Not surprising, but good to know - Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer has come out against the "Farm Death Bill" -- the piece of legislation introduced by a Queens assemblywoman that would mandate time-and-half for New York's farm workers, as well as other rule changes that will drive up the cost of farming in the state.

Full press release after the jump:

Pembroke, NY –  At his first Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting last Saturday at Pembroke Town Hall, New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer discussed proposed legislation that could cripple the local agricultural industry by mandating overtime pay for farm workers.
 
“The proposed legislation would put New York farmers at a competitive disadvantage with other states and devastate the local agricultural industry.  Mandating overtime pay in the agricultural industry will pass higher prices along to consumers at the grocery store, force farms to close, and leave consumers with unsafe produce from other countries instead of from our own backyard.” said Senator Ranzenhofer. 
 
The proposed legislation (S5212) requires mandatory overtime, one day of rest per week and contributions to federal unemployment insurance for farm workers.  Currently, farm workers are excluded from time and a half pay and unemployment insurance under New York State law.  The legislation has received criticism from numerous members of the agriculture community.
 
“Mandatory day of rest would require more migratory employees to manage the harvest, creating more burdens on a limited H2A farm laborer system.  Leaving crops unharvested and wasted in the fields will not help to feed our consumers with local, fresh, safe food.  While the legislation has a feel good sentiment, the impact would leave the food, high quality food lay to waste,” said Shelley Stein from Stein Farms, LLC in LeRoy.
 
Senator Ranzenhofer has formed the Agricultural Advisory Committee to discuss State issues important to preserving the financial and economic stability of the local agricultural industry.  Agriculture, a critical economic engine in Genesee County,  is the largest industry in New York State. 
 
Focusing on scientific based legislation rather than over burdensome regulations, streamlining the dual layer of regulations between the State and federal government and supporting research institutions such as Cornell University were among the topics discussed at the inaugural meeting.
 
“Committee members can bring issues to my attention that I may be unaware of and I can ask for their input on pieces of legislation.  I do not pretend to know everything about agriculture, but with the help of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, I will ensure that the agricultural community’s voice is heard clearly in Albany,” said Senator Ranzenhofer. 
 
“It was a great idea for the Senator to reach out to the Agricultural community.  He listened intently to our problems and issues,” said Hans Mobius from Equine Maple Row Farm in Clarence.
 
Members of the committee include: Bill Crocker and Tom Wheeler, Carolina-Eastern Crocker, LLC in LeRoy; George Squires, Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District; Hans Mobius, Equine Maple Row Farm in Clarence; Hal Kreher, Kreher’s Farm Fresh Eggs in Clarence; John Duyssen, Duyssen Farms in Stafford; Robin Denniston-Keller, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Denniston-Keller Jersey Farm; Bill Young, Upstate Niagara Cooperative;  Shelley Stein, Stein Farms LLC in LeRoy; Craig Yunker, CY Farms in Elba; Maureen Torrey-Marshall, Torrey Farms in Elba; Patrick and Charlene Spoth, Kelklenberg Farms in Clarence; and Mike and Louise Badding, Badding Brothers Farm in East Amherst.

Scott Doll's defense attorney Paul Cambria spent the afternoon trying to build a case that shows any evidence or statements gathered by Sheriff's Office deputies or investigators should be inadmissible in his upcoming murder trial.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman brought forward four witnesses -- a dispatcher, two deputies and an investigator -- to tell Judge Robert Noonan how they went about questioning Doll and gathering evidence the night in February when Joseph Benaquist was beaten to death in the driveway of his Pembroke home.

With Deputies James Holman, Patrick Reeves and Detective Kristopher Koutz, Cambria asked repeatedly about questions asked and evidence gathered prior to Doll being read his rights or actually being charged with murder.

About two hours after Doll was initially handcuffed and placed in the back of a police cruiser, Doll was charged with trespass for parking his mother's red Ford van on the auto repair lot at Main Road. and Route 5 in Pembroke.

Judge Noonan won't rule on the motion until receiving written briefs from both sides in the case. That could take seven or eight weeks.

Cambria is seeking a rulling that would throw out any statements Doll made prior to being read his rights, as well as any evidence gathered before he was charged with killing Benaquist.

Deputy James Diehl was the first officer on scene. He said he found Doll wandering on the east side on North Lake Road. When he stopped, he said, Doll turned around and walked back toward the cruiser. Diehl exited his vehicle. He motioned, he said, at an object he could see in Doll's pocket, and Doll put his left hand in the air, then slowly grabbed the object -- possibly a lug wrench -- with two fingers and dropped it to the ground.

Diehl observed what he believed to be blood on the knees and thighs of the camouflage jumb suit Doll was wearing. Doll also had what appeared to Diehl to be blood on his sneakers and on his face.

Doll told Diehl he was out for a walk because the doctor had warned him he needed to reduce his heart rate and his cholesterol, Diehl testified.

Doll reportedly told Diehl that he was walking up to Gabby Road to a friend's house and Diehl asked Doll if he wanted a ride, and Doll said he did.  Diehl asked Doll to sit in the back seat of the cruiser. Before getting in, Diehl said he told Doll he had leather seats and maybe he should let Diehl handle the lug wrench and jack Doll was carrying, and Doll agreed.

During questioning, Doll explained the blood on his clothing by saying that he butchered deer.

Diehl testified that he thought it was strange that Doll would be walking where he was on North Lake Road when he lives in Corfu, which has a much nicer village atmospher for a leisurely stroll.

The initial report of a suspecious person walking on North Lake Road came from an unidentified individual who apparently is a law enforcement official (he was identified in court by his call numbers only).  This individual later pulled up in a dark pick up truck and spoke with Diehl.

It was after this person arrived that Diehl decided to handcuff and search Doll.

Diehl then drove Doll to the corner of Main Road and Route 5, where Doll said he had left his van.

"I didn't know what was going on with the blood on him," Diehl said. "I wanted to see what was in the van, pretty much, 'where did the blood come from?'"

Diehl found blood on the van, on the ground next to the van and a pair of bloody cloves on the hood of a car next to the van.

Cambria, in his cross examination, drew special attention to how cooperative Doll was throughout this initial contact, making no attempt to feel, cooperating with every request and doing nothing, it would appear, to make him a suspect in a major crime.

He also ensured Diehl testified that Diehl never read Doll his Miranda warning (you've heard it on Adam-12: "You have the right to remain silent, etc."). 

Under cross, he also testified that at the time he discovered Doll and found all of the blood, that he didn't know if it was animal or human blood.

Cambria is also working to undercut the law enforcement case that Doll was legitimately questioned and detained because he allegedly trespassed on private property. With Diehl, as well as the subsequent witnesses, Cambria established that the property in question did not have a "no trespass" sign, was not marked "private property," did not have "no parking" signs, nor were there chains designed to keep vehicles out of the lot.

Doll was handcuffed in the back of the car for at least three hours before being transported to the Sheriff's Office on Park Road.

Benaquist's body wasn't found until 1:30 a.m.

The first back-up officer on scene, according Diehl, was Deputy Patrick Reeves. 

Reeves apparently knows Doll and his family.  He was very concerned, afraid even, he testified, that after seeing Doll covered in blood that Doll had harmed another person.  Reeves initiated an effort to locate members of Doll's family and ensure they were safe and to see if they knew anything about why Doll was in the shape he was in.

Reeves recounted this line of questioning with Doll (which Cambria would later note took place before Doll was read his rights -- also, Reeves said that at this point, his heart was racing and he was getting scared about what might have happened):

"Tell me it's deer blood," Reeves said.

"Enough about the blood," Doll responded.

Doll then said, "Do what you've got to do."

"What would you want me to do?"

"What about an attorney?"

"Who do you want me to call?"

"I don't know. I guess my divorce attorney."

He also asked him at some point, "Is that human blood," and Doll responded, "I can't tell you that. You know me better than that."

He said at that point, he started trying to contact anybody who might know Doll and what might be going on.

"I was really scared that Mr. Doll would know who was seriously injured or even dead."

Later, back at the Sheriff's Office, Reeves tesified that he overheard Doll say, "I didn't do it," but Cambria drew out of Reeves that Reeves didn't make a note of that statement in his reports.

Next on the stand was Det. Kristopher Kautz, a 20-year veteran of the department.

The key portion of Kautz's testimony dealt with his decision to allow a friend of Doll's visit him in the interview room.

Doll's girlfriend and this friend, Teresa Zolakowitz (spelling not available at this time) arrived at the station at 3:30 a.m.

Kautz said he questioned the two women at some length without revealing that a body had been found, but neither women had any information that enlightened him as to the circumstances of the case.

At this point, Teresa was insistent that she be allowed to talk with Doll. Kautz said never previously in his career had he allowed such a think, but she was so persistent, he decided to let her into the room, provided she agree that he could be present and take notes of the entire conversation.

Later, during cross from Cambria, Kautz did say that he did not give Doll the option of not taking part in the personal meeting with Kautz present, though when informed of the woman coming he, Doll did not object.

Kautz recounted the following questions and answers:

"What happened?"

"I was there, but didn't do it."

"Was something wrong at your pad?"

"No."

"Does this involve an animal?"

"No."

"Tell me there is no dead body."

"I can't do that."

After being allowed to review his notes, Kautz added that Doll also said, "Let the chips fall where they may," and "I'm going to be in jail for some time," and, "It's an open and shut case," and, "I will get what I deserve, I guess."

Again, Cambria noted that this conversation took place before Doll was read his rights.

On his final redirect, Friedman noted that DNA swabs were taken after Doll was charged with the crime, and that some key pieces of evidence -- such as the blood on his face and the bloody gloves -- needed to be properly secured before the evidence was lost or damaged, even though detectives had not yet determined what was going on.

After the hearing, I happened to overhear Doll say to a woman in the audience, "Be careful what you say. They will twist it out of context."

If it seems like there are fewer helping hands at Wal-Mart in Batavia these days, it's because there are.

A corporate spokeswoman confirmed rumors that the local site recently let go an undisclosed number of temporary workers.

Michelle Bradford, who works at the mega-chain's Bentonville, Arkansas offices, said: "We adjusted staffing at that store. We reduced the number of temporary workers. They are hired knowing their positions are temporary and subject to elimination at any time."

She would not divulge the number of downwardly adjusted staffing, but offered that Wal-Mart has several valid reasons for fluctuating the numbers of its employees. These include, but obviously are not limited to, being busier or slower, job performance or the lack thereof, training and scheduling requirements and "the needs of our employees."

Furthermore, stores are staffed "on a case-by-case basis" and these adjustments are, to be clear, made "from time to time."

Today's Deals

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or work place, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia, N.Y.: This three-generation Batavia business sparkles and gleams on every visit. The friendly staff can help you find just the right gift or fit you and your wedding party with the most exquisite jewelry. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

Valle Jewelers

SOLD

The Enchanted Florist

SOLD

A fully involved dumpster fire has been reported at 8351 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Shortly after the initial call went out, a police officer on scene reported the fire was knocked down substantially using fire extinguishers, but flames were still present.
View Larger Map

Godfrey's Pond celebrated its 100th anniversary Sunday and more than 200 people showed up to celebrate during the open house and BBQ.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a state Assembly proclamation commemorating the event.

"For the past 100 years, Godfrey's Pond has expanded to become one of the leading sports clubs in Western New York, if not our entire state," Hawley said.  "I am very proud to join my fellow outdoors sports enthusiasts here for this wonderful occasion and would like to thank the members of Godfrey's Pond for their dedication and leadership in responsible environmental stewardship."

Pictured with Hawley is SCOPE representative Jack Taylor.

Yesterday morning at about 9:20, an unknown driver on Richley Road in the Town of Darien struck and injured a dog.

The driver did not stop.

The owner of the dog took it to a local animal hospital for care. There is no word on the condition of the dog.

Deputy Rchardson of the Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.

UDPATE: The following information was provided by Chief Gordon Dibble.  A man in his 80s was driving his wife in for medical treatment. A neighbor wrote down his license plate number. The man, when contacted, said the dog ran off appearing uninjured. There was no damage to the car. The dog was treated, but the extent of his injuries are unknown. No citations are planned.

UPDATE II: The Sheriff's Office has release an accident report on this incident. The driver is identified as Joseph A. Szczeny, 86, of Batavia. He came upon a slow moving vehicle towing farm equipment on westbound on Richley Road and he moved to overtake the vehicle and the dog entered the roadway from the south shoulder. Szczeny car struck the dog.  Szczeny said he slowed down and started to pull over when he saw the get up and run to the driver of the slow vehicle. Thinking the dog was OK, Szczeny drove off. The dog, a two-year-old boxer/lab mix named Buddy owned by the operator of the slow vehicle,, was taken to Batavia Animal Hospital for treatment.

Robert J. Propst, 29, of 45 Central Ave., Batavia, was charged with charged with harassment in the 2nd degree and endangering the welfare of a child following an alleged dispute at his home address. Propst reportedly hit a woman and the act was allegedly witnessed by a child. He is being held on $2,500 bail. The alleged incident occurred at 1:10 p.m. yesterday.

Jonathon Kent, 21, of 59 Mill St., Apt. A, Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputies came into contact with Kent following a suspicious vehicle complaint at Batavia Mobile Home Park.

Donald A. Bouse, 37, of 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, and Jason T. Helles, 35, of 419 E. Main St. Batavia, were arrested yesterday following a traffic stop.  Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force report they observed Bouse driving without a license.  Upon investigation, deputies determined that two bench warrants for Bouse had been issued in Monroe County.  The warrants were for petty larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Helles was reportedly found in possession of a suspected crack cocaine pipe and prescription pills.  Bouse was issued a ticket and released to Monroe County officials. Helles was issued an appearance ticket. UPDATE: I was curious how the Sheriff's deputies knew Bouse was driving without a license. Chief Brewster replied with this statement: "We were aware that there were outstanding warrants for Bouse as well as the fact that his driving privileges had been taken away. It was just a matter of finding him and when we did, he happened to be driving. "

Conor M. Kobis, 18, of 81 Pound Road, Elma; Shawn M. Riccio, 18, 24 Cardinal Lane, West Seneca; and, Michael J. Walsh, 18, 315 Eden St., Buffalo were charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by persons under 21 yesterday. The trio were reportedly observed drinking in the parking lot at Darien Lake, where New Kids on the Block were playing. All three were issued appearance tickets.

UPDATE: Just received from Le Roy Police:

William Parker, 36, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt for having contact with a person who had an order of protection against Parker. Parker was found inside the home of the protected person. He is held on $750 bail.

Our friends from Ride to Recovery stopped by our pickup truck to get some sweets before the parade started.

Pastor Eric Sheppard of Church on the Rock in Attica joined us for street church on Central Avenue. We had 16 folks attend.  We helped 37 families with Groceries with a total of 98 family members. We had 82 people attend the weekly picnic.

There would have been some really cool video of the parade, but this PR director needs a few more lessons in running the video camera!

Have a super week!

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman told the County Legislature's Public Safety Committee this afternoon that he isn't too concerned about his assistants serving local towns as stand-in prosecutors.

Legislature Ray Cianfrini, District 1, raised questions about the practice during Friedman's regular  report to the committee, but Friedman said the practice doesn't interfere with either of the two assistant DAs (of the four) who take on extra cases in the towns.

"It's the same question if an assistant D.A. wanted to go out and sell fire wood in his off hours, I wouldn't have a problem and I don't see a conflict," Friedman said.

Friedman stressed that the work the staff members are required to get done is getting done, and because of the nature of the job, they often work odd hours (such as helping law enforcement with cases late at night), that even if they respond to a town case in the middle of the day, the county's work is still getting done within the required weekly hours.

Because freshly minted attorneys can earn quite a bit of money as "assigned council" (defense attorneys), Friedman said he doesn't begrudge his attorneys making extra cash as town prosecutors.

After the meeting Cianfrini said he was satisfied with Friedman's answers, but he is still concerned about public employees moonlighting because of the pension issue -- he wants to make sure that the extra work doesn't obscure whether the public employee is putting in a full work day from a benefits standpoint.

Towns often require paid prosecutors because State Police officers are not allowed, unlike Sheriff's deputies, to prosecute their own cases. When people are cited for speeding, or other traffic infractions -- but not misdemeanors or felonies -- the deputy or officer who issued the ticket acts as prosecutor.

But when State Police issue a ticket and then don't show up in town court, because they are prohibited from acting as prosecutor, cases are often dismissed, costing the towns revenue, according to Bethany officials I spoke with last week.  Bethany is looking at hiring a part-time prosecutor, which many towns along the Thruway did some time ago, because of the revenue potentially lost when traffic tickets are not enforced.

Friedman said the practice of the assistant D.A.s to handle these infractions is raising no time or conflict-of-interest issues for his office.

In other Public Safety Committee News:

• Deputy Chief Jerome Brewster said the Sheriff's Office requested a $50,000 grant for video equipment to record interviews the criminal suspects, but received only $15,000.  The department is reviewing its options now.
• The Sheriff's office will use $2,000 in available grant money to purchase equipment to assist in domestic violence investigations. The equipment: Compact Digital Video cameras. (These little suckers are great I-witness journalism tools -- I wonder if the Sheriff will let me train his deputies to be I-witness journalists -- when they're not investigating actual cases, of course).
• Genesee Justice will be able to lease electronic monitoring devices for five months to test whether the equipment can help adequately with home confinement cases. Cost: $5,800.
• Approved extension of a contract American Rock Salt for purchase of sodium chloride. Highways Director Tim Hens said many local agencies have been signing new contracts recently at $50 and $60 per ton. ARS has agreed to much more modest price increase, from $38.98 per ton to $39.76.

While it's pleasant to think that a broken state Senate means no state-damaging legislation can get passed, some of the bills pending while the Senate argues over leadership roles are important to the operation of local governments.

One of those bills, if not passed, could cost Genesee County as well of all the local towns, villages and the City of Batavia up to $8 million in annual revenue. The funds are used by the county to fund capital projects as well as pay down debt; for the city, towns and villages, the tax is part of operational revenue.

"That's going to cause a significant amount as havoc as we're trying to finish out our fiscal year," said County Manager Jay Gsell.

Every two years, the legislature must reauthorize authority for an a local-option additional 1 percent sales tax in Genesee County, as well as 36 other counties. The 1 percent is added to the permanent three percent levied by the county, plus the state's four percent makes for the 8 percent paid by county residents on local purchases.

It's only that 1 percent that must be reauthorized every two years.  And so has been the case since 1996.

To make up that revenue, Gsell said, the county would need to raise property taxes by $1.80 per assessed $1,000 value of a property.

If the bill isn't signed into law by September, the tax revenue could be lost and it could impact regional revenue for this year and the 2010-2011 budget.

"There is nobody even now who will even say we have a quote unquote quorum and we're going to official going to conduct business," Gsell noted. "My sense is there is so much back and forth and posturing going on that these, what should really be just ministerial functions, are not going to occur."

Audio: Jay Gsell talks about sales tax.

Hey MUCKDOGNATION!!! You and your friends and family are all invited to an open house this Thursday June 18th at Dwyer Stadium from 6pm-8pm. Meet the players, watch practice, get autographs or shop at the team store! Gates open at 6pm and its free and open to everyone! Bring your camera and get some pictures of the new St. Louis Cardinals 2009 draft picks!!! Also don't forget the season opener is this Friday the 19th at 7:05pm with fireworks!!!  Let's fill the stands and make this a record breaking season attendance this year!  LET'S GO MUCKDOGS!

Regardless of the report in Journal-Register in Medina says Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell, residents of Genesee and Orleans counties should expect a new regional jail to come out of discussion between the two counties.

The Journal-Register reported this morning:

Johnson and the Jail Committee have been working closely with Genesee County, talking about the possibility of opening a regional jail to accommodate prisoners in both Orleans and Genesee counties. The Center for Governmental Research has been hired to do a study to determine if a regional facility would be economically feasible.

“We have to look at what’s the best taxpayer solution,” Johnson said. “A study hasn’t been done since the early 1970s, and right now, the promising thing is the good working relationship we have with Genesee County.”

The relationship between the two counties is great, Gsell confirmed, and CGR -- the same consultants helping with the consolidation study in Batavia -- is conducting a study to help the counties deal with an increase in female inmates, decreasing bed space, aging facilities and the best options for dealing with prisoners in the 21st Century, but a new jail facility is pretty unlikely.

"We started looking at what are alternatives to incarceration," Gsell said. "We're looking at electronic monitoring, release under supervision and things of that nature ... and now what we're looking at is having CGR ...  --  would it be advisable to have us look at on a two-county basis, maybe even a three-county basis, along with either Livingston or Wyoming, at some other alternatives to just building brand new jail space."

Gsell said there are a couple of people in Orleans County who seem to really believe that the process will inevitably lead to building a new jail, but he doesn't see that as an option.  It would be difficult, he said, to co-locate one facility under current statutes.

 Full Audio of Jay Gsell Interview

A man on Central Avenue in Batavia stabbed himself in the groin with a knife during a domestic dispute with his girlfriend.

The original call had the woman claiming the man had hit her and then went in the house to grab a knife. She later reportedly changed her story and said she was not hit.

When police arrived, they found the man with the knife sticking out of his groin area.

Emergency workers were concerned about pulling the knife out on the scene and Mercy Flight was called.

Since this is a domestic dispute and the man did it to himself, we're withholding the exact location and names of the individuals involved. No chargers are planned.

City fire crews are responded to 400 Towers, 400 E. Main St., Batavia, for a general fire alarm.

The fire alarm was activated. No word yet on whether there is an actual fire.

Here is the entire content of an e-mail from Batavia Councilman Bill Cox, Ward 1, on consolidation:

Here are my initial thoughts.

It took a lot of time and in-depth discussion for the consolidation committee to identify the major elements of a consolidation. That work had to be done to be able to go on from there. They did a good job putting their arms around issues. I believe the committee accomplished 50% of what ultimately needs to be done.

This committee or a new committee needs to address the other 50% which is to identify where you can consolidate operations to cut personnel, share existing equipment, share the cost of new equipment, share maintenance expense, share overhead to eliminate some management, etc.

Consolidation is all about cost savings through permanent cuts in operating costs, it is not about new revenue. Its about getting more done with less cost. Consolidating for the sole purpose of getting $923,000. in new revenue sharing from NYS is not a sufficient reason to consolidate. There is no guarantee how long it will be given. The State is in dire economic condition, and it cannot be relied on for the long term.

The report did not deal with the most significant areas that could represent real savings which is the cost to the city for police and fire protection. This represents about $6,000,000 annually. This is the area we  have to address first. We are choking in the cost to continue these services under the existing collective bargaining agreements. This appears to be taboo.

There was no mention of any real specifics how to cut anything except one or two small cost reduction references. All the debt stays the same, all the taxes are still separated, all the main cost items remain in place. The other area which dwarfs all costs is consolidation of school districts. This alone would be tremendous and it would not even require the town and city to consolidate governments.

Until real cost reduction is identified in specific amounts and departments with a solid plan of action of how and when to implement the cuts, I could not vote for consolidation as it was presented. There is insufficient information to determine if a consolidation makes sense for the tax payers.

I am strongly in favor of reducing the cost of government and one good way to do this is through consolidation, but specifics of how, what, when, where, and how much, has to be identified and agreed upon prior to proposing anything for our taxpayers to decide. We have to reduce the tremendous burden of taxes in multiple categories our taxpayers are saddled with and this report did not address how we get there.

Public meetings on consolidation will be held Thursday and again June 30 at Batavia High School. Both meetings are at 7 p.m.

OK, so it isn't local, but the wranglings of the state Senate provides its own odd and pathetic form of entertainment.  Now, Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who originally bolted from his Democratic caucus to support insurgent Republicans, has decided to return to the fold.

Meanwhile, the Senate politicians can't decide who is in charge and a judge, like a kindergarten teacher during recess, may step in and decide who gets to play with the ball for while.

Well, at least while the Senate is even more dysfunctional than usual, Albany can't do much more damage to the state.

A 53-year-old man is Genesee County's first confirmed case of H1N1 flu, inaccurately referred to as Swine Flu.

UPDATE: WBTA interviewed Randy Garney, interim health director.

The Genesee County Health Department announced this morning that the man was diagnosed in an Erie County emergency room.

He was not hospitalized and is now recovering at home.

Officials are working to determine who may have been exposed during the man's contagious phase. Officials will notify close contacts and family caregivers for signs of illness.

H1N1 is prevalent in the state, according to the health department, and it has been found in numerous counties.

Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chill and fatigue. Some victims have reported diarrhea and vomiting, as well.

The health department warns that anyone with these symptoms should stay home. If medical attention seems needed, people should contact a doctor to determine if emergency care is necessary.

Take these precautionary measures to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Place your used tissue in the waste basket.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

According to the state's health department site, 1,356 cases have been reported in the New York, including 493 outside of NYC.

Patrick Weissend, after 11 years as director of the Holland Land Office Museum, is changing jobs. He is joining the Bank of Castile as branch manager in Medina.

His 11-year-term puts him well ahead of the three-year average for museum directors in New York, but said the Bank of Castile offer was a great opportunity.

"I've been here for 11 years," Weissend said. "I love it here. It's a great place to work and great place to be and a great place to grow, and this opportunity came along and it can be like the opportunity of a lifetime that I can't pass up.  It's not something I applied for -- well, I did apply for it eventually -- It kind of just fell into my lap, so I had to take advantage of it."

Weissend, a Stafford resident, said he will continue to live in Genesee County and stay involved in community activities, as well as getting more involved in the Medina community.

Prior to becoming a historian, Weissend was an accountant.

The personnel committee will meet soon to discuss finding a successor, Weissend said. Meanwhile, he has three more weeks as director with HLOM.

"I have this feeling of both sadness and this feeling of excitement," he said. "You know, the sadness at leaving this place, which has become such a part of my life. In a sense, I enjoyed being Pat from the Holland Land Office Museum. It's weird that I'm not going to be that person any more. It's kind of like gone away, that person that I was, and now I'm going to be a new person. A lot of people have been reacting, shocked, shocked that I'm leaving. Some of my board members didn't believe me. Even my own mother said, 'I thought you would be there forever.'"