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Grand Jury: three felony DWI cases, alleged cocaine possession, and man accused of criminal mischief on Oak Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Amy M. Carpenter is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 18, it is alleged Carpenter drove a 2002 Dodge on Willow Street and State Street in the City of Batavia while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for operating a motor vehicle while she allegedly knew, or had reason to know, that her driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and did so while allegedly intoxicated. Also, Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has filed Special Information, accusing Carpenter of having been convicted of felony DWI previously, on Jan. 27, 2008, and therefore alleging she had knew or had reason to know her driving privilege was suspended or revoked as a result of this conviction.

Daniel J. Vanderjagt is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Aug. 8 in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that Vanderjagt drove a 2014 Ford on Main Park Road while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Frank L. Schiavi is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, a Class A-II felony. It is alleged that on May 7 in the City of Batavia, Schiavi knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug, in this case, cocaine, and that these had an aggregate weight of four ounces or more.

Morgan R. Todd is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On June 6, it is alleged that Todd drove a 2011 Volkswagen on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke while intoxicated.

John W. Walsh is accused of the crime of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 6, having no right to do so nor any reasonable grounds to believe he had such right, he intentionally damaged property of another person in an amount exceeding $250 on Oak Street in the City of Batavia.

Justgottogetthere tough as nails in Batavia Downs feature

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It’s not too often a horse gets passed at the head of the lane and comes back on to win, but that is exactly what Justgottogetthere did in Friday night’s (Dec. 4) $9,500 trotting feature at Batavia Downs.

Leaving from post four, Justgottogetthere (Ron Beback Jr.) left quickly to take the lead and provide pylon-starter Leave Your Mark (Kevin Cummings) with a perfect trip. The rest of the field struggled to keep up as the leading pair went to the half in :59.3.

After that second station, it became two separate races; Justgottogetthere and Leave Your Mark broke away from the pack by four lengths. Cummings pulled Leave Your Mark at the three-quarter pole and drew alongside of Justgottogetthere before taking a length lead at the top of the stretch. Looking well on his way to victory, Leave Your Mark was quickly rebuffed when Beback urged Justgottogetthere on and the game trotter responded; retaking the lead and eventually winning the race by a length in 1:58.3.

The win was the 10th of the year for Justgottogetthere ($7.50), but the first since Aug. 28. The winner’s share of the purse pushed his 2015 earnings to $63,402 for owners Antonietta Landi and North Creek Racing, LLC. Jerry Nugent Jr. trains the 6-year-old gelded son of Valley Victor.

Shawn McDonough had the hot hands on Friday, winning four races driving as well as one as trainer. Drew Monti was right behind with a hat-trick and Ron Beback Jr. doubled up. Trainers Russell Bratt and Alex Giuliani both sent two winners to get their pictures taken.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday tonight (Dec. 5) at 6:15. There are only four cards of racing left in the 2015 meet.

Car vs. pedestrian accident reported in Village of Elba, patient is conscious

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported at 11 S. Main St. in the Village of Elba, just north of Maple Avenue. The patient is conscious. The caller reports a possible diabetic issue is involved and indicates of the the parties involved may be trying to leave the scene.

Elba Fire Department and Mercy medic #2 are responding.

Christmas Dance was a jolly good time

By Billie Owens

Photos and information from Pat Iamon.

Some lucky folks got a little extra holiday cheer at Genesee County’s Christmas dance for adults with developmental disabilities recently held at the Byron Fire Hall. The dancers, mostly clad in their holiday garb, were buzzing with excitement in anticipation of an appearance by Santa Claus.

About an hour into the dance an announcement was made that Santa was spotted in the parking lot. The jolly old fellow accompanied by Mrs. Claus made their way through the hall as the crowd cheered and applauded. The couple were escorted into chairs in front of the Christmas tree and everyone gathered around in anticipation.

Pat Iamon, dance coordinator, called each person up to the front by name. Everyone had an opportunity to sit and visit with the red-clad couple for a few moments while Uncle Joe snapped a photo. Santa handed each person a special Christmas gift bag; and as an added treat each individual was escorted to two tables to select a handcrafted stocking cap or ear-warming headband all made by Mrs. Pam Truax of Byron.

For the second year Mrs. Truax has dedicated her time and talents to make these for our dancers and this year she was able to hand them out in person. Some of the items in the gift bags were made possible with donations from community businesses.

A flier for the last dance of the season was handed out, however, it had the wrong date. Please note that the next dance will be held on Thursday, May 12. It will be our Pajama Dance and will be held at the Byron Fire Hall. As always the dances are open to all individuals with developmental disabilities ages 13 and up in Genesee County.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or would like more information on the dances can call Laura Platt at 548-2245 or Pat Iamon at 245-2918.

Car vs. pole accident, unknown injuries, at Lyman and Clinton Street roads, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pole accident with unknown injuries is reported at Lyman Road and Clinton Street Road, Bergen. The pole and some wires are down. Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: The driver is out of the vehicle and does not appear to be injured, according to a first responder on scene.

Cornell Cooperative Extension offers direct access to specialists and the latest ag info

By Billie Owens

Press release:

To help support our local agriculture industry and to provide producers with expert information, Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension offers its annual “Agriculture Enrollment.”

Farms enrolled in 2016 will receive direct access to the NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team and Cornell Vegetable Program specialists who work hard in our region to address the concerns of our producers.

The Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP) specialists work together with Cornell University faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues that impact the industry. The CVP provides educational programs and information to growers, processors and agri-business professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably produce and market safe and healthful vegetable crops. This in turn contributes to the viability of farms and the economic well-being of New York State. Specifically, the CVP focuses on food safety, variety evaluation, market development, pest management and cultural practices.

The NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team specialists work together with Cornell University faculty and extension educators statewide to provide service to farms large and small, whether dairy, livestock, hay, corn, wheat or soybean focused. The team is part of the Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Pro-Dairy program outreach. Specialists cover the areas of dairy production, field crop production, farm business management, small farm management and livestock production. For dairy farms, a bilingual dairy specialist provides producers with employee training and human resource facilitation in Spanish.

Both teams serve Genesee County by providing educational programs with classroom and hands-on training, farmer discussion groups, newsletters with timely production information, telephone/email consultations, direct mailings of special events, as well as farm visits and research opportunities. Enrollees are eligible for reduced registration fees for educational meetings.

Cost of enrollment is $65 per team. Cornell Pest Management Guidelines (hardcopy and online) are available for an additional cost. To receive an enrollment form please contact Jan Berlinger at 585-343-3040, ext. 132, or at jmb374@cornell.edu.

ACM Medical Laboratory, with patient service center in Batavia, joins HEALTHeLINK

By Billie Owens

Press release:

HEALTHeLINK today announced ACM Medical Laboratory, Inc., has joined Western New York’s clinical information exchange as a data source. Recent laboratory results from ACM’s patient service centers in Albion, Batavia, Cuba and Olean can now be securely accessed via HEALTHeLINK by more than 3,400 participating physicians. 

“By being able to view the most current clinical information, such as recent lab results, on the patients they are treating, physicians are able to provide more informed care,” said Dan Porreca, executive director, HEALTHeLINK. “In addition to being able to provide timely and effective treatment, physicians can also avoid duplicating lab tests which may have already been performed on their patients.”

Nearly 100 percent of laboratory results generated in Western New York hospitals and independent laboratory centers are currently available to participating physicians through HEALTHeLINK.

”We are pleased that our providers in the Western New York market can now access our results through HEALTHeLINK,” said Tom DePalma, national sales director, ACM Medical Laboratory. “The technical team at HEALTHeLINK provided excellent support in the development and validation process, essential for us to meet the needs of the healthcare community we serve.”           

ACM, an affiliate of Rochester Regional Health System, is a full-service clinical and pathology laboratory providing high-quality diagnostic testing services for physicians, hospitals, employers, and other health care providers and the patients they serve. For more information, visit acmlab.com.

Congressman Collins encourages local fire departments to apply for grant money

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) is encouraging local fire departments and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers to apply for federal Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

AFG funds assist fire departments and other first responders in procuring the critical equipment and protective gear necessary to best serve their local communities. The funding can also be utilized to acquire training and additional resources that are necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel.

FEMA will begin accepting applications from eligible departments beginning on Monday, Dec. 7th at 8 a.m. EST. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. EST.

“It is important that our local fire companies have the tools and resources they need to keep their members safe and effectively protect our community,” Congressman Collins said. “FEMA’s grant program helps them do just that, and I encourage departments throughout NY-27 to apply.”

More information on this year’s AFG program can be found at: http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program. Applicants with further questions or those seeking letters of support from Congressman Collins should call the Geneseo District Office at (585) 519-4002.

YWCA of Genesee County expands outreach to provide free services to domestic violence clients

By Billie Owens

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County has expanded into four areas of Genesee County as part of its ongoing effort to provide free services to domestic violence clients.

Beginning Dec. 1, Domestic Violence Liaison Amanda Bow will be at town halls in Bergen, Byron, Pavilion and Darien on designated days throughout the week. She will be at these satellite sites through June of 2017.

“This prevents people from having to travel farther from their home towns to obtain domestic-violence-related services,” Bow said. “Many of these sites may be within walking distance and be more accessible than our Batavia facility. Services are open to any Genesee County resident, and even if someone does not live here, I can refer them to resources in their own county of residence.”

She can assist victims and survivors of domestic violence with orders of protection, one-on-one counseling, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, safety planning and arrangements for safe housing.

This project was made possible with a grant from the Ursula Forem Domestic Violence Program Employment Fellowship program through the state Office of the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Objectives include an expansion of services to underserved areas in Genesee County, a support group each for adults and for children and to build a regional network of related agencies in Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Services are free and confidential. Appointments are not necessary and walk-ins are welcome. Bow will be available from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at Bergen Town Hall, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at Byron Town Hall, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Pavilion Town Hall and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Darien Town Hall.

To schedule an appointment with Amanda Bow, call (585) 813-3175.

Salvation Army extends deadline to apply for holiday assistance until Dec. 16

By Billie Owens

Press release:

 The Salvation Army has extended the application deadline for receiving holiday assistance. Families and individuals who are in need of assistance with food and toys this Christmas are welcome to apply until Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Applicants must bring picture ID, proof of residence in Genesee County, documentation for all the household income and expenses. Families with children should also come with a list of toys for children 12 years old and younger.

Families and individuals in need are encouraged to come in at their earliest convenience to ensure an appointment to pick up their food and toys. Applications are taken Monday-Friday 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:15 p.m.

For more information please contact Major Patty at 585-343-6284 or patricia.kurtz@use,salvationarmy.org

Corfu Free Library seeks artists to enter contest for new logo

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Anyone with an artistic calling can enter the contest for a new logo for the Corfu Free Library. The Board of Directors will be accepting entries for a new logo for the library that goes along with the library’s slogan, “Rooted in our past, growing our future.” The contest is open to all ages.

The winner will be voted on by the community after the semi-finalists are chosen by the Board of Directors. The winning design will be unveiled at a future date and the winner awarded a $50 gift card.

“Since the library is on Maple Avenue and our slogan mentions roots, a logo that somehow incorporates a tree in its design is what we have in mind,” says Diana Reding, library director.

“The Corfu Free Library has been a part of the community for nearly a century, and now includes many of the new electronic services like electronic books, audio books, and e-magazines, but we still have books for all ages of readers,” she adds.

Tony Kutter, local resident and a member of the Board of Directors, thinks that the old gas lantern that has flickered for a century by the library would be a nice addition to a design, too.

“We are open to all ideas for our new logo that would illustrate our slogan,” says Kutter. “It will be exciting to see what entries we receive from our talented residents.”

Entries will be accepted until Jan. 10. Residents will then be invited to vote on their favorite. Once the new logo is chosen, there will be a special celebration in late January to unveil the new design, and all residents will be invited to attend.

Entry forms are available at the library, 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu, and on the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org. For more details, stop by the Corfu Free Library circulation desk or call (585) 599-3321.

Mach This Way goes gate to wire in Batavia Mares Open

By Billie Owens

Photo of Mach This Way with driver Ron Beback Jr., courtesy of Paul White.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It was round two of the heavyweight fight between Mach This Way and Memumsnotnice in the $9,500 distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Dec. 2) and when the race was run, Mach This Way avenged last week's result. 

In a complete role reversal from a week ago, Memumsnotnice (Ray Fisher Jr.) was forced to sit in second as Mach This Way (Ron Beback Jr.) forced her way to the lead and made it clear that no one else would head her. Then over a rain-soaked track, they proceeded to splash to the half in :57.3.

As the girls made their way past three-quarters, Mach This Way and Memumsnotnice separated themselves from the rest of the field and it became a two-horse race at the top of the lane. From there, Memumsnotnice pulled and tried to overtake, but Mach This Way dug in and toughed-out a solid length victory in 1:57.

It was the seventh win of the year for Mach This Way ($3.30), including four wins in six consecutive Batavia Downs starts and the winners share enhanced her financial situation to $55,130 for owner William Emmons. James Clouser Jr. trains the 6-year-old daughter of Mach Three.

Several horsemen had multi-win evenings. Ron Beback Jr. scored a driving triple while Kevin Cummings registered a double. Trainers Kirk Desmond, James Clouser Jr. and Russell Bratt all sent two winners to post.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Dec. 4) with post time at 6:15 p.m.

Possible house fire reported on Wilkinson Road, East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at 8979 Wilkinson Road, East Pembroke. The house is said to be filled with smoke although no flames are visible. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding, along with an engine from Town of Batavia, as mutual aid.

UPDATE 3:28 p.m.: All available manpower from East Pembroke Fire Department is called to respond to the confirmed, working structure fire. Also called to the scene are Darien, Oakfield and Alexander fire departments. Pembroke is asked to fill in at East Pembroke's fire hall.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: Elba Fire Department is asked to fill in at Town of Batavia Fire Station #1.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: Fire is out.

Two-car crash, unknown injuries, reported at Gilmore and Akron roads, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at the intersection of Gilmore and Akron roads. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire department are dispatched along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: Command reports there are no injuries and tells responding units to remain in quarters.

Raising your bull calves can add to your farm profitability

By Billie Owens

Press release:

If you are thinking about adding a new profitable enterprise to your dairy or beef operation, dairy beef production could be a natural fit. If you would like to learn more about raising dairy beef, Cornell Cooperative Extension and JBS meat packers will be hosting this meeting at the Cooperative Extension Education Center in Albion to discuss the production and marketing of dairy beef.

Cornell University Beef Cattle Specialist, Dr. Mike Baker will discuss the beef cattle cycle, and rations that can be used when raising dairy beef. Livestock Specialist, Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program, Tom Gallagher, will discuss vaccination programs for dairy steers and dairy beef quality assurance. Vice President for Cattle Procurement at JBS, Larry Rose, from Greely, Colo., will give an overview of JBS, including a feedlot leased by JBS in Nicholville, marketing dairy beef and risk management in regard to raising beef.

Please register for one of these programs below by Dec. 2 to give us an accurate lunch count. There will be no charge to attend these educational events but your timely registration guarantees a lunch.

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Office Orleans County

12690 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411

Contact Cathy Wallace to register at 585-343-3040, ext. 138 or e-mailcfw6@cornell.edu

 

Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tally Ho Restaurant

14 Main St., Richfield Springs, NY 14411

Contact Cathy Wallace to register at 585-343-3040, ext. 138 or e-mailcfw6@cornell.edu.

Calf & Heifer Congress set for Dec. 15 and 16 in East Syracuse

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Calf & Heifer Congress 2015 – “Manage What Matters” will take place in East Syracuse on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 15-16, at the Doubletree Hotel. This exciting program will cover topics pertinent to replacement heifer management from birth to calving, and is once again planned and coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team.

An excellent slate of speakers and outstanding dairy producers will deliver practical information of interest to dairy producers, industry, extension personnel and college staff alike. Numerous supporters to this two day conference will be on hand with displays and representatives to visit with attendees about ways to achieve superior results in the heifer enterprise.

Several standout speakers this year include Dr. Sheila McGuirk of the University of Wisconsin and Dr. Franklyn Garry of Colorado State University, who will discuss the impacts of dystocia, health risk assessment and strategies for disease control. In addition, Dr. Mike Van Amburgh of Cornell University and Dr. Bob Corbett of Dairy Health Consultation will delve into the research, biology and field experiences of providing consistent, superior management from birth to calving.

For more conference information including the complete agenda, cost, lodging, meals and registration details go to http://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=287. You may register with a credit card on-line or print off a form to fill out and mail in with payment by check.

Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040, ext.138 or cfw6@cornell.edu by Dec. 5.

High school juniors and seniors wanted for GC Youth Lead Program, application deadline is Dec. 18

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program.

The program is focused on developing leadership skills within an individual through each specific session and through hands on experience. The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College beginning Jan. 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held weekly for eight weeks alternating between field trips and class sessions.

The program will cost $55 and students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

Please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions or to obtain an application at (585)344-3960or at youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us. Applications are due on Dec. 18.

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