Mary Frances Cronin, 20, of Sheppard Road, Scottsburg, is charged with false written statement. She was arrested for making a punishment false written statement at 4:30 p.m. on July 2. At that time, she provided a signed supporting deposition at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road in Batavia, which allegedly contained several "non-truths" in relation to an investigation into an alleged sexual assault. Cronin was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia Town Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto.

From left, Bill Sheron, Genesee County undersheriff; Matt Landers, STOP-DWI coordinator; Jocelyn Sikorski, STOP-DWI board chair; and John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

(Submitted photo and press release.)

Come on down to the Batavia Muckdogs game and enjoy a safe summer night with us! STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark is happening on Friday, July 15, gates opening at 6 p.m. The Batavia Muckdogs will play the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

NYS STOP-DWI, Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are sponsoring this evening. There are giveaways for the first 500 who enter the gate, and several interactive booths for families and children to visit including: Sheriff’s K-9 Officer, City Police, Le Roy Police, Probation and the STOP-DWI display.

A grand prize giveaway, a youth bike, sponsored by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, will be on display and a winning ticket drawn that evening. So join us for a great night at the ballpark and the Friday night fireworks!

(Photo submitted by Donna Bonning.)

On this date in 1944, 1st Lt. Leonard B. Fuller’s P-51 Mustang was hit by flack in Blankenhain, Germany. The exploding shells shot from the ground forced Fuller to bail out of his aircraft. During his descent, his parachute collapsed when he appeared to be trying to avoid some trees and a barn. Subsequently, he fell to his death and was buried in the Old Cemetery in Blankenhain. 

In 1949 the pilot’s parents, Buell and Clara Fuller, traveled through the Iron Curtain (via Russia) to visit his gravesite and sprinkled dirt from the family farm on his grave – taking small comfort in the fact that he was resting in at least some American soil.

At 1:30 p.m. Sunday, an Honor Guard ceremony will be held for the first lieutenant at West Middlebury Cemetery, 4949 W. Middlebury Road, East Bethany.

On Friday, a similar ceremony will be held in Blankenhain. 

In April 2015, Bernd Schmidt, a historian from Weimer, Germany, contacted Donna Bonning and told her he was very interested in the Fuller family and asked if she had any information on them. Bonning was working on a project for the Sons of the American Revolution when she posted a photo of Fuller’s tombstone on the Findagrave website in 2006. Schmidt had seen the photo and contacted her. Through several exchanges of emails and after finding a treasure of letters, photos documents, and a few artifacts, the puzzle pieces of the last day of a local veteran began to form a picture.

From an initial email from Schmidt:

We generations after World War II (I was born in 1949) have another view (of the war) and (would) like to change the minds about enemies. 

We like to remember for all victims of the stupid war. Finally, all Germans were happy that the Allied (Forces) finished it (the war) in 1945. Our town and area (was) surrendered peaceful(ly) without shots (fired).

I (have) know(n) about Leonard Fuller a long time. Friends told me about the U.S. pilot who was killed in 1944. But it was an accident with parachuting. (Some Allied (soldiers) were killed from Nazi officials. Terrible and again(st) Geneva (Convention).

The parents of Leonard came to East Germany in the Russian Zone to look for the grave of their son. Really, they found it in a good condition. Kind people were watching for it. I think, later Leonard was reburied to bring to the States or on a Military Cemetery...

In September 1950, Fuller’s remains were sent home to Linden.

Recently, Schmidt let the family know that the citizens of Blankenhain would like to hold a remembrance ceremony at the Old Cemetery where Fuller’s former grave was located. According to Bonning, it appears that Fuller and his parents are “local legends in a way and an early part of Blankenhain’s post-war history when it was plunged into the horrors of Communism.”

At the ceremony July 10 in Middlebury, Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be in attendance. Additionally, Genesee County Historian Michael Eula, Ph.D., and Professor Garth Swanson will make a few remarks. Sarah Thorton will also read a speech by Schmidt.

After the ceremony there is going to be a large display at West Middlebury Baptist Church located across the road, which will include many of the photos, letters and artifacts belonging to the Fuller family. It tells the story of his life and sacrifice, and that of his family.

A motorcycle and deer accident with possible injuries is reported in the area of 2705 Buffalo Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

The City of Batavia lost out to the City of Geneva in the regional competition for $10 million in grant money to assist with downtown redevelopment.

Here's what the governor's office said about Geneva:

Over the last decade, Geneva has emerged as a major employment center, boasting over 200 firms and nearly 1,500 jobs in the central business district alone. Geneva’s historic walkable downtown is poised to become a vibrant retail, dining, cultural and entertainment destination for the burgeoning workforce and for students at the three local colleges. Under the DRI, the City will focus on the rehabilitation of key buildings; diversification of housing and retail options; access to healthy food; and building entrepreneurship in the downtown area.

Submitted photo and press release:

St. Joseph Catholic School finished the school year with their annual prayer service at Resurrection Parish followed by an awards ceremony recognizing students for their accomplishments throughout the year.

In addition to the many awards handed out that morning, scholarships were presented to the following students as well:

• The Michael Napoleone Scholarship -- Michael Cianfrini and Connor Dwyer;
• The Good Shepherd Scholarship -- Veronica Bochicchio and Nathanael Brew;
• The Msgr. Kirby Knights of Columbus Council 325 Scholarship -- Kaiden Campopiano, Teresa Compton, Matthew Compton, Jekora Anderson, Randall Laska, Maria Prattico and Justice Yourkowski;
• The Msgr. Zupa Scholarship -- Hope Miceli;
• The Patrick Suozzi Memorial Scholarship -- Sarah Lumberg;
• The Mercedes Mahoney Mancuso Scholarship -- Kaylie Kratz.

Thank you to these generous donors for their continued support!

Press release from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce:

Two prominent automobile clubs will be visiting the Batavia-area beginning Sunday, July 10^th.

The 1965-66 Full-Size Chevrolet Club will use Batavia as a base of operations for five days. The Early Ford V-8 Club of America will embark on a five-day driving tour that will begin and end in Batavia. In total, more than 200 people will be coming to the area.

The 2016 International Meet for the 1965-66 Full-Size Chevrolet Club will take place at the Quality Inn in Batavia on from Sunday, July 10 to Friday, July 15. The group is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the 1966 Impala.

While here, the group will tour Oliver’s Candies in the City of Batavia (afternoon of July 11) and Kutter's Cheese Factory in Corfu (morning of July 15) and the JELL-O Museum in Le Roy (morning of July 11). The club will also have a show day at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia, on the morning of July 13.

The Chevrolet club will also be cruising to Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County, touring the Chevy plant in Tonawanda, visiting the Carousel Museum, getting an exclusive tour of the Pierce Arrow Museum, and visiting the Erie Basin & Waterfront Naval Park.

The club was founded in 1983 and has more than 100 members. Members have been successfully working with manufacturers to make hard-to-find parts available again and assist in restoration of the vehicles.

From July 10 to July 15, the Western New York Regional Group #3 of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America will celebrate its 50^th anniversary on a five-day National Driving Tour around the Finger Lakes.

On Sunday, July 10, the group will be hosting an opening party at the Quality Inn in Batavia. The following morning they will depart for a tour of Olean, Corning, Binghamton and Liverpool. The group will return to Batavia on Friday, July 15, for a farewell dinner.

The Western Regional Group of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America is centered in Rochester. It features all Ford products produced from 1932-1953 and are the second-oldest active regional group in the world. They have 85 active members.

Patrick D. Neaverth is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. On March 13, he allegedly knowlingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on Kingsbury Avenue in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony, for intending to damage the property of another person and without having any right to do so allegedly damaged property, in this case a glass window to the front door of a residence, and the amount of damage exceeds $250. In count three, the defendant is accused of first degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating a duly served order of protection by intentionally or recklessly damaging the property of a protected person in an amount exceeding $250.

Triton A. Drock is indicted for the crime of failure to report a change of address within 10 days as required of a registered sex offender, a Class E felony. The convicted sex offender moved to 20 Buell St. in the City of Batavia then allegedly failed to register his new address with the state Dvision of Criminal Justice within the required 10 calendar days.

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

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

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

Press release:

Remember to visit 4-H at the fair! This year’s 4-H fair theme is “4-H Grows Here” and local 4-H’ers have been working hard all year to show the community what 4-H means to them. Check out the 4-H exhibits, club displays and animal shows at the Genesee County Fair July 12-16 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, located at 5056 E. Main Street Road in Batavia.

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

Tuesday, July 12th

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, July 13  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, July 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, July 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, July 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Le Roy beat the Batavia 12u All-Stars 5-4 in seven innings Tuesday evening.

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

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

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

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

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

A four-car accident is reported in the eastbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 279.

Unknown injuries.

Le Roy fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: One patient with a possible leg and head injury and another with "overall soreness."

UPDATE 10:17 a.m.: A chief on scene reports only two vehicles involved. One is blocking a driving lane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to visit us online!

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries, and it's blocking, is reported in the area of 112 Alleghany Road, Corfu.  

That's next to the Evergreen Cemetery.

Corfu fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:20 a.m.: One passenger with a complaint of knee pain.

On a night when the Batavia Muckdogs fell to 4-14 in a 5-1 loss to Brooklyn, at least there were fireworks after the game.

There was also the professional debut of the New York Mets' #1 draft pick, Justin Dunn, who brought his own kind of heat, striking out two in the ninth of a jittery eighth frame.

In the eighth, the Muckdogs managed two hits off of Dunn, matching the total number of hits they got over seven innings against starter Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 2.21 ERA).

Muckdogs starter Reilly Hovis took the loss, giving up four runs and seven hits over four innings to fall to 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA. Relievers Chevis Hoover and Parker Bugg held things down over the final five innings, giving up a run and two hits.

For the Muckdogs, Isaiah White had two hits.

The Muckdogs face Brooklyn again tonight at Dwyer. Game time is 7:05. 

Top photo: Dunn delivering his first professional pitch.

Batavia second baseman Rony Cabrera gets ready to apply the tag on Gene Cone's steal attempt in the sixth inning.

In the second, Samuel Castro attempted to bunt for a base hit, but seemed to wait for the umpire to call his bunt foul before running toward first. He was thrown out at first.

Dale Burdick steals second in the second. Burdick is the nephew of Tom Turnbull, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Reilly Hovis pitching.

Aaron Knapp gets a stolen base, his second of the season.

Justin Dunn

A one-vehicle rollover accident with unknown injuries is reported in the area of 1013 Ledge Road, Alabama.

The call came to dispatch through Niagara County, so no further information available now.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:16 p.m.: A trooper on scene reports there are no injuries.