Skip to main content

Stories from

Law and Order: State Street woman accused of stealing envelope from person at a local business with more than $1K in it

By Billie Owens

Diana Lynn Bloom, 62, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts fourth-degree grand larceny, which is a Class E felony: for allegedly taking property with a value greater than $1,000 and for allegedly taking it from a person. She was arrested on Aug. 3. It is alleged that at 1:49 p.m. on July 3 she stole an envelope full of money from the victim's pocket, while inside a business in the 100 block of West Main Street in the City of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Marshawn J. Singletary, 38, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with: first-degree criminal contempt; third-degree menacing; and second-degree harassment. At 6:33 p.m. on Aug. 6 on Oak Street, Singletary allegedly shoved a person who has a stay away order of protection against him and threatened that person with a vacuum cleaner. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $3,000 cash bail, $6,000 bond, or $12,000 partially secured bond. Singletary was due to return to court on Aug. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Miah Stevens.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Gibson was located and arrested on three separate warrants for failure to appear in Batavia City Court. Gibson faces charges of second-degree harassment, third-degree robbery, and two counts of petit larceny. Gibson was transported to Batavia Police Headquarters, processed and released. He was due in city court Aug. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jimpce Jay Etienne, 44, of Warren Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Etienne was arrested at 8:36 p.m. on Aug. 8 on Warren Street after allegedly swinging a fist at the victim. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Edward R. Freida, 49, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Freida was arrested after an investigation into a shoplifting incident at 10:22 p.m. July 28 at the Kwik Fill gas station and convenience store at Jackson and Ellicott streets in the city. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Fisher sweeps both Batavia features on Wednesday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Ray Fisher Jr. had a big night at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 12) after winning both $7,500 pacing and trotting features.

Fisher first took the fillies and mares Open-II pace with Lady London who led every step of the way. 

Lady London went for the front but got stung to the quarter in :26.4 by The Bay Front (Denny Bucceri) before settling in. However once she was on top, she proceeded to pace with authority. Lady London got to the three-quarters in 1:24.1 with an open two length lead and the field stacked up behind her. The race turned for home and Lady London finished what she started, winning in 1:54, which was a new seasonal mark. 

Lady London ($10.40) is owned by VHF Racing and trained by Sabrina Shaw. 

Then later in the Open I-II trot, Fisher was a passenger behind the runaway State Ofmyhead As who scored a major upset at 17-1.

State Ofmyhead As took the lead and was up by three lengths at the quarter in :28 and from there, he didn’t relent. After getting to the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.1, State Ofmyhead As turned for home and opened up a 4-1/4 length margin as he cruised to the wire all alone in 1:57, giving himself a new lifetime mark. 

State Ofmyhead As ($36.80) is owned by the Tanah Merah Farm and the Swift Racing Stable and is trained by Ryan Swift.

Other drivers had multiple win nights including Jim Morrill Jr. who had three and Jim McNeight Jr. who had two. Trainers Gerry Sarama and Jim McNeight also scored two wins apiece.

Trainer Maria Rice hit a personal milestone in race five when her trotter Montepulciano ($4.70) guided by Billy Davis Jr. scored a 1:59.4 victory. It marked the 700th career training victory for Rice in a career that goes back to 2004. Rice has started 4,136 horses during that span garnering 700 wins, 679 seconds and 558 thirds, giving her a lifetime .305 universal trainer rating while bankrolling in excess of $4.4 million in purses.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15) at 6 p.m.

American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 holds chicken BBQ fundraiser Aug. 22, presale only

By Billie Owens

Le Roy's American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 is having a chicken BBQ fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22nd -- presale only.

Tickets are $12 each and available at the Post, located at 53 W. Main St. in the Village, Aug. 18th, 19th and 20th between 4-7:30 p.m.

Pay cash or check payable to Le Roy Servicemen's Club, or by credit card -- VISA or Mastercard -- or by calling (585) 721-7801.

Law and Order: Liberty Street man accused of stealing two vehicles, Pavilion man accused of growing pot

By Billie Owens

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. The defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 8:54 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Genesee Street in Pembroke. He was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court at 11 a.m. Aug. 11 and ordered held on cash bail (unspecified) and put in jail "where he is currently residing." He is due in Genesee County Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson.

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal trespass. On Aug. 10, the defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 10 from West Main Street Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Brian L. Dutton, 62, of Pavilion, is charged with unlawfully growing cannabis (marijuana) and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 12 following a joint investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. A U.S. Border Patrol helicopter allegedly located cannabis growing inside a metal enclosure behind Dutton's residence on Aug. 7, and the pilot led deputies to the location. The plants, allegedly grown by Dutton, were seized and destroyed. Dutton was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Covington Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, Deputy John Button, and Investigator Aaron Anderson.

Bergen's Bryanna D'Agostino earns degree from SUNY Oneonta

By Billie Owens

ONEONTA -- More than 1,000 students graduated from SUNY Oneonta. Students who completed the requirements for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and certificates of advanced study.

Bryanna D'Agostino, of Bergen, earned Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in IDS -- Women & Gender Studies 

SUNY Oneonta is a public, four-year college in Central New York, enrolling about 6,000 students in a wide variety of bachelor's degree programs and several graduate certificate and degree programs.

The college is known as both an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, and a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. Visit https://suny.oneonta.edu/

Popularity of yoga class at Centennial Park prompts Blue Pearl to add one on Thursday mornings

By Billie Owens

From Blue Pearl Yoga:

Turns out the new Yoga in Centennial Park class is a big hit, so we have added another class.

In addition to the Tuesday afternoon classes this month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. with Lisa Ingalsbe, there will be classes from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday mornings with Marianne Skye (E-RYT, YACEP).

Breathe, move, recharge. This well-rounded yoga class offers many yoga pose variations, so those with different levels of experience can participate fully. Appropriate for adults and high school students (no young children).

You can relax while stretching and strengthening. There will be active yoga poses, breath work and stillness practices.  

The park is lovely, the shade is cool, and the people who come to yoga are nothing but sweet!

Centennial Park is located at 151 State St. in the city.

Cost is $10 per class.

Register online at least three hours before class -- absolutely no walk-ins.

Things to know:

  • Bring your own mat;
  • Bring your own optional yoga gear if you like, blocks, straps, blankets, water and sunscreen / bug spray might be good, too;
  • There are NO restroom facilities at Centennial Park;
  • Social distancing & face masks are required.

(If two or less people register, the teacher may opt to cancel. You will be notified through email and fully reimbursed.)

Note that the in-person yoga studio at 301 Main St., third floor of the Masonic Temple building Downtown, will be reopening Saturday, Sept. 19.

The Fall Schedule is being developed and they are seeking input about days/times/types of classes people want. Any input would be appreciated. Email: bpyoga@gmail.com

Alexander Fire Department holds BBQ fundraiser at their rec hall Aug. 30, taking presale orders

By Billie Owens

The Alexander Fire Department is having a drive-thru chicken 'n' rib BBQ fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 30th, starting at 11:30 a.m at their Recreation Hall at 10708 Alexander Road, Alexander.

Your choices include: half chicken w/sides for $12; quarter chicken and ribs w/sides for $15; or ribs w/sides for $12.

Dinner will include roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, roll w/butter and a brownie.

To guarantee your dinners, call ahead for your presale order at (585) 356-3301.

Oakfield's Ciera Baker graduates Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Oneonta

By Billie Owens

ONEONTA -- Ciera Baker, of Oakfield, graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Sociology with the following honors: International Studies, Magna Cum Laude.

More than 1,200 graduates completed the requirements for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and certificates of advanced study.

SUNY Oneonta is a public, four-year college in Central New York, enrolling about 6,000 students in a wide variety of bachelor's degree programs and several graduate certificate and degree programs. The college is known as both an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, and a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. Visit https://suny.oneonta.edu/

Fiancée calls dispatch about her fiancé's 'pickpocketing situation'

By Billie Owens

A woman called the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center wanting to speak to a Batavia Police officer regarding her marital prospect, her promised one -- "her fiancé" -- and his "pickpocketing situation." The dispatcher relayed the message.

Charles P. 'Chipper' Nicometi

By Billie Owens

Charles P. “Chipper” Nicometi, 61, of Basom entered into rest unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, August 8, 2020.

Born April 17, 1959 in Medina, Chipper grew up in the Akron area. He worked for many years on oil drill rigs as an operator engineer and as a heavy equipment operator; he was a member of The IVEW Local 196 Union and the Operating Engineers Union 1966.

Chipper married the love of his life, the former Rebecca Mileham on May 26, 1995.

An avid motorcycle rider, he was a proud member of the Second Brigade MC Club and was involved with many charity rides throughout the area. He was also an avid hunter. Most of all, Chipper loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter and best friend, Camryn, who will miss him dearly along with all who knew and loved him.

Chipper leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Becky Nicometi, of Basom; stepchildren, Tiffany (Dan) Wetzler, of Akron, Larry Laude, of Pembroke, and Alan Mileham, of Akron; four grandchildren, Camryn, Lacie, Sofia and Thea; brother, Tim (Jennifer) Nicometi, of Wolcottsville and four additional siblings; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 14th from 4-8 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15th at 1:30 p.m. at 6005 Mann Road, Akron, NY 14001.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chipper’s honor may be made to his family. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic for GC residents only, at fairgrounds

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is hosting a FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Sept. 17th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

Event Date and Time
-

Free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic for GC residents only, at fairgrounds

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

Event Date and Time
-

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here to fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held

By Billie Owens

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here (pdf) to print put and fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

Subscribe to Stories from

Authentically Local