For 17 years, Hal Kreter has served the veterans of Genesee County, and been a stalwart representative of those who served at Veterans Day and Memorial Day events.

Monday, Kreter will make the rounds for the last time of the various prayers, flag raisings, taps playing and flag saluting memorials in Genesee County.

As the day goes by, Kreter said, he'll reflect on how much things have changed over the past 17 years and the veterans, both living and dead, he has helped.

"I've had the privilege of meeting all of these veterans and listening ot their stories, helping them out, helping them get their compensation and lead better lives and seeing them and their families turn their lives around," Kreter said. "Doing all of the things we do to help veterans is really what I enjoy doing, helping veterans and their families."

When Kreter retires in August, it will be a new chapter in a four-decades long career of service, first through 24 years of service in the Marine Corps, then in veteran services in Genesee County. Kreter expects he'll still be involved in veterans affairs as a retiree in the California desert.

This week Kreter was honored by the New York State Senate when he was named to the Senate's Veterans' Hall of Fame.

Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer nominated Kreter and in a news release called Kreter a "one-man army" on behalf of veterans.

"Hal has helped hundreds and hundreds of Genesee County veterans every year," Ranzenhofer said. "His diligence to serve as a staunch advocate for veterans is equivalent to the strength of an entire army. Clearly, Hal is a distinguished veteran deserving of a special place among elite veterans of New York State.”

In 1996, the Corfu resident received the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross. He's also been VP of WNY Veterans Services Officers Association and been a member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Kreter, a retired master sergeant, said the hall of fame award was an honor, but also said there are so many veterans in the area who deserve recognition, he couldn't help but wonder, "why me?"

The privilege, Kreter said, has been in serving Genesee County's veterans.

"We have a very proactive veterans community, a very good veterans community," Kreter said. "We've seen the benefits increase throughout the years, with the Veterans ID card and the tax exemptions, the Cold War exemption. It's just a great community and the veterans here are very, very good at what they do. They all stick together and work together."

A Batavia business whose owner previously said he was no longer selling products that had recently been banned by the state, appears to have kept right on selling the product, which he refers to as potpourri, but is also commonly known as synthetic marijuana.

Jason Lang, owner of The Laughing Buddha, at 238 Ellicott St., said today that he is sold out of potpourri, without specifying the time period in which he sold out his stock, and that he will soon offer a replacement product that he believes is 100-percent legal.

On Wednesday, either Lang or a representative of the store posted on the company's Facebook page, "We are temporarily out of potpourri! New merchandise coming soon!"

Sources have told The Batavian over the past few weeks that it was possible to still buy synthetic marijuana at The Buddha. You just had to whisper to an employee, "potpourri."

Lang didn't deny the allegation, but insisted that he is sold out and won't restock because after research and further consideration, he's decided he can't ethically sell products that are potentially harmful to customers.

The new product, which Lang said he found at a trade show in Atlantic City, is entirely natural -- no chemicals, no synthetic cannabinoids (so it's apparently not covered by the NYS Health Department ban), and it doesn't even carry the "not for human consumption" label warning.

"The new product is made from damiana leaf and mixed with an Asian herb," Lang said. "It provides a euphoric feeling, but it is chemical free. It's all natural."

David Whitcroft, interim health department director for Genesee County, said his department had suspicions that The Laughing Buddha was still selling products covered by the health department order, but didn't have proof.

"We haven't been there for more than two or three weeks, but we get lots of complaints," Whitcroft said. "When we go to the store for inspection, there's nothing on the shelves."

The county's ability to enforce the ban is also limited. The only thing local officials can do, Whitcroft said, is notify the state of any evidence of a violation and let the state take it from there.

Jeffrey Hammond, spokesman for the NYS Health Department, said that if the state learns of a store violating the order, it would take the complaint to the Attorney General's Office and the AG would have the power to start a process that could lead to a $2,000 fine per violation.

So far, the state hasn't sought fines against any store owners, but that might yet happen, Hammond said, without specifying any stores that may be targeted for further enforcement action.

Under the order, shop owners could challenge the state's contention that synthetic marijuana is harmful to human health. Four store owners -- none in Western New York -- did in fact seek an administrative hearing on the question, Hammond said. The hearing was held last week but the judge has not yet issued a decision.

Both the Senate and Assembly have passed legislation making synthetic marijuana a controlled substance. The two chambers must now compromise on final legislation to send to the governor for signature.

"We feel that the issue is not one of street sales, but that store owners are making the sales," said Chris Bresnan, spokesman for Assemblyman Kenneth Zabrowski, the sponsor of the Assembly bill. "When store owners realize there is a criminal penalty, we feel they will cease to sell and distribute these products."

If compromise legislation is passed before the end of the session in June, and the governor signs it into law, it would take effect in September.

Kevin Sheehan caught a nice 5-pound bass at Dewitt Park yesterday.

One of Genesee County's most generous residents, a man who has helped numerous families in times of need, is facing a serious challenge of his own.

Don Carroll was diagnosed in April with cancer of the esophagus. He has undergone two radiation treatments, awaits a third, and is about to start chemotherapy.

"Don has supported so many people over the years," said Jerry Foster, his sixth-grade teacher, lifelong friend and helper with Don's various charity efforts, including the annual 5K run and Toys for Kids.

"He's raised thousands of dollars for college scholarships, camp scholarships, Toys for Kids. If everybody could keep him in their thoughts and prayers and do what they can. Don wouldn't ask for that. He wouldn't ask for anything for himself, but he's going to need help, especially when the medical bills start coming in."

There has hardly been a time in Carroll's life that he hasn't helped others. The 1974 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School was an orphan who found a home in Genesee County. Shortly after graduation, Carroll starting raising money, a project that continued for 23 years, to send kids to YMCA summer camp.

In the late 1990s, Carroll switched his focus to raising funds for college scholarships and organized annual 5K and 10K runs as fundraisers.

More recently, Carroll has headed up Toys for Kids, a secret-Santa program for the area's children who might not otherwise receive Christmas presents.

In 1997, Carroll was named Geneseean of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and he was inducted into the O-A Hall of Fame three years ago.

Foster said Carroll remains in great spirits.

"He knows everything is going to work out," Foster said. "He knows he's going to be at the 5K race (this summer). He has a very positive attitude."

Carroll hasn't worked since April 19 and isn't expected to be back on his feet for several more weeks.

Even so, he's continuing to do what he can for Toys for Kids, sending out emails to sponsors and helping to organize run for this summer.

The office at Birchwood Village Apartments, 88 Dewey Ave., Batavia, is selling candy bars for $1.50 as a fundraiser for Carroll and a chicken BBQ is being planned, but no other fundraisers have been set yet, Foster said.

Donations for Carroll can be sent to Jerry Foster at 20 River St., Batavia, NY 14020.

People who would like to know more about Carroll's medical progress can sign up for Care Bridge. Foster asked that visitors sign the guestbook and leave messages, which Foster prints out and brings to Carroll.

"They mean a lot to him," he said.

Early this morning a 24-inch water main broke in the area of 8506 Lake St. Road, Le Roy, and repairs are expected to take all day.

Currently, Monroe County Water Authority customers in Le Roy have water service and Route 19 remains open.

Press release:

The Village of LeRoy Police Department will be running sobriety checkpoints in conjunction with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Batavia Police this holiday weekend to deter intoxicated operation. These efforts will include stationary checkpoints and roving patrols in and around the Village of Le Roy.

A minor injury accident is reported at 8524 Seven Springs Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia firefighters and Mercy EMS responding.

The single injury is a 10-year-old who was in the back seat, complaining of back pain.

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Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force responded to a residence on Swan Street, Batavia, Tuesday to investigate a report of pot being grown in a garage.

Task force members seized the plants and arrested Ian J. Blake, 25, after locating him on Ellicott Street, Batavia.

At the time of his arrest, Blake had pending charges for allegedly selling oxycodone to an agent of the task force. He was also allegedly found growing cannabis in his basement on May 5.

Blake faces charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, two counts of unlicensed growing of cannabis and two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana.

Following arraignment in city court, Blake was jailed without bail.

Batavia PD assisted in all three investigations.

A 22-year-old woman apparently suffered serious injuries in an ATV accident Monday night but she and her companion did not seek immediate medical assistance, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The woman is now in intensive care at Erie County Medical Center.

Ashley B. Jones was a passenger at 11:30 p.m., Monday, on an ATV driven by Eric Swede, 23, as the couple rode on a driveway off Rogers Road, Pavilion.

The couple was northbound on the gravel driveway when the ATV struck some trees and both were ejected.

Swede suffered head and hand injuries.

Jones suffered face and head injuries.

By Tuesday, her condition worsened and she was driven by private vehicle to UMMC. From there she was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Sgt. Steven Mullen and Deputy John Baiocco.

National Grid is on scene at Route 77 and Route 20 for a gas leak that apparently happened some time ago, but now Darien Fire Department is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: A chief reports it's a pretty substantial leak. Crews are working to repair it.

Area scouts showed their colors and displayed true Boy Scout pride last night for the "BoyPower Distinguished Citizens" dinner at Genesee Community College.

These young men and their leaders are members of Iroquois Council Trail, Inc., the Boy Scouts of America council serving Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Livingston and Niagara counties. Every year, they honor one outstanding community member from each county.

Betty Lapp was the 2012 Distinguished Citizen for Genesee County. Lapp is the former director of GCC's Nursing program. She retired in 2005, and has been a "professional volunteer" ever since.

Originally from Ohio, Lapp has an impressive track record as a Geneseean:

• Board Chairperson of United Memorial Medical Center
• Board Chairperson of Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (formerly BOCES)
• Regional Action Phone
• Family Counseling Services
• Parent Teacher Association
• Cub Scouts
• Genesee County Department of Health
• Genesee County Mental Health Services

Her service to the wider region includes membership in the following organizations:

• Lake Plains Community Care Network
• WNY Rural Area Health Education Center
• Genesee Valley School Boards Association

Other recipients were:

James Culbertson, Livingston County

David Bellavia, Orleans County (Bellavia currently lives in Batavia, but is originally from Lyndonville)

MORE after the jump (click on the headline to read more):

Mitchell McLaughlin, Wyoming County

Ken Kaufman and Michelle Farina, Niagara County

According to Roger Triftshauser, DDS, BoyPower Dinner chairman and master of ceremonies, these are people who have "gone over and above in service of the common good."

Click here for a list of past recipients.

The featured guest speaker was Vice Admiral Dirk J. Debbink, chief of the Navy Reserve. He spoke of his days as a Boy Scout and of what the Scouts taught him about preparedness, leadership, teamwork, self-reliance, and the "power of an oath."

Triftshauser announced that he would be paying for two Boy Scouts to attend this year's summer camp in honor of Debbink. He chose to do this in lieu of giving Debbink a personal gift, for which he knew he would receive a check in return.

Additional photos:

Scout Executive James McMullan

Photo courtesy of Kevin Carlson

Silent auction items:

Steven Carnell McKnight, 18, of 14th Street, Buffalo, is charged with burglary, 2nd. McKnight is accused of breaking into a residence on Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, on Dec. 15. The Monroe County Crime Lab has reportedly matched blood found at the scene with McKnight. The home on Batavia Elba Townline Road suffered damage to exterior French doors, a rear window, and a table and desktop computer. The only items reported missing were a complete Nintendo Wii system with games and two hutch drawers containing old mobile phones and odds and ends. McKnight is currently awaiting sentencing on a burglary charge from a break-in in the Town of Pembroke on Dec. 14. 

Andrew John Sprague, 33, of State Street, Batavia, is charged to failure to report change of address. Sprague is a registered sex offender and allegedly failed to report a change of address.

Al Davids, 42, of Bird Road, Byron, is charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a residence. The alleged incident was reported at 6:58 p.m., Monday.

There's an old shack stuck far back in the woods off Norton Road in Elba. I've photographed it before, but wasn't entirely pleased with the results.

As I drove down Norton this evening, I saw the shack, but the field that last year was full of wildflowers was plowed. The shack was still in a wooded area, surrounded by flowers. I then noticed a woman watering some plants in her front yard, so I stopped to ask if I could go on her property (to get the right vantage point) to make a photograph.

I introduced myself and, yes, Charline Shultz reads The Batavian.

We chatted a second and Charlene told me she had an old postcard of Norton Road. It shows her house, which was built in 1812. Charlene said a friend happened across the postcard on Ebay and bought it for her.

The back of the card reads: "The view as we see it from our home looking south.  The church in the distance is where Mr. Kellogg preached when we knew him.  With best wishes and warm regards, Mary Norton, Elba, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1908."

It was apparently contained in a letter sent by Mary Norton to a friend in California, and now it's back in New York more then 100 years later on the road where it started.

Really, without a plan, I found myself in Elba late this afternoon, and then my drive back to Batavia took a few twists and turns. Here are some pictures from the drive.

Above, a red barn on Ford Road.

My intention was to take a picture of the tree to the left. The cows either thought I had food or are eager to get on camera and they came running over toward Route 262.

The McCoys on Norton Road gave me permission to walk into their back yard and take a picture of this old barn, which turns out to be just over the property line and actually on Torrey Farms' property.

There's a couple of old shacks on Norton Road that always draw my attention. The flowers in this case provided some added visual interest.

Anybody care to identify this plant? This was actually taken off Bank Street Road, Batavia, but I saw the plant two or three times while driving through Elba.

Long before there was a John Kennedy in the White House, there was a John Kennedy in Batavia.

Before there was "Profiles in Courage," there was "Individual Instruction" and "The School and the Family."

Before PT109, there was the Civil War and a young man born in England, who moved to Iowa and joined the Union's cause.

The John Kennedy of Batavia was an educator, a veteran of the War Between the States, and a preservationist, saving the Holland Land Office from assured destruction.

"I don’t think people associate the name of John Kennedy School with the right individual," said County Clerk Don Read, an avid history buff, especially of Genesee County. "Many people don't know that the John Kennedy in the history of Batavia certainly occupies a place in education history and the history of Genesee County. Not many people of his stature have come out of Genesee County."

And that's why there's a school in Batavia with brass Helvetica letters on its brick facade that reads, "John Kennedy School."

The school opened in 1956, and now there's some talk of changing its name, perhaps to Batavia Intermediate School.

The subject came up at Monday's school board meeting and the board seems to be considering the idea.

Board President Gail Stevens said she will support whatever the community wants for the names of it schools (Jackson School is also up for grabs).

"I’m all for giving the community a choice," Stevens said. "They’re the stakeholders in the school, the parents, the teachers, the students. If the community wants change, then I'll represent the community."

While the decision to consolidate schools -- leading to the closure of Robert Morris -- was driven by financial issues, what the schools are named is purely a matter of community choice and Stevens said she didn't want to impose her viewpoint on that choice.

The issue came about, according to Board Member Phil Ricci, because a group of parents brought the issue to the board.

According to Ricci, the parents were concerned that students transferring from Robert Morris would join community schools with community identities, and potentially feel left out of the mix.

Changing school names is a matter of changing brands and getting all of the students involved, Ricci said.

"I think the primary thing to understand is that it isn't so much changing the name of the school," Ricci said. "The way of doing business, the way the schools are run, the way we're deliving educational services is being changed."

The former names no longer fit, Ricci said, especially if you consider the name of JK to be John Kennedy Elementary School.

On the district's Web site, that's the name of the school. On the school building itself, it's simply John Kennedy School.

Ricci said there is a push by some parents to change the name to Batavia School or Batavia Intermediate School. 

Another option, Ricci said, one he favors, is John Kennedy Intermediate School, and some have suggested, he said, Batavia Intermediate School at John Kennedy.

Both Stevens and Ricci said the cost of a name change would be minimal, and there are no concrete plans right now to institute a name change.

The board will discuss it further at its next meeting, Stevens said, and decide what to do from there.

The idea of dropping John Kennedy caught the attention of local historians and preservationists.

The board of the Holland Land Office Museum voted Tuesday night to oppose the change.

"You would  be taking away the history of the community," said HLOM Director Jeff Donahue. "The man should be honored because of the great work that he did for this area and for education in general."

Local author, localist and lover of Batavia Bill Kauffman was chagrined at the idea of Batavia once again turning its back on its history.

"Modern Batavia's besetting sin has been its disregard, even contempt, for Batavia's history," Kauffman said. "The catastrophic urban renewal of the 1960s and '70s was the most spectacular example of this. Renaming Batavia's schools would be yet another -- and wholly unnecessary -- case of the city wiping out its past and severing its connection to those who have gone before. As a proud alumnus of John Kennedy, I really hope that great little school on Vine Street retains its name."

John Kennedy was born Sept. 17, 1846, in England. He was one of 14 children. His father brought the family to New York hoping for work on the Erie Canal, but after Mrs. Kennedy heard nothing of her husband, she packed up the family and moved to Greeley, Iowa.

After the Civil War, Kennedy returned to Iowa where he became a school superintendent, soon gaining recognition for his innovative education techniques.

Kennedy spoke to educators in New York on a couple of occasions, and then the fairly new Batavia City Schools District invited Kennedy to become its second superintendent.

Over the next 23 years, Kennedy led the district, creating a number of innovations in education, such as teacher's aides and a style of teaching that offered encouragement to students rather than direct help.

In 1894, Kennedy learned that the former Holland Land Office, which had been a private residence, was going to be torn down and its bricks sold to Henry Ford for reconstruction of the building on his estate in Michigan. Kennedy started a "penny drive" to raise enough money for a down payment on the property. When he reached that goal, other community members pitched in to complete the purchase and donate the building and land to the county.

"Kennedy realized the significance of the building and because of him, we still have the Holland Land Office today," Donahue said.

Ricci said if the school name is changed, none of the history will be lost. Everything on and in the building of historical value will be preserved, he said.

"I'm fine if it's Batavia Intermediate or John Kennedy Intermediate," Ricci said. "I'm not trying to be blase about it, because I know it means something to a lot of people, but the history that goes with that school is all inside of it. It all stays. The name on the building needs to fit the new brand.

"We have three cultures in three different schools. What we call the schools needs to reflect what goes on in the schools. That doesn't mean we have to get rid of John Kennedy as the name, but possibly add to it; John Kennedy Intermediate school."

FOOTNOTE: Ricci was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy, and subsequently won a seat outright on the board. But because he came in second in the voting, he won't be able to officially vote on anything until July. As top vote-getter in the election, Gretchen DiFante assumed the vacant seat on the board.

Bill Ruffino, owner of Bill's Auto on Evans Street in Batavia did a little giving back today. Ruffino, who is on the advisory committee for the automotive program of the Genesee Valley Education Partnership drove to Mt. Morris and conducted a seminar for the students on software transfer and computer programing on automotive computers and modules.

"This not only allowed the students to see this process firsthand, but it also started them networking with a leader in the industry that they hope to someday soon be a part of," said Michael Johnson, the class teacher, who provided the photo and information.

While I was in Settler's this afternoon, four waitresses came out carrying a birthday cake and brought it over to a group of people at one of the tables.

The cake was for Mary Vangalio, who turns 99 on Friday. Pictured with her is her nephew, Mike DiMartino.