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Free distribution of face masks, hand sanitizer Saturday morning at fire stations in Batavia, Corfu, Le Roy

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

On Saturday, Sept. 12, members of the City of Batavia Fire Department, volunteer Corfu Rescue Hook and Ladder Company #1, and the Le Roy Fire Department will be participating in a mask and hand-sanitizer distribution for residents of Genesee County in response to New York State Department of Health Guidelines.

The FREE distribution of washable, cloth masks and hand sanitizer will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at:

  • City of Batavia Fire Station – 18 Evans St., Batavia
  • Corfu Fire Station – 116 E. Main St., Corfu
  • Le Roy Fire Station – 4 Clay St., Le Roy

Genesee County Office of Emergency Management reminds everyone to WEAR A MASK. Protect your community. Stop the spread of coronavirus. Be respectful.

Train blocking traffic in Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A Corfu police officer reports a train in the city is stopped and blocking the roadway.

"It appears to be at a standstill," he said.

He didn't provide a location.

He asked dispatch to call the rail company and find out if there's an issue.

UPDATE AND CORRECTION 12:31 p.m.: I heard the call sign of "14" but didn't hear the "CP" part. On the update from dispatch, the call went to "CP-14," so this train was actually in Corfu. The train is a CSX train. CSX dispatch is not aware of an issue with a train but is contacting the engineer to inform him that the train is blocking an intersection.

Driver suspected of hitting motorcyclist down in the road turns himself in

By Howard B. Owens

A 21-year-old Alden resident has identified himself to Sheriff's Office investigators as the driver of a car that struck a motorcyclist who was down in the roadway following a collision just before 9 p.m. on Friday in Corfu.

Alexander J. Wuerch has been charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting resulting in serious physical injury.

Investigators believe Wuerch was the driver of a 2012 Hyundai Tucson that struck Travis R. Hartloff, 26, of Attica.

Hartloff was driving a motorcycle southbound on Route 77 when a car ahead of him slowed to turn into an ice cream shop. Hartloff's bike reportedly struck the vehicle and Hartloff was thrown from the bike into the middle of the roadway.

Another southbound vehicle then struck Harloff causing serious physical injuries. He was flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC where he is in critical condition.

Wuerch turned himself in at about 5 p.m. today.

The charge he's facing is a Class E felony. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

The incident remains under investigation.

Previously:

Sixteen GC students earn degrees from RIT

By Billie Owens

Rochester Institute of Technology conferred some 4,000 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2019-2020 academic year. A virtual celebration was held May 8 at rit.edu/classof2020.

The following Genesee County residents received degrees:

Marissa Dispenza, of Batavia, received a BS in Chemical Engineering;

Cody Zajaczkowski, of Le Roy, received a BS in Packaging Science;

Emma Riggi, of Le Roy, received a BS in New Media Marketing;

Samantha Porter, of Le Roy, received a BS in Psychology;

Elisha Muir, of Corfu, received a BS in Museum Studies;

Sarah Nati, of Corfu, received a BS in Applied Arts and Sciences;

Pradeep Kumar Molkhere, of East Bethany, received an MS in Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration;

Jeanette Elia, of Batavia, received a BS in Business Administration-Accounting and an MS in Accounting;

Olivia Fox, of Alexander, received a BS in Applied Arts and Sciences;

Jeremy Boyle, of Batavia, received a BS in Supply Chain Management;

Kiera Gross, of East Bethany, received a BS in Computational Mathematics;

Katelyn Hersee, of Batavia, received a BS in Business Administration-Accounting;

Michelle Miller, of East Bethany, received a BFA in Industrial Design;

Chelsea Mountain, of Batavia, received a BS in Industrial Engineering and an ME in Engineering Management;

Allen Snyder, of Darien Center, received a BS in Mechanical Engineering;

Dennis Bleier, of Batavia, received an MS in Computer Engineering.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Law and Order: Byron man accused of burglary, Oakfield woman accused of stalking

By Billie Owens

Paul William Tuttle, 49, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with: second-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and petit larceny. At 4 a.m. on Aug. 17 Tuttle was arrested following an investigation. It is alleged that Tuttle damaged and stole property after entering a residence unlawfully on Sautell Road in Bergen at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 16. He was virtually arraigned at Genesee County Jail on behalf of Bergen Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in Bergen Town Court on Oct. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Melissa Dawn Woods, 39, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with fourth-degree stalking. On Aug. 16, Woods was arrested after a harassment complaint alleging that she stalked someone at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Alleghany Road in Alabama. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. Woods is due in Alabama Town Court on Sept. 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Brice Addison Lehtonen, 23, of Fargo Road, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; failure to keep right; moving from lane unsafely; and refusal to take a roadside breath test. Lehtonen was arrested at 2:13 a.m. Aug. 15 on South Lake Road in Pembroke following an accident investigation. He allegedly drove while intoxicated and went off the roadway on South Lake Road. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court and is due there Sept. 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Gage Scott Oliver, 28, of Griswold Road, Bergen, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; and having an inadequate headlight. Oliver was arrested following a traffic stop on Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy at 9:52 p.m. Aug. 16. He was issued traffic tickets returnable to Town of Le Roy Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Deputies looking for 2012 Hyundai Tucson involved in hit-and-run accident in Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators believe the person driving a vehicle that ran over a motorcyclist down in the roadway on Route 77 in Corfu on Friday night was driving a 2012 Hyundai Tucson.

The photo is a stock image and not a photo of the actual vehicle.

The car may have sustained some front-end damage and probably has significant under-carriage damage. 

After striking the motorcyclist, the vehicle continued southbound on Route 77 before turning westbound on Route 33.

Travis R. Hartloff, 26, was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC, where he remains in critical condition.

Hartloff was driving a 1983 Yamaha southbound behind a 2009 Honda Pilot and was unable to stop in time when the Pilot slowed to make a turn into an ice cream shop at about 9 p.m. After striking the vehicle, Hartloff was thrown from his motorcycle and he landed in the middle of the roadway.

He was run over by a third southbound vehicle, which is believed to the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.

Anybody with information that may assist in the case is asked to call the Sheriff's Office (585) 345-3000.

Motorist fails to stop after striking motorcyclist down in the roadway on Route 77

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators are looking for information on a vehicle that struck a motorcyclist who was down in the roadway last night on Alleghany Road in Pembroke following a collision involving another vehicle. 

The vehicle that struck the motorcyclist, believed to be a Hyundai sedan, fled the scene southbound.

Travis R. Hartloff, 26, of Attica, was seriously injured in the accident and transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

The initial investigation indicates that Hartloff was northbound on Route 77 just before 9 p.m. when a vehicle in front of him slowed down to make a right-hand turn into the parking lot of an ice cream shop.

His 1983 Yamaha motorcycle struck a 2009 Honda Pilot driven by Garrett A. Stevenson, 20, of Clarence. In the vehicle with Stevenson were Samantha P. Kolbert, 18, of Cheektowaga, and Hope E. Stevenson, 17, of Clarence. None of the occupants of the Pilot were injured.

After Hartloff's bike struck the Pilot, Hartloff was thrown from the bike and he fell in the middle of the roadway.

Anyone with information that might help identify the driver and the vehicle that struck Hartloff are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-3000.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. 

The accident is being investigated by Sgt. Andrew Hale, Sgt. Jason Saile, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, and Deputy Brock Cummins. 

Assisting at the scene were State Police, Corfu Fire Department, Pembroke Fire Department, and Mercy EMS.

(initial report)

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Rollover accident reported in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A rollover accident is reported at 8814 S. Lake Road, Corfu. The occupant is out of the vehicle. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. Mercy medics are called to the scene in non-emergency mode for evaluation of the driver.

The location is between Scribner and Cohocton roads.

UPDATE 2:28 a.m.: The accident site is in the 8900 block of South Lake Road. A first responder says it has resulted in "a large power outage" in the vicinity. An electrical power box is "shattered and the wires are coming out of it and loose," says command at the scene. National Grid will be notified.

Motorcyclist down in roadway after colliding with car on Alleghany Road in Corfu, roadway shut down

By Billie Owens

A motorcyclist is seriously injured and down in the roadway after a collision with a vehicle at 9114 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Mercy Flight is called to the scene, ETA three minutes. Corfu, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics are responding.

The location is between Cohocton Road and "Corfu Plaza." Fire Police are asked to shut down the roadway at routes 5 and 77 and routes 5 and 33.

UPDATE 9:14 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 9:45 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with the patient to Erie County Medical Center.

Oak Orchard Health celebrates National Health Center Week, made special because of three new GC locations

By Press Release

(Above, submitted photo of Dr. Nancy Ciavarri, chief medical officer, Oak Orchard Health, speaking with a patient.)

National Health Center Week (Aug. 9 – 15) is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. This year is extra special for Oak Orchard Health as they recognize this special week for the first time with their three new locations that were formerly part of Pembroke Family Medicine.

The mission of Community Health Centers remains vital today because access to basic care remains a challenge in parts of the United States including our community. Many people live in remote and underserved communities where there is a shortage of providers and, in many cases, the nearest doctor or hospital can be as far as a 50-mile drive – if transportation is available.

While COVID-19 continues to impair social and medical inequities across the country, Community Health Centers have stretched themselves to reconfigure services for those in need. As unemployment rates rise and more people lose their employee-sponsored health insurance, Community Health Centers have remained open to provide care for all, regardless of insurance status. 

“Community Health Centers are here to support the community," said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO, Oak Orchard Health. "Our presence is even more important as people face high unemployment and employer-based healthcare decreases. Oak Orchard Health is able to serve all who need medical, dental, vision, or behavioral health services."

This year’s mission for Health Center Week is to thank our providers and staff along with our patients. Given we’re practicing social distancing, we’ll be using social media to communicate with patients on staying healthy during this time. 

Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving more than 30,000 patients at nine locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.

Motorcycle accident reported on Snipery Road in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A motorcyclist is down in the roadway and is injured on Snipery Road just south of the railroad tracks. The accident is blocking traffic. Corfu Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A first responder on scene requests the train company shut down the track.

UPDATE 11:06 a.m.: The Corfu assignment is back in service. Did not hear an update on the motorcyclist.

Three GC students named to dean's list at SUNY New Paltz

By Billie Owens

NEW PALTZ -- SUNY New Paltz announces its dean's list for the spring 2020 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.

The following students made the spring 2020 dean's list at SUNY New Paltz:

  • Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield
  • Lilly LeTourneau, of Alexander 
  • Eva Muir, of Corfu

Located in the heart of a dynamic college town, ninety minutes from metropolitan New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective college of about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

One of the most well-regarded public colleges in the nation, New Paltz delivers an extraordinary number of majors in BusinessLiberal Arts & SciencesEngineeringFine & Performing Arts and Education.

New Paltz embraces its culture as a community where talented and independent minded people from around the world create close personal links with real scholars and artists who love to teach.

Oh happy day: Pembroke Family Medicine joins Oak Orchard Health

By Billie Owens

From left: Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO Oak Orchard Health; Dr. Mary Obear of Pembroke Family Medicine; and Oak Orchard Board Chair Gary Skoog.

Submitted photo and press release:

On July 1 it became official, Pembroke Family Medicine joined Oak Orchard Health.

In addition, Oak Orchard wanted to recognize Dr. Mary Obear’s commitment to the community by dedicating the Corfu location to her. Oak Orchard Board Chair, Gary Skoog, presented a plaque and made the dedication.

Moving forward, this location will be known as The Dr. Mary E. Obear Center.

It was a happy day with many in the community coming to the event (masks on!) to celebrate this occasion.

Both Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO Oak Orchard Health, and Dr. Obear said a few words.

“I’m really moved by this occasion, said Dr. Obear, of Pembroke Family Medicine. "We’re so pleased to have found a partner in Oak Orchard Health. They align perfectly with our current model of practicing high-quality, patient centered care. It has always been about our patients."

“Dr. Obear is the reason we’re here," said CEO Pettibon. "She started this practice many years ago, it was her dream to bring primary care to this community and it grew to two more locations. We’re excited to welcome Pembroke Family Medicine patients and providers into our organization."

Both organizations were recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Patient Centered Medical Homes, which focuses on improvements in quality of the patient experience, growing staff satisfaction, and reducing health care costs.

Oak Orchard Health 

Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve.

Currently serving more than 22,000 patients at six locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Alexander, Batavia, Corfu, Brockport, Albion, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.

In Genesee County, Oak Orchard now has three locations:

  • 3384 Church Street, Alexander
  • 319 W. Main St., Batavia
  • 860 Main Road, Corfu

 Phone is (585) 599-6446.

Deja vu: 20 people reported jumping in Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports 20 people are jumping in the falls below the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, located at 1227 Gilmore Road, Corfu.

She would like to speak to an officer.

"Same complaint," says the deputy who is responding.

On Thursday, nine people were reported jumping in the falls. On Friday, July 3, it was 20 people, and on June 29 there was "a large number" of jumpers.

Caller reports 20 people jumping in the falls below Log Cabin restaurant

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports 20 people ("two-zero") are jumping in the falls by the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. The dispatcher relayed this complaint to a Sheriff's deputy who asked: "I thought were weren't responding to those (calls) anymore?"

After a moment, the dispatcher clarified that law enforcement is to respond to complaints at the site that involve parking violations or trespassing, not just jumping in the falls.

"I will check the roadway to see if anyone needs a ticket," replied the officer.

The location is 1227 Gilmore Road, Corfu.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m. (By Howard): We asked Sheriff William Sheron to clarify the policy and he responded, "we do respond to these calls and enforce violations of the penal law where appropriate. Typically trespass charges for crossing the property of the adjacent landowners. Also, issue tickets for parking violations in the area."

Total of 69 local students named to Spring 2020 President's List at GCC

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College named 63 Genesee County students to the President's List for the Spring 2020 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

In total, there were 253 students named to the President's List from all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

Online, Genesee Community College's Spring 2020 President's List (PDF) honorees are listed alphabetically by their hometowns.

The College also maintains a Provost's List to recognize part-time students with a quality point index of 3.75 or better and a dean's list comprised of students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees are announced separately; see the College's website

Below are the 69 Genesee County students named to the President's List for the Spring 2020 semester:

Macie Riggs of Alexander 

Jessica Scharlau of Alexander 

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander

Jessica Lennon of Alexander 

Jordin Cecere of Alexander

Logan Kellogg of Basom 

Donovan Nephew of Basom

Megan Gilman of Basom 

Stephanie Gilman of Basom 

Megan Jacques of Batavia 

Jocelyn Castaneda of Batavia 

Monique McKenrick of Batavia 

Kate Wasik of Batavia 

Stacey Johnston of Batavia

Kristen Gloskowski of Batavia 

Samuel Rigerman of Batavia 

Gregory Metz of Batavia

Heather Demmer of Batavia 

Steven Geyer of Batavia

Abigail Swinehart of Batavia 

Meredith Cutro of Batavia 

Bethany Ruffino of Batavia 

Brandi-Lyn Heidenreich of Batavia 

Nichole Ambrosoli of Batavia 

Macy Midla of Batavia

Janelle DiMartino of Batavia 

Trevor Zewan of Batavia 

Mackenzie Pedersen of Batavia

Shane Cockle of Batavia 

Jennifer Bartz of Batavia 

Brittaney Lang of Batavia

Margaret Richardson of Batavia

Tara Clattenburg of Batavia 

Cortney Dawson of Batavia

Alexis Balduf of Batavia 

Tylin Torcello of Batavia 

Anne Koestler of Batavia 

Jessica Accardi of Batavia 

Bailey Faucett of Batavia 

Ryan Weaver of Batavia

Bailey Gavenda of Batavia

Danielle Joyce of Bergen

Marlaina Fee of Bergen

John Gabalski of Byron

MacKenzie Rosse of Byron

Julia Starczewski of Corfu 

Mackenzie Jurek of Corfu

Nicholas Brown of Corfu 

Carley Staebell of Corfu

Olivia Kohorst of Corfu 

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu 

Ryan Curtis of Corfu 

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center 

Joshua Kramer of Darien Center 

Haley Alvord of Darien Center 

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany 

Jessica Padilla of Elba

Emily Reynolds of Elba 

Nicole Roth of Le Roy 

Hanna Erion of Le Roy 

Marshall Schultz of Le Roy 

Brenda Turner of Le Roy 

Morgan Ferrara of Le Roy

Kristin Griffin of Le Roy

Emma-Kate Uberty of Le Roy 

Samantha Reinhardt of Oakfield

Annette Velletta of Oakfield

Jazmyn Dobson of Oakfield 

Josilynn Russo of Pavilion

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,000 students with more than 65 academic programs and certificates. Among the many options are the Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, Computer Repair, and the newest Micro-Credential offerings in Human Resource Management, NYS Coaching and Professional Sales. GCC also offers a variety of Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and six different healthcare programs including the new Health Studies, A.S. 

Each GCC student is assigned a success coach at the College's Student Success Center. The coach provides academic and career guidance from the first steps of the admissions process through to graduation or transferring credits to other institutions. The College's robust athletic program is housed in the state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena featuring a fieldhouse, fitness center, Human Performance Lab, press box, as well as coaches' offices and classrooms. 

GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, a significant online program and student housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and innovative technology inside and out of the classroom, SUNY GCC is known for its quality education at an affordable price.

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