Stories from

Here's important information for parents and guardians from the Genesee County Health Department:

In response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the local health department has coordinated H1N1 vaccine distribution to numerous physician offices throughout the county. In addition, we have conducted several Points of Dispensing (POD’s) in order to assist the medical professionals in protecting our community against this virus. A large number of these clinics were established directly at schools within Genesee County prior to the holiday recess in December.

On Jan. 23, a clinic was held at the Batavia City Centre to target the child population requiring a second dose. Children less than 10 years of age need to receive two .25 ml doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart, to provide the proper immune protection against the H1N1 Virus.

If your child has not received their second dose, we ask you contact the Genesee County Health Department or your primary care physician to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is FREE. Some physicians may require an administrative fee.

For more information on the H1N1 virus and for a schedule of H1N1 clinics in Genesee County, please visit: HYPERLINK "http://www.readyGenesee.com" www.ReadyGenesee.com or call the Genesee County Health Department for an appointment at: 585-344-2580 ext. 5000.

Employees of Angelica Textile Services, located at 3 Apollo Drive in the City of Batavia, have been evacuated from the building following a smoke alarm.

It is reported that there is possibly a fire smoldering in a dryer vent, where some lint may have ignited during maintenance work.

A little smoke was seen coming out of an exhaust blower vent. A firefighter asked that the blower be turned on and "send a drying chemical right up through the system."

The company at that location provides linens and "textile solutions" to the healthcare industry.

A garage fire is reported at 8058 Bank St. Road in the Town of Batavia. The town's firefighters are responding and an engine is requested from Elba.

The roof of the garage is smoking and the cause is believed to be a wood stove.

Oakfield is filling in at Station 1 and Stafford is filling in at Station 2. Mercy EMS is nearby in case needed.

UPDATE (12:28 p.m.): Heavy fire is on the second floor moving to first floor.

UPDATE (12:32 p.m.): Elba fire police are requested at Bank Street Road and Hawley Road as well as Saille Drive and Bank Street Road.

UPDATE (12:37 p.m.): A portion of Bank Street Road is being closed to traffic. The fire is coming through the ceiling now and the firefighters are breaking up the middle of the structure to fight it.

UPDATE (1:19 p.m.): The fire is under control and a few minutes ago a fireman said "three sides look good."

Howard Owens took pictures at the fire scene, which he will post later today.

If you want to put your best face forward, so to speak, consider getting a SilkPeel treatment at Lamb Family Medicine.

It takes 30 minutes, costs 50 bucks and works a small wonder on your skin. Lamb Family Medicine, at 7 Evans St., is also an aesthetic center and the only provider of SilkPeel in Batavia.

The procedure is remarkably clever, easy and worth every penny. I had it done last week and I hope to do it again.

"It's a very popular treatment," said Dr. Anna Lamb, who's had it available for about two years now.

Basically, SilkPeel simultaneously provides micro-dermabrasion, suction and a skin-specific treatment solution. It treats all skin types and common conditions -- dry, aging skin, fine lines, roughness, acne, oily skin, redness, sun damage and dark spots.

Harbor no qualms, there's little mystery to it.

A somewhat noisy little machine is outfitted with two containers -- one for a topical solution and another for residue. The machine has a thin, black tube with a clear chamber attached to the end of it. Inside is a small "sanding disk," made up of medical-grade diamonds, which can promptly be changed to accommodate individual needs and preferences. When in use, the disk spins, the solution flows and suction occurs all at the same time. It's known as "wet dermabrasion."

There are three topical solutions to choose from. One for hydrating, one for clarifying and another for brightening skin tone.

The technician applies the device in smooth even strokes to your skin, starting with your forehead and avoiding the eyes. She makes "three passes" over your skin. That's it, you're done.

Of course, the equipment is thoroughly sterilized afterward.

You must sign a statement beforehand acknowledging that there may be redness and some discomfort during and following SilkPeel. And there is, but it's minor and the redness goes away quickly.

I have fair, sensitive skin. The first disk selected felt a bit strong. It was replaced with a milder one and the suction, which is adjustable, was turned down. It is not pleasant, but nor is it painful. Like getting braces or having Botox injections, the results make it worthwhile.

Within a half hour of leaving the office, my skin was no longer red. It felt smooth and soft. My complexion is clearer.

People typically get a SilkPeel every four to six weeks, but that varies. Acne patients, for example, are advised to come in weekly until their skin improves, then go in monthly for maintenance. The wet-exfoliation process is very helpful, and medically warranted, for this skin condition, Dr. Lamb said.

Lamb Family Medicine also offers Botox, skin lightening, mineral makeup with suncreen, anti-aging products like the wrinkle filler Radiesse, and Neova. Neova makes a full skin-care line, including a copper-peptide-infused moisturizer, cleansers, toners, sunscreens and masks.

"We have a lot of fun here," says Dr. Lamb.

Let's face it, when you look better, you really do have more fun.

Call to make an appointment or for more information (585) 343-1250. Visit the website at www.doctorlamb.com

Jeff here, a nice guy with few demands. I'm an adult stray, neutered-male fox hound. "I'm good with other dogs and good on a leash. Give me wholesome food, fresh water, a warm bed and a loving, human pal, and I'm good to go." Kennel 22.

I'm Gerry, found in a snowbank, brought to the Genesee County Animal Shelter by a Sheriff's Deputy. I was malnlourished and dehydrated. I got checked out by a vet and sent to a loving foster home to get some vittles, put on some pounds and get healthy.

Although my ears show some frostbite, I'm doing great and gaining weight. I'm an orange tiger domestic shorthair cat, an adult neutured male. I'm sweet and loving. My favorite things to do include watching birds outside the window and curling up in laps. I'm available for adoption at Petco in Batavia.
 
Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org

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

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

A fully involved structure fire is occurring at 6137 Merrill Road in Byron. It is located between Warboys and North Bergen roads.

The call has gone to second alarm and heavy smoke is reported.

Fire trucks from South Byron, Byron, Bergen, North Bergen and Elba are responding. Tankers from Byron and Bergen are responding and a fast team from the Town of Batavia. Stafford is on standby so is Churchville. Mercy EMS has also been called.

Monroe County aid has been requested.

UPDATE (11:33 a.m.): Two more tankers have been requested, including one specifically from Churchville.

UPDATE (11:38): Le Roy Fire Department is on scene.

(UPDATE: 11:42) Elba is called for more manpower and tanker. National Grid has been notified.

(UPDATE: 11:45 a.m.) "They lost their draft, we've got no water," a firefighter yells, apparently about one of the pumpers. Another tanker is almost there. An aerial unit is requested. Law enforcement is called to Merrill and North Bergen roads, because "people are going past fire police, they refuse to stop."

(UPDATE: 11:51) Bergen is on scene with a full tanker. A tanker driver is requested.

(UPDATE: 12:01 p.m.) A code-enforcement officer is requested to the scene.

(UPDATE: 12:02 p.m.) American Red Cross is requested to the scene. Per Byron command, some firefighters are leaving to fill tankers and others called to take their places.

(UPDATE: 12:06 p.m.) An Oakfield engine has been requested to standby at the Elba fire hall.

(UPDATE: 12:09 p.m.) Supertanker 87 is nearing scene. Byron command tells the driver: "Radio traffic is heavy and I not gonna be able to yell at you, so I'll hold flags up (to give directions). The tankers are going in and out of here." Law enforcement is called to Route 237 -- "There's a lot of traffic, it's getting dangerous."

(UPDATE: 12:20 p.m.) National Grid on scene.

(UPDATE: 12:44 p.m.) Update is requested on availability of helicopter. Answer: Unable to respond due to weather.

(UPDATE: 1:04 p.m.) Byron Town Supervisor Bob Crnkovich is requested to the scene.

(UPDATE: 1:07 p.m.) Heard on the scanner: "Joe, do you want a cup of coffee?" Reply, with a note of enthusiasm "Ab-sol-utely!" Also, Red Cross is almost on scene.

A one-vehicle rollover accident has been reported at 46 Sheridan Road near Buffalo Road near Bergen. The victim is walking around. The call came in from Monroe County.

Bergen Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Unknown injuries. Vehicle is on its roof. Additional manpower is requested.

This article is based on information provided by the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) about the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park or STAMP project:

Next week, the GCEDC will hold two informational meetings regarding the environmental review process for the STAMP project.

Those meetings will be held at 7 p.m Thursday, Feb.11 and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13  at the Alabama Town Fire Hall located on Judge Road.

They will include an overview of the project’s activities to date, as well as a review of the environmental process required pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

The proposed draft-scoping document will be explained. It is used to guide the preparation of a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the project. This will eventually become a Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement that, along with a findings statement, will complete the SEQRA requirements.

Although next week's public meetings are not required by SEQRA, the GCEDC has agreed to hold them to encourage community input during the initial stages of the SEQRA process. They offer residents a chance to learn about and discuss project issues, but comments can also be provided in writing until March 5. Written comments should be mailed to: GCEDC, 1 Mill St., Batavia, NY 14020.

WNY STAMP is a large-scale, advanced-manufacturing site modeled after Luther Forest Technology Park located in Saratoga County (which recently landed semiconductor chipmaker Global Foundries/Advanced Micro Devices’ latest expansion). According to Forest tech park’s website, the $4.6 billion project will bring 1,465 jobs to the Capital Region. 

GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde believes that a similar project could help revitalize WNY.

At full build-out, which could take up to 25 years, estimates project the site will be home to 9,300 workers with a large majority of skilled and semi-skilled workers earning starting wages that pay between $40,000 and $45,000 annually.

“The STAMP project is a transformational project that could redefine the employment scene in WNY by helping to stop the 'brain drain' by providing future generations the chance to find good-paying jobs right in their own back yard," Hyde said. "The site has all the attributes that high-technology companies seek as highlighted by the feasibility study completed in 2008 by the global firm CH2M HILL.”

The feasibility study identified several high-tech industries as a good potential fit for the STAMP site, including photovoltaic panel (solar panel) and semiconductor (computer chip) manufacturing. The site is surrounded by industrial-class infrastructure including redundant electric transmission lines. It also sits in the New York Power Authority’s hydropower zone, meaning companies that locate there would be eligible for low-cost power allocation.

The site is five miles north of I-90 exit 48A, which makes it easily accessible to workers from both Buffalo and Rochester, New York’s second- and third-largest cities, respectively, with a combined workforce of more than 1.1 million people.

There are four phases in the site-planning process.

Phase I included the feasibility study and community survey, which yielded a 42-percent response rate with 78 percent of residents favoring further exploration of the project. Phase II consists largely of environmental assessment and engineering efforts. Phase II work has been funded by a $1 million state grant, which received bi-partisan support from both senators Bill Stachowski and Mike Ranzenhofer as well as funding from National Grid.

Phase III focuses on implementation, should a project commit to the site. Phase IV concerns management of the site at full build-out.

The environmental review process officially began on Dec. 22 when the GCEDC Board of Directors voted to seek lead-agency status for the project. Last week, the GCEDC declared itself the lead agency after no other entities objected. The lead agency directs the SEQRA process, which includes several opportunities for public input.

The process is also being guided by an advisory committee comprised of members of the GCEDC, the Genesee County Planning Department, the Alabama Town Board and the Alabama Town Planning Board. In preparing a draft-scoping document, the advisory committee has worked with legal counsel that includes Harris Beach and Phillips Lytle, technology planners and engineering experts from IDC Architects/CH2M, HILL and Clark Patterson Lee, and environmental consultants from Conservation Connects.

This document will address potential impacts and the analyses will be reviewed in the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement. It will be available for review Feb. 4 at the Alabama Town Hall on Judge Road in Alabama. It will also be available at the GCEDC’s office on Mill Street in Batavia and on its website, www.gcedc.com.

The GCEDC will schedule other public hearings for the draft EIR and the Town of Alabama may also conduct meetings as part of its future zoning-review process for the project.

The Le Roy Police Department arrested warrant suspect James J. Santiago Jr., of 31 Myrtle St., Le Roy, after he turned himself into the Le Roy Police Department accompanied by his attorney.

The arrest stems from the intensive investigation into the disturbance which occurred Jan. 23 at his address in the village in which three persons were sent to the hospital for knife wounds to the arm, neck and chest, respectively.

The police were able to determine that this disturbance was the result of an alleged robbery of two ounces of marijuana.

It is alleged that between 10 p.m. and midnight Friday, Jan. 22, people from Le Roy, including Santiago, ordered two ounces of marijuana from a person in Batavia. The marijuana was delivered and the deal was to take place in a local parking lot. During the transaction, the marijuana was allegedly forcibly stolen by Santiago who then left the area.

The person who brought the marijuana called others from Batavia notifying them of the robbery at which time six people drove to Le Roy to attempt to get the marijuana back.

The group arrived in Le Roy and walked to Santiago's residence where they allegedly confronted Santiago demanding the return of the marijuana. When he refused, an alleged violent physical altercation occurred involving a knife and golf clubs. Afterwards, the group fled the area without the marijuana.

Santiago is being charged with one count of robbery 3rd (forcible stealing of the marijuana), assault 2nd (assault with a weapon) and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd (possession of a weapon with intent to use against another and having been previously convicted of a crime). All charges are Class D-Felonies. Santiago was arraigned before the Hon. Charles Dusen of the Town of Le Roy Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

The Le Roy Police were assisted in this investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, the Genesee County Drug Task Force, the New York State Police and the Genesee County District Attorney’s office.