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Press release:

If you have Medicaid-funded personal care or home health services, you may have heard that the Federal 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 requires Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), in the interest of fraud prevention.

As you will probably have questions, the State Department of Health has set up New York State Listening Sessions on Electronic Visit Verification this month. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), is accommodating those of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties by covering the Listening Session, from 6 to 9 p.m., on Thursday, July 11, at the ILGR office in the Crickler Executive Center, in the Douglas J. Usiak Multipurpose Room, 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to Pat McAllister, by calling (585) 815-8501, ext. 402, or emailing pmcallister@wnyil.org. 

All who use Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS) and Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) are encouraged to attend this FREE event and give their input on changes that could affect their privacy and rights to personal choice.

Press release:

The 49^th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held Thursday, July 18, at the Genesee County Fair.

The auction will feature chickens, goats, lambs, beef steers, dairy steers and hogs raised by local 4-H members.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in the 4-H Kennedy Building and the auction begins at 7 p.m. in the Main Show Ring at the fairgrounds, located at 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia. 

Animals will be auctioned by William Kent Inc. of Stafford. Special thanks to William Kent and family for 49 years of support of the 4-H Market Animal Auction!

For more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 131, or visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.

O.V. Murphy, 60, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Murphy was arrested after allegedly striking another person on the front porch of his residence at 14 Highland Parkway at 5:51 p.m. on July 3. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for July 16 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Linda A. Snyder, 36, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Snyder was arrested after a physical altercation at 14 Highland Parkway. She allegedly struck another person while on the front porch at 5:51 p.m. on July 3. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for July 16 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Damien Cole Clark, 18, of Lemoyne Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with second-degree harassment. On July 6, Clark was arrested at Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park after he allegedly slapped an employee in the head. He was issued an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court and is due there on July 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

William T. Hughes, 62, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Hughes was arrested at 4 p.m. on July 5 on Spruce Street, Batavia, after being allegedly found in violation of an order of protection. He was located in the residence of the protected party. Hughes was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Wesley Thigpen, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on July 7 on Vine Street in Batavia after he allegedly had unwanted contact with an individual in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond. He was due back in court this afternoon (July 8). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Samuel N. Sciascia, 47, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, one count of criminal possession of burglar tools, and one count of criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. He was arrested following a complaint of suspicious activity at the Tops Friendly Market parking lot on West Main Street in Le Roy. Upon arrival by a Le Roy patrol, Sciascia was allegedly found in possession of multiple different types of controlled substances along with a crack pipe and hypodermic needles and a vehicle access tool used to enter locked vehicles. He was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of unspecified bail.

Scott D. Higgins, 38, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a previous conviction; operting a vehicle without an ignition interlock device; DWI with a BAC of .08 or more; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and aggravated inlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. At 2:36 a.m. on July 6, Batavia Police responded to the area of 5 Maple St. for a truck into a utility pole that left the scene. Subsequent investigation located the vehicle and operator on Ganson Avenue and Higgins was arrested. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in court this afternoon (July 8). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jonathan Henry Cordeiro, 32, of McIntyre Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; expired inspection; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. Cordeiro was arrested at 1:33 a.m. after a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was issued several tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Ross Miller, 59, of Rochester Street, Bergen, is charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, failure to keep right, failure to use designated lane, and illegal signal -- less than 100 feet from turn. Le Roy Police arrested Miller on July 3 after being observed allegedly operating his vehicle erratically and failing to maintain his lane of travel. A subsequent investigation allegedly found Miller to be intoxicated and he was ticketed and released.

Gregory James Savino, 36, of Oak Lane, Lockport, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; moving from lane unsafely; failure to keep right; and driving left of pavement markings. At 8:58 p.m. on July 4, Savino was arrested on Alleghany Road, Alabama. He allegedly crossed the center line into oncoming traffic while traveling southbound on Route 77 in the Town of Alabama. Further investigation allegedly determined he was driving with a BAC of .18 percent or more. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alabama Court on July 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Christine M. Wagner, 38, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with having an unlicensed dog and having an unvaccinated dog. Wagner was arrested at 6:11 p.m. on July 1 following an investigation into a dog bite complaint on Jackson Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Jodee M. Henderson, 34, of Broadway Road, Darien, was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court at 1:45 p.m. July 5 on an outstanding bench warrant. She was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court on July 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

ARTiculations Ability Exhibition® -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on July 12.

Titled "Declarations from the Heart," it features the poerty of Jacqueline Fields. Her poetry is being displayed with graphic art provided by the UHAA.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through Sept. 30th. The Opening Reception is Friday, July 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ILGR’s office 319 W. Main St. in Batavia, at the Crickler Executive Business Center (former Pepsi distribution building).

Fields will be present to share information about her work at the reception.

From the artist: "I have been writing poetry for about 41 years which started from simple rhymes I included in letters and cards to friends and family. The gift of expression, especially in the form of poetry, is one of the greatest gifts from God, because I feel that it’s the doorway to the heart and mind."

Other artists with disabilities residing in the area of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations® planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

Independent Living has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions® have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

For questions on the event, please call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

A man jumped off the bridge on River Street in the city after a domestic incident. He threatened to do so and was walking there when law enforcement was called to respond. City fire is also en route along with Mercy medics.

He was said to be wearing gray shorts.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: The man was just brought out of the water off the creek bank and put on a stretcher; he appears to be conscious and moving.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: The man didn't actually jump into the water; he jumped from the River Street bridge and landed on the creek bank -- not a far drop. He is being taken to the hospital for evaluation.

A caller reports that in the area of the 6900 block of Knowlesville Road in Alabama, a bunch of kids are riding up and down the street on dirt bikes -- at least three or four -- and that they are unlicensed. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

A large tree toppled and downed power lines and a transformer at 11084 Starr Road, Pavilion. Wires are arcing by the side of the road. Four utility poles are damaged as well. Pavilion Fire Department is responding and National Grid is notified. A portion of the roadway is closed. The location is between Tufts and River roads.

A one-vehicle accident happened about five hours ago on Little Falls Road and the driver is still in or with the vehicle, according to a caller to dispatch. The location is 1341 Little Falls Road, north of Fuller Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics just arrived on scene.

Little Falls Road is shut down.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: The patient -- the driver -- is being transported to ECMC.

UPDATE 7:59 a.m.: The road is reopended. The assignment is back in service.

Press release:

My name is Kevin Muckle and in 2011 I started an annual golf tournament on behalf of my daughter Madison Marie Muckle. Madison was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia cancer just after her 3rd birthday in 2010.  She fought through two and a half years of constant treatment until April of 2013 when she received her last chemotherapy treatment.

In 2018 Madison celebrated her five-year anniversary and is now considered a survivor. Madison is now a healthy, cancer free, 11 year old who wants to help others suffering from this horrible disease.

WE CALL IT MADISONATION!

Madisonation was created to raise awareness and funds for other children and families fighting their battle against cancer. Madisonation has raised more $42,000 over the last eight years for families and organizations.

This year we will be donating ALL proceeds to the Michael Napoleone Foundation. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael C. Napoleone who died from Burkitts lymphoma/leukemia at the age of 6. This not-for-profit foundation was created to give back to those who are in need due to their battle against childhood cancer.

They also support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is 100 percent staffed by volunteers with NO paid positions. I know of several families that they have helped throughout the years and now Madisonation wants to help them this year, so they can continue to do all the great things in fighting childhood cancer.

Please come and join us in our fight against childhood cancer and help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Please help us on Aug. 25 for our ninth annual Madisonation "Never Give Up" Golf Tournament. The event will be held at Hickory Ridge Golf course in Holley.

It will be a four-man best ball tournament for $380 per team, which includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, raffles, silent auction, hole contests and lots of fun, not to mention supporting a great cause.

Please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499 or Jen Moore at 585-300-8440 for more information or to register. Any donations can be mailed to Madisonation, P.O. Box 1810, Batavia, NY 14021.

City fire is called to 7 Trumbull Parkway for a fence on fire behind a residence. It is 20 feet from a garage with flammables inside.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: The fence fire is actually on Elm.

Two vehicles and a tractor-trailer collided at Big Tree Road and South Lake Road (routes 63 and 19). One of the vehicles is lodged under the tractor-trailer. There are serious injuries and the roadway is blocked. Pavilion Fire Department is on scene along with mutual aid from Bethany. Mercy medics responding.

Law enforcement is shutting down multiple roadways: the intersection at Texaco Town; route 63 at GC county road 36, route 20 and route 19.

The State Police Commercial Vehicle Inspection Unit is called to the scene.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: Due to demands on manpower following the accident, a Sheriff's supervisor is requesting at least two deputies scheduled to work the next shift to come in early.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. Although the initial dispatch was for a tractor-trailer and two passenger vehicles involved, only one sedan was involved in the collision with the big rig, which is operated by Kriska Transportation Co. Roads are still closed in the vicinity.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: According to Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile, the tractor-trailer was northbound on Route 63 when a light-colored Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling southbound on Route 19 and failed to stop at a solid red light. The sedan plowed into, and under, the big rig and the male driver, the sole occupant, was deceased by the time first responders arrived. The trucker was not injured. Saile said there is no physical evidence of the sedan ever braking. The impact knocked the trailer into the southbound lane. It was empty. Parise's Auto & Towing was called in to lift the trailer off the car so the victim could be removed. Saile said distracted driving is suspected.

Video T/K.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Just announced roadways are reopened and all responders are back in service.

Carlton Lynn Beardsley, 24, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and petit larceny. On June 27, Beardsley was arrested following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 14 at the Walmart in Batavia. He allegedly stole and inhaled an aerosol compressed air can used for cleaning electronics from Walmart, after already being banned from the store due to a previous incident. Following his arraignment in Batavia Town Court, he was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. He is due to return to Batavia Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

John E. Daley, 63, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment -- physical contact. Daley was arrested after an altercation at 1:48 p.m. on June 29 on Bank Street. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Stacey C. McCaffery, 36, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and aggravated DWI. At 6:43 p.m. on June 30 McCaffery was arrested on the charges after allegedly operating her vehicle at a high rate of speed while being unable to maintain her lane on Route 5. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On July 2 and 6:19 a.m., Batavia PD was dispatched to the area of Hutchins Street for a female who was reportedly "shooting up." Patrols located Hutchinson and she allegedly possessed a hypodermic instrument and two glass "crack" pipes. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

James J. Preedom, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with having a controlled substance not in its original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Preedom was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance complaint at 11:22 p.m. on July 1 on State Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 23 in Batavia City Court then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

The Le Roy Police Department arrested a 47-year-old parolee who is thought to be responsible for the rash of larcenies from vehicles over the past few months.

Andrew L. Kosiorek, of 61 Myrtle St., Le Roy, (inset photo left) was arrested Wednesday, July 3, at about 11 p.m. after he was seen by an alert citizen allegedly prowling the North Street area of the village, attempting to enter numerous vehicles and actually entering at least two vehicles stealing items from within.

The alert citizen called 9-1-1 and directed the responding patrols to an area of South Street where Kosiorek had walked. Kosiorek was detained and then arrested by the patrols and allegedly found in possession of property recently stolen from vehicles on Church Street and North Street. Kosiorek was also allegedly found to be in possession of a crack cocaine pipe.

Based on other information gathered throughout this investigation, the Le Roy Police Department believes that Kosiorek is the person responsible for the rash of larcenies which has been steadily increasing since May 4.

Kosiorek was charged with two counts of misdemeanor criminal possession of stolen property, three counts of misdemeanor attempted petit larceny and one count of misdemeanor criminal possession of controlled substance for the crack pipe.

Kosiorek was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $3,500 cash bail.

The Le Roy Police Department wishes to thank the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police and the citizens of Le Roy who constantly partner with the Le Roy Police Department to help add extra eyes and ears to help protect our community.

Press release:

The City of Batavia’s Youth Bureau is open at 12 MacArthur Drive through Aug. 16^th, Monday through Friday from 1 – 6 p.m.

The Youth Center is a free service available to youth ages 10-18 who reside in Batavia.]

Free nutritious lunches are available to all participants now through Aug. 9 during a designated time daily. Snacks are also provided daily.

The Youth Center offers outside activities, computer use, crafts, games, Wednesday movie days, and monthly scheduled events. Registration is simple, just stop in!

Upcoming events at the Youth Center include:

• Every Wednesday is movie day, popcorn included;
• Today is the July 5^th summer cookout;
• July 8^th -- video game tournament;
• July 12^th Jell-O Day complete with Jell-O races (safe for all ages);
• July 16^th National Mac and Cheese Day;
• July 18^th make your own hotdog pretzels;
• July 22^nd National Ice Cream Day;
• July 23^rd Bingo;
• July 29^th National Chicken Wing Day with wing dip!;
• July 31^st Harry Potter Day.

The Summer Safe Carnival is July 25^th starting at 10 a.m. at the Falleti Ice Rink. Guaranteed fun for all ages. Any questions, call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6420.