While preserving the historical integrity of a stately home built 140 years ago, the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has advanced its mission to helping those in recovery by opening up five permanent housing apartments.

And members of the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission couldn’t be happier.

“It’s wonderful that they’ve made the effort to save the original detailing in the house -- the stained glass windows, the woodwork and the trim and the fireplaces,” City HPC President Sharon Burkel said. “To be able to bring it back to a useful part of the community and to maintain the history of the house is outstanding.”

Burkel and City HPC colleagues Connie Boyd and Caroline Hosek recently toured the home at 434 E. Main St., which is part of the GCASA campus along that stretch of the road. All three said they were thrilled with the renovations.

“I’m so impressed with the work that has been done, and especially pleased to see things that have been maintained that were original to the structure, such as the crown molding, the original mantles and the parquet floor. It’s just an incredible job,” Boyd said.

Hosek agreed, commending “the effort that has been put into bringing the building back to its original glory and providing such a valuable service to families who need the support.”

GCASA Executive Director John Bennett said the agency had its work cut out for it when it took on the project, which will provide low-income housing under the supervision of its Residential Program’s case managers. Three apartments are on the first floor and two are on the second floor.

“It was in very bad disrepair, really falling apart,” Bennett said. “The boards of the porch were literally falling off the ceiling and it was sagging. We’ve redone the inside in keeping with the historic nature of the building. We rebuilt the porch, put in new kitchens, restored the fireplace and had the house painted.”

Bennett said the goal was to be “good stewards” of the home.

The list of the general construction tasks is significant, including:

• Scraping and repairing all plaster walls, painting walls and trim;
• Replacing several kitchen cabinets and fixtures, and existing vinyl floors with new vinyl floor;
• Replacing bathroom fixtures and vinyl floor, and deteriorated wood windows with double hung vinyl windows of the same size;
• Refinishing wood floors, installing new carpet or vinyl as needed;
• Repairing and maintaining plaster scroll work on ceilings, and smaller specialty and stained glass windows, which were reglazed and painted;
• Repairing the porches, rebuilding them to maintain the historic trim and woodwork;
• Repairing the exterior by power washing, scraping and painting with colors that match the existing color scheme.

According to the Architectural Heritage of Genesee County, the property apparently was bought in 1855 by Batavia brewer Eli H. Fish but (per county tax records) the house was built in 1880. The house was greatly increased in size when Charles Hough purchased the property from Fish’s estate.

For many years it was the home of his son, Arthur Hough, and his wife, Colleen. In 1957, it was willed to the Genesee Community Chest and, two years later, that organization sold it to Lewis Root. In 1964, the Batavia Industrial Center became the owner and it was used as an office/apartment complex.

GCASA purchased the home in May 2019.

Because of its distinctive architectural styles, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival, and its contribution to a neighborhood that is rich in historical significance, the house was designated an historic landmark on Dec. 6, 2000 by the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission.

Burkel, who has been involved with the City HPC since its inception in 1996, said a project such as this is at the heart of the board’s mission.

“This is what we’re all about it.,” she said. “We have designated 46 properties and we meet as a committee whenever we need to address something with the properties, such as giving them certificates of appropriateness for any work they want to do on the property.”

She credited GCASA for maintaining the architectural integrity of the entire block of homes, including its main office at 430 E. Main St. and other agency buildings.

Photo at top: Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has restored 434 E. Main St., which is a City of Batavia historical landmark.

Photos at bottom: Nicole Davis, GCASA’s director of residential services, leads a tour for members of the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission, from left, Caroline Hosek, Sharon Burkel and Connie Boyd; The house, which has been divided into five apartments for permanent housing, features – among many other things -- original stained glass, cabinets and fireplace; Davis, Hosek, Burkel and Boyd on the front porch.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for GCASA.

A caller reports a bird wearing several leg bands, "bracelets," is secured at a residence on Liberty Street in the city. It is believed to be someone's pet. An officer is responding to retrieve the bird and take it to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

No descriptive information was relayed about the feathered friend.

43 S. Main St., Elba. All the perks of quiet living on an ACRE plus lot with all the amenities of public water and sewer AND a barn to work in! You could not possibly duplicate this OVER 5,500-square-foot home in todays market! Bring out your inner designer, come with your Pinterest boards and let your imagination run wild! Call Lynn Bezon today (585) 344-HOME (4663) or click here for more information on this listing.

Press release:

The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District announces its participation in the free Summer Food Service Program, offered through the USDA.

Meals will be provided to ALL children age 18 and under without charge. NO PAPERWORK is necessary -- just show up for great meals!

Delicious, convenient, healthy and economical lunches will be available for pick up at Triangle Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. starting July 13 through Aug. 19.

The park is located at 5 N. Pearl St., Oakfield.

Each pick up includes three days of meals.

If you have questions or need more information, call (585) 948-5211, ext. 4234.

(Children registered for summer instruction are served breakfast and lunch daily. Park/Rec registered students are served lunch only daily at Elroy Parkins Park.)

It looks like there will be a Labor Daze celebration in Oakfield in 2021 after all.

Jamie Lindsley said the Oakfield Betterment Committee "jumped at the chance to reevaluate" hosting the event with COVID-19 restrictions lifted.

"Everything is planned and ready to go," Lindsley said. "Now we just need our local officials to help us get this done in a very compressed time frame."

Lindsley confirmed today that both the town and village are on board with supporting putting together a Labor Daze celebration even on short notice.

"What both are able to do complement each other and we're able to move forward," she said.

The late start on planning means a lot of work for a lot of people over the next three months.

"There are many challenges we will face in the planning of this event this year," Lindsley said. "From sponsorships to volunteers, we will need a lot of help getting Labor Daze going on short notice."

Photo: File photo from 2018 Labor Day Parade in Oakfield.

Officers with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and Batavia Police Department carried the Special Olympics torch today from the Sheriff's Office on Park Road to the Arc Genesee Orleans Center on Walnut Street in support of the Special Olympics.

With the aid of the Genesee County Dairy Princess and her court, along with ice cream treats for everybody in the room, the Legislature declared June "Dairy Month" on Wednesday.

The current Dairy Princess is Amelia Brewer, 16 from Elba. Her court: Maggie Winspear, dairy ambassador, Jillian Brewer, dairy ambassador, and Claire Lamb, dairy maid.

Legislator Christian Yunker read the following resolution approved by the Legislature:

WHEREAS, The Dairy Industry has contributed to the development and prosperity of our community since the earliest formation of Genesee County, and

WHEREAS, Since 1937 the rich history of Dairy production and its producers has been recognized across our great nation in an effort to savor the natural goodness in one of the most wholesome agricultural products, and 

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and farm workers strive to produce wholesome dairy milk which is used to make delicious dairy products like yogurts, cheeses, butter, sour cream, and ice creams that provide health benefits and valuable nutritional benefit to residents locally, regionally, and globally, and 

WHEREAS, in 2014 the fourth-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School began the push and later saw signed into law, the recognition of YOGURT as New York State’s official snack, and

WHEREAS, The Dairy Industry in Genesee County is a significant contributor to the economy of our County, its Bread, and Butter, allowing our landscape, citizens, and businesses to flourish, and 

WHEREAS, the USDA Food Box Program sent over 154 million boxes to our hungry neighbors during the pandemic brimming with high-quality Dairy products to fill a nutritional need nationally yet sourced locally, 

RESOLVED, That the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim the Month of June, 2021 as DAIRY MONTH and extend our thanks to the dedicated men and women who produce world-class dairy products enjoyed nationwide.

Press release:

Elba bowed out of the Class D2 Section V tournament, losing a pitcher's duel 3-1 in boys varsity baseball action Wednesday night.

Senior hurler Andrew Hare was spectacular for the Lancers, striking out 14 while allowing just three hits but it wasn't enough.

Trailing 1-0 for most of the game, Elba finally managed a run in the top half of the sixth inning. Junior Caden Muehlig drew a lead-off walk and then moved to second on a perfect sacrifice bunt by sophomore Jake Engle. Muehlig would move to third on a passed ball on the next pitch. After an attempted suicide squeeze didn't work out, junior Connor Scott smacked a two-out double to deep right-center field to plate Muehlig with the tying run. Scio got out of the inning when pitcher Cam Loucks induced Hare into a short groundout.

In the bottom half of the sixth, Scio, who had been held hitless all day, suddenly got hot at the plate. Three straight hits by the Tigers, including a double to deep right-center by Cory Bolzan that scored the go-ahead run, highlighted the inning. The Tigers would add an insurance run shortly after when an infield hit by Loucks was misplayed by Elba.

Loucks went the distance for Scio, striking out five and walking three while surrendering just the one hit.

The Lancers finish the season at 4-9 while Scio will play Northstar Christian in the semifinals on Friday.

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Central School District announces its participation in the free Summer Food Service Program, offered through the USDA.

Meals will be provided to all children age 18 and under without charge. NO PAPERWORK is necessary -- just show up for great meals!

Delicious, convenient, healthy and economical lunches will be available for pick up at the high school bus loop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. starting July 13 through Aug. 19.

The school is located at 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

Each pick up includes three days of meals.

If you have questions or need more information, call (585) 494-1220, ext. 1015.

Photo by Bryan Bartholomew.

Submitted photos and press release:

There are 10 contestants seeking the crown of 2020 (yes, 2020) Elba Onion Queen. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual pageant was cancelled last year. The organizers are excited to bring this back to the community with an incredible slate of young ladies who will graduate at the end of this month.

The 2020 Onion Queen will be crowned at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 18th at the Elba Park gazebo. At 6 p.m., a short "caravan" will take place with the contestants riding down Main Street and to the gazebo to begin the crowning at 6:30.

Please stay tuned toward the end of the summer, early fall for details regarding the 2021 Onion Queen contest.

Taylor Augello

Taylor is proud of the relationships she has built with her family. She enjoys playing basketball, reading, going on walks with her Mom, hunting and shooting trap with her Dad and going on leisure rides with her sister.

Taylor has participated in National Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, Conservation Club and Student Athletic Association.

After graduation Taylor plans on attending Geneee Community College for the Nursing Program in order to obtain her RN and she would ultimately like to become an NP.

Leah Bezon

Leah says that her parents have instilled their work ethic and dedication into her and her siblings.

Leah enjoys being a three sport athlete at Elba Central School. She was thrilled to score her 1,000th point at a home basketball game and have the community celebrate with her.

She also has been a member of the Genesee County 4-H Beef Club for several years. Leah plans to go into the criminal justice field and will attend Genesee Community College for her first two years then plans to transfer to SUNY Brockport.

Madison Cline

Madison enjoys baking desserts, she says it is very peaceful and always fun to try making things she has not tried before. Madison also enjoys taking her little brother on walks while watching after him.

During high school she was on the cheer and softball teams, Student Athletic Association, and in the National Honor Society. Madison plans to attend Daemen College for four years to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and then continue on for her Ph.D in Psychology and work as a psychologist.

Madison Harrington

Madison is also heavily involved with 4H, Fur and Feather Club, Dog Club, Teen Club, Market Poultry and holds office in many of the clubs. She is also a member of ARBA and National Belgian Hare Club.

Madison enjoys spending time at her “funny farm” and taking care of all her different animals. She will attend Alfred State College for four years, with hopes of earning a Veterinary Technology bachelor’s degree. Madison will also play on the women’s soccer team at Alfred State.

Madison Muehlig

She is a three-sport athlete and the Valedictorian of the Class of 2021. Madison participates in basketball, soccer, softball, Student Athletic Association, National Honor Society, Principal’s Cabinet, all while playing travel basketball year-round.

She also enjoys runs around the village, drawing freehand, going out to eat with family and friends and attending local sporting events.

Madison has been admitted to the Physical Therapy program at Daemen College where she plans to study for her Doctorate.

Kiah Rosendale

Kiah wrote that her Grandma has taught her how to bake, cook and even shared new art techniques with her. She also says one of her hobbies is art and her Dad showed her many sculpting techniques.

She loves outdoor activities such as camping, archery and fishing.

In school, she is the Senior class and Yearbook Club treasurer, and has participated in Trivia Team, Masterminds, Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Teachers and HOBY Leadership Conference.

Kiah plans to attend Genesee Community College for two years then seek further education to achieve a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree in Science.

Lilliana Thompson

Liliana participates in soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, Chorus and school plays. She also competes at Divine Dance Studio on the competition team. Liliana enjoys drawing, singing, going to church and adventures with her family at the lake.

She plans to play lacrosse during her off season. Liliana will attend Geneee Community College in the fall where she will continue her soccer career and study Elementary Education.

Fanny Venegas

She has enjoyed studying Graphic Arts at BOCES and has been a student athlete participating in many sports. Good health is important to Fanny and she enjoys cross-country, soccer, indoor and outdoor track.

After graduation Fanny will attend RIT, she plans to be a member of their cross-country and track teams. Her goal is to some day help her family buy a house in Elba that will be their home.

Brynn Walczak

She has enjoyed playing soccer, basketball and softball and is proud of being a part of Elba’s five back to back sectional titles. Brynn scored her 1,000^th point in basketball this year and was named the 2021 GR All-Star in basketball and soccer.

She has also participated in National Honor Society, Student Athletic Association, Genesee County Youth Bureau Leadership Conference and several basketball and soccer camps.

After graduation she plans to attend Daemen College to major in Physical Therapy and possibly participate in a sport.

Miah Werth

Miah was also selected as the 2020 Genesee County Dairy Princess.

During her high school career she taken part in volleyball, basketball, track, Student Athletic Association and the 4H Beef Club.

Miah says that her favorite activity is volleyball and she enjoys spending time with her friends.

After high school Miah will attend Genesee Community College for Humanities and Social Science. Her passion is to help people feel better about themselves and she hopes to become a mental health counselor.

The Boards of Directors of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans announce Martin Miskell, current executive director of the Livingston-Wyoming chapter, will lead the agencies through their planned merger.

The unification of the agencies serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families will create a one-chapter, four-county service area covering roughly 2,400 square miles—geographically, the largest Arc chapter in New York State.  

Miskell began his Arc career as director of finance at the Livingston-Wyoming chapter in 2002, becoming associate executive director/chief financial officer in 2007 and executive director in 2015. He calls this an exciting time.

“The merger will offer all four counties more program and service opportunities for individuals and families served,” Miskell said. “We have experienced changes over the last decade in the field of disabilities and this merger will make the agency and its services more fiscally sustainable and poised for the future.”

Over the last several months, Miskell has met with senior leaders, board membership and retiring Genesee Orleans Executive Director Donna Saskowski to develop a regional approach and plan for legal and programmatic strategies to ensure a smooth transition. The merger process is expected to take as long as five more months to complete.

The new agency will use consolidated resources to ensure quality services to all people with disabilities and their families served in the Genesee Livingston Orleans Wyoming (GLOW) counties region. Once merged, the new agency will be called Arc GLOW.  

Miskell grew up in the Geneseo area, and he and his wife, Theresa, have four adult children. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from SUNY Geneseo and his Master of Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. He also serves on the NYS Genesee Valley Parks Commission, SUNY Geneseo Foundation, and is a member of the Kiwanis Club.

ABOUT THE CHAPTERS: The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans, soon to be known as Arc GLOW are family-founded agencies dedicated to helping people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more.

In the coming months, a new Arc GLOW website will be unveiled. In the meantime, the websites serving the chapters are www.arcgo.org and www.lwarc.org. For more information contact Director of Development & Community Relations Shelley Falitico at sfalitico@arcgo.org.

Press release:

Happy Pride Month! June is established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals have had on the world. LGBTQIA+ groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings.

It’s also important to recognize that the LGBTQIA+ community has been impacted by various mental health issues, including problem gambling. Problem gambling is anytime someone’s life is negatively impacted by their gambling habits. This could be financial struggles, relationship or partner issues, conflicts with work and school, and even translating to criminal behavior.

Unfortunately, there is limited research on the prevalence of gambling addiction among the LGBTQIA+ community. However, the information that is available does suggest that there is a correlation between problem gambling and those who identify as gay, bisexual, and transgender.

A 2006 U.S. study reports that 21 percent of 105 men seeking treatment for problem gambling identified as gay or bisexual. That percentage is seven times higher than the (reported) rate of gay and bisexual men in the general population (21 percent as opposed to 3 percent), raising the possibility that gay/bi men might be at increased risk for problem gambling (Grant, JE, and Potenza, MN, 2006).

Additionally, a 2015 Australian study reports that 20.2 percent of 69 LGBT participants met DSM V criteria for gambling disorder. Pub/slot games (58 percent) and scratch-offs (43 percent) were most common about LGBTI populations. The amount spent ranged from $1 - $3K per month. Reasons were “because it is fun” and “because I like the feeling.”

The most important takeaway from these limited studies is that it’s important to have a comprehensive screening system in place for all individuals receiving treatment for problem gambling, especially screening specifically for LGBTQIA+ folks who are already in care or seeking treatment for mental health or chemical dependency needs.

First and foremost, establishing a safe environment for clients should be a normalized step within all counseling and therapy-related practices. Secondly, help is available for problem gambling no matter how you identify.

The Western Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) is excited to promote our clinicians who are experienced in treating LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as have training in cultural humility. Below are some barrier-free options the Western PGRC offers our community:

1. In person or teletherapy counseling (individual or couples therapy)
2. Connection to Gambler’s Anonymous or Gam-Anon
3. Online family support group
4. Guidance through the NYS Casino Self-Exclusion Program
5. Online tools and resources, including self-assessment screening
6. Connection to statewide inpatient and outpatient treatment services

To get started, call the Western PGRC at (716) 833-4274 or email WesternPGRC@nyproblemgambling.org

For more information, visit https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/.

The Genesee County Planning Department is recommending approval of a site plan review submitted by Plug Power Inc., the Latham-based company specializing in the development of hydrogen fuel cells systems for applications such as heavy-duty freight and forklifts.

The referral is one of 15 on the agenda of the county planning board’s meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday via Zoom videoconferencing.

According to information provided to the planning department, the site plan to place the green hydrogen facility at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park includes three structures – an 8,000-square-foot operations and maintenance building, a 40,000-square-foot electrolyzer building and a 68,000-square-foot compressor building.

STAMP, located on Crosby Road in the Town of Alabama, is designated as a Technology (T-1) District.

Additional documentation indicates the Genesee County Economic Development Center, which owns STAMP, is in the final stages of closing the sale of 29.884 acres to be allocated to the Plug Power venture, which is being called Gateway Project.

The full environmental assessment form filled out by Plug Power reveals that construction will take place in two phases, with phase one to commence in March 2022 and phase 2 to be completed in June 2023.

It is projected that the company will use 280,000 gallons of water per day, with expected additional capacity from the construction of two new water lines. Company officials state that 70,500 gallons of wastewater will be generated each day. The grounds also will feature a stormwater management facility.

Approximately 16 tanker trucks will come to the facility each day on a reconstructed Crosby Road to provide a new access path. Construction is expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Once complete, it will be a 24-hour operation.

Last Thursday, Genesee County Economic Development Center directors approved approximately $2.8 million in sales tax incentives related to the construction of the electrical substation.

The GCEDC reported that Plug Power is investing $232 million the company to build the facility, which is estimated to create 68 full-time jobs.

The company also is investing $55 million toward the construction a substation that will enable 100-percent renewable, reliable electricity at less than $0.035/kwh to future tenants in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid.

Other referrals of note:

• Special use permit, area variance and site plan review for a Quicklee’s convenience store and four-pump fuel station island at the former Bob Evans Restaurant location in a Commercial (C-2) District at 204 Oak St. (Route 98) in the City of Batavia.

The area variance is necessary because the service station is 165 feet from a church (less than the minimum 500 feet) and the proposed number of parking spaces is 40 (less than the minimum 68).

Patricia Bittar, director of land development projects at WM Schutt Associates, filed the application, stating that the proposed project will take up 2,771 square feet for the convenience store and 1,000 square feet for a drive-thru restaurant.

The planning department recommends approval. The applicant also will have to go in front of the City Planning & Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals.

• Site plan review for a 107,138-square-foot addition for warehousing and manufacturing to Liberty Pumps, 7000 Apple Tree Ave., Bergen

The planning department recommends approval with modifications pertaining to stormwater prevention and archaeological impact documentation.

• As previously reported on The Batavian, a zoning map change request from the Le Roy Town Board to rezone seven parcels from Residential (R-2) to Light Industrial (I-2) District to expand the GCEDC-owned Le Roy Food & Tech Park on Route 19 ad Randall Road in the Town of Le Roy.

This action could open the door for Great Lakes Cheese of Hiram, Ohio, to build a $500 million processing plant at the site.

The planning department recommends approval since the Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Town of Le Roy in 2017 identifies this area in its Future Land Use Plan as Agriculture and adjacent to Industrial.

• Zoning text amendments from the Oakfield Town Board for the entire Town of Oakfield to allow major solar collection systems to the Land Conservation (LC) and Agricultural-Residential (AR) Districts and to add public and private utilities to the LC District.

The towns of Oakfield and Elba are gearing up for the proposed construction of a 500-megawatt solar farm by Hecate Energy, which today announced that is has filed an application with the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting.

If approved and constructed, the Cider Solar Farm would be the largest solar project ever built in New York State.

Hecate Energy’s press release indicated that the $500 million private infrastructure investment is expected to create moe than 500 construction jobs and will be capable of supplying 920,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year – enough to power more than 120,000 average New York households.

The planning department is recommending approval.

• A special use permit for Chad Downs, 1300 McVean Road, Darien, to place a pest control business in his home, which sits in a Low Density Residential (LDR) District.

The planning department recommends approval with the modification that the storage and disposal of herbicides, pesticides and other hazardous materials must be conducted in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations.

Architect's rendering at top: 3D view of the Plug Power facility to go at WNY STAMP. The rectangle building at the front is the compressor building and the long building behind it is the electrolyzer building. The operations and maintenance building is the smaller structure at right.

The extrication process to remove the injured driver of a tanker truck this afternoon in Alexander was extensive and difficult, according to Tim Yaeger, Genesee County Emergency Services coordinator. The trucker was hauling 60,000 pounds of milk when it rolled over into a wet ditch filled with cattails.

Shortly before noon, Alexander Fire Department was dispatched to 11181 Chaddock Road in Alexander, between Spring Road and the Wyoming County line. The male driver remained conscious, alert and talking throughout but pinned in by the steering wheel, dashboard and a foot or more of earth that the semi-truck rammed into.

"They were both fighting against the vehicle that was damaged and pinning him, as well as working against the dirt where the truck ended up landing," Yaeger said.

The biggest obstacle was coming up with a plan.

"We train a lot for peeling away, and cutting away and spreading away metal. This was a little more complicated because he was trapped by earth as well as metal. So it was a difficulty and just time-consuming."

Asked if groundwater seeping into the cab posed a danger to the trapped driver, Yaeger said no, the concern here, as in any vehicle accident, was the hazard of fire.

He said a lot of equipment was called to the scene. The Alexander fire chief wanted to make sure they had all the resources they needed. More manpower was warranted because of the heat and humidity.

Mercy medics responded along with Attica and their extrication equipment, Bethany, Town of Batavia, Elba's rescue truck, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the county Hazmat Spill Response Team. Stafford fire filled in at Alexander's fire hall.

It took more than an hour to extricate the driver, who was ​transported by Mercy EMS to ECMC. Although Mercy Flight landed in an adjacent cornfield to transport the patient, it was unable to do so because of a mechanical issue involving the equipment to secure the gurney; so the aircraft returned to the hangar.

He said the spill was significant and included oil and hydraulic fluid in addition to the milk in the tanker; no fuel was seen.

It is “fairly contained.”

A heavy rescue team will offload unspilt product onto another truck to facilitate uprighting the damaged vehicle.

The process will take a couple of hours, possibly up to four hours.

The accident occurred by a curve, but Yaeger could not speculate about what caused the accident, which is under investigation.

"Members and firefighters, medics from several agencies, along with law enforcement worked to get the patient out safely," Yaeger said. “It’s all hands on deck, we’re going to give everything that we could. And they did a fantastic job working as a team.”

Photos and audio of Tim Yaeger courtesy of Alecia Kaus / Video News Service.

Previously: Driver pinned in after rollover on Chaddock Road, Alexander

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos.

A caller to dispatch reports a 3-year-old is wandering unattended in the Cary Cemetery off Maple Avenue in Oakfield. The tot is wearing just shorts. A Sheriff's deputy is responding.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The caller says the mother has been located asks for the deputy to stand down, but the deputy says he's responding.

A car vs. bicycle accident with unknown injuries is reported in Downtown Batavia on Bank Street near Alva Place. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.