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A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at the intersection of Clinton Street Road and Horseshoe Lake Road. Stafford fire, Mercy medics and Le Roy ambulance are responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: Byron ambulance is called as the third ambulance in.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to shut down traffic at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Byron ambulance is transporting one patient to UMMC.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: A female in her 50s is being transported to UMMC of evaluation.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: This Stafford assignment leaving the scene and going to the prior accident site at 5470 Clinton Street Road for cleanup. The roadway at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road will remain closed for awhile.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: A third ambulance is leaving the scene and transporting a patient to a hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: The roadway is reopened. 

A pickup truck went off the road and a first responder reports it's in flames at 5470 Clinton Street Road, Stafford. Mercy Flight in Batavia is put on ground standby. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The location is between Prole Road Extension and Horseshoe Lake Road.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: South Byron's tanker is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: The fire is extinguished. One lane was closed to traffic and is being reopened. Traffic control is needed. The tow is en route.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: The female driver got out before flames engulfed the truck. She was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Clyde Devonte Hoskins Jr., 28, of Genesee Street, Buffalo, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree; reckless driving; speeding -- in excess of 55 mph; unsafe turn/failure to signal; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Hoskins was arrested at 12:25 a.m. Aug. 8 on Route 33 in Bergen. It is alleged that Hoskins failed to stop for a violation of NYS vehicle and traffic law on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Bergen. After a pursuit, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were able to take Hoskins into custody in the Town of Stafford. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court at 5 p.m. on Sept. 17. The case was investigated by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

A fully involved barn fire is reported at 3753 Lockport Road in Oakfield. The location is between Fisher and Snyder roads. Oakfield Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Alabama, Elba and the city's FAST team.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: The city's first platoon is called in to fire headquarters on Evans Street.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: About 30 yards from the blazing barn, some local farmers are trying to corral several cows that escaped from the property; unknown at this time if the bovines had been in the barn.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: This property belongs to Dean Norton, the former head of the NYS Farm Bureau. Several dozen head of cattle either escaped from the barn or were let out and people corralled them and put them safely in another barn on the property. Not yet known if any animals perished, but at least one suffered burns. Firefighters are still working to douse the blaze; flames no longer showing, but lots of smoldering embers and smoke.

UPDATE 4:52: Firefighters are doing overhaul now, spreading out the hay and hosing down hot spots. These are beef cattle, not dairy cows. Five of them are being treated for burns at the scene by veterinarians. It is possible one or two animals perished in the blaze; still investigating. It is believed the fire may have started after a skid loader, which has just been used, was parked next to some hay in the barn.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: This involved about 200 head of cattle; some managed to escape the burning barn on their own, others were let out and herded into another barn on the property, according to property owner Dean Norton.

Elon A. Seeger is indicted for the crime of attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 15 in the Town of Bergen that, with intent to cause physical injury to another person, he engaged in conduct for which he is now indicted. He is accused of attempting to strike a deputy with his motor vehicle. In count two, he is accused of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on that day Seeger intentionally obstructed, impaired or perverted the administration of law or other government function, or prevented or attempted to prevent a public servant from performing an official duty. This was allegedly done by means of intimidation, physical force or interference or by means of any independently unlawful act: he ignored multiple police commands to turn off his vehicle and, instead, turned it toward the deputy -- almost striking him -- and then he fled the area at a high rate of speed. In count three, Seeger is accused of unlawful fleeing a police officer in the third degree, also a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that while knowing he had been directed to stop, he instead attempted to flee at speeds of 25 mph or more. In count four, Seeger is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, another Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property -- a debit card.

Ronald P. Dixon Jr. is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Dec. 20 in the City of Batavia that Dixon drove a 2008 Kia on East Avenue while he was intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that Dixon drove the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug and while there were three or more suspensions imposed on him on at least three dates: Nov. 21, 2015; July 7 and July 22, 2016; and Aug. 18, 2017. These were for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. In count three, Dixon is accused of second-degree harassment. It is alleged in count three that on Dec. 20 in the City of Batavia that with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person, Dixon subjected a person to physical contact. In count four, he is accused of the same crime involving a second person. In count five, Dixon is accused of first-degree attempted assault. It is alleged in count five that Dixon, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, attempted to cause such injury by means of a dangerous instrument -- a motor vehicle.

Stormy M. Watts is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 22 while at Walmart in the Town of Batavia that she knowingly possessed stolen property consisting of a Capital One Walmart credit card in the name of another person. In count two, Watts is accused of attempted petit larceny, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly attempting to steal property from another person valued at $27.72.

Jordan R. Difilippo, 27, of Pratt Road, Pembroke, is charged with possessing sexual performance of a child less than 16 years old. Difilippo was arrested for allegedly possessing three images of a sexual performance of a child under age 16, a Class E felony, at 2 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2017. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Pembroke Town Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9. The case was investigated by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office personnel -- Youth Officer Timothy Wescott, Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. They were assisted by the FBI, the Chesterfield, Va., Police Department, and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

From Sen. Charles Schumer:

After successfully pushing for an extended comment period to allow Upstate New York hemp farmers to share their concerns with the final rule, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay the issuance of a U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program final rule until 2022.

This will allow hemp growers and producers across the country and in Upstate New York to continue to operate under the 2014 Farm Bill pilot program regulations until that time. Schumer said with the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic across all sectors, implementing additional regulations would crush the budding hemp industry.

“When it comes to an industry as promising as industrial hemp in Upstate New York, the feds must do everything they can to nurture its potential," Schumer said. "Regulating this rapidly emerging industry is a must, but the timing of new regulations is important and the current economic crisis must be considered.

"That’s why today I’m urging USDA to delay their issuance of a final rule until 2022 so the hemp industry across the country and in Upstate New York has a chance to grow and create good-paying jobs at a time when jobs are needed the most. Delaying new regulations will help pull New York along in the recovery process as the nation deals with the impacts of the pandemic.”

Allan Gandelman, president of New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association said, “There are over 700 registered hemp farmers across New York who would be negatively affected by the USDA's Interim Final Rule on hemp. The costs and bureaucracy of implementing the new rules as written create unnecessary financial burdens on farmers and our state agencies.

"The existing hemp pilot program has been sufficient in making sure farmers are complaint with all testing and public safety protocols. We would like to see the pilot program extended until 2022 and the USDA modify the program to let hemp become a widespread agricultural commodity like Congress intended by the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.”

Schumer explained, prior to the pandemic, the industrial hemp industry had begun to show significant growth in New York, adding a considerable number of good-paying jobs and bringing in significant revenue to the state, making it an indispensable crop in New York’s agricultural future.

Operating under the full benefits of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp farmers have reported difficulty integrating the Interim Final Rules into their operations, Specifically, Schumer said, the cost of complying with the Rules has proven to be suffocating for the emerging industry.

Compliance costs for reporting alone would be $17,363.40 according to USDA calculations, and testing would add more than $700 per sample.

The senator said these costs are simply too high for the budding industry to shoulder at a time when New York and the entire country is experiencing an economic crisis. Additionally, Schumer noted, implementing the Interim Final Rules now, also requires states to alter their Pilot Program budgets to meet standards, something which states slammed with COVID-related issues simply cannot spare the time and resources for.

Schumer also pointed out in light of COVID concerns, the timing and testing outlined in the Interim Final Rules would likely push farmers to rush harvests and increase the number of people working in facilities at once, leading to higher risk of COVID transmission among workers.

The senator says that delaying implementation until January 2022 and allowing states to continue operating under the 2014 Farm Bill will address these issues, protecting both the hemp industry in New York and farm workers from potential COVID spread.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

Currently there are no hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in either Genesee County or Orleans County.

• Genesee County received no new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Twelve new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
• Orleans County received no new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • Ten new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 8 p.m. July 27 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly kicked a door shut on a female's hand, causing serious physical injury. Brooks was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Brooks was due to return to city court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, (below left inset photo) is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Aug. 3 on Maple Street after a harassment complaint that alleges he struck two different males during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released with a return date of Aug. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Paul James Feitshans, 22, Siehl Road, Akron, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; harassment; and criminal obstruction of breathing. Feitshans was arrested at 5:59 p.m. Aug. 5 following the investigation of a disturbance on Coe Avenue in the Village of Oakfield. He allegedly struck a person and obstructed their breathing while in the presence of a child. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Mathew Clor.

Isaac J. Floyd Jr., 56, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Floyd was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance that occurred at 7:07 p.m. July 26 on State Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail (bail status not provided). He is due back in court Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

William J. Hixenbaugh, 30, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and criminal contempt in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 1 after an investigation of a domestic incident July 29 on School Street. It is alleged he damaged another person's property. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Janice Lynn McGuire, 46, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, first offense; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; speed not reasonable under special hazard; moving from lane unsafely; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and failure to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days. After a personal injury accident on Cleveland Road in Pembroke at 9:28 p.m. on Aug. 5, McGuire was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Press release:

For the third consecutive year, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has been named one of the “2020 Best Companies to Work for in New York State.”

GCASA was selected as the 11^th best company to work for in the state in the medium employers’ category (100-249 employees).

The agency was honored on Wednesday afternoon during a virtual celebration conducted by The Rochester Business Journal, Best Companies Group and the New York State Society for Human Resource Management.

All told, 75 companies earned places on the 13^th annual Best Companies to Work for in New York list, including 21 in the medium employers’ division. The other 54 honorees were in the small and large employers’ categories.

“Being honored for three years in a row – and now moving up to 11^th place in the medium size category – is a testament to our employees and the contributions they make each and every day to make GCASA a great place to work,” Executive Director John Bennett said, noting that the agency was in the small employers’ group the first two years.

Bennett was quick to point out that the results are determined by employee opinions.

“The best part about this honor is that it is driven by all of you – GCASA employees,” he said. “The 80-plus question surveys you completed in the fall were the driving force behind us making the list of best companies.”

Created in 2007, these awards are part of a distinctive program that evaluates and ranks the best places of employment. This statewide survey/awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor businesses whose practices benefit the state's businesses, economy and workforce.

To be considered for participation, organizations had to fulfill specific registration eligibility requirements, then participate in a two-part survey of employee satisfaction and engagement, as well as workplace practices and policies.

Best Companies Group, an independent firm that manages Best Places to Work programs on state, regional and national levels around the world, conducted the survey, then evaluated the results and determined the winners.

A special publication will profile all 75 winning organizations and their unique employment perks. It will be distributed at the event and sent to higher education institutions and thousands of human resources professionals and organizations across New York State.

GCASA Human Resources Director Kim Corcoran applauded the staff for going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have a great, talented staff that always endures stressful times during our nation’s opioid epidemic -- and then even more so specifically during this unprecedented period,” she said. “It's a testament to how our staff can pull together and continue to provide necessary services in our community. It's just what they do!”

GCASA, located at 430 E. Main St., Batavia, and 249 East Ave., Albion, has been serving Genesee and Orleans counties for more than 40 years. Services include prevention education and outpatient and residential treatment for individuals with substance use disorders; and an employee assistance program.

For more information about the Best Companies to Work for in New York program, or to find out about participating in the 2021 program, visit www.BestCompaniesNY.com.

A sheriff's deputy is responding to 5696 Main Road in Stafford for a report of a large tree down in the roadway blocking eastbound traffic.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: The deputy is on scene and reports no portion of the tree is in the roadway blocking traffic; he will soon go back in service.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Batavia.
  • The positive individual is in their 20s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 50s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Eighteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

None of the individuals is hospitalized.