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A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 4:45 p.m. with wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter size hail through parts of the county.

The storm is coming in from the southwest and will mostly hit the southern part of the county, according to the National Weather Service.

Minor damage is possible along with localized power outages.

There is an apparently unrelated power outage now in the Narramore Drive area. Some 100 customers are without power. Power is expected to be restored by 5:30 p.m.

UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: Flash flood warning in effect until 7:15 p.m.

Dick and Betty Rung were honored Saturday night at the District Council meeting of Kiwanis at B.W.'s Restaurant in Pavilion for their support of the Lyme Disease Foundation.

Their monetary donations were recognized with the Brittany Fellowship Award and an Emerald Fellowship Award.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. The disease affects the brain and can cause severe symptoms. The treatments are expensive and often not covered by insurance. The foundation assists those afflicted by Lyme disease.

Presenting the awards were Peter and Doreen Pellittieri, board members for the New York Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.

This past week, students in the Le Roy Central School District participated in Camp Invention, which was a chance for kids to apply the skills and knowledge associated with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) to see what they could create from their own ideas.

This was the first year for the weeklong camp, which had 46 participants.

Lessons explored by students:

• Duct Tape Billionaire: Students launched their own accessory business with creations made from duct tape! They learned about patents, designing a product, creating a mock-up and presenting to potential investors "Shark Tank Style."
• Mission Space Makers: Students created new planets for human habitation. They grew crystal trees and hatched eggs in the Space Lab and created their very own planetary system through lots of teamwork.
• Have a Blast: This module focused on engineering different launching tools such as snowball throwers, balloon catapults, a giant air cannon, bubble blasters and more.
• Operation Keep Out: Hands down this was a camper favorite! Students brought in old items such as DVD players or VCRs, X-Box remotes, radios and used reverse engineering to take them apart. Then they used items from their Take Apart to create their very own spy gadget box equipped with an alarm.  

Part of the instructional team included seven leadership interns from Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School as well as three counselors-in-training. These students ranged from grade seven to seniors and each received 40 hours volunteer credit, a certificate and letter of recommendation.

Sponsors included: Camp Invention, Wolcott Street School, Beth Russ, Julie Cook, Brandie Rogoyski, Rotary Club of Le Roy, PARP, Le Roy Tops Market, Woody's Deli, and Woodward Memorial Library.

Information and photos provided by Jen Bertrand, instructional tech coach, at Le Roy CSD.

A car has driven into the building at the Dollar General, 3 West Ave., Le Roy.

An injury is possible.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responding.

UPDATE 4:47 p.m.: No injuries.

It was standing room only, with as many as 70 cars entered, for the 2017 Demolition Derby at the Genesee County Fair on Friday night.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is reporting the suspect has been identified as Steven Vega, 25 years old, from Rochester. Vega is currently in the custody of RPD for a separate incident.

Vega’s arrest is pending and he will be arraigned in Batavia City Court. Vega is a New York State Parole absconder.

The Batavia Police Department would like to thank the Rochester Police Department and the Batavia community for all of their assistance and tips that led to the identification of this suspect.

UPDATE: Vega was also a suspect in a bank robbery in Rochester in 2015.

Patrick D. Moore, 39, of Strouts Road, Elba, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Moore is accused of selling crack cocaine on two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. Moore was held in the Genesee County Jail pending an arraignment today.

Mark David Humel, 25, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with assault, 3rd. Humel was arrested in connection with an unspecified incident in the Town of Pembroke, on Gilmore Road, at 11 p.m., July 14.

City fire and Mercy EMS are responding to the McDonald's on West Main Street for a report of a pedestrian struck by a car in the parking lot.

UPDATE 11:43 a.m.: Minor injury.

A one-car accident, possibly a rollover, with minor injuries is reported north of Roberts Road on Route 63, Alabama.

The vehicle may have gone through a ditch and into the swamp.

Injuries are reportedly minor. 

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: A first responder reports the driver does not appear to be injured. Ambulance to continue for evaluation.

Press release:

Do you have a speedy Dachshund? That’s what Batavia Downs officials are wondering as they have announced that registration is opening for the 2017 Genesee Feeds Dachshund (“Wiener Dog”) races that will be held on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27).  

All entered dogs will receive a doggie bag of gifts courtesy of Genesee Feeds of Batavia. The owners of all heat winners will receive $25 in gaming Free Play and the top three finishers in the championship race will receive Clubhouse buffet certificates and $100, $75 and $50 (first through third) in Free Play for the gaming floor. The winner’s total prize package including the gaming Free Play is valued at $200.

Dachshund owners wishing to participate should call Batavia Downs Wiener Dog race coordinator Arna Tygart at (585) 343-3750, ext. 6437, or Sara Tenney, ext. 6430, and leave a message. Staff will call back to confirm. The races are limited to the first 80 dogs that register.

The Wiener Dog races will begin at approximately 4:15 p.m. and are the final event on the annual Family Fun Day at the Races at America’s oldest lighted harness racetrack. Admission and parking are free.

Among the grand champions auctioning off their livestock last night at the Genesee County Fair's annual 4-H auction was Morgan Hofeins, of Attica (top photo), and Hudson Weber (second photo).

Police are looking for a white male with a tattoo on his neck in connection with a robbery at 3:58 p.m. of the Bank of America branch at 100 Main St., Batavia.

The suspect was wearing a white Yankee's hat with a flat brim, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and jeans.  

He fled on foot, northbound on Bank Street, before patrols arrived.

There were no weapons displayed. There was no threat of a weapon. There were no injuries.

Investigators are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspect.

Police are not releasing further information at this time.

To contact Batavia PD, call (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370.

(Initial Report)

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced new federal funding from the Department of Transportation for the Genesee County Airport. The $2,926,222 grant will assist the airport in rehabilitating a runway and install runway distance-to-go signs.

“It is of paramount importance that we invest federal funds in local infrastructure projects like this one,” Congressman Collins said. “This grant provides the Genesee County Airport with new resources to ensure the safety of travelers and provide new efficiencies which will ultimately increase air traffic. I am proud to be able to help secure this funding.”

“This announcement is terrific news for Genesee County,” said Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, Public Service Committee chairwoman. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve infrastructure and support job creation in our community."

"Genesee County has pursued an aggressive and proactive redevelopment and improvement of our general aviation/reliever airport here in Batavia,” said Jay Gsell, County Manager. “Genesee County is excited and encouraged that the FAA, our long-term partners in airport maintenance, upkeep, and improvement, have again shown their faith in Genesee County and our airport partners to provide one of the best and safest flying venues in NYS.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.

The Bank of America branch in Downtown Batavia was robbed at about 4 p.m. today.

No weapon was displayed nor was use of one threatened. 

Batavia PD will release more information later. 

A strong thunderstorm is blowing in from Canada and is expected to hit Genesee County this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm system is located along a line extending 12 miles and is moving east at 55 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible.

The storm system may gain in intensity. 

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued.

Students participating in the Holland Land Office Museum's History Heroes program this summer are learning about World War I.

Recently they visited the Richmond Memorial Library and Batavia Showtime Theaters. There are 40 children enrolled in the eight-day program.

Info and photos provided by Anne Marie Starowitz.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $92,994 in federal funding for the Alexander Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Firefighters are selfless individuals and are essential to keeping our communities safe,” Congressman Collins said. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others. I was proud to work with the Alexander Fire Department to secure this crucial $92,994 in AFG funding and thank them for their service.”

The Alexander Fire Department will use this $92,994 federal grant to purchase 15 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs and 30 oxygen bottles. This will provide the Alexander volunteer firefighters with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.

"This funding will help keep our firefighters safe and ensure they can properly respond to emergencies in the local community. We are strong supporters of the AFG grant program and will continue to work with Rep. Collins to support this important funding,” said Alexander Fire Chief Marshall Merle.

The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $84,191 in federal funding for the Corfu Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Firefighters answer a noble calling to put the lives of others before their own,” Congressman Collins said. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others. I was proud to work with the Corfu Fire Department to secure this crucial $84,191 in AFG funding and thank them for their service.”

The Corfu Fire Department will use this $84,191 federal grant to purchase 12 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs. This will provide the Corfu Fire Department with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.

"This funding will allow us to purchase necessary equipment that we might otherwise not have the resources to replace. The federal AFG program is an important funding source for rural departments like ours. We will continue to work with Congressman Collins regarding issues impacting local fire departments in our region," said Corfu Fire Chief Brian Schollard.

The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

Press release:

Proving that a minute can matter, Tompkins Bank of Castile is launching the fourth and final round of the quarterly Community Minute Challenge. Each quarterly winner is awarded $2,500; by the end of the contest, a total of $10,000 will have been provided in much-needed funds to local not-for-profit organizations.

“In each of the first three rounds, the support for the Community Minute Challenge has been impressive, with thousands of votes cast for the participating organizations,” said John McKenna, Bank president and CEO. “As proud members of the communities where we operate, we’re thankful for the important services that are provided by non-for-profit organizations in our area.

"We’re thrilled to be able to bring attention to their positive work through the Community Minute Challenge.”

The fourth round will begin July 24 and run through Aug. 7. The winning organization is determined by public voting on the Bank of Castile Facebook page, where visitors can watch the one-minute videos produced by participating nonprofits and then vote for their favorite. Each video explains how the nonprofit would use the awarded funds. The seven organizations competing in this round are:

• Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council Inc. (Monroe County)
• Friends of Letchworth State Park (Wyoming County)
• Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library (Genesee County)
• Genesee Cancer Assistance (Genesee County)
• Geneseo Parish Outreach Center (Livingston County)
• Gilda's Club Rochester (Monroe County) 
• Pathstone Enterprise Corporation (Monroe County)

To show support for the initiative and cast a vote, participants should “like” the Tompkins Bank of Castile Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TompkinsBankofCastile and click on the Community Minute Challenge app. They can then select their favorite nonprofit after watching the one-minute videos. Individuals can vote once per day during the contest period.

Launched in August 2016, the Community Minute Challenge has awarded $7,500 to date.

The first-round winner was Going to the Dogs Rescue in Wyoming County, an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets find loving forever homes. The second-round winner was ARC of Genesee Orleans, a resource of choice for people with disabilities and their families in both Genesee and Orleans counties. The third-round winner was Community Action for Wyoming County, an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of all people they serve by focusing on their needs and encouraging them to realize their goals and become self-sufficient.