Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will host the 16^th annual Family Game Night in celebration of National County Government Month.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 25^th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The night will consist of interactive booths for families to learn more about the services provided by the county through the departments as well as prizes and activities. The cost is $5 for a family of four and $3 for an individual which includes a light dinner and beverages.

Each family will take home one brand new board game after they visit each booth. Families also have the chance to enter to win free Muckdogs game tickets as well as free six-inch subs from Subway!

Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game.

Please call the Youth Bureau for more information or to register at 344-3960.

The Genesee County Youth Bureau would also like to thank Batavia Kiwanis Club, Batavia Muckdogs, Upstate Milk, Big Pauly’s Pizzeria, Batavia’s Original, Walmart, Settler’s Family Restaurant, Subway, and Tops Friendly Markets for making donations to this event.

Matthew A. Oakes, 39, and Kailyn M. Oakes, 24, both of Boston State Road, Hamburg, are each charged with these misdemeanors: three counts of petit larceny; three counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and three counts of sixth-degree conspiracy. Between 11:20 and 11:50 p.m. on April 6, 12 and 15, the subjects allegedly stole several cartons of cigarettes from the Two Eagles Smoke Shop on Bloomingdale Road in Basom. They allegedly had their small child with them on each occasion. The parents were arrested, issued appearance tickets and are due in Alabama Town Court on May 8. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon, Sgt. John Baiocco, and NYS Police Officer Michael Machniak.

Kayla Frances Twardowski, 29, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny. Twardowski was arrested at 3 p.m. on April 16 after it was alleged that she allowed two fraudulent checks totaling more than $3,000 to be deposited into her bank account. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on May 7 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Michael Scott VanBuren, 51, Wesley Drive, Akron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .18 percent of higher; moving from lane unsafely; speed not reasonable and prudent. VanBuren was arrested at 5:55 p.m. on April 19 on Knapp Road in Pembroke following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on May 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Gary Alfred Rynkowski, 50, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .18 percent or greater; DWI; open container; and inadequate plate lamp. On April 20, Rynkowski was arrested at 2:33 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He is due in Batavia City Court on May 15 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Ar-Rahmaan M. Jones, 38, of East Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Jones awas arrested at 10:29 p.m. on April 20 on East Main Street Road in Batavia. It is alleged that while a deputy was checking the welfare of a motorist parked roadside on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia, Jones was found behind the wheel of a vehicle with its motor running. At the time, Jones allegedly was under the influence of alcohol and had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Brabon Joshua.

Jordan R. Rose, 18, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Rose was arrested after he was allegedly found to have been in the presence of two parties protected by a stay away order of protection at 4:30 p.m. on April 10 on Maple Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, April 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Joshua David Capwell, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and criminal mischief. Capwell was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute on West Main Street in Batavia at occurred at 11:45 p.m. on April 18. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is to be arraigned in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, April 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Heidi L. Harder, 43, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant following an unrelated incident. She was located at her residence and taken into custody with incident. After arraignment in Batavia City Court on April 16, she was jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash or bond. She is due to return to city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Marc Lawrence.

An accident in which a pole is sheared in half with wires down, has prompted the closure of a portion of Route 98 in Alexander.

A vehicle is on its side. National Grid has been notified, no ETA.

Alexander Fire Police are asked to close southbound Route 98 at Dodgeson Road and northbound Route 98 at Cookson Road.

A flatbed tow is called.

Press release:

Genesee County Highway Superintendent Timothy Hens was installed as president of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) at their recent annual meeting and technical conference In Wichita, Kan. His term will run through April of 2020.

NACE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association in its 63^rd year, representing more than 2,400 county road officials and related professionals in the United States and Canada.

In the U.S., local roads account for about 75 percent of highways and roads, or 2.93 million miles. Counties manage 1.74 million miles of those roads. Counties also own 231,000 bridges and operate one-third of the nation’s transit systems.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the nation’s county road professionals this year,” Hens said. “With infrastructure a national priority, I look forward to engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure county road infrastructure receives the attention needed to provide our nation with a safe, reliable transportation network to compete in today’s global economy.”

Included, as part of the installation of officers, was a celebration of Genesee County’s longtime Principal Financial Clerk Laura Mullen who works for Hens. Mullen also worked for former Highway Superintendent Robert Carrier who also served as NACE President from 1964 to 1965. Mullen has been an employee with Genesee County since 1957.

Hens, a 1993 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, has served as Genesee County Highway Superintendent since 1998. As superintendent he functions as the county engineer and oversees the operation and maintenance of all county-owned infrastructure and equipment, including roads, bridges, parks, facilities, airport and water system.

The seventh annuall Casablanca Casino Night Fundraiser benefitting Genesee County CASA for Children will be held Friday, May 31, at Terry Hills Banquet Facility in Batavia.

All proceeds benefit absued and neglected children in Genesee County who are served by CASA -- Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Dress code is business casual. Advanced tickets are $85 each and can be purchased online, through a CASA board member or the GC CASA office. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Admission includes food stations, beer, wine and soda along with $500 in casino money and $10 in Free Play at Batavia Downs Casino.

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and the CASA casino will be open from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Guests can try their luck at games such as Texas Hold 'em poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. Don't know how to play? No worries! The professional and experienced dealers of Upstate Vegas Events will be there at every table to guide and teach you.

Exchange your "winnings" for raffle tickets and enter them for a chance to win an assortment of valuable prizes. There will also be a silent auction, lottery tickets, and 50/50 raffle.

Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton Street Road.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.84, up only 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.76. The New York State average is $2.89 – up 6 cents from last week and the same as a year ago. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.78 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.81 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.84 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.82 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.84 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.81 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.87 (up 4 cents since last week)

Demand: While some travelers headed out on Easter road trips, others were returning – leading to an increase in demand. AAA expects peak prices for the year to be around Memorial Day weekend.

Inventory: Should crude oil and gasoline stocks continue to drop and supplies tighten, then drivers could see gas prices continue to rise in the coming weeks.

Oil Prices/OPEC: Oil prices have increased this week as political unrest in Libya, U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuela and OPEC’s reduced production contribute to tightening global crude oil supplies. Market watchers will continue to keep an eye on crude oil availability as OPEC members gear up to meet June 25-26 in Vienna to decide on the production agreement's future.

As many as four cars may be involved in an accident on the Thruway in the westbound lane near mile marker 391.

Multiple callers report from two to four vehicles involved.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:01 p.m.: The westbound lane is being closed. All traffic must exit at Exit 48.

UPDATE 11:04 p.m.: Liquid clean up is required. Both lanes are blocked. The scene commander said a vehicle will be moved shortly so at least one lane can be reopened. No word on injuries.

UPDATE 11:19 p.m.: One patient will be transported. One westbound lane is now open.

The Pembroke-Corfu-Darien Kiwanis Club hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt today in Pembroke Town Park.

A semi-truck versus car accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 397. Unknown injuries. East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

A head-on collision with injuries is reported at 2102 Main Road in East Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire department are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: Darien is called to provide the fourth ambulance into the scene. The location is between Indians Falls Road and Cleveland Road.

UPDATE 3:22 p.m. (by Howard): This was not a head-on collision. One car rear-ended another. "It sounded serious at first but it appears to be minor in nature," said East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton. There were six patients, all with minor injuries. Two were taken to ECMC and four to UMMC. A couple of the patients were teenagers, the rest were adults. East Pembroke Fire responded. Corfu assisted with traffic control. Three Mercy EMS advanced life support ambulances responded and Darien's basic life support ambulance also responded. Law enforcement would not release further information at the scene. A deputy said there will be more information in a press release at a later time.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt this morning at Centennial Park.

NOTE: We have a little problem with the video. My phone didn't save the video of the actual hunt.

Guy Clark, owner of Cedar Street Sales and Rental, shared this photo from earlier this week of a sunrise over DeWitt Recreation Area.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 42031 in Alexander were at the Alexander Fire Hall this week to take on a few community projects, including making blankets and care bags for families visiting the Ronald McDonald House, and care bears for Sheriff's deputies to provide to children they encounter in their jobs who might be in the midst of a stressful situation.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in Stafford at 5955 Main Road. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Sanders and Clipnock roads.

UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: Two flatbed tows are called for a Toyota and a Mazda sedan. A second ambulance is called to the scene.

Katelyn M. Bennett, AKA Katelyn Orozco, age 29, white female, 5’5” 180 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes, LKA Dyson Street, Rochester, NY

Bench warrant for violation of probation CPL 410.40 (felony) Genesee County Court DOW 3/19/19

Robert W. Blankenberg, age 35, white male, 6’6” 260 lbs., brown hair, hazel eyes, LKA Union Street, Le Roy, NY

Arrest warrant for grand larceny 4^th PL 155.30-1 (felony) Le Roy Town Court DOW 3/23/19

Lawrence D. Boggs, age 30, white male, 6’0” 200 lbs., blond hair, hazel eyes, LKA Embreville Road, Johnson City, TN

Bench warrant for DWI and DWI drugs VTL 1192-3, VTL 1192-4 (misdemeanors) Batavia Town Court DOW 9/23/13

Robert A. Boggs, age 32, white male, 6’0” 200 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA Reeser Road, Johnson City, TN

Bench warrant for assault 3^rd PL 120.00-1 (misdemeanor)  Batavia Town Court DOW 9/23/13

Richard J. Burdick, age 41, white male, 6’1” 190 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA Summit Street, Batavia, NY

Arrest warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 3/27/19

Benjamin G. Evans, age 30, white male, 6’1” 180 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY

Bench warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 3/12/19

If you are able to assist the Sheriff's Office in locating these people, the Sheriff's Office asks that you do not approach these people and that you call (585) 343-5000 with information that may assist in locating the suspects.

Willis Floyd Miller Jr., 59, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested on April 18 and arraigned in Pembroke Town Court at 4:30 p.m. for allegedly stealing tools belonging to his former employer on Dec. 5 on Genesee Street in Pembroke. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court again on April 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Elizabeth Rose George, 28, of Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with: unauthorized use of a vehicle; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and moving from lane unsafely. George was arrested on April 18. It is alleged that she drove a vehicle on April 18 without the owner's consent and that she was subsequently involved in an accident at 5:13 a.m. on Bloomingdale Road. It is also alleged that she left the scene of the accident. George was issued traffic tickets and released on appearance tickets. The defendant is due in Alabama Town Court on May 8 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Brandon Eugene Matteson, 25, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Following a domestic incident that occurred at 7:56 a.m. on April 17 on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion, Matteson was arrested and arraigned at 11:41 p.m. on April 17 in Le Roy Town Court. He was jailed in lieu of $500 cash or $3,000 bond. Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer handled the case, assisted by NYS Police.

Press release:

On Thursday, April 18^th, members of the Genesee Community College Criminal Justice Club made a donation of $200 to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Fund.

Accepting the donation from the Sheriff’s Office was Undersheriff Brad Mazur.

The club members raised the money from a one-day bake sale at the college. Club members hoped that the donation could be used by the K-9 unit toward the purchase of a bulletproof vest for the new K-9 or toward the cost of the K-9.

The GCC Criminal Justice Club consists of students enrolled at the college, the majority of whom are Criminal Justice majors. They are trying to pursue careers in the Criminal Justice field. However, membership in the club is open to all GCC students.

Students in the club participate in social and community service activities throughout the academic year.

Submitted photos and press release:

In celebration of Spring, beautiful bouquets of flowers were hand delivered on Wednesday (April 17) to more than 90 Meals on Wheels recipients. This delightful surprise brought smiles all across Genesee County -- and even some tears of joy.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging and the RSVP Volunteer Placement Program were pleased to partner with the Kohl’s Batavia store for Kohl’s Cares Associates in Action.

Five local employees volunteered their morning to help bring joy to area older adults. Additionally, Kohl’s Corporation will make a monetary donation to the Genesee Senior Foundation to further support programming for residents 60 and older and their caregivers.

The special delivery of posies was made possible through the generosity of a private donation, specifically to benefit the lives of those receiving Meals on Wheels.

The Program offers a nutritionally balanced, hot meal at lunchtime, five days per week. The meals are delivered by dedicated RSVP volunteers and Office for the Aging staff. Each person receives social interaction and a safety check with each delivery as well as ongoing case management, an important piece of the program, which supports their health and independence in the community.

Anyone interested in helping with these efforts by way of a donation is encouraged to do so through the Genesee Senior Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with the Office for the Aging. Please call Dorian Ely, services coordinator, at (585) 343-1611 to learn more about charitable donations to the Foundation.

The Office for the Aging wishes to thank everyone involved in making this day special, including staff and volunteers from Kohl’s, OFA, RSVP and the ARC Culinary Program.