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Press release:

Excelsior Energy Center presented the Genesee County Office for the Aging Meals on Wheels program through the Genesee Senior Foundation with $500.00. This donation will provide necessary aid, supplies, and resources for Genesee County for residents 60 years of age and older, their caregivers, as well as disabled persons of all ages.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging operates a nutrition program that provides a daily nutritionally balanced hot meal to older persons. Besides promoting health and nutrition, this program is designed to provide opportunities to socialize with others and to improve access to a variety of social and health services.

Frances McNulty, Genesee Senior Foundation Chairperson, and Genesee County Office of the Aging Director, Diana Fox joined Excelsior Energy Center to receive the donation on Friday morning. “NextEra Energy Resources will be helping us supplement home delivered meal cost,” said Diana Fox. Over $300,000 a year goes towards feeding people here in Genesee County.

“As a partner in the community donating to the Meals on Wheels program will provide many community members with a better way of life,’ said José De Armas, Project Director. “The Excelsior Energy Project will create new jobs, generate long-term revenue, and deliver economic development to Genesee County and the Town of Byron.”

Meals are available, Monday through Friday, at one or more of the five congregate meal sites in the county and through the Home Delivered Meal program. Visit the Genesee County Office of the Aging website, here, to learn more.

Photo by Howard Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a FREE anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, February 10th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia).  

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee County and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs, or cats.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum. Face coverings are required and please follow all social distancing requirements.

To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on May 19th at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.  For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 x.5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

Due to an additional situation on Elm Street, the City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing the water main break on Oak Street at a later date.  The Water Department will now be focusing its attention on a water leak on Elm Street, between East Main Street and Fisher Park.  There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Elm Street from East Main Street to Fisher Park.  The water would also have to be shut off on Fisher Park from Elm Street to Vine Street.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will be closed down on Elm Street between East Main Street and Fisher Park.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water main break on Oak Street, in the southbound lane in the area of Noonan Drive on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.  There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Oak Street, from Union Street heading north to the City line.  In addition, the water shut-off would also impact all of Noonan Drive.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will also be impacted in the area of Oak Street and Noonan Drive in the form of lane closures or lane shifts while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press release:

Due to snow removal efforts Christmas tree pick up has been delayed.  For this reason we are extending Christmas tree pick up through February 18.

Important information regarding Christmas tree removal:

• We can only pick up real trees.  No artificial trees.
• Residents are to place trees in the parkway near the curb.  Keep trees out of the roadway and clear of sidewalks.
• Residents placing trees out will need to strip the trees of all decorations, lights, stands and bags. These items damage chipping equipment. Contact your waste disposal company for information on the proper disposal of these items.
• If high winds are forecasted, delay putting trees out until after winds have subsided.  Trees in the road and across sidewalks are a hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
• Keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible and do not become frozen to the ground.

Press  release:

As 2021 has drawn to a close, the City of Batavia Fire Department has evaluated the services and programs provided throughout the year in its continuous quality improvement process.

“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the City Fire operations and we continue to develop our operational model and service delivery in response.  Our mission calls us to protect and preserve life, property, and the environment and we do a great job providing professional service at the highest level to residents of the City of Batavia,” said Dan Herberger, City of Batavia Fire Chief.

As a result, the department is regularly evaluating policies, procedures, and service delivery programs and began the hiring process in October of 2021 to fill several firefighter vacancies.  Below is a year-end summary for 2021.

Total alarms for 2021                                                             2390

• Fires, 66
• Overpressure Rupture, Explosion, Overheating, 7
• Emergency Medical Services, 1580
• Motor Vehicle Accidents, 63
• Pedestrian Struck, 17
• Extrication (vehicle, machinery, building), 5
• Elevator Rescue, 4
• Ice / Swift Water Rescue, 2
• Hazardous Conditions, 90
• Service Calls, 132
• Good Intent Calls, 110
• Fire / Carbon Monoxide Alarm Activations, 301
• Severe Weather, 7
• Special Incident Type, 6
• Mutual Given, 25
• Mutual Received, 15
• Busiest Month, December (234)
• Busiest Day, Tuesday (375)             
• Busiest Time of Day, 1000 – 1059 hrs. (160)
• Slowest Month, January (150)
• Slowest Day, Sunday (280)
• Slowest Time of Day, 0400 – 0459 hrs. (38)
• City Response Time (Time of Dispatch to on-scene arrival):
  • 10 minutes or less         99%
  • 8 minutes or less           97%
  • 6 minutes or less           90 %
  • 4 minutes or less           61 %
• Times two or more calls for service simultaneously, 519
• Fire prevention programs – 31events, 104 adult / 2124 children Points of Contact  (Includes: station tours, fire drills, school visits)
• Fire Extinguisher Training, 19 events, 691 points of contact
• Smoke Alarm / CO alarm installs, 29
• Smoke alarm / CO alarm battery replacements, 21
• Juvenile Fire Setter Interventions, 2
• Car Seat Installation / inspections, 158
• Special Events Inspections, 80
• Commercial Building Inspection, 334
• Multi-family Dwelling Inspections, 38                              

Overall, the total call volume for the year was up by approximately 5%. 

“I want to thank all of the City of Batavia Fire Fighters, staff, partners in other City departments, County emergency service partners, mutual aid partners, residents, and businesses for their support and assistance to the department.  I look forward to a safe and healthy 2022,” said Dan Herberger, Fire Chief. 

As always, you can contact the City of Batavia Fire Headquarters for any questions that you may have at 585-345-6375.

Press release:

Regarding the upcoming vacant position of Council at large representative on City Council, City of Batavia Republican Committee Chairman Richard Richmond invites qualified individuals seeking to serve in this role to submit a letter of interest to him by February 17, 2022 

Mail Letters of interest to:

City of Batavia Republican Committee
PO Box 260
Batavia, NY 14021

To be qualified for the position, the prospective representative must be a resident of the City of Batavia and a member of the same political party as the representative who most recently served in the seat—in this case, a Republican.  These are requirements of Section 3-3 of the City Charter. ( Officially resigning, and his last day February 12, 2022, Jeremy Karas was a registered Republican; therefore, his replacement must also be a registered Republican).

The City Republican Committee expects to recommend an individual to the City Council, which has the appointment power to fill the vacancy temporarily.  The Council appointment will run through the calendar year 2022.  At the general election in 2022, there will be a special election to fill the remaining  3-years of the regular four-year term of office for the mentioned position.

 

Press Release:

The decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower overtime hours from 60 to 40 hours is fatal to our farms. Agriculture is a vital part of our Upstate community and with this change, many family farms will not survive. I have spoken with countless farmers and farm workers who have shared their concerns with this hour reduction.

Unfortunately, this will result in farm workers not coming to New York but going to other states with friendlier regulations. At a time when it is being preached to follow the advice of industry experts, the Wage Board instead opted to ignore the experts and pursue this out of touch agenda. I am deeply troubled by this decision and the impact it will have, not only in my district, but across our State.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a former farmer and member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, is expressing grave concern following a 2-1 decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to implement a 40 hour overtime threshold for farm laborers in New York state. Hawley has joined farmers and advocates from across the state throughout the last several months to speak out against this proposal, arguing that since farms operate on schedules that are at the mercy of the weather and other unpredictable factors, that lowering the threshold would prove fatal for farms who barely turn a profit when paying their laborers under the existing 60-hour threshold.

“Farm operators and farm laborers alike have been more united than ever in opposing this mandate, but sadly it seems their voices were ignored, and I now fear the decision will come at the cost of countless multi-generational family businesses who will now have no choice but to cease operations,” said Hawley. “Being someone with origins in upstate New York, I sincerely hope that Governor Hochul will be able to put aside her partisanship and stop this policy’s implementation for the sake of our farmers, families, and rural economies throughout the state. For the millions of people who love everything about agriculture as we know it here in upstate New York, it would be truly tragic if our local farms became nothing more than memories of a better time.”
 

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Press release:

The Farm Laborers Wage Board voted two-to-one to recommend lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours a week over the next decade, despite 70% of the testimony made by farmers and farm workers who asked for overtime to stay at 60. It is disingenuous and irresponsible that the data, research, and comments made from those who know agriculture best were cast aside by the majority of the Wage Board. Changing the overtime threshold to 40 hours a week for farmworkers in New York means that these workers will be limited to 40 hours, due to simple farm economics. This is not a win for farmworkers that self-proclaimed worker advocates will claim. 

Agricultural production, diversification, and job availability will suffer. That is no scare tactic. We have already seen farmworkers leave the state for more hours of work and production shift to less labor-intensive crops since the farm labor legislation was enacted in January 2020. Further collapse of New York agriculture is on the hands of those who spread falsehoods and look to destroy the livelihoods of farmworkers they say they represent. This is also a loss for New Yorkers who enjoy and depend on access to local food, something that was highlighted during the pandemic. 

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher voted against lowering the threshold, simply asking for more time to study the economic impacts of a lower threshold. Governor Hochul and Commissioner Reardon must now do what is right and let the facts be their guide. If this administration cares about the future of upstate New York, Long Island, and urban access to locally produced food, they must put a stop to the constant regulatory assault on agriculture.

Grow NY Farms would like to thank everyone who testified this year. The care and respect they have for their employees were clear from the beginning. No wage board decision can take that away. We all value essential farm work and want the very best for farm employees, which includes the ability to earn a livelihood in the profession they have chosen.

Press Release:

Genesee Valley Conservancy is seeking 100 painters for this year’s Genesee Valley 100: Community Painting Project.

Painters will be given a 12x12 canvas upon which to create a piece inspired by the Genesee Valley landscape. The project aims, through art, to celebrate the diversity and importance of the
Genesee Valley landscape that the Conservancy works to protect. The subject and style of the painting is up to each individual artist. Paintings are due October 14 in preparation for the in-person and online show. Signups will be accepted until all slots are filled.

In person signup and pickup of canvases is taking place in Perry at the Silver Lake Brewing Project, 14 Borden Ave., on Sunday February 6 from 1-3.p.m. After that, artists can visit the
Conservancy website for details on signing up and receiving their canvas. All paintings will be pulled together at the end of the year for a show at the Silver Lake Brewing Project in Perry where the paintings will create a mosaic that represents the diversity and beauty of the Genesee Valley. The works will also be online for viewing and purchase.

There is a $10 fee to participate, but school classes are encouraged to reach out to Ben at the Conservancy to waive this fee as part of a class project. The Genesee Valley 100 is proudly underwritten by Steed Energy.

Press Release:

 Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.

“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said. “The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”

This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read the letter by clicking the link below.

https://jacobs.house.gov/sites/jacobs.house.gov/files/Arrest%20Warrants%20Oversight%20Letter%20to%20DHS%201.26.2022%20(002).pdf

“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused a sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.” 

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.

“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said.“The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”

This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read that letter here.

“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.” 

Upon request, Jacobs' office provided The Batavian with a copy of the TSA communication to Rep Lance Gooden, which confirms the TSA does allow the use of arrest warrants for ID.  To download a copy, click here (PDF).

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture joined Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Sen. Ed Rath (R,C,I-Amherst) for a meeting he organized with local farmers Thursday to discuss the federal vaccine mandate and its impact on the well-being of their businesses. 

During the meeting, farmers expressed concerns that the vaccine mandate is negatively affecting the supply chains farmers depend on, as well as their ability to hire and retain laborers. This concern has arisen after a new mandate was hastily issued by the Department of Homeland Security requiring essential workers who are not U.S. citizens, including farm laborers, to be vaccinated before entering the country.

“Farming is the backbone of all economic activity in our nation, providing the food and materials necessary for other industries to operate effectively,” said Hawley. “Vaccine mandates have only served to worsen conditions experienced by Americans during the pandemic, and this new mandate pertaining to essential farm laborers is no different. By slowing our supply chain and keeping much-needed farmhands out of our fields, this mandate will strain both our rural economies in upstate New York and slow the restocking of vital goods in grocery stores across the state. I stand opposed to this mandate, and any others like it that may be implemented at the state or federal level.”

“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” said Jacobs. “Farming is a year-round industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the president has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”

“Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit,” said Rath. “Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing.  I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community."

Press release from Rep. Chris Jacobs:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27), NYS Senator Ed Rath (R,C,I - Amherst), and NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I – Batavia) met with local farmers and agricultural leaders yesterday to discuss the impact of President Biden’s vaccine mandate at the Northern border, and the current supply chain issues and labor shortages facing the agricultural industry.

“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” Jacobs said. “Farming is a round the clock industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the President has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”

"Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit. Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing. I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community," Rath said.

​“Vaccine mandates issued at any level of government only serve to cripple our response to the very pandemic such mandates seek to improve,” Hawley said. “For farmers in particular, disruptions in the supply chain could mean the loss of crop yields, the death of livestock animals and critical equipment remaining in a state of disrepair for long periods of time when out of order. When the operations of our farms slow down, the economies of our rural communities slow as well. And across our nation, the restocking of grocery store shelves will continue to be a spotty process. Mandates that stifle the efficacy of our supply chain will only prolong the suffering brought about by this pandemic, and I remain committed to combating their implementation in any broad capacity,”

Jacobs is a member of the House Agriculture Committee. In December, Jacobs sent a letter with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to President Biden warning of the disruption his vaccine mandate at the border would cause in the supply chain. The President ignored this warning. You can read the letter here.

Press release:

The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its 11th annual Shooting For A Cure! event versus Oakfield-Alabama on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 7:00 PM at the high school gym located at the corner of Routes 5 and 77 (8717Alleghany Road) in Pembroke, New York. Admission is free. The team asks that attendees make a donation of any amount as they enter the facility, and all donations go to Roswell Park to support research efforts. In addition to donations at the door, all proceeds from raffle tickets, concession sales, and apparel sales go directly to Roswell Park. To date, Shooting For A Cure! has raised over $200,000 and has become Roswell Park’s largest independent, community-based fundraising event.

The event began over a decade ago when the team approached then head coach Mike Wilson with an idea; they wanted to show their support for Toni Funke, wife of former coach and Pembroke teacher Ron Funke, in her battle against breast cancer by hosting a game in her honor which would bring the community together to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at Roswell Park. This season, the team hopes to add to the $200,000 the event has generated and donated since 2011, by continuing this benevolent Pembroke tradition.

At this present time, in accordance with NYS guidelines, we kindly ask that all attendees wear a mask when entering the school that evening.

Direct online donations are now being accepted in support of this year’s Shooting For A Cure! at: http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/shooting-for-a-cure-11. In addition, the team is seeking donations from the community in the form of items to include in various raffles, as well as food, beverages, and merchandise that can be offered for sale during the event.  All of the proceeds will benefit cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.  The 2021-2022 Shooting For A Cure! donors list already contains many businesses and organizations, including 26Shirts, ADPRO Sports, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Burnin’ Barrel BBQ, Buttercumbs Bakery, Clarence Deli, Five Guys, Genesee County YMCA, Hershey's Ice Cream, Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, Knockaround Sunglasses, Linda's Family Diner, Original Pizza Logs, Pesci's Pizza, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Salvatore’s, Terry Hills, Tim Horton's. Businesses and organizations wishing to make a donation for this year’s event should contact Mike Wilson, the Shooting For A Cure! coordinator at Pembroke, by calling 716.949.0523.

For more information, please go to:          

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PemGBBPinkGame/

Twitter, https://twitter.com/pemgbb_pinkgame

Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/shooting4acure/

Team Roswell, http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/shooting-for-a-cure-11

Press release:

Officer of the Year Award – Deputy David D. Moore

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of

Genesee County during 2021.  Deputy Moore is a seven-year member of the Sheriff’s Office, with three and a half of those years on Road Patrol.  Deputy Moore is a consistent, professional Deputy who always presents a positive image to those he deals with, no matter the circumstances.  Deputy Moore has strived to gain more knowledge of the job and has been able to share that with newer Deputies as a Field Training Officer.  Deputy Moore’s dedication to traffic safety is evident in his impaired driving enforcement and being certified as a Drug Recognition Expert.  

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s

Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

Photo – Officer of the Year Deputy David D. Moore

From left to right:  Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Chief Deputy Criminal Investigations Joseph M. Graff, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe.

Distinguished Service Award – Matthew R. Burgett

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over sixteen years. 

Senior Correction Officer Burgett began his career at the Genesee County Jail on January 22, 2005, and was promoted to Senior Correction Officer on February 22, 2014.  During his career, he was the recipient of a Meritorious Service award for his professionalism and dedication and has consistently performed in an

outstanding manner which has led to the betterment of the Genesee County Jail.  His positive attitude and willingness to assist other officers has been consistent over several years.  Senior Correction Officer Burgett leads by example and is respected by his co-workers.

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County

Distinguished Service Award – Chad J. Minuto

Investigator Chad J. Minuto has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over eighteen years. 

Investigator Minuto began his career as a Correction Officer at the Genesee County Jail on March 20, 1999, was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 2005, and promoted to Investigator in 2015.  During this time, he has been the recipient of a Meritorious Service award, two Commendations, and Officer of the Year for his professionalism and dedication.  Throughout his career, Investigator Minuto has performed his duties to the highest standard.  He has accepted additional responsibilities without hesitation which includes maintaining the evidence room for several years.  Investigator Minuto is looked upon as the Sheriff’s Office lead evidence technician and carries these duties out at serious crime scenes.  He is often called when off duty to answer questions from other Deputies and provides answers without fail or complaint.  He is a trusted member of this Office and sets the bar for others.

Investigator Chad J. Minuto reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo – Distinguished Service Award – Investigator Chad J. Minuto

From left to right:  Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Investigator Chad J. Minuto, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Chief Deputy Criminal Investigations Joseph M. Graff, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe.

Certificates of Appreciation

Pastor Corey Hancock

Jessica Mitchell

Patricia Famiglietti

Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester

Perry Veterinary Clinic

Volunteers for Animals

The Sportsmans Coonhunters Association

Longevity Awards

Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson

10 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Kelly E. Smith

10 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew K. Merkel

10 years

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

15 years

Youth Officer Howard J. Carlson

15 years

Community Victim Services Counselor Rosanne M. DeMare

15 years

Cook Lynn J. Jakubowski

15 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix

15 years

Correction Officer Anthony J. Ridder

20 years

Correction Officer Philip A. Mangefrida

20 years

Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff

20 years

Chief Deputy Brian M. Frieday

25 years

Deputy Sheriff Cory W. Mower

25 years

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves

25 years

Meritorious Awards

Deputy Sheriff Chad P. Cummings

1^st

Program Coordinator Theresa M. Roth

1^st

Financial Management Assistant Tammy M. Schmidt

1^st

Case Manager Erin M. Martin

1^st

Youth Officer Howard J. Carlson

2^nd

Case Manager Nicole M. Easton

2^nd

Commendations

Deputy Sheriff Kenneth A. Quackenbush III

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Shelby M. Turner

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Jennifer M. Kirkum

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski

1^st

Financial Clerk-Typist Tracy L. Ranney

1^st

Senior Correction Officer James M. Smart

1^st

Correction Officer Adam C. Snow

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Travis M. DeMuth

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Marie A. Vaughn

1^st & 2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Emily K. Moskal

1^st & 2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Fleur R.C. Remington

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Joshua A. Brabon

2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson

2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Samantha L. Conibear

2^nd

Assistant Director of Emergency

Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Robert C. Henning

2^nd

Correction Officer Michael A. Cox

3^rd

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin

4^th

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

5^th

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp

8^th

Press release:

“Feet shuffling beyond his metal door blends with nightly screams from Room 5. Perfect at everything in life, being trapped inside the Asylum at Saint’s Hospital isn’t where Jacob imagined he’d spend his senior year. How dare people do this to him. His days are monotonous: go to a meal, see the doctor, and squeeze in some yard time, all of which is scattered between hours in a tiny cell waiting for someone else to decide his fate.”

Pique your interest? Wondering what comes next in Jacob’s life?

If so, you’re invited to join Sammy D. as he reads passages from his debut self-published novel, Count to Six, at GO ART!’s Seymore Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia, at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

The reading is an open, free event, and GO ART’s Tavern 2.o.1 will be open. Sammy D. will also be selling copies of his book at the event.

Sammy D. is a fiction author living in Western NY. He currently writes general fiction, and believes that the messy stories and struggles of life are stories that need to be told. He is currently working on a second unconnected novel.

Links to purchase digital copies of his book can be found on his website -- www.svdbooks.com.

Here’s a bit more from his book:

“Sessions with Dr. Forster are fine until a strange box is brought out and chords are attached all over Jacob’s body. Electric shocks are thought to be the cure but Jacob doesn’t feel cured. Instead, he struggles to hold onto the remaining pieces of himself and of Charlie as each zap takes a little more away. His saving grace is the three freaks he befriends in ASH.”

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water line on Lehigh Avenue, on January 27, 2022. The location will be just south of the underpass on the curve. Due to the location, the street will be closed to traffic at Ellicott Street as well as the city line. The closure is planned for 8 a.m. The road should reopen by 3 p.m. Motorists should plan to have an alternate route in place.

We thank the public for their patience.

Press release:

The Village of Elba will be handing out free COVID- 19 test kits on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 11 a.m. to Noon based on availability.

There is a limit of to two (2) test kits per individual, four (4) tests per household. You must be a Genesee County resident and there are no pre-orders.

This event will take place at the Village Office, 4 South Main St. in Elba.