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Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.13, down 3 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.61. The New York State average is $2.23 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.70.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.19 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.20 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.18 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.22 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.30 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.15 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.29 (no change since last week)

Refineries are switching over to winter-blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce and offers savings at the pump. As gas stations begin to sell the winter blend, we should see gas prices continue to drop.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gas demand increased from 8.29 million barrels per day to 8.55 million b/d. However, the current estimate for demand is 1.23 million b/d lower than the rate at this time in 2019.

Low demand, as total domestic stocks decreased as well, has helped pump prices decrease. As demand remains low, American drivers should expect pump prices to continue to decline this fall.

From GasBuddy:

"The drop in gas prices has accelerated in the last week as oil prices continue to slide on uncertainty over the election, stimulus and as coronavirus case counts soar, leading to more states rolling back their reopening plans," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"In just the last few days, it feels like uncertainty over a potential legal fight over the U.S. election has also risen to near panic levels, all of which throws more uncertainty into the ring, keeping the United States from potentially having a clear leader to turn things around.

For now, it's virtually guaranteed that the national average will fall to under $2 per gallon in the next two weeks, so motorists need not be in a rush to fill their tanks."

A global pandemic didn't dampen Halloween spirits in Batavia though many people took care to keep their distance and wear masks as trick-or-treaters descended on area homes.

These photos were taken on Redfield Parkway and Ellicott Avenue.

William Sheron

Why are you the best choice for Sheriff?
I am the best-qualified candidate for Sheriff of Genesee County. My vast law enforcement experience spans 43 years with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. I began my career at the age of 18 as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and advanced through the ranks of Jail Deputy, Road Patrol Deputy, Road Patrol Sergeant, Investigator Genesee County Drug Task Force, Chief Deputy Road Patrol, Undersheriff for 21 years, and Sheriff the past four years. In addition, I was honored to have been selected to attend and graduate from the prestigious FBI National Law Enforcement Academy in Quantico, Va.  

This experience and training provide me with a complete understanding of the demanding administrative responsibilities associated with the position of Sheriff. In this position, I have oversight of multiple divisions and personnel of the Sheriff’s Office which include Road Patrol, Criminal Investigation Division, 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, County Jail, Civil Bureau, Genesee Justice, Justice for Children Advocacy Center, Court Security, and Animal Control. I also serve as an active member with local and New York State agencies and committees working with officials on numerous matters to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Administrative duties also include the management of a nearly $15 million Sheriff’s Office budget.

The position of Sheriff is demanding and serves as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the county. It requires transparency to create accountability and build trust. For that reason, I released my entire, unredacted personnel file to the public to provide confidence in my honest work ethic and as evidence of my exemplary professional career.  

If elected, what reform or changes would you undertake during your term?
We have made great strides in my term as Sheriff and I will continue my work to keep the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office services at the level the county deserves. This requires continual training, accountability and transparency.

I will collaborate with County officials and the citizens of Genesee County to meet the requirements of NYS Governor’s Executive Order 203 (Reinventing Policing). Open and honest dialogue with members of our community is extremely important to develop best practices in policing. I welcome constructive feedback and encourage input to identify ways to improve our strategies.

I will continue to work with the Genesee County Legislature and the NYS Commission of Corrections on the construction of a new jail that meets our needs in the most economical way feasible.

I will continue efforts to push our state officials and Governor to repeal bail reform and provide judges the ability to confine dangerous criminals that jeopardize the safety of our citizens.

I will further my work with mental health officials and the specially trained officers of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to expand and offer Mobile Intervention Team (MIT) services to assist individuals with mental health illness on the scene during their times of crisis.

Substance abuse is one of the leading underlying factors of incarcerated individuals. We are working on an inmate reentry program for individuals that suffer from addiction. These programs are designed to assist incarcerated individuals with a successful transition to their community after they are released. Improving reentry is a critical component to reducing drug use and its consequences.

Domestic violence continues to plague our society. I will hold abusers responsible for their actions while providing specialized officer training, and access to support for domestic violence victims.

Nationally, law enforcement conduct has been under scrutiny for several years. In reviewing the in-custody deaths that have sparked controversy and protest, which of them do you believe are potentially examples of police misconduct, and which of them do you think the police conduct might be justified?
Based solely on information reported through the media, it appears that the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota represents an example of excessive force and police misconduct. Conversely, in the recent incident in Philadelphia in the death of Walter Wallace Jr., again, based solely on reported media, it would appear that the amount of force used was justified.

I would like to emphasize that before any final determinations can be made regarding any such incident, the entire evidence and factual information needs to be presented through our judicial system.  

You attended the March for Justice in Batavia over the summer. Some of your deputies have been critical of your attendance. Why did you think it important to attend this event?
As Sheriff of Genesee County, I represent ALL the citizens of our county. I welcomed the opportunity to listen to the concerns presented by individuals regarding policing and changes that may be needed. I believe that open exchange and discussions between citizens and law enforcement officials are critical to maintaining a free and fair society. It is an ever-changing world, we all have to be willing to make changes needed to live peacefully and productively.

What three books first published in English since the Enlightenment has informed you, influenced you or inspired you?
While books are certainly informative, I personally find relationships to be the most influential.

I am extremely fortunate to have worked with numerous dedicated, professional law enforcement officers throughout my career. I have learned a great deal from these officers and their guidance has influenced me tremendously. Through these relationships and experiences, I’ve learned that serving in law enforcement demands courage, knowledge, and integrity.

I am inspired to provide the citizens of Genesee County with a safe environment in which to live, work, and raise their families. I receive letters, phone calls, and emails of appreciation from county residents that remind me of this purpose, and affirm the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is doing great work.

I’m proud to serve as Sheriff for the citizens of Genesee County. I am influenced and inspired most by the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement and emergency service agencies who consistently go above and beyond to keep Genesee County safe.

David Krzemien

Why are you the best choice for Sheriff?
I am the best choice for Sheriff because I have passion, leadership and drive. I plan on being present and active in the county and within the Sheriff’s Office. I want to learn the inner workings of the Sheriff’s Office to make improvements and unite all employees, this includes road deputies, jail staff and dispatchers. Not only am I looking to create a better work environment for the employees of the Sheriff’s Office, but I am also looking to improve the community as a whole. I want safe and secure communities where people can be proud to raise their families. I want to close the gap between law enforcement and the community, we need to be open and honest with each other so that we can create safer communities.

If elected, what reform or changes would you undertake during your term?
If elected I plan to implement the following:

• Front Desk Position: I want the front desk manned for the majority of the day by a public servant to take walk-in complaints. We need to be available to the public when they need our assistance and this position will help ensure those voices are heard.
• Task Force: I want to create a team of members of the Sheriff’s Office and social work professionals in the county. This task force will respond to and follow up on domestic violence or mental health-related incidents. This team will offer support to both the victim and the aggressor to ensure each side is receiving the proper support/help they need.
• Annual Review Panel: Internally for our annual review, I would like to create a panel to rate the employees of the Sheriff’s Office. The panel will be made up of supervision and mentors to ensure that road deputies, jail staff and dispatchers are given the proper guidance to advance their careers.
• Use of Force Follow-up: Any time an officer has to use force in the field I want a review of the incident done shortly thereafter. By reviewing the incident we are able to learn from these scenarios, teach others, and take practical steps to ensure the safety of all moving forward.
• Connecting to the Community: I want to hear the concerns and comments our citizens have regarding law enforcement. To open up lines of communication between the public and law enforcement will aid in understanding the expectations that each side has of the other. Communicating and connecting with the community will bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public so we can work together to fight crime and create safer communities.

Nationally, law enforcement conduct has been under scrutiny for several years. In reviewing the in-custody deaths that have sparked controversy and protest, which of them do you believe are potentially examples of police misconduct, and which of them do you think the police conduct might be justified?
To be very frank, we do not have all the facts regarding the cases that have most recently sparked controversy. I am in no position to judge what happened based on secondhand knowledge or what the media is saying. No police officer goes to work with the intent to endanger the lives of another person. Most law enforcement agencies have been looking for ways to improve or change the way they police, all of this reform may actually help that come to fruition. We need to be forward-thinking when it comes to policing and how officers are being trained as opposed to how they were trained even 10 years ago. Officer safety is just as important as the safety of the citizens, we need to work together to bring change to our communities.

You did not attend the March for Justice in Batavia over the summer. Why not? If elected and a similar event were held in Batavia again, would you attend?
I did not attend the March for Justice out of respect for those peacefully protesting. I did not want people to think I was using the event for political gain/attention. People have a right to peacefully protest and if I were to have attended I believe I would’ve detracted from the people’s message. If a similar event were held while I was Sheriff, I would attend the event to ensure everyone’s safety. I would ensure all attendees were peaceful, and if there was a threat to that peace I would take action to protect the voice of the peaceful protesters.

What three books first published in English since the Enlightenment has informed you, influenced you or inspired you?
I’ve read "Effective Police Leadership" by Thomas Baker and used the text as a source of inspiration. I enjoy reading about leadership to learn new ways to be an effective and respected leader. I also read "Capital Gaines" by Chip Gaines and was inspired by the way the author Chip followed his dreams. He had the drive and passion to overcome obstacles to become a successful entrepreneur and leader of his family. Because of his experience, he is able to lead others to be just as successful. The most recent reading I’ve done is of the NYS Penal Law and the NYS Criminal Procedures Law, specifically article 245 regarding bail reform and discovery. Being up to date on the expectations of law enforcement with regard to criminal prosecution is vital to the Sheriff’s Office. To be the best leader I can be I need to know what is necessary for prosecution and be able to educate the deputies on how to best do their job in the field to result in a favorable outcome within the court system.

Today was pumpkin patch day for students at Wolcott School in Le Roy.  Students walked through the patch and picked their own personal pumpkins to take home.

Earlier today, we spoke with Ed Rath, running for the 61st State Senate District on Jackson Street in Batavia.

Turnout during early voting has been much higher than anticipated, said Election Commissioner Lorie Longhany.

More than 10 percent of Genesee County's 40,567 registered voters have shown up at the polling station inside County Building #2 on West Main Street, she said.

There isn't yet available a breakdown of how many voters from each party of turned out so far.

A poll worker told us yesterday that voters seem to like the early voting option and Longhany said that's the feedback she's been hearing.

"Yes, it does seem to be very popular and even when there is a line, the voters seem to be patient and courteous," Longhany said.

Photos and Story by Tom Rivers/Orleans Hub

The water tank that has been a part of the Elba landscape since 1934 came down just after 1 p.m. Tuesday. The standpipe held about 300,000 gallons of water.

It has been replaced by a new 750,000-gallon water tank that serves the village and also a growing water system throughout the town. (Elba has sent the construction of phase 7 of its town-wide water district out to bid.)

The water tank landed with a loud thud and unleashed a lot of mud, including several chunks that hit the Orleans Hub editor.

Iseler Demolition of Port Hope, Mich. brought a team of welders to take apart the tank. Iseler cut out sections on the bottom of one side of the tank, the same method used to cut down a tree.

Once an opening was cut out at the bottom of the tank, Iseler cut loose the last bolt used to help hold down the tank. The standpipe seemed to groan and then toppled over.

Iseler employees then went to work cutting the tank into pieces. Most of it will be recycled. Some small pieces will given to people in the village and town officials and people who worked on the project.

Elba Town Supervisor Donna Hynes was given the plaque on the tank on Monday, which noted when it was constructed. She has the plaque at the Town Hall right now.

Isler employees cut up pieces of steel from the bottom of the tank after it toppled over.

Elba Mayor Norm Itjen said the water tower has been standing his entire life and the entire lives of most local residents. The structure, which was about 80 feet high, could be seen several miles away down Route 98 from Batavia.

Itjen said he is pleased the community has upgraded its water system with new waterlines, a new water tank, and a different water provider. Elba was using a well off Barrville Road. Elba switched to the Genesee County water system about two years ago with the water coming from the City of Batavia.

Itjen said the community has better water quality and the new water lines and water tower have boosted water pressure by about 10 to 15 pounds for most water customers.

Before the upgrades, the village Department of Public Works was frequently called into duty to fix leaking water lines.

The welders go to work taking the water tank apart.

Iseler expects to have the tank gone on Wednesday.

Here is how the two water tanks looked at about noon, about an hour before the standpipe was taken down.

After 23 years in law enforcement, Investigator Chris Parker hung up his badge today and was given a salute send-off by his fellow deputies along with troopers and Batavia police officers as he walked out of the Sheriff's Office.

Mike O'Reilly lives in Queens, a borough of New York City that most in Western New York think of as a liberal bastion. Yes, a Trump bumper sticker on your car will result in insults and raised fingers but there's more support there for Trump than you might think, O'Reilly said today standing next to his private plane wrapped to express his support for the president's reelection.

JBRGraphfx, of Churchville, wrapped the plane while it was the Genesee County Airport and O'Reilly has been on a tour of New York trying to do his part to flip the state from blue to red.

"I’m flying around the state," O'Reilly said. "I’m flying to as many airports as I can. I wanted to go to all of the airports but with the weather, I’m hoping to get 12 to 15 stops. The media coverage has been great and people are getting excited. The whole idea is to get people to vote and not just Republicans, not just independents, not conservatives but Democrats because I believe that the Main Street Democrats, they’re not going for all of this looney, left-liberal stuff.

"They not going for doing away with securing our borders and law enforcement, defunding police. Democrats don’t want this. They want what Trump has to offer. They want a strong economy. They want good jobs. They want to be able to support their family. They want safe streets, good schools. That’s what Trump is offering and that’s my real appeal — Democrats in New York, come out and vote for Trump. It’s OK."

Photo: Mike O'Reilly, and Tim Jessop and Devin Jessop of JBRGraphx.

First responders turned out to Jackson and John Kennedy schools today to hand out candy to the students.

Tom Stringham, an entrepreneur based in Bethany, inspired by a trip to Burning Man, imagined a new way to play ping-pong: Instead of trying to get the ball past an opponent, a player would instead use touch and finesse to strategically land the ball on colored squares, trying to blackout an opponents squares before the opponent did the same to the player.

The game is called TapGlo and it's manufactured in Bethany. The pandemic has slowed down sales but not Stringham's enthusiasm for the game.

Chuck Hoover shared this video of a work crew a couple of times using a helicopter to work on the power lines going through Byron. The location was off Batavia Byron Road, near Route 262.

Press release:

• Genesee County received four new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia, LeRoy, and Pavilion.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s, and 60s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-five new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Carlton, Clarendon and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and 80s.
  • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Four new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Nine of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.

Also, the Health Department released the following health alert:

A tractor-trailer accident is reported in the area of 7990 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

A first responder says the truck is well off the road in a field.

No word on injuries.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS responding.

This struck me as a picturesque view off of Transit Road in Stafford as I drove through the area this afternoon.

Press release:

• Genesee County received five new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Bergen, Bethany and Le Roy.
  • The individuals are in their 20s and 60s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Thirteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • The Genesee County Health Department received notification from the State that the individual previously reported as positive at Premier Genesee has been identified as a negative COVID patient; therefore the individual has been removed from our numbers.
     
• Orleans County received 19 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and 80s.
  • Two of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • Five of the new positive individuals are students at Albion Central School District, which include the elementary, the middle and the high schools. Four of the students had not been in school for the week prior to testing positive. The Health Department determined there is no need to do further contact tracing in the school for those students. Contact tracing regarding the fifth student has been completed. Staff members and parents of any students who were identified as being close contacts have been notified by the Health Department. The individuals are under mandatory isolation and will remain there until fully recovered. Contact tracing is in process. Individuals identified by the health department as being close contacts have been and/or will be contacted by the health department contact tracers and placed under mandatory quarantine. Individuals identified by the health department as being a close contact will be expected to follow the New York State Department of Health quarantine guidelines.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.16, down 1 cent from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.61. The New York State average is $2.24 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.70.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.20 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.21 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.18 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.23 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.31 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.17 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.29 (down 1 cent since last week)

The Energy Information Administration (EIA), reports that gas demand is decreasing. Low demand, even as total domestic stocks increased, has helped to push pump prices down. As demand remains low, American drivers should expect pump prices to continue to decline this fall.

Domestic crude prices have increased despite market concern about increasing coronavirus infections worldwide, which could lower crude demand as countries impose new restrictions that will likely limit oil consumption. However, if demand concerns continue to weigh on the market, crude prices — and gas prices — could decrease.

From GasBuddy:

"Gas price trends continue to be typical for this time of year, easing slightly in most places as demand continues its slow seasonal drop, with potential enhancement from the recent surge in new coronavirus cases," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"More stations are falling back under $2 per gallon, in fact the highest amount of stations since May are now under that level, and I do believe that trend will continue at least for now as improvement in the coronavirus situation remains elusive.

"There may be minor disruption in price and localized supply challenges as Tropical Storm Zeta again takes aim for the Gulf Coast, but like we've seen with Laura, Sally and Delta, these issues have been very minor compared to a normal year due to the reduction in our gasoline appetite."

While at the accident scene on Route 33 in Stafford this afternoon, I spotted a plane towing a sign well off in the distance. I tried to quickly zoom in with my video camera but I still can't quite make out for sure what the sign says. I think it says, "This is Bills Country NBC / Don't You Forget It."

Video from today's rally in Batavia in support of Donald Trump for president in 2020.