Press release:

The Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging at Rochester Area Community Foundation is introducing new ways to connect with the great services it supports for older adults in Genesee County. 

A new website, askmarshall.net, shares how the Marshall family of programs supports healthy aging and also provides easy access to resources for aging well. Whether you’re older yourself, care for someone who is, or want to be a part of what makes aging in our county different, ask marshall is the place to start. 

Older adults also can get answers and connect to helpful resources through the new ask marshall helpline at (585) 815-7979 or by sending an email to:   askmarshall@co.genesee.ny.us

Over the past 20 years, guided by the vision of Roxanne Marshall, the Marshall-funded programs have helped thousands of older adults remain independent, engaged and supported as they age in Genesee County. Whether online, by phone or email, ask marshall — makes it easier to connect with these programs wherever you are, whenever you like.

The Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging, was established in 1998 with a $7 million bequest from Roxanne Marshall, who grew up in Batavia. The fund was named in honor of her mother, whose later life experiences helped shape Roxanne’s vision to promote quality of life in later years. Roxanne’s bequest and vision were entrusted to Rochester Area Community Foundation.  

Because of the Foundation’s diligent fund management and leadership, along with guidance from a team of Genesee County residents, the Marshall family of programs has grown over the years to meet a wide range of local needs. 

Since 1999, the Marshall Fund has distributed more than $8.3 million in 225-plus grants to support older adults in Genesee County.

Although a local drug treatment professional has yet to see any signs of Carfentanil surfacing in this area, she said news that the powerful man-made opioid has appeared in test results in Oneida County is deeply concerning.

“Yes, I am aware of Carfentanil and the extreme toxicity of it,” said Kathy S. Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “Currently, we haven't seen or heard of any cases in Genesee or Orleans counties.”

Hodgins said her agency does have the capabilities “of testing if we suspect any use of it.”

Published reports earlier this week indicated that government and health officials in the Utica area issued a warning about the synthetic drug, which is considered to be 10,000 times more powerful than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl.

According to a story from WKTV, Utica, dealers mix Carfentanil -- an odorless, white powder -- with other drugs to make them stronger and cheaper.

Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants.

Oneida County officials said the dose the size of a “single grain of salt can quickly lead to an overdose or death.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. issued a press release, stating that he didn’t know the full extent of the presence of Carfentanil in the local drug supply, but, “because it is so lethal even to handle, we want to make sure that people who use drugs, first responders and other providers are alerted immediately so they can take precautions to protect themselves.”

“Carfentanil is so potent that it causes a rapid overdose, which may not be reversible even with multiple doses of Narcan or treatment,” he said.

Christen Ferraro, coordinator of GOW Opioid Task Force that covers Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, sent out an email bulletin to the group’s 300-plus members, and the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports has put the word out to local opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs), drug user health hubs, and syringe exchange programs.

Disclosure: Story by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist.

Cody Michael Donahue, 24, of Royce Road, Varysburg, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated per se -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; speeding -- exceeding 55 mph. At 2:28 a.m. on Oct. 17, Donahue was arrested after a traffic stop for a traffic violation on Alexander Road in Alexander. He was allegedly found to be intoxicated. Donahue was released on appearance tickets and is due in Alexander Town Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Sarah Jane Scott, 39, of South Fitzhugh Street, Sodus Point, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater .08 percent; DWI; and no turn signal. At 10:17 p.m. on Dec. 9, Scott was arrested after a traffic stop for allegedly failing to use a turn signal when turning onto Clinton Street Road (Route 33) in Bergen. She was allegedly found to be intoxicated at the time. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bergen Town Court on Dec. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Jhermero Darius Maxey, 29, of Robinson Road, Lockport, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree and speeding (65 in a 55-mph zone). At 10:19 p.m. Oct. 16, Maxey was arrested after a traffic stop on Lewiston Road in Alabama. He was issued traffic tickets and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Dec. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.

Press release:

Candidate for Sheriff David Krzemien announces the Transit Authority Police Department PBA has endorsed his campaign for Genesee County Sheriff. Krzemien spent most of his law enforcement career with the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) Police Department.

He worked in and around Erie, Niagara and for a short time Genesee County. Having the support of the Union that Krzemien was once president of is both humbling and an extreme honor. He is thankful for all of the support and well wishes as it gets closer to Election Day!

Letter from the Transit Authority Police Benevolent Association Inc.

The Transit Authority Police Benevolent Association Inc. is proud to announce the endorsement of David Krzemien for election as Genesee County Sheriff.

It is with great pleasure that the TAPDPBA is endorsing David Krzemien for election as Genesee County Sheriff. The challenges facing members of the law enforcement community are greater than ever before, and we need people like David Krzemien in a leadership position to help law enforcement officers better serve the residents of Genesee County.

As a retired member of the TAPDPBA, David proudly served the Western New York community as a police officer for over 20 years. During this time with the department he led the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor potential terroristic threats made to our border. David was promoted to Detective where he worked alongside the FBI, DEA and DA's Office for four years. David also served as the PBA Union President for three years and served on the union board for seven years.

Again, it is our pleasure to endorse David Krzemien for election as Genesee County Sheriff.

In Solidarity,

President Nick Cacciatore on behalf of the Transit Authority Police Benevolent Association

(Associated with the Police Conference of New York & the Western New York Police Association.)

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. is pleased to provide an update on the Office’s two K-9 teams (Deputy James Stack / K-9 Rayzor, left, and Deputy Andrew Mullen / K-9 Frankie).  

Both K-9 teams are bonding well and are making significant progress through their training program and will be Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) patrol certified soon.

Patrol certification includes tracking, criminal apprehension, handler protection, building searches and obedience. Additional training at narcotics school will begin Nov. 2 and be completed Nov. 27 at which time both teams will be in service and fully trained.

“We greatly appreciate the remarkable public support received for this valuable program,” Sheriff Sheron said.

Press release:

Rochester Regional Health will celebrate breast cancer survivors at United Memorial Medical Center’s Pink Hatters annual fundraiser. The more than 20-year tradition will look different than in years past.

With safety top of mind, this year’s fundraiser has been converted into a drive-thru chicken barbeque. It will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the Town of Batavia Fire Hall on Lewiston Road in Batavia. 

Participants are encouraged to dress up their vehicles in pink to show their support for these warriors. All proceeds benefit participants of the Cancer Services Program and people in our community without health insurance.

Tickets are available for presale only until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Those interested in tickets can contact (585) 344-5331.

Tickets cost $20 each and includes a delicious half chicken from Holy Smokes and salt potatoes, coleslaw, Costanzo roll (from the Buffalo bakery) & butter.

As always, Rochester Regional Health and the Cancer Services Program of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Niagara Counties will recognize these warriors among us at the annual Pink Hatters Fundraiser.

What: Pink Hatters Drive-thru Chicken BBQ

When: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 12-3 p.m.

Where: Town of Batavia Fire Hall, 8382 Lewiston Road, Batavia

Press release:

The GOW Opioid Task Force, in conjunction with the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments, has released a new “Linkage to Care” online application to help citizens connect with support centers for opioid rehabilitation and training in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

“We are pleased to be a part of the development of this valuable application,” said Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Our region has been working collaboratively over the last several years to provide resources and access to services for those who are struggling with substance use issues.”

Pettit said the app provides locations and contact information for the GOW Opioid Task Force region’s programs and local services that are available in a user-friendly platform to access anytime on a person’s smart phone.

Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for GO Health, encouraged those who are having issues with drug use and addiction and/or their family members to utilize the services provided on the informational app.

“This is a much-needed tool to find services, but, of course, if there is a life-threatening emergency or crisis, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department for assistance,” he advised.

GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator Christen Ferraro said the group is “committed to finding new ways to make it easier for our residents to tap into community resources.”

Ferraro said the app includes a variety of services in the tri-county area, which can all be found in one place with just one click.

“This truly is a simple way to find help for those that may be struggling,” she said.

The app provides links to 24-hour assistance call lines, detox services, the PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative) Program, Naloxone (Narcan) training, self-help meetings, medication and sharps drop box locations, as well as inpatient and outpatient services in the three counties.

Ferraro noted that the app is now live and free to download, and can be found at both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To access and download it, search “GOW Opioid Linkage to Care App.”

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.17, down 2 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.65. The New York State average is $2.25 – the same as last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.70.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.20 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.22 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.1 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.24 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.31 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.18 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.30 (no change since last week)

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped to $2.17, which is significantly cheaper than last year (-48 cents). In a recent report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand decreased slightly.

Domestic crude prices have also declined as market concern increased regarding an increase in coronavirus infections worldwide, which could lower crude demand as nations impose new restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. If demand concerns persist, crude prices could continue to decline — alongside pump prices.

GasBuddy:

"Gas prices have continued to remain subdued in large part due to the stalemate in Washington that's holding back another round of stimulus for Americans, which could boost the economy and oil demand and help Americans get back to work," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Absent some resolve from lawmakers to boost the economy, we're likely in store for another week of sideways price movements, keeping average gas prices near current levels for the fourth straight month. We may continue to see us stuck in this territory until there's meaningful change in our COVID-19 outlook."

JC Penney in Batavia closed its doors for the last time at 5 p.m. today. One potential shopper found she got there a little late for the last day of the store's going-out-of-business sale.

Everyone is welcome to stop by the store in Towne Center at Batavia on Veterans Memorial Drive and take a gander at these furry guests.

One of them is "Chloe" (inset photo left). She is a gray domestic longhair, known to be "quite the character." The intense stare is the first clue, of course. Rescued from the not-so-great outdoors -- for homeless cats anyway -- she was petrified by people (and particularly, it seems, any person wielding a camera).

But Chloe morphs into a social butterfly once she gets acquainted, and likes to get petted and even fetch toys occasionally. Not a big fan of competition, however; it is preferable that no other cats, or young children, or horrors! -- dogs -- get in the way of her bliss -- you.

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter had to stop taking cats as such as Chloe to Petco for adoption in March​ due to COVID-19.

That put the brakes on an avenue of adoption that began when the store opened in September 2008 -- the ability to adopt cats and kittens directly from the store.

The six cages provided by Petco exponentially increased the chances of finding homes for homeless felines. Petco staff also assists with their daily care and the adoptions.

So it's easy to see why the Volunteers for Animals say they are excited to be able bring them back to Petco.

"We have several beautiful kittens at the store now with more to come," they wrote in an emailed bulletin. "Help get our shelter kitties home!"

You can visit prospective adoptees during regular store hours. Hey, Petco doesn't close until 7 tonight -- that means there's still time to meet-and-greet today!

You can check the Volunteers for Animals website and see the "candidates." If a cat is at Petco, the description will say so. Otherwise, they're at the shelter.

Since June 2, all animal adoptions at the shelter itself continue to be done by appointment. Please email the volunteers at info@vol4animals.org for an application and to set up an appointment.

Anyone coming into the shelter must wear a face covering and will be asked about current health and recent possible exposures to COVID-19. If you are sick, please do not come to the shelter. They also ask that you limit the number of people per family coming to the shelter to adopt animals.

For adoption, there is a $60 NONREFUNDABLE FEE for all animals, which needs to be cash or a check -- NO CREDIT CARDS. If the animal is not spayed or neutered there is a $35 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT upon proof of surgery.

An adoption application must be filled out by the person wishing to adopt the animal. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the potential adopter may visit and meet any of the animals. All cats must leave the shelter or pet store in a cat carrier. Please bring a cat carrier.

All animals older than 3 months of age are given rabies vaccine. Unless there is proof of a prior rabies vaccine, the vaccine is good for one year. All animals are given at least one dose of deworming medication. All cats receive a feline distemper combo vaccine (good for one year) and are tested for FeLV/FIV.

FYI: You may want to take the time to read up on Adopting a Cat.

Remember: Volunteers For Animals is always in need of monetary donations for the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Their largest expense is veterinary care for sick and injured animals. A great deal of their money is spent spaying and neutering as many animals as possible BEFORE they leave the Shelter. Spaying and neutering animals is the ONLY way to reduce the number of homeless animals.

In addition to vet care, they also purchase FIV/FeLV tests for cats and heartworm tests for dogs. Please consider making a donation today. All donations to Volunteers For Animals, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are tax-deductible.

You can make a donation through the Paypal button on the Volunteers for Animals home page, or by mailing a check to: 

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021

Petco Hours

(Phone: 343-1426)

• Sunday -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday through Satruday -- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

GC Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main Street Road, Town of Batavia

(Phone: 343-6410)

Adoption Hours

• Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Friday -- 1 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday -- 1 to 3 p.m. & 7 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Closed Thursday

Photo of "Chloe" courtesy of Volunteers for Animals.

Dozens of friends and fans turned out Saturday afternoon to bid a fond farewell to Betsy Dexheimer, who at age 85 is moving to Ohio to live with her son, Paul.

Dexheimer was involved with several organizations in Batavia, including her church.

Previously: Drive-by parade tomorrow for beloved Batavian bound for Ohio

Local news makes for better communities. You can help by supporting The Batavian.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was on hand Friday for an event commemorating the commencement of construction of another Downtown Revitalization Project, Ellicott Place.

Ellicott Place is converting the building that is currently home for Save-A-Lot and expanding it with retail and apartments. The V.J. Gautieri Construction Company is investing more than $1.5 million in the project with a portion of the city's $10 million state grant, the DRI award, covering the rest of the $3 million project.

A person is reporting head and chest pain following a two-car accident at Ellicott and Jackson streets in Batavia.

City fire is on scene.

Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: A patient is being transported to UMMC.

Press release:

On Oct. 2, a plane crash occurred in the Town of Pembroke that resulted in multiple agencies and departments working together for several days and nights to secure and process the site location.  

On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Genesee County, I would like to thank the following who responded and rendered their assistance:

• Corfu Volunteer Fire Department
• Darien Volunteer Fire Department
• Department of Environmental Conservation
• East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department
• Elba Volunteer Fire Department
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Genesee County Coroners
• Genesee County Emergency Services Dispatchers
• Genesee County Office of Emergency Management
• New York State Police
• Orleans County Coroners
• Village of Corfu Police Department
• Wyoming County Forensic Anthropologist

We thank them for their professional service during this incident. Once again, we experienced the collaborative efforts amongst our law enforcement agencies, emergency service responders, government officials and community leaders.     

I would also like to sincerely thank the landowner of the crash site and neighbors for their patience while the days-long investigation was conducted and press conferences were held.  

~ Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

A car has crashed into a tree in Oakfield at the Depew Rod & Gun Club, 6067 Fisher Road. There are possibly two people injured. Oakfield Fire Department is responding along Mercy medics. The location is between Albion and Lockport roads.

A third-party caller reported one person was outside the vehicle and attending to someone still inside it.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: Command reports there's a tree in the middle of the roadway. Fire police are on scene and instructed to slow traffic down near the curve.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: A 35-year-old male complains of bruising around his ribs; medics are told to continue to the scene in emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:32 p.m.: A female still inside the vehicle "is possibly a sign-off but she does want to be checked out."

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: The male patient is being transported to Erie County Medical Center by Byron ambulance with Mercy medics' Squad 1 on board.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: The Elba fire assignment is back in service.

City firefighters are on scene at 111 Jackson St. after a resident there reported the smell of smoke. The resident alerted others in the building and it was evacuated. Command reports finding a melted electrical outlet in an upstairs apartment.

Mercy medics are responding in non-emergency mode for a report of someone with burns.

The location is between Highland Park and Watson Street in the city.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: The patient was a sign-off. City fire is back in service.

Genesee County Sheriff Sheron is proud to announce the endorsement from Eugene Jankowski Jr., retired City of Batavia Police Lieutenant and current president of the Batavia City Council.

Letter of Endorsement for Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

As a retired Police Lieutenant from the City of Batavia Police Department, I officially endorse William Sheron Jr. for the Office of Genesee County Sheriff.

I've worked with William Sheron Jr. most of his 43 years of law enforcement service. We both started our law enforcement careers at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office as new employees. Later on we worked together as law enforcement supervisors in neighboring departments. The present day finds us working together, once again, Bill as Sheriff and I as a Batavia City Council member, providing public safety services for the City of Batavia and Genesee County.

I know Sheriff Sheron is a strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution and will enforce the laws fairly without bias. In these uncertain times, we need a Sheriff with knowledge, integrity, experience, transparency, and strong leadership. It's for those reasons I endorse William Sheron Jr. as the most-qualified person to serve as Sheriff of Genesee County.

Respectfully,

Eugene Jankowski Jr.

Lieutenant, City of Batavia Police Dept. (ret.)

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter at a press conference today said a smash-and-grab burglary ring is responsible for more than 30 burglaries in six counties, including Genesee County.

On Sept. 16, GC Sheriff's deputies arrested two people who Sheriff William Sheron said are apparently part of the ring.  

Taken into custody and held on bail after allegedly being caught in the act of burglarizing the Crosby's at 6257 Clinton Street Road in Batavia were Jennifer D. Abrams and Tarus O. Fluitt.

On Sept. 28, Kristina Marble, Jose Cruz-Rosado and Eric Smith were arrested in Monroe County following a gas station burglary in Victor.

They are believed to have committed similar crimes in Genesee County, and all five individuals are suspected of being part of the same ring, Sheron said.

Their modus operandi is to smash out doors and windows and steal cigarettes and other items.

Sheron released a list of seven such burglaries in Genesee County:

• Aug. 16, Batavia Crosby's on Clinton Street Road. Troopers handled the case and details are not available at this time;
• Sept. 2, Bergen C-Store, 8073 Clinton Street Road, Bergen. Approximately $3,500 in cigarettes stolen, $325 in damages;
• Sept. 13, Byron Crosby's, 6890 Byron Holley Road, Byron. Approximately $5,500 in cigarettes stolen, $180 in lighters, and $1,130 in damage;
• Sept. 13, Bergen C-Store, a 20-pound propane tank used to smash the front door; the burglars failed to gain entry. The damage estimate is $325;
• Sept. 16, Le Roy Kwik Fill, 7010 W. Main St., Le Roy. Attempted burglary. Front door smashed with rocks but no entry. Estimated damage: $1,000. The subjects captured on video appear to be Abrams and Fluitt;
• Sept. 16, Batavia Crosby's, the location where Abrams and Fluitt were captured;
• Sept. 20, Pavilion Farms, 11091 Lake St., Pavilion. Troopers also handled this case.

More from our news partner 13WHAM.

Previously:

• Convenience store in Bergen burglarized, suspect sought
• Bergen C-Store reportedly robbed
• Law and Order: Rochester duo accused of burglarizing two gas stations

Staying on top of the news for you takes time but we could do more of it with more help. You can help us hire that help by becoming a supporter.

Overnight Thursday, burglars broke into the Batavia Bottle and Can Retrieval Center 583 E. Main St., Batavia, and stole property from inside the building.

A white van that may be associated with the crime was caught on camera.

Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation may contact Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey at (585) 345-6311 or call the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.