New York will finally pay off some of their IOUs to the county.

County Treasurer Scott German learned Tuesday that $4.1 million in funds meant to cover 2013 Nursing Home expenses will be transferred to the county Aug. 13.

That's the good news. We'll get to the bad news shortly.

The $4.1 million is what is known as an Inter-Governmental Transfer. It's money that originates with the federal government and sent to the states so the states can transfer it to county governments that run nursing homes. The money is meant to help offset the difference in reimbursement fees between Medicaid and Medicare (it's more complicated than that, but that's the easy explanation).

In June, the county received $4.3 million in back IGT payments from 2012.

Of the $8.4 million IGT received, the taxpayers of Genesee County paid an amount equal to 50 percent, or $4.2 million, as a local match.

But that isn't all of the bad news.

County Manager Jay Gsell said the feds are phasing out the IGT program. The Aug. 13 payment is probably one of the last two or three the county will ever receive.

No program has been announced to replace it.

Once there's no IGT -- and if there's no program to replace it -- the local share cost of running the Genesee County Nursing Home will likely be at least $3 million a year, and that figure is growing each year, German said. The operating deficit will need to be funded by local taxpayers.

Of the $4.3 million received in June, $2 million went into the general fund to pay off money the Nursing Home borrowed from the general fund.

Some of that IGT money will be used to pay off a $5.8 million Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN -- a short-term loan based on the promise of anticipated revenue).

The $4.1 million the county receives Aug. 13 should pay off the rest of the RAN, a loan that must be retired by November.

If for some reason, there is a shortfall, the county will either need money from the general fund or another loan, German said, to pay off this RAN.

But it's anticipated there will be a $200,000 surplus from the IGT payment, which will be gobbled up by Nursing Home expenses in short order. The county will then need to borrow more money to cover Nursing Home expenses with no guarantee the feds or the state will help with the expense at a later date.

The County Legislature met with an attorney today who is helping them explore options for dealing with the Nursing Home. The meeting was held in close session and was purely informational for the legislators, Gsell said.

• All Day - Magical John - Entertainment Tent
• 9am - 4-H Dairy Show & Showmanship | Show Ring
• 9am - 4-H Horses In Place
• 10am - 4-H Horse Show, Fitting, Showmanship and English | Horse Ring
• 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 1pm - 4-H Goat Knowledge Olympics Contest | Livestock Building
• 2pm - 4-H Horse Show Dressage Classes | Horse Ring
• 5pm - MIDWAY OPENS | Amusement Area
• 5:30-7pm 4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner
• 6pm - RACEWAY 5 SPECIAL STOCK CAR RACES | Grandstand
• 6:30pm - “Genesee’s Got Talent” Talent Showcase | Entertainment Tent Stage
• 7pm - 4-H Market Animal Auction | Show Ring
• 8pm -Beer Tent Opens
• 8-11pm - Barnstorm – Country Band | Beer Tent
• 10pm - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS CLOSE

Nathan L. Royse, 22, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 1st, criminal mischief, 4th, assault, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Royse allegedly entered a residence on Wood Street at 10:10 p.m. July 9 with two or three other assailants and assaulted the residents and damaged property. A snow shovel was allegedly used as a weapon. Two people were injured. A child was allegedly present during the assault. Royse turned himself in on the charges.

Samantha Laura Kopacz, 18, of Geise Road, Attica, and a 17-year-old resident of Bailey Street, Cowlesville, are charged with criminal tampering, 3rd. The duo are accused vandalizing Alexander School by writing on numerous windows and doors with window paint and spreading a substantial amount of paper throughout the grounds. 

Christina A. Deluna, 34, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Deluna was was stopped at 12:43 p.m. Tuesday on West Middlebury Road, Town of Middlebury, by a Wyoming County deputy. Deluna was allegedly driving on a suspended license due to a lapse in insurance coverage.

Rachell O. Soggs, 26, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Soggs is accused of stealing a pair of socks from Dollar General.

Troy D. Schimley, 21, of Sandpit Road, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a pair of 2 to 6 a.m. parking tickets. Schimley was released on cash bail.

Kelly J. Rhim, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rhim is accused of shoplifting from Tops Market.

Juan Antonio Roman Jr., 36, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with three counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Roman was allegedly found at the residence of a protected party.

Matthew P. Lenhard, 28, of Corfu, is charged with burglary, 3rd. Lenhard was arrested by State Police for an alleged burglary reported at 2:30 p.m. on March 24. No further details released.

Erica M. Raphael, 29, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Roger E. Godfrey, 66, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful growing of cannabis. Godfrey was arrested on Harris Road on July 11 by State Police. No further details released.

Kavin M. Lampman, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Lampman was stopped 9:12 p.m. Saturday on Alleghany Road, Indian Falls, by State Police.

Jason M. Thomason, 32, of Wheatfield, is charged with DWI. Thomason was stopped at 11:50 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Darien, by State Police.

This is the second classic car I've seen in Batavia this summer with a flat black paint job. It's a nice look, I think.

This Chevy was parked on Center Street late this afternoon.

Le Roy Rotary today hosted its District Governor Jack Amico. He praised the Le Roy Club for all its past successes and urged members to do more to spread the word about all Rotary does. The theme for Rotary this year is "Light Up Rotary." It's time, Amico said, for Rotary to set aside a little humility and starting using the media, social media and word of mouth to better education the public about Rotary's work and service to their communities.

Driving back from Le Roy this afternoon I took the long way home.

Above, field of white flowers off Transit Road, Le Roy.

Below, a field of sweet peas and barn on Cackner Road, Bethany.

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County has received a grant for $11,000 thanks to the generosity of the Verizon Wireless HopeLine grant program.

HopeLine's goal is to provide funding for domestic violence organizations as a way to support client services, raise public awareness, train staff or help in other related areas.

YWCA is in the process of developing a transitional program for victims of domestic violence. Its name of "You Engaging Success" means exactly that for victims who want and need to move on from a crisis: success comes through counseling, training and being more secure with social, financial, emotional and physical aspects of life.

"As an organization that strives to empower women, YWCA is the perfect catalyst for change in domestic violence situations. We know that this type of program can offer victims a boost for their self-esteem while providing practical lessons," Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "We want to offer hope to victims and help them to move on with their lives. You Engaging Success is saying YES to a life free from physical or emotional abuse."

This new program is slated to begin by early 2015. YWCA, a nonprofit agency based in Batavia, has set a goal to raise $100,000 to get it off the ground and flourishing over the next several years. YW's Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program serves approximately 700 new victims a year. If 10 to 20 people participate in the transitional program each year, that could have a residual effect on hundreds of others who are affected by domestic violence as friends, neighbors, family and coworkers, Walton said.

The new program would not be possible without generous businesses and organizations such as Verizon Wireless, she said.

Domestic violence is, unfortunately, a prevalent issue in our community, said Chris Felix, president of the Verizon Wireless Upstate New York Region.

"It’s organizations like the YWCA that are on the front lines of this issue, working hard every day to make our communities safer," Felix said. "At Verizon Wireless, we’re just fortunate to have some resources available to help organizations like the YWCA do their job. We thank the YWCA for everything they do to support domestic violence survivors in our community."

For more information about YW's programs and services, which also include quality child care and a Summer Adventure Camp for kids, call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

Food Processing Technology Info Day

Thursday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ~ All seven GCC Campus Locations

Who: Anyone interested in training for a great new career

This is a great opportunity to learn about a great new career opportunity and win fun prizes. Food Processing Technology Info Day runs from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. at all seven campus locations -- Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

Test your knowledge of food trivia in the Fun Food Facts Game and be entered to win a grand prize worth more than $100 that includes many local food products and a Wegmans gift card. Besides the grand prize basket, correct answers can earn you a new ice cream scoop or a "cheesy" note pad.

GCC is now enrolling students in its new Food Processing Technology degree program with classes beginning this fall. Students who complete the two-year, 63-credit program earn an associate in applied science degree and will be qualified for many of the positions currently available at food manufacturing facilities in Western New York.

"We have a thriving food processing industry in this region and our goal is to provide these businesses with the skilled workforce they need," said Professor Maureen Leupold, GCC's director of Science. "These are terrific jobs that pay well and offer delicious benefits!"

To accommodate adult, non-traditional students, the first introductory class, Food Processing Technology (FPT101), starts on Tuesday, Sept. 23 with the 12-week session. It runs from 3:30 – 7 p.m. at the Batavia Campus.

Students who register and complete FPT 101 (Introduction to Food Processing Technology) are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship to cover the cost of the 3-credit course. The scholarship is open to all students and there are no prerequisites to enroll in FPT 101. Those interested are asked to submit the Academic Program Scholarship Worksheet as soon as possible, but no later than the Aug. 4 deadline.

"This is going to be a fun day where you can explore fantastic opportunities that will 'Feed Your Future,' " Leupold said.

A school supply drive for K-12 students starts today at La Mexicana, Inc., a small grocery store located in the Valu Plaza, behind McDonald's in Batavia.

It is sponsored by La Mexicana, Inc., The KinderArt Klub, and Batavia resident Jill Hart, an agent of RealtyUSA.

Donations will be collected through Friday, Aug. 8, every day except Tuesdays. Regular store hours are noon to 6 p.m., closed Tuesdays, and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

After the drive is through, the supplies will be organized and a school supply store will be set up where parents can shop for free.

The shopping days are set for Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Thursday, Aug. 28, from 12 to 6 p.m. at La Mexicana, 4125 W. Main St.

If you have questions, please contact Danielle at 813-2891 or e-mail at <daniellerenea9@gmail.com>

Donations should be new or in "like new" condition. Here's is a list of supplies wanted, but donations need not be limited to them.

• Crayons
• Markers
• Colored pencils
• Highlighters
• Loose paper
• Composition notebooks
• Spiral notebooks
• Pencils
• Pencil sharpeners
• Erasers
• Blue or black ink pens
• 1-inch binders
• 2-inch binders
• Dividers
• Adhesive divider tabs
• Pencil pouches
• Backpacks
• Locker organizers
• Calculators
• 3-ring hole punch (for binder items, paper, etc.)
• Rulers
• Liquid all-purpose glue
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Individually packaged snacks
• Kleenex packets
• White Out Tape (no liquid)
• Book covers
• School assignment calendars / planners

Press release:

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the post-game helicopter candy drop scheduled for Sunday, July 20th has been postponed. It has been rescheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24th, at the Muckdogs vs. Mahoning Valley game at 1:05 p.m.

Tickets for that game, and all other home games, can be purchased at the Dwyer Stadium Box Office or over the phone by calling (585) 343-5454. Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Muckdogs return home tonight to take on the Lowell Spinners, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, at 7:05 p.m.

Genesee County celebrates its 175th anniversary of its County Fair. With Midway hawkers enticing passersby to test their luck at games of chance and carnival rides ready for riders, and 4-H groups showcasing various farm animals, there is no shortage of entertainment at the fairgrounds. 

Marlene Morris, of Batavia, has been traversing the fair on and off for the past 10 years.

“I’m personal friends with the clowns,” Morris said. “But I also came for the parade.”

Morris also enjoys perusing the animal enclosures and notes that the animals seem to be well cared for.

“4-H changes kids so much,” Morris said. “It takes so much responsibility to care for the animals.

“The best part of the fair, though,” Morris continued, “is seeing how much the kids enjoy the fair.”

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .

It's another beautiful day in Genesee County. Here's a photo from the Village of Le Roy.

A truck hauling a travel trailer overturned on the Thruway this morning in the area of mile marker 392.3 in the westbound lane.

No injuries were reported, though the passenger had a complaint of head pain.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responded.

The call was dispatched at 6:57 a.m.

Photos courtesy Town of Batavia Fire Department.

• 9am - 4-H Dairy Goat Show & Showmanship | Show Ring
• 9am - Draft Horse Halter Classes | Arena
• 9am - Regional Tunis Sheep Show
• 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 11:30am - 4-H non sale Sheep Show, Showmanship & Breed Show | Open Dairy Barn
• 12-3pm MIDWAY OPEN for SPECIAL KID’S DAY $5 Ride Wrist Bands (Ride unlimited rides) | Amusement Area
• 12-6pm - Mr. Scribbles | Exhibition Building
• 12pm - CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES | Exhibition Building
• 2pm - Small Fry Tractor Pull | Exhibition Building
• 2-4pm - Balloon Animal Demonstration | Kennedy Building
• 4pm - 4-H Non Market Beef Show | Show Ring
• 5pm - MIDWAY Re-OPENS | Amusement Area
• 5pm - Draft Horse Show Hitch Classes | Arena
• 6pm - 4-H & Open Swine Breeds & Showmanship | Show Ring
• 7pm - Beer Tent Opens
• 7-11pm - Monster Johnson | Band Beer Tent
• 8pm - Fair Queen Crowning | Entertainment Tent Stage
• 10pm - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS CLOSE

The pedestrian crossing sign in the Village of Elba was stolen sometime Saturday night.

The village would like it back.

If you have information that can assist, contact the village office at (585) 757-6889 or the State Police at (585) 344-6200.

Washington Post: Dick Cheney does not favor impeaching Obama

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of death of Summer Ogden, the 38-year-old Batavia woman who was found unresponsive Sunday evening on the steps of 131 Jackson St.

Batavia detectives attended an autopsy today at the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, but Det. Eric Hill said, with tests still pending, there is nothing to report from the autopsy yet.

Hill said investigators have not determined exactly how much time elapsed from the moment Odgen collapsed until police were called, but they do not believe it was a long interval.

"It was a relative short time between the time a couple of witnesses saw her awake and OK and when they got back and saw her passed out," Hill said.

The call for an unresponsive female came in at about 7:19 p.m., Sunday.

Foul play has not been ruled out, but it's not considered a likely scenario, Hill said.

"We're certainly not closing that door, because we don't know what happened," Hill said. "It's something we're still keeping open, but it's not really an active aspect that we're definitively pursuing."

Ogden was well known to veteran police officers who had numerous encounters with her while intoxicated, Hill confirmed, but it's unclear what role, if any, alcohol may have had in Ogden's death.

"That's why we're sending everything out for tox," Hill said.

Ogden's boyfriend, Eric Duda, is one of the residents at 131 Jackson St. Hill said it's unknown if Ogden had been visiting or intended on visiting Duda on Sunday evening.

The couple have had mutual orders of protection in place and both had been previously charged with violating the orders.

Hill said the investigation is continuing and Ogden's death is receiving a full and complete investigation in an attempt to determine exactly what happened.

"Anybody who is in this situation is a victim," Hill said. "It doesn't matter if we've had contact with you in the past or we've had no contact with you. Ultimately, it comes down to the same level of service we offer to everyone. You could be suspect yesterday and a victim today. You still get he same level of service."

Early this morning, an inmate was discovered hanging by a bed sheet inside his cell at the Genesee County Jail.

The 36-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Karen Lang.

The Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into the death.

His name is not being released pending notification of relatives.

The inmate was found by a correctional officer at 12:34 a.m.

Attempts to revive the individual were unsuccessful.

City fire and Mercy EMS responded to the emergency. 

An autopsy will be performed by the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office.

The inmate was recently arrested on a felony charge and was being held on bail.

The investigation is continuing.

Jeffrey Cornell Nelson, 46, of Coretta Scott Crossing, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Nelson is accused of stealing a Stihl HS81T hedge trimmer from the rear of a landscape truck while the crew was working at ESL Credit Union. The alleged theft was reported at 11:32 a.m. Monday.

Paul Robert Benson, 33, of Sprucewood Terrace, Williamsville, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, uninspected motor vehicle and following too closely. Benson was stopped at 11:46 p.m. July 2 on Genesee Street, Darien, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.