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A combine is on fire inside a building at 193 Bloomingdale Road, Alabama. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with another engine from Pembroke; Akron is asked to fill in at the fire hall.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: Akron Engine 4 is on scene. "Pretty much the fire is out already," says command.

UPDATE 3:29 p.m.: A subject inside the building has possibly suffered some smoke inhalation. A Mercy medic unit is called to respond in non-emergency mode.

This photo of the nearly cresting Tonawanda Creek was taken about 20 minutes ago on Law Street by Howard from his cell phone.

The creek has been rising all day. The National Weather Service predicted earlier today that the Tonawanda would crest at 9.4 feet this afternnoon. Flood stage is considered to be 9 feet.

Tom Lichtenthal, assistant engineer for Town of Batavia, was also out at the Law Street bridge and reported that the water level now is 9.85 feet and it is expected to crest within the hour at 10.4 feet. Afterward, the waters will start to recede.

He said no major flooding problems are expected. 

But he said engineers are concerned about a large tree trunk that is floating, but lodged in the creek. They are concerned that it could wedge free and float downstream to where the River Street Bridge project is underway.

A natural gas main under the bridge has been lowered by three feet to accommodate summer construction, when rains this heavy are not typical. There's some worry that large floating debris -- like a big tree trunk -- could strike and damage the gas line. So a crew from National Fuel is on scene now, working to raise the gas line to where it normally would be, says Lichtenthal.

Impacted areas of flooding also include Kibbe Park and Walnut Street. Below are photos taken a few minutes ago at Kibbe Park. 

Three more pictures added -- River Street Bridge area and behind the courthouse.

City police are responding to a residence on Ellicott Avenue for a person complaining that "their neighbor's dog is using their lawn as a bathroom."

Press release:

The Genesee County AmeriCorps Program, in collaboration with the Genesee County and Batavia youth bureaus, is planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival open to the public to take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St. in Batavia.

One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes.

Entertainment by “The Checkers” is scheduled from 10:30-11:00 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. Folks from the community should to bring a bagged lunch or plan to leave for lunch.

There will also be several community agency booths that youth can visit to earn a chance to win one of many grand prizes at this year’s event. For more information on the carnival please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Press release:

With the advent of Independent Retailer Month, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), who himself has been a small-business owner for more than 40 years, is encouraging his neighbors to shop local this month.

It is a chance to support the local economy and strengthen community growth in Western New York.

“This month is the perfect opportunity to support your neighbor’s businesses and show the strength of our community,” Hawley said. “As a local business owner, I know the importance of the issues so many business owners face.

"The regulation and taxes meted out by Albany stifle the prosperity of all of us. It is with this in mind that we use this month as a symbol to band together as neighbors and show that our local economy has never been stronger and will continue to keep local money in local pockets.”

Hawley is a strong opponent of regulation and governmental oversight that prevents local businesses from operating efficiently in New York State.

This motivated him to sponsor the Red Tape Reduction Act (A6916) to help start cutting back harmful laws sent down from Albany. Less regulation and less red tape means more jobs, lower taxes, and more money in your pocket at the end of every day.

Press release:

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education granted reaccreditation for an eight-year term to Genesee Community College June 23, the Board of Trustees learned at its annual meeting this week.

In a significant move, the Middle States Commission also issued rare commendations (official praise) to Genesee Community College for the quality of its self-study and the final Middle States team report, which found a high level of performance at Genesee.

The Middle States action followed an intensive 18-month self-study process that culminated in a Middle States Commission team visit in early April. The eight-member team comprised of highly respected educational leaders led by retired Atlantic Cape Community College President Peter L. Mora Sr., examined the College's self-study prepared by 70+ faculty and staff members, as well as more than 900 pages of documentation about all areas of the College's academic program and administrative operations. Team members also met and interviewed several hundred faculty and staff members, students, advisory committee members and trustees.

Accreditation is a rigorous process in which external experts review every facet of a college's administrative, financial, academic and student services functions. The Middle States Commission, which has accreditation jurisdiction over about 525 colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic States and Caribbean, places an exceptionally high priority on continuous improvement. Colleges and universities accredited by Middle States are expected to demonstrate both good performance and meticulous strategies for ongoing evaluation and progress toward demanding new goals.

The Middle States Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies that oversee accreditation of the nation's 4,700+ colleges and universities. Colleges and universities must be accredited for their students to receive financial assistance, and only accredited colleges can receive public grants and contracts. Employers also see accreditation as a mark of quality, and an indication that employees' degrees are backed by high academic standards.

The Middle States Commission selected Genesee Community College as one of only 15 colleges and universities to "pilot" demanding new accreditation standards, which will take effect for all 525 Middle States colleges and universities next year. Of the 15 institutions in the pilot, only Genesee Community College and Union College (Schenectady) received commendations (official praise) for both the quality of their self-studies and final accreditation reports.

President James M. Sunser told trustees that the results of the accreditation process mean that Genesee will be viewed as an "exemplar" college throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

"I expect that other colleges and universities will be asking us for guidance and advice as they prepare to seek reaccreditation, and that faculty and staff leaders of our accreditation process will be called on to provide presentations to their peers at other colleges in the years ahead," he said.

Sunser said that the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and the community should be deeply proud of the reaccreditation and commendations: "This reflects on the caliber of the people here, and the many strengths of our College. It [reaccreditation] is an extraordinary accomplishment."

Three people have been arrested, all on Class B felony charges, following an investigation by the GC Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in the City of Batavia.

Jacklyn M. Ganzhorn, 30, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree -- heroin/fentanyl; and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (same drug).

Ganzhorn was arrested Wednesday afternoon by Batavia Police while they were investigating an unrelated matter.

She was jailed on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond.

Uniformed officers of the Batavia Police Department assisted Task Force members with the investigation.

Johnnie M. Watson, 34, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with three counts criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree -- "crack" cocaine; and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (same drug).

Watson was arrested Tuesday afternoon by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputies.

Watson is currently on parole.

He was jailed on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond.

Uniformed officers of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office assisted Task Force members with the investigation.

Edward J. "Jordan" White, 21, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree -- "crack" cocaine; and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (same drug).

White was arrested Tuesday afternoon by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies.

White, who is also currently on parole, was jailed on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond. 

Uniformed officers of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office assisted Task Force members with the investigation. The Task Force is comprised officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department.

Press release from the YWCA of Genesee County:

A man sets fire to his house while his girlfriend and her pets are inside. A husband kills his wife and then a state Trooper. These are just two recent incidents that should have everyone wondering why domestic violence – especially of this lethal caliber -- has to happen. What kind of fear must be instilled in these victims to keep them from reaching out for help?

As long as there is domestic violence – which can be verbal, emotional and/or physical and always involves control -- agencies such as ours will be here to help victims and survivors to move on with their lives. This may be an odd way to begin a thank-you letter, but these incidents need to be emphasized as the reality – or potential reality -- that many victims face. And YWCA of Genesee County is grateful to be able to serve them, thanks to the support of many local individuals, organizations and businesses. 

Coming off the heels of Women of Distinction Awards Gala, our signature event to honor people and the good works they do in the community, we are proud to have acknowledged so many fine contributors to society. It was a rewarding evening that highlighted people who work for racial justice, peace, advocacy, corporate social responsibility, economic empowerment or veterans.

We were also delighted to have received such amazing community support in the form of sponsorships and donations of time, money, goods and services. Being a major fundraiser for us, this event supplements agency funding to continue our work with domestic violence victims and to offer a 24-hour confidential crisis helpline and quality child care.

So this is a big Thank You to those people who opened up their hearts and their wallets to help make our event successful and, ultimately, contributed to the success of this community. This is also a reminder that Domestic Violence Awareness Month will be here before you know it (October) and we hope to see many participants at our second annual Stiletto & Sneaker 5K. It is a fun event with a certified course and a serious message of HOPE for anyone enduring domestic abuse. It takes off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 in front of YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia.

Lastly, if you or someone you know is in the midst of some kind of domestic trouble, whether it’s constant fighting, being isolated from family and friends, threats, physical injuries, living in fear or it’s just a feeling that something’s not right, please, please, please make a call. Our Care+Crisis Helpline is there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free and confidential, and that call just may save a life. (585) 344-4400 or (844) 345-4400.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Walton, executive director

A domestic incident on Miller Avenue in the city has prompted law enforcement to shut down the roadway to traffic. A male subject has barricaded himself inside a residence.

Batavia police and Sheriff's deputies are on scene, including the Sheriff's K-9 unit.

UPDATE 4:14 p.m.: Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance and the male subject retreated into the residence and is not responding to law enforcement efforts to communicate with him. Heubusch said they do not believe he has weapons or is a threat, but they closed the street in an "abundance of caution."

UPDATE 4:21 p.m.: The man is now in custody.

From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, at GO ART! 'twill be teatime for "children of all ages" with special guests the Queen of Hearts and the one and only Mad Hatter, fresh out of Wonderland for the afternoon to enjoy desserts and game playing.

The location is 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

There will also be crafts and more, including a Selfie Station for taking divine photographs.

Attendees under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult but at no additional cost.

Cost to attend this high tea is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

For more information and to register please visit www.goart.org/teainwonderland

Do feel free to dress up just for the fun of it. Hats are de rigueur; gloves optional.

(The Queen has tentatively promised not to shout "Off with their heads!" for the two hours she will be present, but we're keeping our fingers crossed just in case...you know the saw about "old habits." Predictably, we have little to gainsay re: the Mad Hatter's lack of lucidity. It is what it is...)

Press release:

The Alexander United Methodist Church invites children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old to attend its Vacation Bible School on July 22^nd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alexander United Methodist Church.

This farm-themed program, titled "Hay Day," will include a variety of activities including bible teaching, singing, games and crafts.  

Vacation Bible School, also known as VBS, has been a tradition in many local churches throughout Western NY. The program is designed to introduce children to the Bible and foster their relationship with God.

“We are so excited to host Hay Day this year. It is a fantastic program with a great message,” said Wendy Burkhart, AUMC youth and children’s director.

Preparation is currently underway at the Alexander church to transform the inside of the building into a farm and create a fun learning environment for those who attend.

“This is not only an opportunity for children to learn about the Bible, but it is a unique event that reaches out to the community and gets the entire congregation involved,” said Yohan Moon, AUMC pastor.

The church is located at 10540 Main St. in Alexander.

For more information, contact AUMC at 585-591-1765 or by email at aumcoffice1@rochester.twcbc.com

To learn more about other VBS programs in the region, visit http://www.fln.org/resources/vbs/

An ATV accident with injuries is reported in the area of Route 63 and Roanoke Road. Pavilion Fire Department is responding along with an engine from Le Roy and Mercy medics.

Press release:

UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute Batavia has added RapidArc technology to its linear accelerator, the machine that delivers beams of high-energy radiation to treat a variety of cancers.

With RapidArc, the radiation beam is shaped and reshaped to tumor’s contours as the treatment is delivered in a seamless 360-degree rotation of the machine. It allows the radiation to be delivered in small, multiple doses with increased precision.

For patients, this means that each treatment will take less time, alleviating the need to hold still for long periods, and the additional precision protects healthy tissue, leading to fewer side effects. This technology can be used for many types of cancer.

“RapidArc is a system that allows this dose to be delivered over a smooth rotation of the machine rather than what we call stop-and-shoot radiation treatment,” says Kevin Mudd, M.D., radiation oncologist at Wilmot Cancer Institute Batavia.

Typically, radiation treatments would require several movements of the treatment gantry, stopping each time to target the next portion of the tumor, which could take 10 minutes or more, Mudd says. RapidArc requires only one or two non-stop rotations of the machine to deliver the same treatment in less time — as little as two to four minutes.

That time difference can be very important for patients, who must lie completely still during treatment.

“Prostate cancer patients, for example, must receive their radiation treatments with a full bladder, and cutting their treatment time in half makes the experience much more comfortable,” says Megan Menzie, RTT, lead radiation therapist.

During its nonstop rotation, RapidArc automatically shapes the radiation beam to fit the contours of the tumor, keeping it tightly focused and protecting nearby healthy tissue. This precision is especially important for patients with head and neck cancers, for example, whose salivary glands, taste buds and spinal cord need to be protected.

“This is the only RapidArc between Buffalo and Rochester, and we’re pretty excited to have it here in Batavia,” Mudd says.

Press release:

The  47^th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held Thursday, July 20, at the Genesee County Fair.

The auction begins at 7 p.m. in the main show ring.

Market goats, lambs, steers and hogs raised and shown by local 4-H members will be auctioned by William Kent Inc. Registered buyers are invited to the buyers' dinner catered by the Red Osier Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Building on the fairgrounds.

Don’t miss your chance to bid on quality animals raised by 4-H youth.

Parking passes are available at the 4-H office, call 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

On Saturday, July 29^th there will be a 5K race during the Byron Heritage Day Festival.

Registration is 7 – 8:15 a.m. at Byron Community Park behind the Byron Fire Hall. The registration fee is $15 if paid by July 24th. Registration is $20 on race day. Family and school teams welcome -- discounts available. This race is for ages 8 and older. Rain or shine.

Register online at https://register-this.com/?raceid=20170729BYRN or pick up registration forms at Gillett’s Hardware, located at the Four Corners in Byron -- 6330 Townline Road.

First 30 pre-registered participants receive free T-shirts. The 5K race benefits the Byron Rescue Squad.

For more information call Laura at 585-548-2245.

Press release:

Remember to visit 4-H at the fair! This year’s 4-H fair theme is “4-H Grows Here” and local 4-H’ers have been working hard all year to show the community what 4-H means to them.

Check out the 4-H exhibits, club displays and animal shows at the Genesee County Fair July 17-22, held at the Genesee County Fairgrounds 5056 E. Main Street Road in Batavia. For more information about the Genesee County Fair visit: http://gcfair.com/

2017 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule

(Dates and times are subject to change)

Monday, July 17    

9 a.m.                   4-H Horse Show – English Classes (Horse Ring)

9 a.m.                   4-H Goat Show (Show Ring)

11 a.m.                 4-H Beef Cattle Show (Show Ring)

12 p.m.                 4-H Dairy Cattle Fitting Clinic & Contest

6:30 p.m.              Fair Parade – 4-H Theme “4-H Grows Here”                      

Tuesday, July 18   

9 a.m.                   4-H Horse Show – Western Classes (Horse Ring)

9 a.m.                   4-H Market Hog Show (Show Ring)

12 p.m.                 4-H Market Lamb Show (Show Ring)

6 p.m.                   4-H Rabbit Show (Merton Building)

6:30 p.m.              4-H Market Steer Show (Show Ring)                            

Wednesday, July 19

10 a.m.                 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

12 p.m.                 4-H Sheep Show (Show Ring)

5 p.m.                   4-H Hog Show (Show Ring)

6 p.m.                   4-H Poultry Show (Merton Building)                           

Thursday, July 20  

9 a.m.                   4-H Horse Show – Gymkhana Classes

9 a.m.                   4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Show Ring)

2 p.m.                   4-H Goat & Sheep Quiz Bowl Contest (Merton Building)

5:30 p.m.              4-H Market Animal Auction Buyer’s Dinner (Kennedy Building)

7 p.m.                   4-H Market Animal Auction (Show Ring)

Friday, July 21       

10 a.m.                 4-H Beef Cattle Judging Contest

12 p.m.                 4-H Livestock Costume Contest (Show Ring)

3 p.m.                   4-H Beaded Bracelets Activity with the FCS Club (Kennedy Building)

5:30 p.m.              4-H Tractor Driving Contest       

Saturday, July 22   

1 p.m.                   4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest

2 p.m.                   4-H Bandana Bracelets Activity with FCS Club (Kennedy Building)

2:30 p.m.              4-H Rabbit Knowledge Contest (Merton Building)

4 p.m.                   4-H Market Animal Master Showmanship Contest

Full daily events schedule of the Genesee County Fair is available at: http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx

A two-car accident is reported at Richmond Avenue and State Street. Police are on scene and Mercy medics are called for patient evaluation. City fire is also responding.

UPDATE 1:38 p.m.: City Engine 11 returning to service.