted.

Police in Warsaw arrest a LeRoy man for identity theft.
43 year old Jayson Connolly is accused of stealing another person’s credit card and running up nearly $1,000 worth of charges.
Connolly is now in the Wyoming County jail.

Lehigh Avenue paving operations to resume on Monday.
Lehigh Ave between Ellicott Street and Creek Road will be closed to all through traffic from 7 AM and 5 PM Monday and Tuesday.
Motorists will need to find alternative routes while the closures are in place. The city says the work is weather dependent.

The Batavia Muckdogs are 500 for the young season.
The Dogs beat the Doubledays 11 to 6 yesterday.
The same two teams meet this afternoon in Auburn.
The Muckdogs home opener is tomorrow night at Dwyer Stadium.

Plush Dozier

The boyfriend of a Maple Street woman is charged with arson and attempted murder for allegedly setting fire to an apartment they shared.
27 year old Plush Dozier is accused is setting fire the lower apartment of 35 Maple Street early yesterday morning.
When firemen arrived on scene they believed the children were still inside.
The children were later found safe at a neighbor’s home.
The girlfriend, who has not been identified, was injured and hospitalized in stable condition.
Dozier is being held without bail.

Jayson Connolly

Police in Warsaw arrest a LeRoy man for identity theft.
43 year old Jayson Connolly is accused of stealing another person’s credit card and running up nearly $1,000 worth of charges.
Connolly is now in the Wyoming County jail.

A Darien Center woman has been arrested for allegedly keeping money given to her that was intended to help an 8-month old boy seriously injured by a dog bite.
26 year old Heather Rheinheimer has been charged with Scheming to defraud.
Attica Police say she kept money given to benefit little Maverick Brumsted-Shaw who suffered a serious facial wound in the dog attack back in April.
Police are working to determine how much money may have been diverted.

Lehigh Avenue paving operations to resume on Monday.
Lehigh Ave between Ellicott Street and Creek Road will be closed to all through traffic from 7 AM and 5 PM Monday and Tuesday.
Motorists will need to find alternative routes while the closures are in place. The city says the work is weather dependent.

The Batavia Muckdogs drop their season opener to the Auburn Doubledays last night 5 to 1. The teams meet again tonight in Auburn.
The Dogs home opener is this Monday night, 7:05 against West Virginia

News Release: Attica Police Dept.

The Attica Police Department has charged Heather M. Rheinheimer, 26, af Alleghany Rd, Darien Center with Scheme to Defraud second degree and Petit Larceny after receiving information she failed to donate funds received to the “Tough Like Mav” Benefit Charity.
Rheinheimer had worked at Meisner’s Deli located at 231 Main Street, Attica, NY. She began a fund drive to help with medical expenses from an incident on April 1, 2018 were 8-month-old Maverick Brumsted-Shaw was bitten by a dog in Varysburg, NY.
The incident was reported in an article published by the Batavia Daily News on April23, 2018. Rheinheimer begun selling candy bars and candy to customers of Meisner Deli with the support and financial backing of owner/operator Nicholas A. Campanella. Rheinheimer had since resigned her position at the local deli and moved on to another job. Coincidentally, a family member of the Shaw’s had stopped in the deli to order food and Mr. Campanella had asked how Maverick was doing and hoped the donation from his store had helped. It was learned that Rheinheimer had not donated the funds. Mr. Campanella immediately reported this to the police sparking the investigation.
Rheinheimer was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Village of Attica Justice Court on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:00 am. The investigation is continuing however the Attica Police Department needs the communities help. Chief Dean R. Hendershott is requesting anyone who donated or purchased candy for the benefit while at Meisner’s Deli to contact the police department at 585-591-0881. The department is attempting to determine the amount that was collected so that restitution can be determined.
Once the case is resolved all monies will be turned over to the family so it can be utilized for the sole purpose in which it was given for, “Tough Like Mav”.

Today’s Game- The Muckdogs kick off the 2018 season in Auburn. Batavia squares off against the Doubledays for a three game set before kicking off the home portion of the season at Dwyer Stadium for a six game homestand against West Virginia and Williamsport.

This year’s team- The Muckdogs Opening Day rosterconsists of 14 returning players from last year’s roster. Four players have made it up to full season-A (Boyd, Cespedes, Martin, and Torres). The roster currently consists of 14 pitchers, four catchers, six infielders, and six outfielders.

Same Skipper- Calling the shots this season will be second year manager Mike Jacobs. Jacobs spent seven years in the bigs with Mets, Marlins, Royals, and the Diamondbacks. He clubbed 100 HR’s in his MLB career, 32 of which came in 2008 with the Florida Marlins. He also tacked on 93 RBI’s that yaer. His first year as a manager in Batavia saw the team go 30-45.

All time numbers- Batavia will play their 76th season in 2018 as the only surviving member of the original PONY league (now the NYPL) and will kick off this year with an all time record of 3,197 wins and 3,532 losses (.475).

Some Superlatives- This year’s players come in all shapes and sizes. The tallest being Sean Reynolds who towers at 6’7”. The shortest five check in at 5’11”. The youngest Muckdog is Dakota Bennett who is currently 18, and the oldest on the roster is Logan Boyd who is 24.

Familiar Foes- The Muckdogs and Doubledays will square off 14 more times this season, more than they will see any other opponent this season.

Marlins Update- In a marathon game last night, the Marlins dropped a 16-inning contest to the San Fransisco Giants. Lewis Brinson hit a sac fly to force extras, bit a two run single from Pablo Sabdoval in the top of the 16th would be enough for the win. Miami starter Dan Straily recorded a season-high seven strikeouts in the loss.

Plush Dozier

The boyfriend of a Maple Street woman is charged with arson and attempted murder for allegedly setting fire to an apartment he shared with his girlfriend and her children.
27 year old Plush Dozier is accused is setting fire the lower apartment of 35 Maple Street around 12:30 this morning.
When firemen arrived on scene they believed the children were still inside.
The children were found safe at a neighbor’s home.
The girlfriend, who has not been identified, was injured and hospitalized in stable condition.
Dozier is being held without bail.

Familiar faces selected to be School Resource Officers.
Pembroke graduate veteran deputy sheriff’s Patrick Reeves was selected to Pembroke Schools to be their SRO
Deputy Eric Meyer was selected to be the SRO at Alexander.
He and Deputy Reeves begin their posts on September 1st.
Deputy Cory Mower will at Pavilion and will begin on July 1st.

Perry Police alert elderly residents of door to door scams.
Police say they have received reports of individuals going door to door claiming they are contractors and telling elderly homeowners that their homes need repairs.
The incidents are under investigation, however lawmen recommend using caution in dealing with such solicitors.

Paving operations picking up Monday.
Lehigh Ave in Batavia between Ellicott Street and Creek Road will be closed to all through traffic from 7 AM and 5 PM Monday and Tuesday next week. Motorist will need to find alternative routes while the closures are in place. As usual this work is weather dependent.

Press Release:

On Friday, June 15, 2018 at or about 12:42AM, the Batavia Police Department and City of Batavia Fire Department responded to the report of an active house fire at 35 Maple St. A female located on scene believed her children were still in the residence. Officers from the Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make entry into the residence but were unsuccessful. City of Batavia Fire Fighters made entry and attempted to locate the children. By approximately 12:56AM all children from the residence were located safely and accounted for at a neighbor’s residence. The Genesee County Department of Social Services was contacted to aid with the children.

During the fire investigation it was learned that the fire stemmed from a domestic incident between the female that lived in the lower apartment and her boyfriend. The male, identified as Plush DOZIER (DOB: 11/21/1995), had become upset with his girlfriend and an argument ensued. DOZIER set her and the apartment on fire. During the initial stages of the incident all of the children were able to leave the apartment. The female was transported to an area hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. We will not be releasing the female’s name or location for the safety of her and her family.

DOZIER was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident. DOZIER was arrested for two Class A Felonies; Arson in the First Degree (PL 150.20-01), and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (PL 125.25-01). DOZIER was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail. DOZIER is scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court at a later date.

During the course of the active house fire, and subsequent investigation a City of Batavia Police Officer, and a City of Batavia Firefighter were both injured. The Officer and the Firefighter were treated and released from UMMC with non-life threatening injuries.

The Batavia Police Department would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County DSS, Mercy EMS and the local volunteer fire companies for their assistance.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact Detective Sergeant Kevin Czora at 585-345-6311 or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online at http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report-suspicious-drug-orcriminal-activity.

Press Release:

On Friday, June 15, 2018 at or about 12:42AM, the Batavia Police Department and City of Batavia Fire Department responded to the report of an active house fire at 35 Maple St. A female located on scene believed her children were still in the residence. Officers from the Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make entry into the residence but were unsuccessful. City of Batavia Fire Fighters made entry and attempted to locate the children. By approximately 12:56AM all children from the residence were located safely and accounted for at a neighbor’s residence. The Genesee County Department of Social Services was contacted to aid with the children.

During the fire investigation it was learned that the fire stemmed from a domestic incident between the female that lived in the lower apartment and her boyfriend. The male, identified as Plush DOZIER (DOB: 11/21/1995), had become upset with his girlfriend and an argument ensued. DOZIER set her and the apartment on fire. During the initial stages of the incident all of the children were able to leave the apartment. The female was transported to an area hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. We will not be releasing the female’s name or location for the safety of her and her family.

DOZIER was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident. DOZIER was arrested for two Class A Felonies; Arson in the First Degree (PL 150.20-01), and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (PL 125.25-01). DOZIER was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail. DOZIER is scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court at a later date.

During the course of the active house fire, and subsequent investigation a City of Batavia Police Officer, and a City of Batavia Firefighter were both injured. The Officer and the Firefighter were treated and released from UMMC with non-life threatening injuries.

The Batavia Police Department would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the New York
State Police, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County DSS, Mercy EMS and the local volunteer fire companies for their assistance.
Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact Detective Sergeant Kevin Czora at 585-345-6311 or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online at

http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report-suspicious-drug-orcriminal-activity.

Press Release:

On Monday, June 18th and Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 Lehigh Avenue in the City of Batavia will be closed to all through traffic. The closure will be between Ellicott Street (NYS Rt. 63) and the City line (Creek Road). These closures are expected to be between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM in order to pave Lehigh Avenue.

All motorist that regularly use Lehigh Avenue are asked to seek alternative routes while the closures are in place. Businesses and Residents within the area of the closure should anticipate delays, but we will do our best to accommodate getting you to and from you residence or place of business.

This work is weather dependent and subject to rescheduling if it rains.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Streets Supervisor or Superintendent at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. announces the newest School Resource Officer assignments in three local school districts.

Pembroke Central School District has chosen Deputy Patrick J. Reeves as its School Resource Officer. He graduated from Pembroke in 1992 and is a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Reeves will start in this position on September 1, 2018.

Alexander Central School District has chosen Deputy Eric J. Meyer as its School Resource Officer. He graduated from Alexander in 2006 and is a 3-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Meyer will start in this position on September 1, 2018.

Pavilion Central School District has chosen Deputy Cory W. Mower as its School Resource Officer. He is a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Mower will start in this position on July 1, 2018.

Additionally, the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (BOCES) and the Byron-Bergen Central School District also renewed their commitments for next year’s School Resource Officers on campus.

Sheriff Sheron stated that it his goal to establish a School Resource Officer in all county school districts to ensure the safety and protection of the students and faculty. “Although the cost associated with placing a School Resource Officer in the schools is significant, I believe the safety and security of our children should be of the utmost precedence. I applaud the tremendous support received from the school administrators, school boards and the Genesee County Legislature, which ultimately made this possible.”

Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron, Deputy Patrick Reeves, Pembroke Superintendent Matthew Calderon, and in the back row, Legislator Gordon Dibble and Legislator Shelly Stein (credit The Batavian)

School Alumni added as Lawmen in local schools.
Three Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies were selected by three local school districts for a special new assignment as a School Resource Officer.
1992 Pembroke graduate and 22-year Sheriff’s Office veteran Deputy Patrick Reeves was picked by the Pembroke Central School District…

Deputy Eric Meyer was chosen to be the SRO at Alexander.
Meyer a 3-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office has spent his entire life in the community and says he is already familiar with many of the kids and their families.

Reeves and Meyer start their new posts on September 1st.
Deputy Cory Mower a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office was selected to be the School Resource Officer by Pavilion.

Deputy Mower will begin as an SRO for Pavilion on July 1st.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Tense few minutes as city fire crews clear a Maple Street house Fire.
The initial call came shortly before one this morning for a working structure fire at a Maple Street residence with two children thought to be inside.
It was soon learned that the children were staying at neighbors home and were safe.
City fire crews were able to race to the scene due to the close proximity of the fire station.
Batavia City Fire Captain Robert Fix credited his firefighters for quickly quelling the blaze.

An adult resident was transported to UMMC for evaluation. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

13 years for former Brockport kindergarten teacher.
31 year old Roland Yockel of Hilton was convicted of receipt of child porn last year and yesterday was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison.
Yockel will also have to register as a sex offender and have 15 years of supervised release.
Homeland Security agents in Phoenix involved in an ongoing child porn probe along with New Zealand authorities were able to ID Yockel after utilizing the CHATSTEP.COM site.
His home computer and multiple devices were seized and after further investigation over 5,000 image and 247 videos were found depicting child pornography.

Batavia candy makers are expanding sweet operations.
Oliver’s Candies is moving all confectionary manufacturing to Elba.
The Elba location will also have 1000 square feet of retail space in addition to the candy making kitchens.
Retail space and food service will be expanded at the company’s Batavia location.
The move will triple Oliver’s candy making capacity

The show has ended for a Batavia video rental store.
Family Video in the Tops plaza has announced it is closing.
No specific date for the closing was announced.
Its merchandise has been marked down.
The Family Video took over the space originally occupied by Blockbuster Video until they went out of business five years ago.

A local business is expanding.
Oliver’s Candies is moving all confectionary manufacturing to Elba.
The Elba location will also have 1000 square feet of retail space in addition to the candy making kitchens.
Retail space and food service will be expanded at the company’s Batavia location.
The move will triple Oliver’s candy making capacity.

Police blotter:

28 year old Katelyn Kubala of Meadow Lane, Attica:
She’s been arrested for failing to register as a sex offender, for the past three years.
Kubala pled guilty to having a sexual relationship with a minor.
Police said that due to Kubala’s multiple felony convictions and lengthy criminal record, she was jailed without bail.

An Attica man is jailed following what police termed a violent domestic incident.
27 year old Nathan Hopkins of Capwell Road is facing two assault charges for allegedly punching a woman in the face and striking her over the head with a piece of wood.

The City of Batavia has closed Vine Street from North to Evergreen for an emergency sewer main repair. Vine Street will be closed to all traffic until at least 8 o’clock tonight.

On June 9, 2018 at about 6:45 pm Officers of the Attica Police Department responded to a loud music complaint at 51 Washington Street. After resolving the loud music complaint Officers received a report from Wyoming County Community Hospital of a female victim of an assault was being treated in the Emergency Department.
The victim, initially falsely reported the location and suspects in the assault however through investigation it was determined the assault occurred at a party where the initial loud music complaint originated, 51 Washington Street.

Nathan Hopkins

With an uncooperative victim with significant injuries, Officers were able to determine that 27 year old Nathan Hopkins allegedly punched the female victim in the face then struck her in the head with a wooden object. Hopkins had fled the scene however was located at about 01:00 am in Silver Springs at the victim residence by the Wyoming County Sheriff Office and taken into custody without incident on an arrest warrant.
Hopkins was returned to the Village of Attica and arraigned in Attica Village Court on the above charges. Village of Attica Justice Perry issued a “Refrain From” Order of Protection on behalf of the victim. Bail was set at $2500.00 cash, $5,000.00 bond.
Hopkins was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail. His next court appearance is set for Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Attica Police arrested 28 year old Katelyn Kubala of Meadow Lane Attica after it was alleged that she was in violation of requirements to register as a Sex Offender.

Kubala was designated as a Level One Sex Offender following a 2013 conviction of Attempted Rape after she engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor.

Investigation by Attica Police discovered that Kubala had never registered her address as required by law since 2015.

She was taken into custody without incident and arraigned in Attica Village Court.

Due to her multiple felony convictions and lengthily criminal history she was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail without bail.

Kubala is set to reappear in Attica Village Court on Monday, June 18th.

Press Release:

A garbage outside a parole office where parolees have discarded their voter registration forms after given to them by Parole Officers.

Corrections Memo

According to information obtained by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci of New York State Corrections and Community Supervision, a department under Gov. Cuomo, has issued a memo directing all department parole officers to begin presenting newly pardoned felons with voter registration forms, help them complete the process of registering to vote and help them locate the local Board of Elections during the course of their taxpayer-funded duties.

In a memo obtained by Hawley that was circulated to department heads, it states “…the Parole Officer must also provide the recipient (of the pardon certificate) with the NYS Voter Registration Form and the NYS Voting Rights form…The Parole Officer must be prepared to assist the parolee with filling out the registration form and the Parole Officer is responsible for providing information regarding the location of the local Board of Elections.”

“This is the most outlandish abuse of power and taxpayer-funded resources I’ve witnessed in my time as a legislator,” Hawley said. “Gov. Cuomo is using state employees as campaign workers to register recently paroled felons to vote. Absolutely outrageous.”

The memo dictates detailed instructions for corrections employees on how to execute pardons and help parolees register to vote and does not specify that this be done outside the purview of their official, taxpayer-funded duties.

“This governor continues to use our money as his money and there seems to be no bound to how autocratic his tenure has become,” Hawley continued. “It’s very possible that there is added pressure on Parole Officers to hit some sort of ‘quota’ on registrations ahead of the governor’s upcoming gubernatorial primary.”

Drug Task Force takes down another suspected drug dealer in Batavia.
39 year old Dustin Landin of James Street was taken into custody on a Grand Jury Indictment Warrant Monday by members of the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Landin was charged with two Class D Felony Counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for allegedly selling drugs to a task force agent on two separate occasions.
He was ordered to be held in lieu of $2,500 in the County Jail.

Speed zone stop in Pavilion leads to various drug charges for a Southern man.
35 year old Antwan Maye of Butner North Carolina was subject to a traffic stop early Tuesday morning after Deputies recorded him traveling 51 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour speed zone on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion.
During the investigation deputies allegedly found Maye in possession of two separate controlled substances, a criminal amount of Marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.
He was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Pot and of Drug Paraphernalia.
Maye was released with an appearance ticket for July 3rd in Pavilion Town Court.

Grand Jury indictment handed down for a city man accused of violent burglary on Holland Ave.
22 year old Winston Lockhart Sr. of Hutchins Street has been indicted by a Grand Jury for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony.
In January Winston allegedly entered a Holland Avenue home illegally with intent to commit a crime.
Upon his initial arrest in January Winston was facing counts of assault, aggravated criminal contempt, criminal mischief, and strangulation.

Hawley claims Cuomo and other Government Elitists are living high on the hog, off the back of the tax payer.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is making a late push for legislation that would provide greater accountability, transparency and safeguarding into the state’s economic development spending.
Hawley says the law comes as a result of years of inaction by the Cuomo administration to clean up Albany’s widespread bid-rigging and pay-to-play paradigm.
Hawley and a host of his Assembly Republican colleagues blasted the state’s programs like START-UP NY and the illegal I Love NY signs, calling for more oversight to what they claim is corrupt.

Ball Players returning to Batavia for another season with the Muckdogs.
As the team is prepping for the start of their season, Muckdogs Manager Mike Jacobs said the roster is more seasoned this year with some ball players returning…

They play their first game of the season this Friday in Auburn and begin with their home opener in Batavia on Monday the 18th.
You can hear the game live here on WBTA beginning with the first pitch Monday night at 7:05.

The last remaining video rental store in Batavia has announced it is closing its doors soon.
All the products have been marked down at the Family Video located in the Tops plaza.
There is no specific closing date but the store will cease operating as a rental location.
The video rental store took over in an old Blockbuster Video location.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11 o’clock tonight.
The Watch extends to Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming counties and all of Western New York.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is maintaining a dominant lead over “Sex and the City” actress Cynthia Nixon in New York’s Democratic primary race. A new Siena College survey shows the two-term incumbent outpolling Nixon 61-percent to 26-percent. Siena pollsters say the actress hasn’t gained any ground in the past two months.

The Batavia Muckdogs are gearing up for the start of their season with some of last season’s ball players returning.
The new Muckdogs Manager Mike Jacobs just arrived in town

They play their first game of the season this Friday in Auburn and begin with their home opener in Batavia on Monday the 18th.
You can hear the game live here on WBTA beginning with the first pitch Monday night at 7:05.

A bill is on Governor Cuomo’s desk banning the use of tanning devices for people under 18. Doctors say artificial tanning raises the risk of skin cancer. In New York alone, five-thousand cases of melanoma could be diagnosed this year. If the governor signs the bill, the state would be the 16th in the country to have legislation like this.

News Release:

Roadwork originally planned for today has been rescheduled for Monday, June 18th, 2018 due to weather conditions.

Lehigh Avenue in the City of Batavia will be closed to all through traffic. The closure will be between Ellicott Street (NYS Rt. 63) and the City line (Creek Road). These closures are expected to be between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM in order to pave Lehigh Avenue.

Press Release:

Genesee Community College’s Board of Trustees, meeting at the Batavia Campus for its regular monthly meeting, approved a $40.15 million budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year beginning September 1. The budget is down $770,000, or a decrease of about 2% from the current $40.92 million budget.

President James M. Sunser thanked members of the staff for their thoughtful and cautious approach to spending, and for helping reach 2018-2019 budget targets. “It’s rare that the budget for a new fiscal year is lower than the prior fiscal year,” Dr. Sunser said. “This budget is a continuation of our tradition of careful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us,” Dr. Sunser said.

The budget includes:

Maintenance of existing programs, with no increases predicted in the number of faculty and staff members.

A modest tuition increase. Full-time students will pay an additional $50 per semester, or a total of $2,075 per semester in 2018-2019.

Anticipated support from Genesee County, the College’s sponsor, of $2.586 million.

Support from other counties across New York State totaling $9.392 million.

New York State aid of $10.237 million, reflecting an increase of $100 per full-time-equivalent student. The State aid figure is still substantially less than the one-third state funding anticipated when the State University of New York was created in the 1950s.

A cost per full-time-equivalent student that is almost 5% less than the New York State community college average.
The College’s 2018-2019 budget must be approved by the Genesee County Legislature. The budget will be forwarded to the State University of New York for approval this summer.

In other business this evening, the Board of Trustees:

• Approved minor curriculum changes to the College’s Entrepreneurship A.A.S. degree program and Entrepreneurship Certificate program. The proposed changes will now be submitted to the State University of New York for review.
• Heard President Sunser report that Emma L. Hawke is joining the College’s staff as a Wyoming County Campus Center associate. She holds B.A. and M.S. degrees from Buffalo State College. She has held positions at Buffalo State and Canisius College. Ms. Hawke is a resident of Clarence.
• Heard Mary Jo Whitman, Art Gallery Coordinator, offer a preview of upcoming Roz Steiner Art Gallery exhibits to the Board. Running from August 23 to September 21 is Dion Hitchings’ Portraits on Trash. The artist uses children’s art supplies and consumer boxes to impart deep-seated messages. Ryan Gustman’s photography will be the focal point of an exhibit running from October 4 to November 2. Mr. Gustman is known for his compelling and stark portraits of abandoned buildings. Next, Emily Kenas will exhibit Assemblage from November 13 to December 14. Assemblage consists of pieces that are not quite paintings and not quite sculpture, but embody elements of each, using unusual combinations of materials. Finding Amal is next, from January 22 to February 22. This exhibit features universal messages created in urban calligraphy combining three languages: English, Arabic and Bangla.
• Heard Finance Committee Chair Peter R. Call report that the Committee reviewed the College’s third quarter financial statements. Mr. Call said that income and expenses are running according to plan. The Board approved the third-quarter statements.
• Heard Nominating Committee Chair Robert L. Boyce report that the Committee has endorsed the following candidates for Board of Trustees officer positions for the 2018-2019 year: Donna M. Ferry, Darien, Chair; Peter R. Call, Batavia, Vice Chair; Jacalyn F. Whiting, LeRoy, Secretary. The Board will accept nominations at its July 2018 annual meeting.
• Heard Virginia M. Taylor, recently retired Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services, reported that the College has received 349 applications for summer study. Dr. Taylor said that an increase in applications is likely over the next several weeks, as area high school students submit applications for the Genesee Promise Plus program. Genesee Promise Plus provides scholarship funding for one or two summer courses to area high school students.
• Heard President Sunser report that new external mandates include a New York State reporting requirement for interim statistics on sexual harassment, domestic abuse and other forms of sexual violence. The report, due June 15, is an outgrowth of New York State’s “Enough is Enough” law. Dr. Sunser also said that SUNY is attempting to standardize sexual harassment policies across all 64 campuses.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he will be hosting a free electronic recycling event for local residents on Saturday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of 5130 East Main St. in Batavia. The event gives residents an opportunity to recycle old electronic devices such as computers, cell phones and televisions in an environmentally conscious manner.

“This has been a tremendously successful event in the past and a useful way for local residents to get rid of unusable bulky electronic devices in a safe and environmentally-friendly way,” Hawley said. “It is important that we keep in mind how consumerism affects the environment and realize that we have an obligation to future generations to leave our planet a cleaner place than we found it. I encourage all interested residents to come out on the 23rd and I look forward to seeing you there!”

**Items Accepted: Computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, audio/video, small electronic devices

*Limit of 4 tube televisions per car

WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)

WHAT: Free Electronics Recycling Event

WHEN: Saturday, June 23
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: Parking Lot of 5130 E. Main St.
Batavia, NY
(Next to National Grid)

Council hears request for military grade vehicle and approves additional cameras for Police.
City Police made their case for funding added surveillance cameras and applying for a military grade surplus vehicle.
Council approved $28,000 dollars in funding for the added cameras.
Council President Eugene Jankowski…

The other proposal put forth by police was a request to apply for a decommissioned Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle or M-RAP.
Council appeared to be open to the idea.
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch addressed concerns over the optics of the military grade vehicle…

Heubusch said another benefit of the M-RAP is that it doubles as a high water rescue vehicle when other more expensive options don’t.
The vehicle would need around $15,000 of upgrades half of which the Sheriff’s Office has offered to pay for.

The aging and ill-fitted City Police Station also come up in conversation at the latest city council meeting.
According to the city’s consultant on the issue there are options to fix the current facility or to build one brand new.
Former Police Lieutenant Eugene Jankowski…

Chief Heubusch said a new facility would meet all their requirements with less uncertainty over future maintenance.
The estimated cost for a new building is close to $10 million.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Batavia woman found with drugs after getting pinched for shoplifting.
31 year old Jeanna Hattaway of West Main Street Road was picked up by deputies following a shoplifting complaint at the Walmart in Batavia.
She was accused of stealing over 100 dollars’ worth of merchandise and officers allegedly found her in possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
She was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and was released with an appearance ticket for Town Court.

Gates police arrest the man they say murdered a woman.
Roger Wiggins was taken into custody at the Canadian border yesterday and officials believe he was trying to leave the country.
Wiggins is accused of stabbing Tracy Williams in a car before she ended up on Buffalo Road Monday.
Police aren’t saying whether she was pushed or fell from the vehicle. They’re calling the crime an act of domestic violence.

Paving work may pick up on Lehigh Ave today.
The city has scheduled paving operations on Lehigh Avenue in Batavia today and tomorrow and motorists will need to find an alternate route.
The work is weather dependent.

News Release: Genesee County Health Dept.

Springtime is a perfect time to remind everyone about how dangerous rabies can be and what you can do to prevent exposure to you, your family and your pets. Rabies is an infec- tious viral disease that can be fatal once symptoms (signs) show up. Rabies is a central nervous system disease, which attacks the brain and causes death. Rabies can be spread through bites, scratches, and saliva.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that each year, the majority of rabies cases occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Though those are the most commonly reported animals with rabies, all mammals; including humans can be infect- ed. Therefore, it is recommended that pet owners and livestock owners get their animals vaccinated for rabies. In New York State, cats are the most often diagnosed domestic animals.

Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans Counties, reported that so far in 2018 there have been a total of 19 animals submitted for rabies testing be- tween the two counties and 3 have tested positive for the fatal disease, complete details below. In addition to these animals, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has submitted 1 deer from Genesee County, which tested negative.

One of the first signs of rabies in animals includes a change in the animal’s behavior. Balduf stated, “Animals may become unusually ag- gressive, or may develop an unwarranted sense of fear or it may lose its fear of another animal. In wild animals, symptoms are as follows; affectionate or friendly, or it may attack anything in its path, due to excitable or irritable behavior. Other symptoms include staggering, convulsions, choking, foaming at the mouth and paralysis.”

Though rabies may take up to three months to fully develop, there are some early signs to look out for in humans. These signs include fever, headache, sore throat, and unexplained tiredness. If an animal bite or scratch is not reported right after it happens, the disease can develop. The signs after development include, pain and tingling at the bite site, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), strong tightening of the muscles in the throat and paralysis starting at the infection site.

To protect yourself from rabies, people are encouraged to avoid feeding touching or adopting wild animals and stray domestic animals such as dogs and cats. People are also encouraged to keep their pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets), and livestock animals up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Keeping a close eye on children who are playing outdoors and telling them the dangers of playing with wild or stray animals (alive or dead) is also highly recommended. It is very important to make sure you are not attracting wildlife to your home. You can do this by making sure that your garbage cans are not accessible by wild life and you don’t leave pet food out unattended.

Anyone who has been bitten by any animal or who otherwise may have been exposed to rabies, needs to Capture and Call. If you can do so safely, being careful to not damage the head/brain, capture the animal and call your local health department or a doctor to report the incident. Capturing the animal is vital in order for it to be tested for rabies. Testing will confirm if the animal is infected with the virus or not, ensuring that only those who need treatment get it. In addition, make sure you clean any wounds immediately with soap and water.

(*If a bat is found in a room where there are unattended children, someone sleeping or someone who cannot speak for him/herself or your family pet, do not let the bat out of the house. To learn how to capture a bat safely, view a short video HERE

A doctor or health department will determine if they need to be vaccinated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP). A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get 4 doses of rabies vaccine—one dose right away, and additional doses on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days. People who have weakened immune systems may require a fifth dose of vaccine, as determined by their doctor.

The dosage and cost for an individual to be treated with RPEP depends on the individual’s weight. The cost to treat an individual for ra- bies is estimated to be about $3,750. Local health departments will work with the patient’s insurance company but what cannot be cov- ered by insurance is paid out by the county, and ultimately you, the taxpayer. Another reason it is important to love your own animals and leave the rest alone. So far in 2018, 20 individuals have been treated for RPEP in Genesee County and 4 people have been treated for RPEP in Orleans County. These numbers could be lower if animals were safely captured and submitted for testing.

To protect your pets from rabies, please visit one of our upcoming anti-rabies clinics:

• Genesee County: Thursday, August 16, 2018: Genesee County Fair Grounds, 5031 East Main Road, Batavia, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Orleans County: Saturday, August 25, 2018: Town of Shelby Highway Building, 4062 Salt Works Road, Medina, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Wyoming County: Thursday June, 14, 2018: Arcade Town Highway Department, 7340 NY-98, Arcade, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Eugene Jankowski City Council president

Batavia City Council has approved the purchase of four more video surveillance cameras for the police department.
Budget amount: $28,000.
City Council President Eugene Jankowski, a former police lieutenant, says the cameras are worth it:

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch

Council also appears ready to support an application for a military surplus armored vehicle.
Police Chief Schawn Heubusch says he understands reservations about the look of a military vehicle in a civilian police force

The vehicle would need to be outfitted for police work at an estimated cost of $15,000. The Geensee County Sheriff’s Office has offered to pay half of the cost.

Fire attacks a duplex home in Bergen twice in the same night.
Volunteers were re-called to the same Lake Avenue address they responded to five hours earlier.
Deputy Bergen Chief Chuck Dodson:

The damage from the second call was far more extensive.
No injuries were reported.

New York lawmakers are pushing a bill for cameras to be installed on school buses to catch drivers who pass them illegally.
The bill that puts in place stop-arm cameras on buses would permit evidence taken to be used in issuing tickets to violators.
Studies estimate more than 50-thousand drivers throughout New York illegally pass school buses on a daily basis.

If you use Lehigh Avenue in Batavia be ready to find an alternate route tomorrow and Thursday. Lehigh will be closed to all traffic tomorrow and Thursday for paving work.

Press Release:

Washington, D.C. – Genesee County, New York Highway Superintendent Timothy Hens was installed as President-elect of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) at their recent annual meeting and technical conference. Hens’ term will run through April of 2019.

NACE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association in its 62nd year, representing over 2,400 county road officials and related professionals in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., local roads account for about 75% of highways and roads, or 2.93 million miles. Counties manage 1.74 million miles of those roads. Counties also own 231,000 bridges and operate one-third of the nation’s transit systems.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the nation’s county road professionals,” said Hens. “County infrastructure is the basis for a successful American economy. From getting goods to market to ensuring a safe and efficient ride from work for our residents, county-owned transportation infrastructure will lead the way towards economic prosperity for decades to come.”

Hens has been the Superintendent of Highways for Genesee County since 1998. In this capacity he functions as the County Engineer and oversees a number of county departments including, highways, airport, water, environmental health, facility maintenance, and parks, recreation and forestry. Tim and his wife, Eve, have three college-aged children and reside in Le Roy.

Byron-Bergen’s FFA members at May’s NYS FFA Convention in Rochester. (l-r) Garrett Sando, Jacey Donahue, Isabelle Stevens, Rachel Best, Madelynn Pimm and Hallie Calhoun.

Press Release:

Bergen, NY ~ On May 29, 2018 Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School held their first FFA Awards ceremony since restarting an agriculture program after an absence of almost 50 years. The presentation honored student members and their supportive FFA parents. Certificates of Appreciation were given to many community advisors and volunteers, and district personnel. The FFA chapter’s student officers were recognized as a cohesive leadership team who have driven the growth of the new chapter: Garrett Sando (president), Cole Carlson (vice-president), Hallie Calhoun, Isabelle Stevens, Andrew Parnapy, and Seth Sharp.

Greenhand FFA degrees, for Sr. High School students, were given to Jacey Donahue and all six FFA officers. Garrett Sando was named the Star Greenhand for 2018. Discovery FFA degrees for Jr. High School students were given to Caleb Carlson, Madelynn Pimm, and Rachel Best. Four students received Proficiency Awards: Cole Carlson (Beef Showmanship), Sando (Employment Interview), Parnapy (Creed Speaking), and Sharp (Agricultural Sales).

The ceremony marked the end of the beginning for the Byron-Bergen agriculture program and FFA chapter. It has been an amazing year for both, with about 15 students getting involved in the hands-on approach to learning offered in the new Introduction to Agriculture Science class, along with the Living Environment class. Students marveled at the opportunity to learn about agriculture as a science course, and to be able to explore it even more deeply through FFA.

“Students are really excited and proud to participate in FFA,” said Byron-Bergen’s Cornell Ag-certified teacher Jeff Parnapy. “They love the teamwork and leadership activities involved. Our kids have stepped up and taken responsibility for making the decisions and doing the work necessary for the chapter to be successful, to raise funds, and to take part in the community. Our group attended the recent NYS FFA Convention in Rochester and got to meet students from around the state. We’re planning to participate at the State Fair and the Genesee County Fair later this summer.”

Parnapy says the chapter will begin active competition in statewide FFA contests this fall, and take part in more state and FFA District 9 events and trips next year. He says FFA is undergoing a renaissance, with several local school districts starting new chapters. He also credits the school’s Advisory Committee — local volunteer farmers and animal science experts — for their help and guidance. Parnapy will be attending professional development sessions in Animal Science this summer, with the hope of offering it as an additional class in the 2019-20 school year.

“We had a great first year bringing back Ag Education and FFA for the first time in so many years,” said Jr./Sr. High School Principal Patrick McGee. “Kudos to Mr. Parnapy and our kids for getting this back off the ground. We truly believe that this program is going to continue to grow and be a viable part of the Jr./Sr. High School.”

FFA is a national organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. www.ffa.org

FFA President Garrett Sando (r) with advisor and Ag teacher, Jeff Parnapy (l)

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Water Dept. will be working on the water main starting at 8 am. The water will be turned off on North Spruce Street from Lown Street to the North end and all of Evergreen Drive. We appreciate your understanding while this repair is made. City crews will make every attempt to restore water as soon as possible.

This work may result in a period of discolored water in this general area after service is restored. Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry which may be impacted.

Firefighters from Bergen, Le Roy, and Churchville were dispatched to a South Lake Ave residence in Bergen twice in one evening.
The first fire was reported at 5:25 p.m. after the owner of the duplex Michael Marvin was alerted by smoke detectors sounding off…

The first fire was believed to have been snuffed out within several minutes however at 10:55 p.m. a second call came from the same address.
Bergen Fire Deputy Fire Chief Chuck Dodson was the first back on the scene…

Dodson said when the fire department left the scene there was no indication that anything at all was still burning and that the second blaze went unattended longer due to the damaged smoke detectors from the previous fire.
Fortunately there were no serious injuries reported. Marvin was able to make it out safe in both instances and also managed to save his dog, he is being assisted by Red Cross.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is launching a bus tour aimed at rallying lawmakers towards a so-called “red flag” gun bill.
Cuomo called the issue of school shootings an ongoing social crisis.
He previously announced his desire to see a law that would empower police, teachers, and family members towards petitioning a judge if they feel an individual in possession of a gun could be a danger.
The governor accused the federal government of being uninterested in solving the problem.

Cuomo specifically mentioned President Trump, and the Republican Party association with the NRA.

Classmates and staff at Hilton High School are mourning the loss of a student.
Yesterday, the passenger in a deadly Sunday night crash was identified as 18 year old Paige Smith.
Officials say the driver, 18 year old Brianna Scarpulla lost control of her vehicle on Lotta Road, hitting an SUV.
Police are still investigating what caused the tragedy. The school is offering grief counseling.

Threats to clock a 7-11 clerk with a rock land a Bank Street man in lock up.
32 year old Joseph Berry of Bank Street was charged with second degree Harassment and Menacing with a Weapon for allegedly threatening to use a large rock against a clerk at the East Main Street convenience store.
He was committed in lieu of $2,500 dollars bail to the Genesee County Jail.

The city is holding a public information meeting this Thursday on the construction of a Pedestrian Way improvement project.
The work involves replacing existing sidewalks along portions of State Street, Washington and Richmond Avenues and Bank Street.
The meeting will be held this Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the second floor board room at City Hall.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo is launching a bus tour aimed at rallying lawmakers towards a so-called “red flag” gun bill. Speaking in the Bronx outside of Evander Childs High School this morning, Cuomo called the issue of school shootings an ongoing social crisis. He previously announced his desire to see a law that would empower police, teachers, and family members towards petitioning a judge if they feel an individual in possession of a gun could be a danger. The governor accused the federal government of being uninterested in solving the problem, specifically mentioning President Trump, and Republican association with the NRA.

Batavia Police are going before city council tonight with funding requests to help deal with increasing violence on the streets.
The police department is asking for $20,000 to purchase four additional portable surveillance cameras.
One was used recently on the south side that helped identify suspects in a fatal stabbing and shooting.
Police are also asking council to fund the transportation and outfitting of a military surplus armored vehicle. He cost is estimated at around $15,000. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has offered to pay half.

A Bank Street man jailed for allegedly to slug a 7-11 clerk with a rock.
32 year old Joseph Berry of Bank Street was charged with second degree Harassment and Menacing with a Weapon.
He was locked up in lieu of $2,500 bail.

The city is holding a public information meeting this Thursday on the construction of a Pedestrian Way improvement project. The work involves replacing existing sidewalks along portions of State Street, Washington and Richmond Avenues and Bank Street. The meeting will be held this Thursday from 5 until 7 at City Hall.

Press Release:

Members of the Batavia City Firefighters from IAFF Local 896 will fan out across the streets of downtown Batavia with boots in hand for this years drive on Friday, June 15th.

Batavia’s Fill the Boot drive is organized by firefighter Chris Morasco.

“In 2017, we set out to break the $10,000 mark. Our members, with the help of our generous community were successful and able to raise $10,651 for the MDA! Look for us Friday!”

City of Batavia Firefighters
Fill the Boot
to benefit MDA
Friday, June 15th
8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street (Route 5) and Court Street
AND
Ellicott Street (Route 63) and Court Street

News Release

The City of Batavia will have an Informational Meeting to discuss the proposed construction of the City’s Pedestrian Way Improvements Project. The project consist of the replacement of the existing sidewalk along portions of State Street (from Washington Avenue to Richmond Avenue and from Hart Street to MacArthur Drive), Washington Avenue (from State Street to Bank Street), Richmond Avenue (south side from Ellicott Avenue to State Street) and Bank Street (east side from Washington Avenue to North Street and west side from North Street to Denio Street). This project is a Locally Administered Federal-Aid project that is scheduled for construction in 2019.

The informational “open house” meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 14th 2018 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Batavia City Hall in the Council Board Room (2nd Floor).

City staff and the consultant engineering firm, Erdman Anthony, will be available to review plans, discuss the project, listen to concerns and answer any questions you may have.

Press Release:

On Wednesday, June 13th and Thursday, June 14th, 2018 Lehigh Avenue in the City of Batavia will be closed to all through traffic. The closure will be between Ellicott Street (NYS Rt. 63) and the City line (Creek Road). These closures are expected to be between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM in order to pave Lehigh Avenue. All motorist that regularly use Lehigh Avenue are asked to seek alternative routes while the closures are in place. Businesses and Residents within the area of the closure should anticipate delays, but we will do our best to accommodate getting you to and from you residence or place of business.

This work is weather dependent and subject to rescheduling if it rains.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Streets Supervisor or Superintendent at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Local lawmen renew request for an armored vehicle.
City Police have renewed their request to apply for an armored military surplus vehicle in their efforts to prepare for dealing with highly dangerous criminal scenarios.
City Council previously turned down the added armament of the Batavia Department after their initial request for the military grade Mine Resistant Ambush vehicle.
The vehicle would need to be re-purposed for police work with an estimated cost between 11 and 17-thousand dollars, half of which the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has offered to pay for.
Police will also ask City Council tonight to approve $20,000 to buy four more portable video surveillance cameras.
The city has one such camera that was the key component in capturing footage of a fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Avenue.

City man jailed for using a rock as a weapon to intimidate a 7-Eleven Clerk in Batavia.
32 year old Joseph Berry of Bank Street was accused of threatening to use a large rock to inflict bodily harm to a store clerk at the 7-Eleven on East Main Street.
Berry was arrested and charged with second degree Harassment and Menacing with a Weapon.
He was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Batavia man arrested for choking incident in town.
67 year old William Horner of Batavia was taken into custody following report of a physically violent incident at a Bank Street Road address late Saturday night.
He was accused of choking and pushing an individual backwards in the incident and was arrested on charges of Harassment and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing.
Horner was released with an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court on June 26th.

Brockport woman arrested after an altercation on the Rez.
Deputies arrested 19 year old Chelsea McEwen of Fleetwood Drive Brockport following report of a domestic incident on Bloomingdale Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.
She was accused of punching her domestic partner in the face after a verbal altercation apparently became physical.
McEwen was charged with second degree Harassment and was released with an appearance ticket for July 18th in Alabama Town Court.

Police are investigating a crash that killed one teen and critically injured another.
It happened yesterday on Latta Road in Greece.
Officials say both teens are Hilton High School students.
Their names haven’t been released.
Police think the 18-year-old driver lost control, hitting an S-U-V head on. The woman in that vehicle wasn’t seriously hurt.

Senator Chuck Schumer wants more money for suicide-prevention.
The C-D-C says suicides in New York are up roughly 30 percent since 1999.
Schumer claims the federal government is turning its back on those in need by not funding programs that could help them.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

Batavia Police are renewing their request to apply for a military surplus armored vehicle.
The PD asked council once before for approval to obtain the vehicle but were turned down.
The truck a Mine Resistant Ambush vehicle.
There is no cost for the truck but the city would have to pay to get it here, outfit for police work and maintain it.
That cost is estimated between upwards of $15,000.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has offered to pay half the cost.

The Police will also ask City Council tomorrow night to approve $20,000 to buy four more portable video surveillance cameras.
The city has one such camera that proved invaluable last night to capture a fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Avenue.
City Council is holding both a business meeting and a conference meeting tomorrow night at in City Hall.

Perry Police report one of their easiest drug arrests.
36 year old Jessica Eagan of South Main Street Perry apparently walked into the police station this week and admitted to selling prescription drugs to another man.
According to police she may have thought that the man she was selling to would be punished instead of her.
Jessica was locked up on the drug charge.

Some Bills fans will pay more to park near New Era Field this season.
The team is raising the cost of spots in the bus lot from $60 to $100. The Bills say the change is due to dangerous incidents there the last few seasons.
Drivers will be responsible for the actions of everyone on their bus.

Marc Molinaro says it’s time for term limits in New York State. The Republican candidate for governor says he’ll only serve two terms if elected in November.

Press Release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted for the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act that includes funding for the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and Veterans Crisis Line, a fitness Facility at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (ARS), and robust funding for various water infrastructure and energy independence projects.

Earlier this week, Collins announced that an amendment he authored increased funding for the Army Corps Investigations Account was passed and included in the bill, which would provide enough funding for the first phase of the Great Lakes Costal Resiliency Study (GLCRS).

This legislation also rolls back the Obama era “Waters of the United States” rule which has been damaging to the agriculture industry by placing burdensome regulations targeted towards small bodies of water. Since the rule was implemented, Collins has been a vocal advocate against this overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“I was proud to support this important legislation that provides funding for many significant programs across my district,” said Collins. “From making sure our veterans and members of our military have the resources they need, to investing in our region’s water and energy infrastructure, many priorities of Western New Yorkers are taken care of in this bill.”

Collins’ priorities that are in the FY19 Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act include:

• $190 million for phase II of the reconstruction at the Canandaigua VA;
• Full funding of $196 million for the Veterans Crisis Line, headquartered at the Canandaigua VA;
• $150 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) that includes the Niagara Falls Storage Site, and increase from $112 million in previous years;
• $75 million in funding for the West Valley Demonstration Project, an increase from $5 million in previous years;
• $1.6 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, an increase from $1.36 billion in previous years;
• An additional $1.2 million for the Army Corps Investigations Account, which is enough funding for the first phase of the GLCRS;
• $14 million for the physical fitness facility at the Niagara Falls ARS, expedited to FY19 from FY21; and,
• Increased funding for the Continuing Authorities Program under the Army Corps of Engineers to complete projects such as erosion protection along NYS Route 5 in Athol Springs

Additionally, this legislation also encourages the Army Corps of Engineers to support research that will identify and develop improved strategies for early detection, prevention, and management techniques and procedures to reduce the occurrence and impacts of harmful algal blooms in our nation’s water resources.

Collins added: “This important legislation is proof that Congress is working hard to deliver for the American people. We are prioritizing national security, investing in infrastructure, and targeting funds for economic growth. I’m proud of the work we are doing to support critical program in Western New York and the Finger Lakes.”