Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) applauded the Trump Administration for providing about $11 billion in aid to farmers impacted by recently imposed tariffs, with a focus on providing aid to the dairy sector in particular.

Collins represents one of the nation’s largest dairy producing districts and has been an outspoken advocate for policies that strengthen the industry.

“By imposing tariffs on nations like China, President Trump is working to level the playing field between the United States and other countries that have taken advantage of us for far too long,” Collins said. “From the start, we were assured that the administration would take appropriate action to protect industries, like our nation’s agriculture industry, that may be impacted by the tariffs.

"Today’s announcement is a win for the dairy industry as President Trump continues to put American interests first and fight for fair trade deals.”

Unjustified retaliatory tariffs have disproportionately targeted American farmers, impacting prices and raising costs. The emergency aid will come from already authorized money from three separate programs that are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency. The USDA has broad authority to stabilize the agriculture economy during financially difficult times by purchasing excess supply.

Collins added: “As we work toward better deals that reduce our trade deficit, I support implementing policies that provide hardworking farmers with temporary assistance during this adjustment period. President Trump is a strong negotiator, and I have complete confidence in his abilities to grow our nation’s agriculture exports through competitive, long-term deals.”

Here's a related press release from the New York Farm Bureau:

The following statement can be attributed to NYFB President David Fisher:

“The USDA’s $12 billion plan to support farmers caught up by the retaliatory tariffs slapped on U.S. agricultural products recognizes the dire need for some relief. Farmers are already facing the financial consequences of the trade barriers. Commodity prices are once again dropping at a time when farm income has been at its lowest point in years.

Secretary Perdue has followed up on his word to address the huge impact that this has had on farmers, which is reflected in the size of the relief program. However, in the end, what our farmers are asking for are open markets to sell the quality products they produce. We hope that the trade matter will quickly be resolved because short-term relief can only go so far when farmers need to plan for the long term.”

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is pleased to announce several town hall meetings on Saturday, Aug. 4. All are welcome to attend to discuss local issues and express any questions or concerns they might have.

“I always try to stay as aware as possible about the concerns and issues important to my neighbors, and to achieve this, I’m going to be hosting several town hall meetings in the near future,” Hawley said. “I encourage everyone to attend at least one of the meetings in Alexander, Oakfield, Byron or Elba. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.” 

TOWN HALL MEETING SCHEDULE

• Town of Alexander/Village of Alexander: 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., Village of Alexander Hall, 3350 Church St., Alexander
• Town of Oakfield/Village of Oakfield: 10:45 - 11:30 a.m., Oakfield Town Hall, 3219 Drake St., Oakfield
• Town of Byron: 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Byron Town Hall, 7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron
• Town of Elba/Village of Elba: 12:45 - 1:30 p.m., Elba Town Hall, 7 Maple Ave., Elba

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported at 24 Franklin St. in the city. The location is between Davis Avenue and Pearl Street. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: One patient is being transported to UMMC.

A pedestrian was struck by a gray four-door sedan at Washington and Thomas avenues in the city. The vehicle continued on Washington eastbound. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: Dispatch has updated the discription of the vehicle. It is silver or light blue in color and an older model. Male driver had brown hair and a mustache; female passenger had large sunglasses and dark wavy hair, according to a witness. A trooper may be behind the suspect vehicle now.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: A police officer at the scene says there are "several security cameras here at the intersection" and he may be able to get the vehicle's license plate after viewing the footage. An officer is possibly out with the vehicle matching the description at the West End Mobile Home Park.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: The victim/witness is not sure what damage is visible on the suspect vehicle. The officer says there's no evidence of vehicle damage left behind at the scene. There may have been a dog in the vehicle. The female passenger's sunglasses were heavily tinted.

After spending a couple of decades kicking around the kitchens of Batavia, Robert Rudnicki and Adam Horton decided it was time to strike out on their own.

They're starting small -- a pizza and sub shop in Texaco Town -- but they have big ambitions.

"You have to start somewhere," Rudnicki said. "You start out cooking for someone else, then you go out on your own, and like I say, my ideal thing is I want a full-scale restaurant but this is how you get there."

Rudnicki and Horton are partners in Cindy and Barb's at the corner of Route 20 and Route 63 in Pavilion. They picked the location because they like the 14,000 cars that pass through the intersection every day. They also think that part of the county needed another dining option. And, besides, the space -- formerly the Pit Stop -- was available.

"I wasn't planning on a pizza and sub shop but that’s what people wanted," Rudnicki said. "I’m giving people what they wanted and trying to do it at a fair price."

The restaurant is named after Rudick's and Horton's mothers. Rudnicki, especially, was influenced by his mother to make cooking a career.

He started out professionally at Mancuso's, then the Batavia Club. After serving in the military he returned to Batavia and wound up at Sport of Kings. He worked there for 19 years.

That's where he met Horton, who worked there 17 years. Before that, Horton had worked at the Candlelight Room, Bohn's, Sunny's, and Settlers.

Both Horton and Rudnicki said they really enjoyed working together at Sporto's. After Horton went through cancer treatment and recovered his health, Rudnicki pitched his restaurant idea.

“He said, 'I’m opening up a business, you want to do it with me?,' " Horton said. "I was like, ‘sure, let’s do it.’ ”

Cooking, Horton said, is just what he loves to do.

"It’s just a fast pace," Horton said. "It’s actually a rush when you’re on the line getting your butts kicked and things are flying out the window and when you get done with it, you’re like 'wow, we did put out a lot of food.' It’s always been exciting for me."

Rudnicki was one of the competitors in the Foodie Challenge, which was awarded two restaurant spots inside of Eli Fish Brewing Company as part of the FreshLAB project.

Not winning one of those two top spots didn't deter Rudnicki. He said he was intent on opening his own restaurant one way or the other. For him, he said, a lot of what the program offered was redundant, given his years of experience in the restaurant business, though he did learn a few things that he thinks will help him going forward.

"It’s a great program for people just starting out and who want to become entrepreneurs and do their own thing and create their own concepts," Rudnicki said.

The menu of Cindy and Barb's right now is standard roadside grill fare: pizza, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, and they also have an ice cream parlor.

"You've got to have ice cream," Horton said.

Rudnicki said new menu items will be added as the business grows and he will include daily specials along the way.

"In this business, you’ve got to change," Rudnicki said. "The minute you stay stagnate, you’re done."

Both Rudnicki and Horton said they are determined to see their new business succeed because they're doing what they love.

Samantha L. Wroblewski, 29, of Medina, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and moving from lane unsafely. Troopers were dispatched to a report of a property-damage accident on Route 33 in Stafford and Wroblewski was allegedly found asleep at the wheel with a hypodermic needle in her arm. Wroblewski allegedly admitted to possession of heroin and additional needles. She was arrested after failing to pass multiple field sobriety tests and she submitted to a chemical test.

Tyler Austin Stoddard, 23, of Meiser Road, Corfu, is charged with bail jumping, 3rd. Stoddard was located in Indian Falls and taken into custody. He allegedly failed to appear in Integrated Domestic Violence Court on Nov. 18. He was ordered held in jail.

Amanda K. Shufelt, 31, of Locust Street, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny. Shufelt allegedly stole merchandise from a gift shop at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Brandon L. Kenney-Westfall, 25, of Bergen, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kenney-Westfall was stopped by State Police at 8:18 p.m. Saturday in Bergen.

NPR Planet Money: Episode 472: The One-Page Plan To Fix Global Warming

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Kesha concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:

Barryanne Lee Marginean, 20, of Scenic Circle, Rochester, arrested for trespass and disorderly conduct after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue area and then causing a disturbance while being taken into custody.  

Colin C. Brickwood, 18, of Murray Street, Mt. Morris, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana while in the venue parking lot.

Liam M. Gardner, 20 of Main Street, Mt. Morris, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana while in the venue parking lot.

Andres S. Hernandez Jr., 25, of Lewis Street, Rochester, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Joseph T. Patterson, 20, of Belvoir Road, Williamsville, arrested for harassment, 2nd, after allegedly attempting to strike a Sheriff’s deputy.

• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Global History
• Living Environment
• Earth Science
• English Language Arts
• Chemistry

The classes will be held on Aug. 13, 14, and 15, from 1-3 p.m. at BHS, 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Register by Aug. 10 by calling the Batavia High School Counseling Office at 343-2480, ext. 2002.

The 17th annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will be held at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility on Saturday, Oct. 20.

This event is sponsored by the Batavia Coaches Association. Tickets are $30 per dinner and are available at the Athletic Directors Office at Batavia High School after Sept. 1.

Social Hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 then the induction ceremony.

Here are this year's inductees:

• Coleen Tooley Oleski -- Class of 1965
• Steve Frieday -- Class of 1968
• Rich Anderson -- Class of 1976
• Michele Smith Jones -- Class of 1982
• Gerry Carmichael -- 1983-2018
• Jon Sanfratello -- Class of 1992
• Ice Devils Hockey Team -- 1994-1995

For more information, please call 343-2480, ext. 2003.

Cynthia M. Mack, 51, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree criminal assault. She was arrested at 8 p.m. on July 20 on South Swan Street after she allegedly struck another person with an ashtray, causing injury. She was jailed without bail and was due back in City Court this afternoon (July 23). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Amy Marie Guiles, 47, of North Main St., Warsaw, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket following a report of a physical distrubance at an address on Route 19 in the Village of Bergen at 12:30 a.m. on July 7. The defendant allegedly struck the victim multiple times with closed fists. She is due in Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Katlyn Marie Buzzell, 18, of Burke Drive, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. She was arrested at 2:17 p.m. on July 20 at a discount department store on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. It is alleged that she stole property exceeding $1,000 while employed there. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Lisa Darline Ayres, 52, of Garfield Street, Newark, is charged with: felony DWI -- with two prior convictions with the last 10 years; felony DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; aggravated unlicensed operation in the firt degree; operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device; and refusing to take a breath test. Ayres was arrested following a traffic stop on McGregor Road in the Town of Darien at 11:06 p.m. on July 21. In addition, she is charged with: unsafe turn without signal; interferance with safe operation when passing on the left, and failure to yield the right on way on a left turn. She was arrainged in Town of Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. Ayres is due in Town of Darien Court on July 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Kaitlin Marie Penko, 22, of Ocean Reef, Willoughby, Ohio, is charged with: DWI; aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or more; failure to dim headlights; obstructed plate, stopping or standing on a highway. She was arrested at 11:35 p.m. on July 22 on Colby Road in Darien following an investigation into a vehicle stopped on the roadway. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due on Town of Darien Court on Aug. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Ricki Leigh Nersinger, 66, of Ireland Road, Brockport, is charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and following too closely. Nersinger was arrested after deputies responded to Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke at 10:22 p.m. on July 21 for a property damage accident. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 28.

Jonathan Chris Shirley, 36, of Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal trespass. Shirley was arrested at 6:29 a.m. on July 21 following the complaint of a trespasser at an address on Bloomingdale Road. The defendant allegedly entered a dwelling twice unlawfully without the property owner's permission. The defendant was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. In addition, an order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. The investigation was conducted by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young, Deputy Eric Meyer and Investigator Chad Minuto.

Jessica L. Deridder, 30, of 160 State St., Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest. She was arrested, arraigned and jailed without bail at 10:20 a.m. on July 17. It is alleged that on Ellicott Street in Batavia she ran from a Batavia Police Officer, knowing she was wanted for another crime. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Andre L. Dupra, 49, of Rochester, was arrested by troopers out of SP Batavia at 10:55 p.m. on July 21. He is charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test, aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, and numerous traffic violations. Troopers stopped Dupra on Swan Street in the City of Batavia for failing to yield to oncoming traffic, a loud muffler, and no passenger side headlight. While speaking to Dupra, the operator, troopers allegedly detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Dupra was placed under arrest after failing multiple SFSTs and transported to SP Batavia where he refused to provide a breath sample.
Dupra was arraigned in the City of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. Dupra is to return to the City of Batavia Court later in July.

Christina M. Kowalcyk, 48, of Fairway Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI -- first offense, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more. She was arrested at 1 a.m. on West Main Street, Batavia. She was allegedly driving a vehicle that had a flat tire while she was intoxicated. A concerned citizen initially reported this to police. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Aug. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszyzyk

Patricia L. Gertis, 58, of 48 Mt. View Drive, Arcade, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 12:25 p.m. on July 21 at Tops Friendly Market in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court July 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

A 16-year-old resident of Oak Street in Batavia was arrested and charged with petit larceny at 3 p.m. on July 13. It is alleged that the youth stole money from a cash register while working at Walmart. The defendant is due in Batavia Town Court on July 30 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Jennifer Ann Roskey, 37, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that at 5:18 p.m. on July 19 on South Main Street in Oakfield that the defendant violated a mandate of the court -- a stay away order of protection. She was issued an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Jason A. McFollins, 40, of Union Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant and arraigned in City Court at 8:15 a.m. on July 22. He was jailed on $1,000 cash or bond and was due back in City Court this afternoon (July 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszyzyk.

Dekota Leiser, 26, of an unspecified address in Batavia, was arrested July 18 on a Wyoming Superior Court warrant after turning herself in at the Genesee County Jail in Batavia. She was transported back to Warsaw and put in Wyoming County Jail with no bail until the next court session for her arraignment. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Office Investigator Aaron Anderson.

Batavia High School's football Head Coach Brennan Briggs ran a football camp last week and 40 young players turned out to learn more about the game. Current Blue Devils staff, along with former and current players, assisted with the camp.

Submitted photo.

A hay bale in a farm field off of Bank Street Road, Batavia, this afternoon.

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the city at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue. One vehicle is blocking traffic. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: No injuries.

The wind whistling through the trees, the sun peeking through the clouds, and just around the corner, a bird is singing. There’s no better way to start your morning than surrounded by nature, and no better way to get in touch with your outdoorsy side than by pitching a tent and setting up camp.

And truly, how great is camping? With the aroma of marshmallows in the air, the sound of the crackling fire, and the stars burning bright overhead, it’s one surefire way to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.

Luckily for those in the area or visitors wanting an easy outdoor getaway, Genesee County is home to some seriously awesome campsites.

Skyline Camping Resort

Skyline Camping Resort is your “one stop for family camping fun.” Located atop scenic rolling hills, they boast over 300 campsites with 275 of those sites offering water and electric hookups. Families can enjoy three wading and swimming pools, a pond for fishing, and recreational activities (shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe) for all ages. Send the kids out to enjoy a game of tennis or mini golf, or to play the old-fashioned way at the playground and burn off that pent up energy. Then hype them back up with a candy bar at Skyline’s mini on-site Grocery Store. With something for everyone to enjoy, one weekend just won’t be enough!

Southwoods RV Resort

Southwoods RV Resort is a family friendly campsite in a park-like setting. What does that mean? It means that kids can explore and play on the playground, in the game room, hop in the swimming pool or take to the special wagon rides, while others enjoy the bike track, hiking trails, sand volleyball court or mini-golf course. More than 200 spacious campsites with full hookups for RVs, a propane station, laundry facilities, and more mean that there is room for everyone to camp out and enjoy Southwoods all summer (and fall!) long. The Resort also hosts special events like coffee and donuts, casino night, and live music on holiday weekends.

Lei-Ti Campground

Lei-Ti shows guests how to enjoy LEIsure TIme the right way in Western New York. Started in 1971, the campground has been voted one of the top 100 campgrounds in North American by Woodalls readers. And it's easy to see why - with two huge playgrounds, golf cart sales, swimming in the pool or at Leisure Lake beach, fishing, a rec. lodge (complete with an arcade and fitness room) and live entertainment, activities and events! It's an extended camping trip that's going to feel just like home - busy, fun, relaxing, and with all the amenities you could ever need. 

Cherry Hill Campground

Cherry Hill Campground takes you straight back to the basics, while also offering a crazy convenient location - just across from Darien Lake Theme Park! Enjoy lush, shaded campsites or a lean-to cabin with double doors that close for privacy. Cherry Hill is pet friendly and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. 

The Ridge NY

Formerly known as Frost Ridge Recreation Area, The Ridge is a campground that takes its entertainment seriously. The site boasts a pool, camp and farm store, playground, and The Big Ridge Restaurant serving up homemade and homegrown meals. They also hold regular “Jam at the Ridge” concerts featuring local and statewide bands. Concerts are open to the public for single access into each event, but campers staying on property get special passes allowing in-and-out access to come and go as they please. The Ridge is truly where the fun is!

Darien Lakes State Park

Hills, woodlands, ravines, streams, a sandy beach and the 12-acre Harlow Lake make up Darien Lakes State Park. Campers can take their pick of where to park their stuff – choosing from a total of 154 campsites, 141 with electricity and 13 primitive sites without. When you aren’t exploring the trails, fishing for largemouth black bass, or playing a round of 18-holes on the Angry Apple Disc Golf Course, you can make your way over to “Picnic Island” and enjoy a snack while surrounded by the serene views of nature.

Darien Lake Amusement Park Campground

Whether you’re relaxing after a day of thrills at the amusement park, or just getting away from it all, Darien Lake Campgrounds are a great way to unwind. Pitch a tent, pull an RV in, book a cabin rental or settle in to a “ready-made” glamping site nearby picturesque Darien Lake. Lodging Packages offer the best value for those looking to do it all – enjoy the outdoors, hit the waterpark, ride the roller coasters, and enjoy a weekend with family or friends.

Sleepy Hollow Lake

Sleepy Hollow Lake is 104 acres of camping fun! It’s kid friendly, pet friendly, and home to beautiful walking trails and easy waterfront access. The camp has drive through RV sites, tent camp sites, and cabin rentals, with water, electric, on-site restrooms, picnic areas, and more. Each month they host special events ranging from pancake breakfasts and roast beef dinners, to flea markets, hayrides, petting zoos and horseshoe tournaments. There’s always something happening at Sleepy Hollow -- the place to make and preserve memories that last a lifetime.

It doesn’t matter which you choose or where you want to park it, family memories and outdoor fun await! For more information on these sites or other local offerings, check out the camping page on www.VisitGeneseeNY.com.

From the Batavia Police Department:

Found Cat

We found this beauty in the area of Elmwood Avenue in the city. The cat appears to be well-cared for which is why we think someone might be missing it. If anyone knows the owner, please call the Animal Shelter at 585-343-6410.

A Batavia man appeared in Genesee County Court this morning to answer to a sealed Grand Jury indictment charging him with attempted first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse.

Adam H. Brokaw, a resident of Northern Boulevard, is accused of attempting to have sexual intercourse with a person incapable of consent by reason of physical helplessness and subjecting that person to sexual contact in the City of Batavia.

The alleged incident reportedly took place at 2 a.m., Nov. 11, after a party at a residence on Northern Boulevard, Batavia.

Brokaw is a New York State corrections officer employed in Albion. 

Members of both Brokaw's family and the alleged victim's family were in court this morning for his arraignment before Judge Charles Zambito.

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini asked Zambito to set bail at $10,000.

Brokaw's attorney, Stephen Leonardo, argued that the 43-year-old defendant is not a flight risk because he's lived in Genesee County his entire life, except his service in the Navy, is married to his wife of 11 years and they have a juvenile daughter, and he is gainfully employed as a corrections officer.

Leonardo also noted that Brokaw appeared for his arraignment today voluntarily even though, by the nature of the investigation, he was well aware of the potential charges.

Zambito released Brokaw on his own recognizance.

His next scheduled appearance is at 9:15 a.m., Sept 25.

A car-pedestrian accident is reported at Main and Jackson streets in Downtown Batavia. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.