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A two-car accident with minor injuries, blocking traffic, is reported in Oakfield at North Main Street and Farnsworth Avenue. Oakfield fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

Many free activities and giveaways are planned for the Mexican-themed spring Family Night for Batavia Middle School students and their families from 5 to 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, March 31.

With a focus on opportunities for parents to learn how to support their child’s learning, the evening will include a variety of FREE options-- a Rancho Viejo taco dinner, demonstrations by Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics, book giveaways, raffles featuring local businesses, yoga lessons, a piñata guessing game, sombrero making, and information from Richmond Memorial Library and the Civil Air Patrol.

"Which came first, Vibrant Batavia? Or the Summit Street Neighborhood Group?" asked Batavia City Councilman John Canale following a presentation about Vibrant Batavia at Monday night's meeting.

There was no action taken on anything concerning Vibrant Batavia. But the issue of whether to continue funding for the 2017-18 fiscal year will need to be addressed at some point. The next city council meeting is April 18. 

Canale was asking Don and Pam Hiron, who have lived for 35 years at 137 Summit St. Don spoke in praise of the community-building initiative, heretofore coordinated by Leanne DiRisio, prior to the council meeting. DiRisio is leaving her part-time job to start a new business in the Masonic Temple Downtown next the Charles Men's Shop.

"The drug problem came first," replied Pam from the audience.

Plagued by shady goings-on and concerned about an upswing in crime in their neighborhood, the Hirons and other residents formed a concerned citizens group. Then in April 2014, they reached out to City Hall to find solutions. They were put in contact with Batavia PD and DiRisio and they worked in tandem to improve conditions.

"Leanne helped us formulate our goals and helped behind the scenes," Don said.

There were meet-and-greets, which were well attended, and included the presence of firefighters and police officers. Newcomers get gift baskets and those who live on the street get their very own specially designed keychain.

"We succeeded in shutting down several drug houses and improving the quality of life, restoring a sense of pride, regardless of age, nationality, race, religion," Don Hiron said, "and made new friends, rekindled old friendships. Was it worth the investment? Yes."

City Manager Jason Molino said Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) funds have paid for the 30-hour-per-week Community Coordinator position.

The total funding for Vibrant Batavia is about $45,000 annually, and in addition to the coordinator's salary, it covers the costs of community events and communications.

For the upcoming fiscal year, 2016-17, there's still $25,000 intact from the 2016 allocation, and Molino proposes bridging the gap by auctioning a city-owned foreclosed house at 109 Walnut St.

"It's not like a lot of foreclosed homes; it has value, it's not in bad shape," Molino said, of the three-bedroom, 1.5-bath abode, which he estimates might fetch $25,000 to $35,000.

The auction is in three weeks. If it sells for much less -- say $20,000 -- then plans for Vibrant Batavia would have to be scaled back accordingly.

But funding Vibrant Batavia in this fashion is not something to be done "year after year," Molino told the council.

"An auction is not going to produce revenue to fund this project every year," Molino said, adding that you also "can't grant fund your way through."

The job is a contractual one with Rochester-based NeighborWorks; it is not local municipal employment, but Batavia stills pays part of the contract.

Some residents have been vocal in their oppostion to public funding for Vibrant Batavia, launched in 2012 with the aim of eventually becoming self-funding.

"There was a very emotional discussion last year," Council President Eugene Jankowski said. "We need to remember the other 50 percent who aren't in favor of funding it."

He said groups like the Lions Club or Kiwanis Club do good works in the community with volunteers and private donations, without taxpayers' money.

Molino said Vibrant Batavia is not correctly characterized as "a service club initiative."

"It's a policy choice," Molino said, that some people would make because they believe over the course of time it strengthens neighborhoods and adds market value to properties.

"However you see fit to proceed as a group is up to you," Molino said, noting that the previous resolution authorizing funding is not binding to the current council.

"We will take ownership of whatever we decide to do," Jankowski assured Molino.

Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian questioned why, if Vibrant Batavia made $135,000 during 2015 as noted during DiRisio's presentation, that money can't be used to fund the coordinator's job.

Molino replied that it can't because the funds were specifically raised to pay for Centennial-related expenses -- the Time Capsule, the Sun Dial at City Hall, the Parade, commemorative coffee mugs, sweatshirts, Centennial party food and refreshments, etc.

Councilman Brooks Hawley praised DiRisio and called for a round of applause for her efforts. Likewise, Councilwoman Patti Pacino said she is so proud of what has been achieved to date, and just looking around on Bank Street, Tracy Avenue, Ross Street and State Street, for example, shows that changes for the better are being made.

"It is sparking out," Pacino said, people are painting, clipping bushes, growing flowers. "It is a growing thing that started in a small place."

Canale said he is a proponent of Vibrant Batavia and that the Summit Street model, known as a "targeted investment," is one that needs to be followed and more such groups need to be created.

Christian said she and others in the Sixth Ward tried three or four times, without success, in getting people together for events.

"This model won't work in every neighborhood," Molino said. "It's more likely to work in transitional neighborhoods that could go either way."

DiRisio said the point to remember about Summit Street is "The residents here have proven there's skin in the game. There's momentum. Why put up a wall?"

Jankowski asked staff to include the previous resolution for funding Vibrant Batavia in the next agenda packet so the council can refamiliarize themselves with it.

He said he wants constiuents to call or otherwise contact their representatives to let their wishes be known.

Press release:

Living Waters Church in Le Roy has more than 400 beautiful prom dresses (more than Kohl's, JC Penneys, and Macy's combined!) on hand for this Saturday's free prom dress giveaway called "Girls Helping Girls."

The dresses are either brand new or gently used, but all beautiful, with a terrific assortment of sizes.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and it runs until 1 p.m., at 30 Main St. in Downtown Le Roy (the former Movie Theater). Anyone with questions can call the church office at 768-7570 or check the Web site at www.livingwatersleroy.org

This idea was birthed out of compassion a number of years ago and suggested by Valerie Moore who thought about the families whose finances are tight and would rather not spend money on a dress that will be worn only once, and the event has grown each year. The first year there were about 75 dresses.

In the last few years, some families have insisted on making donations, so the church decided to keep "paying it forward" by sending any donations received to the House of Hope being built in Moshi, Tanzania, as a refuge for girls there who would be otherwise destined for a life of sex slavery or child marriage. We want to emphasize, however, that these dresses are available completely free -- no expectations attached!

Information provided by the VA Public Affairs Office:

Today at 2 p.m. at the VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, there will be a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration. It will take place in the auditorium of Building #4.

The guest speaker will be Mr. Vincent Schollard, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1966-68) as a Navy Corpsman. Vietnam Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend to share camaraderie. Refreshments will be served afterward.

VA Western New York Healthcare System is a Federal commemorative partner for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. One of the main objectives of these events is to give a long overdue thanks to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families, including personnel who were held prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.

The Commemoration will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Additionally, it will mark advances in technology, science and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War. Lastly, the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices made by our allies will be recognized.

To fulfill President’s Lincoln’s mission to our Veterans and their families "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” after each commemoration several VA representatives will be on hand and ready to provide information and answers to questions about VA health care enrollment and other Veterans benefits to include disability claims, employment and educational opportunities, and National Cemetery internment. Many Veterans are still unaware of VA benefits they have earned or may be in need of updated information to qualify and use these benefits.  

Here's the lineup of the event in Batavia:

Invocation -- Father Ivan Trujillo, VA Western NY Healtchcare System

Presentation of Colors -- Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County

"Star-spangled Banner" -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia

Pledge of Allegiance 

Welcome -- Brian Stiller, Medical Director, VA Western NY Healtchcare System

Keynote Address -- Vincent Schollard, former Navy Corpsman

Musical Tribute -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia

Vietnam Veterans Pin Presentation 

Echo Taps -- Frank Panepento & Tom Cecere

Benediction -- Father Ivan Trujillo

For additional information please contact the VA Public Affairs Office at (716) 862-8753/8754.

Press release:

The School Library System (SLS), a program of the Le Roy-based Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (the Partnership) was awarded a three-year, $150,000 New York State learning technologies grant. The first year of the grant will be implemented at Batavia Middle School.

The GAME Tech Project (Genesee Advancing Mathematics and English Language Arts with Technology) will increase student academic achievement as measured by New York State assessments in Mathematics and English Language Arts by providing opportunities for students to engage in learning content through technology in a way that is meaningful and authentic, enabling students to solve problems and be creative.

SLS staff will focus on the underlying skills of computational thinking to prepare students and teachers for success in computer programming and other STEM work. SLS staff will provide professional development opportunities to improve student performance through integration of learning technologies in classrooms and school library media centers. In subsequent years, the grant will be expanded to include all Partnership component school districts.

Over the next three years, the SLS staff will work with member librarians and teachers in elementary and middle schools to implement a program of technology professional development and classroom implementation built around analog play for digital success. These kits will include LightUp and Little Bits sets for circuit design and electronics problem solving; games and other resources for computer programming, LEGO WeDo and Mindstorms kits for robotics development; and audio and video kits for media production. By starting with analog resources like games and toys, SLS staff will help teachers build confidence and comfort within STEM fields. 

“The Partnership is excited to be able to expand offerings to our component schools districts through the Game Tech Grant. The focus will be on preparing students to be creative and possess analytical, problem solving and communication skills. Game design, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and design tech are career fields aligned with the scope of the work,” said Julie Donlon, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Improvement.

The Partnership SLS is uniquely suited to implement the GAME Tech project given their long history of working with games as curriculum aligned instructional resources. The SLS Game Library, launched in 2007, is the largest K-12 aligned library of games in the country. Christopher Harris, director of the Partnership SLS, will be the principal investigator working alongside Library/Technology specialists Brian Mayer from the Game Library and Liesl Toates, who coordinates technology professional development and the Media Library. 

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The School Library System and Distance Learning Service are programs of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Press release:

The third annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show takes place this weekend April 1-3 at the Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street in the City of Batavia.

More than 60 area businesses will be displaying their products and services at the Home Show and offering home improvement tips and suggestions on a face-to-face basis to the general public that attends.

“Our first two Home Shows have been tremendous successes and we have just continued to build on that success this year,” said Chamber President Tom Turnbull.      

The Home Show will be open Friday, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is $3, and children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discount $1 off admission coupons are available at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, or at any of the participating businesses.

There will also be a drawing for a $500 gift certificate that can be used at any of the participating Home Show businesses. The drawing will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. The winner need not be present.

Food concessions will be provided by the award-winning restaurant Alex’s Place.

A complete list of participating businesses and a map of the booth layout is available at www.geneseeny.com/homeshow. For more information call the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440. 

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, for a program on “Better Garden Photography."

Have you ever visited and photographed a gorgeous garden, but were later disappointed with your photos? In this presentation, Master Gardener Brenda Fox will cover many subjects including the impact of light, and elements of composition such as balance, contrast, perspective and color. Brenda will also discuss some useful techniques such as the rule of thirds, framing, and the effect of lines.

All topics will be beautifully illustrated with photos of garden scenes. These practical tips will improve your photos in (and out!) of the garden.

This class will be held at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration has been extended to April 4.

Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by our office to register. Visit our Web site at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information. Like us on our Facebook page for program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee

Press release:

The City Of Batavia Water Department will be making a repair on a broken water service line on Vernon Avenue Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock.

Water service should not be interrupted to make this repair. Vernon Avenue will be closed from Main Street to Richmond Avenue so repairs can be made.

Below are the results of the March 12 city property auction, according to City Manager Jason Molino.

At tonight's 7 o'clock City Council Conference Meeting, the councilmembers will vote on a resolution to authorize the council president to sign agreements for the sale of property sold at the auction.

They are all parcels of vacant land.

• 26-28 and 30 Hutchins Place -- Sold to Christopher Hallifax, of Gasport, for $1,000. There were no back taxes as the property was City owned.
• Bank Street -- A parcel adjacent to 375 Bank St. sold for $300 to Betty Russo. Back taxes amounted to $263.02 and she was the only bidder. Her property is next to this land (Parcel No. 71.020-1-12).
• Evergreen Drive, rear -- Sold to Donald Childs of 12 Evergreen Drive for $1,100. Back taxes were $166.22. His property is next to this property (Parcel No. 71.020-1-81).
• 28 Franklin St., rear -- Sold to Donna Howard of 28 Franklin St. for $650. Back taxes were $424.43. Her property is next to this land.

Total proceeds were $3,050. Total back taxes were $853.67. Net proceeds: $2,196.33.

Rae C. Cook, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with illegal disposal of items. Cook was arrested following an investigation into an illegal dumping complaint. At 1 p.m. on March 17, Cook was observed by a neighbor allegedly depositing refuse onto the neighbor's private property. Cook was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Damien A. Boyd, 32, of Meadville Road, Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. The charges on March 23 stem from a warrant that was issued as a result of an incident on Aug. 25 wherein Boyd was allegedly found to be in possession of heroin, needles and several small plastic bags for packaging narcotics. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

J'shon K. Naegely, 19, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Naegely was arrested March 26 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Naegely failed to appear in court on a charge on Jan. 15 of criminal possession of stolen property. Naegely was jailed on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tina R. Ayala, 48, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Dollar General at 12:45 p.m. on March 24. Ayala received an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

At 1:06 p.m. on Sunday March 27 the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call concerning a motor vehicle collision that occurred at 4746 Barrville Road in the Town of Elba.

A northbound vehicle went off the east shoulder of Barrville Road and struck a parked vehicle at that address. The operator of the vehicle then fled the scene.

The suspect was tracked for several hours and later arrested at an address on North Bergen Road in the Town of Byron.

The suspect, Arnoldo Gregorio Lopez, 23, of North Bergen Road, faces Vehicle and Traffic charges of unlicensed operator, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle, improper plates, moving from lane unsafely, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

He was arraigned in the Town of Oakfield Court by Justice Baker and remanded to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office was assisted by members of the State Police, Medina Police Department's K-9 and a State Police K-9.

(For initial report, click here: http://www.thebatavian.com/node/129152/edit)

A little friendly competition among law enforcement officers for a good cause is planned starting April 1st at Batavia Cross Training, 34 Swan St., Batavia.

New owner Jessica Pratt is opening the doors to all Batavia City Police officers, Le Roy Police officers and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. No need to sign up! This is for two months of unlimited classes. Donations are accepted and will benefit the family of late local hero Frank Bordonaro, a Sheriff's deputy who died in service to the citizens of Genesee County.

The competition workout will be the "Memorial Day Murph." It will be held at the end of May for everyone to compete against one another.

"Please take full advantage of this event!" says Pratt.

For more information, call Pratt at 813-2369.

Tre'Shaun Diamond Perry, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The subject was arrested today after an incident at 10:10 p.m. on March 24 at College Village. It is alleged Perry pushed a safety officer while in a building at College Village. Perry was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Brandon Thomas Beard, 21, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while ability impaired by drugs and driver's view obstructed. On March 26, at 8:41 p.m., the defendant was stopped following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation on Clinton Street Road, Town of Bergen. He was arrested after allegedly possessing marijuana and driving while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by drugs. He was released on appearance tickets and is to return to Town of Bergen Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

A male driver fled on foot following a two-car accident at 4746 Barrville Road, Elba. Sheriff's deputies are responding, along with Elba fire and Mercy medics. The fleeing suspect is described as "possibly Mexican," wearing a green and white polo shirt.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: There was only one vehicle involved. It is parked on the front lawn of the Barrville Road address. A relative of the caller is said to have seen the suspect enter into some nearby woods.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: A Chrysler mini-van with two Hispanic males inside was stopped in the area and a State Trooper was going to attempt to run the occupants' IDs when one of them fled the vehicle and ran off. Not known if the incident is related to the Barrville Road accident, but law enforcement had a perimeter around the accident scene and were looking for a suspect when this occurred.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: A passerby told officers a Hispanic male ran past his house in the 4700 block of North Byron Road, heading north toward Watson Road. Law enforcement is en route to search the area.

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: Officers are still searching for the suspect, heading in a north-northeasterly direction.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: A canine unit reports finding fresh tracks.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The suspect has been apprehended and officers are preparing paperwork for his arraignment in court.

Three white males in a white Jeep are reportedly on the railroad tracks, west of Wilkinson Road. The location is about a mile and a half west of Wilkinson in the Town of Batavia. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: When the call came in, they were "stationary, possibly taking photos."

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: Deputies have not found the men or the vehicle. The call came in from CSX. There's a private property crossing in that area.

A fire involving 50,000 pounds of compost is reported at 7795 Alleghany Road, Alabama. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Pembroke and Indian Falls, as well as tankers from Corfu and East Pembroke. The first chief on scene reports smoke showing from the outside. The location is a composting facility. Responders are told not to use water unless flames are showing.  

UPDATE 9:09 a.m.: When the chief first got on scene he said there was a fire in the center of the building and heavy equipment would be needed to battle it. Then a chief said there is a very small fire "directly against the west wall." 

UPDATE 9:12 a.m.: The fire is out.

UPDATE 9:13 a.m.: "The owner says that's an insulated wall, so there might be some travel up the wall." Reply "That's affirmative; we're opening the wall up now."

UPDATE 9:24 a.m.: They are going to move compost outside to a field and spread it out to keep it from smoldering.

UPDATE 9:49 a.m.: Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu and East Pembroke are back in service.

UPDATE 10:51 a.m.: All Alabama units are back in service.

(Pictured above, from left, are Taylor Augello, Leah Bezon and Miah Werth.)

(Submitted photo and information from Drew Muelig.)

The Elba Helping Hands began in the Fall of 2014 to help those in need in the Elba Central School student body, faculty and staff.

There are over a dozen members who meet monthly to seek ways to raise funds in order to help those who suffer from a prolonged illness, are hospitalized or experiencing a hardship within our district or community.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30th, in the Elba School library there will be a Helping Hands meeting for community and parents within the district to establish a parent committee for the Helping Hands. All parents and community members are welcome to come and be part of this great committee that is changing lives!

Elba’s Helping Hands has used opportunities like the United Way Packpack Program to send home backpacks filled with food items for families in need within the district. They’ve also organized an annual craft sale, basket raffles and taken donations throughout the year to help give back to the Elba community.

On March 12th, the families of Taylor Augello, Leah Bezon and Miah Werth hosted a dance party for the seventh- and eighth-grade Elba classes to celebrate Taylor, Leah and Miah's 13th birthdays. 

In lieu of gifts, these young ladies asked guests to bring a donation to Elba Helping Hands. Along with all their friends and fellow students, the girls raised $700 in one night! 

The Helping Hands committee could not be any prouder of these young ladies and their student body for thinking of others and making a difference!

This information was provided by Sue Gagne, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties:

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 10-16. Communities nationwide, aided by the Office for Victims of Crime, will hold observances. This year's theme is "Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope" and the aim is to underscore the importance of early intervention and using victim services in establishing trust with victims in order to begin to restore their hope for healing and recovery.

In Genesee County, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15, there will be a Ceremoninal Walk and Reception at the Old County Courthouse (Downtown Batavia at the corner of routes 5 and 63). For more information, call Theresa at 344-2550, ext. 3920.

Prior to that date is Criminal Justice Day, Tuesday, April 12, and there will be a half-day event at Genesee Community College titled "The Opiate Epidemic: The Unintended Victims." It runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Conable Technology Center, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Cost to attend is $10 per person; $5 for students. Seating is limited; first come, first served. Registration forms are due by April 4. Checks should be made payable to the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties. For more information, call 344-2611.

According to the event brochure, heroin use has increased across the United States among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels. Some of the greatest increases occured in deomgraphic groups with historically low rates of heroin use -- women, the privately insured, and people with higher incomes.

Nor only are people using heroin more than ever, they are also abusing multiple other substances, especially cocaine and prescription opioid painkillers.

Law enforcement officials say history teaches that American society can't arrest its way out of the drug problems it faces. While effective enforcement is esstantial to protecting cities and neighborhoods, reducing drug use requires a broader, multidimensional approach.

Scientists say that it is clear that addiction is a progressive disease of the brain that can be prevented and treated and recovery is possible.

In addition to the college, the event on opioid addiction and its unintended victims is presented by these 2016 Criminal Justice Day partners:

• Batavia Police Department
• Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA)
• GC District Attorney's Office
• GC Sheriff's Office
• GC Youth Bureau
• Genesee Justice
• Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties
• RESTORE Sexual Assault Services
• YWCA of Genesee County 

Keynote speakers are Mike Covert, police chief of Cooperstown, and Alexis Pleus, a structural engineer and mother of three sons who lost her oldest son to a heroin overdose in 2014.

Under Covert's leadership, the police department made a "revolutionary change" in the way it responds to the opiate crisis. He implemented an initiative last Thanskgiving called PAARI -- Police Assisting Addicts Toward Recovery Initiative. It allows addicts to walk into the Cooperstown Police Station with drug paraphernalia or drugs to ask for help and not be charged with a crime. Instead, they are walked through the system toward detox and recovery with the assistance of an assigned "ANGEL" who guides them through the process -- not in hours or days but on the spot. Since its implementation, 45 people have enrolled in the program.

Pleus has used her experience with addiction and the stigma she faced to start an organization called Truth Pharm, which works to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, implement programs, and advocate for policies that have a profound impact on the opioid epidemic.

The day's agenda is as follows:

8:15 to 8:45  -- Registration

8:45 to 9  -- Flag Raising

9 to 9:15 -- Welcome and Introductions

9:15 to 10:15 -- Keynote Speakers

10:15 to 10:30 -- Break

10:30 to 11:45 -- Panel Discussion: Impact on the Community

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Pharmacology of Opiates 

Closing

Adam D. Smart is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 6 in the City of Batavia, the defendant violated an Order of Protection which required him to stay away from the person on whose behalf the order was issued. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an Order of Protection on Nov. 6, which required him to stay away from another person in the City of Batavia who also had a protective order against him.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. Standsblack is accused of driving a 2000 Dodge on Meadville Road in the Town of Alabama on Jan. 16 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving on that date allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked. In count three, he is accused of the crime of using a vehicle that did not have an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor.

John R. Benton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 1, in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that he drove a 2006 Toyota on Tinkham Road while intoxicated. In count two, Benton is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time.

Alfonso G. Mayfield is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Nov. 8, in the Town of Pembroke, it is alleged that he drove a 2007 Jeep on I-90 while intoxicated.