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Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release:

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

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

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

To safely capture a bat:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) was thrilled to host a group of students from the Oakfield-Alabama school district at the state Capitol today. The group, led by their civics teacher, Mr. Peter Beuler, gave a presentation in Hawley’s office on the correlation between mental health and substance abuse with several other legislators, including Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey (R,C-Geneseo), Assemblyman Joseph Sempolinski (R,C-Olean), Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport) and Sen. George Borrello. Additionally Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (AD-52), the chair of the Assembly Mental Health committee, stopped by to speak with the students about their project.

The students gave a detailed synopsis on the rising number of mental health issues across the state and its relationship to drug and alcohol abuse. The group also presented several policy proposals, including increasing the salaries of the state’s mental health professionals and providing increased access to emotional support and recovery services. Hawley was proud to introduce the students in the state Assembly chamber before their presentation and honor them for their hard work and dedication to this important issue.

“One of the best parts of being an assemblyman is being able to hear from our young people about the issues that matter most to them,” said Hawley. “The topic of mental health and its relation to substance abuse is one that is often overlooked, but I am confident our future is in good hands after hearing the insight and passion these students had for finding solutions to this pressing issue. Their presentation offered both an informative and detailed look into why this issue matters and the steps we can take to provide better care for those affected across our state. It was an honor to welcome this group to Albany and I look forward to seeing the impact these young, brilliant minds will have on New York’s future.”

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has notified the City of Batavia that they will be flushing their fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 10. This may cause flow disruptions and water discoloration in the north section of the City.

If you do experience a discoloration of your water, turn on a cold water tap and let it run for about 5 minutes or until clear. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the discoloration has dissipated.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Press Release:

Join us for a fun-filled evening of roller skating and community connection at the David McCarthy Ice Rink! The Batavia Police Department invites you to "Skate with a Cop," an exciting opportunity to get to know your local officers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. 

On June 20, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., come lace up your skates and hit the rink with your friendly City of Batavia Police Officers. This event is designed to bring our community together, build relationships, and create a positive atmosphere for all ages. 

Enjoy some quality time with your family and friends while getting to know the men and women who serve and protect our community. Our officers are excited to meet you and share in the joy of roller skating! 

So mark your calendars and we'll see you at the David McCarthy Ice Rink! Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to build bridges and create lasting memories with your local law enforcement.

We look forward to seeing you on the rink!

Press Release:

Two projects submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center are projected to generate $9 million in community benefits.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution at its June 5 meeting for HP Hood LLC’s 7,722 sq. ft. facility expansion at the Genesee Valley Agri Business Park.

HP Hood LLC’s $25 million investment will include the construction of a two-bay, raw milk silo alcove and silo pads for four silos, Clean-in-Place (CIP) room for four CIP systems, remote truck testing lab and electrical room. The expansion will enable HP Hood to increase capacity and boost dairy product production.

HP Hood LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $1.12 million and a property tax abatement estimated at approximately $84,097 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a new traditional 10-year PILOT. The project is estimated to generate $6.3 million in financial benefits, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $10 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

A public hearing on the proposed project agreements will be held in the town of Batavia.

The board of directors also approved a final resolution for Ivy Village Corp.’s proposed $3.5 million construction of 20 units of market-rate patio homes in the Village of LeRoy. The project will add 24,960 sq. ft as part of a planned three-phase, 60-unit development on 16 acres.

Ivy Village Corp. requested a sales tax exemption estimated at $168,000, a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $28,000, and a property tax abatement estimated at $669,440 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a 20-year PILOT. The project is estimated to generate $2.7 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $4 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Thursday Night Service, beginning June 26, at 7 p.m.

This new service time is the perfect option for those who travel or work over the weekend. It’s all about making space for more people to experience worship, community, and faith before the weekend even begins.

To celebrate the launch, Northgate is hosting a Northgate Tailgate at 5:30 p.m. on June 26, right before the first Thursday service. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner, a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy free ice cream provided by the church. We will enjoy the summer weather before heading inside for worship.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. All summer long and into the fall, the last Thursday of each month will feature a themed Tailgate Night before the service. Expect fun events like Disc Golf Night, Pizza on the Playground, Flag Football, Hot Dogs & Bonfires, and more.

Join us Thursday nights at 7 p.m.—your weekend starts here!

Location:
Northgate Free Methodist Church
8160 Bank Street Road
Batavia, NY 14020

Press Release:

It's time to clear out that old tech and give back to our amazing community! Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is thrilled to announce his annual FREE electronic device collection and recycling event, once again teaming up with the fantastic folks at Sunnking. This is your chance to make a real difference and keep our neighborhoods clean! 

Collection day will be Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Road in Batavia. Attendees can access the required pre-registration form here.

“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean, and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”

Press Release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections announces important dates and details for the upcoming Primary Election on June 24, 2025. New York State has a closed primary system, which means only voters registered in the Republican Party may vote in this primary. 

 

There are four Republican Primary Elections in three jurisdictions:

• Town of Le Roy (Masonic Community Center & Knights of Columbus)
• City of Batavia – ONLY Wards 4 & 5 (ARC Community Center & Ascension Parish)
• Town of Byron (Byron Town Hall)

Polls will be open on Primary Day, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and all sites are accessible. 

To confirm your polling location, visit: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ or call the Board of Elections at 585-815-7804.

Early Voting Schedule:

Early voting will take place over nine days at the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Rd. Batavia:

• Saturday, June 14: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 15: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Monday, June 16: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 17: noon - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 18: noon - 8 p.m.
• Thursday, June 19: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Friday, June 20: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 21: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 22: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Absentee Ballot Deadlines:

Voters may request an absentee ballot by contacting the Genesee County Board of Elections or by using the NY State Portal at: https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/

Key deadlines include:

• June 14: Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application
• June 23: Last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot
• June 24: Absentee ballots must be received by the poll site or the Board of Elections by 9 p.m.
• June 24: Last day to postmark an absentee ballot (must be received by July 1)
• July 1: Deadline for military/special federal absentee ballots to be received

Voter Registration Deadlines:

To be eligible to vote in the Primary Election, voter registration applications must be received by June 14.

In-person registration is available at the Genesee County Board of Elections or at any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act.

The Board of Elections office at 15 Main St., Batavia will also be open for registration on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Please note: any party enrollment changes will not take effect until after the Primary Election.

Address Changes:

All changes of address must be received by June 9.

For questions, registration forms, or absentee applications, contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at 585-815-7804 or visit www.geneseeny.gov/elections.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging has released its Farmers’ Market Coupon Distribution Schedule for the month of July.

For residents living in senior housing, a flyer will be posted at each location announcing the specific date the Office for the Aging will be on-site.

Community Distribution Schedule:

Tuesday, July 1 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, July 5 - Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy, 9 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 8 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Thursday, July 10 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Friday, July 11 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tuesday, July 15 - Bergen Harvest Market, 1 Hickory Way, Hickory Park, Bergen, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 16 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 2 to 4 p.m.

Friday, July 18 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, July 19 - Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy, 9 to 11 a.m.

Friday, July 25 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monday, July 28 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Monday, July 28 - Corfu Farmers’ Market, Corfu Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 31 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Press Release:

The Oakfield Box Car Derby Association presents the 3rd annual Oakfield Box Car Derby on Saturday, July 26, at noon on Bennett Ave in Oakfield.

We are a local family and friends-based non-profit organization founded to hold this annual event for the children of Oakfield and surrounding communities. The event promotes STEM programs, teaches some basic car-building skills, and gives the kids a chance to use hand tools. 

Kids get an opportunity to customize their cars and then race them. 

The event is in memory of Suzanne “Sue” D’Alba, who was one of the founders of the Oakfield Betterment Committee and the Oakfield Labor Daze festival, as well as a volunteer and member of many other civic organizations. She always liked a good old-fashioned event, and we feel this fits that mold.

Please join us as it will be a family-friendly, fun-filled event which promotes competitiveness and sportsmanship. There will be prizes for all who attend. To register, please see the information below. Register now as we have 32 slots available, and they are filling fast.

Registration is open from June 1 - July 10 and is on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee is $25 per child. Open to boys and girls from 7 to 13 years old. Two divisions, 7-10 and 11-13. To register, please call or text Scott at 716-218-6000.

Press Release:

The Batavia Society of Artist is hosting artist Deb Meier on Tuesday, June 10 at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia starting at 7 p.m. Deb will be demonstrating some techniques in water color. She can address glazing, spatter, mark making, and alternative color, as well as different forms of watercolor products. The demo is open to non-members for a $5 fee. New members are always welcome from any media and skill level. Single membership $30, Couple $50, Student or Veteran $10. Light refreshments will be served. The Tavern 2.o.1. will be open for cash purchases.

Deb Meier is a graduate of both SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Buffalo. Many locals know her as an Art Educator for Batavia City Schools; her retirement was almost nine years ago. Now she fills her days trying to "master" watercolor.

"Honestly, mastering watercolor is something that I am not sure is possible. What I do attempt is to involve myself in it each day, whether that means sitting down at the easel and painting, watching a video online, or reading a book on the practice of watercolor. It truly is a versatile medium, giving me many directions to go with it, from high realism to abstraction. It's fun to break boundaries of what is traditionally expected of watercolor, whether it's done through bold color, granulation runs, or a presentation referred to as Breaking Glass, where the artwork is cold-waxed, allowing it to be displayed without plexiglass glazing.
My subject matter is all over the place, although I keep gravitating towards portraits and birds, as I like the challenge of encouraging interaction between the viewer and the artwork. If this piece of artwork could talk, what would it say?"

Deb is active in both the Williamsville Art Society, where she recently took third place for Watercolor in their Spring Show, and Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, where she was awarded Judge's Choice in their Spring 2025 Watermedia Exhibition. She is also an active member of the Western New York Artists Group, and an Associate member of Buffalo Society of Artists.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Fifth graders from Batavia Middle School had the exciting opportunity to meet the Batavia Muckdogs. Students learned about each player's background, the dedication required for their training, and how much they love playing the game.

They also got the chance to explore both dugouts, play catch with the players, and even run the bases. Making the day even more memorable, students collected autographs from team members, including local baseball standout Jaden Sherwood, a 2024 graduate of Notre Dame who is playing with the Muckdogs this summer.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Notre Dame Senior Aiden Bellavia, the son of Deanna King of Batavia, has signed to continue his basketball career at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) in the fall. Aiden, a small forward, was named a Genesee Region All-Star in basketball as he helped ND win the GR Division 2 Championship.  

Aiden earned the Paul Fanara Team MVP Award after leading the team in scoring (14.3 pts/game), in three pointers (29), while also leading the squad in 3pt shooting percentage (41%). He was second in rebounding (7.0/game). Five times he scored 20 points or more and was a major contributor in ND’s upset of Alexander, scoring 19 points with 5 three-pointers.  

Aiden carries a GPA of 90 and is currently undecided on his FLCC major.

Press Release: 

Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Calls and Messages

We are urging all residents to be cautious of government impersonation scams, which are becoming increasingly common across the country.

Scammers are contacting individuals by phone, email, or text, pretending to be from agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Motor Vehicles, Medicare, or law enforcement. 

Their goal is to trick you into giving up personal information, sending money, or revealing your Social Security number or bank details.

Red Flags of a Government Scam:

• You are told you owe money and must pay immediately via gift cards, wire transfers, or money currier
• You are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of government benefits.
• The caller demands personal information like your Social Security number or Medicare ID.
• The communication uses high-pressure tactics or creates a sense of urgency.
• Communication via text messaging or links.

Important Facts to Remember:

• Government agencies will never call, email, or text you asking for money or personal information.
• They will not threaten you with arrest or legal action.
• They do not ask for payment via gift cards or withdraw large amounts of money to be picked up via currier.

What You Can Do:

• Hang up immediately on suspicious calls.
• Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown emails or texts.
• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Contact the government agency directly using a verified phone number or website if you are unsure.
• If you fall victim of a scam report it to your local law enforcement agency.

Stay alert, trust your instincts, and spread the word-especially to elderly family members who are frequent targets.

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies will be joining forces with the New York State STOP-DWI Program in a coordinated effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to keep roadways safe throughout the summer.

As part of a statewide initiative, law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York will be stepping up their efforts with increased education, public outreach, and enhanced patrols on weekends from June through August 2025. This proactive campaign aims to prevent impaired driving crashes, reduce injuries, and ultimately save lives.

Impaired driving remains a serious threat to the safety of our community. The 100 Days of Summer STOP-DWI campaign will include sobriety checkpoints, increased patrols, and public education efforts designed to deter impaired driving and encourage responsible choices behind the wheel. 

• Designate a sober driver
• Call a taxi, a ride service or a sober friend.
• Wait it out - only time can eliminate alcohol or drugs from your system.
• If someone has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Being a responsible driver is simple: if you are drinking, do not drive.

This initiative is part of a year-round effort to promote traffic safety and is funded by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.