Thomas James Leonard, 37, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell and criminal sale of a narcotic drug (unspecified). On Jan. 20, Leonard was arrested on a warrant. Due to bail reform, he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in Batavia City Court on March 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Alphonso R. Daniels III, 27, of Oneida Street, Rochester, is charged with: owning / harboring an unlicensed dog; having dangerous dogs -- bite causing serious physical injury; and dog running at large. Daniels was arrested on Jan. 17 after a traffic stop was conducted for an alleged traffic violation on Oak Street. He was found to have an arrest warrant out of Batavia Police Department stemming from at incident in the 500 block of East Main Street in Batavia at 9:39 p.m. Feb. 13. He was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there Feb. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Michael John Tobias, 30, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent, DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested after an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 11:42 p.m. Jan. 23 on Judge Road in Alabama. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Alabama Town Court Feb. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Daniel John Wolfe, 47, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary and and two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. At 11:37 p.m. on Jan. 19, Wolfe was arrested on the charges. They stem from an incident Nov. 13 on Bank Street in Batavia. He is accused of violating an order of protection by entering the dwelling of a protected person at 4:25 p.m. that day. Wolfe was processed then taken to jail and arraigned in Batavia City Court and ordered held without bail. He is due back in city court on March 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Michael A. Sweet, 34, of Bumbacker Road, Gainsville, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. It is alleged that he took a vehicle and drove it without the owner's consent at 3 p.m. Jan. 5 on Walnut Street in Batavia and then failed to return it. He was taken to Batavia Police Department for processing and then released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on April 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Tevin A. Lise, 30, of North Park Street, Clyde, and Maurice D. Bishop, no age or address provided, are charged with unlawful possession or marijuana in the second degree. Additionally, Lise is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. They were arrested at 7:44 p.m. Jan. 12 on Ross Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. They were issued appearance tickets and are due in Batavia City Court on March 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Janell M. Sauer, 45, of Gorski Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested following an incident at 1:32 p.m. Jan. 16 on West Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged she shoplifted from a business. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jason A. Mcfollins, 43, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued for failure to appear in court on June 25 (reason unspecified) after turning himself in at Batavia Police Headquarters. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Section V Athletics announced eight scholarship winners today to fall sports student-athletes, including one from Genesee County.

The $250 scholarship is awarded to students who excel in scholastics and athletics. Winners are selected based on a letter of recommendation from their coach, their high school transcript and activities sheet, as well as their responses to application questions. There were more than 80 applications for this season’s scholarships.

Press release from Section V:

Girls Soccer: Hope Hersom, Byron-Bergen High School
Hope has been playing soccer for six years, and also participates in basketball and track and field.

She says that highlights from this season include “getting to play my last season with an amazingly talented and young team, making it to the final round of sectionals, and all the positive support I received from my school, family and friends.”

In the fall Hope plans to attend college to study Mechanical Engineering.

She shares that one word that best describes herself is “positive -- no matter what the score was, what was going on, or whether it was a game or practice, I always walked off the field with a smile and encouraging words.”

Press release:

Senator Rath, ranking member on the State Senate Elections Committee, wrote to every Election Commissioner in the State encouraging them to share their suggestions and input on how the elections system can be improved and assure that voters have confidence in the system.

“It is critical that we look at the 2020 election and see what went right and what went wrong. From there we can make informed decisions about what needs to be changed or enhanced.

"Our Elections Commissioners know firsthand and their insight is crucial to the success of our future elections. Equally as important, is assuring that the public has the utmost faith and respect in our elections system. 

"This is only the beginning of the conversation and I look forward to hearing what our Commissioners have to share,” said Senator Rath.

Senator Rath will also be attending the Elections Committee’s virtual public hearing on Friday, Jan. 29.

UPDATE: Rath clarifies statement about commissioners reviewing election process

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.40, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.53. The New York State average is $2.49 – up 2 cents 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 -- $2.38 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.42 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.47 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.45 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.51 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.42 (no change since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.52 (up 1 cent since last week)

Pump prices have leveled off in most areas. Gas demand increased substantially according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) while total domestic gasoline supplies decreased. Total crude utilization across domestic refineries took a small step forward from 82 percent to 82.5 percent.

All of these factors, including sustained higher crude prices, have contributed to higher pump prices for drivers and will likely lead to continued increases in pump prices in the weeks ahead.

Crude prices, while on the rise, are fluctuating amid growing market concern that crude demand may continue to suffer as coronavirus infections rise and travel restrictions, which are meant to curb transmission of the virus, reduce crude demand.

From GasBuddy:

"Finally, after several weeks of sharply rising gas prices, the pace of price increases has slowed significantly in recent days as prices are now largely caught up to oil's increases as of late," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"While the national average remains at its highest level since the pandemic, increases are likely to slow down in the immediate short-term unless and until oil prices see renewed momentum.

"When it comes to demand, Pay with GasBuddy data showed last week's gasoline demand at its highest level since November, another bullish factor as the nation continues to see slow improvement from the pandemic."

Press release:

Genesee and Orleans counties continue to work diligently to distribute the limited supply of vaccine received in their continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were hoping to receive 2,500 doses of the vaccine between Genesee and Orleans counties but were made aware that is not going to occur because of the statewide shortage,” said Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

“We realize that those who hoped to schedule appointments this week are going to be very upset as well and we are disappointed to have to give them this news.”

The state(wide) allocations were the same as the week before (250,000), the county health departments (Genesee and Orleans) are only receiving 300 doses total between the two this week, which will be utilized for 1B essential workers per the state’s directive.

Those over age 65 should continue to seek vaccine from their providers, pharmacies and the state sites. Appointments for vaccine are currently online ONLY.

Last week the county-run clinics were able administer approximately 1,050 doses.

“At GCC on Friday alone, we were able to administer approximately 550 doses of the vaccine in a seamless fashion. On average, people got theirshots and were able to leave the testing sites within 20 minutes,” said Matt Landers, Genesee County manager.

“As a result of our experience inoperating the COVID19 testing sites, our workforce and community volunteers have been able to replicate this into a smooth operation at the vaccination siteswhen vaccine supplies are readily available.”

We ask those who are 65 and older, part of Priority Group 1B, to continue to check the clinic schedules and as requested by the state, to use the pharmacy links. Pharmacies and other sites that are part of the “retail network” are workingto provide vaccine to the 65 and older population as they receive vaccine.

Data Update –

• Genesee County received 67 new positive cases of COVID-19 since the last report on Friday, Jan. 22.
  • 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, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. 
• Correction: The following case was double counted and has been retracted from today’s data; Case in his/her 20s from Bergen. 
• One hundred and 30 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Twenty-four of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Four of the new positive cases are residents of the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Orleans County received 33 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, 60s, 70s, and 80s.
• Six of the new positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Sixty-six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Nine of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Press release:

Next month’s Stand Up For Recovery Day is a virtual event this year but the question it poses reflects the reality that everyone can contribute to helping those suffering with substance use disorders.

Staff at The Recovery Station, a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, are asking those who wish to support the effort to post a video or picture that answers the following:

“What do you stand up for when it comes to recovery?”

Sue Gagne, coordinator of The Recovery Station, is inviting all community members to voice their support or showcase their artistic talents for the cause.

“Whether you are an individual in recovery, family member, friend, or ally, you are an important part of our recovery community,” Gagne said. “We hope you join us in showing support for the recovery movement in Genesee and Orleans counties. You are not alone!”

Stand Up For Recovery Day is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, and features a full agenda of activities promoted by Friends of Recovery – New York (www.for-ny.org/surd-registration), including:

• Networking and sponsor presentations;
• Opening plenary session including entertainment by Katharine Pettit Creative (KPC) and George Feaster Band;
• Inspirational message, remarks by For-NY Board President Chacku Mathai and Executive Director Angelia Smith-Wilson, Ed.D.;
• Presentation of the group’s policy statement by statewide recovery advocates;
• Remarks by partners from the New York state government and legislature;
• Presentations on advocacy by Richard Buckman and Ashley Livingston;
• Video Rally.

Optional events including a legislature chat session and virtual visits with area legislators.

Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY) is a statewide Recovery Community Organization working on behalf of millions of individuals and families in New York to educate decision makers and the general public about recovery from addiction.

Leaders anticipate nearly 1,000 recovery warriors from various Recovery Community Organizations throughout the state to gather virtually in order to both celebrate recovery from addictions, but more so, to educate decision-makers and the general public about the recovery movement.

FOR-NY has identified its four priorities when it comes to help those in recovery as housing, personalized treatment and treatment on demand, recovery oriented systems of care, and transportation. It also supports racial justice as well as a public health response to COVID-19 which is inclusive of the recovery community.

For more information about the Stand Up For Recovery Day or The Recovery Station, contact Gagne at (585) 815-5248. To support recovery efforts in Orleans County, call (585) 210-8750.

Ask any of Amy Klos’ coworkers or supervisors and they’ll all say the same thing when it comes to the 21-year employee’s job performance at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: She’s the one that holds things together.

“Amy is always available to us no matter what is happening, she can multitask better than anyone and she always gets the job done well,” said Shannon Murphy, director of treatment at the Batavia clinic on East Main Street. “Amy truly cares about every staff member and our patients, and on most days, she is the glue.”

Murphy’s glowing assessment reflects the commitment and dedication that Klos (in photo at right) has provided to the agency since starting as a secretary at its former Growney building location at Bank Street and Washington Avenue in 1999.

Since then, she has taken on more responsibility and, just recently, was promoted to the position of customer relations manager for GCASA’s Batavia and Albion clinics as well as the Opioid Treatment Program facility in Batavia.

A lifelong Oakfield resident, Klos found her way to GCASA after receiving a two-year degree from Central City Business Institute in Syracuse in the mid-1980s and working at the office of Dr. Yeong Lee, a Batavia pediatrician.

“I found out about the GCASA job from women who worked there and took their children to Dr. Lee,” she said. “They told me that they were in need of a secretary at GCASA, they posed the question and checked it out.”

Klos said she and two or three others worked in the front office (located in the basement of the Growney building) checking clients in, answering the telephone and verifying health insurance.

“I worked there for about 10 years before moving to the agency’s current location on East Main Street,” she said. “John Bennett was running the outpatient clinic – he now is GCASA’s executive director – and I was his secretary and also worked in the front office at the same time.”

As time passed, Klos moved into the director of treatment secretary position while continuing to assist the support staff, and in the late 2000s, she was elevated to supervisor of the Batavia office, overseeing a half-dozen employees.

“The agency was expanding at that time – the numbers in the clinic were increasing and the opioid epidemic also hit, which increased our workload and productivity,” Klos said, “and along with that came changes to policies and procedures.”

Three years ago, Klos was promoted to supervisor of the treatment and OTP (methadone) clinics and now has added an oversight role at the Albion clinic.

She said she is tasked with getting everyone on the same page, so to speak.

“Generally, the responsibilities across the clinics are very similar, so we’re trying to make all three offices the same as far as protocols and policies,” she explained. “There are some slight differences depending upon the doctor you’re working with, the day of the week and the prescribed dosage.”

Klos is a key player in the integration of services and procedures and, when at full strength, she is supervising eight full-time and part-time secretaries.

She said the best thing about GCASA is the “teamwork” displayed by the staff, which, by the way, includes her daughter, Katie, a nurse.

“The employees here help each other out and it’s great to know that people have your back. And it’s also nice to know that you can help people,” Klos said. “Change happens frequently but no matter what, you still have the basics. You have to remember to say please and thank you. That goes a long way and too many people don’t realize that.”

Klos said she strives to make a positive impact upon clients’ lives.

“When people are struggling, giving them a helping hand really does make a difference. I say to patients all the time, 'I’m here if you want the help. If you don’t want the help, that’s up to you, but we’re here to help you 100 percent along the way.’ ”

When not on duty, Klos is keeping an eye on her mom, Ann Perfitt, who lives across the street from her in the village; joins in her husband as they “flip houses” on the weekends, enjoys outdoor activities and has fun with the family dog, Sam.

Murphy said she hopes Klos stays with the agency for another 20 years.

“Personally, I have had the pleasure of working next to Amy for over 15 years. She is diligent, smart and able to do her job while truly caring about everyone involved,” Murphy said. “I cannot imagine what I would do without her right next to me and as my friend. She truly is loved by all.”

In other GCASA news, the following employees were recognized recently for their longevity with the company:

Five years -- Brenda Post, QA/corporate compliance officer, Genesee County Clinic; Shandi Temperato, chemical dependency counselor, Orleans County Clinic.

Ten years -- Diana Fulcomer, prevention educator, Orleans Prevention Program; Cherlyne Gerould, payroll manager, Genesee County Administration.

Fifteen years -- Sherri Bensley, assistant director of prevention, Orleans Prevention Program; Nick Mardino, maintenance, Orleans County Clinic.

Twenty years -- Cyndi Mardino, secretary, Orleans County Clinic; Stephanie Nadolinski, house manager, Atwater Community Residential Program.

Thirty years -- Kim Corcoran, human resources/administrative assistant, Genesee County Administration.

South Korean technology company Samsung is reportedly eyeing WNY STAMP, along with two locations in Texas, for the construction of a $13 billion chip manufacturing plant.

Citing The Wall Street Journal (paywall), The Hill reports, Samsung aims to become the leader in the $400 billion industry and needs a plant in the Uniited States to make that happen.

Sen. Charles Schumer was in Alabama in August to discuss a congressional push to increase semiconductor manufacturing in the United States as a matter of national defense. The National Defense Authorization Act has not yet been funded.

The Hill reports that Samsung is looking to negotiate with federal officials for financial incentives to build the plant in the United States because it would be cheaper to develop its product in other parts of the world. 

Reportedly, Samsung’s goal is to have a chip-making plant operational by October 2022 and to employ 1,900 people.

Update: Jan,. 25, 2 p.m.

Please be advised that Batavia City Council will be holding the 2021/22 budget work sessions on the following dates:

Monday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. -- Conference Council Meeting, Special Business Meeting &  Budget Work Session (Department of Public Works)

Monday, Feb.  1, 6 p.m. -- Budget Work Session (General Gov’t, General Admin Services, Fire & Police)

Wed., Feb. 3, 7 p.m. --If needed – 3^rd Budget Work Session

Monday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. --- Business meeting, introduce budget ordinance

Monday, Feb 22, 7 p.m. -- Conference Meeting, (Last opportunity to make budget amendments)

Monday, Mar 8, 7 p.m. -- Adopt Budget and Related Resolutions.

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

The process of achieving a 2021-22 spending plan for the City of Batavia is expected to move forward on Monday night with the introduction of resolutions to schedule public hearings on the budget ordinance and establishment of new water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees.

City Council is scheduled to meet in Conference and Business sessions at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the City Hall Council Board Room.

In a memo to City Council dated Jan. 14, Interim Manager Rachael Tabelski indicated that public hearings are necessary prior to any execution.

Tabelski is proposing that the budget and water rates resolutions, along with a third resolution dealing with amendments to the Business Improvement District Plan, be considered at Council’s Feb. 8 Business Meeting and that public hearings be set for 7 p.m. Feb. 22 – the date of Council’s next Conference Meeting.

Earlier this month, Tabelski proposed a 2021-22 tentative budget – a $27.7 million all-funds spending plan – that calls for a 1.38-percent increase in the property tax rate (from $9.59 to $9.73 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value). According to a resolution on the table for 2021-22, the amount to be raised by taxes is $5,864,597.

Tabelski has said that a combination of revenue losses due to COVID-19 and decreased sales tax and state aid have resulted in a $1.2 million gap compared to the previous fiscal year.

In the area of water and meter fees, the resolution introduces a local law to establish new rates, with water rates and quarterly meter service fees going up by 3.5 percent and quarterly capital improvement fees increasing by 10 percent.

Changes to the BID Plan, outlined in red in Council’s packet of information, indicated that the BID has about $260,000 in its capital infrastructure fund to be used for capital projects. Three such projects earmarked for 2021-22 are downtown marketing banners ($9,000), downtown music equipment ($30,000) and downtown Christmas decorations ($38,000).

Other amendments show that the BID’s district assessment charge (a revenue source) – excluding debt service – can’t exceed 20 percent of the total general municipal taxes levied in a year against the taxable property in the BID. Thus, it is currently estimated that that figure is $58,000, and the BID’s assessment is estimated at $1.810873 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Other items of note on this Monday’s Conference Meeting agenda:

• Review of the draft report presented by the City of Batavia Police Collaboration Advisory Stakeholder Group, which has met several times in accordance with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order No. 203 on community policing reform.

Tabelski is suggesting that Council look over the plan and issue it for public comment, and then move it forward to the March 8 Business Meeting where she and Police Chief Shawn Heubusch will review the public comments with Council, prior to the board adopting the plan and sending a certified copy to the New York State Office of Management and Budget.

• A request by the City of Batavia School District for the City to support the district’s application for funding that the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, a NYS Education grant program.

In a memo dated Jan. 22, Tabelski wrote that the partnership is designed “to increase the academic achievement and college and career readiness of boys and young men of color.”

The memo indicates that the City will support the program, provide “parent engagement and education, mentorship, college and career pathways, and other evidence-based strategies,” provide display space on bulletin boards and brochure racks, provide ADA-accessible public meeting room space, provide mentors at the City’s Liberty Center for Youth afterschool program, and provide homework assistance at the Liberty Center for Youth.

• A resolution to schedule a public hearing for 7 p.m. Feb. 8 to apply for a 2020 New York State Community Development Block Grant through the state Office of Homes and Community Renewal. Applications are due by March 5 for public infrastructure, public facilities and planning.

In a memo dated Jan. 22, Tabelski explained that proposals must meet at least one of two national objectives – at least 51 percent of the persons who would benefit from implementation of the plan are low- or moderate-income persons or the plan addresses a slum or blighted area in the community.

She wrote that the City is reviewing possible projects that align with its strategic plan, primarily infrastructure ventures related to water, wastewater and facilities.

Tabelski is suggesting that both the My Brother’s Keeper and the CDBG resolutions be moved to the Business Meeting this Monday night due to timing issues.

o   Genesee County received 76 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, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
• Correction: The following case was double-counted and has been retracted from today’s data; Case in his/her 30s from Batavia.
• Thirty-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. 
• Eighteen of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Five of the new positive cases are residents of the Leroy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility.
• Two of the new positive cases are residents of the Batavia VA Medical Center.
• Two of the new positive cases are residents of the New York State Veteran’s Home at Batavia.
• Correction: One of the previously reported cases is a resident at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.

• Orleans County received 24 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, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
• Five of the new positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Twenty-six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Thirteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• One of the new positive cases is a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

At Le Roy High School, Regis Pollard's Career & Financial Management conducted a mock job interview competition yesterday with more than 70 students participating along with managers and owners from nine companies in the region.

Video by Principal Tim McArdle.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) sent a letter to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo asking for the agricultural workers to be authorized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We owe our agricultural workers a debt of gratitude. They have supported our families and state economy throughout the entirety of this pandemic and are essential frontline employees,” Jacobs said.

“Without their efforts, millions of families in New York, and around the nation, would not have been able to acquire the nutritious food needed to survive the health crisis.”

“Currently, in New York State, employees of our farms, producers, and processing facilities are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, despite their essential status and the recommendation of the CDC,” Jacobs said.

“The work they do is critical to the stability of our nation, and I have asked the Governor to consider granting them eligibility status.”

The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout include agricultural workers as eligible recipients. Currently, the Governor has authorized only “public-facing grocery store employees” as eligible members of the food and agriculture workers category in New York State’s Phase 1b vaccine program.

According to NYS Comptroller DiNapoli, in 2017 more than 33,000 farms in New York State employed over 55,000 workers and garnered over $5.7 billion in revenue. In the same year, agriculture added over $2.4 billion to the New York State Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the state ranked in the top five of all producers for 15 different agricultural products.

“Not only is agriculture a major driver of the New York economy at a time when our state is facing massive budget deficits, but it is also a matter of health and safety,” Jacobs said.

“Allowing the men and women working on the frontlines in agriculture to receive the vaccine strengthens and stabilizes our food supply chain at this critical time.”

This video was submitted by Jazmyn Dobson, a teacher at KMS Dance Academy in Batavia. Students and staff, under the direction of owner Erica Grazioplene, put together this video in support of the Buffalo Bills.

This three-bedroom, two full-bath home has literally just nothing for you to do but move in and enjoy. So much has been done to this home in the last five years -- roof, siding, flooring, painting throughout just to start the list!

The main bath was recently remodeled, and I promise you will find many reasons to shut the door and stay awhile -- so pretty and even has heated floors! Nicely finished hardwood floors, large kitchen with plenty of newer cabinetry and new stainless appliances with attached dining area with a sliding glass door to let the sunshine in!

The basement in this house adds a whole other layer of living with a great home office leading into large family room area that has small kitchenette and a second full bath. There's also large utility area and a separate storage room for all your extra stuff - so much great, usable space! There is an extra-deep attached garage, which leads out to fully fenced back yard with an additional fenced-in area and large utility shed!

Outside is landscaped with loads of perennials so you can ease right into sunny weather -- make an appointment today! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate (585) 344-HOME (4663). Click here for more information on this listing.

Press release:

At Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp.'s January Board of Director's meeting, Richard Bianchi was unanimously reelected as chairman for 2021.

Bianchi represents Monroe County on the Board of Directors.

Ed Morgan, the Orleans County representative on the board, was also reelected as vice chairman for 2021.

“Richard and I came in together 18 years ago, “said Tom Wamp, Livingston County’s director on the WROTB Board. “We didn’t always agree, but when we did not, he would ask me to sit down and we would work it out.  It’s great to see how far this facility has come under his leadership.”

President and CEO from Batavia Downs Gaming Henry Wojtaszek was happy to see Bianchi’s reelection.

“We’ve had tremendous growth over the past few years, prior the pandemic," Wojtaszek said. "Richard put his trust in the officers and staff and he has provided great guidance as we continue to grow.”

Richard Siebert, Genesee County’s director on the Board, nominated Ed Morgan for vice chairman.

“Ed’s knowledge has been instrumental in helping out at Batavia Downs," Siebert said. “He has always made himself available to the staff.”

Bianchi was pleased to see Morgan nominated.

“Ed has been an asset to this corporation for many years and we’ve worked well together during that time," Bianchi said.

The term for the chairman and vice chairman positions expires in January 2022.

Timothy M. Brady is indicted for driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor, a violation of vehicle and traffic law. It is alleged that on Aug. 28 in the Town of Bergen that Brady drove a 2003 GMC on Townline Road while he was intoxicated. In count two, Brady is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that he drove that day while under the influence of alcohol or a drug when his license to drive was suspended pending prosecution on Jan. 20, 2020 and that the suspension was still in effect Aug. 28.

The addition of the Batavia Muckdogs to the Perfect Game Colligate Baseball League has apparently prompted the college-ball team in Niagara Falls two switch allegiances, the Niagara Gazette reports.

The Niagara Power will move from the New York Collegiate Baseball League to the PGCBL in 2021.

Patrick Tutka, executive director of the Power, said the move was "win-win-win," especially after the Batavia Muckdogs, formerly of the professional New York-Penn League, agreed to join the PGCBL. The Muckdogs give the PGCBL five former NY-Penn League teams, along with Newark, Geneva, Elmira and Jamestown.

In addition to the PGCBL offering one more nearby potential rival, the PGCBL teams generally play in better facilities, Tutka said.

"The facility quality is much better," Tutka said. "We'll be playing in all former minor league stadiums, while most of the other places (outside home games at Sal Maglie Stadium) we were playing were high school or college fields.

It looks like the PGCBL will have 15 teams in the league for the 2021 season, all in New York.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is issuing the following statement in response to the executive order signed by President Biden, in part, calling for the study and eventual safe reopening of U.S.-Canadian land ports of entry.

“Cross-border travel is a significant economic driver for our region and of immense personal significance for many Western New Yorkers. For close to a year, border closures have prevented many Americans from reuniting with their families or even simply checking on property they own in Canada.

"We know how to open safely, and we need to implement these solutions. I urge the Biden Administration to work with the Canadian government to correct inconsistent policies and to expand cross-border travel.” 

Background:

Yesterday President Biden signed an executive order titled “Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel.”

The order reads in part:

(Sec 5, c, Land Travel) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of HHS, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of CDC, shall immediately commence diplomatic outreach to the governments of Canada and Mexico regarding public health protocols for land ports of entry.

Based on this diplomatic engagement, within 14 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of HHS (including through the Director of CDC), the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President a plan to implement appropriate public health measures at land ports of entry.

The plan should implement CDC guidelines, consistent with applicable law, and take into account the operational considerations relevant to the different populations who enter the United States by land.