Local News

Press Release:

Today, the United States Supreme Court decided to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a 1992 federal law that limited gambling. This Supreme Court decision paves the way to bring sports betting to New York State and to the customers of Central and Western New York. Western Regional Off Track Betting and Batavia Downs Gaming are perfectly positioned with existing infrastructure to deliver a sports betting platform to our customers in our 15 Counties including the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

As the only municipally owned gaming facility in the state, Batavia Downs Gaming is not only a strong economic driver for Central and Western New York, but it provides critical funding for community development which creates jobs, keeps families safe and helps to offset tax increases for residents. Since its inception, Batavia Downs Gaming has generated over $226 million to 17 municipalities and bringing sports betting to our locations will significantly increase these important contributions.

“Legislation to allow sports betting in New York State will help grow jobs in our brick and mortar locations through Western and Central New York, and will increase the significant community development contributions we provide to our municipalities,” said Henry F. Wojtaszek, President/CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB. “We are looking forward to working with New York State officials to enable legislation that will allow this dynamic opportunity to become a reality.”

“We have been preparing for this sport betting decision and we are confident we can get the product up and running quickly, smoothly, and professionally.” said Michael Nolan, Chief Operation Officer of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB.

Updated Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office is continuing investigation into an ATV crash occurring in East Pembroke, New York on May 13, 2018 at about 8:16 p.m. This news release should be considered in addition to the initial news release dated May 13, 2018, concerning the incident. (See Attached)

The operator of the ATV, who has been identified as Robert A. Boyce, age 51, of East Pembroke, New York was transported for treatment of his injuries to ECMC via Mercy Flight. As of May 14, 2018, Mr. Boyce succumbed to his injuries while at ECMC.

At this time, both alcohol use and speed are being considered to be contributing factors into the crash. The investigation is continuing at this time.

Previous Press Release:

The Genesee County 911 Center received a call of a personal injury accident involving an ATV in the area of 8706 Hartshorn Road at approximately 8:16 PM. Once in the area, East Pembroke Fire Department members and Genesee County Sheriffs Deputies located an ATV along with the operator off the west shoulder of Hartshorn Road. Both operator and ATV were approximately 200 yards off the roadway. The operator of the ATV was identified as Robert A. Boyce age 51 of East Pembroke. Boyce is alleged to have been traveling east on a trail along National Grid Power Lines, heading towards Hartshorn Road. Boyce then failed to negotiate a turn, rolling his ATV. Boyce was then transported to ECMC via Mercy Flight for unknown injuries. Assisting at the scene was Mercy Medics and East Pembroke Fire Department. A full investigation as to the cause of the accident will be conducted by Sergeant Andrew Hale, Investigator Christopher Parker, and Deputy Travis Demuth of the Genesee County Sheriffs Office.

Press Release:Jordan Brennan (right) had a pair of goals and pair of assists for GCC including the team’s last goal with 34 seconds that got the Cougars within a goal at 15-14

No. 3 Men’s Lacrosse Team’s Rally Falls Short in Final Four

The No. 3 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team trailed twice in its National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Lacrosse Championship Tournament semifinal game.

The first time they were able to overcome the deficit, but the second time they came as close as they could before running out of time and falling by a single goal to No. 2 Nassau Community College 15-14 May 12 at Charles R. Wilber Field on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.

The back-and-forth affair saw the Lions jump out to an early lead 14 seconds into the contest, but the Cougars came back with authority by scoring seven of the game’s next eight goals in getting their biggest lead of the game with a five-goal margin at 7-2 with less than six minutes to go in the first half.

The Lions turned the game in the final 12 minutes of the third quarter by scoring a half-dozen goals and re-taking the lead at the end of three quarters at 11-9. The third quarter was also the only quarter where Genesee didn’t win a majority of the faceoffs.

Genesee fought back and after being down four goals with nearly nine minutes left at 14-10, they scored four of the game’s last five goals with the last coming with 34 seconds remaining before the Cougars ran out of time.

Statistics heavily favored the Cougars as it appeared they deserved a better fate.

Genesee out-scored Nassau in three of the four quarters and out-shot the Lions 44-37 overall and 25-22 with shots on net. Overall the Cougars took two-thirds of all the faceoffs with 22 wins and also won the groundball game at 33-29. The Cougars killed five man-up opportunities, while Nassau killed just one Cougar odd-man advantage.

But perhaps the most telling statistic that heavily favored Genesee was its time with the lead. The Cougars had the lead for more than half the contest at 31:28, while the Lions led for 19:41 with the teams tied for the other 8:51.

Six players accounted for all the offensive production for Genesee. From a point-perspective, Evan Hollfelder had a team-high six points. Jason Chiodo had a five-point outing with four points coming each from Jordan Brennan, Kevin McParlene, and Alex Mack. Rounding out the scoring was Patrick Bilbrey with three points.

Goal-wise Chiodo and McParlene each scored three, while a pair came each from Hollfelder, Bilbrey, Mack and Brennan. Chiodo and Mack both registered a team-high five shots on net.

Hollfelder had a team-high four helpers, with a pair each coming from Chiodo, Mack, and Brennan. McParlene and Bilbrey added an assist each.

Garrett Lazore had seven saves in the cage, while the production rate for man-up goals and faceoffs both being at 66 percent.

Andrew Forte had a team-high 21 faceoff wins, as well as a team-high 12 groundballs. Bilbrey had seven groundballs with four coming from Chiodo. Mack added three and Zach Wade had a pair to round out multiple groundball getters.

Hoya’daiwat John had a team-high three caused turnovers to go with a groundball.

Genesee completes its 2018 season at 12-3 and with a seventh final four appearance in the last eight years.

Taylor Stefaniak (seated center) signs with GCC softaball and is surrounded by her parents (left) and Cougar softball coach Taylor Maurer
Batavia High School’s Stefaniak Set to Join Cougars’ Softball Team

The Genesee Community College softball team announced the signing of Taylor Stefaniak of Batavia High School.

The shortstop has not only been recognized with multiple post-season accolades, but is also known as a clutch performer in big contests.

With Batavia falling just short of a sectional title in 2017, Stefaniak perhaps had her best playoff game in the Class A-2 quarterfinals after going 4-for-4 with three triples and a double.

In addition to making the list as an All-Greater Rochester selection, the Batavia High School senior has also appeared multiple times for selections for Monroe County as well as Batavia’s Best Softball Team encompassing a prestigious softball career beyond her four years while attending high school.

Stefaniak plans to pursue a liberal arts degree at GCC after being a scholar athlete at Batavia High School.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Bergen basement fire contained by quick thinking retired Batavia Firefighter.
A retired city of Batavia firefighter has been credited for saving a residence from complete destruction.
Report came in for an apparent house fire at a North Bergen Road address in Bergen shortly before 6 yesterday evening.
Former City Fire Captain Pat O’Donnel was the one on scene reporting to dispatchers he observed heavy black smoke with no flames visible.
Bergen Fire Chief Chuck Dodson said having O’Donnel on location was fortunate for responding fire crews and what he did next may have saved the house from total loss…

Fire crews from Bergen, Byron, South Byron, and Le Roy were activated staying on scene for approximately 2 hours.
No one was injured and the family along with their dog were away from home at the time.
The family cat did perish from apparent smoke inhalation and the family is being assisted by Red Cross.
Information provided by our news partner The Batavian.

An ATV accident sends an East Pembroke man to the hospital.
At around quarter after 8 last night emergency dispatchers received a call of an ATV accident with injury off of Hartshorn Road in East Pembroke.
First responders found the four wheeler and the operator around 200 yards off the west shoulder of Hartshorn Road.
The driver, 51 year old Robert Boyce of East Pembroke was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC for unknown injuries.
According to investigators Boyce rolled the ATV after heading eastbound on a trail along the National Grid Power Lines and failing to negotiate a turn.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Co-conspirator in Batavia booze store burglaries is caught.
57 year old Edward Perdue of Rome has been arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary, two counts of Conspiracy and a single count of Grand Larceny.
He was busted for burglarizing Mr. Wine and Liquor on Lewiston Road in August of last year and then the Plaza Spirits on East Main Street in November.
Purdue was additionally charged with identity theft and petit Larceny for allegedly stealing and using someone’s credit card from the alleged burglary in August.
Purdue is currently serving time in Mohawk Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on May 22nd. 49 year old Willie Dozier of Rochester was arrested earlier this month as a co-conspirator in the two booze store burglaries and was jailed without bail.

Bills fans are mourning the death of a former head coach.
Yesterday the Bills tweeted out that Chuck Knox had died at the age of 86 after a long battle with dementia.
He coached Buffalo from 1978 to 1982 and was later honored as a coach of the year for being the first NFL coach to lead three teams to the playoffs.
Knox also went by his nickname, ground chuck, for his emphasis on the run game.

Voters in school districts across Genesee County on Tuesday will decide budgets for the coming year.
In the Batavia City School District, the largest in the county, a budget of 52-million dollars goes to a vote.
The financial plan carries a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.
Three incumbent school board members are running for re-election, unopposed.
Voting in Batavia takes place Tuesday from 7am to 9pm at Robert Morris building and Batavia High School.
Genesee County’s remaining seven public school districts also will be holding budget votes on Tuesday.

A Medina man is locked up following a domestic incident in the Town of Alabama.
33 year old Christopher Doxey is facing four charges following a report of domestic violence in a home on Lewiston Road early Friday morning.

A Batavia man has been charged with Drunk Driving following a crash in the Town of Byron.
23 year old John-Paul Dougherty of Tracy Avenue was charged early Saturday morning
Dougherty was also charged with suspected pot possession.

Byron man faces charges for past larcenies.
Following investigation into stolen property from a Byron Elba Road residence Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 38 year old Joseph Kuzma of Byron Holley Road.
He was charged with Grand Larceny and Trespassing for allegedly unlawfully entering the victims premises and stealing over three thousand dollars’ worth of property in January of this year.
Kuzma was also accused of stealing property from a Bergen residence in June of 2016 and was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of property.
He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice with appearances scheduled in both the Town of Byron and Bergen Town Courts.

Local restaurateur dies suddenly.
66 year old Stylianos “Steve” Spryopoulos co-owner of Settler’s Restaurant, was found unresponsive on the floor of his neighboring business, Billy Goats, early yesterday morning and was later pronounced dead.
Spryopoulos and his wife, Rula, owned and operated Settler’s with his son John.
In 1984 he opened Settler’s and in 1995 expanded it to seat 150 people.
He opened Billy Goats, a bar and grill, in late 2000.
The restaurant closed yesterday but has reopened this morning.

Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is guilty on all counts in his corruption retrial.
Outside federal court Friday, Silver stopped to speak to reporters.

Prosecutors convinced the jury Silver had used his influence as speaker in exchange for four-million-dollars in bribes.
He had been convicted a few years ago, but the verdict was thrown out after the Supreme Court changed the definition of corruption.
Silver faces sentencing on June 13th.

The 20th Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Tournament will take place today at Dwyer Stadium.
Due to the threat of rain, there has been a change in the schedule of games.
Attica will play Notre Dame in the first game at 1p.m followed by Oakfield-Alabama vs. Batavia at 4 p.m. with the championship game schedule to start at 7 p.m. There will be no consolation game.
Admission is $5 for an adult all-day pass and $2 for a student all-day pass. All proceeds from the tournament will help benefit Batavia Rotary Club charities.
The 4pm Oakfield-Alabama / Batavia game and the 7pm Championship will be broadcast on WBTA.

Stylianos “Steve” Spryopoulos, 66, co-owner of Settler’s Restaurant, was found unresponsive on the floor of his neighboring business, Billy Goats, early this morning and was later pronounced dead.
Spryopoulos and his wife, Rula, owned and operated Settler’s with his son John. He opened Settler’s in 1984 and expanded it to seat 150 people in 1995. He opened Billy Goats, a bar and grill, in late 2000.
The restaurant was closed today. It will reopen at 5 a.m., Saturday.

A jury has found Sheldon SIlver guilty on all counts in his corruption retrial. Prosecutors accused the 74-year-old Silver of using his position as New York State Assembly Speaker to do favors in exchange for four million dollars in bribes. Silver was convicted a few years ago but the verdict was thrown out after the Supreme Court changed the definition of corruption. SIlver was first elected to the Assembly in 1976 and eventually became one of the three most powerful politicians in the state.

Batavia traffic stop busts three using various drugs.
Batavia Police allegedly found a trio of local men in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine, Oxycodone and marijuana after being subject to a traffic stop on Pringle Ave in the city.
18 year olds Conner Beaumont of LeRoy, David Renteria of Pavilion and 29 year old Eric Bratcher of Batavia were all arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance along with Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.
They all received appearance tickets for Batavia City Court at a later date.

President Trump is nominating a Buffalo lawyer to be a federal judge in Western New York.
Trump nominated John Sinatra Junior yesterday after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congressman Chris Collins endorsed him.
Schumer said he wanted attorney Kathleen Sweet but the White House refused to nominate her.
Schumer resigned to support Sinatra, saying he was a well-respected and qualified choice.

The 20th Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Tournament will take place tomorrow at Dwyer Stadium.
Due to the threat of rain, there has been a change in the schedule of games.
Attica will play Notre Dame in the first game at 1p.m followed by Oakfield-Alabama vs. Batavia at 4 p.m. with the championship game schedule to start at 7 p.m. There will be no consolation game.
Admission is $5 for an adult all-day pass and $2 for a student all-day pass. All proceeds from the tournament will help benefit Batavia Rotary Club charities.
The 4pm Oakfield-Alabama / Batavia game and the 7pm Championship will be broadcast on WBTA.

Press Release:

East Bethany, NY – Bring your best friend and join us for a dog walk at the park on Saturday May 26th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am! This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center in Genesee County Park & Forest. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Current license or proof of rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate.

Cost is $5/dog. Pre-registration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register!!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Press Release:

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced that a bill he authored with Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, passed the United States Senate. This bill unanimously passed the House on September 12, 2017 and now has unanimously passed the Senate with one amendment offered by Lamar Alexander (R-TN) on May 10, 2018.
A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters had a greater number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths than the general population. This revealed an enormous gap in research, which led Collins and Pascrell to author the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, which will require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and maintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters.

“This is a huge win for firefighters across the United States, now that we are so close to getting this bill on President Trump’s desk,” said Collins. “When this bill becomes law, we will have a succinct and voluntary registry of cancer incidence in firefighters so we know what causes cancer in these individuals and how we can better prevent it. These brave men and women put their lives in danger to keep their communities and neighbors safe, and we have a commitment to do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy in return.”

“Passage of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act in the Senate moves us one step closer to implementing this critical legislation. Improving the well-being of firefighters who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe is an important goal. Better understanding any connections between their work and an increased risk for cancer will help mitigate those risks to keep our firefighters healthy,” said Rep. Pascrell, co-chair of the House Fire Services Caucus. “I am hopeful that the House will act swiftly so that we can get a final bill to the White House as soon as possible and we can get the program started.”

When signed into law, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would authorize federal funding to gather data about potential risk factors in order to better improve equipment and procedures. Participation in the registry would be completely voluntary and data collected would include status of the firefighter (volunteer, paid-on-call, or career), number of years on the job, the number of incidents attended, and the type of incidence.

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act is expected to be passed in the House as amended in the coming weeks before heading to President Trump’s desk.

Press Release:

Like a crescendo of a year-long concerto, Genesee Community College is fine-tuning all the logistics of its 50th Commencement Ceremony scheduled Sunday, May 20, 2018 in the new Richard C. Call Arena (RCCA), one of the last events of its multi-faceted 50th Anniversary celebration. More than 200 students are anticipated to walk across the stage after hearing Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, the new Chancellor of the State University of New York give the keynote address.

In addition to this being the College’s 50th Commencement celebrated in a new facility, other unique aspects of this year’s event are the 44 international students that will be graduating this year; 11 of those are from the island nation of Curacao. GCC is also delighted that ten students from area high schools will be completing their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas. These ten graduates participated in the inaugural cohort of the College’s STEM Program with the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office which started back in 2012 when the students were in seventh grade. Several other special opportunities are also going to be part of the event.

“Overall, this is a very exciting Commencement Ceremony for the College. So many wonderful opportunities are coming to fruition and all in the name and spirit of student success,” Dr. James M. Sunser, president of GCC said. “This ceremony will be one to remember.”

The Commencement ceremony rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the RCCA to prepare soon-to-be graduates for the procession. Prior to the rehearsal, representatives from Carlson’s Studio will be set up in Room H103 of the Call Arena to take individual graduation photographs. Graduates should be in cap and gown, and have payment for their photo package. Graduates are encouraged to contact Carlson’s Studio in advance at (585) 786-2871 or via email at carlsons@rochester.rr.com to inquire about photo packages and pricing. Families can also pre-order flowers and gifts for their graduate through this website https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/Genesee/.

Each GCC graduate received five tickets for guests to attend the ceremony inside the RCCA Fieldhouse as part of their commencement package. There are no additional tickets available. On Commencement Sunday, guests with tickets can enter the Fieldhouse starting at 12 p.m. for general admission seating. All guests, regardless of age will require a ticket to enter the Fieldhouse.

Additional seating for guests without tickets is available on a first come, first served basis in the Stuart Steiner Theatre where the ceremony will be broadcast on the Theatre screen. The doors of the Theatre will also open at 12 p.m. For distant family and friends scattered around the world and unable to enjoy the event in Batavia, New York, the entire Commencement Ceremony will be live-streamed with easy access from GCC’s website or at this web address: https://www.genesee.edu/home/event-streaming/.

Accessible seating accommodations are available in both the RCCA Fieldhouse for ticketed guests and non-ticketed guests in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. For details, please contact GCC’s Office of Student Activities (585) 343-0055 ext.6261 or via email at sa@genesee.edu before Friday, May 18, 2018 to make arrangements.

GCC’s Child Care Center will be open for all graduates and guests for children from six weeks to five years of age to allow family and friends to focus on the ceremony. However, guests wishing to bring children to the commencement are required to have a ticket for each child regardless of age. To sign up for FREE child care services, please contact Student Activities or call (585) 343-0055 ext.6261 before Friday, May 11, 2018. The Child Care Center will open at 12 p.m. on Commencement Day.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Fatal Pembroke shooting case closed with Deputy found justified.
The fatal shooting of a man at a Pembroke restaurant by a sheriff’s deputy was ruled to be justified by a Genesee County Grand Jury.
Deputy Ryan Young shot and killed 61 year old Keith Kent of Albion in the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant on April 11th after Kent had fired a gun off at least three times threatening customers.
First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini described the scene…

Deputy Young fired 15 rounds from an AR-15 rifle, hitting Kent twice in the neck and back.
Police found restaurant patrons in the basement who said they feared for their lives with at least one crediting the deputy for saving them.
Deputy Young has since returned to duty and authorities say the case is now closed.

Three arrested for drugs in Batavia traffic stop.
The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force reports the arrest of 18 year olds Conner Beaumont of LeRoy, David Renteria of Pavilion and 29 year old Eric Bratcher of Batavia.
Batavia Police allegedly found the trio in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine, Oxycodone and marijuana after being subject to a traffic stop on Pringle Ave in the city.
All three are charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance along with Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.
They all received appearance tickets for Batavia City Court at a later date.

A string of Batavia burglaries send a young city man to state prison.
19 year old Davon St. John of Oak Street was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision for burglarizing residences on Ellicott Ave, Montclair Avenue and Union Street in Batavia last year.
Last month St. John pleaded guilty to a charge of Second Degree Burglary and he was sentenced in county court this week.
Police say they found much of the stolen property from the burglaries in his residence.

Family comes to the rescue after a medical emergency causes a crash in Pavilion.
Eileen Ostrander thought she may have heard hard rain or a fire when a pickup truck crashed into the woods outside their home on South Street Road in Pavilion last night.
Eileen her son Joe Condidorio went out the kitchen door to discover the crashed pickup with its tires still spinning…

Ostrander performed CPR on the man until he regained a pulse while her granddaughter called 911.
The man apparently suffered a heart attack and was transported to UMMC with the family being credited with possibly saving the man’s life.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

An Amber Alert is cancelled after Schuyler County deputies say a missing infant is found safe.
Deputies confirm that last night 15-day-old Gionna Harter was safely located in Geneva by police.
They say Katrina Harter turned herself into Geneva Police.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for calling in tips and information.

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of Police Officers from the Genesee County Sheriffs Office, Batavia Police Department, and the Leroy Village Police Department arrested 3 local men Wednesday afternoon as the result of a traffic stop conducted by Batavia Police.

One has been granted youthful offender status by the court.

David C. Renteria, age 18, of Bernd Rd., Pavilion, N.Y. charged with:

Criminal Possession Of A Controlled Substance 7th a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. (2 counts) Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd, a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. {1 count)

Eric J. Bratcher, age 29, of Pringle Ave. Batavia, N.Y. charged with:
Criminal Possession Of A Controlled Substance 7th, a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. (1 count) Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. (1 count)

On Wednesday May 9 Batavia Police conducted a traffic stop on Pringle Ave. in the City Of Batavia. During the traffic stop Task Force members allegedly found the occupants of the vehicle to be in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine. a quantity of Oxycodone. a quantity of marihuana. and some drug paraphernalia. The operator (Beaumont) was issued a ticket for a vehicle and traffic violation. All three were issued appearance tickets for the other charges and are to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Task Force members were assisted by Batavia Police Officers.

A Genesee County Grand Jury has found that the fatal shooting of a suspect by a sheriff’s deputy was justified.
61 year old Keith Kent of Albion was shot and killed by Deputy Ryan Young in the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant on April 11th.
First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini tells what happened when lawmen first encountered Kent…

Deputy Young fired 15 shots from a service weapon, an AR15 rifle, two shots hit Kent, the fatal wound struck him in the neck.
Once Kent was down, lawmen entered the restaurant and found witnesses hunkered in the basement

Deputy Young has since returned to duty and authorities say the case is now closed.

A 19 year old Batavia man will spend 15 years in prison for burglarizing several homes in the city last year.
Davon St. John of Oak Street pleaded guilty to a charge of Second Degree Burglary and was sentenced this week in county court.
Police said St. John burglarized homes on Ellicott, and Montclair Avenues and Union Street.
Much of the stolen property was recovered in St. John’s home.

An Albion man charged in a case of child sexual abuse.
37 year old Robert Tetrault of Albion has been accused of having sexual contact with a child between the age of 9 and 10 in July of 2012.
He has been charged with predatory sexual assault against a child.
Tetrault was previously convicted in a 2013 knife attack and sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison.

The Thruway is getting more high-speed electric vehicle charging stations. Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced a more than four-million-dollar charging station expansion plan. According to the governor, electric car owners will soon be able to travel the entire New York Thruway without exiting to recharge. Cuomo has made it his goal to install ten-thousand charging stations by 2021.

A Genesee County Grand Jury has found that the fatal shooting of a suspect by a sheriff’s deputy was justified.

61 year old Keith Kent of Albion was shot and killed by Deputy Ryan Young in the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant on April 11^th.

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini picks up what happened when lawmen encountered Kent…

Deputy Young fired 15 shots from a service weapon, an AR15 rifle, two shots hit Kent, and the fatal wound struck him in the neck.

Deputy Young has since returned to duty and authorities say the case is now closed.

News Release:

LEHIGH AVENUE will experience traffic delays on May 15th, 2018 BETWEEN 7:00 AM AND 5:00 PM for milling operations.

Please be aware that all motorists using Lehigh Avenue within the City of Batavia will experience travel delays on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 between the hours of 7AM to 3 PM.

Roadwork involving the milling of pavement will begin at Ellicott Street working toward Creek Road. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving. An additional memo will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

37 year old Robert Tetrault of Albion has been charged with a count of predatory sexual assault against a child.

He was arraigned in Orleans County court last week after being accused of having sexual intercourse and committing another sexual act with a child between 9 and 10 years old.

The incidents allegedly occurred in July of 2012.

Press Release:

On May 9, 2018, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Amity arrested Andrew P. Drexel, 18 of Ogden, NY for Burglary 2nd degree (C Felony).
This arrested is in connection with the burglary reported at the Shongo General Store on March 21, 2018 when Drexel and Michael R. Argento, 31 of Greece, NY stole twenty guns. Drexel and Argento are related. The New York State Police were assisted in this portion of the investigation by the Ogden Police Department, town of Greece Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

SP Amity BCI would like to thank all the local businesses in and around the town of Willing for their cooperation.

There is still a third suspect in this burglary investigation. If you have any information, contact the NYSP at 585-268-7085 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-GUNS (888-283-4867).

Press Release:

Batavia, NY 2018– The E.O.C. – Essential Oil Center is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from 4/13/2018- 6/10/2018 to raise funds for a Uganda Mission Trip in September 2018. The E.O.C. co-founder Michelle Gillard will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those dollars will benefit the Uganda Mission Trip that Michelle Gillard will be serving on in September. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Artisan Vendor Carnival at Batavia Downs Gaming from 10am-4pm or by contacting Michelle at 585-297-0779 for pickup at any time. If you or your organization feel you can collect 25 pairs of shoes, contact Michelle and she can provide you with the materials to collect them.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

“We are so excited about this shoe drive,” said Michelle Gillard. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for this great cause, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone. We have already reached 25% of our goal”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Uganda Mission Trip the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Requirements for Shoes:

Shoes must be new or gently used. They should be clean, no rips, no tears and soles must be attached. If possible each pair should be tied or rubber banded together. Kids & adults shoes are accepted. Sneakers, shoes (even heels), boots and sandals are all acceptable.

About Uganda Mission Trip:

Michelle Gillard became involved with the organization Sole Hope a couple years ago. What started as an individual fundraiser to help Sole Hope has turned into a heartfelt passion to help others on multiple levels. Join us in supporting two great causes, Funds2Orgs and Sole Hope and the people of Uganda. Michelle will be traveling to Uganda in September for her first of what she hopes is many mission trips where she will be serving in the slums and orphanages.

Contact
Michelle Gillard, Co-Founder
The E.O.C. – Essential Oil Center
585-297-0779
Michelle@essentialsoflife.org

Press Release:

Men’s Lacrosse NJCAA National Championship Information Announced for May 12-13

The National Junior College Athletic Association announced its semifinal seedings for the NJCAA National Men’s Lacrosse Championship hosted by Onondaga Community College at the Charles R. Wilber Field at Lazer Stadium, May 12-13.

Genesee received the third seed and will play the second-seeded Nassau Community College Lions (Garden City, NY), Saturday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m. The Lions have a record of 13-1.

If Genesee is victorious against Nassau, they would then face the winner of top-seeded Onondaga Community College (Syracuse, NY) and fourth-seeded Howard Community College (Columbia, Md.), who play prior to Genesee also on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m.

The semifinal winners would face one another for the NJCAA National Men’s Lacrosse Championship title game, Sunday, May 13 at 1 p.m.

The 12-2 Cougars return to the ‘Final Four’ for the seventh time in the last eight years and hope to reclaim to its national championship status from a couple of seasons ago.

General admission to semifinal contests is $5, while general admission for the championship game is $10. All three games (two semifinals and one championship) will be televised by NJCAA TV. For further information, visit the NJCAA’s men’s lacrosse online page at: http://www.njcaa.org/sports/mlax/index

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Funds flow in for a New water tower in Pavilion.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has announced that $325,000 in state funding has been secured to support a Water Storage Tank Improvement Project in the Town of Pavilion.
The project will expand access to public water for 232 households in the Town of Pavilion.
The new water storage tank will be located on York Road with an estimated capacity of approximately 300,000 gallons.

LeRoy Police looking for a person of interest, in an unnamed incident.
LeRoy PD wants to identify a possible person of interest and a vehicle that was just outside of Wright Beverage in the Village of LeRoy between 8:30AM and 9:30AM on May 8th, 2018.
He/She may be a person of interest or a potential witness; he/she has not necessarily committed a crime.
If you know this person please call 585-345-6350 and refer to Case #18-1915.

A routine scrap yard fire blazes out of control in Corfu.
Employees at the Ed Arnold Scrap Yard on Angling Road routinely burn of their discarded wooden pallets, however the small fire lite Tuesday evening quickly grew unmanageable consuming the surrounding scrap.
The fire was reported before 6 on Tuesday night with thick black smoke visible for miles.
Nine volunteer fire companies were activated to respond.
Fortunately no injuries were.

An East Pembroke silo accident leaves one hospitalized.
According to East Pembroke Firefighters a man said to be in his 50’s was climbing up the side of a silo when a rung on the ladder broke.
The man fell 40 feet, sustaining serious injury including multiple broken bones and possible internal injuries.
He was transported to ECMC via Mercy Flight.
His name and condition have not been released.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congressman Chris Collins are in surprising agreement recommending a local attorney to be nominated federally.
This week Schumer sent the White House his support for John Sinatra Junior to be appointed as a federal judge in Western New York.
Sinatra’s a Buffalo native with a law degree from UB and years of experience with a top law firm.
However some question Collins’ support considering his business dealings with Sinatra’s brother.

The Thruway is getting more high-speed electric vehicle charging stations. Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced a more than four-million-dollar charging station expansion plan. According to the governor, electric car owners will soon be able to travel the entire New York Thruway without exiting to recharge. Cuomo has made it his goal to install ten-thousand charging stations by 2021.

The Town of Pavilion has cashed in at the state’s pay window to the tune of 325-thosuand dollars for a new water tower.
The grant announced by State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer.
The project will extend public water service to 230 homes that do not have access now, and provide additional storage tank protection to 90 homes already connected to public water.
The Town is holding a public hearing on the project tonight at 7:30 at the Town Hall on Woodrow Drive.

It’s the first full day on the job for Barbara Underwood as New York’s Acting Attorney General.
Underwood was sworn in yesterday after Eric Schneiderman resigned from the job amid allegations he assaulted women.
The State Assembly could select a longer term replacement.
Underwood is the first woman to hold the office.

A Corfu scrap yard routinely burns its discarded wooden pallets,.
But this fire, got out of control.
The fire started around 5:30 last night at the Ed Arnold Scrap Yard on Angling Road.
Thick black smoke from the fire was visible for miles.
Nine volunteer fire companies fought the blaze. No one was injured.

A man is seriously injured after falling 40 feet off a silo in East Pembroke.
A man identified only as in his 50’s was climbing up the side of a silo when a rung on the ladder broke.
He suffered broken bones and possible internal injuries.
He was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC
His name and condition have not been released.

“How to Create a Positive Work Environment” will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on May 16.

This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.

“It is possible to have positive – and perhaps even fun – work environment in any business and this workshop is designed to show you how,” said Tom Turnbull, Chamber President.

Greg Lindberg of the Small Business Administration will conduct the workshop.

The workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Rd., Batavia. The session will run from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and includes a question and answer period. Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members and Batavia Business Improvement District members may attend all small business workshops free of charge but should make reservations to insure space.

To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or email

Press release:

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today $325,000 in state funding to support a Water Storage Tank Improvement Project in the Town of Pavilion.

“Clean drinking water isn’t a luxury for our families, it’s essential. I am pleased to secure state funding to ensure safe drinking water for residents in the Town of Pavilion. This landmark investment will make it possible to extend water services to over 200 households that don’t have access now,” said Ranzenhofer.

The project will expand access to public water for 232 households in the Town of Pavilion. The project will also provide additional water storage tank protection during emergency conditions to 90 homes already connected to public water along Asbury, Walker, York, Perry, and South Street Roads in the Town of Pavilion.

“Senator Ranzenhofer is working to make water service possible for many homes desperately in need of a safe, reliable water supply, and this state funding will help to make our Town’s water improvement project a reality,” said Town of Pavilion Supervisor Dean Davis.

The Town of Pavilion Water Storage Tank Improvement Project consists of replacing and relocating an existing water storage tank that has deteriorated beyond repair. The new water storage tank will have an estimated capacity of approximately 300,000 gallons. It will be located on York Road in the Town of Pavilion.

The Town of Pavilion will host a public hearing today at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 1 Woodrow Drive, to provide more information about the project to residents.

Former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has already been replaced.
New York States former Attorney General Schneiderman stepped down yesterday in disgrace after a bombshell “New Yorker” article detailed allegations by several women of repeated abuse.
The state’s solicitor general, Barbara Underwood, was quickly sworn in as acting New York attorney general.
Governor Cuomo says she takes over as the acting AG until state lawmakers pick someone on an interim basis through a special session.

Governor Cuomo appointed a prominent Long Island district attorney as special prosecutor and special deputy attorney general to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute Schneiderman.

Pallet fire gets out of hand on Angling Road in Corfu.
Report came in for a large fire at the Ed Arnold scrapyard in Corfu shortly before 6 last night.
East Pembroke fire along with Corfu, Indian Falls, and Town of Batavia were all dispatched to the scene and Oakfield Fire Police shut down traffic at Angling Road and West Ave.
Tankers from Elba, Alexander and Alabama were also called to the scene.
The pallet fire was said to be about 150-ft from a building at the Scrap Yard.
East Pembroke Fire crews were on scene for around 4 hours before going back into service.

Batavia City Schools continue to beef up security.
According to Superintendent Chris Dailey his vision of hiring retired Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies has finally been realized.
The district has recently hired three veteran officers to be housed at the schools…

The school also installed an entrance system that requires an ID scan in every building.
Dailey also reminded district residents that the annual school budget vote is next Tuesday.
The district’s budget calls for a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.

A man is seriously injured after falling 40 feet off a silo in Genesee County.
Batavia Firefighters say the man was climbing the silo and fell when a rung on the ladder broke.
The man wasn’t identified but did suffer from multiple broken bones.
His condition isn’t known.

The Elba branch location of M and T Bank is now slated to close.
M and T Bank said all employees of the Elba branch have been offered positions with other locations.
The closing will take place on August 7th.
The closest M and T branch location to Elba is housed in Oakfield.

Another sex scandal is rocking the New York political landscape after New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s resignation. Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner and now Eric Schneiderman were well-esteemed politicians, whose careers fell from grace. Fifty-three-year-old Weiner was a seven-term Democratic congressman who resigned in 2011 after tweeting lewd photos and was sentenced to prison last May for sexting with a minor. Fifty-eight-year old Spitzer, once Governor of New York, saw his career collapse in 2008 after a prostitution scandal. But according to Kenneth Sherrill, a political science professor emeritus at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, Schneiderman’s case is different due to claims of violence against women.

Security remains a top priority at Batavia City Schools.

Superintendent Chris Dailey says three recently retired Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies have been hired. He spoke this morning on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program:

Dailey also reminded district residents that the annual school budget vote is next Tuesday.
The district’s budget calls for a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.

An Alexander man has been arrested for First Degree Rape.
The suspect has been identified as 50 year old Domingo Gomez-Gomez.
Deputies said Gomez allegedly raped a female co-worker during the early morning of April 29th. When questioned by investigators, Gomez allegedly produced numerous false documents to identify himself.
Immigration officials are investigating whether Gomez may be in this country illegally.

Marty Violante

Press Release:

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School is holding their annual Marty Violante Memorial Golf Classic honoring the late Peter I. Certo. A beloved Bishop Duffy Graduate, Peter has been on the committee since its inception. Marty & Peter were childhood friends who grew up next to each other.

Peter I. Certo

Peter has served as president of Certo Brothers Distributing Company since 1992, a family business founded in 1912. Peter was well-respected in the beer wholesale industry receiving numerous awards and accolades. He served as board member and chairman of the New York State Beer Wholesalers Association for the past 31 years.

The tournament will take place on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Niagara Frontier Country Club located at 1058 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY 14174. This event is open to the public and will cost $190 per golfer which includes 18 holes of golf including cart, lunch, refreshments and snacks on the course, one hour of open bar immediately after golfing, a steak dinner, and a gift for every golfer. There will also be raffles and a basket auction. Registration and check in will take place at the event at 11 am with a 12:30 pm Shotgun Start in Scramble format. This tournament will max out at 144 golfers, so get your registrations in early.

The Marty Violante Classic is a premier charity golf event. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit Niagara Catholic students, scholarship funds, and other school programs. Peter will be honored during the tournament dinner, which will be held at the Niagara Frontier Country Club. Dinner tickets, registration, and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Mike Volpe at (716) 283-8771 x242. Or mvolpe@niagaracatholic.org

News Release

Please note that the cold milling operation planned for Lehigh Avenue today has been postponed due to milling equipment breaking down. Work will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

News Release

For five decades, Genesee Community College has celebrated its graduating classes at commencement, and the College is excited about the upcoming 50th annual graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 20, 2018. The College, however, is also pleased to be introducing a new tradition this year. On Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena, the “SUNYGCC Employees – Serving Beyond Expectations” ceremony will formerly recognize the many outstanding achievements of GCC’s faculty and staff. Among the highest honors are recognizing the recipients of prestigious 2018 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, which includes the following:

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

Timothy P. Tomczak, Professor/Director of Social Sciences

Award for Excellence in Professional Service

Tara E. Conrad, Assistant Registrar

Amy A. Masters, Technical Specialist/Financial Aid Retention

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Service

Joseph L. Ziolkowski, Assistant Professor, Photography and Art

Award for Excellence in Teaching

Candice S. Vacin, Associate Professor of Psychology

David W. Johnson, Instructor of Biology

Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

Carol E. Geiselmann, Adjunct Instructor

Raymond A. Boucher, Adjunct Instructor

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Raymond J. Strzelecki, Building Maintenance Supervisor

“Genesee Community College has long had a reputation for being a great place to work,” GCC’s President James M. Sunser said. “In the spirit of commencement and the hard work and commitment of our students, we have also wanted to recognize the dedication of our faculty and staff who consistently go beyond expectations in helping our students succeed. This new event is the opportunity to honor the many GCC employees whose passion and compassion are on the job every day.”

It should be noted that some College offices will be closed the afternoon of May 16, 2018 to accommodate the new awards ceremony.

In addition to the SUNY Chancellors Awards, the new “Serving Beyond Expectations” Ceremony will also recognize employees with extensive years of service at the Longevity Awards with benchmarks of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service to the College. And, the College also created a whole new segment of recognition with seven unique categories of service in the newly adopted “Cougar Awards” in the following areas.

Spirit and Community Award – celebrates exemplary school spirit

Innovation Award – recognizes one who’s implemented idea made a positive impact on GCC

Cougar Salute – honors a supervisor or manager consistently demonstrating GCC’s core values

Teamwork Award – praises superior performance by a department or cross functional team

Rookie of the Year Award – acknowledges the outstanding achievements of a new staff member

Inclusive Excellence Award – commends a significant role in embracing the diversity, equity and inclusiveness of the campus community

President’s Award – distinguishes the efforts and services of an individual in support of the college’s mission and strategic priorities

The Cougar Award nominees are secret until the awards ceremony and recipients will be named live during the event.

Lastly, but no less important, the “Serving Beyond Expectations” Ceremony recognizes the numerous accomplishments and contributions made by GCC’s faculty and staff throughout the past academic year. The number and breadth of these achievements exemplifies the quality and compassion that seems near endemic across all departments and divisions at GCC. Forty-four members of GCC’s staff, and many of them with multiple honors and recognitions are listed under the general Awards category. From professional presentations to serving as a panelist, board member, keynote speaker, juror, volunteer, evaluator, singer, exhibitor and even earning a certified drone piloting license-GCC staff members are an active collection of top-notch professionals motivated by passion, patriotism and the idea of making the community a better place to live and work.

A follow-up news alert will be released just after the “SUNYGCC Employees-Serving Beyond Expectations” Ceremony with the complete details of all recipients and photographs. For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Tyler Prospero (Notre Dame) helped GCC baseball to a pair of wins last weekend

Press Release:

Baseball Cougars Continue to Climb Standings after JCC Sweep

The Genesee Community College baseball team has now won 14 of its last 18 region starts and have bolted to second place in National Junior College Athletic Association Region-III West Section standings after sweeping visiting Jamestown Community College May 6.

The Cougars built a comfortable 5-1 lead after two innings of the first game before cruising to a 10-7 win after scoring three runs in both the first and sixth innings.

The team’s top offensive player was Justin Taveras with a pair of hits, three RBI, and a pair of stolen bases.

Genesee had 14 hits with six players getting a pair apiece. Joining Taveras were Jakob MacLeod, Bryant Fontanez, Andrew Shapiro, Justin Baly, and Shannon Folkes, with the latter scoring a team-high three runs. Junior King and Shurburnie Jonis rounded out the Cougar hitters with Jonis adding a pair of stolen bases.

Tyler Prospero recorded the win at the mound with three strikeouts in allowing two earned runs in six innings of work.

Genesee got all that it needed in the first two innings of the second game with three runs before taking the matinee contest 5-2.

A combination of pitching and extra-base hits decided the contest in the Cougars’ favor.

Genesee had six hitters with four of them plating doubles on the day. Shapiro led the way with two of the team’s seven hits including a double. Also with doubles were MacLeod, King and Nate Darwin, with Folkes and Baly recording singles.

Colin Noeth had 11 strikeouts in his seven innings on the mound that saw the local product surrender one earned run and seven hits in recording the win.

The pair of wins against the Jayhawks gives Genesee the current second-best region winning percentage at .636, as well as the second-best overall winning percentage at .595.

The Cougars will round out the regular season with a pair of home doubleheaders May 8 and May 10 against two of the toughest teams in the region. Genesee hosts Erie first and then concludes the regular season by hosting the division-leader and nationally-ranked Niagara. Both first games are slated for a 2 p.m. start.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

News  Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is holding his next round of office hours for Genesee and Monroe county residents starting tomorrow. The office hours will be attended by Hawley’s staff. The 139th Assembly District, represented by Hawley, includes all of Genesee County and portions of western Monroe County.

“These office hours offer local residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding the issues facing state government,” said Hawley. “I strongly encourage those who are able to attend to come and make their voices heard.”

To schedule an individual appointment with Hawley, please contact his office at hawleys@nyassembly.gov or by calling 585-356-0686 for the Monroe County office hours, or 585-813-1608 for the Genesee County office hours.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley
May Office Hours:

Genesee County:

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, May 11, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, May 25, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe County:

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Alexander man under investigation by immigration after being arrested for rape.
50 year old Domingo Gomez-Gomez of Alexander Road in Alexander has been arrested by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies on charges of First Degree Rape, Possession of a forged instrument, and Offering a false instrument for filing.
According to authorities Gomez forcibly raped a female co-worker in the early morning hours of April 28th.
Deputies made their arrest on Friday and Gomez allegedly lied to law enforcement about who he was and provided them with numerous false documents to identify himself.
Gomez was ordered to be held in lieu of $100,000 bail in the Genesee County Jail.
Immigration officials are also investigating whether Gomez may be in this country illegally.

Allegations of abuse lead to resignation for New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Several women he was romantically involved with made allegations that Schneiderman beat, choked and verbally abused them, usually while under the influence.
The news broke following a story published yesterday in “The New Yorker”.
As a notable figure in the Me Too movement, Schneiderman’s has been vocal about going after alleged abusers and even filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein in February.
Although he strongly contested the allegations, Schneiderman said this will keep him from being able to do his job and his resignation will be effective at around five o’clock this afternoon.

A suspected booze store burglar is behind bars in Batavia
Police have arrested 49 year old Willie Dozier of Rochester for burglarizing two city liquor stores.
He is accused of breaking into Mr. Wine and Liquor on Lewiston Road last August and then Plaza Spirits on East Main Street three months later.
Dozier is now being held without bail on felony charges of burglary and conspiracy.

Trap Shooting Students at LeRoy High School are taking a shot at influencing state politics.
In order to defeat a proposed bill that would ban such clubs across the state the students in the school’s skeet shooting club are calling on state lawmakers to vote it down.
A New York City Assemblywoman was the one responsible for introducing the measure.
The students in LeRoy have started a letter writing campaign calling for legislators to vote against the bill.

Roadwork to begin today on Lehigh Ave in Batavia.
Motorists using Lehigh Ave will experience delays between 7 am and 3 pm.
Local residents will be permitted to and from their homes.
Constructions crews will be milling the pavement on Lehigh progressing from Ellicott to Creek Road.

Are you missing a ring?
Batavia Police say an engagement/wedding ring was found on Richmond Avenue on Saturday.
If you believe it is yours, contact Batavia Police with a detailed description or picture of ring.

Willie Dozier

Batavia Police bust a suspected liquor store burglar.
49 year old Wliie Dozier of Rochester has been arrested for allegedly breaking into Mr. Wine and Liquor on Lewiston Road last August.
Three months later, police say, Dozier broke into Plaza Spirits on East Main Street.
Dozier is now behind county bars without bail facing felony charges of burglary and conspiracy.

A heavy loss of farm equipment as fire destroys a garage in Pavilion.
It happened around 8:30 last night on Ellicott Street Road.
Authorities suspect an ATV that was under repair earlier in the day triggered the blaze.
No one was hurt. Five volunteers companies fought the fire.

LeRoy Central students who are members of the school’s skeet shooting club are getting a lesson in politics.
The students are calling on state lawmakers to defeat a proposed bill that would ban such clubs across the state.
The measure has been proposed by a New York City area assemblywoman.
The LeRoy students have now started a letter writing campaign calling for lawmakers to vote against the bill.

Roadwork to begin tomorrow on Lehigh Ave in Batavia.
Motorists using Lehigh Ave will experience delays between 7 am and 3 pm.
Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence.
Constructions crews will be milling the pavement on Lehigh from Ellicott to Creek Road.

Two New York state lawmakers are urging their colleagues to pass an anti-bullying bill.
Jacob’s Law would require school officials to notify parents of the bullies and victim when they are aware of a bullying situation at school.
The law is named after 13-year-old Jacob Taras who took his own life in 2015 after claiming he was bullied at his school in South Glens Falls.

Are you missing a ring?
Batavia Police say an engagement/wedding ring was found on Richmond Avenue on Saturday.
If you believe it is yours, contact Batavia Police with a detailed description or picture of ring.

Doming Gomez-Gomez

On May 4th 2018 at about 2;25pm Domingo Gomez-Gomez, age 50, was arrested for
Rape 1st, two counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.

It is alleged that on April 28, 2018 Gomez-Gomez forced a female he worked with to have sexual intercourse with him. When questioned by Genesee County Sheriff’s Investigators Gomez-Gomez allegedly possessed numerous false instruments to identify himself.

He was arraigned Saturday May 5 at 1000am and is being held in the Genesee County Jail on $100,000/$200,000 cash bail/bond. Gomez-Gomez is scheduled to return to Alexander Town Court on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 to answer to the above charges.
Authorities also confirmed that Gomez-Gomez may be in this country illegally.

Press Release:

An engagement/wedding ring was turned in to the Batavia Police Department after it was found on the sidewalk on Richmond Ave on 05/05/2018. If you believe you are the owner of this ring, please contact Officer Ivison at (585) 345-6350 with a detailed description and/or pictures of the ring.

Press Release:

On April 10, 2018, at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, two international Genesee Community College students were awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence by Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, the Chancellor of State University of New York. Glenn Holmes of Ireland and Benjamin Martis of Curaçao received the prestigious award for outstanding academic performance, demonstrated leadership and commitment to their communities. Holmes and Martis were two of only 249 students to receive this recognition this year state-wide.

“To be selected from among the more than 600,000 students pursuing their higher education degrees at SUNY, those nominated for the Chancellor’s Award have not only demonstrated that they excel academically, but that they are champions outside of the classroom – actively involved in improving both campus life and their communities. These students have proven to be exceptional leaders, athletes, volunteers and visionaries. Their achievements reflect hard work and dedication, along with the support of their family and friends, and the faculty and staff at SUNY. We are extremely proud of them all,” Chancellor Johnson stated in her address to the honorees.

Glenn Holmes receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Glenn Holmes, a 20 year-old Sports Management major was born in Ireland, traveled to the United States to attend Genesee Community College. In three semesters, Holmes has earned a 3.88 GPA and was appointed to the President’s list twice, the Dean’s List once and was inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Holmes also co-captained GCC men’s soccer team to their first-ever National Championship Title. Holmes was selected as a First Team All American three times as a NJCAA First Team Player, a USC First Team Player and a USC First Team Scholar. With his Associate Degree in Sports Management from GCC, Holmes plans to transfer to Thomas Jefferson University in Pittsburgh on an athletic scholarship. In addition, this summer he will be playing for the Rochester Lancers. Through all of his success, Holmes cites his mother was his biggest inspiration.

Benjamin Martis receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award

A native of Willemstad on the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao, Benjamin Martis is a dual major at GCC, enrolled in both Theater Arts and Theater Technology. Since beginning his education at Genesee Community College, Martis has excelled academically and has been very active in many aspects of campus life. He is a member of GCC’s Forum Players Theatre Company, an orientation leader, resident assistant at College Village, student government representative and also the student representative on GCC’s Board of Trustees. Martis participated in the College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Theatre in several scenes, including Peter Pan’s “Hook’s Waltz” and “Off to the Races” in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He plans to graduate from GCC this spring and continue on to Fredonia State College.

“We commend these two hardworking students,” Dr. James M. Sunser, president of GCC said. “This past two years, both Ben and Glenn have become an integral part of the GCC family and it has been a pleasure having them on our campus.”

Every year since its creation in 1997, campus presidents establish a selection committee which reviews nominations of exemplary students. After the presidential review, the nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office and are subject to another round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. During the awards ceremony, each recipient receives a framed certificate and a medallion to be worn at commencement for every degree they ever earn.

The featured speaker at this year’s ceremony in Albany was four-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and 2014 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Erin Hamlin. Hamlin, who is also a SUNY Empire State College Alumna, inspired the honorees, remarking that their achievements were just the beginning of their success.

A complete listing of the 2018 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence winners is available online at http://system.suny.edu/media/suny/content-assets/documents/university-life/awards/CASE-Program-2018.pdf.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

On Thursday, May 10, 2018 starting at 9 a.m., more than 100 high school students from across the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County) region will be participating in high-tech, agricultural career experience at Genesee Community College, hosted by The BEST Center. The third annual Precision Agriculture Day at the College’s Batavia Campus features a wide array of presenters from the industry who will share information on the latest technological, science, engineering, and agricultural trends including drones, embryo transfer, precision farming and processing, GPS/GIS, auto steering and robotics. This emerging technology is anticipated to create new employment opportunities in the future. High schoolers from 13 districts across the four counties have the opportunity to discover more about these potential and exciting career pathways and will be checking out how these technologies are used in their own backyard of Western New York.

The Precision Agriculture Committee, chaired by Nathan L. Rudgers, senior vice president of Business Development at Farm Credit East was formed in 2015. The committee, comprised of local precision agriculture consultants, agricultural leaders, as well as high school representatives, has been providing guidance and input on the development of programs to address the educational and awareness needs of this growing field. Advances in technology have resulted in agricultural systems collecting data and using it in multiple operations all controlled through a computer, tablet or smart phone. This technology has created education and training opportunities, but there is a lack of skilled workers. Enter The BEST Center, which is working to provide multiple educational opportunities in this growing arena.

The BEST Center provides businesses and organizations with customized training solutions ranging from supervisory skills to technical training. The Center also offers numerous professional and personal development courses for individuals, including classroom and on-line opportunities.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/third-annual-precision-agriculture-day-at-gcc–/3679

Press Release:

Please be aware that all motorists using Lehigh Avenue within the City of Batavia will experience travel delays on Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 between the hours of 7AM to 3 PM.

Roadwork involving the milling of pavement will begin at Ellicott Street working toward Creek Road. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving. An additional memo will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Andrew Forte (Pittsford) scored the first and last goal in Genesee’s national championship 22-4 quarterfinal win

Press Release:

No. 3 Men’s Lacrosse Team Moves on to Final Four

The No. 3 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team defeated No. 6 Ocean County College 22-4 to advance to their seventh National Junior College Athletic Association men’s lacrosse national final four in the last eight years.

The Cougars dominated their New Jersey opponent from Section XIX from the get-go with faceoff man Andrew Forte scoring just seven seconds into the contest. It was Forte’s first of 25 faceoff wins at an 88 percent winning rate and first of a team-leading 11 groundballs of his team’s 40.

The Cougars out-shot the Vikings by a 2-1 margin with 52 shots for and 26 against, and were potent on the man-up with five goals from five chances.

At the other end Garrett Lazore made six stops on eight shots on net for a 75 percent save percentage in his 30 minutes of first-half action.

Genesee had three different players score four goals each that included Kevin McParlene, Alex Mack and Jordan Brennan.

Both McParlene and Brennan co-led the team in points with seven, and with Evan Hollfelder also co-led the team in assists with three apiece.

Jason Chiodo had three goals, while Patrick Bilbrey and Forte added a pair each with the latter getting the first and last goal of the contest with the final goal mirroring his jersey number.

Single tallies came from Zach Wade, Tyler Thompson and Hollfelder.

Genesee next plays No. 2 Nassau in a national semifinal contest May 12 in Syracuse.

Baseball Team Records 12th Region Win in Finger Lakes DH

The Genesee Community College baseball team continues to roll after splitting a pair of games against Finger Lakes Community College May 5.

The Lakers were just the fourth region team in the last eight region doubleheaders to get a split with the Cougars. Genesee has been solid in region play the last four weeks with a .750 winning percentage in taking a dozen of their last 16 region contests.

Genesee completed its fourth doubleheader in the last six days by falling behind in both games against the Lakers. In the first game, Finger Lakes got runs in the first two innings, but the Cougars responded with all seven of their runs in the next four innings to take the contest 7-3.

Deion Rosalia had a career day with a third of the team’s 12 hits with four including a homerun. Rosalia also had six of the team’s seven RBI on the day. The next best performance at the plate came from Justin Baly, who had a pair of hits including a double.

Bryant Fontanez and Justin Taveras also plated doubles, with the latter picking up the team’s other RBI. Other hitters included Shannon Folkes, Jakob MacLeod, Andrew Shapiro, and L’Shandry Kirindongo, who scored a team-high pair of runs.

Zachery Zinck pitched all but one out in allowing a half-dozen hits and one earned run, while striking out seven in earning the win.

In the second game the Cougars fell behind again, but this time the team ran out of gas after rallying to tie the game at 2-2.

Baly had three of the team’s eight hits in the second game that included a triple with a pair of team-leading RBI. In addition, he scored two of the team’s four runs while four Genesee pitchers collectively allowed 13 earned runs of Finger Lake’s 17.

Folkes had a pair of hits with Shapiro, Jayson Libert and Fontanez rounding out the Genesee hitters.

Leah Herman after signing with Plattsburgh’s women’s lacrosse program

Women’s Lacrosse Team Has Plenty Of Positives after Playoff Elimination to NJCAA No. 1 Ranked Team

The Genesee Community College women’s lacrosse team knew it had an uphill battle in their region semifinal playoff contest against the National Junior College Athletic Association’s top-ranked and reining national championship team from Monroe, but that didn’t spoil the success the team has made this season.

For starters, the team doubled its win-total from a season ago and earned a post-season berth. Although Genesee wasn’t able to score on the nation’s top team last season, the Cougars did score five goals against Monroe this season in its final two outings. Genesee also held Monroe at bay by not allowing more goals than in its meeting last season.

In the first of the two seasons that head coach Jeff Reyngoudt had an eligible transfer player from his aspiring program; NCAA Division-III Plattsburgh became the first beneficiary of the program’s growth by signing Leah Herman.

The two-time, all-conference midfielder will receive a scholarship from the Cardinals and also captured the Cougar Award during her freshman season in an unsung hero role, while receiving her first Western New York Athletic Association Conference accolade in women’s lacrosse last season.

Herman became one of five women’s lacrosse WNYAC selections for this season along with teammates Molly Barden, Rachel Ladd, Kali Wright and Ashley Barclay.

The Cougars also placed two players on the all-region team in Barden and Ladd, and another pair in the NJCAA Region-III All-Tournament team in Ladd and Barclay.

In the semifinal Region-III playoff game against Monroe May 5, Ladd had a pair of goals with Barclay also netting a goal. Sara Zakes had a stellar performance with 19 saves from 47 shots on net.

Multiple Batavia burglaries land a Rochester man in lockup.
Batavia Police have arrested 49 year old Willie Dozier of Rochester following investigation into multiple liquor store burglaries around the city.
In August of last year, Dozier allegedly burglarized Mr. Wine & Liquor on Lewiston Road, then in November he allegedly targeted the Plaza Spirits on East Main Street.
Dozier was charged with two counts of third degree Burglary and two counts of Conspiracy.
He was committed without bail to the Genesee County Jail.

Structure fire in Pavilion sparked by an ATV.
Report of a structure fire at an Ellicott Street Road address in Pavilion came in around 8:30 last night.
The blaze apparently was ignited by an ATV that was recently worked on sitting inside a shop that was only 20 feet away from the residence.
Pavilion Fire Chief Dewey Murrock was on the scene…

Pavilion Fire along with crews from Stafford, Bethany, LeRoy and Alexander’s Fast Team were all activated.
Ellicott Street Road was shut down during the response.
In addition to the ATV, two tractors and another piece of farm equipment were lost.

Investigation into reported pedestrian versus car accident uncovers a suspected stupid stunt.
City Fire, Mercy EMS and Police all responded to Buell Street in Batavia late last night for report of a person being struck by a vehicle.
After conducting an initial investigation, police on scene said that the patient may not have been struck by the car after all.
Apparently the 19 year old male was acquainted with the driver and was attempting to ride the top of the vehicle or had jumped onto the vehicle.
He was taken to United Memorial Medical Center for a road rash and a possible head injury.
Investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Assault in Pavilion leads to charges for a LeRoy Man.
21 year old Michael Panepento of North Street Road is accused of causing substantial swelling, bruising and cutting after he allegedly punched another man in the head several times during an argument.
Panepento was arrested and charged with Third degree Assault following the incident on Lake Road Pavilion last month.
The victim was transported to United Memorial Medical Center for treatment.
Panepento was given an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court on June 5th.

LeRoy High School skeet shooters are asking lawmakers to let them keep their guns.
A bill proposed by a New York City Assemblywoman to ban shooting programs is being considered in committee.
The LeRoy High School trap shooting team spoke out against this at a recent practice.
Dozens of school programs like this across the state focus on safe and responsible gun use.
The students have started a letter writing campaign calling for lawmakers to vote against the bill.

A Batavia man, who bolted from police during a court appearance in Attica , has been recaptured in Tennessee.
26 year old Dylan Perry formerly of Kingsbury Ave Batavia was for burglarizing a Town of Darien business last December.
Perry is now in the Genesee County without bail.

A neighbor accused of negligent homicide in the carbon monoxide deaths of a mother and son in Kendall.
39 year old David Wiley turned himself in. He is accused of causing the deaths of Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son RJ.
Deputies say Wiley lived in a duplex next to the Gilman’s and was the caretaker of the place. Authorities said Wiley ran a generator inside a garage for 17 hours when power to the Gilman’s apartment was shut off.
Wiley is facing two counts of criminally negligent homicide.

Democratic hopeful for New York governor Cynthia Nixon is releasing her tax returns. Nixon and her wife pulled in nearly two-million-dollars last year through their incomes, investments and sale of a house. They also gave about 53-thousand-dollars to charity. Meantime, Governor Cuomo said he and other candidates for the office have made it a tradition to disclose their taxes every April.

Governor Cuomo says he hasn’t made up his mind about a special election to replace Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. The longtime Western New York representative died in March but so far, despite a lawsuit, the governor hasn’t called for a special election. Yesterday Cuomo told reporters in Rochester that they’re working to coordinate federal and state elections right now but he’ll have an answer in the coming weeks.

A Batavia couple has won a million dollars after playing a New York Lottery scratch-off ticket.
27 year old Marquele Tomlin and his girlfriend Amber Blackshear decided to split a lump sum payment of $800,000.
That will result in a cash payment, after withholding taxes, of $269,000 each. The couple said they had dated for eight years but broke up for a while.
The day they got back together was the day they won the million bucks.

Neighbor accused of negligent homicide in Kendall deaths caused by gas poisoning.
A Kendall man is behind bars on counts of criminally negligent homicide in connection to the carbon monoxide deaths of a Kendall mother and son last month.
39 year old David Wiley turned himself into authorities on Thursday night.
He has been accused of causing the deaths of Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son RJ.
Wiley lived in a duplex with the Gilman’s in a neighboring apartment and was said to be the caretaker of the residence.
Orleans County Undersheriff Christopher Burke said Wiley ran the generator that poisoned the mother and son.

National Grid shut off the electricity to the Gilman’s home and Wiley then apparently ran the generator for 17 hours right under their bedroom.
He is being held in the Orleans County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Batavia man arrested in Tennessee for local Burglary.
The man who escaped police custody at a court appearance in Attica has been apprehended on other charges down south.
26 year old Dylan Perry of Kingsbury Ave Batavia was located and arrested in Manchester Tennessee and has since been extradited back to New York.
Perry was accused of unlawfully entering a business on Broadway Road in Darien and stealing money last December.
He was arrested and charged with third degree Burglary and Petit Larceny and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail pending further proceedings.

A big winning Batavia couple is seeing it pays to stay together.
Million dollar scratch off winners, 27 year old Marquele Tomlin and his girlfriend Amber Blackshear decided to split a lump sum payment of $800,000.
The couple said they had dated for eight years but broke up for a while.
The day they got back together was the day they won the million bucks.
After taxes the couple will receive $269,000 apiece.

David Wiley

An Orleans County man has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the carbon monoxide deaths of a Kendall mother and son last month.
39 year old David Wiley of Kendall turned himself last night.
He has been charged in connection with the deaths of Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son RJ.

Undersheriff Christopher Bourke

Orleans County Undersheriff Christopher Bourke said Wiley was a caretaker for the apartment in which the Gilman’s lived.
Bourke said Wiley ran the generator that poisoned Joan and her son

The electricity to the Gilman’s home had been shut off by National Grid.
Wiley reportedly ran the generator for 17 hours.
He is being he;ld in the Orleans County Jail in lieu of 25-hundred dollars bail.

A Batavia couple has won a million dollars after playing a New York Lottery scratch-off ticket.
27 year old Marquele Tomlin and his girlfriend Amber Blackshear decided to split a lump sum payment of 800-thosuand dollars.
That will result in a cash payment, after withholding taxes, of 269-thousand dollars each. The couple said they had dated for eight years but broke up for a while.
The day they got back together was the day they won the million bucks.

A Wind Advisory has been posted for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties until 11 tonight.
The National Weather Service is forecasting westerly winds between 20 and 25 miles per hour, gusting to 55.

26 year old Dylan Perry of Kingsbury Ave Batavia was located in Manchester Tennesse and then extradited back to New York.

Perry was accused of unlawfully entering a business on Broadway Road in Darien and stealing money last December.

He was arrested and charged with third degree Burglary and Petit Larceny and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail pending further proceedings.

Agri-business Academy students at Porter Farms in Elba, NY

Press Release:

Commonly referred to as the GLOW region, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties have celebrated agriculture as its number one industry driving the local economy for the past two centuries. As the demands of that industry continue to change, today’s agricultural businesses need dependable, hard-working professionals with college degrees, technology and management experience, as well as business and communication skills.

The Agri-Business Academy offered through a partnership between Genesee Community College and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) is a one-year program designed to expose high school seniors to the many career options available in today’s agri-business industry. The academic year is comprised of classroom learning, critical on-site internships, job-shadowing and as the photos of last week’s tour of the Intergrow Greenhouses Inc. indicates – many dynamic site visits to local agri-businesses that are often seeking for talented employees.

“The Agri-Business Academy is a significant jump start to numerous career options in our region and beyond,” Deborah Dunlevy, ACE Programs Career Pathways project director said. “Perhaps the most rewarding learning comes from the internships, job shadowing and site visits. Being immersed in the field gives them the experiences that will put them at the top of the job candidate list.”

Agri-Business Academy students earn 15 college credits applicable to a wide variety of college degrees and careers through its unique combination of business and community involvement, work-based experience, and a foundation in agri-business learning. Interested students should contact ACE Programs Career Pathways Project Director Deborah Dunlevy at (585) 343- 0055 ext. 6316 or via email at dkdunlevy@gensee.edu before the end of the school year.

Agri-Business Academy students receive a substantial college tuition discount and pay only $55 per credit hour, which is roughly one-third of GCC’s regular tuition rate for the same courses! Also, as a GCC enrolled student, these individuals have GCC IDs with access to the College’s facilities including computer labs, athletic facilities, library resources and databases, as well as a GCC email account to communicate with professors and fellow students.

During the academic year, Agri-Business Academy students take five college courses for a total of 15 college credits; Western NY Agriculture (AGR101), Career and Educational Planning (CEP101), Public Speaking (SPE108), Principles of Biology (BIO101) and Principles of Business (BUS101). These courses provide a foundation for a number of two and four-year degree programs and many professional careers ranging from Agricultural Journalism and Bioengineering to Energy Technology and Farm Management, Food Science, Supply Chain Management and so many more! Additional information is available at https://www.genesee.edu/assets/file/ace/techprep/AgribusinessAcademyBrochure.pdf.

Agri-Business Academy eligibility requires high school seniors to have maintained an 80% or higher overall grade average for the first three years of high school, demonstrated exemplary attendance and a proficiency in reading and writing. They must also possess the responsibility to work independently and with a team.

Applications for the Agri-Business Academy are available at: https://www.genesee.edu/assets/file/ace/techprep/Application_Agribusiness_Academy.pdf. To obtain more information, contact ACE Programs Career Pathways Project Director Deborah Dunlevy at (585) 343- 0055 ext. 6316 or via email at dkdunlevy@gensee.edu or Agri-Business Academy and GCC Adjunct Instructor Kerri Richardson at (585) 344-7783 or via email at krichardson3@gvboces.org. Applications are free and are being accepted now.

Press Release:

SPEECH ON THE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:

Volunteer of the Year Award – Peggy Schreck
Presented by Shelly Kordish, Director of Education – Rainbow Preschool

“Each year the Arc of Genesee Orleans honors an individual for their commitment to outstanding volunteerism for making a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our agency and are vital to raising awareness of the great work the Arc provides in the communities in which we live and work. This year the Arc of Genesee Orleans has selected Peggy Schreck as the Volunteer of the Year.

Peggy Schreck began volunteering at Rainbow Preschool in Albion in 2012, and before that Peggy participated on various Arc committees. Peggy actually began her career in the very same building that Rainbow Preschool is now, when it was the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital and she was a lab technician. Peggy and her husband moved to this area so her husband could complete college at GCC and Brockport where he then went on to become an elementary teacher. Peggy also enjoyed the educational setting and was a teacher aide for several years at Medina schools. Peggy later moved in to a position at Medina Savings and Loan where she retired 2010. She wanted to still be a part of the classroom and that is when Peggy began volunteering at Rainbow Preschool.

It is very obvious to the staff, students and families that Peggy thoroughly enjoys her time in the Rainbow Preschool classrooms and the time spent with the children. Peggy states she most enjoys watching the children’s growth and success during the school year, such as hearing a child’s speech develop or their gross motor skills expand. She also enjoys all the children’s smiles and hugs when she gets to the classroom. Peggy notes she enjoys the structure of the classrooms and this is a good fit for her with her prior classroom experience. Peggy says she has also developed many friendships with the staff and families from her volunteer role and she enjoys these new relationships within the community.

Peggy feels she is utilized in the classroom and enjoys the hands on activities and responsibilities she is provided. The teachers and aides all comment what an incredible addition Peggy is to the classroom and she brings such compassion and care to her work. She does special projects with the children and brings fresh ideas to the classroom. Peggy treats all the children as she would her own grandchildren, and she enjoys this because she does not get to see her own grandchildren because they live far away in Georgia where her son is located for his profession. The children call her Miss Peggy or Grandmom and this warms Peggy’s heart with happiness and brings her joy.

I am so pleased to present this year’s award for Volunteer of the Year to Peggy Schreck and to give her on the behalf of everyone at Rainbow Preschool and the Arc of Genesee Orleans our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for her years of dedicated volunteerism at Rainbow Preschool. “

Mary Anne Graney Scholarship Recipients with Scholarship Committee Chair Molly George, Riley Seielstad, Albion Central,
Abigail Klos, Oakfield – Alabama, Hannah Duhow, Medina Central, Kathleen Dessert, LeRoy Central

Seated – Brandi Kinnicutt, Day Habilitation Specialist, Carolyn Dawson, Chief Administrative Officer, Dylan DeSmit, Direct Support Professional, Jim Henning, Trash Collection/Recycling Driver Standing – Jennifer Conklin, Special Education Teacher, Kim Austin, Culinary Arts Manager, Kaelie Grazioplene, Supported Work Assistant Manager, Carl Jones, Trash/Recycling/Transfer Station Manager

Shiori Ubukata

Press Release:

Cougar Softball’s Ubukata Commits to University of Hawaii

Genesee Community College softball team member Shiori Ubukata signed a letter of intent to transfer and accept a scholarship to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for next season.

“Shiori signed a national letter of intent and scholarship agreement to play for us and will be joining us in August 2018 for the 2018-19 softball season,” said head University of Hawaii at Hilo head softball coach Callen Perreira, who is one of the most accomplished coaches in the NCAA Division-II Pacific West Conference (PacWest), after having taken the Vulcans to a fourth-place Softball World Series finish during his tenure.

“We look forward to having Shiori in our program we know that she will bring a good attitude and work ethic,” the veteran Vulcan softball caoch of more than 700 collegiate wins said.

The native of Tokyo, Japan; Ubukata has been the Cougars’ premiere player this season in leading the team in almost every offensive category.

To date, her season batting average is at .400 with an on-base percentage of .455. The infielder has a fielding percentage of between .910 and .920 that encompass both overall and conference play, while leading the team in hits and scoring almost one-third of the team’s runs.

Nine Men’s Lacrosse Players Named to All-Region Team

Nine members of the Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Region-III Team.

Of Genesee’s selectees, three were from the attack position, three were midfielders, and three were selected from defense.

The first-team selections from Genesee were Jason Chiodo, Andrew Forte and Kevin McParlene, while second-team selections included: Jordan Brennan, Alex Mack, Evan Hollfelder, Mat Anderson, Hoya’daiwat John and Nate Ess.

Of the first-team selections, Chiodo is currently third on the team in points with 58, McParlene co-leads the team in points with 64, and Forte is the team’s faceoff and groundball leader with 179 and 147, respectively.

Of the second-team midfielders and attackman, Brennan co-leads the team in points and assists with 64 and 30, respectively. Mack is fourth on the team in points with 50 and Hollfelder co-leads the team in assists with 30 and is fifth in scoring with 49 points.

The Cougars host Ocean County in a play-in national championship game May 5 at 12 p.m., with the winner advancing to the Final Four in Syracuse May 12-13.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Man charged with homicide in death of a Kendall mother and son.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 39 year old David Wiley Jr in connection with the deaths of 38 year old Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son Richard.
Autopsies revealed the cause of death was found to be inhalation of products of combustion.
According to authorities Wiley lived next to the Gilman’s in a duplex and was the “care taker” for the owner of residence.
National Grid reportedly shut off the power which was a utility under Wiley’s name.
He then allegedly ran a generator in a closed garage directly beneath the bedroom of the victims for over 17 hours.
He’s charged with two felony counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide and two felony counts of Reckless Endangerment.
Wiley was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff on $2,500 bail and is scheduled to return to the Town of Kendall Court on May 7th.

Wind Advisory going into effect.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the entire GLOW region and several surrounding counties, which is in effect from 1 this afternoon to 11 this evening.
Westerly winds between 20 and 25 mph are expected with gusts reaching up to 55 mph.

Some gubernatorial campaigning in Batavia
The Presumptive Republican Gubernatorial candidate makes a stop in Batavia.
He is Marc Molinaro, the County Executive of Dutchess County.

He was escorted around by Batavia Republican Steve Hawley promoting the “Think Differently” campaign.
The two led a roundtable discussion at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on how businesses and organizations can better treat persons with developmental disabilities.

Volunteer of the Year Peggy Schreck

ARC of Genesee Orleans holds their annual awards dinner and a familiar name takes top board seat.
Director of Rainbow Preschool Shelly Kurdish presented Rainbow Preschool volunteer Peggy Schreck with the Volunteer of the Year award at the annual dinner of the ARC.
Our own Debrah Fischer, co-owner of WBTA, assumed the office of president of the board of directors for Arc.
The dinner was held at GCC’s new field house with more than 400 people attending.

President of the board of directors for Arc: Debrah Fischer

Budget passed for Richmond Memorial Library.
The 2018-19 Library budget was easily passed with 88 percent of approval from the 214 total votes tallied.
The budget increases spending by nearly $25,000.
Gregg McAllister was elected to a five-year term on the library’s Board of Trustees, filling a vacancy to be left by Jennifer Reardon at the expiration of her term next month.

The NFL is looking at what to do about former Bills President Russ Brandon.
He stepped down earlier this week after Kim Pegula informed him they were conducting an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate relationships with female employees.
Pegula has taken over as president of the Bills, Sabres and Bandits, and the Rochester Americans.
The NFL said it’s going to announce in the coming days whether the league plans on taking further action against Brandon.

Marc Molinaro

The Presumptive Republican Gubernatorial candidate makes a stop in Batavia this afternoon.

He is Marc Molinaro, the County Executive of Dutchess County.

He was escorted around by Batavia Republican Steve Hawley promoting the “Think Differently” campaign.

The two led a roundtable discussion today at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on how businesses and organizations can better treat persons with developmental disabilities.

Kim Pegula

Kim Pegula is now one of the most powerful women in American sports.  This week she took over as president of the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres after Russ Brandon resigned amid misconduct allegations.

Pegula is the first female president of an NFL team and the only female NHL president.

A head-on collision this morning at Route 98 and West Saile Drive in Batavia.

Mercy flight was called then cancelled and both drivers were taken via ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Northbound lane of Route 98 was closed as deputies investigated the accident.

A shooting on Thorpe Street in Batavia last year sends a city man to prison for 15 years.

25 year old Tyshawn King of Maple Street was allowed to plead guilty to a weapons possession charge.

Police arrested him in connection with the shooting that left King’s victims with wounds to his hand and abdomen.

Darien Lake is debuting a new roller coaster very soon.  The ride is called Tantrum and while it won’t be the fastest in the park, it will be the only ride with a heart-pounding semi-inverted drop.  Tantrum is the theme park’s first new roller coaster in a decade.  Darien Lake opens this weekend but Tantrum isn’t expected to open until later this month.

Press Release:

Batavia, New York, May 7, 2018 – New York Gubernatorial candidate Larry Sharpe (L), will meet with citizens of Batavia to share concerns and discuss solutions to New York-specific business challenges including regulations, taxes, and the overall business climate.

“We need to unleash the individual New Yorker, who loves their state and wants to bring value to their community,” said Sharpe, a former business owner and leadership management consultant. “We must stop limiting them and start encouraging them to be innovators in their communities. I’m excited to hear what they have to say.”

The event will be hosted by a local entrepreneur at T. F. Browns (214 E Main St, Batavia, Genesee County, New York 14020) from 8-10 a.m. Breakfast will be provided for residents and business owners who attend. A brief press conference will be held immediately following the event.

For more information regarding this event, please contact Deborah Kerr-Rosenbeck as 585-356-1712

Larry Sharpe (L) is a Bronx native, a Marine Corps veteran, an entrepreneur, and a management consultant with 15 years of experience mentoring international executives, entrepreneurs & sales people. He is also a teacher, previously serving as a guest instructor for business management and leadership at institutions such as Yale University, Columbia University, Baruch College and John Jay College. He is now running for Governor of New York in order to make education more effective through innovation, reform the criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation, and build an economy that works for all of New York State.

Press Release:

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) will host a ceremony to honor any Vietnam era veteran on Friday May 11th at the Batavia City Center from 4-5:00 PM. Veterans that are interested in receiving a pin from The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration are encouraged to contact his office to confirm their eligibility and RSVP for the ceremony.

“This year we commemorated the first National Vietnam War Veterans Day to recognize the brave individuals who served in our nation’s military during the Vietnam War years,” said Collins. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to meet Vietnam veterans in my district and distribute these special pins.”

Any veteran who served in Vietnam is eligible for a pin and should contact Alex Gould in the Congressman’s office at (716)634-2324 for more information on obtaining one. Event details are copied below.

May 11, 2018
4:00 PM
Batavia City Hall, Board Room
1 Batavia City Center
Batavia, NY 14020

A head-on collision has been reported at Route 98 and West Saile Drive in Batavia with Town of Batavia Fire, Mercy Medics and law enforcement responding.

Both female drivers were reported to be out of their vehicles and were alert when first responders arrived on scene.

According to reports from the scene one driver was a 36 year old from Kent and the other was a 53 year old from Elba.

The crash occurred as the two vehicles were heading opposite directions on Route 98 when the southbound tried turning left onto West Saile Drive.

Mercy flight was called then cancelled and both drivers were taken via ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Northbound lane of Route 98 is closed at West Saile Drive.

The accident remains under investigated.

Information on the report provided by our news partner The Batavian.

Press Release:

East Bethany, NY – Learn nature photography basics and tricks of the trade from photographer Bill Moon. Bring your camera or phone and capture great images from Genesee County Park & Forest! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park and Forest on Saturday May 12th from 10 am to 1 pm. This program is FREE!!!

Pre-registration is recommended. Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Like the Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry on Facebook

15 year sentence handed down for Thorpe Street Shooting.
For the next 15 years, 25 year old Tyshawn King will be behind bars in state prison.
King of Maple Street in the city was sentenced in Genesee County Court on Friday for shooting another man on Thorpe Street last September.
King was apprehended without incident after Police found a male victim who had gunshot wounds in his hand and abdomen.
They were responding to a reported fight near Thorpe and Maple Streets where a gunshot was also heard.
In February King pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon and he is now serving a 15 year prison sentence along with 5 years post-release supervision.

Truck driver injured in Big Rig Rollover accident in Batavia.
One person was reportedly injured in a tractor-trailer rollover accident yesterday afternoon at Batavia-Elba Town Line Road, west of Route 98.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy medics were called to the scene and the truck driver was transported via ground ambulance to Strong Hospital for evaluation.
Some of the 8,000 pounds of O-AT-KA dairy-processing byproduct that the trailer was hauling spilled out.
The organic material was on its way to local farms to be used as feed or fertilizer.
A heavy wrecker tow had to be called in to haul the big rig away.
No other vehicles were involved and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director honored as Woman of Distinction.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has recognized the Cooperative’s Executive Director Beverly Mancuso, as a Woman of Distinction at the 21st annual ceremony.
Mancuso has served at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Genesee County for 16 years, 13 years as Executive Director.
She is expected to retire from as director in June.

Darien Lake is opening a new roller coaster very soon.
The ride is called Tantrum and while it won’t be the fastest in the park, it will be the only ride with a heart pounding semi-inverted drop.
Tantrum is the theme park’s first new roller coaster in a decade.
Darien Lake opens this weekend but Tantrum isn’t expected to open until later this month.

Kim Pegula is now one of the most powerful women in American sports.
This week she took over as president of the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres after Russ Brandon resigned amid misconduct allegations.
Pegula is the first female president of an NFL team and the only female NHL president.

Tyshawn King

25 year old Tyshawn King of Maple Street, Batavia, will spend the next 15 years in state prison.
King has been sentenced for a shooting on Thorpe Street back in September of last year.
Police found that a man had been shot in his hand and abdomen.
King was arrested for the shooting a short time later and was allowed to plead guilty to criminal possession of a weapon.

Domestic abusers must now surrender their firearms under a new bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Cuomo. The move closes a loophole in state law that will ensure those convicted of domestic violence surrender all firearms, not just handguns. The governor is also proposing legislation that would extend the criminal background check waiting period from three days to 10 days.

With more than four-months to go before the primaries, Governor Andrew Cuomo holds a large lead over Cynthia Nixon. According to the latest poll from Quinnipiac University, Cuomo holds a 50 to 28-percent lead over Nixon. The poll also shows Cuomo with more than a 30-point lead if he was in a two-way race with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in the General Election.

Darien Lake “Tantrum”

Darien Lake is showing off their brand new roller coaster today.
The theme park previewed the Tantrum today, a 5-million dollar coaster said to be the first of its kind in New York State and Ontario.
Riders will be taken on a 98-fott vertical lift in a matter of seconds and then plummet at a 97-degree drop.
Darien Lake Theme Park opens this Saturday.

Cooperative Extension Executive Director Beverly Mancuso honored as a Woman of Distinction.
Mancuso has been with Coop-Extension in Genesee County for 16 years.
She is retiring next month.

News Release

Darien Lake showed off its newest roller coaster, Tantrum, on a hard hat tour just prior to the park’s opening day, Saturday, May 5. The nearly $5 million addition will be Darien Lake’s seventh coaster that will take riders on a signature beyond-vertical drop that hasn’t previously been offered to park guests.

Tantrum, the first coaster of its kind in New York State and Ontario, Canada, is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. When complete, the coaster will embark riders on a 98-foot vertical lift at a 90-degree angle – straight up the coaster’s first hill. In a matter of seconds, upon reaching its apex, the train plummets into a 97-degree drop and pretzel inversion. Reaching speeds of 52 mph, the coaster snakes through the structure over a bunny hop, keeps riders wondering which way is up or down during an Immelmann turn, and finishes with a tilted loop.

“There is more time to ride the new Tantrum roller coaster and establish new family traditions with an extended operating season from May 5 to October 28,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “Season Pass holders visiting the park during opening weekend will even receive a bonus free friend ticket!”

Press Release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has recognized Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Beverly L. Mancuso, as a Woman of Distinction at the 21st annual ceremony, for her outstanding contributions in enriching the quality of life for the community and beyond.

“Beverly has been widely recognized as an effective leader and a connector for community-based organizations to other partners and volunteers. This is a well-deserved honor to recognize Beverly’s efforts in our community, as well as her positive impact in the lives of so many residents. I wish her all the best in retirement,” said Ranzenhofer.

Mancuso has served at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Genesee County for 16 years, 13 years as Executive Director. She is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, including programming for Leadership Genesee, 4-H Youth Development, Master Gardener Program and Agriculture.

Mancuso started her career working in finance and physician practice management at two hospitals, then furthered her education at the Rochester Institute of Technology. For five years, Mancuso worked to enhance the experience of patients at the Genesee County Health Department.

Mancuso is expected to retire from the Cornell Cooperative Extension in June.

“I am honored to be recognized by Senator Ranzenhofer. I learned the importance of listening at an early age, and this skill has helped me during my career in both the public and not-for-profit sectors,” said Mancuso. “I am looking forward to the next great adventure.”

Mancuso was a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Genesee in 2001, and she was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus years later. She is currently a proud member of the Muriel H. Marshall Fund Planning Team. Mancuso has been actively involved in the community for years, including Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Genesee Country Village, Parish Councils, and Office for the Aging Advisory Committee.

New Headquarters being fitted for First responders.
Final preparations are being made to the brand new Genesee County Operations Center which will be home base for Mercy Flight EMS equipment and operators.
It is expected to open later this month.
The 12-thosuand square foot facility is located on Call Parkway off of Route 98 near the county airport and will house up to seven ambulances at once along with 100 employees.
According to Tim Wooten from Mercy EMS, the improvements made to the new facility are necessary ones…

There will be a formal ribbon cutting on May 21st to officially open the new operations center.

Livingston County Investigators have yet to file charges against a Canadian truck driver accused of fatal hitting a former SUNY Geneseo student.
24 year old Nick Iannarelli was found dead on Route 63 in Geneseo Saturday.
Police have identified 54 year old trucker Valeri Belioutsa of Ontario as the driver who allegedly struck and killed Iannarelli.
Investigators used surveillance footage to pinpoint the suspected driver.
After the alleged accident on Saturday and Belioutsa’s truck apparently made it back to Canada by Monday.
Deputies haven’t said why charges haven’t been filed against him however the investigation continues.

Domestic abusers must now surrender their firearms under a new bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Cuomo.

Those convicted of domestic violence were previously barred from owning or possessing handguns, which Cuomo’s executive order extends to all firearms.
The governor is also proposing legislation that would extend the criminal background check waiting period from three days to 10 days.
Cuomo was joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a Parkland, Florida student.

Near miss with a patrol car leads to DWI arrest for an Attica man.
Attica Police said they stopped 66 year old Ronald Vallett of Creek Road, after he nearly crashed into one of their patrol cars.
Valett was charged with two counts of DWI along with a traffic infraction.

Two Western New York Congressmen are calling for an investigation into the firing of the House chaplain.
Representative Higgins said House Speaker Paul Ryan’s firing of Father Pat Conroy last week was anti-Catholic.
Conroy is a Jesuit priest that served the House of Representatives for seven-years.
Congressman Reed says this simply doesn’t feel like it was handled right.

Russ Brandon is no longer president of the Pegula sports empire.
Brandon was an executive running the Buffalo Bills, Sabres and Bandits, and the Rochester Americans until his resignation yesterday.
“The Buffalo News” reports that he had been the subject of an internal investigation for misconduct allegations by female employees.
Kim Pegula is now president of both the Bills and Sabres.

News Release:

United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) physicians, leaders, and clinicians will gather together to celebrate the Robert A. Warriner III, MD., Center of Excellence award, which is being presented to the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center. For two consecutive years, UMMC has achieved patient satisfaction rates of higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days to heal. The Center is being awarded this prestigious honor by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. Out of 340 eligible Centers, 268 were honored with this award. The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

Lisa Albanese, Program Director, announced the achievement. “This is the second consecutive year the center has received a distinction from Healogics. It is a direct reflection of the team’s ongoing commitment to patient-focused care and clinical excellence for our patients, the community and to our hospital partners.”

UMMC’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 700 Wound Care Centers®, with access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating approximately 2.5 million chronic wounds. The Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments included negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

Jerod Baltz

A Pavilion man has been accused of rape.
38 year old Jerod Baltz of Sparks Road is charged with 1st Degree Rape and Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies said the alleged act occurred in a Sparks Road home on March 1q8.
Baltz was arraigned in Town of Pavilion Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Training seminar being held today, May 1, 2018 and tomorrow, May 2, 2018, at GCC, Conable Building

Press Release:

Tuesday, May 1st

8:00 – 8:45 REGISTRATION
& CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:45 – 9:00 WELCOME
9:00 – 10:00 DIFFUSING CONFLICT
& PERSONAL PROTECTION
10:00- 10:45 DUTIES OF A DOG CONTROL OFFICER
10:45- 11:00 BREAK
11:00- 12:00 CRIMINAL OR CIVIL OFFENSE?
12:00- 1:00 LUNCH
1:00 – 2:00 WRITING TICKETS
& SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
2:00 – 4:00 BUILDING YOUR CASE
& INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

Wednesday, May 2nd

8:00 – 8:30 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:30 – 9:15 GRANT WRITING
9:15 – 10:00 DOG PARKS
10:00 – 10:15 BREAK
10:15 – 11:15 DOG BEHAVIOR
11:15 – 12:15 CANINE DEMO
12:15 – 1:00 LUNCH
1:30 – 4:00 DANGEROUS DOG PRESENTATION
& MOCK TRIAL
AT
TOWN OF OAKFIELD
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
3219 DRAKE STREET
OAKFIELD, NY 14125

In the Doghouse

The theme of this seminar is how to be an effective Dog Control Officer and protect yourself while carrying out your duties. Dog behavior can be difficult to understand and we have a certified behaviorist to explain the subtle cues. Issuing appearance tickets can be time consuming and supporting documentation can be confusing; there is a presentation to clarify the process. Going to court? Building your case properly is going to you the desired result in the courtroom. Court procedures and a mock trial for a Dangerous Dog hearing will bring a close to the seminar.

Presentations

Diffusing Conflict & Personal Protection

Learn how to diffuse situations and protect yourself in the process. What are you allowed to carry on your person by law? Demonstrations of the proper use of a catch pole will be followed by hands-on practice by participants.

Duties of a Dog Control Officer

A representative from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will be available with the most current version of Article 7 & 26 and ready to answer any questions.

Court Procedures: Judge Thomas Graham & Melissa Cianfrini, ADA Genesee County

Back by popular demand, these two presenters will be going through their presentation on Article 7 and Dangerous Dog Hearings. The Honorable Judge Graham is opening up his courtroom for the presentation and a mock trial for our attendees. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions from a Judge that was a former K-9 Officer and a Sergeant for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. He has experience on both sides of the bench that is very valuable. Ms. Cianfrini is an excellent and thorough presenter and is always ready to answer any questions that arise.

Presenters & schedule are subject to change.

Presentations

Criminal or Civil

Is your case civil or criminal in nature? Should the DCO issue a summons or an appearance ticket? Will the complainant need to file in a civil court of law? Determine how to proceed and handle the situation.

Writing Tickets & Supporting Tickets Documents

How to write an appearance ticket and the supporting documentation that is needed. When do you need an accusatory instrument, a supporting deposition, and who get copies of which forms? Is the ticket being issued off of state law or local law? Participants will be asked to share local laws that they have found to be effective in their own municipalities.

Building Your Case & Interviewing Techniques

How do you interview complainants, witnesses, dog owners? Learn which questions to ask and how to ask them. What is admissible in court…screen shots of social media accounts? Learn how to build your case and the proper chain of evidence.

Grant Writing

Grants are out there for the animal sheltering world. This presentation will focus on how to find the grants that your organization qualifies for and how to write for the grant.

Dog Parks

Dog parks are the popping up all over the place. If they are not in your municipality yet, there may be a group discussing putting one in and it might be there soon. This presentation addresses the laws concerning dog parks and how they affect DCOs in their daily duties.

Dog Behavior: Karlene Bonnes,
Animal Behavior Specialists, Inc.

Karlene Bonnes is a graduate of Cornell University and certified behaviorist specializing in dog behavior. Ms. Bonnes has been in the field for over 25 years and is widely used as a behaviorist in Dangerous Dog cases.

Canine Demo: Deputy Christopher Erion & Destro

Deputy Erion and Destro are a K-9 team for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Destro is used for human tracking and drug detection, along with his handler, of course! We will build upon what learn with Karlene Bonnes with Destro.