Stories from

Pictured front row: Mary Ellen Messmer, Deborah Restivo, Doris Delano, Kayla Shuknecht. Back row: Kerry Miller, Kerry Ohlson, Carla Wahls, Melissa Pless. (Not in photo: Gail Pettit.) 

Submitted photo and press release:

“We are pleased to announce the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments’ nursing team are members of the 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) U.S. Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Champions,” said Brenden Bedard, deputy Public Health director of the Genesee Orleans County Health Departments.  

“Our nurses partner to test and treat TB disease and latent TB infection in migrant farmworker camps. Working together with Oak Orchard Health, a local federally funded qualified health center, they have adapted how they provide directly observed therapy to better match the schedules of their clients.

"This partnership allows them to provide TB screening and treatment for TB disease and latent TB infection to more than 70 migrant farmworker camps in both counties."

The cross-jurisdictional agreement between the two counties has allowed our nursing team to collaborate on projects such as this for the past eight years. Not only does this help financially, but allows both counties to provide coordinated services in an effective and efficient manner.

“We are continuing in our efforts as chief health strategists to look at how our departments can combat illness and disability and assessing emerging health needs to improve community health,” said Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

“This team approach to monitor and address the needs of priority populations in the community will help in our efforts to eradicate TB.  We commend our nursing team for their efforts and diligence."

For information on Health Department services contact the Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website.

A caller reports three little children are walking in the roadway in Elba in the area of Bank Street Road near Whitney Mill Road. One of the tykes is in a stroller; the caller estimated their ages to be from 2 to 4. There is no adult with them. A Sheriff's deputy is responding.

From Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German:

Effective immediately, the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office is now reopened to the public while still complying with face-mask requirements.

The Treasurer's Office located in County Building #1 on the third floor is now open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

I am asking anyone coming to the Treasurer’s Office to please use the front entrance on Main Street or those needing the elevator to use the entrance on the west side of the building facing the old courthouse. The door on the Court Street side will become an exit only once the DMV reopens.

While we are still in the coronavirus pandemic, I am encouraging residents to please mail in your tax payments as well as any notarized applications for Certificates of Residency to: Genesee County Treasurer, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  

Anyone owing taxes to the county may look up the amounts due on our website.

Should you have any questions, feel free to give my office a call at (585) 815-7803.

Press release:

Calling all eighth- to 11th-graders in Genesee County interested in Youth Court! Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement.

Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. There are three youth judges who listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition. The goal of Youth Court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.

Youth Court members learn about the judicial process and law enforcement, group decision making; develop their public speaking skills; participate in a great leadership opportunity; and learn and participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff.

Eighth- to 11th-graders who are interested can go online to access an application form on the Genesee County website.

Print the application, fill it out and:

• Mail it to: Chelsea Elliott, Youth Court, Genesee County Youth Bureau, 2 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020
• Or scan it electronically and email it to:   chelsea.elliott@co.genesee.ny.us
• Or fax it to: (585) 345-3063

Applications are due by July 31^st.

Interviews of potential candidates will take place in August with the training to begin in October.

For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Elliott at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

Press release:

At 1 p.m. today (June 1) the Richmond Memorial Library reopened with limited services, including:

• Browsing and circulating the library collection
• Library account services (new cards, paying fines)
• Placing holds on LOCAL materials only
• Reference services
• Faxing, photocopying
• Limited computer access
• Virtual library programs

Sorry, the library is NOT yet open for:

• Sitting
• Reading
• Gathering
• Playing
• Interlibrary loans or holds
• In-person library programs

The library has returned to its normal hours of operation for these services: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, for the safety of library staff, any library patron who is over 2 years of age must cover their nose and mouth with an appropriate mask or cloth face-covering in order to enter and remain inside of the library building.

Library patrons who are unable to medically tolerate a face-covering may request exemption or accommodation by contacting the Library Director Robert Conrad by telephone at (585)343-9550, ext. 7, or  or email:   rconrad@nioga.org

Please return most materials (books, movies, music, etc.) to the drive-up or walk-up book returns located outside of the library.

Materials unsuited for book returns (e.g., board games, Playaway devices) can be returned inside of the library. Fines will be waived on items returned before June 22.

All returned items will be held in quarantine and sanitized before being shelved or circulated. Sorry, we cannot accept donated materials until further notice.

The library's 2020-21 budget was amended to require no tax levy increase. Therefore, the library budget vote previously scheduled for May 7 was cancelled.

The library's 2020 trustee election will be held on June 9 via absentee ballot conducted in conjunction with the Batavia City School District's budget vote and trustee election.

Richmond Memorial Library’s online resources remain available 24/7!

Check out Hoopla and OverDrive for audiobooks, eBooks and more! Freegal offers free music downloads and unlimited streaming of thousands of songs through September. Borrow your favorite magazines for free with RB Digital.

There is a lot to discover at batavialibrary.org where all you need is your library card!

(Above, file photo from 2014 of certified local dog trainer Tori Ganino with a four-legged client.)

COVID-19 has forced Batavia-based dog trainer Tori Ganino to permanently close her facility, Calling All Dogs, at 8 Wade Ave. in the city.

As a result, she can no longer provide daycare or group classes. But she wants everyone to know that she will continue to offer private lessions in people's homes and virtually online.

Ganino has a bachelor's degree in psychology from SUNY Brockport and is a Certified Dog Behavior Specialist and has CPDT-KA certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

The certification process includes more than 400 hours of coursework, 500 hours of work with clients, and a 12-part essay-based exam. Certification also requires ongoing training and keeping abreast of the latest research-based behavior and training techniques. She is also an International Companion Animal Network Member.

If you are have a new puppy or want some guidance about your dog's behavior, you can schedule a free 30-minute phone consulation by phoning (585) 455-5387 or emailing her: callingalldogsny@gmail.com

Ganino specializes in helping frustrated owners whose dogs bark, lunge and cower to gain control over the chaos. Using science-based force-free training, she helps owners transform their exuberant dogs into well-mannered companions.

Her featured programs include:

• Reactive Dog Program -- Designed for dogs that bark, lunge, and bite. Owners learn skills needed to teach their dog how to behave happily.
• Well-mannered Companion Program -- Learn how to transform your exuberant dog into a calmer and more suitable companion.

Her website also has helpful, informative posts such as: "Using Games to Calm Your Dog," "How to Break Up a Dog Fight," and in a world of punishment-based training and quick TV fixes, she offers this benevolent insight "I'm My Dogs' Caregiver, Not Their Alpha."

Clients praise her calm demeanor, skillfulness and professionalism in doing a job she clearly enjoys. They say she listens carefully, communicates effectively, follows through on details, and works tirelessly to craft a plan to achieve the best outcomes for dogs and their owners.

Previously:​

• LIVE: Interview with Tori Ganino, dog trainer
• Local dog behaviorist offers discounts for owners who turn in punishment collars
• Dog trainer becomes first animal behavior consultant in Genesee County
• Trainers specialize in training dogs with aggression issues​

The Town of Pavilion Transfer Station will reopen for regular hours starting this Wednesday, June 3. It is located at 1 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion.

Hours are:

• Wednesday 5 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday 7 a.m. to noon

Tickets will be available to purchase at the center.

Masks are required by all residents wishing to use the transfer station. Please maintain six feet of distance between people while at the transfer station.

Do not come to any town facilities if you have experienced fever or other symptoms of illness.

A caller in Le Roy reports a deer ran into her basement and now appears to be injured. No address given. The deer is still in the basement. Le Roy police are responding.

Caller reports small child is riding unrestrained in the bed a dark blue pickup truck, prossibly a Ford, northbound on Summit Street from Main Street in the city. Police are responding.

Submitted photo and information from Pat Iamon:

Joe Riggi, aka "Uncle Sam," decided the Town of Byron needed to commemorate Memorial Day despite having their yearly Memorial Day parade and festivities cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So the Air Force veteran and Byron resident donned on his patriotic costume, plastered on white sideburns made of cotton and decorated his "float," which is no match for an overgrown lawn.

He hooked up his wireless speakers and computer and drove around with speakers blaring patriotic songs. His efforts were very much appreciated.

He was met with waves, smiles and many thumbs up!

Riggi is a member of the Byron Volunteer Fire Department, a proud denizen of Byron, and a spirit lifter for sure.

A bear has been spotted in the area of 7165 W. Main Road in Le Roy. The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center has received a couple of calls on this and Le Roy police were informed about it.

Heidi M. Connolly, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with seven counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, a felony, and one count of third-degree grand larceny, also a felony. Connolly was arrested at about 5 p.m. on May 28, arraigned in Genesee County Court, then released on her own recognizance. It is alleged that between October 2018 and October 2019, Connolly allegedly falsified paperwork at the Genesee County Department of Social Services Building and as a result fraudulently received $3,631 in benefits. She was released on her own recognizance and is due in county court on July 7. The case was investigated by GC DSS Fraud Investigator Robert Riggi and GC Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Lute.

Christopher M. Smith, 26, of Pratt Road, Batavia, and James C. Malone, 23, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second-degree, a violation. They were allegedly found in possession of marijuana after an investigation by a Batavia Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET) officer and the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. The May 28 press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Offices does not say when or where the arrests were made. The defendants were issued appearance tickets and are due in City of Batavia Court on June 23.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee County Interagency Council awarded two $1,000 scholarships to local seniors.

The goal of the scholarship is to support students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services. The Council was seeking applications from high school students as well as college students who were pursuing their education in a Human Services major.

Green is a Notre Dame High School senior and will be attending Niagara University in the fall to study Social Work. Her long term goal is get her Doctorate Degree in Social Work and then become a Psychiatric Social Worker where one day she hopes to have her own private practice to focus on mental health disorders. 

The Genesee County Interagency Council awarded $1,000 to Jacob Humes (photo below right).

Applicants had to be in a good academic standing, majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology. Applicants needed two letters of recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher, or other professional person. 

They also had to describe why they were deserving of this scholarship.

The mission of the Genesee County Interagency Council is to create fellowship and understanding among community human services agencies.

The council helps to identify community issues and encourages development of resolutions. 

The Council is happy to have been able to award such deserving candidates and wishes them nothing but success for their future!

Press release:

On Monday, June 1, there will be a free milk giveaway at Craigs Creamery in Pavilion, located on the border of Genesee and Livingston counties at 1840 Craig Road.

The event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. and gallons of milk will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until gone.

The distribution in conjunction with Natural Upcycling, Dairy Farmers of America and the Livingston County Farm Bureau, is in honor of World Milk Day.

Up to 2,000 gallons of Craigs Creamery milk is expected to be given away.

This effort was made possible through the ReFED COVID-19 Food Waste Solutions Fund, a grant designed to reduce food waste across the United States.

From Millie Tomidy-Pepper, executive director, YWCA of Genesee County:

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd, and to the larger Minneapolis and St. Paul community. YWCA continues to be outraged by the violence and deaths of people of color in America due to police brutality.

We at YWCA of Genesee County felt outrage following the death of George Floyd, a black man suffocated by a white police officer earlier this week. We send our condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd and also to the families of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and to all communities of color.

We are also thinking of our sisters and brothers at YWCA Minneapolis and the whole Minneapolis-St. Paul community through this difficult and frightening time.

YWCA Minneapolis’ Midtown location, located in the heart of the area where George Floyd was murdered and the scene of current protests, alongside YWCA St. Paul have served the Twin Cities community for over 100 years. We stand together with the people that we serve and our community stakeholders to eliminate racism and empower women.

This work and our mission are at the core of what we do, and today we lift our collective voices to demand justice.

“George Floyd was one of ours," said Gaye Adams Massey, CEO, YWCA St. Paul. "He took advantage of a training program offered by YWCA St. Paul and, like many of those we partner with, he was taking steps to build a brighter future.

"The anger, anguish, and grief we are feeling in this community are real. And yet, we must channel those emotions into positive action that demands justice, drives change, and most importantly honors his memory."

“We condemn the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officers," said Michelle Basham, MPA/ESQ, CEO/president, YWCA Minneapolis. "We have seen this tragedy before.

"Unfortunately, George Floyd is just one of countless other black lives lost to police violence, including that of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile. We must work toward racial justice. And we must work in partnership with others to hold our elected officials and law enforcement accountable.”

Together with YWCA Minneapolis and YWCA St. Paul, over 200 YWCAs across the country unite to answer the cry for justice, peace, and dignity for all. YWCA continues to call for dismantling systemic racism and equal protection and opportunity under the law through its public policy and advocacy work.

At YWCA, we demand a world of equity and human decency. We envision a world of opportunity. We commit ourselves to the work of racial justice.

We will get up and continue to do the work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, until the world sees women, girls, and people of color the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.