Stories from

Press release:

In light of the current pandemic, the City of Batavia Fire Department has embraced the advice of the Genesee County Health Department and implemented a number of significant changes to our operational model and service delivery.

It is our intent and a concerted effort to assist in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus).

Our service to the public remains our main mission. We are here to serve you and we must bring about these changes to ensure that we are able to continue to provide the highest levels of service during this most unsettling time. 

As a result, the City of Batavia Fire Department has put into action the following safeguards effective immediately:

• First and foremost, if you have an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately and the fire department will be dispatched to you as normal.
• Fire Headquarters located at 18 Evans Street will be locked and secured at all times. Anyone requesting assistance or information can utilize the phone located in the front vestibule of the station, which will contact a member of our staff who will be able to assist you.
• All outside activities hosted at the firehouse have been cancelled, as well as many of our internal programs.
• We have adopted a revised EMS response model in an effort to protect our staff and our community. We continue to respond to all medical emergencies, however, the appearance along with patient contact of our staffing will be modified.
• Firefighters will be practicing “social distancing” techniques as instructed by the County’s Health Department. Please understand that this is for your protection as well as that of fire department staffing.
• Our community risk reduction programs, including car seat inspection and installations, commercial building inspections, EMT and CPR classes along with fire prevention and education have been suspended until further notice. However, this does not include our smoke detector installation and inspection program. Please call 585-345-6375 to schedule an appointment for fire department staffing to inspect, install or change batteries as normal.
• If you are in need of a copy of a fire report please call 585-345-6375 before responding to the Station, you will be given directions on how to proceed with your request at that time.
• If you would like to speak with a fire officer or the fire chief, we ask that you call 585-345-6375. Fire department staff will forward your call to the appropriate person. In the event that they are unable to assist you immediately, staff will obtain your information and someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

You, the public can help by following the recommendations of maintaining social distancing of 6 feet or more between other people, frequently washing your hands, and self-monitoring for cold or flu like symptoms such as fever, cough or upper respiratory infections.

If you do have these symptoms, please tell your medical providers right away so they can assist you in the best ways possible. We ask that you consult the Genesee County Public Health Department website for additional information about the COVID-19 virus.

Lastly, these procedures have been implemented to ensure that we can adequately respond to emergencies and to help safeguard both the public and firefighters from accidental exposure to the virus. 

As we move forward over the next several days and weeks, we value your patience and understanding as we work through these difficult days together. The fire officers and firefighters of the City of Batavia Fire Department will continue to deliver aid and assistance in any way possible to ensure that our community remains safe at all times.

Press release issued today March 17:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking public review of its draft Hunt Plan and compatibility determinations.

These documents are proposing changes to better align with New York state hunt regulations including strategies from our approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan from 2011.

Electronic and downloadable documents can be found here. 

Comments will be accepted until close of business today, March 17, and may be submitted via phone at 585-948-7030, email to:   tom_roster@fws.gov, or postal mail to Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013.

Press release:

Dear Holland Land Office Museum Supporters:

We at the Holland Land Office Museum have been watching the current situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The museum will be staying open during our regular business hours.

We are taking the proper precautionary measures within the museum and have instituted a vigorous cleaning schedule for our facilities and exhibit areas.

We have decided that although we will be staying open we are canceling our events through the rest of March and will be continually evaluating the situation as April approaches.

Furthermore, our Spring Antique Show at Genesee Community College on April 17^th & 18^th has been cancelled, though a search for a new date is underway.

Any other event that is cancelled the museum will be working to reschedule at a later date, so none of us miss out.

We have requested all of our volunteers refrain from coming to the museum until further notice as a precaution. We ask that all visitors adhere to our policy refraining touching the artifacts and display cases, and to use our sanitizing stations throughout the museum.

Any updates to our situation will be communicated through our website, Facebook page, and email.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the museum by phone at 585-343-4727 or by email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Press release:

As we continue to do all we can to serve the needs of our customers, beginning Wednesday, March 18, Tops Friendly Markets -- with locations in Genesee County in Batavia and Le Roy -- will change hours of operation at most of our stores from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to restock and continue to maintain the increased sanitation levels in our stores.

Stores that typically open later and close earlier will maintain their existing hours of operation. This also pertains to Tops Fuel sites. These revised hours will be in effect until further notice.

For more information on these and other details re: COVID-19 updates, please visit our website.

Submitted photo and press release:

When Batavia High School senior Tyler Murphy heard about a logo contest offered by the Rochester chapter of the American Welding Society, he thought he would create a design that reflects his style but also create something that reflects the work of the industry group.

AWS is a national organization with local and regional chapters, that promotes and encourages the welding trade.

Tyler is a Welding student at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. His inspiration for his drawing is his love of tattoos, and he wanted to incorporate something that portrayed America, hence the use of America's symbolic bird, the bald eagle.

Tyler has Andrew Geye to thank -- the Welding instructor at the Batavia CTE Center shared contest information with Tyler.

“(He) encouraged me to enter the contest," Tyler said. "He knows how much I enjoy drawing."

And Geye says he immediately thought of Tyler when he learned about the logo design competition for students.

“Tyler has a desire and ability to create art with metal and other mediums," Geye said. "Tyler’s drawing for the new AWS T-shirt logo showcases his ability but represents all types of talent here at the Batavia CTE Center.

"The metal trades not only promote the welding industry but advocates for students' success and achievement by cultivating students' confidence and ability through projects such as a logo design competition. I’m extremely proud of Tyler and the efforts he has demonstrated.”

Tyler’s design was selected as the first-place winner of this AWS logo contest and his efforts were recently recognized by Geyer, Paul Kesler, Batavia HS principal; Joe Hussar, Batavia HS counselor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal; and Matt Wolff, AWS Rochester section chairman.

“The AWS Rochester board voted on all designs submitted from local area schools, and Tyler Murphy is the winner," Wolff said. "The American Welding Society Rochester Section presented Tyler with a $500 award for a new T-shirt design."

Tyler was surprised by this award and when asked how he will use the $500, he replied, “I’m ecstatic that my design was chosen. I’m going to buy welding tools.”

The mission of the America Welding Society is to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying. With many local and region chapters, this national nonprofit organization, strives to advance the welding industry through many initiatives including membership, certification, education and research as well as publications and events.

Photo, from left: Joe Hussar, Batavia High School counselor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal; Matt Wolff, AWS Rochester section chairman; Tyler Murphy; Paul Kesler, Batavia HS principal; Andrew Geyer and Tim Gleba, Precision Machining instructor.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, located at 8276 Park Road in Batavia, will be closed until further notice out of commitment to be good citizens in helping to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  

The Chamber staff will continue to work remotely and can be contacted through email and voice mail at 585-343-7440. Contact information can be found on the Chamber website and the Tourism website.  

During this extraordinary period, the Chamber staff will work to share and promote any news and initiatives local businesses implement such as curbside delivery, special hours and discount promotions.

The Chamber will also use social media to pass on any best practices businesses are using during the pandemic as well as passing on any pertinent government information made available.  

Stay safe, stay calm and stay healthy,

Tom Turnbull

President

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

Press release from Genesee County Treasurer Scott German:

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office will be closed to walk-in business effective immediately. This closure will remain in force until further notice.

Anyone wishing to pay delinquent property taxes may find the amount due at our website. The payment can be mailed to our office.              

Anyone owing Town of Stafford taxes may submit payment by mail based on the amount due for March on their tax bill. After March 31^st, please refer to the website above.

Students requiring a Certificate of Residency for Community Colleges outside Genesee County may submit their signed, notarized applications along with a photocopy of their driver’s license by mail.

The mailing address for the Treasurer’s Office is:  Genesee County Treasurer, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY  14020

Vendors receiving payments from Genesee County could be delayed. We will do our best under the circumstances to pay everyone on time.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s understanding, should you have questions, feel free to contact my office at 585-344-2550 ext. 2210.

Pembroke Office Policies until further notice

Following orders issued by Governor Cuomo’s Office beginning Wednesday, March 18^th the Town of Pembroke Office’s will be CLOSED to the public until further notice. If absolutely necessary, appointments can be made by calling the offices. Essential employees will be in their office to check mail and email but will work limited office hours.

Town Clerk, 585-762-4105 town-clerk@townofpembroke.org

The Lobby will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow residents to drop off payments/paperwork in a designated drop box or can be mailed to 1145 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Receipts will be mailed back to you.

All March and April Dog License renewals will have until May 31^st to renew. Please call to make an appointment to file a death certificate.

If you need to renew a handicap permit, please call and one can be mailed out to you.

Town Assessor, 585-356-2150 assessor@townofpembroke.org

Call for appointment.

Building and Zoning, 585-762-4108 zoning-codes@townofpembroke.org  

Permits will still be issued but please call for an appointment. Some inspections may be handled via photograph or on site with limited personal interaction.

Town Court, 585-599-4817, ext.5

Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice. Please call with questions.

Town Supervisor cell 585-762-4107 or 585-409-8429 supervisor@townofpembroke.org

Please call with questions, concerns, or for an appointment.

The following meetings are cancelled:

• ZBA Meeting on March 18^th,
• Planning Board Meeting on March 25^th
• and Town Board Meeting on March 26^th.

A couple other reminders, the Burning Ban is in effect from March 15^th to May 15^th.

Brush pickup will commence the last two weeks in April or beginning of March dependent on the weather and COVID-19.

Tom Schneider, Town of Pembroke, Town Supervisor

PathStone HUD Section 8 Housing Program will be closed through Friday, March 20th.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is suspending office hours for the duration of March. This is being done to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus.

“This change is not being taken lightly, because I always want to be sure people can reach me and talk to me,” Hawley said. “But in the interest of preventing the spread of the coronavirus further, I am hoping my friends and neighbors will understand why this change is happening.

Despite the change in in-person availability, staff will be working remotely, and citizens are encouraged to call or e-mail Hawley’s office if they have any comments or questions.

Call: 585-589-5780

Email: shawley@smhawley.com

Assemblyman Steve Hawley
March Office Hours:

Genesee County: 
Genesee Community College, Room T124
Friday, March 27
1  – 3 p.m.

Press release from the New York State Police:

If you are experiencing an emergency, as always, call 9-1-1. When placing an emergency call, please advise dispatchers if you or any members of your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms. This information will ensure first responders can prepare to prevent the spread of any illnesses.

In addition, until further notice, the State Police are suspending employment fingerprinting, along with child safety seat checks at our stations.

Public safety is a mission priority for our Troopers. While we understand that suspending these services is an inconvenience to the public, this is an extraordinary circumstance. The State Police are committed to doing what we can to assist the State’s emergency response to COVID-19.

We will notify the public when these services, both employment fingerprinting and child safety seat checks, will once again be provided to the public. Please also check our online newsroom, nyspnews.com, for the latest updates. We will also be posting the updates to New York State Police social media pages, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Public Notice

Village of Le Roy -- Postponement of Election

In an effort to keep New Yorkers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today (March 17) issued an executive order delaying Village Elections statewide until April 28^th.

Therefore, the Village of Le Roy Election has been postponed from March 18, 2020 to April 28, 2020.

Public Notice

Press release:

Here's a list of the new policies at the Pavilion Town Hall for the coronavirus pandemic.

Public meetings will be posted on the town website with any special instructions or rules.

The big change is that Pavilion will be switching over its transfer station to be "self-serve" and rely on the honor system for people to dispose of their trash.

Town of Pavilion Outbreak Control Measures

In the continued effort to protect our entire community from the current viral epidemic the Town of Pavilion Government Offices will institute the follows measures, effective immediately.

Phone 585-584-3850

Town Clerk, ext. 201 clerk@townofpavilion.com

All face to face interaction will require an appointment. Please call or email to schedule. Dog license penalties will be waived for 30 days. Taxes should be mailed or left in the dropbox at town hall. Receipts will be mailed back to you. Handicap stickers, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, Hunting and Fishing Licenses will be issued by appointment.

Town Assessor, ext. 204 kennethrpike@gmail.com

Assessor hours are closed until further notice. 2020 assessment rates will be carried over from 2019 except in cases of new buildings, additions. Ken Pike can be reached on his cell phone at 585-355-0987.

Building and Zoning, ext. 205

Permits will still be issued but please call prior to submitting one. Some inspections are being handled via photograph or on site with limited personal interaction.

Library 585-584-8843

Library building is closed but curbside pickup is available. Please call or see the website for details http://hollwedellibrary.org/

Town Court, ext. 210

Town Court will be canceled for 45 days. Please call with questions.

Town Supervisor cell 585-245-1291, or ext. 202

Please call with questions, concerns, or for an appointment

Dump / Transfer Station

Residents may use the town transfer station on Saturday, March 21 with the following rules:

• There will be no employees working to assist in trash drop off.
• Each user is limited to TWO bags of trash.
• Recycling will be closed and both dumpsters used for trash.
• The building will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Please punch your own ticket, one punch per bag.
• If you do not have a ticket, please deposit $5 per bag into the Town Hall Dropbox.
• No special items are accepted at this time, just bagged trash.
• If you are unable to lift your bag into the dumpster please leave it next to the dumpster.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is taking all reasonable precautions to keep City employees and residents safe from contracting and spreading the flu and coronavirus.

To this end, the City of Batavia is announcing that the Clerk’s Office, located at One Batavia City Centre -- inside City Hall -- will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16^th at 4:30 p.m. until further notice.

The City has multiple options to assist you, and is happy to speak to you via phone and/or email if you have any questions. To contact the City Clerk’s Office please call (585) 345-6305, opt 5, opt 1.

Residents who need to make a payment to the City can use the drobox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card numbers, and have the option to mail checks.

Residents and customers looking to visit the City Manager’s Office and the Office of Public Works (building inspections and permits) are asked to call in advance before visiting the facility. Inspections can be reached at (585) 345-6345 and the City Manager’s Office can be reached at (585) 345-6330

The Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street will also close until further notice -- effective Tuesday March 17^th at 7 a.m.

A smoke detector is sounding in the stockroom of CVS drug store on West Main Street, Batavia. City fire is responding.

Press release:

In accordance with a directive given by Governor Cuomo, Batavia Downs Gaming and all off-track betting branches will be closed for business as of 8 o'clock tonight, Monday, March 16th.

The health and wellness of our guests and staff is our top priority and has been throughout this entire process as we have continued to work alongside our State and local governments as well as the New York Gaming Commission.

We will provide an update when the gaming floor and branches will reopen, taking into account guidance from the State’s public health authorities as soon as it is received.

Guests can continue to monitor our website and Facebook for any questions they may have.

We ask that you please follow the directives given by the government to help prevent the spread of the virus. We wish you and your family our best at this time.