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The debut of a community blood drive dubbed "The Battle of the Badges" will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, at Quality Inn & Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia.

It's being presented by Tompkins Financial for the American Red Cross.

The question looms: Who will be the 2016 First Responder Champion for the premiere of this contest?

A Trooper? Sheriff's Deputy? A city or village Police Officer? City firefighter? A volunteer for a town fire department? A Mercy EMS technician? Ambulance personnel?

All help save lives on the job and by donating blood, they help save lives off the job, too.

For appointments, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or sign up online at redcrossblood.org

Press release:

Employees of community service agencies and professionals are wanted to provide their expertise to help our communities become healthier. 

The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County health departments, along with United Memorial Medical Center and Orleans Community Health are updating the Community Health Improvement Plan and Community Services Plans.

They invite you to participate in a conversation to help shape future efforts to imporve current health concerns. Bring your suggestions for how challenges can be met!

There will be a forum to discuss challenges and options from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the Genesee County Building #2 -- Foyer Conference Room, on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Light refreshments will be provided.

To attend, please RSVP by Aug. 2 to:

Colleen.Bober@co.genesee.ny.us

Press release:

The GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee is pleased to announce that it will hold a single Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday, Sept. 17, in Batavia.

Funding is provided by GLOW’s County contributions and a grant from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation with assistance from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and Covanta Niagara. Residents from Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties are eligible to participate.

Materials accepted include household cleaning products, pesticides/insecticides, oil base paint/stains, vehicle batteries and fluids (except motor oil), oil filters, pool chemicals, driveway sealer and home computers, TVs & microwaves FREE OF CHARGE. (NOTE: NO MORE THAT TWO (2) CRT TVs AND/OR MONITORS PER REGISTRANT CAN BE ACCEPTED.)

Passenger/light truck tires will be accepted for $4 each and truck tires for $10.

For the seventh year, pharmaceutical waste -- outdated, unwanted or unusable medicines -- will be accepted.

Items that will not be accepted include latex paint, used motor oil, empty containers, asbestos and household batteries.

Appointments are required on a first come, first serve basis. A total of 600 spots are available. Details and additional information can be obtained by calling the GLOW office at 585/815-7906 or 800/836-1154 or 585/344-2580, ext. 5463.

“Collections such as this provide residents with an excellent opportunity to safely dispose of materials they no longer want or need and that have the potential to harm the human and environmental health," said Peggy Grayson, GLOW’s recycling administrator.

"The addition of medicines helps not only the environment but other sectors of the community such as law enforcement and the public. The GLOW Committee is happy to offer the collection of medicines to the program and hopes that residents will take full advantage of the opportunity to rid their homes of these hazards."

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the thefts of several all-terrain vehicles.

At least 10 four-wheel ATVs and one Kubota side-by-side full cab have been reported stolen.

These vehicles inlcude two child-sized models as well.

The ATVs have been moved with and without the key. The thefts have occurred throughout most of Genesee County within the past month.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in reporting any suspicious activity or individuals involved in the larcenies.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Genesee County Sheriff's office at (585) 343-5000. Information provided may remain confidential.

Press release:

For the second year in a row, local health care organizations, Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center and Oak Orchard Health will be hosting an event for breastfeeding mothers that will attempt to break international records as well as raise awareness on the important health benefits of breastfeeding.

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their children are invited to attend the event that will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank St. in Batavia on Friday, Aug. 5.

It's part of the Global Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event that will include thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world. In addition to the 10:30 a.m. count, the Latch On event at the Jerome Center will also have Foodlink’s Curbside Mobile Market, a baby clothing swap, refreshments, freebies, face painting, car seat check, and door prizes.

Anyone who wishes to donate gently used baby clothing for the swap can drop it off at Oak Orchard Health WIC at 314 Ellicott St. in Batavia by Aug. 4 or bring it to the event. Attendees can register at the event or pre-register at www.biglatchon.org

The Global Big Latch On was organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action as part of World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness on the important health benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of children, and children who are not breastfed are at increased risk of infant morbidity and mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby's life to optimize these benefits, continuing to breastfeed for 2 years and as long thereafter as is mutually desired by a woman and her child. World Breastfeeding Week will take place Aug. 1-7.

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been notified that our AmeriCorps application has been approved for another year of funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

As a result of this good news, we have begun planning for year 13 of our program, which will start on Oct. 1. As part of this process, nonprofit and government agencies are invited to attend an information session to receive details about AmeriCorps.

Presentations are being held at the Hoag Library in Albion on July 25, the Wyoming County Agriculture and Business Center in Warsaw on July 26 and the Genesee County Senior Center, located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wedensday, July 27.

Organizations have utilized AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments include activities that fall under one or more of these focus areas: healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth, environmental stewardship education and agency capacity building. Host sites complete a proposal that outlines the duties for each position. Members can create new programs or enhance existing services, and their work can benefit different parts of your agency. 

Proposals requesting members to begin serving this fall are due by Aug. 19. Member recruitment and selection will begin after that date. Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us for more details about the information sessions or to discuss options for your organization.

Jeremy Michael Depasquale, 26, of Pixley Hill Road, Scio, is charged with false personation. At 6:15 p.m. on July 22, a dump truck was stopped on Route 33 in the Town of Pembroke for an equipment violation. Investigation revealed that the driver's license was suspended. The defendant who was the owner of the dump truck arrived on scene and allegedly identified himself to officers with a false name in an attempt to make officer believe that he possessed a commerical driver's license to drive the truck. Depasquale was arrested, arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court, and jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Trooper Kosowski and Trooper Hansel.

Michael Shawn McKenzie, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. At 7:50 p.m. on July 23, McKenzie was arrested for second-degree harassment following a physical distrubance at the Genesee County Jail. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 25 in City of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

The Governor has signed into law amendments to the Vehicle and Traffic Law extending the current "Move-Over" law which require drivers approaching stopped police, emergency or hazard vehicles with their lights flashing to slow down and, if on a divided highway, to move over at least one lane away from that vehicle if traffic conditions allow. Below is a summary of these amendments, which become effective Jan. 17 (180 days after new law was signed).

It is important to understand that the purpose of this law is to increase the safety of those people who are working on the shoulder and along the edge of the road. Slowing down and putting distance between your passing vehicle and people in close proximity to any road increases the time you have to react.

However, moving over should never endanger others on the highway. Sudden movement or braking in an attempt to "move over" when it is not safe to do so must be avoided. When you see emergency or hazard lights ahead, immediately assess the traffic around you and plan a safe and gradual movement while using proper signals.

Our roads and highways are a wonderful convenience but they are also one of the most dangerous places to be. Please put away all distraction and concentrate on the very serious task of driving.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble

From the Law Offices of Mark C. Butler, PLLC, Williamsville

Client Advisory Regarding New "Move Over" Law for Parked, Stopped or Standing Vehicles Displaying a Blue or Green Light:

Dear Client:

Yesterday (July 21) the Governor signed into law amendments to the Vehicle and Traffic Law ("VTL") extending the current "Move-Over" law, which requires drivers approaching stopped police, mergency or hazard vehicles with their lights flashing to slow down and, if on a divided highway, to move over at least one lane away from that vehicle if traffic conditions allow.

The new provisions extend that law to vehicles operated by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers involved in roadside emergency operations, which are displaying revolving blue or green lights as authorized by law.

The law amends three sections of the VTL, principally section 1144-a by creating a new subsection (c) that requires in relevant part "Every operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vehicle displaying a blue light ... or a green light ... which is parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder or any portion of such highway. For operators of motor vehicles on parkways or controlled access highways, such due care shall include, but not be limited to, moving from a lane which contains or is immediately adjacent to the should where such vehicle displaying a blue light or a green light ... [that] is parked, stopped or standing to another lane..."

(The new law is included in Chapter 97 of the Laws of 2016.)

The letter continues...

Our counsel is that this new law should be read narrowly: that it applies ONLY to fire and EMS vehicles with an authorized blue or green light as the case may be which are PARKED, STOPPED or STANDING. This law does NOT apply to such vehicles while moving!

As with the original "Move-Over" law, a violation can result in a fine between $150 and $400 and/or up to 45 days imprisonment as well as DMV administrative penalities.

Press release:

The American Legion Post 576 Le Roy is seeking nominations for the 48th annual LeRoyan of the Year award. Deadline is Aug. 26th.

The Botts Fiorito Legion Post is asking that each club, church, society and organization submit an applicant to be considered as the 2016 Le Royan of the Year.

The Le Royan Award Program honors a man, woman or child who exemplifies: 

1.  The true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country regardless of race, color or creed. 

2.  Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.

3.  Service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments.

Applications for the award can be picked up at the American Legion Home.

Mail applications to: 
American Legion Post 576 
Attn:  Jerry Diskin 
53 W. Main St. Le Roy, NY 14482 

Tonight’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and State College Spikes has been postponed due wet and unsafe field conditions.

This game will be made up as part of a double header on Tuesday, July 26^th. We will play two seven innings games, with the first game starting at 11:05 p.m. Gates will open at 10 a.m. Any person with tickets to tonight’s game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability. 

The Batavia Lions Club bike raffle that was originally scheduled for tonight will be rescheduled at a to-be-determined home game.

Danielle S. Cervone, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. She was arrested at 1 p.m. on July 21 at 40 Batavia City Centre, Batavia, for allegedly stealing about $5,000 from her employer, JCPenney,  over a period of time. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance and is due in City Court at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Madalyn R. Muntz, 30, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; operating without stop lamps; and having suspended registration -- failure to turn in plates to DMV. At 9:35 a.m. on July 20, Muntz was stopped on Ross Street in Batavia for a traffic infraction. The registration to her vehicle was also found to be suspended. Further investigation allegedly revealed that Muntz possessed drug paraphernalia and a wallet that belonged to a coworker, which had been reported stolen to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on June 3. Followin arraignment, she was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police OfficerFrank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Breanna M. Smith, 22, of Lake Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: making a punishable false written statement; conspiracy in the sixth degree; falsely reporting an incident in the third degree; insurance fraud in the third degree; and third-degree grand larceny. She was arrested following an investigation into a report at 12:45 p.m. on July 1 that her vehicle had been stolen on East Main Street in Batavia. She was arraigned, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart.

Lewis C. Rhodes, 37, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and first-degree criminal contempt. At 7:02 a.m. on July 24, Rhodes was arrested as the result of an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Summit Street a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Adam D. Smart, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at about 8 p.m. on July 23 after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Raymond Avenue a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Darien L. Rhodes, 23, of 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree harassment, and first-degree criminal contempt -- physical contact. At 11:32 p.m. on July 19, Rhodes was arrested as the result of an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Dellinger Avenue a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then released on his own recognizance. He was due in City Court July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Erics Foels.

Glenn H. Quintern, 57, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 6:23 a.m. on July 23 after an investigation into the alleged violation of a court order. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Elmore, 25, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate at 9 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street in Batavia. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on July 23 and jailed on $500 cash or $2,000 bond. He was due this afternoon in City Court to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Holly H. Miller, 32, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- using a credit card, and unlawful possession of personal identification in the third degree -- for the commission of a crime. Miller was arrested for allegedly stealing a DSS case worker's credit card information and it the purchase food and personal items at 9:30 p.m. on May 25. She was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in City Court on Sept. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jason M. Hirtreiter, 29, of Catherine Street, Medina, is charged with criminal tampering and petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:15 a.m. on July 19 on North Street in Batavia, arraigned at 8:31 a.m. and then jailed on $2,500 bail. He was due back in court that day at 1:30 p.m. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Jolynn M. Gorski, 36, of Chandler Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. She was arrested at 9:40 p.m. on July 21 on Washington Avenue in Batavia. Gorski was allegedly found behind the wheel of a vehicle in the drive-thru of M&T Bank, apparently asleep. She was issued an appearnce ticket and in due in City Court on Aug. 17 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Police Sgt. Chris Camp.

Marcus L. Viverette, 28, of Elk Street, Rochester, was arrested on July 23 by the Le Roy Police Department. Viverette was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Viverette was arrested after allegedly threatening the life of the victim during a phone call earlier this month. Viverette was arraigned in front of the Honorable Judge Sehm and is being held at the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail and $3,000 bond. Viverette is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18 to answer to the charge. 

Danny D. Williams Sr., 27, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on July 20 on Maple Street in Batavia following an incident wherein he allegedly spit on a person. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for Aug. 2 and released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Nathan M. Payne, 21, of Corfu, was arrested at 10:51 p.m. on July 24 for unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop for speeding (47 mph in a 35-mph zone) on State Route 33. Corfu Police Officer Michael Petritz allegedly detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from Payne's vehicle. Payne was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 1 in Darien Town Court to answer the charges.

Tyler A. Stoddard, 21, of Meiser Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on July 16 on Ellicott Street in Batavia for allegedly stealing $1.49 worth of merchandise from a local business. Stoddard was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Melissa R. Piazza, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. She was arrested at 12:15 a.m. on July 14 on Jefferson Avenue, Batavia, after allegedly failing to appear for a City Court date on July 19. She was jailed, posted bail, and is set to return to City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Jeri M. Diaz, 36, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on an active bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that Diaz failed to appear for a court date in March. She was arraigned, released, and was due in City Court on July 21. The case was handled by Batava Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Tyanna D. Green, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to pay a fine. She is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batava Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Two people were arrested by deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and put in jail during the Disturbed concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday, July 24. They are:

Ryan J. Budnik, 28, of Berkshire Drive, Rochester, was arrested for trespassing after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being advised not to return. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

Richard J. Lewis, 37, of Pintail View, Walworth, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly entering the backstage area of the concert venue and punching an employee. Lewis was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

The following people were arrested and issued appearance tickets to be in Darien Town Court at 4 p.m. on Aug. 2:

Michael S. Prinz, 20, of Route 237, Stafford, was arrested for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana after driving into the Darien Lake concert venue while allegedly impaired by drugs and while in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

A 16-year-old from Le Roy was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

A 17-year-old from Orchard Park was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing Adderall (not prescribed) and a quantity of marijuana.

Jeremy T. Maliszewski, 18, of Fisher Road, West Seneca, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Damien R. Koch Jr., 18, of Vanderbelt Street, Lovejoy, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Sean H. Pfeiffer, 18, of Indian Church Road, West Seneca, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Brendan T. Fitzpatrick, 20, of Whittier Road, Spencerport, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Dustin J. Houghton, 25, of Ridge Road, Webster, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after being told not to return.

John F. Jacobsen, 42, of Hamburg Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after being told not to return.

Grace A. Lotz, 35, of Clinton Street, Attica, was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument after allegedly possessing suboxone and a hypodermic syringe and needle.