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Veronica Leigh Tangle, 16, of 75th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with second-degree attempted assault on a police officer, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. At 8:30 p.m. on July 4, law enforcement officers investigated a counterfeiting complaint at Darien Lake Theme Park. Veronica was arrested for allegedly attempting to head butt a police officer, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental justice. She was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed without bail. She was due back in court July 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Toni M. Morrison, 19, of Brockport, and three 17-year-old juveniles were arrested by State Troopers on July 2 for trespass after they were found on private property in Pembroke. They were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Pembroke Court on July 7.

Mark A. Gordon, 24, of Buffalo, was arrested by State Troopers on July 3 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after he was located parked on the roadway in the southbound lane on Westbrook Road. A multicolored smoking device with marijuana residue was allegedly observed on the floor in the back seat and the odor of marijuana emanated from the vehicle. Approximately one gram of marijuana was allegedly located in a container. Gordon was issued an appearance ticket, traffic tickets for unlicensed operator and stopping/parking on a highway returnable to the Town of Stafford Court on July 28.

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 12-16 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, located at 5056 E. Main Street Road in Batavia.

Genesee County 4-H Schedule (dates and times subject to change):

Tuesday, July 12th

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

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

2:30 p.m.                4-H Market Lamb Show (Show Ring)

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

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

Wednesday, July 13  

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

10 a.m.                    4-H Livestock Judging Contest (Show Ring)

1:30 p.m.                 4-H Breeding Sheep Show (Show Ring)

4:30 p.m.                 4-H Goat & Sheep Costume Contest (Show Ring)

4:30 p.m.                 4-H Cloverbud Activity (Kennedy Building)

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

6:30 p.m.                 4-H Rabbit Show (Merton Building)

6:30 p.m.                 4-H Poultry Show (Merton Building)

Thursday, July 14

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

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

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

5:30 p.m.                4-H Horse Hullabaloo Contest (Horse Ring)

5:30 - 7 p.m.           4-H Market Animal Auction Buyer’s Dinner (Kennedy Building)                       

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

Friday, July 15

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

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

12 p.m.                   4-H Livestock Skillathon (Location TBA)

1 p.m.                     4-H Sheep & Goat Obstacle Course Contest (Location TBA)

2 p.m.                     4-H Energy Bike Activity (Location TBA)

3 p.m.                     4-H Sheep Blocking and Trimming Contest (4-H Sheep Barn)

5:30 p.m.                4-H Tractor Driving Contest (Kennedy Building)

7 p.m.                     4-H Energy Bike Activity (Location TBA)

Saturday, July 16

10 a.m.                   4-H Horse Show – Gymkhana & Games Classes (Horse Ring)

12 p.m.                   High Tech S’mores with 4-H Biofuel Stove Activity (Location TBA)

2 p.m.                     4-H Fair Tour hosted by the Cloverbud Club, for youth ages 4 - 9

2 - 4 p.m.                4-H Vegetable Art Contest (Kennedy Building)

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

4 p.m.                     4-H Market Program Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)

5 p.m.                     4-H Livestock Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)

The complete 2016 Genesee County Fair Schedule is available online at: http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx

An accident with possibly serious injuries is reported at routes 20 and 63, Texaco Town. A semi-truck is on its side. The driver is out. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Power lines were damaged. National Grid is on scene. The state Department of Transportation was duly notified of the accident; no ETA provided.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: According to Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Seppala, preliminary indications are that a semi-truck hauling grain was southbound on Route 63 when it failed to stop at the light at the junction of Route 20 and struck a maroon Toyota mini-van that was westbound. Both the mini-van driver and a female front-seat passenger were conscious and alert when first responders arrived. The passenger was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. The driver was taken to Strong via ambulance. The big rig driver is now being evaluated at the scene. Two small dogs in the mini-van were uninjured and will be taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter and cared for until the owner can pick them up. Sgt. Seppala said it appears the semi-truck struck the mini-van and the momentum of the impact pushed the mini-van some distance from the point of impact. The truck continued southbound, then went off the west shoulder, struck a ditch and rolled over, coming to rest on its side. The State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit is en route to inspect the semi-truck to determine its mechanical soundness and whether it had mechanical problems.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: Pavilion assignment back in service. Roadways open.

UPDATE The driver and passenger in the van are identified as James R. Appenheimer, 70, and Arlene L. Appenheimer, 70, both from Easley, S.C. Both were transported to University of Rochester Medical Center, Arlene by Mercy Flight and James by Mercy EMS. The truck driver, Dale E. Hoover, 62, of Lititz, Pa., was city for allegedly failing to stop for a stop light.

Rodney A. Barber, 40, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor, and second degree criminal nuisance, a Class B misdemeanor.

Barber was arrested Friday morning after members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, along with Sheriff's deputies, Batavia Police officers and the Sheriff's K-9 "Destro" executed a search warrant on South Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be pending.

The task force is comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department.

Barber's arrest is the result of the task force's investigation into the sale and possession of cocaine in and around the Batavia area.

Calvin L. Mosher, 38, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; speeding (53 mph in 40-mph zone); unsafe start; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Mosher was stopped at 12:30 p.m. on Alleghany Road in Alabama for vehicle and traffic violations. The defendant was subsequently found to be operating a vehicle while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by suspected illicit drugs. Mosher was allegedly found in possession of a small quantity of suspected LSD and marijuana. He was issued traffic summons and appearance tickets and directed to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 9. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Nicholas D. Martino, 35, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was arrested at 6:12 p.m. on Bank Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly driving a silver van while his driver's license was suspended. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond and was due in court on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp. 

Eric Richard McWethy, 20, Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and having only one plate displayed on his vehicle, which was obstructed. He was arrested at 7:40 p.m. July 1 on Main Street, in Oakfield, after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. He was stopped for allegedly failing to display a properly affixed rear axle plate to the vehicle he was operating. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to Town of Oakfield Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

A golf-cart accident with injuries is reported in Le Roy at space #117 at Timberline Lake Campground Park, located at 8150 Vallance Road. Le Roy fire and ambulance service are responding.

The 38^th annual GO ART! Picnic in the Park will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Centennial Park, located at Richmond and Ellicott avenues in the city.

Arts, culture, heritage and community meld in celebration of Independence Day.

The Kiddie Parade kicks things off at 11:30 a.m. Children are encouraged to ride their bikes to the park by 11 a.m., decorate them with patriotic embellishments that will be provided, and open the festivities with a bicycle parade down Ellicott Avenue.

On the Main Stage, the lineup of featured performers is:

• Noon – The Batavia Concert Band
• 1:15 p.m. – The Buffalo Touch, Grammy-nominated polka band
• 2:30 p.m. Kelly’s Old Timers, performing square dancing & standards since 1950
• 4 p.m.: Conjunto Classico with Johnny Vega, Puerto Rican/Latin folkloric & dance music

New this year is “Airigami” – the fine art of molding air! Airigami is an incredible Rochester-based artist duo, Larry and Kelly, who, together with their skilled staff, create larger-than-life balloon sculptures that inspire awe in audiences worldwide.

They will set up in the park and create a one-of-a-kind balloon sculpture during the picnic. YOU will get to participate by helping blow up balloons and also sculpting them along with the artists.

Expect plenty of food and lots of fun. There will be artists, crafters and many vendors.

The main sponsor of this year’s event is the renowned Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford.

A truck driver was exposed to hazardous material at 127 W. Main St. in Le Roy. The county Hazmat Team and Le Roy fire are responding.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: The driver of a fuel tanker was exposed to pesticides.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: First responders were dispatched to a call for a person with trouble breathing, who had been exposed to some sort of hazardous material. It was later determined that the driver was unwittingly indirectly exposed to an herbicide known as "Razor Pearl" at a company's "Pearl Creek yard" in Pavilion. He subsequently was driving on West Main Street in Le Roy, stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and became ill and had trouble breathing, according to Le Roy First Assistant Fire Chief Tom Woods. The man then went into a nearby medical clinic thinking it was an urgent care facility. The staff provided immediate first aid to treat his symptoms, decontaminate him, and prevent exposure to others. "These people reacted to it," said Jerry Diskin, a coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services. "They really are not set up for all this, but they did find a place to have his clothes removed, get him decontaminated -- soap and water." Diskin added "There's nothing they wouldn't do" to help and within minutes of being asked, were able to provide responders with a Material Safety Data Sheet about the herbicide. Dr. Kellyrose Nichols recommended that the victim be evaluated and he was transported via ambulance to UMMC. There he will be more thoroughly decontaminated. 

A house fire is reported at 54 Hutchins St. Everybody is out of the house, according to a dispatcher. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: Fire under control; checking for extensions.

Photos submitted by Frank Capuano.

Press release:

Calling all eighth- through 11^th-graders, the Genesee County Youth Court is recruiting new members!

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. Three youth judges listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition. The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.  

Youth Court members learn about the judicial process & law enforcement; develop group decision making, leadership and public speaking skills; participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff.  

Genesee County eighth- through 11^th-graders who are interested can go online to download an application from the website www.co.genesee.ny.us , where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. Applications are due by Aug. 19. Interviews of potential candidates will take place during late summer/early fall with the training to begin in October.  

For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Elliott at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

Marlek E. Holmes, 42, of Niagara Street, Buffalo, is charged with: intimidating a victim or witness by instilling fear of physical injury; second-degree criminal contempt; and second-degree harassment -- threatening physical contact. Holmes was arrested at 10:10 a.m. on June 23 following a disruption during a court proceding in Genesee County Family Court wherein he allegedly threatened his ex-wife with physical harm. He was jailed and was to appear in Batavia City Court June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Chad N. Gibson, 26, of East Lee Road, Albion, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI per se -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a personal injury accident; and driving left of pavement markings. Gibson allegedly struck another vehicle while operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated at 12:27 a.m. on June 25. He then allegedly left the scene. He was subsequently arrested and jailed on $1,000 bail and was due in City Court June 27. The case was handled by Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Thomas T. Bennett, 51, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. At 6:12 p.m. on June 27, Bennett was arrested after an incident in which he allegedly grabbed a female's arm, took a phone out of her hand and then broke it in half. He was jailed on $1,000 bail and was due in City Court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Katelynn M. Higgins, 30, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on June 27 following an investigation of an incident that occurred at 11:50 p.m. on June 11 on Grandview Terrace in Batavia wherein Higgins allegedly struck a person with a shoe. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Joshua W. Eccleston, 32, of Winters Avenue, Mt. Morris, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested June 27 following an investigation into an incident that occurred at 11:30 p.m. on June 11 on Grandview Terrace in Batavia wherein Eccleston allegedly damaged a cell phone. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Donald J. Egan, 25, of Boardman Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. At 12:08 p.m. on June 28, Egan's vehicle was disabled at 26 W. Main St. in Batavia. While attempting to assist Egan, Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze observed a wooden billy club in between the driver door and the driver seat. Egan was arrested and issued a computer-issued appearance ticket for City Court on July 12.

Press release:

In celebration of its 200th anniversary next year, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, is sponsoring a Photo Contest open to all ages.

Considered the most photographed building in Genesee County, St. Mark’s has a beautiful natural setting above Oatka Creek with architecture in the English Gothic style.

The sanctuary of St. Mark’s Church will be open to photographers for interior photos from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, during Le Roy’s Oatka Festival.

The sanctuary will again be open to photographers from 1 to 3 p.m. on on Saturday, Dec. 17, when the church will be decorated for Christmas.

Photographers may enter up to two photos of the interior or exterior of the church. Photos may be black and white or color, may be digitally enhanced and must be received in an 11 x 14” frame, ready to hang. The photographer’s name must only appear on the back of the frame.

Photo entries will be received at 58 on Main, Le Roy, from Jan. 2 through Jan. 7.

A wine and cheese reception will open the show of photographs at 58 on Main at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. Photographs will be on display at 58 on Main until Saturday, Feb. 4, and then will move to the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy from Feb. 6^th through March 31^st. At both locations, people will have a chance to vote on their favorite photograph.

The show of photographs will be on display in St. Mark’s during the month of April.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories. The Judges’ Prize will be selected by a panel of three judges, and a winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Rowe Photo and a 16 x 20” custom print by 58 on Main. The Peoples’ Choice Award will be chosen by ballots available at 58 on Main and the Woodward Memorial Library, and the winning photo will be used on commemorative ornaments to be sold by St. Mark’s during the anniversary year. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to D&R Depot restaurant along with three ornaments.

Complete contest rules will be posted on St. Mark’s website at www.stmarks-leroy.org

Information and complete details about the contest will be available at www.stmarks-leroy.org, at the Oatka Festival, and in the church.

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 26^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

To ensure that we have enough, if you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.  

At the time the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, a patchwork of laws existed to protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities only in certain situations, such as access to airports, fairness in housing, and non-discrimination by federally funded institutions.

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections. This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

A child may have an injury and will need evaluation by medics following a two-vehicle accident at Colby and Sumner roads. Darien fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: An adult female is complaining of mild back pain and a child has arm pain.

A child is reportedly injured after a car accident at 300 Ellicott St. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: This was a mini-van vs. semi-truck accident. The passenger vehicle was northbound on Liberty Street and the semi-truck was westbound on Ellicott. Three witnesses told responders the passenger vehicle failed to stop at the red light. The vehicles clipped one another as a result. The child inside the mini-van was not injured and "was ambulatory" when medics arrived, but a front-seat passenger was taken to UMMC for evaluation. 

UPDATE 11:29 a.m.: At the same location, there is now a report of a truck that hit a power line "and something else" and now the caller can smell natural gas. City fire dispatched.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on July 1^st and will end on July 5^th. The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. This year the 4^th of July falls on a Monday, so we expect heavy traveling to begin on Thursday, June 30^th and festivities to begin on Friday, July 1^st and run through Tuesday, July 5^th.

Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks, but all too often the festivities turn tragic on the nation's roads. The fact is, this iconic American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk-driving crashes. According to data from NHTSA, during July 4th holiday period over the five years (from 2010 to 2014), 752 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .08 or more.

These fatalities account for 42 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over this same five-year period. The New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to aggressively target those who put lives in danger.

Genesee County Undersheriff Bill Sheron wants you to know “The fourth of July holiday is for family gathering and celebration, let’s keep our families together, please celebrate responsibly.”

The July Fourth Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

A man fell and struck his head on a trailer hitch and is now unresponsive at a trailer park on Main Street Road in Batavia. East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS are responding.