Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation concerning a larceny report received on April 21.

The victim was contacted via phone by an unknown person who reported themselves to be a relative and indicated that they were under arrest by law enforcement and in need of money for bail. Under this pretense, the victim agreed to pay the bail money, and arrangements were made for the exchange of monetary funds for bail.

The suspect told the victim that they would be sending a courier to the victim’s home to pick up the money. Shortly following the phone conversation, a subject arrived at the victim’s residence under the ruse of being a courier for the family member’s attorney, and an exchange of cash was made.

A second phone call was then made to the victim indicating that the bail amount had been increased and more money was needed. A second exchange was arranged via the same ruse of using a courier.      

The initial suspect who arrived posing as the courier is described as a Hispanic male under 26 years old, wearing a red and gray sweatsuit and a baseball cap, no vehicle description.

A second suspect who also posed as a courier is described as a thin build white male with shoulder-length dirty blond hair, wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and black, frayed jeans, driving a white box-style van.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is also aware of two other similar incidents in the area. One of which an exchange of money occurred, the other effort was thwarted by a family member who was aware of this type of scam.  

We would like the public to be aware of this scam and we believe the perpetrators of these crimes are targeting the elderly. As a reminder, please remain aware and be suspect of phone calls you may receive from unknown sources. As a general practice, do not provide any financial information to callers from unknown sources.  

Contact Genesee County Sheriff’s Office if you have information regarding similar incidents or receive phone calls of this nature. The nonemergency Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center number is (585) 343-5000 or call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

Photo submitted by JoAnne Meiser of yesterday's sunset in Pembroke.

Eric Zwieg, a writer and musician from Batavia, reads "Sometimes We Wake Transformed" by Jason Irwin for National Poetry Month.

The Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association New York Chapter today honored three Genesee County municipal professionals and the Ellicott Trail walking/bicycle path project team with awards for 2020 during a ceremony via Zoom videoconferencing.

This year’s APWA award winners include:

• Timothy Hens, Genesee County highway superintendent and engineer, Public Works Leader of the Year;
• Thomas Lichtenthal, Town of Batavia assistant engineer and highway superintendent, Professional Manager of the Year/Transportation;
• Steven Carroll, Village of Le Roy water/wastewater superintendent and plant operator, Charles Walter Nichols Award for excellence in the environmental field.
• Ellicott Trail, the 4.9-mile venture of the Town and City of Batavia and Genesee County, Project of the Year, Small Cities/Rural Communities.

Peter Vars, left, president of the Genesee Valley Branch of the APWA New York Chapter, and Timothy Hens.

TIMOTHY HENS

Hens has served Genesee County since 1998 following five years of success as an engineer in the Air Force, where he served as a civil engineer, transportation and facility design engineer and chief of engineering at three different bases. He also traveled to the Middle East where he oversaw construction in seven different countries as an environmental compliance officer, and worked closely with the United Nations in dealing with hazardous waste in Iraq.

The APWA noted that he is well-respected at the local, state and national levels and acknowledged his many accomplishments during his 22 years as Genesee County highway superintendent, and director of facilities, county airport and parks.

Per the nomination:

“Tim’s influence extends beyond the county level as an active member of the state County Highway Superintendents’ Association (he was its president in 2014). He was president of the National Association of County Engineers in 2019, where he worked closely with other county leaders across the nation to advocate for the importance of local infrastructure. His connections have helped bring funding sources to local governments across NYS.”

His accomplishments in Genesee County include: leading a $52 million countywide water system improvement project that expanded public water to hundreds of households and businesses; another $90 million countywide water system expansion that is ongoing; a $25 million project to upgrade the Genesee County Airport; and the $9.2 million County Sheriff’s Office administration building and emergency communications facility project.

In accepting the award, Hens said “I’m only able to accept the award because I have tremendous staff and family behind me. Public works, obviously, takes a lot of time from your schedule. Sometimes you get called out at 1 in the morning and you don’t get back home until 12 o’clock at night the next day, and your family is wondering where you are the whole time.”

He credited his project managers and staff, and his deputies – Paul Osborn, Dave Wozniak and Laura Wadhams – and Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Chris Klein, Airport Manager Jason Long, and front office staff of Laura Mullen and Lisa Grice.

“These are the people that I lean on heavily and, quite honestly, it’s relationships like that that let you get the work done,” he said. “Our staff at the highway department all the way down to the flagmen that we hire for the summer do an outstanding job and really allow us to do what we do.”

Hens emphasized the strong relationships that Genesee County has forged over the years with other highway superintendents and the numerous consultants, engineers and architects that contract with the county on various projects.

“Without these relationships, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

Vars and Thomas Lichtenthal

THOMAS LICHTENTHAL

Lichtenthal was recognized for his “exceptional leadership and management” of the transportation-related Ellicott Trail project and for his many achievements in the public transportation field.

He has served the Town of Batavia for the past 10 years, and prior to that was a consulting transportation engineer. He worked on many notable public works projects, such as the University Avenue Art Walk and the Stutson Street Bridge in Rochester.

More recently, he has managed the successful completion of projects in the Batavia area, including the Ellicott Trail, the Ag-Park Drive and the Kiwanis Park inclusive playground.

APWA officials cited his “visionary leadership, commitment and dedication” over his career, noting that he has a variety of duties as a Town of Batavia employee.

Per his nomination:

“A large part of his current duties are managing engineering projects, planning snow and ice removal schedules, and budgeting for new equipment and personnel, but other duties may find him in the field on a backhoe, digging a new drainage ditch or trying to repair a service vehicle or truck that has broken down in the field.”

As he accepted the award, Lichtenthal thanked three people, specifically, and all of the town, county and city workers who pulled together to make the Ellicott Trail a reality.

“There are three key people who taught me a lot about engineering and project management,” he said. “My mentor out of college, George Mason … who taught me to pay attention to the details … Wilson Ballard, the CEO of the first company I worked for … who said to always be focused on the big picture … make sure you’re heading in the right direction … and my wife, Jean, who taught me about teamwork and about what it takes to make a project work – the people.”

Vars and Steven Carroll

STEVEN CARROLL

Carroll was honored for his expertise and perseverance in managing staff needs and aging infrastructure to troubleshooting operational issues at the Village of Le Roy wastewater plant on Red Mill Road.

A Retsof resident, Carroll has worked in Le Roy for six years following a 13-year stint at the Livingston County Water & Sewer Authority.

In 2017, he was named Operator of the Year by the New York Water Environment Association for turning around an underperforming wastewater plant, and, according to APWA officials, he continues to consistently go above and beyond when it comes to preserving the community’s clean waterways.

Per his nomination:

“(Steve) has shown leadership while managing through a loss of an assistant operator and helping his remaining staff members obtain their operator’s licenses. He is a problem-solver who took a multitasked approach to tackling a bacterial foaming problem at his plant and also an illegal source of septage into his system. Professionalism and performance of his duties are a true benefit to the Le Roy community and our collective environment.”

In accepting the award, Carroll thanked his wife, Lonni, employees Rob Semmel and Andre Carmel, and the Village of Le Roy for their support.

“This was really a big surprise,” he said. “It’s one thing to know you’re doing your best, but it’s completely an honor for someone to say, ‘Hey, good job, you’re doing it the right way.’ ”

The award was established in 1951 by Charles Walter Nichols of Nichols Engineering Research Corporation to recognize outstanding and meritorious achievement in the environmental field in its broadest sense. Eligibility includes those who work in disciplines such as disposal and recycling, sewers and sewage treatment, water supply, and water treatment.

Vars presents award to Steve Mountain, surrounded by members of the Ellicott Trail project team.

ELLICOTT TRAIL PROJECT TEAM

APWA officials said the $1.6 million Ellicott Trail is “a true example of public-private partnership with collaboration between four public agencies, engineering consultants and numerous citizens.”

Barton & Lojuidice assisted on a preliminary design, while the Town of Batavia handled the final design and right-of-way coordination. The 10-foot wide, 4.9-mile trail features on- and off-road elements, including three new bridges, with a section that goes through Elmwood Cemetery and winds through two parks.

The state Department of Transportation provided local project oversight, Ravi Engineering provided on-site construction and quality control; and Keeler Construction built two of the bridges. The third was donated and constructed by Genesee County.

The trail was paid for by the Town and City of Batavia, Federal Highway Administration, the DOT and New York State.

Steve Mountain, Town of Batavia engineer, accepted the award on behalf of the entire project team.

“So much as gone into this community project over the last seven years,” he said. “To that end, this award is very gratifying and humbling for everyone involved. The project began with the community and it ended with a very satisfied and appreciative community.”

Mountain mentioned the trail’s picturesque rural setting, and acknowledged Keeler Construction along with city, town and county workers for their roles in keeping the cost down.

“And, of course, it wouldn’t have been a success without all of our partners,” he concluded, thanking the DOT, Genesee Transportation Council, Ray Tourt and the City of Batavia, Hens and Genesee County, Chad Zambito, Tony Mancuso, Pete Zeliff, the entire steering committee and the town’s engineering staff.

--------------

The Genesee Valley Branch of the APWA New York Chapter covers six counties – Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Monroe, Wayne and Ontario. Its 100 members are public works professionals, consultants, contractors and vendors. It is one of five branches in New York.

For more information, go to its website – www.newyork.apwa.net.

An injury accident is blocking Route 20 in the area of 1013 Broadway, Darien, between Harlow and Warner roads.

Darien fire and ambulance are on scene.

Press release:

Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.

USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”

In Genesee County, the USDA today announced these federal loans and a grant for infrastructure in two towns:

Town of Bethany -- $16,680,000 loan: This Rural Development investment will be used to expand public water service to residents and businesses located outside of the existing service area. The new water district will relieve the financial and logistical burdens of replacing or repairing failing private weel water system, minimize threats to public health and will provide water for fire protection. The total project cost is $16,686,000 with a direct loan for $16,680,000, and an applicant contribution of $6,000.

Town of Pembroke -- $1,145,000 loan + $904,000 grant: This Rural Development investment will be used to create the Pratt Road Water District in the Town of Pembroke. Funding will replace and repair failing private well water systems. The improvements will help enhance public health and provide water for fire protection.

************************************************************

Press release from Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27)

“I applaud the USDA’s continued commitment into ensuring Western New York farmers and residents in rural communities have access to clean drinking water," Jacobs said. “Many rural communities in my district have outdated water delivery systems. This funding helps modernize that infrastructure and will serve as an economic boost. I will keep working to ensure these investments and improvements are made so residents throughout our region are supported.”

Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. said “Securing this funding has been a major priority of mine. I want to thank the USDA for this funding and for the great rural development work they do. With this funding, Bethany will now be able to cover close to 90 percent of our town with public water service.”

Press release:

• Genesee County reporting 16 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. 
• Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

​

Orleans County reporting 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
• Five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the new positive individuals were previously on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility.

Celebrate Earth Day and help keep the park beautiful and the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife!

Submitted photos and press release:

Would you like to try growing your own vegetables this summer? There are still ready-for-planting raised beds available at the City of Batavia Community Garden.

Whether you are a novice or seasoned gardener we welcome you to join us at MacArthur Park. There are trained Master Gardeners on hand to assist you in the all natural square foot methods of gardening.

It's Earth Day 2021, the first one we've commemorated while under a mask mandate because of the coronavirus pandemic, so maybe we should talk about what mass mask wearing means for the environment?

A lot, it turns out, according to Mike Waller, Rochester Regional Health’s director of Sustainability, who spoke with reporters this morning about keeping masks away from animals and using masks that do less to deplete natural resources, such as reusable masks.

"I have three kids, and I want to say we probably have like a hundred different reusable masks at this point," Waller said. "They are really not that expensive any longer. But if you are using a disposable mask, there are ones made with more environmentally friendly materials made such as hemp and other natural fibers. If you do dispose of them, there really is no good way to recycle them because they are made from multiple materials. And so disposing of them in the regular trash, as you would any other items, is the best way to go."

It's not feasible financially for recycling companies to break down masks into their component parts so they can be processed into materials to make new products. But if disposables aren't disposed of properly, they're not only an eyesore on our city streets, they become a problem for wildlife. Potentially, a deadly one.

"A lot of turtles like them when they end up in the waterways," Waller said. "I read that mold and algae grow really easily on these masks. When that happens, it just looks like there's a green floating piece of algae. Fish and turtles think it's food and then they'll swallow the whole mask."

"Make sure they go in the trash," he said. "That's definitely the number one thing to do."

Reusable masks can, of course, be used dozens of times (washed between uses) and maybe hundreds of times before they need to go to a landfill. That will cut down on swallowing up the earth's resources to make masks.

While Waller isn't an epidemiologist and can't predict the course of the pandemic, he expects, as a personal opinion, that mask wearing will be with us for a good long time yet.

"I always thought it would take quite a few years," Waller said. "I think of my three kids in school and some of the folks in the school the district, they share, they predict we'll have masks through next year as well in the school. I think that that would probably make sense as well. I hope like everybody else, it's no longer than that.

"But, you know, I notice with my kids, I think it's very interesting, they don't -- my youngest is 3 -- and they don't really care about wearing masks at all. It's really not a big deal to them. And they do a great job of keeping them on. It's usually the adults that have all the issues."

Genesee County's unemployment rate for March was 6.1 percent according to the NYS Department of Labor, which is a percentage point higher than the previous year, the month local pandemic-related lockdowns started.

While layoffs started in late March 2020, the reported unemployment was 5.2 percent. The layoffs didn't hit the books through unemployment claims until April when the rate jumped to 15.9 percent, the highest local unemployment rate since 1990 (the earliest data available from the DOL). In May, the rate was 11.1 percent and the rate has remained in single digits since then.

The lowest rate for March since 1990 was in 2019 when the rate was 4.6 percent.

The labor force for Genesee County (people who have work or are seeking work) was 28,200 in March, the lowest level since at least 1990. A year ago it was 28,700 and 29,100 in 2019.  

There are 26,500 people living in the county who are employed and 1,700 without jobs who are seeking jobs.

The state's unemployment rate is 8.5 percent and the nation's is 6.2.  

There were 20,700 non-farm jobs reported in Genesee County for March compared to 22,200 in 2020.

Government jobs declined from 5,700 to 5,200 and private sector jobs declined from 16,500 to 15,500.

Buffalo developer Sam Savarino, who has been working for years to close financing on Ellicott Station (former Soccio & Della Penna and Santy's Tire properties), met via Zoom this morning with the Batavia Development Corp. Board of Directors and gave the members an update on the progress of the project, which should start with site cleanup soon.

Press release:

Registration is still open for the free local electronics recycling event in Batavia on May 15.

The Brockport-based electronics recycling company Sunnking is handling the recycling.

In the spirit of Earth Day -- today, April 22 -- this year's theme is "Restore Our Earth."

Due to coronavirus health and safety protocols, residents will be REQUIRED to register online for a drop-off time slot, or reserve a spot by calling (585) 637-8365.

Register online at sunnking.com/events. Registration closes when time slots are booked up or by 4 p.m. the day before the event.

You must register to print out a ticket to take to the event in order to get in.

Here's a link to a list of materials that are acceptable; here the list of what's unacceptable.

REMEMBER to neatly pack your recyclables in the back of your vehicle for easy unloading. Limit of 4 CRT (tube) monitors or TVs per vehicle.

Due to the rising costs of recycling and the coronavirus pandemic, Sunnking also asks supporters for an optional monetary donation to continue providing the environmentally responsible service. Sunnking collects an average of 100 tons of electronics per event.

WHO: Sunnking Electronics Recycling

WHAT: Local electronics recycler, Sunnking, is holding its initial round of FREE e-recycling events for 2021. 

WHEN:

• Batavia -- May 15 / 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.​

​WHERE:

• Batavia -- Genesee Social Services Department, 5130 E. Main St.,#3 (Enter off Ag Park Drive West.)

​HOW:

Register online. Health and safety procedures will be in place to ensure a safe environment, including timed appointments, no-contact device removal, and dedicated drive-through lanes.

WHY:

Good stewardship of the Earth and its resources, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The lineup for this summer’s Rockin’ the Downs concert series at Batavia Downs Gaming is nearly complete, the facility’s director of marketing reported this morning following the monthly meeting of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.’s Board of Directors.

Ryan Hasenauer said that 11 of the 12 musical artists have been confirmed and the 12^th, which will perform on June 18, is expected to sign on by May 1.

The Friday night series will commence on June 11 with Almost Queen, a Queen tribute band, and conclude on Aug. 27 with Spin Doctors.

“We’re working on tier ticket pricing as some concerts will be priced higher than others, and tickets will go on sale next Thursday,” Hasenauer said.

Other concert series is follows:

June 11 -- Almost Queen (Queen tribute band);

June 18 -- TBA;

June 25 -- Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey);

July 2 -- Molly Hatchet;

July 9 -- Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles);

July 16 -- Tommy James and the Shondells;

July 23 -- Skid Row;

July 30 -- The Grass Roots;

Aug. 6 -- The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute);

Aug. 13 -- Queensryche;

Aug. 20 -- Puddle of Mudd;

Aug. 27 -- Spin Doctors.

In other developments from today’s meeting:

• Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach reported that WROTB will distribute $80,241 in surcharge revenues to member municipalities for March and $174,752 in operational earnings to the municipalities for the first quarter of 2021.

• Director of Branch Operations Sean Schiano revealed that Batavia Bets, the corporation’s interactive online betting platform, has bounced back significantly when compared to previous months and years.

Batavia Bets’ handle was $1.5 million in March and is more than $1 million thus far in April – increases of more than 60 percent from the previous year. Year to date, the handle is $5.4 million, up more than $2 million compared to the same time period in 2020.

• Directors formally approved the purchase of The Hotel at Batavia Downs from ADK Hospitality LLC, for $7.5 million as well as a contract with Hart Hotels to manage the facility through Dec. 31, 2023 at a monthly fee not to exceed $7,000.

• Directors voted in favor of a resolution to spend up to $40,000 with Hanson Aggregates for materials needed to resurface the harness horse racing track and re-bank the turns.

Todd Haight, director/general manager of live racing, said approximately 1,500 tons of stone dust and racetrack mix will be spread on the track to alleviate problems caused by weather-induced erosion.

He also said he is in the process of finalizing live racing dates for this year.

• President/CEO Henry Wojtaszek said 10 more machines have been added to the gaming floor, increasing the number of “live” machines to about 500. Batavia Downs Gaming has close to 900 machines but some are not in use due to current COVID-19 restrictions.

The wall of the board room at Batavia Downs Gaming includes two reproductions of programs from days gone by. This one depicts the official program from Nov. 16, 1957. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Elba resident Bill Kauffman reads 'To a Siberian Woodsman' by Wendell Berry for National Poetry Month.

The Batavia Blue Devils came ready to play Tuesday night, taking on Palmyra-Macedon and then dominating the Red Raiders for a 48-7 victory.

The win keeps them undefeated at 6-0 and slots them as the #2 seed heading into sectionals.

The semifinal game will be against Newark at 6 p.m. Sunday against Newark. The winner of that game will play the winner of Honeoye Falls-Lima vs. Pal-Mac. HFL is the #1 seed and if HFL wins, the championship game will be played at HFL.

Terrez Smith rushed for 204 yards on 17 carries. He scored three touchdowns. Carter McFollins carried the ball 11 times for 86 yards and a TD. QB Jesse Reinhart was 7-12 for 71 yards and a TD.  

Alex Hale caught three passes for 44 yards and a TD.

The Red Raiders were able to intercept Reinhart three times but the Batavia defense held firm after each turnover. Kaden Marucci had 16 tackles, an interception, a blocked punt, and two sacks. Mathew McWethy, seven tackles, Dan Saeva, seven, Garrett Schmidt, six, and Reinhart two tackles and an interception. 

Photos by Steve Ognibene. To view or purchase prints, click here.

Jason Molino is returning to the GLOW region.

Molino, the City of Batavia manager for 11 years prior to leaving in January 2018 to become administrator for Tompkins County, has accepted the executive director post with the Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority based in Lakeville.

“For me, it was several things,” Molino said by telephone this afternoon. “It was the right move for my family -- wanting to spend more time with my family. I love the work I’ve done here, I love the community and the people I work with are phenomenal, but this really is a personal decision.”

Molino said he was looking forward to “a little more balance” in his life as he moves closer to extended family members who live in Western New York.

“This is an opportunity to continue to do good public work, which is important, as well as find a good balance in life that I want with my family,” he said.

Molino is married to the former Anna Lesh of Batavia. They have three daughters -- Sophia, 21; Stella, 10; and Charley, 8, and a son, Jason Jr., 6.

He begins his new role on June 14. He replaces Michelle Baines, who reportedly left for another job.

The 41-year-old Molino has experience in the water and sewer segment of municipal government, having been involved in a leadership capacity when the City of Batavia negotiated its latest water and sales tax agreements with Genesee County.

He said he is aware of Genesee’s current water project and said that Livingston County has similar opportunities to expand water supply to other parts of the county.

“We are looking to partner with other towns and villages on distribution (water) system management or collection (sewer) system management, and possible expansion of consumer capacity as well – all stuff that I feel comfortable with and was able to work on when in Batavia, whether it was water-related or sewer-related,” he said.

Molino is highly regarded in Tompkins County, with major accomplishments being the establishment of county’s Office of Veterans Services and hiring of its first director, establishment of the county’s first chief equity and diversity officer, and the review and recommendation to merge the Mental Health and Public Health departments.

He also led the county’s Reimagining Public Safety Collaborative in partnership with the City of Ithaca. In March of 2020 Molino declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has led Tompkins County through the crisis, instituting innovative measures to counteract sales tax shortfalls.

In a press release, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, thanked Molino for his service, sharing that “Jason has served this county with integrity every single day in this role. He has brought a thoughtful presence as our administrator, showing deep support for our staff and fiduciary tact putting together budgets under ever-more-complicated circumstances.”

Mark McKeown, board chair of the Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority, said in a press release that Molino was hired following a thorough search and extensive interview process.

“Jason’s experience, background and leadership will serve LCWSA and its future very well,” McKeown said. “We are looking forward to having Jason join our LCWSA team and bringing his experience and perspective to our group.”

Press release:

Genesee County reporting four new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The new positive cases reside in the:
  • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
• The individuals are in their 20s, 30s and 40s. 
• Six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
• We are saddened to report the loss of one community resident. The individual was over 65. We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families. Our deepest condolences to the families and friends during this very difficult time.

 

Orleans County reporting 20 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
• Twelve of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the new positive individuals were previously on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

A motor-vehicle accident in Corfu is reported at 1711 Genesee Street near Boyce Road. Wires are down. A first responder on scene reports wires lying across the vehicle. The driver and sole occupant is said to be in and out of consciousness; unknown injuries.

Corfu fire command says the patient cannot be accessed until National Grid arrives and removes the wires. Mercy medics are on scene.

The vehicle is off the road, in a ditch, in the mud.

Darien was called but put back in service.

"I believe this is a phone line," says command about the downed wire. 

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: National Grid is not needed; it is confirmed that it's a phone line. Patient is out of the vehicle. At least one utility pole is damaged.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: The vehicle will need a winch out; it's 15 feet off the roadway in thick mud.

UPDATE 4:57 p.m.: The Corfu assignment is back in service.