A house fire is reported at 3391 Dodgeson Road, Alexander. All occupants are out of the structure. Alexander, Darien and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. EMS is on location.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are asked to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Elba is asked to fill in at Town of Batavia's Station #1. All units responding to the scene told to continue non-emergency. Fire is knocked down.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering Master Gardener Training on from 6 to 9 on Wednesday evenings, starting Sept. 7 and running through Nov. 16. There will also be a full day on Saturday, Nov. 5. Classes will be held at the CCE office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. By attending the Master Gardener training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.  Participants will learn about the following horticulture topics: botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, weed identification, woody ornamentals, pruning, tree and small fruits, perennials and annuals, nuisance wildlife and organic gardening.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Pre-registration by Aug. 26 is required. Class size will be limited. No walk-ins will be accepted. The fee for this horticulture training is $225 per person, which includes all class sessions and materials, as well as the Cornell University Master Gardener Manual on CD.

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first requirement to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener. Graduates of the program (Genesee county residents) are then eligible to apply to become a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local Master Gardener program.) A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their skills and knowledge is a must.

For an informational brochure or to register contact Brandie Schultz at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Deborah Ruth Walker, 19, of Belmanor Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, false personation, trespass, and unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested at 11:22 p.m. on July 23 following a suspicious incident in the Town of Le Roy. She allegedly was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle, gave a false name, was trespassing and had an amount of marijuana in her possession at the time. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Georgeta Marioara Coleman, 18, of Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and trespass. She was arrested at 11:22 p.m. on July 23 following a suspicious incident in the Town of Le Roy. She allegedly was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle and was trespassing at a residence. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18. The case was  handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Larry Alvin Hubler, 67, Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more. Hubler was arrested at 1:38 p.m. July 20 on Main Road in Stafford after allegedly driving his vehicle into a business, namely Dupont TV. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 30 in Town of Stafford Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Loftus, assisted by Deputy John Dehm.

Rachel A. Palmer, 47, of Britt Road, Le Roy, was arrested on July 22 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with two counts of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, two counts of third-degree identity theft, also Class A misdemeanors, and criminal possession of stolen property in thr fourth degree, a Class E felony. Palmer was arrested following the investigation into the use of a stolen credit card which was used in the Village of Le Roy. Palmer allegedly used the stolen credit card to purchase merchandise at Dunkin Donuts as well as the Yellow Goose in the amount of $16.07. Palmer was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Palmer is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18 to answer to the charges.

Tonya Marie Ficarella, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court for allegedly failing to appear in court regarding an alleged harassment at midnight on June 27 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. She was released and is set to appear in Batavia Town Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Those ugly stains and discoloration on your roof are more than just an eyesore. They are actually a form of airborne algae called gloeocapsa magma, and it is actually eating your roof. This algae usually grows on the north facing roof, or under trees, it is alive and feeding off the limestone in your shingles. You may think it's caused by road dirt, bird droppings or your neighbor’s tree. It’s not, but it is ruining your roof. 

We are in our seventh year of using our low-pressure process to gently melt away this ugly algae, moss and mold. We use the process recommended by the shingle manufacturers association. We apply the cleaning solution with low pressure, equal to a garden hose from a ladder or bucket truck. This can be done in a morning with no disruption to your day. The results are immediate and stunning and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Please visit us online at roofcleaningbatavia.com for more information or like us on Facebook. Eric Von Kramer and his wife, Donn, have been in business in the area for more than 40 years. Call 585-762-9075 or 716-474-0938 for more information and a no obligation price. References gladly given. There is a good chance we have worked for someone you know.

Announcement from the Monroe County Water Authority:

As a customer of the Water Authority in the towns of Pembroke and Darien and the Village of Corfu, you were notified on Thursday, July 21, of a potential problem with your drinking water and were advised not to drink the water without boiling it first.

We are pleased to announce that the issue has been corrected, and we have verified the water meets all state and federal water quality regulations. It is no longer necessary to boil your water before drinking it.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. 

A neighbor reports smoke coming from a mobile home in a park at 3322 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

East Pembroke fire with one engine from Town of Batavia dispatched.

UPDATE 8:21 a.m.: A chief on scene reports a burn barrel next to the trailer. All equipment can stay in quarters.

Multiple law enforcement units, including deputies and troopers, were dispatched a few minutes ago to Le Roy Manor, 8678 Lake Street Road, Le Roy, after a resident there reported a shooting.

As officers responded, dispatchers were able to reach a supervisor who informed them there was no shooting or other violence at the facility. It appears to be a mental health issue.

Le Roy Manor is a county-run adult-care facility.

While at the GOP convention in Cleveland, Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he decided to organize an effort to honor the men and women of law enforcement, so he called on people in New York on Friday to wear blue.

Yesterday afternoon, Hawley, along with County Legislator Ray Cianfrini and City Councilman Adam Tabelski met at the Sheriff's Office on Park Road, Batavia, to tell representatives of the Sheriff's Office, State Police and Batavia PD that they appreciate their service to the community.

"I couldn't be prouder of what you do every single day, whether you're in the City of Batavia, whether you're in the County of Genesee or in Monroe County or the State of New York," Hawley said. "It's not an easy job. It never has been. When you put on that badge and uniform today more than ever you never know what's going to happen."

Hawley's call for support of local law enforcement comes in the wake of tragedies in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La.

"I can't imagine what you go through every time you put on the badge," Hawley said.

Tabelski said he appreciating the dedication police officers bring to their jobs.

"When you're hired as a police officer, it's more than just a job," Tabelski said. "It's a calling. It's something you are passionate about. We know about the difficulties you have to deal with and all the inconveniences you have to deal with, a lot more than just having to wear long sleeves on a hot day, so on behalf of the city, I just want to say, 'thank you.' "

Below, Hawley with members of the California Highway Patrol in Cleveland (photo submitted by Steve Hawley).

The staff at Tompkins Financial also expressed their support Friday by wearing blue.

Staff of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates, P.C., Law Offices on Harvester Avenue.

A caller from Washington Towers reports seeing three youths on bicycles, two black and one white, steal cones that were around an excavator on Jefferson Avenue. 

Jefferson near Washington is closed this week for repair work.  

The youths were last seen heading south on Jefferson.

Press release:

4-H Market Steer Show: Grand Champion Showman – Becky Kron, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Tyler Jirovec Grand Champion Market Steer – Becky Kron, Reserve Grand Champion Josie Reding.

4-H Dairy Show: Master Showman – Emily Mikel, Reserve Master Showman – Mary Sweeney.  Supreme Champion – Emily Mikel, Reserve Supreme Champion – Mary Sweeney.

4-H Market Goat Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Samantha Weber. Grand Champion Market Goat – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion – Samantha Weber.

4-H Meat Goat Show: Best Meat Goat in Show – Samantha Weber, Best Breeding Doe – Samantha Weber.

4-H Sheep Show:  Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Becky Kron.  Supreme Ram – Brendan Pimm, Supreme Ewe – Becky Kron.

4-H Market Lamb Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Ashley Ehrmentraut. Grand Champion Market Sheep – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion – Madelyn Pimm.

4-H Swine Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Cole Carlson. Overall Champion Non-Market Hog – Melissa Keller,  Reserve Champion – Cole Carlson.

4-H Market Hog Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Cole Carlson. Grand Champion Market Hog – Emily Mikel, Reserve Grand Champion – Caleb Carlson.

4-H Rabbit Show:  Champion Senior Showman – Christopher Swartzenberg, Champion Junior Showman – Clare Mathes. 

4-H Poultry Show: Champion Senior Showman – Teagan Mathes, Reserve – Mark Anauo.  Champion Junior Showman – Clare Mathes, Reserve – Cheyanne Isaman.  Champion Bird in Show – Mark Anauo, Reserve Bird in Show – Jillian Brewer.

4-H Western Horse Show: Showmanship Champion – Emily Boldt, Reserve – Paige Klotzbach.  Versatility Trophy Winner – Emily Boldt, Reserve – Madeline Keem. Western Trail Champion – Emily Boldt, Reseve – Taylor Scholfield.

4-H English Horse Show: Showmanship Champion – Emily Boldt, Reserve – Paige Klotzbach.

4-H Gymkhana Horse Show: 3 Year Cloverleaf Barrel Challenge Trophy Winner – Bekki Allen, Reserve – Caroline Pelton.

A two-car accident is reportedly tying up traffic a bit at Jackson and Ellicott streets. No injuries. City fire, police and Mercy medics responded.

The folks at Alleghany Farm Services, 7342 Alleghany Road, Basom, are looking for help in locating their Kubota RTV 1100c WXL-A, which was stolen from their property.

Its series number is 25947 and it's a 2011 model.

The company's phone number is: (585) 762-4411.

A bicyclist was injured in a hit-and-run accident on West Main Street, Road, Batavia.

The injuries are reportedly minor.

There is only a limited description of the vehicle. It is reportedly black and will be missing a side mirror.

The location is in front of Delre's Greenhouse.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched, but a Mercy medic who arrived on scene said fire would not be required, so Town of Batavia is standing down.

A motorcyclist reportedly crashed in the front yard of a residence at 644 Knapp Road, Pembroke, and "is experiencing chest pain." The location is near Lake Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medic #2 are responding. Mercy Flight is requested to the corner of Knapp and Lake Road.

A plea offer is on the table for a 55-year-old Byron resident accused of firing a rifle at a Sheriff's deputy who was sitting in his patrol car March 7.

David O'Connor appeared in County Court today for a scheduled Huntley hearing, which is based on a defense motion to dismiss statements O'Connor may have made once he was in custody. But O'Connor's attorney, Thomas Burns, dropped the motion and O'Connor waived the hearing after being told of a plea offer from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

The specifics of the plea offer were not discussed in open court.

O'Connor has until Aug. 1 to decide whether to accept the offer.

He is charged with attempted aggravated murder of a police officer. He was initially charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree criminal mischief.

O'Connor is accused of firing a single round from a .22-caliber rifle from the window of his apartment at the Byron Hotel at Deputy Andrew Hale, blowing out the windows of Hale's patrol vehicle, while Hale was performing a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Byron Arrow Mart.

No one was struck by the projectile and there were no injuries.

Previously: Single gunshot in Byron highlights the dangers of modern law enforcement

Press release from the Monroe County Water Authority:

Boil Water Notice for Western Genesee County -- Boil Your Water Before Using

The Boil Water Notice only applies to the towns of Pembroke, Darien and the Village of Corfu.

Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) purchases its supply of water for Western Genesee County from Erie County Water Authority. A loss of pressure in northern parts of the Erie County system may affect the supply to our customers in Western Genesee County.

While the loss of pressure was never experienced in the MCWA system, we are exercising an abundance of caution and request you do not drink the water without boiling it first until we post on our website (www.mcwa.com) that we are confident there is no risk.

What should I do?

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice on the MCWA website (www.mcwa.com)

What happened? What is being done?

• The main break in Erie County has been isolated and pressure has been restored to normal. We are currently testing water quality throughout the area. This will take several days and test results will be reviewed by the Department of Health. It is likely that you will need to boil water for two or three days until we can confirm the water quality. You will be informed on our website when you no longer need to boil water.
• We anticipate confirmation from our laboratory that there is not a problem within 48 hours.

For more information, please contact MCWA Customer Service at (585) 442-7200.

A Batavia man whose apparent domestic dispute ended after he allegedly threatened a police officer with a knife has chosen to take his case to trial rather than accept a plea agreement.

The agreement would have limited his prison term to three and a half years in exchange to a guilty plea to menacing a police officer.

Bill Thomas, 56, of State Street, was arrested in March after an early morning stand-off with the Emergency Response Team.

He was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

Thomas turned down the plea offer last week, but was back in Genesee County Court this afternoon because a police officer witness won't be available at the time of the original trial date. The new date for jury selection to start the trial is Oct. 11.

Joel Bert Shorts, 55, of Stewart Street, Canisteo, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child.

Shorts was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on July 20 at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort following an investigation into an allegation that he engaged in oral sexual conduct with a 15-year-old male.

He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Mazur, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.