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Press release:

A panel featuring William J. Hochul Jr., United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, who oversees the prosecution of federal criminal cases in our region, and Deanna Axe, the mother of a heroin overdose victim who founded Addicted to Hope, will be held from 1:30 to approximately 3 p.m. at Batavia High School on Monday, Feb. 29.

They will be joined by representatives from local law enforcement, the medical profession, and treatment/prevention education to address the significant and dire consequences of prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction that is impacting our community.

Sponsored by Act Genesee, a growing coalition  of community volunteers whose mission is to promote healthy and safe choices through education and action, the forum is titled, “Pay Attention: Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Addiction in our Community.”

In addition to presentations by Hochul and Axe, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members, fill out a brief survey to help the Coalition determine the best course of action for following up on this presentation, and meet other like-minded individuals who share a concern about promoting a healthy and substance-free lifestyle for individuals and families in our community.

Coalition President Anita Strollo urges all to attend and says, “We really want to raise awareness. This is a problem that is happening. It’s here. And it is serious and devastating.” She encourages involvement from all ages, noting that, with abuse and addiction crossing all age and socio-economic groupings, so should be the awareness of and attack on these growing problems.

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported on front of the Home Depot at 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: The town's assignment is back in service.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement announcing the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Programs and encouraging all eligible high school students in New York’s 27^thCongressional District to apply.

“One of my most rewarding responsibilities as a Member of Congress is making nominations to our Military Academies,” Congressman Collins said. “The summer programs provided by the Naval Academy will be a valuable resource to students who are interested in pursuing an appointment to any of the U.S. service academies. The summer programs will challenge students to develop problem-solving techniques and team-building mentalities, and I encourage all interested students to apply.”

The United States Naval Academy offers two summer programs, the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and the Summer Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) seminar. Both of the programs offered will provide students with valuable insight as they continue to pursue their academic enrollment in one of the United States service academies. 

The Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience that aims to educate participants about life at the Academy. This program also demonstrates how academic study, athletics, and professional training continues to be a crucial factor in developing our nation’s leaders. The STEM program is a hands-on, design-based program that aims to enhance the participants’ interest in science and technology. By implementing team-building exercises, this program is a valuable opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a STEM-based career within one of the service academies.

For more information about the USNA’s Summer Programs, please visit http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/index.php.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering Spring Break Workshops open to all youth ages 5-19. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate! Come learn while having fun in the featured workshops:

Kids in the Kitchen! -- Monday, March 21, at 1 p.m. -- Come learn basic kitchen skills while making easy recipes that will have you a kitchen champion in no time! The cost is $5.00 per youth.

Livestock Skillathon -- Tuesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. -- Have fun exploring the breeds of beef, goat, sheep, swine, feedstuffs, equipment and more!  Free.

Knit an Infinity Scarf -- Wednesday, March 23, at 1 p.m. -- Boy, girl, left- or right-handed, come learn how to knit an infinity scarf! The cost is $5 per youth.

Ribbon-Woven Headband -- Thursday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. -- Learn how to make a ribbon-woven headband! This workshop is designed for youth ages 8 to 12. The cost is $5 per youth.

Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required as all materials will be provided. The workshops will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia with payment taken at the door. For more information or to register, contact Brandie Schultz at the Genesee County 4-H Office, 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that a new free mobile app, compatible with iOS and Android, is available for veterans and their family members to help them connect with important programs and resources.

The New York State Veterans App provides users with information on healthcare, housing, education, employment and a host of other issues at the touch of a finger.

“Our state is home to nearly one million veterans and helping them easily access vital programs and services is extremely important,” Hawley said. “Far too often, our veterans are not aware of the help available to them and are left without a strong support system.

"This announcement perfectly illustrates how government can better serve citizens through technology and how knowledge can be easily accessed by those who need it most. I look forward to using this app myself and informing my constituents on this breakthough in veterans’ affairs services.”

Hawley is a veteran himself and serves as Ranking Republican Member of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

Press release:

The Jackson Primary School staff is looking forward to welcoming new students for 2016-2017!

Registration for children eligible to begin kindergarten in the 2016-2017 school year starts March 1. Children who will be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2016, are eligible. Registration is at the Batavia City School District’s Business Office, located in the administration wing of Batavia High School (260 State St.), on school days between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To register a child, parents must bring:

• Proof of Residency (evidence of physical address), which must be two (2) of the following: (We will make copies for our records)
  • Mortgage statement/lease
  • Electric or gas bill
  • Water bill        
  • Cable bill
  • Letter from attorney/realtor on their letterhead with confirmation of address and anticipated moving/closing date.
  • School tax bill
• Current payroll check
•  Child’s birth certificate
•  Child’s Social Security card and
•  Child’s complete immunization records.

Parents of all new students to the district are also asked to register their child in the Business Office with the same documentation.

Current 2015-2016 UPK students will be directly provided with information to complete for registration into kindergarten by mail

If you have questions, please call the Business Office at 343-2480, ext. 1002.

Press release:

Currently, 4-H programming features the National Safe Tractor & Machinery Operation Program.  

This course will qualify enrolled 4-H youth ages 14 and 15 years of age to be certified to operate farm equipment for hire. The course is scheduled to run from January through March.

The training program encompasses 32 hours of intensive instruction. Upon the completion of the training, each student will be required to take a 50-question knowledge test with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. Students who successfully pass the knowledge test will be permitted to take the Skills and Driving tests. After passing both the written test and driving tests, the students will receive their formal certification from U.S. Department of Labor.

Parents say the program allows youth to operate equipment legally, be employable, and increases self-confidence, emergency preparedness skills, and knowledge.

Training youth in safer tractor operation is a high priority in Genesee County. Our young people living and working on farms operate a variety of agricultural equipment, including tractors.

Thank you to the tireless volunteers that lead this training, and to the youth that participate. For more information, contact us at 585-343-3040 or visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is the outreach arm for Cornell University in Genesee County. We provide research based knowledge addressing unmet needs for the residents of Genesee County. We are also the home to 4-H, which is the largest out-of-school youth organization in the United States with more than 6 million youth members.

4-H Clubs, camps, after-school programs, and trips help youth reach their fullest potential.  Members have opportunities to connect to Cornell University, learn through hands-on activities, lead, be inspired, inspire others, and so much more. 4-H helps kids to do better in school, learn to help others, and feel more capable and responsible.

A driver who was being followed by police in the city allegedly sped up and tried to evade officers somewhere off East Avenue, then stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. The driver is believed to have an expired driving permit only, not a license. He was driving a white vehicle with a broken bumper when a caller reported him to dispatch. Also, the person was the subject earlier today of a harassment complaint.

Dannie Sims, 60, of Church Street, Basom, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arrested at 1:56 p.m. on Feb. 10 after it was alleged that he stole a wallet from a female at Walmart. It contained cash and credit cards. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed without bail. The case was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Nathan A. Buchholz, 37, of Albion, was arrested by Troopers for fourth-degree criminal mischief after he allegedly struck and broke the glass mirror off a Dodge Ram truck during a custody exchange Feb. 15 in the Town of Batavia. Buchholz was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on March 3.

Stephen M. Smith, 26, of Mill Street, Batavia, is a registered NYS Level 2 sex offender who was charged with failure to report a change in 10 days, first offense, on Jan. 11. Following a joint investigation between the Batavia PD and NYS Parole, it is alleged that Smith had an active Facebook account that he had not registered with the Sex Offender Registry within the required 10-day reporting period. He was already in jail on a parole violation. He was being held on $50,000 and was due to appear in court this afternoon. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Eric Hill.

A 16-year-old resident of Boyd Road, Pavilion, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:53 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old resident of Boyd Road, Pavilion, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:53 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old resident of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:54 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Submitted photo: Sheriff Gary Maha of Genesee County, center, proudly displays the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award. He is only the fifth Sheriff to receive this prestigious statewide award. Sheriff James Voutour of Niagara County, left, and Sheriff Ron Spike of Yates County made the presentation on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Institute.

Press release:

Sheriff Gary Maha of Genesee County has received the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute's most prestigious award, the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.

On only five occasions has the Sheriffs’ Institute leadership presented the highest honor that can be given a sitting New York State Sheriff -- the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.

The previous winners – in order – are Sheriff James Bowen, Saratoga County, Sheriff John York, Livingston County, Sheriff Kevin Walsh, Onondaga County and Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike. (All but Sheriff Spike are retired.) Between those four men, they have served almost 125 years in the Office of Sheriff. When you add Sheriff Maha’s tenure as Sheriff the total jumps to over 150 years in the Office of Sheriff.

Maha became a Genesee County Deputy Sheriff in 1967. Two years later he was promoted to Senior Investigator. In 1977, he was promoted to Chief Deputy in charge of criminal investigations. In January of 1988, he was appointed interim Sheriff. He has since been elected to seven terms as Sheriff.

His accomplishments and contributions to public safety are not limited to Genesee County. Sheriff Maha has been very active in both state and national issues dealing with public safety.

On the local level particularly noticeable contributions under Sheriff Maha’s tenure has been the implementation of the state-of-the-art Enhanced 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, the very effective joint drug task force with the City of Batavia and Village of Le Roy police departments and the positive culture of cooperation that has been built amongst all the county law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers working in Genesee County.

Sheriff Maha is a past president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and currently serves as chairman of that organization’s Executive Committee. Governors from both parties have appointed him to criminal justice committee’s and councils including the Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, New York State Interoperable & Emergency Communications Board and the New York State Committee on Counter Terrorism.

On the national level Sheriff Maha is very active with the National Sheriffs’ Association. He serves as vice-chair of the National Sheriffs’ Criminal Justice Information/Technology Committee and is a member of the organization’s Homeland Security Committee.

Sheriff Maha is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He holds an associates degree in Political Science and bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

“Sheriff Gary Maha, who is the state’s longest-tenured Sheriff, is known not only in New York State, but at the national level as a 'Sheriff's Sheriff', said Sheriff Ron Spike, Yates County, upon presenting the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award to Sheriff Maha.

(Maha announced last month that he will not seek reelection when his term expires Dec. 31, ending his 27-year run as Genesee County's top cop.)

The 20th Annual Betty Ellison Memorial "Strike Out for Crossroads" bowling tournament that began last Friday and ran over the weekend will continue this week.

Starting Friday night at 6 o'clock at the Mancuso Bowling Center, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, the fundraising fun continues.

Saturday start times are 3 and 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.

The team fee is $100.

For additional information call: Cindy (585) 993-0584 or Tara (585) 409-0136.

An attic fire is reported at 25 Hutchins St. in Batavia. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 8:02 p.m.: Command on scene reports this is a two-story, multi-unit dwelling and that both upstairs bedrooms are on fire.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m.: Fire is out. Checking for extensions.

UPDATE 8:18 p.m.: Capt. Bob Fix praised the residents for quickly pinpointing the fire location and contacting emergency dispatch. The residents said they were in the basement and repeatedly tried replacing a blown fuse. Subsequently, they smelled smoke and then they found a fire in the attic.

UPDATE 9:26 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

An urgent winter weather message -- a wind chill warning -- was issued within the last hour by the National Weather Service in Buffalo and it will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.

The affected area includes Genesee County and specifically the City of Batavia.

Winds are predicted to blow northwesterly from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35. Wind chill values could dip as low as 30 below.

Wind chills and termperatures will reach dangerously cold levels. These frigid conditions could result in frozen pipes and will quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia if you are not properly dressed.

A wind chill warning is issued when a strong wind will combine with cold termperatures to create dangerously cold conditions for exposed skin. The wind will make it feel like it is 25 degrees below zero or colder for several hours. Those planning to venture outdoors should use common sense and dress warmly, says the weather service.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement announcing this year's Congressional Art Competition and encouraging local high school students in New York's 27th District to participate.

"It is a tremendous experience for members of Congress and the hundreds of thousands of capitol visitors to view the artwork submitted by high school students from around the country as a result of this competition," Collins said. "I always look forward to seeing the artwork submitted by the talented students of NY-27 and the opportunity to welcome our winning artist to Washington."

Last year there were more than 85 submissions. The winning artist will receive a roundtrip flight to Washington, D.C., to see their artwork in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be on display for one year.

Now in its 34th year, the competition is open to all high school students in New York's 27th Congressional District. Submissions are due to either of Congressman Collins's two district offices by April 4. A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 9, at Genesee Community College in Batavia. Local high schools have been notified regarding contest rules and submission guidelines.

Interested students should see their art teacher for details or contact Chris Catt from Congressman Collins's office at (585) 519-4002.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announces the release of the Genesee County 2016 Vacation Planner for travelers. The travel resource is produced each year by the Chamber to showcase the wide array of activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy while visiting our area.

This year’s cover features visitors enjoying Darien Lake’s 600,000-gallon wave pool on a warm, summer day.

“We were are proud to be able to present our county’s largest tourism attraction on the cover of our vacation guide," said Kelly Rapone, the chamber's Tourism Marketing director. "The cover image was actually taken from aerial drone footage that was filmed of the park and conveys the fun that visitors can expect to have in our region.”

The visitor guide is a great planning tool for visitors, but is also very informative for our area residents who may be unaware of the leisure and recreational opportunities that we have right here in our own county, Rapone said, adding that the chamber hopes residents will plan fun, local outings when welcoming visiting friends and family this year.

Special features of this years’ guide include: the announcement of a new waterslide complex at Darien Lake; a new hotel offering at Batavia Downs Gaming; a local bee farm that has begun making mead; stay and play packages for golf; indoor waterpark and Darien Lake, as well as a new coupon section which provides even more value to this already affordable destination.

The Chamber produces 80,000 copies for year-round distribution at key tourism locations and consumer and trade travel shows throughout the Northeast United States and Canada.

Locals will receive a free copy inserted in the Feb. 27^th Penny Saver. A digital version can be viewed on the chamber's tourism Web site at www.VisitGeneseeNY.com.