Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C-Batavia) supported a bipartisan press conference to advocate for Assembly Bill A.8540, also known as the “Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act.” This proposal will require New York State to develop and adopt a comprehensive Fentanyl Education, Awareness, and Recognition Program for all public, charter, and private schools to implement for their students.

Hawley hosted a group of students from the Oakfield-Alabama School District who gave a presentation on this issue. The group gave a detailed synopsis on the rising number of mental health issues across the state and their relationship to drug and alcohol abuse. The students also presented several policy proposals, including increasing the salaries of the state’s mental health professionals and providing increased access to emotional support and recovery services.

In a time where parents statewide are losing their children and teens at alarming rates due to illegal use of fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids and counterfeit pills, Hawley believes this initiative will provide a comprehensive educational requirement for youth to learn about the potentially fatal consequences of such substances, thus saving the lives of countless New Yorkers.

“Protecting our young people from the dangers of drug abuse is one of the most important tasks we have as state legislators,” said Hawley. “I’ve met countless individuals across my district, and almost every single one has a story of someone they know who has been affected by the opioid crisis. Thousands of New Yorkers have died as a result of a Fentanyl overdose, and we cannot continue to allow this trend to continue as long as we have the power to do something about it. I’m proud to be able to support this initiative, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to take a stand as we work to end this crisis once and for all.”

Press Release:

The countdown is on! In just 12 days, the inaugural HomeCare & Hospice Golf Classic tees off at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia on Tuesday, June 24. Golfers from across the region will come together for a fun, meaningful day on the greens—all in support of compassionate end-of-life care in our communities.

 

With 16 foursomes already signed up and just a few team slots left to fill, now’s the time to join in. Registration is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome and includes:

• Greens fees & cart
• Lunch out on the course
• Dinner at the awards ceremony
• Swag bag
• Contests, surprises & prizes

This isn’t just a day of golf—it’s a chance to support critical hospice services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties. 

“We’re so excited to bring this tournament to Batavia and strengthen our support in the northern counties,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “It’s meaningful fun—with a mission behind every swing.”

Terry Hills, home to the Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic and ranked WNY’s #1 Public Golf Course, offers 27 pristine holes, a top-notch experience, and a beautiful setting for a day of giving back. 

This year’s event includes popular challenges like longest drive, closest to the line, and mulligans, plus two unique features:

Putting Contest – $5 for one ball or $10 for three. Sink a hole-in-one for your shot at $500 in cash and prizes, courtesy of Both, Branch & Hendrix of Olean.

Air Cannon Shot – Launch your ball like never before—$10 per shot!

Sponsors are helping bring the day to life. Recent additions include:

• Ontario Shore Federal Credit Union – Cocktail Hour Sponsor
• Ellicott Development – Tee Box Sponsor
• Turbo Machining & Howard Hanna Professionals – Hole Sponsors

They join ten other organizations already committed as sponsors, showing widespread community support for hospice care across all four counties.

While HomeCare & Hospice has hosted tournaments in the past, this year’s event is part of a new rotation that alternates fundraising locations between the north and south. Batavia is about a 90-minute drive from Olean and Wellsville—and golfers from the Southern Tier are encouraged to make the trip, tee off for a cause, and enjoy the fun.

“Hospice care touches every corner of our region,” said Sullivan. “This event reflects that—uniting people across county lines to make a difference.” 

Spots are limited! The event committee is aiming for 20 total foursomes, with just four left to go. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including lunch, hole, swag, and specialty signage. 

To register or learn more, call 716-372-2106 or visit homecare-hospice.org. 

Swing big. Give back. Make a difference.

Press Release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will offer for bid 85 acres of grassland hay in two fields, each 50 and 35 acres. The Refuge annually provides approximately 1100 acres of grassland habitat for migratory birds and resident wildlife. Active management of these grasslands is necessary to provide the highest quality nesting and migration habitat. 

The Refuge haying program helps in this management process by reducing encroachment of broadleaf weeds and shrubs.

Hay will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with the highest bid per field. Sealed bids will be accepted until close of business (COB) on Thursday, July 3. 

An official Bid Sheet, available from the Refuge headquarters, is required to make a bid. Completed Bid Sheets can be mailed to the Refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, and must contain all the information requested.

If you have any questions about the haying program or would like to see the fields, please call Paul Hess at 585-948-5445 ext. 7032.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Press Release:

Rochester Regional Health (RRH) teamed up with Batavia-area Girl Scouts to offer a Fun Patch educational event at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC). Over a dozen Girl Scouts ages 6–12 earned the RRH Stroke Superstar patch by learning what to watch for when it comes to strokes and how to call for help. 

The girls received a behind-the-scenes tour of UMMC, had an up-close look at state-of-the-art medical equipment and the inside of an ambulance, and met real-life healthcare heroes. The girls also donated blankets they made to the Lipson Cancer Center to be given to cancer patients and family members.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Since 1990, incidences of stroke in people aged 49 and under have steadily increased. Healthcare workers noted that children were often present when a caregiver experienced a stroke, making it essential for all ages to recognize the signs and know how to engage Emergency Medical Services quickly.

Rochester Regional Health remained committed to the well-being of the community. Educating the public on life-saving health knowledge, such as recognizing the signs of stroke, was one of many ways RRH partnered with the community to promote better health outcomes.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

This fall, Genesee Community College's Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center will offer hands-on training in two in-demand skilled trades: Welding and Plumbing. Evening classes begin on Sept. 2 and are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.

 

"Students will be awarded an industry-recognized credential upon completion of the training," according to Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center. "We are proud to offer these short-term programs that open doors to long-term career opportunities."

The Welding Fundamentals Program equips students with essential skills for immediate entry into the workforce. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of techniques, including basic gas and arc welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW/stick), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Students will also learn the principles of industrial safety, equipment setup and operation, as well as shop safety protocols.

Welding instruction will be led by Sal Bonafide, a GCC instructor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Bonafide is eager to begin working with a new cohort of welding students: "Being able to work with students across different generations and disciplines is something I've always worked hard at; I can't wait to share my knowledge and experience with a new generation of welders."

The Plumbing Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level employment in the residential plumbing trade. The training includes a strong foundation in plumbing theory and hands-on instruction in areas such as safety procedures, tool and material use, pipe fitting, fixture installation, and system maintenance. Students will also complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training.

Instruction is provided by Walter Szczesny, a lifelong Batavia resident and Master Plumber who has owned and operated WTS Plumbing since 1993. Szczesny brings a lifetime of experience to share with his students: "I am excited to take my 45 years of knowledge and experience in the plumbing industry and pass it on to the next generation of plumbers with the skills needed to succeed in the field."

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is the recognized regional leader in workforce development, offering targeted seminars, workshops, and training programs to strengthen both individuals and businesses throughout the GLOW region. To learn more about the BEST Center's offerings, please visit our Technical Programs page.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C-Batavia) is holding his Annual New York State Assembly Summer Reading Challenge to help encourage good reading habits and continued learning this summer. This year's theme is “Color Our World,” in cooperation with Summer Reading at New York Libraries. All students in grades K through 7 living in the 139th Assembly District during the 2024-2025 school year are eligible.

Students who pledge and complete reading for at least 15 minutes each day for at least 40 days during the months of July and August will be presented a New York State Excellence in Reading Certificate from Hawley.

“I’m excited to announce this challenge for the kids in our communities,” Hawley said, “Reading is an incredibly important part of any child’s education, and I hope this challenge will instill the value of learning in them. I know this is a great opportunity for our kids, and it will be a great way to kick off the summer!”

Any parents and guardians who would like to enroll their child in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge may fill out the following registration form: https://forms.gle/1zttcs7m6Y8ioGS57.

You can watch Assemblyman Hawley’s full video announcement here.

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice is proud to welcome four new team members serving the Batavia and Arcade areas: Jennifer Byroads, Daythin Hamilton, Samantha Schiavi, and Roberta LaDue. Each brings compassion, experience, and a unique personal touch
to the organization’s mission of caring for individuals and families in their most vulnerable moments. 

 

“We’re excited to welcome these talented individuals to our team,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “Their dedication and heart for service reflect the values we strive to bring to every patient and family. We know they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Jennifer Byroads joins as an Administrative Assistant in Batavia. With more than 25 years of experience in medical offices spanning primary care, pediatrics, psychology, and community outreach, Jennifer says joining HomeCare & Hospice was “a natural fit.” 

“I saw this as an opportunity to be part of a great team that helps patients and families through maybe their greatest time of need,” Jennifer said. 

Jennifer lives in Batavia with her husband, and together they enjoy cheering on the Buffalo Bills, cooking, and spending time with their three adult daughters. 

Daythin Hamilton, based in both Batavia and Arcade, also steps into an Administrative Assistant role. A Florida native now living in Attica, Daythin brings years of nonprofit and administrative experience from her work at Buffalo City Mission. 

“I enjoy working with people and connecting them to needed services,” Daythin said. “Every day brings something new, and I’m glad to help individuals and families get the support they need.”

Outside of work, Daythin enjoys embroidery, crocheting, painting, and audiobooks.  

Samantha Schiavi joins as an LPN Specialist based in Batavia. With her medical background and passion for nursing, Samantha will play a critical role in delivering compassionate care to patients and supporting their families.

Roberta LaDue, a new Home Health Aide in Batavia, brings a warm and nurturing spirit to her role. She lives in Batavia with her two daughters and boyfriend and says her caregiving comes from the heart.

“I have always loved taking care of friends and family,” Roberta shared. “I care for my patients like they’re my own.” 

She enjoys family time, walking, baking, and is especially proud of her daughters, both of whom are honor roll students.

HomeCare & Hospice provides compassionate care for individuals with advanced illness and those facing end-of-life. Serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties, HCH offers both home care and hospice services tailored to meet the needs of patients and families with dignity and comfort.  For more information, please call 585-343-7596, visit homecare-hospice.org, or email snegron@homecare-hospice.org.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Go Art is thrilled to announce the opening of three captivating new exhibitions, featuring the diverse talents of the Genesee region BOCES Graphic Arts students, Matthew Fox, and one of GO Art’s staff members, Jodi Fisher. Join us at GO Art for the opening reception on June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

On display in our Oliver’s Gallery is the exhibit "Through a Lens,&" featuring the work of photographer and poet Jodi Fisher, a collection of nature photography showcasing some of her recent work.

Jodi invites the public to see her raw, unaltered photographs, which bring into focus how random things can be intensely interesting, especially when light, shadows, and angles come into play. Everyone who views this body of work will agree that Jodi successfully achieved her intention to transform the simple and sometimes mundane subject matter into an art piece.

Jodi says, “Each photograph captures not only what I see at any given moment, but it also tells a story about how simply looking at something from a different angle changes the whole feeling and mood of the piece”.

Contemporary painter Matthew Fox's collection offers the public a contemplative introspection in his exhibition, so aptly titled “Beyond Boundaries: Form and Fantasy.” 

Matt says, “In my work, I explore the convergence of the visceral and the ethereal through bold color relationships and symbolic imagery. My paintings oscillate between representational and abstract forms, creating visual narratives that examine our relationship with both the microscopic world within us and the vast cosmos beyond."

Matt Fox (b. 1985) is a contemporary painter based in Batavia, New York. Working primarily in acrylics, Fox creates vibrant, symbolically rich compositions that bridge the gap between scientific understanding and emotional experience.

Featured in the Rotary Gallery are over 50 art pieces created by Genesee Valley BOCES Graphic Arts Students. Their work explores the impact of color use in art and its effect on our emotions. The public will see diverse interpretations of this subject through the eyes of our young graphic artists.

GO Art! invites the public to immerse themselves in these three new exhibitions and support our talented artists.

Both Matt and Jodi will give brief artists’ talks at 6:30 p.m. during the reception. Justin Reynolds will provide live music. 

As always, all exhibition receptions are FREE to the public, but the experience is invaluable. For more information, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

On Tuesday, June 3, the Batavia City School District proudly hosted its 2025 Athletic Awards and Senior Signing Event at the Frank E. Owen Auditorium at Batavia High School. For the first time, the District combined its annual athletic awards with its senior college signing ceremony, bringing families, coaches, and the community together for a powerful evening of student-athlete recognition.

Led by Director of Health, Physical Education, and Interscholastic Sports, Joel Reed, the event honored dozens of Batavia student-athletes for their exceptional dedication, performance, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout the school year.

Award Recipients:

Batavia Coaches Association Outstanding Achievement Award - Ava Anderson, Mason Bellamy, Mallory Boyce, Grant Gahagan, Cameron Garofalo, Zailen Griffin, Jenna Higgins, Nate Kinsey, Cooper Konieczny, Sofia Lawrence, Jaimin Macdonald, Campbell Riley, Ella Shamp, Sheldon Siverling, Madeline Smith, Neveah Thomas, Amelia Tripp, Ava Wierda, E'Nhazje Carter, Karizma Wescott, Adyson O'Donnell, Keagan Calmes, Anna DiRisio, London Graham, Jamari Irvin, Karvel Martino, Ja'Lon Richardson, Isaac Varland

Awards of Excellence - Ava Anderson, Cooper Banser, Joshua Barone, Madeline Bellamy, Kylee Brennan, Jeremiah Childs, Greyson Fix, William Fulton, Grant Gahagan, Cameron Garofalo, London Graham, Zailen Griffin, Hassan Harris, Jamari Irvin, Cooper Konieczny, Jaimin Macdonald, Jameson Motyka, Campbell Riley, Jon Smith Jr., Justin Smith, Ashlyn Spring-Nicometo, Trevor Tryon

Varsity Club Award - Abigail Bestine, Zailen Griffin, Talyn Kennedy, Kelsey Kirkwood, Jon Smith Jr., Justin Smith, Lillian Emerson, Cooper Banser, Gavynn Trippany, Trevor Tryon

Outstanding Physical Education Student Award - Austin Costrino Jr., Ashlyn Spring-Nicometo

Maddie Bartz Cheer Memorial Award - Payton Vickery

Dr. Pierce Sportsmanship Award - Ava Wierda, Dillon Hale (accepted posthumously by Dillon’s parents, Diane and Larry Hale)

Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Track & Community Service - Cameron Garofalo

Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Football & Community Service - Greyson Fix

Thomas Ricci Memorial Scholarship - Grant Gahagan

Jason Gioia Memorial Scholarship - Brady Mazur

Project Play WNY Multisport Athletic Award - Madden Legler, Alyssa Turner

Daniel Van Detta Memorial Scholarship - Bronx Buchholz

United States Air Force Scholar Athlete - Jakob Hutchins, Kylee Brennan

United States Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete - William Fulton, Madeline Bellamy

United States Navy Outstanding Athlete Award - Cooper Konieczny, Nicole Doeringer

United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award - Samuel Pies, Roan Finn

1947 Club Athletics Award - Carter Mullen, Jaimin Macdonald

Batavia Lions Club Athletic Award - Cameron Garofalo

Batavia Coaches Association Scholar Athlete Award - Jeremiah Childs, Ava Anderson

Batavia Coaches Association Athlete of the Year - Jameson Motyka, Campbell Riley

Senior College Athletic Signings:

• Bronx Buchholz: Monroe Community College (Baseball)
• Nicole Doeringer: St. John Fisher University (Women’s Ice Hockey)
• Greyson Fix: Alfred State (Football)
• Grant Gahagan: SUNY Geneseo (Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field)
• Cameron Garofalo: SUNY Geneseo (Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Cross Country)
• Brady Mazur: SUNY Broome Community College (Baseball)
• Carter Mullen: Alfred University (Football)
• Sheldon Siverling: Clemson University (Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field)
• Alyssa Turner: Alfred State (Women’s Soccer)
• Ava Wierda: Roberts Wesleyan University (Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field)

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

On Pentecost Sunday (June 8) Buffalo Catholic Diocese Bishop Michael Fisher bestowed the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon Confirmation candidates from Resurrection (Batavia and Oakfield,) Ascension (Batavia) and Our Lady of Mercy, St. Brigid (Le Roy and Bergen) Parishes at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Buffalo, completing their full initiation into the Catholic Church.

Congratulations and God bless!

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Although a furious second-half rally fell short, the Genesee County Spartans gave about 300 fans plenty to cheer about on Saturday night as the semipro football team took on the Watertown Red & Black at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.

The Spartans trailed by 24 points after Jason Williams, the visitors’ highly skilled quarterback, threw his third touchdown pass of the game with five minutes left in the third quarter.

They stormed back, however, with three TDs of their own before ending up on the wrong end of a 31-26 final score.

Genesee County dropped to 0-2 while Watertown improved to 2-0 in the Northeastern Football Alliance AA Division. The Spartans’ next game is on June 14 against the Ithaca Warriors.

Following a 14-yard TD pass to Connor Crump (Spartans’ Aiden Pitts nearly intercepted that) to make it 31-7, the Spartans quickly responded. They took just three plays (aided by a personal foul call) and made the score 31-13 on a four-yard TD run by halfback Kareem Pryor. The two-point conversion pass failed.

A 21-yard pass from QB Corey Turpin to tight end Logan Pike and a 13-yard run by halfback Will Lamar set up Pryor’s touchdown.

With Watertown’s Williams out of the game, the Spartans forced a punt and took over at their own 6. On the first play, Turpin hit wide receiver Tai Reffell for 36 yards and, three plays later, connected with the tight end for a 44-yard catch-and-run touchdown to close the gap to 31-19. Again, a pass for the two-point conversion was incomplete.

The Spartans’ defense held again, stopping the Red & Black just short on a fourth-down run.

Taking over at their own 44, Genesee County closed to within 31-25 when Turpin found wide receiver Deyonci Farley in the left side of the end zone with 6:36 left in the game. Kicker Julia Petry kicked the extra point.

That drive was kept alive by offsetting penalties that negated what would have been an 80-yard interception return by Watertown linebacker Cory Smith.

At this point, Williams returned to the game, looking to seal the outcome for the visitors. With the home crowd rooting loudly, the Spartans’ defense came through again, forcing another punt after Watertown had driven to the Spartans’ 40.

Genesee County took over at its own 6. After two incompletions, Turpin hit Farley for 13 yards and Pryor for 10. Three plays later and facing a fourth-and-inches situation, Turpin rushed into the line and reached over with the ball to get the first down.

With a minute left, his pass intended for Pike was tipped at the last moment by Smith and his next pass was incomplete, making it fourth-and-10 at the Spartans’ 39. Turpin then dropped back to pass but was pressured into scrambling. He was stopped four yards short of the first down, turning the ball over to Watertown with 40 seconds left.

Williams knelt down on the final play to run out the clock.

The Watertown QB, who is enlisted in the Army stationed at Fort Drum near Watertown, proved to be the difference in the game as he was able to extend plays by avoiding the Spartans’ pass rush – either by finding open receivers in the middle of the field or by getting to the outside for big runs.

Williams, at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, carried the ball nine times for 85 yards and a touchdown and completed 14 of 26 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns – and an interception (in the end zone by free safety Takhi West in the second quarter). Two of those TDs went to Crump.

For the Spartans, Turpin completed 17 of 32 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Two of his passes were intercepted, leading to 10 Watertown points in the first half.

Genesee County rushed for 54 yards, with Lamar carrying seven times for 30 yards. Pike and Farley each caught five passes for 100 and 66 yards, respectively, while Toast Malone caught three for 36 yards.

Spartans’ Head Coach Harry Rascoe said he liked the way his squad didn’t give up but noted that penalties and missed assignments put them in a big hole.

“We stuck together and at times it was tough, but we stayed together,” he said. “Bottom line, we’ve got to play better football. Too many costly penalties. We’re still a young football team, and it’s a long season. But we’re better than what we showed tonight.”

The Spartans lost defensive end Gunner Rapone (foot) and lineman Alex Schmidt (knee) during the game and entered the contest without the services of wide receiver Jzon Richardson (hand) and defensive lineman Nick Mitchell (ankle).

Press Release:

The Statewide Community Regrant Program (SCR) is a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), developed in 1977 to ensure that the state’s cultural funding reaches every part of New York State. The cornerstone of SCR is its focus on local decision making through a transparent and competitive Peer Review Panel Process. 

Through SCR, it is possible for GO ART! to support local artists and organizations that are seeking to creatively engage their communities through art-related projects and programming in Genesee and Orleans Counties.

GO ART! will regrant $385,000 through SCR to artists and nonprofit organizations for projects and programming taking place in 2025. Statewide Community Regrant Program grantees are selected from two rounds of applications. The first round concluded in November with a second round open now and closing June 20.

The Peer Review Panel recommended funding for forty-six applications in the first round. Applicants were eligible to apply for up to a total of $5,000 in the categories of Community Arts (Reach) and Arts Education (Spark), and $3,000 for Individual Artist Commissions (Ripple). The categories and recipients are as follows:

REACH: The GO ART! Community Arts Grants (Reach Grants) provide seed grants to individual artists, collectives and arts organizations for projects and activities that enable Genesee and Orleans County communities to experience and engage with the performing, literary, media, and visual arts. Each year the program supports arts projects, including concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, screenings, festivals, workshops, readings, and more.

RIPPLE: The GO ART! Individual Artist Commission (Ripple Grant) supports local, artist-initiated activity and highlights the role of artists as important members of the community. The Commission is for artistic projects with outstanding artistic merit that work within a community setting.

SPARK: The Arts Education Program (Spark Grant) supports arts education projects for youth and/or senior learners. Emphasis is placed on the depth and quality of the creative process through which participants learn through or about the arts. Projects must focus on the exploration of art and the artistic process.

Artists, nonprofits, and municipalities seeking funding for arts-related projects, programming, and events in Genesee and Orleans Counties are encouraged to apply to the second round of Statewide Community Regrant Program (SCR) funding through GO ART!. 

For more information on applying for the Statewide Community Regrant Program visit: goart.org/grants or contact Jodi Fisher at jfisher@goart.org. 

These grants are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.

“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you are unable to safely capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”

In certain situations, a bat bite may go unnoticed. For example, if you wake up and find a bat in your room, discover a bat in a child’s bedroom, or see one near someone who is under the influence or otherwise impaired, it’s important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested for rabies.

To safely capture a bat:

• Turn on all the lights and close all the windows.
• Close the room and closet doors.
• Wait for the bat to land.
• While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
• Carefully slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
• Hold the cardboard firmly against the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.

To watch a short video on how to safely capture a bat, check out this GO Health Minute.

If you do not feel comfortable capturing the bat or cannot do it safely, contact your local health department during regular business hours.

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 x5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

If it is after regular business hours, contact your county dispatch.

• Genesee County: 585-343-5000
• Orleans County: 585-589-5527

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer that occurred Wednesday morning on Arnold Road in the Town of Elba.

According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, the county’s Emergency Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call at 11:18 a.m. reporting a tractor-trailer rollover. Responding patrols found the vehicle overturned in a ditch, with the driver trapped inside.

Multiple fire departments, Genesee County Emergency Management, Mercy EMS, and the Batavia Police Department assisted at the scene.

A preliminary investigation determined that a 2015 Freightliner hauling liquid manure was traveling southbound on Arnold Road, negotiating a left curve, when it began to roll and ultimately came to rest on its roof. 

The driver, identified as Joseph Merica, 62, of Le Roy, was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroners Karen Lang and Don Newton.

The primary cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Deputy Jon Dimmig at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at (585) 345-3000 ext. 3243.

The Strawberry Moon gets its name from the ripening of strawberries during this time of year, as well as other spring harvests and animal behavior.

This year's Strawberry Moon was significantly lower in the sky than usual due to a major lunar standstill. 

This standstill is a period when the moon's orbit reaches an extreme tilt relative to Earth's equator, causing it to rise and set at more extreme points on the horizon.  

Photo taken at 345am by Steve Ognibene

The murder of Michael Poole, a 59-year-old Olcott resident, was calculated and driven by paranoia, District Attorney Kevin Finnell told jurors on Tuesday during opening statements in the trial of Edward A. "Eddie" Dunn, the man accused of killing Poole and leaving his body in bed of a pickup truck in the town of Alabama.

Dunn has denied the charges against him.

According to Finnell's account of events, Dunn shot Poole in the head after suspecting him of knowing too much about a string of burglaries allegedly committed by Dunn and his friend, Katherine “Kat” Henry. 

Poole’s body was discovered on March 19, 2024, in Alabama in the bed of his own pickup truck, abandoned and buried under a pile of debris and towels. 

“Michael deserved to die. Why? Because he was a man who knew too much,” Finnell said to the jury in his opening remarks. 

He described the killing as an execution, saying Dunn, armed with a .22 caliber rifle, shot Poole multiple times before attempting to cover up the crime. 

The prosecution highlighted the timeline of events leading to Poole’s death, claiming that Dunn and Henry had been staying with Norman "Bud" Dubois in Middleport while committing burglaries across the region. 

On March 17, 2024, Henry allegedly called Poole for a ride for her and Dunn. They had known each other in the past. When they returned from scouting out a laundromat, the prosecution says, Dunn fatally shot Poole from the back seat of Poole’s truck. 

Evidence recovered includes shell casings, the murder weapon found in a crawlspace at Dubois’ home, and a fingerprint linking Dunn to the rifle. The truck was located on March 18, and Poole’s body was later found inside. 

The defense, led by attorney Casey Spencer, urged jurors to question the credibility of key witnesses, particularly Henry and Dubois, who she says are both unreliable due to their criminal histories and drug use. 

“You will not find physical evidence to support the narrative that’s been presented,” Spencer said. 

She stressed that Henry’s story changed only after she had been charged with second-degree murder. She also suggested that the evidence could have been tampered with in the three days that Henry and Dubois were alone in that house before a search warrant was issued. 

The defense also cast doubt on the forensic value of the fingerprint that was found on the rifle, arguing that it cannot be said that was the last time that Dunn handled the weapon. 

The case will resume Wednesday at 9:15 a.m., with further testimony from law enforcement, forensic experts, and key witnesses, including Henry and Dubois. 

The trial is anticipated to last until June 20.

Press Release:

Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is proud to announce that The Wound Care Center at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) has achieved clinical and operational recognition from Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

UMMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center earned the most prestigious Healogics’ award, the President’s Circle Designation, and was the only center in New York State to achieve this esteemed honor.

The Center also earned designation as a Center of Excellence and Center of Distinction for 2024. These national awards recognize Wound Care Centers that consistently demonstrate high performance in several key areas including patient satisfaction, wound healing rates and overall clinical outcomes. This recognition verifies that the wound care team at UMMC achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This is the 9th year in a row UMMC has received the Center of Distinction recognition and the 2nd year as a Center of Excellence.

“We are incredibly proud of the team at United Memorial Medical Center Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine for once again being recognized by Healogics for their exceptional commitment to patient care,” said Daniel P. Ireland, EVP, Chief Nursing Executive and Patient Care Officer for Rochester Regional Health. “Earning these prestigious designations for nearly a decade reflects the unwavering dedication of our clinicians, nurses, and support staff to providing advanced, evidence-based wound care. Their work not only improves healing outcomes but truly transforms lives in our community.”

United Memorial Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine uses an interdisciplinary approach that includes specialized practitioners together with the latest advances in wound care management and technologies to assure quality outcomes. The team specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, and other wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Many patients who find relief at UMMC Wound Care have been suffering after months or years of other treatments have been unsuccessful.

As a hospital-based outpatient service, the center uses the most up-to-date approaches to wound healing including use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and remains current in the latest scientific advances in wound care.

Batavia Downs is undergoing a major track resurfacing and grading project ahead of the 2025 harness racing season, with approximately $300,000 in improvements announced by President & CEO Byron Brown. 

The work, which began on Tuesday, marks the first full resurfacing since 2015 and is expected to be completed within 7 to 10 days, weather permitting.

The upgrades are designed to enhance racing conditions for drivers and horses, as well as improve the overall experience for fans. 

“Our goal is to continue to improve the live racing experience for our current fans and hopefully attract new racing fans,” Brown said. “Batavia Downs is a historic harness racing facility, and these upgrades will ensure that the track remains a jewel for the 2025 season and beyond. I’m looking forward to a great racing season that begins in late July.”

The upcoming season opens July 26 and will feature the New York Sire Stakes on September 6. 

In addition to the track work, improvements include renovations to horse barn areas, new fencing along turns one and two, a new suite area in the grandstand, window tinting to reduce heat and glare, and a new water fountain attraction in the infield.

Track consultant Gary Wolff, who has over 30 years of industry experience and currently works with the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, was hired to oversee the resurfacing project.

Submitted photos.

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