Steve Ognibene sent over a few pictures from Thursday night's Christmas dinner for the Knights of Columbus.

More pictures after the jump:

Deputy Ronald E. Meides, right, with Sheriff Gary Maha, was named the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 2009 Officer of the Year today during a luncheon at the department's Park Road facility.

The Distinguished Service Award went to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman. Pictured left to right below: Steven Sharp announcing the award, Director of Emergency Communications while Undersheriff Bill Sheron, honoree Diegelman, Sheriff Maha and Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

More pictures and the complete list of award winners after the jump:

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Hynes-Fisher

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry Buck

Deputy Brian Thompson

Information Technology Systems Specialist R. William (Bill) Oliver

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents awards to, left to right: Deputy Patrick Reeves, Sgt. Gregory Walker, Deputy Chris Parker and Deputy Bard Mazur, seated with his son.    

Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello

Sgt. Brian M. Frieday

Deputy James Diehl

Deputy Jason Saile

Full press release on the awards from the Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha Announces Departmental Awards Presented to Members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for Exceptional Service During 2009.

Officer of the Year – Deputy Ronald E. Meides

Deputy Ronald E. Meides has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 28, 1991.  During 2009, Deputy Meides has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. His professional skills and devotion to duty has been unwavering over his eighteen year career.  Deputy Meides has demonstrated exceptional competency, organization and leadership.  He often volunteers for additional responsibilities while remaining one of the statistically busiest deputies.  Deputy Meides performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Distinguished Service Award – Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman

Gary D. Diegelman is a Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since September 1, 1980.  Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman’s professionalism to the citizens of Genesee County coupled with his experience and knowledge of emergency dispatch operations has been a source of pride for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  He continues to go above and beyond the call of duty for the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Meritorious Service Awards

Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. has been with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 4, 1977.  Undersheriff Sheron’s leadership, dedication and commitment continue to enhance the services of the Sheriff’s Office.  His efforts and assistance with computerization of the Sheriff’s Office has led to great technological strides for this Office.  Undersheriff Sheron performs his duties with motivation dedication and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Brian A. Thompson

Deputy Sheriff Brian A. Thompson has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since November 1, 1991.  Deputy Thompson’s self-initiated activity consistently goes beyond the obvious, often resulting in the detection of crimes that would otherwise go unnoticed.  Deputy Thompson manages to be both tenacious and compassionate at the same time in his everyday dealings with the public.  Deputy Thompson has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991.  Sergeant Mullen continually displays leadership, professionalism and dedication as Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division.  Sergeant Mullen supervises the daily operations of the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force where criminal investigations and arrests are at an all-time high.  Sergeant Mullen is always available and continually goes above and beyond to meet the mission of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 24, 1996.  During 2009, Dispatcher Buck was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer.  Not only was Dispatcher Buck a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year, he also assisted with training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers.  Dispatcher Buck demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 2, 1981.  During 2009, Dispatcher Eddy has often times assumed the position of Officer-In-Charge of the Dispatch Center and has performed this function with great competence and efficiency.  Dispatcher Eddy was also a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year and coordinated the capture of three larceny suspects when acting as Officer-In-Charge.  Dispatcher Eddy demonstrates great teamwork and leadership in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 16, 2002.  During 2009, Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer.  She was instrumental in the training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers and performs her duties with motivation, dedication and professionalism.  Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Information Technology Systems Specialist II R. William (Bill) Oliver

IT Systems Specialist Bill Oliver has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 26, 2006.  During 2009, IT Systems Specialist Oliver worked diligently with the LeRoy Village Police Department, LeRoy Volunteer Fire Department and the LeRoy Ambulance Service to facilitate the consolidation of dispatch services and records management with great success.  Over the past three years IT Systems Specialist Oliver has implemented a completed system changeover, automatic vehicle location upgrades and two consolidated projects.  Bill demonstrates great teamwork and has brought credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart

Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee Justice Program, since June 5, 2006.  Roseanne plays an important role in a number of Genesee Justice programs, including the DWI Conditional Discharge Program, Community Service and Victim Services, and therefore she carries a very large caseload.  Despite the number of clients she has, Roseanne always gives each case her full attention and treats each individual with compassion and respect.  Roseanne goes above and beyond to ensure that each and every one of her clients issues are addressed.  Roseanne performs her duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Commendation Awards

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 13, 1996.  Sergeant Frieday is the Officer-In-Charge of the night shift and on October 12, 2009 at approximately 12:47 AM, he was patrolling along on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke when he observed a garage on fire.  Sergeant Frieday reported the fire to the Dispatch Center and then went to the house where he notified the elderly owners and escorted them out of the house to safety.  Sergeant Frieday kept them safe until members of their family arrived.  Sergeant Frieday’s alertness and quick action limited the fire to the garage and ensured the safety of the elderly couple.  Sergeant Frieday has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991.  Throughout this past year, Sergeant Mullen developed information with regard to sales and production of methamphetamine within Genesee County.  During his investigation, multiple undercover methamphetamine purchases were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants for residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy.  Three methamphetamine labs were located and dismantled and those responsible were arrested.  Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant James M. Meier

Sergeant James M. Meier has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 4, 1986.  Sergeant Meier, along with Deputy Jason Saile were instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba Bank robbery suspects on June 18, 2009.  One of the suspects had hidden himself in some very thick brush and Sergeant Meier and Deputy Saile went into the brush and took him into custody.  It had been reported that this suspect was armed.  Sergeant Meier has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 29, 1992.  Sergeant Sanfratello was instrumental in the consolidation of dispatch services with the City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy police departments.  Sergeant Sanfratello was a key contributor in the migration process of these police agencies to the New World software by providing them with hands on instructions and technical support.  Sergeant Sanfratello performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Ronald G. Welker

Investigator Ronald (Pete) Welker has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 11, 1994.  During this past year, Investigator Welker developed information with regard to methamphetamine sales and production within Genesee County.  During the course of his investigation, multiple purchases of methamphetamine were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants.  Search warrants were executed at residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy, which resulted in the discovery of active methamphetamine labs.  These methamphetamine labs were dismantled and those responsible arrested.  Investigator Welker has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Kristopher A. Kautz

Investigator Kautz has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 4, 1988.  On February 16, 2009, Investigator Kautz was assigned to assist in the investigation of a man who had been found walking on North Lake Road in the Town of Pembroke.  This man was wearing bloody coveralls and sneakers.  Investigator Kautz conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing the man, collecting critical evidence and following-up with additional interviews. Investigator Kautz’s attention to detail and adherence to proper police procedures subsequently resulted in the location of a homicide victim and the placement of murder charges against the man.  Investigator Kautz has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy James M. Diehl

Deputy James M. Diehl has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 17, 2008.  On February 16. 2009 Deputy Diehl was working the afternoon shift and at approximately 8:41 PM he was assigned a call of a suspicious person in the vicinity of North Lake road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke.  Deputy Diehl located a man walking along North Lake Road in the bitter cold, wearing bloodstained coveralls and sneakers and carrying a vehicle jack.  Although the man stated that the blood was deer blood, Deputy Diehl followed proper police procedures and placed the man in his patrol car.  Deputy Diehl’s adherence to proper procedures and excellent follow through with interviewing the individual, led to the discovery of a homicide and subsequent murder charges against the man.  Deputy Diehl has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 17, 1996.  On February 16, 2009, Deputy Reeves was Officer-In-Charge of the afternoon shift.  At approximately 8:41 PM, a suspicious person call was received in reference to a man in the vicinity of North Lake Road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke.  Responding to assist Deputy Diehl, who had located a man covered with blood walking on North Lake Road, Deputy Reeves recognized the man and interviewed him.  Deputy Reeves’ careful interviewing and adherence to proper police procedures were crucial in the investigation that subsequently let to murder charges against the man.  Deputy Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Jason E. Saile

Deputy Jason E. Saile has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since July 18, 2005.  Deputy Jason Saile was instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba bank robbers on June 18, 2009.  When one of the suspects was located in very thick brush, Deputy Saile, along with Sergeant James Meier went into the brush and took the suspect into custody.  It had been reported that this suspect was armed.  Deputy Saile has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy John R. Duyssen

Deputy John R. Duyssen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since April 19, 1993.  During April 2009, Deputy Duyssen handled a complaint from an elderly man who had been transferred to the New York State Veterans Home.  This elderly man had lost some of his valuable personal property consisting of purple hearts, bronze stars, silver stars, letters from United States Presidents and personal photos and books.  This gentleman had accumulated these items while serving in the United States military.  Deputy Duyssen recognized the importance of these items to this man, who gave of himself fighting for his Country, and therefore worked diligently, going above and beyond, to recover most of the items, which were eventually returned to the man.

Deputy Duyssen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy

Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 29, 1998.  Correction Officer Hoy has been instrumental in ensuring that the Genesee County Jail has an outstanding record for taking and reporting inmate DNA samples, as required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.  Officer Hoy consistently does an efficient and thorough job regarding the inmate DNA samples.  When it is necessary to obtain a DNA sample from an inmate, Jail supervisors know that Officer Hoy will get it done on a timely basis and it will be done correctly.  Correction Officer Hoy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Longevity Awards 

Investigator Roger M. Stone, 35 years

Correction Officer Randy L. Smith, 25 years

Deputy Eric J. Koziarski, 20 years

Investigator Ronald G. Welker, 15 years

Deputy Daniel M. VanValkenburg, 15 years

Deputy Nathan W. Balduf, 15 years

Deputy John P. Weis, 10 years

Deputy Bradley D. Mazur, 10 years

Certificates of Appreciation

Tiffany Szmanek Assistant Director, Genesee Justice

Paul Caffo Detective, Batavia Police Department

Sgt. Gregory Walker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Bradley Mazur Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Patrick Reeves Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Chris Parker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

David Barton Chief, Darien Lake Security

Timothy Yaeger & Staff Emergency Management

Neil Gagne Genesee Justice

Graham Corp. announced today that it has won a $25 million contract to produce parts for a new Navy aircraft carrier, and that the engineering and manufacturing will be done in Batavia.

Graham will construct four steam surface condensers for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, which is building a second carrier in the Gerald R. Ford class.

The carrier, designated CVN 79, has not yet been named.

Revenue from the contract award will hit the Graham books in in fiscal 2012, which begins April 1, 2011, and will continue into fiscal 2014.

Flames are showing on the second floor at 199 Skye Road, Alabama.

Mutual aid was requested from Akron and Wilksonville, but both fire departments are tied up on another structure fire in Erie County.

A Pembroke tanker is now being dispatched to aid the Alabama Fire Department.  Mutual aid is also being requested from Oakfield.

The fire is on the reservation of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians, west of Alabama.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: Alabama first responder reports the house is fully involved. The house is two houses east of Council House Road.

UPDATE: 9:57 p.m.: Water tankers from Darien and Corfu have been requested to assist. Oakfield is on location.

UPDATE: 10:04 p.m. "We're on our last tanker at the scene," said a firefighter there now. Niagara-Mohawk, the power company, is traveling to the fire site, but Alabama #2 says "No truck can get past us." They need lights.

UPDATE: 10:20 p.m. "We should be good on water," says an official on scene, noting there are three water tankers at the location.

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A reader e-mailed us this photo of the combine fire in Elba we posted about earlier today.

A driver reportedly tried making a left hand turn off Bank Street Road onto Batavia-Elba Townline Road yesterday afternoon at 2:54, leading to a head-on collision with another car.

Cited for failure to yield right-of-way was Ryan S. Worthington, 20, of 6918 Ellicott St. Road, Pavilion. Both he and his passenger, Alyssa R. Naylor, 17, were uninjured.

Suffering minor injuries were Aleander M. Dutton, 18, of 7078 Batavia-Byron Road, Byron, and Katelyn D. George, 18.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

A car making a left-hand turn from Route 5 into Valu Plaza allegedly caused an accident this morning that sent one person to the hospital.

Transported to UMMC was Charles Williams, 61, of 2641 Centerline Road, Varysburg. Williams reportedly suffered injuries to his arm.

A passenger in his car, Jane Williams, no age given, is listed in the Sheriff's Office report as in shock, but was not transported to a hospital.

The driver who reportedly turned into oncoming traffic is Theodore Kedzierski, 63, of 76 Maple Ave., Oakfield.

Kedzierski was driving a 2000 Ford pickup truck. Williams was driving a 2005 Chevy pickup.

Kedzierski was issued a citation for alleged improper turn.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Initial Report from this morning.

Traffic is stopped at Downey and Galloway roads for a truck vs. car accident.

Three people are reportedly injured.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 is responding as well as Mercy EMS.

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For the second time today, the Elba Fire Department is being dispatched to a combine fire.

The fire is described as "fully involved."

The location this time is 7402 Bank St. Road.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The fire is confirmed fully involved. It's about 500 feet from a barn. Byron's grass truck has been requested to the scene.

View Larger Map

UPDATE: A reader sent in the photo below.

An Alabama man suffered minor injuries after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and striking a parked car on Thursday.

The 5:15 p.m. accident occurred as Brandon W. Benben was reportedly driving northbound on Route 77 in the area of Sumner Road.

Benben's 2000 Toyota sedan reportedly drifted off the left side of the road, struck a utility pole and a garage before hitting the parked car.

Benben did not require transportation to a hospital. He reportedly suffered minor cuts to his arms.

Deputy Patrick Reeves handled the accident investigation and cited Benben for allegedly crossing a no-passing lane with double yellow markers.

New York's struggling dairy farmers are going to receive a good chunk of federal aid, the D&C reports this morning.

The USDA announced a nationwide distribution plan that favors smaller dairy farmers for a $290-million aid package. Some $40 million of the funds are slated for New York's farmers.

Checks will be mailed this week and there is no application process.

“Dairy farmers are the backbone of New York’s agricultural economy, and they are in the middle of the worst crisis in recent memory,” Sen. Charles Schumer said. “This congressional aid could not come a moment too soon.”

The average dairy farmer, with 116 cows, according to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's office will receive about $7,400.

Read More.

Gerald C. Rosario, 45, of Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree for allegedly stealing a credit card. Rosario was arrested by State Police on Wednesday in Albion at 11:48 a.m. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details are available

Tiffany Joy Howard, 19, of 5049 E. Main St., rear, Batavia, is charged with harassment. Howard is accused of being verbally abusive and making physical threats to another person over a period of time.

Michael B. Marchese, 48, of Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt. Marchese was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia on Wednesday at 8:31 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket. No further details available.

UPDATED: The following reports came in just after I posted the initial Police Beat.

Ronald K. Nobles, 65, of 74 Thistlewood Lane, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and failure to keep right. During the investigation of another car accident at 9:25 last night on Gulf Road in the Town of Le Roy, Nobles allegedly drove his car off the right shoulder and struck a utility pole. Upon further investigation by Deputy M.R. Butler, it was determined that Nobles was allegedly driving drunk. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven M. Binder, 20, of 9364 Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Binder is reportedly the subject of an order of protection requiring him to stay away from GCC, where his ex-girlfriend attends classes. On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Binder was allegedly found on campus.

An accident on Route 5 in front of McDonald's in Batavia has just been reported.

Injuries have been reported.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS are being dispatched.

UPDATE 9:03 p.m.: Minor injuries. One car blocking.

UPDATE 9:43 p.m.: Cars have been towed. Road is back open.

A reader sent in this camera phone photo from a combine fire on North Byron Road in Elba this morning. We have no further details on the fire at this time.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Susan Francis, the owner and stylist at The Color Salon reminds women, "your hair is your greatest accessory." Francis has more than 20 years of experience helping women get the best hair color. We have a $50 gift certificate for $25.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Now in stock: A big selection of poinsettias and stunning wreaths. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Color Salon

This will be the 21st year that T.F. Brown's has hosted a free Christmas Day meal for the community, and owner Rick Mancuso wants to make sure residents know: everyone is invited.

Typically, about 200 people show up for the meal (and presents for the kids), according to co-owner Rick Mancuso, but all of the people involved in organizing the meal and volunteering that day would love to see 400 or or even 1,000 people show up.

"We can serve any number of people," Mancuso said. "The initial effort is already there. We don't want to see anybody be alone or anybody go without on Christmas Day. We would love to see them come and enjoy the community dinner that we put on."

The dinner has all of the traditional holiday favorites, Rick said, from Turkey and stuffing to cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and salad. And even desert.

Children under 16 will also receive a Christmas present provided by the Batavia Lions Club. Lions Club members also help serve during the meal.

There are two meal times scheduled: Noon and again at 1 p.m.

The event is organized and sponsored by Ben and Rick Mancuso, Joe Teresi of the Bank of Castile, and Chuck Brenner of the Lions Club (pictured above are Ben, Joe, Chuck and Rick).

Reservations are requested and would be very helpful, but not required (nobody will be turned away).  To make reservations call 343-2091 (ask for Joanne) by 11 a.m. on Dec. 24.

Rides are also available to anybody who needs transportation.

"It's great because you get to see the smiles on kids faces and everybody gets a really full meal on a very special day," Mancuso said. "We do get a lot of notes of thanks, and that really means a lot to everybody, but it's just a great day."

If you like to have fun and have the energy to romp around, please consider adopting me, Ben. I'm a German shepard/Siberian husky/Labrador retriever mix. What a combo! I do need some leash work. I'm a young, neutered male who would love to brighten the lives of an active family. Let's go! I'm in Kennel 38.

I'm suave and dashing. See my smart red kerchief, it adds a touch of -- hmm, je ne sas quois -- glamour that women find irresistible. I could prove that, but as it is I'm languorously counting the days until Christmas in this dreary facility. Me, Guido. I can't believe it. I'm an adult, neutered male, a coal-black domestic shorthair cat with mesmerizing eyes. Come and gaze into them at Cage 87.

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
www.vol4animals.org

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main St. Road
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday through Friday: 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If somebody calls you up and says you just won $1.2 million, it's not necessarily your lucky day.

A Corfu resident who recently received such a call on his mobile phone, did the smart thing and asked a few questions. The caller identified himself as Detective Brown and said that the lottery was "100 percent verified by the United States Government."

When the Corfu resident inquired about how Det. Brown obtained his mobile number, the caller mentioned something about paying bills online and buying goods "at a favorite grocery store."

The would-be victim figured out that the area code for Det. Brown was in Jamaica.

After getting off the phone, the complainant, who is on a "Do Not Call List," contacted Verizon Wireless and asked how this phony could have obtained his number. A Verizon operator said the company is aware of this particular scam, but did not explain, according to the Sheriff's Office, why the Corfu man's phone number was compromised.

Investigator Roger Stone warns residents to be especially aware during the Holiday Season of scammers and bunko artists. Many grifters will often try to obtain key personal and account information on the promise of sending large sums of money. Some flimflammers will ask "marks" for advance payment for insurance or shipping, etc., before claimed winnings or windfalls are transferred.

Would-be marks are encouraged to first, don't fall for the con, and second, report the incident to their local law-enforcement agency.

The U.S. Veterans Affairs has recognized Detective Charles Dudek on behalf of the patients of the Batavia VA facility for 27 years of police work, the Batavia Police Department announced today.

Dudek was cited for clearing many incidents involving veterans over the years, but two incidents were cited specifically.

Many years ago, according the press release, Dudek took a knife from a suspect that had been stalking an employee of the VA Hospital Emergency Room.

More recently, Dudek, along with Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona, solved the at-first-mysterious death of a patient. The veteran was found dead outside Blockbuster on Nov. 7. Detective Dudek, under the supervision of Corona, traced his movements that evening and helped determine the circumstances that led to his death. Dudek further operated as a liaison between the police and the victim's family.

The press release reads:

Detective Dudek through his training, experience and professionalism has gained him the respect of the Veterans Affairs and the law enforcement community. His dedicated service is a tremendous benefit to the police department and the City of Batavia. It is with great pride that the police department recognizes the dedicated service of Detective Dudek and the relationships and respect he has formed with other law enforcement agencies. Congratulations to Detective Dudek and to Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona.

UPDATED with picture above: Det. Dudek receives award from Michael Messina, Chief of Police, US Department of Veterans Affairs.