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A female employee at Aldi's is trapped inside a freezer. City fire is responding and, as a precaution, Mercy medics. The grocery store is located in Eastown Plaza, 587 E. Main St., Batavia.

(Submitted photo. Pictured, from left, are: New York State Sheriffs’ Association President and Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour, Genesee County Chief Deputy – Road Patrol Gordon Dibble, and Saratoga County Sheriff Mike Zulo.)

Press release:

On Sept. 28, Genesee County Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, along with 53 law enforcement supervisors from 29 Sheriff’s Offices around the state, attended the 18th Annual Law Enforcement Division Supervisors’ Continuing Education Program. Participants are provided with training in the latest advances in law enforcement. As law enforcement supervisor, the Chief Deputy of the Sheriff’s road patrol is responsible for operations and administrative matters related to the road patrol division.

(Submitted photo. Pictured, from left, are: New York State Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Peter Kehoe, New York State Sheriffs’ Association First Vice President and Herkimer County Sheriff Christopher Farber, Genesee County Jail Superintendent William Zipfel, Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco, and Saratoga County Sheriff Mike Zulo.)

On Oct. 2, Genesee County Jail Superintendent William Zipfel, along with over 100 county jail administrators from 51 county Sheriff's Offices attended the Jail Administrators' Continuing Education Conference. The yearly conference brings corrections professionals from around the state together to share best practices and new trends impacting their jails.

Both conferences included a discussion by Clinton County Sheriff David Favro and Franklin County Sheriff Kevin Mulverhill of the Sheriff’s response to the Dannemora escape.

Other topics discussed at the Law Enforcement Supervisors’ Conference included:

• a discussion regarding body cameras for police by Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo;
• an account of the Sullivan County drug bust by Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff;
• a recap of an Albany County investigation into the death of a child by Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.

Presentations at the Jail Superintendents’ Conference included:

• Field Intelligence Officer Kirk Kingsbury of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office presented on gang intelligence in county jails;
• Thomas Diina, Erie County Jail superintendent, gave a case study on mental health services in county jails along with Daniel Antonius, Ph.D., director of the Division of Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Buffalo, and Ronald Schoelerman, director of Intensive Adult Mental Health Services, Erie County Dept. of Mental Health;
• Orange County Jail Administrator Kenneth Decker presented on the use of Vivitrol in jails;
• Deputy Commissioner Justin Pruyne of the Westchester County Department of Correction presented a case study;
• Edward Bly of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office and Chuck Newman of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office moderated the round table discussion “What’s New in County Jails."

These conferences are part of a training series offered each year. They were held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs and were sponsored and organized by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and the New York State Sheriffs' Institute. New York State Sheriffs' Association (NYSSA) First Vice President and Herkimer County Sheriff Christopher Farber presented certificates at the close of the conference along with Saratoga County Sheriff Mike Zurlo and Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco.

Press release:

Crime scene analysis, 3-D printing processes, welding applications, animal care methods, and the newest cosmetology trends are just a few of the practices students learn at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE). The Batavia CTE Center will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Students, parents and community members are invited to tour the center and discover the many skilled trades opportunities available at this facility. This event is open to the public. The Batavia CTE Center is located at 8250 State Street Road, Batavia. Please call (585) 344-7711 with any questions.

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The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component New York State school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties.

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center and the Cancer Services Partnership will provide free health screenings to Genesee County women between the ages of 40-64 with no insurance or high deductibles, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 4-8 p.m. at the Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. Appointments are necessary for some of the screenings.

For women age 40-64, nurse midwife, Cecilia Stearns, MSN CNM will perform women’s health screenings, including pap smears, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams. Additional services available at the event include mammography, total cholesterol, blood pressure and take home colorectal cancer screening kits.

All screenings will be provided at no charge. Funds are available for follow-up care if necessary. Please call United Memorial’s Healthy Living Department to schedule an appointment at (585) 344-5331. Light refreshments, health information and free giveaways will also be available.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

While we spend Halloween trick-or-treating and hosting parties with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Oct. 30^th and will end on Nov. 1st. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. A review of Halloween Nights (2009-2013) shows 43 percent of all motor-vehicle deaths involved drunk driving.

Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. The STOP-DWI Halloween Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation from a grant through GTSC. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Thanksgiving and the national Holiday Season in December.

Undersheriff William Sheron said: “We know that there is a historic increase in impaired driving around Halloween. It only makes sense to increase our patrols during this time and we will.”

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. It is significant to note that in 2013, 26 percent of the fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween involved drunk drivers.

Stay safe this Halloween, don't drink and drive -- get a ride. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Have a safe and happy Halloween Weekend!

Press release:

Ready to get a head start on your trick-or-treating this year? Can't wait to show off your costume? Join 90.7FM (WGCC) on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Genesee Community College for Batavia's best family Halloween event, the fourth annual Play, Eat and Trick-or-Treat! The fun begins at 10 a.m. and will run until 2 p.m. in the GCC Forum.

New this year, youngsters will have a chance to meet and have their photo taken with their favorite Star Wars characters! The event will also feature bounce houses, face painting, movies on the big screen, games, snacks and more! Pizza and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is $3 per trick-or-treater and adults and infants are admitted FREE.

A number of big baskets will be raffled off throughout the day. Try your luck at a chance to win one of a number of big prizes featuring items such as an autographed Buffalo Sabres jersey, tickets to the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets game on Jan. 3, gift certificates and more!

Developed by 90.7FM (WGCC), Play, Eat and Trick-or-Treat serves as the station's largest fundraiser and money raised helps send students to the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Conference in New York City. It also supports the cost of new equipment and new programming opportunities.

"It's a really fun event and supports a great cause," Valerie Bello, 90.7FM faculty advisor, said. "Each year we look forward to reaching out to the community we serve. We can't wait for another fun and successful day of doing just that!" she said.

90.7FM is a not for profit, non-commercial radio station run by the students, faculty and staff of Genesee Community College. On the air since 1985, the station is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and has become a well-loved part of the Batavia and GCC alumni community.

Hi-Temp Fabrication is sponsoring this year's event, with other sponsors including Buffalo's Albright Knox Art Gallery, Burchfield Penney Art Center and Pearl Street Grill and Brewery.

Press release from Raymond Tourt, city superintendent of Maintenance:

Citywide leaf collection begins Oct. 26 and continues until Nov. 25.

Residents of the following streets can rake to the parkway but do not place in the street; these streets are: Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main Street), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak Street and Walnut Street),Walnut Street, Richmond Avenue (between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue). 

If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

All other streets are asked to rake leaves to the curb line, taking care not to block storm drainage structures/ catch basins.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving east in areas south of Main Street and second crew on the Northside will work from Grandview Terrace moving west, north of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about a week and half to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season on Dec. 5. Effective Nov. 2^nd, the hours of the Yard Waste Station operation will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION

• Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris.
• Grass clippings, flower pottings, branches, pumpkins cannot be picked up and residents an encouraged to bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street.
• Leaves should not block traffic.
• Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorist/bicyclists/pedestrians.
• Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding. 
• Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles. 
• Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire.
• Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection.
• If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended.
• There is no leaf pickup in the Spring.

(Submitted photo by Jim Dusen of the local band Red Creek at HLOM holding a paper replica of the museum's facade.)

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum in partnership with the Willow Bend Inn present their second annual Fall Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, with live music by the band Red Creek.

The event will be held on location at the one of Genesee County’s oldest buildings, the historic Willow Bend Inn at 3489 W. Main St. Road in Batavia.

Reenactors will be there in full regalia to share the history of building as well as what life was like as a traveler in the 19^th Century. There will be a basket raffle with produce from local farms and activities and games for children. 

The Willow Bend Inn will have food and drink specials all afternoon, and live classic rock and country music by the local band Red Creek. Admission is $5 at the door for adults; FREE for children 12 or younger.

All proceeds benefit the historical and educational programs at the Holland Land Office Museum. For more information, contact Jeffrey M. Fischer, the new director, Holland Land Office Museum by e-mail hollandlandoffice@gmail.com  or phone 343-4727.

A car accident is reported on the westbound Route 490 at mile marker 4.7. The vehicle is in a ditch and the female driver is complaining of chest pain. Bergen fire and ambulance are responding.

New and gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, scarfs and boots in all sizes are being accepted by Community Action of Orleans & Genesee in Batavia.

These will be given to adults and children in need during this cold season.

Please donate only items that are clean, without holes or broken zippers.

Drop off donations at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, located at 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call 343-7798 for information.

Press release:

Notre Dame High School is sponsoring a program about good manners for all fifth- through eighth-grade students at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. This interactive program is presented by Beverly Thomas, founder of Buffalo-based Etiquette for a New Generation.

Etiquette for a New Generation's programs focus upon skills to help individuals succeed in the classroom, at home, in the world of business or in a college interview. Application of these manners and skills leads to increased opportunities, greater confidence and improved self-esteem.

Topics to be covered include: Communication Skills, including cell phone etiquette, Social Etiquette, Self Image, Creating a Personal Preference and Elements of Good Sportsmanship.

Notre Dame High School is located at 73 Union St. in Batavia. Cost is $10 per student and includes lunch. Please call 585-343-2783, ext. 100, for more details and to make reservations.

A three-car accident with injuries is reported at Slusser and Pratt roads, East Pembroke. Law enforcement is on scene and says extrication will be needed. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: There were only two cars involved; the third vehicle was driven by a witness who stopped to block off the accident scene. The drivers involved in the accident had minor injuries and both were transported to a hospital; neither had passengers.

City firefighters are responding to a complaint about "a recreational fire" behind the residence at 7 Ross St. Law enforcement is also dispatched to the scene.

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha shares the following safety tips to help you plan a safe, fun Halloween for your family. Review these safety guidelines with your family and set ground rules before heading out. The sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies will have increased patrols on October 31 but planning on your part is the best way to ensure a safe Halloween.

Never leave your house unattended. If you have to leave your house, make sure all the doors are locked.

Parents DO:

• Map out your route and check it against the New York State Sex Offender Registry at www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor

• Accompany your young children and plan to go when it’s light out.
• Feed your children a meal or substantial snack before trick or treating.
• Have children save all candy until they get home.
• Inspect all treats; throw away unwrapped, open, or suspicious looking goodies.

Trick-or-Treaters DO:

• Travel in pairs or groups and stay together.
• Walk on the sidewalk or on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Stop, look and listen at corners.
• Plan a safe route; stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Carry a cell phone if going without an adult.
• Be respectful of people and their property.

Trick-or-Treaters DON’T:

• Go into a stranger's house or get into a stranger's car.
• Run across yards or streets.
• Venture down dark, empty streets.
• Approach dark, unlighted houses.
• Go between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across streets.
• Eat any treats before your parents check them.

At Home:

• Put away anything children could trip over.
• Turn the lights on and replace any burned-out bulbs at the walkway and front door.
• Remember, your jack-o-lantern and any other candles or electrical decorations can be a fire hazard. Keep them out of the reach of small children and away from flammable materials.

Press release:

Genesee Community College will offer two open house events this fall at the Main Campus in Batavia, allowing perspective students and their families to explore the many opportunities the College has to offer. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register at www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or by calling 866-CALL-GCC.

The first event is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 - 11 a.m. The admissions, financial aid and advisement staff will be available to answer questions, and enjoy complete tours of the Batavia Campus, College Village and the College's Nursing labs and classrooms located across the street in the Med Tech Building.

The College will also hold its annual Veterans Day Academic Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. As the biggest recruitment event of the year, visitors have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with professors and instructors at the Academic Fair which runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m., gaining inside knowledge about GCC's many majors and some long-term career projections. In addition, representatives from several four-year colleges will be on hand to talk about transfer options from GCC. If you want a comprehensive look at academics, admissions and the overall GCC experience, don't miss this event!

Genesee Community College provides a variety of convenient learning options for students of all ages. Students can take classes at the main campus in Batavia or at one of six campus centers in GCC's four-county service area, including Lima and Dansville in Livingston County, Albion and Medina in Orleans County, and Arcade and Warsaw in Wyoming County. GCC also has a robust online learning program with more than 100 online courses offered each semester and 15 degrees can be earned fully online.

Establishing new degrees, certificates and concentrations that are focused on careers and jobs of the future has always been a priority for GCC. Among the newest programs are Food Processing Technology AAS, Polysomnographic Technology, AAS, (the study of sleep disorders), Supply Chain Management Concentration and Economic Crime Investigation as two concentrations within the Business Administration program, and GCC recently realigned the science programs into four Natural Science concentrations, specifically Physics, Environmental Biology, Biology and Chemistry.

"I have been at GCC for nearly 20 years and I continue to be impressed by the diversity of our student body," Tanya Lane-Martin, assistant dean for Enrollment Services and director of Admissions said. "While we enjoy our traditional aged students who come from high school, I'm also delighted by our growing number of international students, parents and some grandparents who are attending classes with their children, students from Downstate who love our rural community, and the displaced workers who want to retrain and get back into the workforce ASAP. Serving the needs of all these students and helping them achieve their success is what makes GCC such a special place."

For those interested in upcoming courses, a complete listing of GCC's Winterim, Spring and Summer 2016 course schedules can be viewed here: http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/

Plans are being made to honor Don Read, former Genesee County Clerk who retired on Sept. 11, with a dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant. He served as county clerk for 22 years.

It is planned for Saturday, Nov. 7th, with social hour starting at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7. Cost is $30 per person.

To reserve a seat, send your check -- made out to Richard Siebert -- to P.O. Box 171, Batavia NY 14021.

Also, if anyone would like to participate honoring Mr. Read, please let Mr. Siebert know.