Local News

Friday Evening COVID Update: Genesee county has 18 new cases and 18 people have recovered. 4 and a half thousand people have gotten both doses of the vaccine in Genesee county and 2100 people have had both doses in Orleans.  Orleans county has 4 new cases and 4 people have recovered.  There are 95 active cases in Genesee county and 53 in Orleans.

Dr Howard Zucker, director of the New York Department of Health, said in a budget hearing that there is an examination of the 6 foot distancing school policy.  He said that they may be open to moving instead to a 3 foot policy with some kind of barrier between students.  The 6 foot social distance school policy has forced many students to work from home, causing many students to struggle.  Dr Zucker said the end goal is to get students back into school.

Plug Power, a hydrogen fuel production facility, will build a $290-million production facility on the STAMP site in the Town of Alabama.
The governor’s office and the Genesee County Economic Development Center, confirms that the project will move forward. The company says the facility will employ 68 people.
On WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning GCEDC spokesman Jim Krencik explains what Plug Power is all about

Jim Krencik, GCDEC Marketing Director

There is a major side benefit to the PLUG power project. Chris Suozzi of the GCEDC explains that the company will fund a 450 megawatt electric substation which will benefit future developments at STAMP

GCEDC Vice-President Chris Suozzi

Plug Power says the 68 new jobs will pay, on average, $70,000 a year. The company is receiving a variety of state and local tax breaks.
Construction of the Town of Alabama facility is expected to begin this summer.

The much talked about STAMP site has had a difficult path. Potential projects never materialized.
The closest a project came was back in 2015 when a company called 13-66 Technologies said it would break ground on a 700-million dollar solor panel manufacturing park. The project fell apart three years later without a shovel in the ground.
More recently, interest in the site has been shown by Samsung who reportedly is considering STAMP as one of three locations for a milti-billion dollar facility.

For the first time in months, most nursing homes across New York State will start allowing visitors back inside their facilities today. People haven’t been able to visit their loved ones and friends due to lingering concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

After waiting patiently all season, Buffalo Sabres fans will soon have the chance to see their favorite team in-person. The franchise announced yesterday that it’ll allow people in the stands of KeyBank Center starting with the March 20th game against the Boston Bruins.

Leading alternative energy technology provider Plug Power will invest $290 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel production facility and electric substation at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park located in the Town of Alabama. The Plug Power project is the first build at the STAMP site and will require that the company fund the construction of a 450-megawatt electric substation to support its expansion as well as future growth opportunities at the business park. Plug Power has additionally committed to creating 68 jobs at the new production facility, which will produce 45 tons of green hydrogen daily. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

The City of Batavia Police Department, in partnership with the City of Batavia School District (BCSD), has announced the addition of Officer Miah Stevens as the newest School Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Stevens is replacing retiring Officer Jason Davis who has held the post for the last two years and has served the City for 20+ years as a police officer. Officer Stevens is a 2013 graduate of Pembroke High School, she went on to attend Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport majoring in Criminal Justice. Stevens has previously worked for the YMCA – Batavia as a children’s swim instructor and lifeguard, City of Batavia – Bureau of Maintenance as a summer laborer and the City of Batavia School District as a teacher’s aide.

It’s the Winter Fun Night Hike from 7:00 to 9:00 pm tonight at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Park guides will lead people on a night hike for ages 18 and over. Meet at Pavilion A on Raymond Rd. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122. Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.

Genesee County reports 21 new positive COVID cases, bring the total number of confirmed cases to more than 4,200. The new infections involve residents of 13 communities, including Batavia and LeRoy. 14 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Meanwhile, Orleans County reports just five new cases but also another death, which involved a resident at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Wyoming County health officials also report five new cases.

Officials with Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) don’t see things the way a group of activists in the area do when it comes how detainees at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility are being treated in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic. Activists say the conditions have led to two detainees going on a hunger strike.  Representatives of Justice for Migrant Families of WNY, which is based in Buffalo, claimed during a press conference that during the recent outbreak, COVID-positive patients have been kept in solitary confinement, that conditions in the facility are unsafe and represent a health threat to the Genesee County community, particularly since, in their view, detainees are being held purely for violations of immigration laws. ICE officials dispute these allegations. According to a source, there is no such thing as “solitary confinement” at the facility.

Today is the day hundreds have been waiting for: the chance to visit their loved ones at nursing homes in New York. New state restrictions are to take effect on this morning. The goal is to expand visits – but the reality is different. In order for nursing homes to allow visitation, they must go 14 days without a positive case. This is leading to frustration on the part of families. The advocacy group Essential Care Visitors says around 30 percent of nursing homes across the state will quality for visitations. On Tuesday, state lawmakers will vote on a caregiver bill. It would lessen restrictions and would give families more opportunities to finally be together.

University of Rochester Medical Center is testing a booster version of the Pfizer COVID vaccine to see if a third dose will make immunity even more effective against the virus.  Side effects will be closely watched and antibodies will be measured.

The State of New York now has new guidelines for weddings and catered events.  According to the new guidance, venues are restricted to half capacity, with no more than 150 people per event. However, guidance states that “social gathering limit is 50 or fewer people in non-residential settings” and local health departments must be notified if a gathering will include more than 50 people. Cluster zones may have lower gathering limits.  Anyone in attendance at an event will be required to provide information for use in potential contact tracing efforts.  Guests, along with venue staff, will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test ahead of the event. Those who have received a full vaccination may have to show proof.

Western Region OTB, owner of Batavia Downs, has purchased at adjacent Hotel at Batavia Downs for $8-million.
The hotel was owned and developed by ADK Hospitality of Buffalo. It opened in November of 2016.

OTB President Henry Wojtaszek told WBTA this morning:

PHOTO: OTB President Henry Wojtaszek

Wojtaszek says the Downs will be better able to market the hotel with tie-ins to the casino such as weddings, tradeshows and overnight dinner packages.

NY Gov Andrew Cuomo

A former staff member of Governor Cuomo has published an article detailing alleged incidents of sexual harassment against her.
Lindsey Boylan, who previously accused the governor of misconduct, claims he kissed her without consent and asked her to play strip poker on a private jet.
Boylan used to work for Empire State Development and is currently running for Manhattan borough president.
The governor denied her allegations saying they simply aren’t true.

Congressional Republicans are calling for Governor Cuomo to be subpoenaed so he can testify about his administration’s handling of home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GOP members of the Committee on Oversight and Reform want to look into any connection between the number of deaths at those facilities and the governor’s directive that they take in people from hospitals who tested positive for COVID-19

An almost $11-million project to rehabilitate the Erie Canal in Orleans County has been completed.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley says the project included the repair of seven 100-year old bridge trusses over the canal.
The project will allow the safe passage of trucks, farm equipment and commercial and emergency vehicles to pass safely due to the replacement of the steel flooring on the bridges, which raises their legal weight limit.

After a brief road trip, the Buffalo Sabres will be back on home ice in hopes of securing a second straight win. They’ll be hosting the New Jersey Devils at KeyBank Center tonight.

Timothy Tundo

A Bethany man faces a slew of drug and gun charges after the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force and others raided a home on Linden Road. As a result, 57-year-old Timothy Tundo was taken into custody. During a search, police said they found LSD, ten high-capacity magazines, an ammunition belt, brass knuckles, an AR-15 style pistol, two machine guns, marijuana, five assault weapons and cash. He was arraigned on 23 felony and misdemeanor counts and was jailed in lieu of bail.

State Police arrested 20-year-old Benjamin J. Lathan and 20-year-old Brandon C. Lewis, 20, both of Bergen for Larceny and Trespass. Troopers investigating the January theft of three trail cameras from a property in Allegany County allege both men were involved in the thefts. Both were arrested and released with appearance tickets for Genesee Town Court, where they are due to appear in March.

Congressman Tom Reed and potential NY gubernatorial candidate, says he has no intention of supporting the coronavirus relief package in its current form. Reed says he can’t believe the federal government would provide $1,400 to convicted felons and child molesters.

Wyoming County deputies arrested 22-year-old Johnathan Falk of Batavia. He was charged in separate warrants with felony criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor petit larceny. Other drug charges, as well as a bail jumping count, are also pending. He was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail pending further court action.

New York Farm Bureau outlined its federal public policy agenda Wednesday as farmers from across the state are meeting virtually this week with their U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives. The main priority issues range from agricultural labor reform and COVID relief to trade policy and climate change mitigation. Farm Bureau President David Fisher and Senior Associate Director of Public Policy and National Affairs Lauren Williams unveiled the priority issues during a Zoom press conference.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reminds parents and caregivers in Orleans County that free car seat checks by certified child passenger safety technicians are available tomorrow in Albion. All attendees over two years of age must wear a mask and must practice social distancing. The event is part of a yearlong safety initiative in which state and local law enforcement agencies, together with various community safety partners, offer free inspections. It happens from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Arnold Gregory Complex (North Parking Lot), 243 South Main Street, Albion.

Genesee County today reports 14 new cases of COVID-19. Twenty-three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Fourteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. There are 19 new cases in Orleans County with two hospitalizations. Wyoming County health officials report seven new cases

A former member of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration who previously accused him of sexual harassment offered new details about her claims against him. According to an Associated Press report…Lindsey Boylan said in an article posted Wednesday on Medium that he once kissed her on the lips without consent after a private meeting. Cuomo has previously said her allegations are “just not true.”

57 year old Timothy Tundo of Linden Rd in Bethany was arrested by a joint team of Genesee County Sheriffs and city of Batavia Police after an investigation into illegal drugs and firearms on Tuesday morning.  He was found in possession of LSD with intent to sell, brass knuckles, a unmarked and unregistered ghost gun, 2 fully automatic machine guns, and a large quantity of Marijuana.  He was charged with 21 felonies and 1 misdemeanor related to drugs and weapons possession.

The Diamond Dance Team has been chosen to provide entertainment between innings when the Muckdogs take to the field this year.  Le Beau Salon will have the Diamond Dance Team wowing the crowd with their moves and abilities.  The team is managed by KMS Dance Studio.

A Wind Advisory in effect for Genesee and Orleans counties until 10 tonight. Winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected with possible gusts up to 50 miles per hour.
The National Weather Service says tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

A Batavia man charged with attempted murder could go on trial by April.
22 year old Jacob Sponaugle is accused of shooting another man entering the lobby of the Days Inn last July.
Sponaugle’s court appearance up to now have been held virtually. Judge Charles Zambito wants Sponaugle to appear in court – in person – on April 12th.
If no plea deal is offered and accepted, the trial would be the first in the county since of Coronavirus pandemic started.

There have been 15 new coronavirus cases reported over the past 24 hours. 12 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
There have been five new COVID positive cases reported in Orleans County,

Attorney General Letitia James

The seven Rochester police officers who were investigated by the New York State Attorney general for their role in the death of an unarmed black man last March, will not face criminal charges – despite the death being ruled a homicide.
Attorney General Letitia James expressed disappointment after she learned of the grand jury’s decision Tuesday

Police handcuffed Daniel Prude while he was naked and held face down with a spit hood placed over his head. He had stopped breathing and was taken to a hospital. He died seven days later.

After some recent struggles, the offense of the Buffalo Sabres got on track in a big way last night as the team picked up a much-needed win.
The Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils four-to-one last night at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Just 15 new COVID cases have been confirmed in Genesee County. Twelve people remain hospitalized. Orleans County reports five new cases and Wyoming County reports 13 new cases.

A Batavia man is going to serve at least a year in prison for a violation of probation but his fate on rape charges remains pending. While held in the Genesee County Jail, 30-year-old Justin T. Gladney appeared virtually in County Court on his violation of probation conviction. His appearance on his rape charges was continued until March 23, when all parties are expected to appear in person.

The legislative leaders and public health directors of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties sent a letter to New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo urgently requesting the designation of a regional mass vaccination clinic at the Genesee Community College (GCC) campus to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to the rural counties. The letter reads that “Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties have consistently been left out of the COVID-19 response with delays in testing supplies and now with very limited vaccine allocations. All three counties are medically underserved and having a regional clinic with less than a half hour commute would benefit these communities.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher will hold a virtual press conference today to unveil the organization’s national public policy agenda. This will be held in conjunction with meetings this week between more than two dozen NYFB members and the state’s congressional delegation. Farmers will be discussing major federal issues with lawmakers, including the Biden administration’s new immigration proposal, additional COVID relief, and the future of trade policy in this country.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 91 percent of first doses of COVID-19 vaccinations so far delivered. The week 10 allocation from the federal government was delayed due to winter storms impacting much of the country, and week 10 deliveries continue to arrive today. The week 11 allocation will begin arriving mid-week. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

From the cold case files…State Police in Warsaw continue to investigate the 41-year-old missing person case of James Dean Knox. On December 21, 1979, the grandmother of James Dean Knox reported him missing. She reported she last saw him at her home in South Warsaw on December 9, 1979. Further investigation by the New York State Police revealed Knox had been seen by friends, associates and local business people in the village of Warsaw on December 10 and 11, before his sudden disappearance. At the time of his disappearance, Knox was residing at 35 Wyoming Street in Warsaw and on medical leave from Leroy Machine Co., in Leroy.  Knox was known to frequent a local pizzeria in the village of Warsaw. Knox is described as a white male, 5’11” tall, 150 pounds, dark blonde hair, blue eyes and wore eyeglasses.  Knox was 24 years old at the time of his disappearance. Troopers say…they won’t stop looking.

The U.S. Department of Education has said that states must administer standardized tests this year, but the tests can be shortened and will not be used to evaluate schools. New York officials have expressed disappointment by the decision. Local educators, many of whom spoke out in favor of canceling testing this year, are now waiting to hear from the state about how assessments will proceed — and how much time and money it will cost them. New York was among several states that had requested federal permission from the Biden administration to cancel standardized testing for the 2020-21 school year. The move had strong public support and was backed by key education groups like New York State United Teachers and The Council of School Superintendents. Now New York must fulfill the federal requirement to test students in grades 3-8 in ELA and math. Those assessments are currently scheduled to begin in April.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced new guidelines for visitation of residents in nursing homes which go along with CMS and CDC guidelines to begin on Friday the 26th. The Department of Health recommends that visitors take a rapid test before entry into the facility, and DOH will provide rapid tests to nursing homes at no cost. Visitation depends on the nursing home being free of COVID-19 cases for 14 days, the rate of transmission in each county, and needs to be kept below 20 percent of the total resident population.

Congressman Jacobs is calling for the border to be opened up between the US and Canada as a summit between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden approaches.  In a press release Jacobs said: “In one of his early executive orders, President Biden signaled that re-opening the U.S. – Canada border in a safe and cooperative manner was a priority. As a member of the Northern Border Caucus and a representative of a district with a vast amount of New York’s northern border, I urge the administration to uphold that commitment and work with Prime Minister Trudeau on a plan to reopen the border. Western New York families, small businesses, and property owners are relying upon it.”

The Genesee Orleans County department of weights and measures has put out a statement saying that the gas pumps in service are all up to date and inspected and approved.  The hike in prices has to do with the storms and outages in Texas and the Gulf coast along with an increase in demand and a drop in supply coming from the OPEC countries and not with any pumps being tampered with or being broken.

The Buffalo Sabres lost to the Islanders last night 3 to 2.  Curtis Lazar and Sam Reinhart scored goals on the Islanders.  Lazar is now third in scoring for the Sabres this season.  Buffalo will be going up against the Jersey Devils again tonight at 7.

The Batavia City Council appears to be prepared to move forward with a proposed four-year contract that would put the Genesee Area Family YMCA in charge of running city youth services. Rob Walker, the YMCA’s CEO, said the YMCA can offer “enhancements” beyond the scope of the contract because they have a complete facility and the gymnastics center. A resolution outlining the formal agreement with the YMCA and another to dissolve a pact with Genesee County to provide a youth bureau executive director were forwarded to Council’s Business Meeting on March 8th for a vote.

The City of Batavia says it will conduct a Conference Meeting Thursday morning…and the hot-button topic could be a new city leader. The Batavian reports that it has learned from multiple sources the Council will interview finalists for the vacant city manager position at the meeting, which will go into executive session immediately and is closed to the public. Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski has publicly announced her intention to apply for the position.

Genesee County reports 59 new COVID cases, that’s since Friday. Thirty-one of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Ten of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Seven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center. Just 14 new cases have been reported in Orleans County with two hospitalizations. Wyoming County officials report 22 new cases of COVID-19.

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.64, up 13 cents from last week. The New York State average is $2.70 – up 10 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.61. AAA Western and Central New York reported Batavia prices were $2.63 (up 11 cents since last week).  Pump prices continue to increase again this week. New York State average gas prices are on par with last year’s level.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced new, expanded guidelines for visitation of residents in nursing home facilities in accordance with CMS and CDC guidelines to begin on February 26. The Department of Health recommends that visitors take a rapid test before entry into the facility, and DOH will provide rapid tests to nursing homes to facilitate their ability to test visitors on-site and at no cost. Visitation continues to depend on the nursing home facility being free of COVID-19 cases for 14 days and the facility is not currently conducting outbreak testing.

Genesee Orleans and Wyoming Counties are under a winter weather advisory until 7pm tonight.  There could be snow mixed with rain falling and up to 2 inches of accumulation.  This could make for slippery conditions on the roads.

For the first time since November western New York has a positivity rate of less than 3 percent.  The finger lakes region and western NY have a positivity rate of 2.3 percent.  Nationally the rates of death and transmission has dropped significantly.  Hopes are being expressed by officials in the medical community of new vaccines such as Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine being approved and more production being brought to bear that will speed up vaccinations and lead to things getting back to normal.

The South African Strain of COVID has been identified in Nassau County, the first time it has been detected in New York state.  Governor Cuomo warns that people still need to be cautious about masking and hand washing.  The South African strain has not been shown to be any more dangerous that COVID 19 and the vaccines have so far proven to be equally effective at fighting the new strains including the South African strain.

Senator Schumer is calling for an investigation into army and national guard vertical lift programs after the crash of a helicopter and death of 3 national guardsmen East of Rochester and a second crash in Idaho that claimed the lives of another 3 guardsmen.  Schumer cited a report that in 2019 Congress created the Commission to examine past aviation safety and readiness mishaps and it reported that since 2013, more than 6000 U.S. noncombat military aviation mishaps occurred during training or routine operations, claiming the lives of 224 servicemembers.  The senator said that these reports, cite a perfect storm of issues, including budgetary and administrative, that have resulted in lives lost, 186 aircraft destroyed, and taxpayers costs of approximately $11.66 billion.

Gas prices are up 11 cents since last week to 2.63.  The price also has gone higher than last years average across New York state.  Last year the price for a gallon of regular was 2.61.

The Sabres broke their 4 game losing streak with a win against the Jersey Devils Saturday.  Their 3 to 2 victory was thanks to 2 goals from Sam Reinhart and 1 from Colin Miller.  Their next game will be against The New York Islanders tonight at 7pm.

A driver from Albion faces multiple felony counts after he was pulled over in the Allegany County Town of Caneadea. State Police early Sunday arrested 23-year-old Aaron Burnside. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, both felonies. He was released on his own recognizance.

After finding a vehicle off the road, a Darien man now faces multiple charges. Deputies say they found the vehicle off Attica Road in Darien. An investigation resulted in the arrest of 22-year-old Tristan Michael Vaughn of Richley Road. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, unregistered vehicle and moving from a lane unsafely. No injuries were reported in the incident. Vaughn will appear in court March 16^th.

Restaurants are in trouble amid the pandemic – that warning Sunday from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of NY…talking up the Restaurant Act, which includes 25 billion dollars in flexible grants to eateries. The Restaurant Act of 2021 contains 120 billion dollars in aid to the nation’s restaurants. But since it’s included in the coronavirus relief act it may not get any Senate Republican votes.

A weekend fire destroyed a barn in Ridgeway. It also killed more than 50 animals.  When firefighters arrived, the structure was fully involved in fire. The intense flames also damaged a nearby house. One horse was saved, but turkeys, chickens, pheasants and rabbits perished. Ridgeway firefighters were assisted by Medina, Lyndonville, Shelby, Middleport and Hartland. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Batavia police have leveled an attempted robbery charge against a Wyoming County man. Police recently leveled that count against 32-year-old Nicholas Cory Longhini of Wyoming, NY. He was further charged with criminal mischief and criminal contempt. The charges stem from a domestic incident at a Batavia home. He turned himself in and was issued appearance tickets for court returnable April 13^th.

Batavia police have charged 52-year-old Mark Farley of Harvester Avenue in Batavia with felony first-degree criminal contempt. According to a police report, Farley allegedly violated an order of protection when he forcefully entered a home and physical contact with the protected person. He was also charged with felony burglary, harassment and criminal mischief. He was initially jailed on $10,000 cash bail. He is due in Batavia City Court March 10^th.

Starting Monday the 22^nd nursing homes can begin allowing visitors once again, according to governor Cuomo’s announcement on Friday.  The governor said all nursing home staff and residents have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine and 73% of nursing home residents are now vaccinated.  The governor’s office will send out guidelines to nursing homes and long term care facilities soon that will include rapid testing and screening provided by the department of health.

In a response to the nursing home protests and ongoing issues with nursing homes Governor Cuomo announced reform legislation to target transparency, care and profiteering at long term care facilities.  Some of the reforms include: requiring nursing homes to disclose all rates on an annually updated website, a cap on salaries for managers and executives, requiring that nursing homes spend 70 percent or more of revenues on direct patient care, and increasing the penalties for violations of public health law.

COVID vaccine shipments have been delayed by the winter weather across the country.  Governor Cuomo’s office released a statement saying that Pfizer shipments scheduled for Friday have been delayed till Monday.  Moderna shipments should arrive by the middle of the week. No appointments at state run sites have had to be rescheduled.

Covid update from Friday evening: Genesee county has 18 new cases and 11 people have recovered. Orleans county has 7 new cases and 4 people have recovered.  There are 71 active cases in Genesee county and 47 in Orleans.

There is a report of a train on snowmobile collision in Darien late Friday night.  The train operator believes that the snowmobile was unoccupied and left on the tracks.  The snowmobile was not registered but it’s last registration was in Rochester.  A CSX employee witnessed a person leaving the scene and fresh footprints were found leading away from the snowmobile.

The Firing Pin in Bergen is partnering with the American Warrior Festival which is having it’s events virtually this year.  Their events are going on right now and end March 25^th.  There is a virtual marksmanship competition where you can record yourself doing a ten shot firing drill and submit it and a 5 or 10k with a fun run or walk for sponsorships.  All money raised through registrations, sponsors, merchandise and concessions goes to help veterans.  The American Warriors Festival strives to provide entertainment, encouragement and resources to veterans and work toward veteran suicide prevention.

Governor Cuomo announced the beginning of construction on a new trail at Letchworth.  The first of its kind autism nature trail is a mile-long loop, which is designed to address the sensory needs of people with ASD, a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.  The trail loop will feature eight stations with simple mazes, signage, a cuddle swing, a music corner, and other sensory options for all travelers.  The trail will be near the Humphrey Nature Center.

COVID Update: Genesee county has 5 new cases and 1 person has recovered.  Orleans county has 5 new cases and there is no reporting on the number of people recovered as of yesterday at 5pm.  Totals and numbers will be updated for the weekend news.

Darien Lake has just announced that their opening day, for the first time in a year and a half, will be May 21st.   To keep park goers healthy safety and security measures including contactless security and temperature checks for guests and team members will be in place.  Mobile ordering will also be available at many locations. The park is converting from cash to a card kiosk system, accepting only Mobile and Card Payments.  They will be using a reservation system to stay below the 33 percent capacity cap imposed by NY state.  As one of the largest seasonal employers in New York, Six Flags Darien Lake is hiring more than 1,500 team members for the 2021 season.  For a full list of positions and safety protocols check out the press release at our news partner the Batavian.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Republicans in the New York State Assembly are calling for the creation of an impeachment commission to investigate Governor Cuomo.
GOP lawmakers say they want more details on how the governor’s administration handled nursing home residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
They claim the governor’s office withheld information about the number of people who died at those facilities due to COVID-19. Republicans believe a bi-partisan commission should look into the issue and report its findings to the Legislature.

State Police have released the name of the man who lost his life during a crash in Orleans County. Troopers say 46-year-old Steven Noah was driving on West County House Road in Albion Wednesday when his Jeep slammed into another vehicle head-on. Noah wasn’t wearing a seat belt and died at the scene while the other driver suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police are still looking into the accident.

Voters in the Pembroke school district have approved the reconstruction of the bus garage at the Intermediate School campus. Thursday’s vote was 139 yes and just 35 no. The $1.69-million project will not impact the local tax rate. The project will be funded by state aid and $400,000 from the district’s capital reserve.

Since Monday, the national gas price average has increased seven cents to $2.58. This quick four-day jump is a direct result of all major Gulf Coast refineries being impacted by the recent winter storm, which has caused gas supplies to tighten and pump prices to increase.
Triple-A is reporting a 3-cent a gallon increase in Batavia since yesterday.

The losing streak of the Buffalo Sabres has now reached four games after a disappointing effort on the road. Victor Olofsson had Buffalo’s lone goal as they fell to the Washington Capitals 3-1 Capital One Arena last night. With the defeat, the Sabres remain in last place in the NHL’s East Division, 12 points behind the first place Boston Bruins.

Voters in the Pembroke school district have approved the reconstruction of the bus garage at the Intermediate School campus. Thursday’s vote was 139 yes and just 35 no. The $1.69 million project will not impact the local tax rate. The project will be funded by state aid and $400,000 from the district capital reserve.

The COVID-19 2nd Dose Vaccine Clinic scheduled for today at Genesee Community College in Batavia — for appointments between 9 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. — will be rescheduled due to the weather-related delay of vaccine delivery. Anyone with an appointment during this time slot will be contacted directly by email or phone to reschedule your appointment next week.

Just five new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Genesee County. One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list. Officials report today that 14 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention center. Meanwhile, Orleans County also reports five new cases…as does Wyoming County.

Six Flags Darien Lake will be kicking off its season after April 9^th. Dan Stokes is the marketing and public relations manager…he says they are really excited. Stokes said the park will be utilizing an online reservation system this spring, similar to one that is in place for the laser shows that currently are scheduled for the next three weekends. The theme park was unable to open in 2020, but the campground was open for a few weeks last summer. Stokes said the process of hiring seasonal employees is underway. Six Flags Darien Lake employs more than 1,000 part-time workers during its peak season, filling jobs in areas such as performance, games, retail, food service, rides, park services, promotion and clerical.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region welcomes Kara Beth Baker to assist people with disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county region as a New York Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist. Baker brings 22 years of experience in counseling and accessibility.

Since Monday, the national gas price average has increased seven cents to $2.58. This quick four-day jump is a direct result of all major Gulf Coast refineries being impacted by the recent winter storm, which has caused gas supplies to tighten and pump prices to increase. The situation is very similar to a Gulf Coast hurricane’s impact. Until things thaw out and Gulf Coast refineries are running again (likely early next week), expect more expensive pump prices across the country, varying another 5-15 cents.

New York’s COVID vaccine tracker website has added county data.  The website provides information on the number of first and second dose vaccinations distributed and administered across the state. The site is updated daily at 11 a.m.  The regional data comes from sites including: hospitals, mass vaccination sites operated by state and local governments, pharmacies and other providers registered to serve as points of distribution. The regional data does not include vaccinations reserved for the federal government’s Long Term Care Facility program.

The FBI is now investigating the handling of Nursing Home COVID deaths by Governor Cuomo.  Cuomo’s office says that the department of justice has been looking into this for months and that they have been cooperating with them.

Nursing Home workers in Western NY are protesting for reform in the nursing home industry.  Members of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East say that the system is broken and that the Attorney General’s report was an indictment of the whole industry.  Nearly 800 complaints were filed with the NYS Attorney General’s office from family members of people in nursing homes since the beginning of the pandemic.  The union wants nursing homes to commit 70% of revenue towards resident care and spend more hours per day providing care along with increased accountability and transparency.

Last week gas prices jumped up 8 cents in Western NY and this week, since Monday prices have risen by a further 7 cents.  This, after several months of gas prices waffling up and down a penny at a time but staying roughly even.  While the 8 cent jump was because of increased demand and lower supply coming from oil producing countries this weeks rise was a result of the oil refineries freezing up during the storms in the gulf coast.  It is expected that prices will rise by another 5 to 15 cents over the next week and then fall slightly as things thaw out and supplies return to normal operations.

Rich Wagner almost got a 900 series by bowling three perfect games in a row at Mancuso’s Bowling Center.  He got two back to back 300 score games and then missed the 6 pin in his last frame to get a total score of 899.  If he had reached the 900 he would have been one of only 37 bowlers to ever get that score since reporting started in 1982.

Coronavirus numbers are improving in Genesee and Orleans Counties.
Public Health Director Paul Pettit reported on the local situation this morning. He cited statistics from just five weeks ago

Paul Pettit, Public Health Director

Similar improvements were shown in Orleans County. Pettit also said about 11 percent of Genesee County’s population has received at least the first dose of COVID vaccine.

State Police are continuing to investigate a crash in Orleans County that left one person dead.
Troopers say the two-vehicle collision happened yesterday on West County House Road in Albion. Police haven’t released the name of the person who was killed or said if anyone else was hurt.
They’re asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call them immediately.

As the state’s COVID-19 infection rate falls, more entertainment options will soon be open to all New Yorkers. Officials say indoor family entertainment centers can open March 26th, followed by amusement parks on April 9th. Capacity will be limited to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other health and safety guidelines are also going to be in place.
Day and overnight summer camps can also start making plans to reopen, but no specific date has been announced.

New York State has announced reopening dates for amusement parks and other similar venues in New York. Governor Cuomo said outdoor parks will be able to reopen on April 9, while indoor family entertainment centers will be able to reopen March 26. For any such venue, masking, temperature checks and distancing will be mandatory. Outdoor parks will be limited to 33% capacity, while indoor centers will be limited to 25% capacity. It was also that overnight summer camps, for now, will open in June.

The Buffalo Sabres will be taking the ice again tonight, and for the first time in weeks, no players are on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. After dropping two games at home this week, they’ll be in Washington, DC to take on the Washington Capitals. Face-off for tonight’s contest is set for seven p-m.

The Buffalo Bills are among one of several teams in contention to sign one of the top players in NFL history. The Buffalo News and ESPN report the Bills have reached out to free-agent J.J. Watt and that there is mutual interest between both sides about potentially reaching a deal. Watt, a three-time defensive player of the year, was released by the Houston Texans last week. He’s reportedly looking to sign with a team that’s close to reaching the Super Bowl and who also has a top-level quarterback.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn and the FBI are investigating Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of nursing home death data. The governor has struggled with nursing home deaths from the outset of the coronavirus pandemic. Though he rescinded an initial directive to return infected residents from hospitals to nursing homes and explained he followed federal guidance at the time, critics blamed Cuomo for the high number of nursing home deaths in the state. The New York Attorney General accused the state of under-playing the death toll and the governor’s office conceded it withheld the numbers from state lawmakers, who are now considering stripping Cuomo of some pandemic power. We’re told the FBI and federal prosecutors are in the early stages of their investigation.

It looks as though the Genesee County Legislature has found a qualified person to fill the vacant position of county coroner. The county Ways & Means Committee has voted in favor of a resolution appointing longtime paramedic Wade Schwab as coroner, effective Feb. 24 through Dec. 31. The measure will be put on the agenda of next Wednesday’s full legislature meeting. One of the four county coroner jobs became open earlier this year upon the resignation of Jeffery McIntire, who moved to Florida.

Genesee County reports 17 new COVID cases. Those impacted are from Batavia Le Roy and eight other communities. Eleven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Fifteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. One of the new positive individuals is a resident of the Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility. Eleven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention center.

The Batavia City Planning & Development Committee has approved a site plan for a radiology/intensive care unit addition at United Memorial Medical Center at 127 North Street. The hospital’s request for an area variance is scheduled to be considered by the City Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 25. Doug Randall is the city code enforcement officer…and says that he expects the variance to be approved as well since the two-story, 5,100-square-foot addition will be in line with the previous cancer treatment center addition. According to information provided to Randall, the project will feature a new building entrance off of Summit Street Extension, three new parking spaces and landscaping along the entire frontage of the addition. About 75 percent of the proposed addition perimeter will abut the existing hospital structure. Additionally, plans call for an extension of the 90-degree parking area in front of the cancer center, but do not include any new hospital beds.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, in collaboration with Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, will be offering a CDL (Commercial Driver License) Training Program for Genesee County agriculture producers and their employees for Class A and Class B licenses. This training program is designed for producers and farm employees that have some experience with commercial truck operation. An informational meeting will be held on March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus, 8250 State Street Road, Batavia. This meeting will explain how the program works and answer any questions you may have. The required training materials and medical forms will also be passed out at this time.

An inmate fight at the Genesee County Jail has led to a felony charge for one. 37-year-old Wayne Potter of Batavia was charged with felony assault. The sheriff’s office says he injured another inmate during a fight.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region welcomes Kara Beth Baker to assist people with disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming County (GOW) Region as a New York Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist. Baker brings 22 years of experience in counseling and accessibility. In her new role, Baker will connect people with disabilities and their families to needed home and community-based supports and services, as well as facilitate access to public benefits.

Democrats join with republicans to demand Cuomo’s emergency powers be stripped. 14 democratic lawmakers have called for the powers to be taken away and now 2 are soliciting support for a bill to repeal them and have 9 signatures in the assembly. They say that Cuomo intentionally obstructed justice and also that Cuomo could be impeached. The proposed legislation follows growing controversy over his administration’s reporting of nursing home deaths. More than 15,000 nursing home residents have died from COVID in New York.  At the same time lawmakers are calling on the National Television Academy of Arts and Sciences to vacate Cuomo’s Emmy award for communication during the COVID pandemic.

Governor Cuomo’s office has, after silence on the issue for almost half a year, issued guidance for family entertainment attractions, including amusement parks such as Darien Lake to reopen.  Indoor entertainment venues can reopen March 26^th and outdoor attractions can open April 9^th.  Restrictions apply.  When they reopen they must stay below 25 percent capacity for indoor attractions and 33 percent for outdoor attractions, masks, temperature checks and social distancing as well as sanitization and frequent cleaning are all required.  Also, overnight summer camps may open in June.

The Buffalo Sabres lost their second game to the New York Islanders 3 to zip last night.  Now Buffalo’s record is 4, 6 and 2 and they’ll be back on the ice Thursday the 18^th against the Washington Capitals at 7pm.

Governor Cuomo’s plan to legalize recreational marijuana now includes an option to have the drug delivered right to your home. Last month, the governor unveiled the framework of his latest proposal to legalize pot, which would allow people 21 and older to buy it from state-approved dispensaries. Local governments would be able to prevent the home delivery option from being available. The governor believes legalizing the drug could generate billions of dollars in needed revenue for the state.

New York State’s 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped to 3.71 percent, the lowest since November 28. Genesee County’s positivity rate is down slightly to a seven day average of 2.5-percent.

Genesee County Public Health Director Paul Pettit will deliver an update tomorrow on the Coronavirus situation. Pettit expected to talk about area vaccination efforts.
WBTA will carry Pettit’s remarks live, beginning at 10:30 tomorrow morning.

As cases of COVID-19 are trending downward, Rochester Regional Health and UMMC in Batavia are expanding visiting hours.
The hospital is allowing visitors seven days a week.
You still must wear masks, practice hand-washing and stay socially distanced when possible.

From Batavia City Hall: The Batavia Department of Public Works Administration and the Bureau of Inspection will be closed this Monday, Feb. 22, for mandatory training.
The offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth Boards are looking for nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Celebration. The awards include the Youth Recognition Award, the Adult Volunteer and Adult Youth Worker. Nominations are due by Friday, March 5. For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau 344-3960). The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website.

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth Boards are looking for nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Celebration. The awards include the Youth Recognition Award, the Adult Volunteer and Adult Youth Worker.  Nominations are due by Friday, March 5. For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau. The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website.

The offices of the Batavia Department of Public Works Administration and the Bureau of Inspection will be closed on Monday, Feb. 22, for mandatory training. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Anyone needing to do business with either office please plan accordingly.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that New York State’s 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate dropped to 3.71 percent, the lowest since November 28. Those hospitalized in the Finger Lakes Region has dropped to 301, with 397 in an ICU.

Genesee County received 39 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday afternoon through the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend. Forty-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Fourteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Orleans County received 15 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday afternoon through the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend. Meanwhile, Wyoming County saw an increase of 34 cases since Friday.

As cases of COVID-19 are trending downward, Rochester Regional Health is welcoming visitors back to its hospitals seven days a week. Please continue to wear your mask, practice hand hygiene and stay socially distanced wherever possible. It’s also important to get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you, although current supplies are limited.

The first steps are underway to take away Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s emergency executive powers. Two downstate Democrats are soliciting support of a bill to repeal the emergency legislative abilities granted to Cuomo last spring in an effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The proposed legislation follows growing controversy over his administration’s reporting of nursing home deaths. More than 15,000 nursing home residents have died from COVID in New York.

Governor Cuomo has announced a proposal for a social equity fund to benefit minority communities.  The 100 million dollar fund will be paid for by taxes from marijuana sales as part of the new legal adult use marijuana legislation that was in the State Budget for this year.  Community-based nonprofits would apply for funding to support efforts that would include: Job placement and skills services, Adult education, Mental health treatment, Substance use disorder treatment, and many more.  Cuomo also put out rules for dispensaries to deliver marijuana to customers and reduced charges associated with illegal marijuana sales.

Are you worried about allergic reactions to the Covid vaccine?  Rochester Regional health has an answer.  By delivering the second dose of the vaccine, which more people have an issue with than the first, in multiple smaller dosages, RRH says it can minimize any allergic reactions.  Dr Shahzad Mustafa,  the lead physician for allergy, immunology and rheumatology at Rochester Regional Health, says that they can give the vaccine in five doses, given 15-20 minutes apart which will allow the body to induce tolerance in the immune system which is the same system they use for peanut allergy treatments.

The amber alert for 17 year old Stephanie White of North Tonawanda has been cancelled.  Police say she was found safe and returned home.  No further details have been released.

The city wants to know what you think of planned improvements to Jackson Square.
A special Zoom meeting will be held for business owners and the general public this Thursday at 6pm.
Jackson Square is a popular spot on Friday nights during the summer featuring a variety of music. The square lies between Center and Jackson St. The city has a fist full of state money, part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, to improve the stage and the pavement in the square.
Link to the Zoom Meeting

A Genesee County man arrested twice in less than two and a half hours. 41 year old Edwin Standcliff of Corfu was arrested in the Town of Batavia for Felony DWI. A short time later, he was arrested again for felony assault in an unrelated matter.

An AMBER Alert has been issued following the abduction of a teenager in North Tonawanda. Police say Stephnie White was abducted last night by Michael Mesko on Niagara Falls Boulevard. Investigators believe White may be in imminent danger of either serious harm or death. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911 or North Tonawanda police.

Governor Cuomo is responding to claims his administration intentionally withheld data on the number of nursing home residents who died after contracting COVID-19. During a news conference yesterday, the governor said his administration should have responded quicker to requests for that data, which were made by lawmakers and the media. The governor says failing to do that caused a void where misinformation was created and spread. He also said that his office did everything it could to keep people from losing their lives.

The Buffalo Sabres were back in action for the first time in weeks last night, but things didn’t go as planned. Victor Olofsson had Buffalo’s lone goal as they fell to the New York Islanders three-to-one at KeyBank Center. The Sabres hadn’t played since late January after several members of the team were placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list.

The city wants to know what you think of planned improvements to Jackson Square.

A special Zoom meeting will be held for business owners and the general public this Thursday at 6pm.

Jackson Square is a popular spot on Friday nights during the summer featuring a variety of music. The square lies between Center and Jackson St.
The city has a fist full of state money, part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, to improve the stage and the pavement in the square.

Link to Zoom meeting HERE

A Genesee County man is facing multiple felony-level charges. Batavia-based State Police say they arrested 41-year-old Edwin L. Stancliff of Corfu. He is charged with felony second-degree assault, felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest. Troopers leveled the charges following a disturbance early Monday in the Town of Batavia. Stancliff was initially detained. But the story doesn’t end there…two and a half hours before that, he was pulled over in the town and charged with DWI and a felony count of having a blood alcohol content more than .08%. It’s a felony because he was convicted of the same crime within the last ten years.

Due to the wintry weather, Genesee County has canceled COVID-19 testing scheduled for today.

An adamant Andrew Cuomo insisted there was no coverup in the number of nursing homes deaths in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic when New York was the epicenter. During a Monday press conference … the Governor said he will accept the blame for allowing the “disinformation” to go on … pointing the finger at the media … and others. Cuomo insisted his administration was complying with the Department of Justice’s request … and asked the legislature to wait on their request. He also said nursing homes were never forced to accept patients with COVID.

Additional charges have been leveled against a Cheektowaga man who led police on a three-county chase, including Genesee County. 61-year-old Patrick Thomas Fuhr has been charged by Deputies with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree and other counts. He is due in Bergen Town Court on March 3. Other charges were filed last week in Batavia.

Here are the latest COVID numbers. In the Finger Lakes Region, 325 patients are currently hospitalized, with 280 in the Western Region. 397 people occupy an ICU bed in the Finger Lakes Region with a 7-day average positive test results of 2.31%. A Connecticut resident who is a patient in a New York City hospital has tested positive for the South African variant. There is no evidence of any spread in New York State to date.

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.51, up 4 cents from last week. The New York State average is $2.60 – up 4 cents from last week. A year ago, the state average was $2.62. At the pumps in Batavia, Triple A says the price is $2.52 a gallon, up 8 cents from last week, but 7 cents lower than a year ago. Increasing pump prices have been supported by higher crude oil prices and gas demand, which grew slightly last week though it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.

A winter storm warning is effect from 7pm tonight through Tuesday afternoon at around 1pm.  The weather service expects form 7 to 14 inches of snow across all of western NY.  Genesee Wyoming and Orleans counties are all going to be affected.  COVID 19 testing in Genesee county is canceled for Tuesday, as is the Bus Garage Capital Project Vote In the Pembroke Central School District.  It has been postponed to Thursday, February 18 from 12:00-8:00 p.m.

The New York State Department of Health urges patience to those who are eligible to receive a vaccine for COVID 19.  Last week about a third of New Yorkers were eligible but starting on Sunday that number was increased to accommodate those with comorbidities such as cancer or certain disabilities that increase their risk should they get the coronavirus.  With this group added to the eligibility list the number of New Yorkers who can sign up for an appointment is likely over half the population of the state which would be over 10 million people.  New York only gets roughly 310,000 doses a week so it will take many months to get that number of people vaccinated. At the current rate of receiving doses it will take about 6.5 months to get that number vaccinated.  Nearly 2.2 million people have been vaccinated in the Empire State with the first dose, about 800,000 have been fully vaccinated.

Governor Cuomo has signed an executive order extending the party registration enrollment deadline to February 16^th.  This will allow voters to change their party affiliation.  Cuomo says it will allow Board of Elections to have more time to process changes.

The Rochester International Airport is now the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.  This announcement happening on Valentine’s Day, the day Douglass chose to be his birthday.  Douglass’s great great great grandson, Kenneth Morris Jr spoke at the unveiling.  Rochester plans to put up a statue at the Airport to greet travelers.

Gas prices keep going up.  This week the prices in Batavia jumped up 8 cents, nearly reaching last years prices.  Last year the New York state average was 2.62 and it is currently 2.60.  The national price is 2.52 which is 7 cents more than last year’s.  Higher demand and a lower supply are fueling the rise.

Buffalo Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger was back at practice on Sunday after his battle with COVID-19, along with defenseman Rasmus Dahlin who was taken off the COVID-19 list.  The Sabres are scheduled to play their first game since January 31st on Monday against the New York Islanders.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that the 7-day average positivity rate dropped below four percent for the first time since November 30. The 7-day average positivity rate stands at 3.90 percent, according to state data. The Finger Lakes region has a 7-day percentage of positive tests of 2.39 percent.
Here in Genesee County, the 7-day positivity rate remains at 2.6-percent.

All of Western New York – including Genesee County – will be under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 7 o’clock this evening.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snow, accumulating 7 to 14 inches. Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
The warning continues through Tuesday afternoon and will impact tomorrow morning’s commute.

Due to the winter storm warning, the Bus Garage Capital Project Vote In the Pembroke Central School District has been postponed to Thursday, February 18 from 12:00-8:00 p.m. The vote had been scheduled for tomorrow.

Due to the impending storm, Genesee County has canceled COVID testing for Tuesday, February 16th.

The LeRoy Fire Department is asking residents there for a little help.
With snow on the ground and more on the way, the LeRoy department is asking residents to clear snow at least three feet from fire hydrants.
You are also asked to clear a path from the hydrant to the street.

Western New York drivers are continuing to see increasing prices at the gas pumps. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular in Batavia is $2.52. That’s up 8-cents from last week and is 13-cents higher than this time one month ago.

A winter storm will blanket the region from today through Tuesday afternoon. Portions of the area could receive 6-12 inches of snow. The heaviest snow is expected tonight into Tuesday morning.

Felony and other charges have been filed against a man who crashed his vehicle on Alleghany Road in Darien. Sheriff’s deputies say they arrested 33-year-old Myles Daniel MacLeod of Corfu. He now faces felony counts of aggravated DWI and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was additionally charged with refusal to take a breath test and circumventing an ignition interlock device as well as other counts. He’s due in Town of Darien court on April 6^th.

Court action is pending for a man who allegedly ran down a woman with his vehicle during a heated domestic dispute. 49-year-old Jason Jones of Brooktondale in Tompkins County was taken into custody on an arrest warrant stemming from the December 16^th incident on Dewey Avenue in Batavia. Police charged him with felony second-degree assault, felony first-degree reckless endangerment and other lesser counts. Jones was arraigned and initially remanded to jail in lieu of bail. He is due in court Match 11^th.

The LeRoy fire department is asking for a helping hand. With snow on the ground and more on the way, the Department is asking residents to clear the snow around fire hydrants. Officials recommending the snow be cleared at least three feet around the hydrant so firefighters can work. Also, you’re asked to clear a path from the hydrant to the street.

The Finger Lakes Region has, to date, received more than 196,000 total COVID vaccines. Through Friday, state officials say 87% of the total doses have been administered. New York’s health care distribution sites have received 2.1 million first doses and already administered 90 percent of first dose vaccinations and 83 percent of first and second doses.

A state court has rejected multiple appeals filed on behalf of a name-protected Genesee County teenager, who was granted youthful offender status. The teenager was placed on probation after being convicted of possession of child pornography and sexual misconduct. Then, while on probation, he was convicted of felony burglary. He was then sentenced to a maximum state prison term. The teen argued the sentence was too severe. The Appellate Court ruled that his plea was in full satisfaction of numerous other residential burglaries, and several of those burglaries involved the theft of firearms from the homes.

Batavia police say they arrested 32-year-old Alexander Baldwin of East Main in Batavia. He was charged with felony grand larceny. Police said he was paid for a construction job that he never began. He’ll appear in court April 15^th.

A Batavia man has been charged with forcible touching. 69-year-old Benjamin Lucas of Bank Street allegedly touched an employee inappropriately. He was issued an appearance ticket for court.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that the 7-day average positivity rate dropped below four percent for the first time since November 30. The 7-day average positivity rate stands at 3.90 percent, according to state data. Hospitalizations are down by 916 this week, a 26 percent decline from the post-holiday peak. The Finger Lakes region has a 7-day percentage of positive tests of 2.39 percent.

The New York Lottery has announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the February 13 TAKE-5 drawing. The ticket, worth a little more than $64,000, was purchased at DELTA SONIC CARWASH on E Main Street in Rochester.

Its not just republicans who want Governor Cuomo held accountable for the nursing home deaths during the early months of the COVID pandemic, 14 democratic state senators have joined the call to have Cuomo stripped of his emergency powers and an investigation launched into the governor and state health director Howard Zucker.  Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Senator Chris Jacobs, and Senator Ed Rath joined republicans across the state earlier this week in the same call after information about a phone call where a top Cuomo aide, Melissa DeRosa, admitted to the governor’s office withholding the nursing home death numbers because Cuomo’s administration feared a federal investigation.  The phone call was to democrat lawmakers.

Rochester Regional Health and UMMC will begin allowing visitors on Tuesday the 16th with restrictions.  At UMMC the visiting hours will be between 9am and 1pm and 3pm and 6pm.  Only 1 visitor allowed at a time and visitors must be 19 or older.  No visitors allowed in emergency, with cancer patients, with covid positive patients or people awaiting covid test results or with inpatient behavioral health.  Exceptions to these rules are pediatric patients who can have one support person there at all times. In Labor and delivery there may be one visitor and a doula.  People with developmental or mental disabilities  including dementia can have 1 full time support person there.  And in end of life situations there can be 2 people the bedside at once.

COVID Update from Friday Evening: Genesee county has 12 new cases and 12 people have recovered.  Orleans County has 14 new cases and 9 people have recovered.  There are 82 active cases in Genesee county and 65 in Orleans.

The Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting a virtual guest speaker Michael Broccolo for a presentation titled “Underground Railroad in the Niagara Frontier” starting Thursday the 18^th at 7pm.  There is unlimited availability via zoom and all the information to join is on the Land Office museum’s website.  There is limited in person seating at the Museum for 12 people but you must preregister by calling 585 343 4727.  A donation will be taken up at the museum during the presentation.

Fantasy Island has been closed since 2019 but hope springs eternal for someone to pick it up and open the gates once more.  Grand Island Town Supervisor John Whitney says a “notable entity” with a track record in family recreation has approached owners Apex Parks Group and are working through the financing options.  Apex had said they would work to reopen the park with new partners but reports of bad smells and heavy vandalism, plus trucks seen removing restaurant equipment have damped hopes of the park returning.

Genesee County reports 20 new COVID cases.
These new infections were reported in Batavia, Le Roy and 11 other communities.
Two more COVID-related deaths were also reported.
Both were over the age of 65. Health officials said one person resided at the New York State Veterans’ Home and the other resided at the Batavia VA Medical Center.
There have been five COVID deaths in Genesee County over the past two days.

In just two days, even more New Yorkers are going to be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s because the registration process for people with serious medical issues begins on Sunday. Shots will start being given as early as Monday.
Among those eligible to be vaccinated include people suffering from severe obesity, cancer and pulmonary diseases. You will need a doctor’s note.

The COVID-19 positivity rate in NYS is 3.54 percent. That’s the lowest it’s been since November 25.
The Genesee County positivity rate is down to 2.2-percent for a seven day average.

New York State is easing its quarantine rules for people who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Those folks will no longer have to be in isolation if they’re exposed to COVID-19, but only if it’s been 90 days since their last shot and they have no symptoms of the virus.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation says New Yorkers will be able to fish at no cost this weekend. Tomorrow and Sunday are among the several free days being offered this year to boost interest in the activity. While the requirement for a fishing license is waived, all other fishing regulations will remain in effect.

The COVID-19 positivity rate in NYS is 3.54 percent. That’s the lowest it’s been since November 25. In addition to that, the number of people hospitalized with the virus is down to around 7,300. That’s the lowest number since the day after Christmas. The Finger Lakes Region has 345 people hospitalized with another 397 in Intensive care.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley visited the New York State Veterans’ Home in Batavia to drop-off valentines that were made by first-grade students from Jackson Primary School as part of the Assemblyman’s “Valentines for Vets” program. A veteran himself, and a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Hawley remained outside of the facility as he left the valentines due to COVID-19 restrictions. In what has been a challenging and isolating year, Hawley said it was his pleasure to facilitate the delivery of the valentines to let the veterans know how much their service is appreciated by the young people of the community.

According to a report released by the New York Post, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top aide privately apologized to Democratic lawmakers during a phone call for allegedly withholding the state’s nursing home death toll from COVID-19. The report claims Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa said they “froze” out of fear that the true numbers would be “used against them” by federal prosecutors.  In a statement Thursday, Sen. Tom O’Mara said the report makes it clear subpoenas must be issued and a full investigation started immediately. He called it a massive cover-up.

Following a traffic stop in the Town of Stafford, State Police arrested a Corfu man. Troopers took 27-year-old Tyler Jonathan Busch into custody. He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance as well as driving while ability impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol. He’ll appear in court at a later date.

Genesee County reports 20 new COVID cases. These new infections were reported in Batavia, Le Roy and 11 other communities. Twenty-four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Fifteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Two more COVID-related deaths were also reported. Both were over the age of 65. Health officials said one person resided at the New York State Veterans’ Home and the other resided at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

The Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund has announced that it has awarded more than $4.5 million to more than 300 nonprofit organizations in the region, bringing the total grant amount from the Fund to $13.1 million. This collaborative funding effort was convened in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 health crisis and is now administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, in partnership with The John R. Oishei Foundation, the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation.

Voters in the LeRoy Central School district have approved a $12-million renovation project involving all district buildings.
Voters rejected, however, a $4.2-million project for a multi-turf field and lights on the present soccer field.
The renovation project will cost the average LeRoy school district home owners another 83-cents on the tax rate.
Voters had overwhelmingly rejected the first attempt to pass the budget last October.

Tops has announced the 3 and a half million dollar renovation to its Batavia store is complete. Tops held a virtual ribbon cutting this morning. Almost everything inside and outside the store has been renovated.

New York State could be in line to get 23 billion dollars if a COVID-19 relief package working its way through Congress is approved. Nearly 13 billion dollars in funding would go towards state government.
Governor Cuomo says the state needs all the help it can get after its finances were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s calling for New York to receive at least $15-billion so budget cuts can be avoided.

New Yorkers who have been waiting to see a concert or sporting event in-person are about to get that chance again. Starting February 23rd, arenas and stadiums will once again welcome fans back, but spectators will have to follow specific health and safety rules. They include proof of a negative COVID-19 test three days before an event, temperature checks before entering a facility and a requirement everyone wear a mask. The new guidelines apply to venues with a capacity of over 10,000 people.

The allocation of vaccines to Genesee and Orleans counties has been cut in half after an increase was promised.  The drop in vaccines being delivered to the counties comes alongside more people being eligible to receive the vaccine starting February 15^th and state and federal government opening more distribution centers and President Biden saying that the national guard would be deployed to help with administering vaccines.  Critics say that more vaccination centers won’t matter if only a handful of vaccine doses will be delivered to them each week.  Governor Cuomo says the new centers and clinics are necessary in order to make sure vaccine distribution is racially equitable.  Health Director Paul Petit says “We’re pushing out the vaccine as quickly as we’re getting it, week by week we don’t have any dosses left because the supply coming to the state is then allocated to the regions. It is hindering everybody.”

Wyoming County will be getting some help with emergency communications after Governor Cuomo announced a grant for 5 counties across New York State of 29 million dollars.  Wyoming county will get nearly 6 million of that in order to build new towers and improve connectivity to upstate public safety agencies and channels.  Niagara and Orleans counties were awarded nearly $6 million each in phase one of the Statewide Interoperable Communications Targeted Grant Program.

Covid Update:  Genesee county has 13 new cases and 19 people have recovered.  3 people in the community over 65 years of age have passed away.  Orleans county has 10 new cases and 13 people have recovered.  3 of the new cases are at Orchard Rehab and nursing.  Genesee county has 82 active cases and Orleans has 67.

Genesee county is looking for a few good students to help redesign the County flag for the Genesee 2050 comprehensive plan.  The department of planning is reaching out to Superintendents to get students involved in a competition to design the new flag.  Students are encouraged to submit their designs and finalists will be chosen by the committee and then have an online vote by county residents.  Submissions are due by February 28^th.  Information about the contest including guidelines and how to submit designs can be found on the genesee2050 website.

Section 5 has announced how it will handle the post season tournament schedule for high risk sports.  On Wednesday the Section V Athletic Council met and determined the tournament structure for winter high-risk sports. The team sports of boys basketball, girls basketball, and ice hockey will have a closed sectional tournament in which only the top eight teams in each classification will make their sectional tournament. Wrestling will hold class sectional tournaments starting on March 12, 2021.

Genesee County is leading the Finger Lakes Region with its low COVID-19 numbers. County Manager Matt Landers calls it a “nice feeling,” given just weeks ago, the county had one of the worst rates statewide. He called it a “quick turnaround” and said it is due to…all the hard work (the county) has been doing in terms of messaging, distancing, testing and vaccinations.

Based on the success of the Buffalo Bills playoff game model, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says large arenas in the state can open starting Feb. 23. This applies to those that host sporting events, concerts and other events that would draw large crowds. It could impact Watkins Glen International. Those who attend must get a PCR test within 72 hours of the event, and have a negative result. Face coverings, social distancing and temperature checks will also be required. In addition to this, the New York State Department of Health must approve any event set to take place.

The Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday voted in favor of accepting an $11,000 grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Muriel H. Marshall Fund to launch the CallHub pilot program for the county’s Office for the Aging. The grant will allow the Office for the Aging to help people safely connect with phone calls going through CallHub, a secure web-based tool that makes communication between individuals and groups of people easier, quicker and safer through a designated phone number. The resolution that was passed indicated that CallHub is an application that allows for improved program management for staff and volunteer-based programs, through mass messaging and real-time data collection and monthly reporting capabilities.

New COVID cases in Genesee County totaled just 13 on Wednesday. Nineteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Fifteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Sadly, officials report the deaths of three more residents from COVID-related complications. Ten new cases were confirmed in Orleans County, with 14 more cases in Wyoming County.

Genesee County deputies report the arrest of 39-year-old Corrine Elizabeth Navarra of Le Roy. She is charged with third-degree grand larceny and third-degree welfare fraud. It is alleged that starting on Jan. 17, 2020 she failed to report income while receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which would have lowered her benefit. It is alleged that Navarra received $3,840 in benefits that she was not eligible for. She was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on her own recognizance.

37-year-old Jason William Doohan of Jerome Place, Batavia has been charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. It is alleged that on March 1 of last year Doohan failed to report income he earned scrapping metal, which resulted in Doohan receiving $1,464 in public assistance benefits that he was not entitled to. He is due in Batavia Town Court on March 1.

The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls Basketball Team is currently organizing their 10th annual Shooting For A Cure! game in support of funding research efforts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Over the past nine seasons, the community has raised more than $152,000 for cancer research at Roswell. Shooting For A Cure! has become one of Roswell Park’s largest community-based fundraising events. This year, the team hopes to break the $200,000 mark. This year’s game will be Pembroke vs. Oakfield-Alabama starting at 7 p.m., Friday, March 5 in the Pembroke high gym.

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting registrations for its new 4-H Junior Master Gardeners Club. The club is open to youth age 8-13 and is a collaboration between the Genesee County 4-H Program and Genesee County Master Gardeners.  The club is scheduled to begin meeting on Wednesdays in late April. Space is limited. Youth must be enrolled in the Genesee County 4-H Program to participate. To register or receive more information, contact the Genesee County 4-H Office.

Batavia City Schools has rolled out a new Community Schools initiative based on a national strategy of fixing inequities for students who face issues such as lack of sable housing, food insecurity or lack of medical care.  The 4 areas of supporting the, whole child, as the initiative lays it out, are Expanded learning time, integrating student supports such as counselors and clinics, Family and Community engagement with community leaders and collaborative leadership practices including having school staff go out and help with community organizations.  The vision statement is to Build a better Batavia by promoting equitable learning opportunities, cultivating healthier families, and establishing a stronger community.

Governor Cuomo announced today that New York State and Baby2Baby Diaper Bank are joining forces to provide diapers to women and children in need throughout New York State.  Officials say through the partnership with Baby2Baby, 20 million donated diapers will be made available to New York’s Emergency Feeding Programs to be distributed at no cost through food banks across the state.

The 2019 State budget had a little talked about effect on how the political system works in New York state.  It made it so that smaller political parties outside the Republicans and Democrats have to participate in gubernatorial and presidential elections which means they have to get 130,000 or more votes to be on the ballots and also have to run every 2 years instead of every 4.  The Serve America Movement party is saying that this unfairly and unconstitutionally limits elections in New York to just the big 2 parties after they lost a court case to not have their candidate dropped from the ballots in 2021 and 2022.  Their candidate earned more than the 50 thousand votes needed to be a recognized political party in 2018 and then the law was changed in the 2019 budget and now they would have to get recognized again with almost 3 times the votes.

COVID Update: Genesee county has 28 new cases and 30 people have recovered.  Orleans county has 3 new cases and 13 people have recovered.  There are 92 active cases in Genesee county and 73 in Orleans.

The temporary order has ended and the curfew is back on in Buffalo.  All restaurants and bars must close by 10 pm.  There was a temporary restraining order allowing Erie county establishments to stay open to their regular closing time after 100 businesses sued the state.

It was a challenging year for the men and women of the Batavia Police Department. Chief Shawn Heubusch called it a “tumultuous and trying year” keeping the peace, answering calls for service – all within the all within the confines of a global pandemic.
The report contains a variety of statistics:
There were no homicides, but 13 rapes, three were solved by arrests; 12 robberies with seven arrests 45 burglaries with 16 arrests.
The department reported 248 cases of domestic violence.
You can read the entire report HERE

Genesee County reports 28 new COVID positive cases. Seventeen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Just three new cases were reported in Orleans County, with three individuals hospitalized. In Wyoming County, two new cases were reported since Monday. One additional death was also reported in Wyoming County.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced New York’s 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped to 4.38 percent, its lowest since December 1. Cuomo said the post-holiday surge reduction is continuing. As of today, the number of people in the Finger Lakes region hospitalized with COVID has dropped to 398.

From Genesee County Board of Elections…Any party enrollment change requests must be received at the Board of Elections office by close of business Friday in order to be eligible to vote in the Primary on June 22nd or the Early Voting dates beginning June 12th. You can find a voter registration form to print off from Board’s website.

The Buffalo Sabres have returned to practice after a weeklong pause due to concerns over coronavirus. The team was back on the ice at KeyBank Center yesterday even though several players remain on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list.
Their next contest is expected to be against the New York Islanders Monday.

It was a challenging year for the men and women of the Batavia Police Department. Chief Shawn Heubusch called it a “tumultuous and trying year” keeping the peace, answering calls for service – all within the confines of a global pandemic.

Follow this link to read the entire report HERE

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced New York’s 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped to 4.38 percent, its lowest since December 1. Cuomo said the post-holiday surge reduction is continuing, and that is the direct result of the toughness of New Yorkers who have sacrificed and done what is needed to beat back this invisible enemy. As of today, the number of people in the Finger Lakes region hospitalized with COVID has dropped to 398. Deaths statewide on Tuesday were 138.

Genesee County reports 28 new COVID positive cases. Thirty of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Seventeen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Just three new cases were reported in Orleans County, with three individuals hospitalized. In Wyoming County, two new cases were reported since Monday. One additional death was also reported.

Congressman Tom Reed, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, and other regional lawmakers have joined together to…as they say…highlight their efforts to secure justice for the families of New Yorkers who lost loved ones due to what they call Governor Cuomo’s dangerous mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic in our state’s nursing homes. During the press conference, the group reaffirmed their call for the Biden Administration and Department of Justice to provide the public with answers and accountability through a full, independent, and fair federal investigation. He said they demonstrated, in one clear voice, that there are leaders at the state and federal level who will not relent until they’ve secured justice for the people of New York. They urge the Biden Administration and Department of Justice — do what is right.

The Batavia Police Department has received a number of calls regarding people allegedly fraudulently filing for unemployment benefits. These cases are investigated directly by NYS Department of Labor – Office of Special Investigations and not by local law enforcement. Citizens who are victims of this type are fraud are asked to contact the Department of Labor.

From Genesee County Board of Elections…Any party enrollment change requests must be received at the Board of Elections office by close of business Friday in order to be eligible to vote in the Primary on June 22nd or the Early Voting dates beginning June 12th. You can find a voter registration form to print off from Board’s website.

Downstate Democratic State Assemblyman John McDonald is pushing Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office to have a statewide COVID vaccine preregistration system in which people would fill out the questionnaire and turn in all the necessary paperwork just once. People would then wait for a call from the state or county health department when an appointment becomes available. Local Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley says preregistration would not solve the biggest issue of all: limited supply.

As companies making the COVID vaccine increase their production and more companies get approval to distribute their versions the federal government has announced a 5 percent increase in the amount of doses sent to states for the next 3 weeks.  In addition the government will allocate 1 million doses to federally qualified health centers.  To date, New York has administered 2.5 million dosages, with about 10% of New Yorkers receiving their first dose. Ninety-two percent of dosages allocated to the state to date have been used.

A proposal before state lawmakers would give some relief to families with loved ones in nursing home care.  For almost a year family members have not been able to visit their loved ones due to COVID-19 regulations unless they were at the end of their life.  A new proposal would allow at least 2 family members to be designated caregivers for physical and emotional support.  If passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, it would go into effect 45 days after it is signed into law.

COVID Update: Genesee county has 33 new cases since Friday and 57 people have recovered.  Orleans county has 26 new cases and 44 people have recovered.  7 of the new cases are from Villages of Orleans.  The total active cases have dropped below 100 in both counties for the first time in several months.  Genesee county has 91 active cases and Orleans has 83.

Two of Upstate New York’s largest supermarket chains have announced plans to merge. Price Chopper and Tops Friendly Markets say their companies will soon be under the same corporate umbrella. The merger is set to be complete later this year, and the new company’s offices will be headquartered in Schenectady. Until the companies combine, they’ll continue operating under their current names. Layoffs are not likely since both chains are currently looking to hire workers. Tops has two locations in Genesee County.

Batavia Police say they have received several calls about unknown people fraudulently filing for unemployment benefits in the name of local people.

If you think you have been a victim, do not contact local police, but rather the New York State Dept. of Labor.  Phone: 1-888-598-2077 or online at:

https://www.labor.ny.gov/agencyinfo/uifraud.shtm

The search continues for a new, permanent Batavia City Manager…although few specifics have been offered.

Responding to a question from a citizen last councilman John Canale a member of the search committee refused to offer any details on the search and simply replied,  “There will be more to come.”

Starting this weekend, millions of New Yorkers with serious medical issues can start signing up to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The registration process will begin Sunday with the first shots scheduled to begin Monday. Among those eligible to be vaccinated include people suffering from severe obesity, cancer and pulmonary diseases. In order to get their immunization, a person must prove they have a qualifying condition by providing a doctor’s note or other certification.

The Buffalo Sabres will be staying off the ice for at least the next few days after two more of their games are postponed. Their upcoming contests on Thursday and Saturday have been pushed back due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. At least nine members of the Sabres have been placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol List. Buffalo’s next game is scheduled to be next Monday against the New York Islanders.

News Release

The Batavia Police Department has received many calls regarding unknown person fraudulently filing for unemployment benefits in the name of citizens. These cases are investigated directly by NYS Department of Labor – Office of Special Investigations and not by local law enforcement. Citizens who are victims of this type are fraud are asked to contact the NYS Department of Labor at (1-888) 598-2077 or online at https://www.labor.ny.gov/agencyinfo/uifraud.shtm

The Batavia City Council will accept public comment on the city’s proposed $16.7 million budget on Feb. 22. At 7 p.m. The spending plan calls for a tax increase of 1.38%. Public hearings to establish new water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees, and to amend the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District Plan also are now scheduled for Feb. 22 at the same time. A public hearing about the Community Development Block Grant took place last night, but no one from the public or Council commented. The city seeks to obtain a Block Grant to fund infrastructure projects.

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball says it is overwhelmed with gratitude from the community stepping up with very generous donations to allow for the installation of a brand new electronic scoreboard at Lions Park, the home of the Batavia Stingers.  In particular, the team wants to give a special thank you to the two lead sponsors of the sign, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria and Batavia Restaurant Supply, Inc. The team further wants to give a special thanks to the nearly two dozen sponsors that are permanently listed on a banner below the sign at Lions Park.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has been awarded the New York Beef Producers Association 2020 Friend in Government award. Hawley has been supportive of New York agriculture as a lawmaker and as a citizen for decades, as he is a 42-year member of the New York State Farm Bureau, has served as President of the Genesee County Farm Bureau and has been a member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Agriculture for 15 years. The award is given to legislators who have been notably vocal advocates for those in the industry of beef production, and Assemblyman Hawley is one of only two legislators to receive this award this year.

Congressman Chris Jacobs held a virtual press conference with local leaders Monday to address the urgent need for high-speed internet coverage in rural communities. In addition, they discussed the growing divide in digital literacy skills and Orleans County United Way’s current efforts to survey residents. Jacobs said “The rebuilding and future prosperity of our region depend heavily on ensuring Western New Yorkers have access to reliable high-speed internet and the skills to use it. The first step to meeting this goal is ensuring we have accurate data on who still needs coverage, that is why the work the Orleans County United Way is doing is critical.”

Since Friday, 33 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Genesee County. The new infections involve residents from Batavia, Le Roy and 11 other communities. Fifty-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Eighteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

The operation of youth sports in the LeRoy community has never been more important than in the past months. Youth softball in LeRoy has been steadfast for decades. Officially incorporating in 2020, it has seen a resurgence with a fresh group of eager volunteers including: sponsors, parents, board members and coaches. Last summer, LeRoy Youth Softball was able to safely conduct several months of skills, drills and inter-squad scrimmaging. This winter. the program has been holding safe indoor clinics for girls. The 2021 season is here with registration open now through Feb. 28th.

New York state elections officials have certified Republican Claudia Tenney’s narrow victory over Rep. Anthony Brindisi…the last U.S. congressional race to be finalized. The certification came after a state judge ruled that Tenney won the race for central New York’s 22nd Congressional District by 109 votes. Brindisi issued a statement to the media congratulating Tenney and offered to make the transition process as smooth as possible.

Price Chopper and Tops Markets have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that creates a powerful alliance between the two storied independent grocery chains, as it nearly doubles their collective footprint in the Northeast. This transaction unites two iconic New York-based grocery chains with deep ties to their local communities and shared commitments to service, savings, and convenience. The joint venture will collectively employ more than 30,000 teammates. The transaction is expected to close in the coming months, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tops Market, Batavia

Tops, Market 32 and Price Chopper are merging into one big 300 store family.  A new parent company based in Schenectady will run the operations, which have yet to be named. Scott Grimmett, president and CEO of Price Chopper/Market 32, will be CEO and serve on the board of directors.  Frank Curci, chairman and CEO of Tops Markets says “We look forward to working closely with the Price Chopper/Market 32 team and together becoming an even stronger competitor with more scale, as we continue serving our customers and communities.”  The financial agreements have not been announced.

Gas in Batavia is up 5 cents this week, a big jump as it has been stable for many months.  A year ago the price was 2.44 and it is now 2.47.  Ny state average is up to 2.51 which is 13 cents lower than it was last year.  OPEC has reduced its production of oil and demand is also going higher as vaccines are administered and restrictions are lifted.

Rasmus Dhalin, Dylan Cozens and Curtis Lazar join coach Ralph Krueger on the NHL’s COVID protocol list, spurring the Sabres and the 9 players that are on the list to have to reschedule 12 games.  Now the earliest game will be the 11^th with the Sabres taking on the Capitals at the KeyBank Center.

The City of Batavia will hold a public hearing tonight at 7 PM at City Hall. Lawmakers will receive comments on the City’s community development needs, and to discuss the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications.
The City is considering submission of grant applications for public infrastructure and housing rehabilitation assistance.
Only $20 million is available statewide for public infrastructure projects.
$10 million is available for economic development projects.

Genesee County officials say that the draft of the Sheriff’s Police Reform and Reinvention Report is open for public comments until Monday, February 22. County residents can submit comments on the draft plan via email to the County Manager.
The Report can be accessed at the Genesee County Sheriff Department’s website.

Two lucky Batavia men have won 2021 Corvette in this year’s Rotary Club raffle.
Mike Pullinzi (pah-lin-zee) and Mark Schmidt shared the purchase of a 100-dollar ticket and came up the grand prize winner in the annual fundraiser.
They now have the choice of taking the car or the 40-thouand dollar cash prize.
This is Rotary’s largest fundraiser of the year.

A Batavia man faces a felony charge of burglary.
Sheriff’s deputies say they busted 38-year-old Christopher Diers of Ellicott Street for allegedly boosting merchandise from Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive. He also allegedly ran from store security when he was approached at the exit.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on the U.S. Department of Defense to investigate crashes involving the UH-60 Black Hawk. Two helicopter crashes have occurred recently resulting in the deaths of six members of the National Guard. Locally, a Black Hawk crashed in Mendon in late January killing three men. Gillibrand questions whether these incidents could fit a larger pattern of malfunction. The Senator says the deadly crashes occurred less than two weeks apart.

The Batavia City Council tonight will schedule a public hearing on the new budget which contains a tax hike of just shy of 1.4%. The Council is also expected to introduce two new local laws. The first will amend the Municipal Code to establish new water rates, meter fees and a Capital Improvement fee. Local Law #2 of 2021 proposes to amend the Business Improvement Plan District. The budget public hearing is planned for February 22^nd. Tonight’s business meeting is set for 7 p.m.

New York on Sunday reported the lowest COVID hospitalizations since Christmas Day. 143 virus-related deaths were confirmed on Saturday. The statewide positivity rate has dropped to 4%, the lowest one-day positivity rate since November 27^th. The Finger Lakes region had 428 COVID-related hospitalizations with 397 patients admitted to an ICU.

The City of Batavia will hold a public hearing tonight at 7 PM at City Hall. Lawmakers will receive comments on the City’s community development needs, and to discuss the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications. The City is considering submission of grant applications for public infrastructure and housing rehabilitation assistance. $20 million is available statewide for public infrastructure, public facilities, and community planning. $10 million is available for economic development projects.

Genesee County officials say that the draft of the Police Reform and Reinvention Report is open for public comments until Monday, February 22.  Genesee County residents and other stakeholders can submit comments to the draft plan via email to the County Manager. The Genesee County Police Reform and Reinvention Report can be accessed at the Genesee County Sheriff Department’s website. The 20-person stakeholder committee appointed by the Genesee County Legislature that wrote the draft of the report will consider the comments at its next scheduled meeting on February 22nd.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on the U.S. Department of Defense to investigate crashes involving the UH-60 Black Hawk. Two UH-60 crashes have occurred recently resulting in the deaths of six members of the National Guard. Locally, a Black Hawk crashed in Mendon in late January killing three men. Gillibrand questions whether these incidents could fit a larger pattern of malfunction. The Senator says the deadly crashes occurred less than two weeks apart.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has received the support of the City Democratic Committee for a potential third term in office. Warren won the Democratic committee designation with 62 percent of the vote, despite being indicted by a grand jury in October on charges of mishandling campaign funds.

New York State has released a list of additional people who are eligible to receive the COVID 19 vaccine starting on February 15^th. This group of people with co-morbidities include those with Diabetes type 1 or 2, the severely obese, pregnant mothers, those with intellectual disabilities, heart conditions, cancer, pulmonary disease, liver disease, sickle cell, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, neurological conditions and those who are immunocompromised.  For the complete detailed of everyone who can receive the vaccine follow the link to covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov on wbtai.com.

https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine

The National Football League is making health care workers the stars of Super Bowl 55, inviting 7,500 of them to attend the game for free as a show of gratitude for their hard work during an unbelievably trying year and 4 of them are coming from Buffalo.  2 nurses at ECMC and 2 nurses at Buffalo General hospital were given tickets to the big game by Buffalo Co-Owner Kim Pegula after they were nominated by their coworkers for excellence in caring for those with COVID 19.  Kaitlyn Floyd, a charge nurse at Buffalo General says “I wish every single person could come with us!”

COVID Update from Friday at 4pm: Genesee county has 11 new cases and 30 people have recovered.  There has been another death from COVID-19 in Genesee county bringing the number of dead to 111 in Genesee county and 78 in Orleans Most of those who have passed in both counties were nursing home residents.  Orleans county has 13 new cases and 26 people have recovered.  There are 111 active cases in both counties.

94 different businesses and restaurants in the Buffalo area are now able to stay open till their normal closing time after they filed a lawsuit against the state.  A temporary restraining order was issued after another judge allowed businesses in the orange zone to operate as if they were in the yellow zone.  Following this Cuomo decided to strike all orange and yellow zones in Upstate NY even though the COVID numbers had not fallen below the threshold for lifting those restrictions.  When asked about the 10pm curfew across New York State Governor Cuomo said that he considered lifting it “Maybe if the Bills were in the Super Bowl… just kidding.”

The Office for the aging is warning of a scam targeting seniors in this area.  Scammers are calling claiming to be Medicare workers and asking for your Medicare number while promising free items such as back braces or glucose monitors.  Medicare will never call you and ask for your number.  Remember, if you did not initiate the call, do not give out any information.  Also Customs and Border Protection is warning of another scam where someone calls pretending to be from Border Patrol or Homeland Security and says a box containing drugs or some other illegal item was being shipped to you and for you to press a button to speak with an officer.  Then they will try to get personal information like your bank number from you.  If you receive this call hang up.

Erik Fix

Erik Fix will be the new President of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.
Fix will succeed Tom Turnbull who is retiring on March 22nd.
Fix has held a variety of jobs in Genesee County. For many years he worked at the YMCA, he was the Regional Executive Director of the United Way and is currently the manager of the M and T Bank branch in Oakfield.
Fix lives in LeRoy.

A Lake Effect Snow warning has been issued for Genesee, Wyoming and Erie Counties from 4 this afternoon through 10 tomorrow night.
The National Weather Service says we can expect heavy Lake Effect snow accumulating 9 to 18 inches during the most persistent snow.
Winds up to 40 miles per hour will result in considerable blowing and drifting with near white-out conditions.

Western New York Congressman Chris Jacobs was one of only 11 republican members of the house to support ousting Congresswoman Marjorie Green from her committee assignments.
Jacobs, who represents Genesee County in congress, said he was … quote “very troubled by a number of Green’s statements and assertions.
Green, among other outrageous claims, said the California wild fires were started by a space laser triggered by Israel.

Southern tier Congressman Tom Reed is hinting that he could mount a challenge to Governor Cuomo in 2022.
The 23rd District Republican said the governor’s days are numbered and real leadership would be coming to Albany soon.
A spokesman for the governor responded to Reed’s remarks, claiming he didn’t stand up to the Trump administration.

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres is the latest member of the NHL community to test positive for coronavirus. The team says Ralph Krueger has contracted the illness while multiple Sabres have also been added to the league’s COVID-19 protocol list. Buffalo’s season is on hold for at least a few more days with their next game set to be against the Washington Capitals.

A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. through late Saturday night. Heavy lake effect snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 9 to 16 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will result in considerable blowing and drifting snow. The Warning includes Genesee, Erie and Wyoming counties. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Orleans County.

A Warsaw couple faces federal drugs crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says that 62-year-old Michael Scott Bullers and 54-year-old Pearl Susan Mibbs were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiring and attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and are being held pending detention hearings on Monday.

Congressman Chris Jacobs released a statement after voting to remove Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia from her committee assignments. He said he was very troubled by a number of Greene’s statements and assertions. Jacobs said he was shocked by the video of Greene harassing a survivor of the Parkland school shooting. He said he believed her actions, whether out of extreme callousness or ignorance, disqualify her from serving on the House committee overseeing education policy.

With another impending winter storm approaching coupled with the snowfall already received Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano and the members of the City of Batavia Fire Department are encouraging residents to “adopt a fire hydrant” near their home or business this winter season. The department is asking residents and business owners for their assistance in keeping fire hydrants clear of snow and debris. Napolitano added “if possible, the ‘adopted’ hydrants should be uncovered of snow after each snowfall and provide a clear path of approximately three feet around the hydrant. This path will allow firefighters to quickly locate the hydrant and obtain a water supply used in firefighting activities.” Officials say that delays in locating and securing a water source can hamper fire suppression activities, raising the risk of injury and furthering property damage.

Genesee County reports 18 new cases of COVID-19. Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Twenty-three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Orleans County reports 33 new positive cases with three people hospitalized. Meanwhile, health officials in Wyoming County are reporting 16 new COVID cases.

State and local law enforcement agencies across New York will be stepping up patrols to crack down on impaired driving during the Super Bowl weekend. The enforcement campaign will run from today through Monday. This safety initiative is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

A cohort of lawmakers, social justice and mental health advocates, and relatives of Daniel Prude gathered virtually Thursday morning to propose a new piece of legislation aimed to bring mental health professionals to 911 calls. Daniel’s Law is being put forth in the New York State Legislature by Assemblyman Harry Bronson and State Sen. Samra Brouk. It establishes state and regional councils for mental health responses to crisis situations. Under those councils, mental health professionals would be among the first responders to emergencies involving mental health and substance abuse. The bill is named for Daniel Prude, who died on March 30, 2020 – one week after an encounter with Rochester Police officers during which he was detained, had a spit hood placed over his head and ultimately stopped breathing while being held down.

The New York State Supreme Court Justice Kimberly O’Connor has ruled that the state department of health has 5 days to release all information about nursing home deaths to the Empire Center which has been suing for the information since August 3^rd.  O’Connor also ruled that the health department has to pay for all legal fees and compensate the Empire Center for losses during the time since they first filed suit.  The Department of Health had postponed responding to the Empire Center’s Freedom of Information Law request 3 times.  The state health department has previously stated that the information was lost, or that what was already released was completely accurate, and now the State Attorney General reports that the number of deaths in nursing home was underreported by at least 50 percent.

COVID Update: Genesee county has 20 new cases and 21 people have recovered.  One county resident and 1 Resident of the VA Medical Center have passed away.  Orleans county has 30 new cases and 10 people have recovered.  7 of the new cases are at Orchard Rehab and Nursing and 1 is at The Villages of Orleans.  There are 132 active cases in Genesee county and 119 in Orleans.

Western NY Independent Living is calling on people with disabilities to make their voices heard by participating in the 2021 Virtual Legislative Education Week from February 8^th to 12^th.  Participants wishing to hear from, and talk to, their representatives can use the Zoom Meeting online platform OR call in to speak with the elected officials participating.  Go to wbtai.com for details on how to register.   Register by Feb. 6 for these virtual meetings by contacting Jillian Moss at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146, or by email at jmoss@wnyil.org.

The city of Batavia Police Reform Committee has released their draft of the plan for how Batavia PD can move ahead in compliance with Governor Cuomo’s mandate.  The whole draft and the feedback form are available online at batavianewyork.com.

Buffalo Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger has COVID 19.  He announced that he tested positive earlier today and has entered the NHL’s COVID protocol.  A handful of other players across the NHL have also tested positive and are quarantined.  All Sabres games through the 11^th are postponed.

Genesee County’s Advanced Manufacturing Plant, known as STAMP, has caught the attention of another potential developer.
The Buffalo News has reported an Albany based company, known as Plug Power, wants to build a “green hydrogen” plant in the Town of Alabama.
The company would produce green hydrogen to fuel freight and materials handling equipment.
According to The Buffalo News, Plug Power could begin construction as early as next month and be completed by the end of next year. The paper said the facility would create 62 new, high paying jobs.
The plant would be given a host of state grants and tax incentives from the county’s Economic Development Center.
Just a week ago it was revealed the STAMP site was under consideration for a 17-billion dollar semi-conductor manufacturing facility.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Genesee and Wyoming Counties.
The Watch is in effect from tomorrow afternoon through late Friday night.
Expect difficult travel conditions due to blowing snow.

Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is repeating his demands for legislative hearings into the Cuomo Administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes.
A recent report from the State Attorney General revealed the health department was under-counting COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by as much as 50 percent.
Hawley is also demanding a termination of the governor’s emergency powers.

Following the completion of the draft City of Batavia Police Reform Plan it has been presented to City Council for their input. The report has also been made available to the public for further input.
The City has created a feedback form on the City’s website to receive written comments.

Last week it was Samsung. Now, it’s Plug Power. According to a story in The Buffalo News, the Albany-based Plug Power has disclosed plans to erect five “green hydrogen” plants in the United States, including a $264 million facility at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in the Town of Alabama. The plant, which would produce green hydrogen for freight and materials handling equipment, is expected to be in operation by 2024, according to the published report. Previously, it was reported on The Batavian that Samsung is considering the placement of a $17 billion semiconductor plan at STAMP, a venture of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Congressman Tom Reed, along with every member of New York’s Republican Congressional Delegation, joined together and sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson requesting the Department of Justice immediately issue subpoenas for Governor Cuomo, the Secretary to the Governor, the New York State Commissioner of Health, and their staff on all documentation and communications related to their nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group also requested an update on the Civil Rights Division’s inquiry into New York State’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes. In a statement for the press, Reed said “Thousands of New York families who lost a parent or grandparent due to New York’s disastrous nursing home policies deserve nothing less than full transparency and accountability.”

Whether you call it “refunding” or “refinancing,” Genesee County stands to save a pile of money by consolidating a couple loans and reworking the payment plan. Speaking at the Genesee County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee meeting, County Treasurer Scott German said the municipality may have the opportunity to save more than $20,000 in interest costs over the next 13 years. He said…“It’s called refunding, but for us, regular folks, it’s refinancing.” The two debts in question, both Public Improvement Serial Bonds, are from 2009 and 2014, totaling $2 million and $4.7 million.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is reiterating his demands for legislative hearings into the Cuomo Administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes following a press conference held by legislative colleagues regarding a bombshell report from the Attorney General’s Office. It revealed the department was undercounting COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by as much as 50 percent. Additionally, Hawley is demanding a termination of the governor’s emergency powers, and also requesting that his colleagues in the Majority compel administration officials to attend legislative hearings on the matter by issuing subpoenas against them.

44-year-old Charles J. Rodriguez Sr. of West Main Street in Batavia has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson. His arrest stemmed from an incident Nov. 26 on Osterhout Avenue in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Rodriguez lit a bottle of flammable liquid and threw it at the front window of a residence on that street, breaking the window. The bottle did not go into the residence but it did cause a fire. An uninvolved person was inside the residence at the time and Rodriguez allegedly knew the person was in there. There was minor damage to the home…no one was injured. He was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court and is due there on Feb. 25.

Sheriff’s deputies report the arrest of 25-year-old Phllip Mitchell Gambino of School Street in Batavia. He was charged with second-degree menacing. It is alleged he menaced another person with a knife during a verbal altercation outside Walmart. Gambino was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Batavia Town Court on Feb. 11.

Governor Cuomo said yesterday that he is putting more power into the hands of local governments.  Now counties are allowed to offer shots to restaurant workers, taxi drivers and to facilities that serve people with developmental disabilities. It was also revealed yesterday the federal government will be increasing its COVID-19 vaccine supply to states. Plans are also in the works to provide vaccines directly to pharmacies.

The day after Valentines day new protections for Surrogates and parents go into effect.  The budget for 2021 included legalizing gestational surrogacy in New York State.  The new protections include life and health insurance paid for by parents and insurance to protect the parents from any losses while going through surrogate birth.

One of the biggest employers in Genesee county, Darien Lake Amusement Park is hiring for the 2021 season.  More than 1000 positions are open for the spring, summer and fall months.  To apply and for more information go to sixflags.com/darienlake

Michael Tomaszewski

The case against Batavia Funeral Director Michael Tomaszewski has been put off until March.
The 48 year old Tomaszewski is accused of bilking local families out of nearly a half-million dollars.
Authorities say Tomaszewski accepted money for prepayment of funeral services and failed to place that money in trust, as required by law. In other cases he was accused of receiving payment for services that were never performed.
Tomaszewski had been scheduled to appear in County Court yesterday but instead the case was adjourned until next month.
The delay is fueling speculation that a plea deal is in the works.

Charles Rodriquez Sr

A Batavia man has been arrested on a charge of 1st Degree Arson.
44 year old Charles Rodriquez was just arrested for causing a fire on Osterhout Avenue last November.
Police say Rodriquez hurled Molotov at the front window on a home causing the window to break and start a fire. No one was injured, although authorities said there was a person inside the home and Rodriquez knew it.
He is being held in county jail without bail.

The mother of a nine-year-old girl who was pepper-sprayed by Rochester police officers is planning to file a lawsuit against the city.
Elba Pope says last Friday’s incident in downtown Rochester traumatized her daughter, and that the girl only ran off because she was upset about an argument involving Pope’s ex-boyfriend. The girl was later handcuffed and pepper-sprayed in the back of a police car.
One of the officers involved is suspended while two others have been placed on leave.

Governor Cuomo says more New Yorkers have now been made eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Local governments are allowed to offer shots to restaurant workers, taxi drivers and to facilities that serve people with developmental disabilities. It was also revealed yesterday the federal government will be increasing its COVID-19 vaccine supply to states. Plans are also in the works to provide vaccines directly to pharmacies.

The New York State Department of Labor has announced that it has identified over 425,000 fraudulent unemployment benefit claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing fraudsters from stealing more than $5.5 billion in benefits. The Department has referred hundreds of thousands of fraud cases to federal prosecutors, and continues to work with law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local level to hold fraudsters accountable.

2020 was a slightly less hectic year for the Batavia City Fire Department. According to Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano, the total call volume for the year was down by approximately 5% as a result of the pandemic especially during the first and second quarters of the year. However, at this time, the call volume for the current year is trending higher. The Department last year handled a total of 2,264 calls for service, including 55 fires and more than 1,400 rescue and medical calls. The annual reports showed the busiest month was January and the slowest was April. Response times were under 4 minutes for 53% of the time.

New York’s statewide COVID-19 positivity rate is 5.47% and the 7-day average is 4.95%…it’s the first time since December 6^th that the rate has been below 5%. Right now, in the Finger lakes Region, 539 COVID patients are hospitalized and 397 patients are in Intensive Care. 146 deaths statewide were reported.

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Genesee County continues to shrink. On Tuesday, the health department reported just nine new cases. The infections involved residents of Batavia, Le Roy and eight other communities. Twenty-three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Twenty of the positive individuals are hospitalized. Orleans County reports 25 new cases with four people hospitalized. Meanwhile, Wyoming County officials reports just nine new cases.

More economic challenges in the Southern Tier…Siemen’s Energy, formerly Dresser-Rand, is expected to shutter its manufacturing operations in Olean next year. Employees were told Tuesday afternoon during a ‘Town hall’ type virtual meeting. One hundred jobs are headed out of town while another 400+ workers will be laid off. Last year, the manufacturing facility in Wellsville was shuttered by Siemen’s with the ‘office’ positions shifted to Olean, which is now in chaos.

The New York State Department of Labor has announced that it has identified over 425,000 fraudulent unemployment benefit claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing fraudsters from stealing more than $5.5 billion in benefits. The Department has referred hundreds of thousands of fraud cases to federal prosecutors, and continues to work with law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local level to hold fraudsters accountable. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Department of Labor has paid over $65 billion to more than 4 million New Yorkers – representing more than 30 typical years’ worth of benefits paid in just 11 months.

The New York State Department of Health is investigating the University of Rochester Medical Centers COVID-19 vaccination program. This comes after an internal email indicated people connected to the university, including donors, could be vaccinated ahead of prioritized groups at a special clinic. URMC released a statement Monday that this special clinic did not happen. However, the medical center added that 26 non-employees who received the email did get invited to a clinic meant for employees.

New York State is fining the Villages of Orleans 20 thousand dollars and the Federal Government are fining them 66 thousand after an investigation found that nurses and staff were not wearing PPE or properly sanitizing their hands or commonly used utensils and equipment and there was cross contamination between those who had COVID and those who did not.  One nurse said in an interview during the May investigation, “If we have the PPE, then I wear it but most of the time there is no PPE available on the unit.”  Staff also said proper PPE was locked in the director’s office.  The State Attorney General has an ongoing investigation this facility.

Tops friendly markets is receiving 96 percent fewer doses of the coronavirus vaccine than they were in January.  Down to 200 doses a week for the entire chain of 51 supermarket pharmacies from 6000 doses a week.  Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops Friendly Markets, says “We’re being told to vaccinate 65 years of age and older which is a very large percent of the population here in New York state. Unfortunately, we don’t have the means to do so. We don’t have the vaccines, we can’t vaccinate. We can’t make appointments for vaccines we don’t have,” She went on to say that in order to make an appointment people must go onto the Tops website and be prepared to refresh the page many times to see if an appointment becomes available.

Although Governor Cuomo said that getting high speed internet for cheap to all New Yorkers is a big desire of his during the state of the union week long address he has pocket vetoed a study to see who in NY doesn’t have reliable high speed internet.  The study was nearly unanimously approved by the state senate and assembly.  The governors office said that at 3 million dollars the study was too expensive.

COVID Update: Since Friday at 4pm  Genesee county has 46 new case and 50 people have recovered.  Orleans county has 36 new cases and 56 people have recovered.  5 of the new cases are at Orchard Rehab and Nursing.  There have been 4 deaths from covid in Orleans county, 3 of those who have passes are community members and one was a resident at Orchard Rehab and Nursing.  There are 151 active cases in Genesee county and 98 in Orleans.

The Sabres game against the Islanders at 6 tonight has been rescheduled.  The NHL says that the weather and the Sabre’s decision to fly has made contact tracing and precautions impossible so the game is cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Genesee County is trending down.
The county’s positivity rate yesterday was 3.5-percent…about equal to the rate for the entire Finger Lakes Region.
The statewide average for yesterday was 4.4-percent.
All percentages have been trending downward over the past three weeks.

One Rochester police officer is suspended and two others are placed on leave following an incident where a nine-year-old girl was pepper-sprayed. Police were called to Avenue B on Friday after receiving a report about a disturbance involving the child and her custodial parent. Things escalated and the girl was pepper-sprayed while handcuffed in the back of a police car. State Attorney General Letitia James says her office is looking into the incident that she’s calling disturbing and unacceptable.

Children who live in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 are eligible to be registered for a Universal prekindergarten (UPK) program for the 2021-2022 school year.
The children attend five days per week, each day, for 180 days, and there is no direct out-of-pocket cost. Transportation is provided for students who are 4 years old. Registration paperwork needs to be returned by mail or in person to the Oakfield elementary school office by March 5.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer claims an aggressive new stimulus package is urgently needed to lift the U.S. out of the depths of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The New York Democrat said it must be sweeping and bold. He argued Congress cannot “dither and delay.” Schumer noted Democrats in the Senate and House are ready to make procedural moves to pass a nearly two-trillion-dollar stimulus package without Republican help. Republicans have balked at the steep price tag. A group of ten Senate Republicans is proposing a much smaller stimulus package.

After a couple of games at home, the Buffalo Sabres will be back on the road tonight on Long Island. Buffalo is coming off of a five-to-three loss at the hands of the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. Face-off for this evening’s contest is set for six p-m.

Genesee County reports 46 new COVID cases since Friday. Twenty people are hospitalized but officials say 50 others have recovered. The latest infections involve residents more 13 communities. Meanwhile, health officials in Orleans County report 36 new positive cases and three more deaths involving community residents. Two of the individuals were under the age of 65 and one of the individuals was over the age of 65. In addition, officials report the COVID-related death of a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. The resident was under age 65. Twenty-five new cases have been confirmed since Friday in Wyoming County. Ninety-two remain in isolation.

When you stop at a gas station, you’ll likely realize prices are up. The New York State average is $2.51 – up 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.66. Batavia pump prices are up a penny. Pump prices are increasing while gas demand is dropping, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Although gas demand dropped, and total refinery utilization decreased, pump prices have increased moderately, signaling that expensive crude oil prices are driving the price.

In an effort to compel an independent investigation into reported bombshell allegations unveiled by the Attorney General’s nursing home report last week, NY Finger lakes Senator Tom O’Mara, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, has advanced a motion calling on the Committee to issue a subpoena to the New York State Department of Health for the nursing home data and related communications. Instead of considering the motion before the committee, Senator James Skoufis, Chair of the Committee on Investigations, dismissed it on a questionable procedural argument, even going as far to mute Senator O’Mara’s microphone during the meeting.

Children who reside in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 are eligible to be registered for a Universal prekindergarten (UPK) program for the 2021-2012 school year. The children attend five days per week, each day, for 180 days, and there is no direct out-of-pocket cost. Transportation is provided for students who are 4 years old. Students that start the program at 3 years old must be transported by the family until they turn 4. Registration paperwork needs to be returned by mail or in person to the elementary school office by March 5. Space is limited so please return the paperwork as soon as possible in order to avoid being placed on a wait list.

The distribution of free food for local residents may not be grabbing the headlines the way it did at the start of the pandemic but the programs haven’t stopped and the need has not subsided. Ryan Macdonald is pastor at City Church, which conducts free food distributions on Wednesday mornings at St. Anthony’s on Liberty Street. They’re currently feeding 500 families a week. While the Salvation Army is not distributing as much food as it did when the pandemic first started, its three-day-week distribution on East Main Street is still exceeding the pre-pandemic demand for food.

NY State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte on Monday decided to delay the results of the 22nd Congressional District race for about another week. Syracuse.com reported DelConte, overseeing the last undecided Congressional race in the country, made the decision to prolong the race even more after a last-minute challenge from Democract Anthony Brindisi, who is fighting to keep the House seat from Republican Claudia Tenney. At last count, Tenney led Brindisi by 122 votes of more than 316,000 cast for the two candidates. She appeared to pick up a handful more Monday morning during a court-ordered examination of several ballots that hadn’t yet been reviewed.

Sen Charles Schumer (D-NY)

Senator Chuck Schumer announced today that he is including legislation that will help NY brewers, vintners, cider makers and distillers by reducing excise taxes for the industry.  Beer gets a reduction on taxes per barrel below 60 thousand barrels.  Wine and hard cider gets a new tiered tax credit system and Spirits get a reduced rate for the first 100 thousand proof gallons produced or imported.  Schumer says that it will benefit craft beverage alcohol producers, wineries and spirits producers across the state which provide over 200 thousand jobs to New Yorkers and 20 billion dollars to the state GDP.

Senator Chris Jacobs has recognized Margaret Peri of Batavia as the New York 27th Congressional District Veteran of the Month for January of 2021.  “Her selfless and dedicated service exemplifies what it truly means to be an American, and I am honored to designate her NY-27’s Veteran of the Month.” Says Jacobs.  Peri served in the Army from 1975 through 1978. Throughout her military service, she was a Chapel Activities Specialist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and earned the Army Commendation Medal.  After being honorably discharged she served the people of Genesee County for more than 38 years in the Department of Social Services.

Starting February 12^th Darien Lake Amusement Park is going to be offering a drive in laser lightshow.  The Drive In half hour Rockin’ Laser Light spectacular will be held in the parking lot and is free for current members and season pass holders but reservations are required.  Tickets are being sold on the park website for 14.99.  The shows go from the 12^th to the 21^st, and then the 26 through the 28^th and March 5 through 7^th.   There will be three viewings per night.

Seneca Park Zoo will allow kids to come see the animals for free during the month of February.  Every Adult who buys a ticket can bring up to 5 kids under12 for no charge.  Tickets for adults are 10 dollars.  The polar bear, red pandas, and snow leopards are out more frequently in the winter months in Rochester and the Hours at the zoo are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Buffalo Sabres lost to the New Jersey Devils Sunday afternoon 5 to 3. Curtis Lazar, Rasmus Dahlin and Rasmus Ristolainen scored goals in the second and third periods.  The Sabres will be at the New York Islanders home ice on Tuesday at 6pm.