Area residents woke up to a blanket of fluffy snow this morning with snowfall expected to continue into the early afternoon.

Data Update –

• Genesee County received 11 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, 60s and 80s.  
• Thirty of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Eighteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• We are very sad to report the COVID-related death of one of our county residents. The individual was over the age of 65. We will not be reporting any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual at this very sad time.

Orleans County received 13 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 and 70s.
• 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.
• Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Press release from the Genesee County Office of the Aging:

Callers claiming to be from Medicare have been targeting seniors in our local area.

Please be aware:

• Medicare will NEVER call and ask for your Medicare number.
• If you get a call from someone promising free items, if you give them your Medicare number (can include back brace, glucose monitor, pain relievers for arthritis) -- DO NOT DO IT. This is a scam, even if they tell you it is not.
• Refuse any offer, money, or gifts for free medical care.
• If you see any charges on your Explanation of Benefits from Medicare, or from your Medicare Advantage provider that you do not understand, call the office from where it was billed to question the charge.
• Most importantly – guard your card like it is a credit card. If you did not initiate the call, do not give out any information.

If you feel you may have been a victim of Medicare fraud, please call the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-333-4374.

Recently, a deserving Oakfield, recipient experienced a life-changing event --  the presentation of a vehicle to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their family.

This was thanks to the Ken Barrett Collision Center and car donor GEICO, along with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program.

The presentation was held at Ken Barrett Collision Center in Batavia.

The deserving recipient was selected by Community Action of Orleans & Genesee County. The recipient received a 2015 Chevy Trax.

A hard-working single parent to a 7-year-old, she works 36 hours a week to support her child and herself, while receiving no government support, including child support or housing.

For the recipient, the gift of a vehicle was not an easy task. She didn’t have a driver's license and had to accomplish many tasks, including taking her five-hour course, getting in practice time with friends’ vehicles, and ultimately signing up for and passing a road test.

The recipient has goals of continuing her education and becoming a surgical technician in a hospital or surgical center.

With a vehicle, her life and the life of her son are sure to change for the better. The possibility of continuing education and getting a job outside of Oakfield is a huge step for her.

About National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides

This is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation.

Since the inception of the program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,600 vehicles valued at more than $36 million. Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars.

From Sen. Ed Rath, 61st Senate District:

It was an extremely busy first month of Legislative Session. As you would suspect, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has dominated much of the conversation and I wanted to share this brief update with you. 

Earlier this year, I hosted a roundtable with county government officials to discuss the State’s performance regarding the vaccination rollout. As ranking member of the Local Governments Committee, I believe it is critical that we include county leaders and hear their perspective in the vaccination conversation. The conversation will be ongoing, and I am hopeful that it will be helpful in the partnership between our counties and the State.

In addition to discussing vaccine distribution, I have continued to support proposals that will help our small businesses get back on their feet. Last week, I was honored to join my colleagues from Western New York to discuss the effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry. Simply put, our businesses and restaurants need real relief. I am proud that the Senate Minority Conference has put together a legislative package to help relieve some of the burden they are currently carrying as a result of mandates.

To learn more about our plan or for a breakdown of the bills and more information on the specifics, click here. 

Lastly, it is critically important that we assess how we as a State can do better. As I am sure many of you are aware, the Attorney General released a report on the State’s nursing home deaths. Like so many residents with loved ones in senior care facilities, I was deeply troubled by this report.

If the Department of Health does not share the requested data, a subpoena is necessary.

If data is being misrepresented or altered, the public deserves to know the truth and officials need to be held accountable. The questions surrounding COVID in our nursing homes has been an issue since the start of the pandemic, making this an even more troubling report. I hope for our nursing home residents and their families, answers will be provided.

I continue to monitor these situations carefully. 

I hope this information is helpful to you. Stay safe.

We plan to speak with Rachael Tabelski, Batavia's interim city manager at 2:30 p.m.

The livestream will appear right here on The Batavian's home page. Or you can view it on YouTube at this link, where you can ask questions in the live chat and we will try to get them answered for you. Or you can go to The Batavian's page on Facebook and watch the interview there and ask questions through that chat.

We're planning on talking with Matt Landers, county manager, at 1 p.m. We'll talk about the status of county government, tax revenue, COVID-19 response, and other topics.

At 2:30 p.m., we're scheduled to talk with Rachael Tabelski, interim city manager.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors accepted an application for incentives for a $7 million capital investment development project on 14 acres of land on West Saile Drive and Call Parkway in the Town of Batavia at its Feb. 4 board meeting.

LandPro Equipment LLC proposes to acquire and develop a 14-acre parcel on which it would build a 50,000-square-foot facility for a full-service John Deere Agriculture and Turf Dealership. The facility would primarily be used for operations and training, with a portion of the facility used for retail.

The project proposes to create up to five new jobs and retain approximately 60 jobs in Genesee County.

“We are encouraged to see more companies growing in Genesee County with the goal of expanding their operations and increasing training capacity,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “Genesee County has the workforce talent and developable properties aligned to accelerate a company’s facility construction and successful operations.”

A public hearing will be scheduled, as LandPro Equipment LLC is seeking property, sales and mortgage tax abatements totaling approximately $731,000. It is anticipated that with every $1 of public sector investment will generate a return of $7 of private sector investment.

Press release:

The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Foundation has expanded its scholarship program this year beyond the high school student pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Foundation officials announced that four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, as follows:

-- One to a Genesee County resident;

-- One to an Orleans County resident;

-- One to an adult student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree;

-- One to a technical/trade school student pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree.

The GCASA Foundation Scholarship is open to Genesee and Orleans County students entering college in the fall of 2021. Completed applications must be postmarked by March 5.

The scholarship was established to provide financial support to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services for the purpose of contributing to improving community health.

Scholarship criteria and information includes:

• Applicant must have their primary residence in Genesee or Orleans County;
• Applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program/major;
• Eligible programs or majors include: Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services;
• Current GCASA employees, board members and GCASA Foundation board members are NOT eligible, although relatives of GCASA employees, board members and GCASA Foundation board members ARE eligible;
• Applicant must provide academic history such as high school and/or college transcripts, as well as two letters of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer/academic history. Letters from relatives will not be accepted;
• Applicant must provide a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular activities, and an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of GCASA. Financial need, volunteerism, employment history and civic involvement will be given careful consideration.

The recipients will be announced at GCASA’s annual membership meeting in May 2021 upon verification of acceptance into an accredited college or university. Funds will be awarded upon completion of the fall semester. The award recipient must provide a copy of their transcript demonstrating at least a 2.0 GPA.

Applicants should send their contact information and name of the college or university they plan to attend or are enrolled, along with their course of study or program to: Diane Klos, Prevention Secretary, GCASA, 430 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

For more information, contact Klos at (585) 815-1883 or at dklos@gcasa.org.

Erik Fix believes that the numerous relationships he has forged through his prior professional experience will enable him to successfully navigate the day-to-day tasks as the next president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

“Absolutely,” Fix said, when contacted this morning after the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced that he will succeed Tom Turnbull, who is retiring after seven years at the helm. “(My former positions) have given me the experience that I have needed -- being involved with the ins and outs of a nonprofit as well as being community based, and I expect to utilize my connections in the community with the Chamber of Commerce.

“I get an opportunity to do that at M&T in some regard, but as far as being involved in the entire county and having a role, there is something I’m looking forward to.”

Currently, Fix is the manager of M&T Bank’s Oakfield branch. He previously served about seven years as the regional executive director of the United Way of Genesee County.

Prior to that, he held several positions with the Genesee Family YMCA, including serving as Genesee YMCA branch manager and director of camping services at Camp Hough in Perry. He began his employment with the YMCA after graduating from Roberts Wesleyan College with a bachelor of science degree in organization management.

A member of the Leadership Genesee Class of 2009, Fix is involved in several community organizations, including the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors, the YMCA New Branch Development Committee, Genesee County Youth Bureau Board of Directors and the City of Batavia Police Advisory Committee.

He also serves as a volunteer coach for the Byron-Bergen-Le Roy high schools swim team. Fix lives in Le Roy with his wife, Susan, and sons Brady, Jackson and Carter.

Fix said he holds the Chamber of Commerce “in high esteem” and seeks to “continue what Tom had done and his legacy, and move it forward.”

“By starting on the 22^nd, this will give Tom and I a week of overlap,” he said. “Tom’s already putting together an orientation packet and things like that to ensure a smooth transition. This is a difficult time, so we want to make sure that we’re moving forward.”

In a press release, Board Chair Danielle Rotondo said the Chamber board is “excited to work with Erik.”

“He brings a wealth of knowledge to this position and a history of commitment to our community. We would like to extended our deepest gratitude to Tom for serving our community for the past seven years,” she said.

Photo: File photo of Erik Fix from 2017.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement after voting to remove Rep. Greene (R-GA-14) from her committee assignments.

“I am very troubled by a number of Rep. Greene’s statements and assertions. As someone who has spent over 25 years fighting for children and increased educational opportunity, I was particularly shocked by the video of Rep. Greene harassing a survivor of the Parkland school shooting. I believe her actions, whether out of extreme callousness or ignorance, disqualify her from serving on the House committee overseeing education policy.

“Some will say this action is unfair as other members have made outrageous and offensive statements and have not faced similar consequences. That is very true. It is my hope that starting today, we will hold all members to the same high standard of civility and decency. I believe it will dramatically improve the impact this Congress will have on the betterment of this nation.

Press release:

With another impending winter storm approaching coupled with the snowfall already received Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano and the members of the City of Batavia Fire Department are encouraging residents to “adopt a fire hydrant” near their home or business this winter season. 

The department is asking residents and business owners for their assistance in keeping fire hydrants clear of snow and debris. Also, this is an informal program and therefore it is not necessary to advise the department about which fire hydrants you will be keeping clear.

Napolitano added “if possible, we ask that the 'adopted' hydrants be uncovered of snow after each snowfall and provide a clear path of approximately three feet around the hydrant. This path will allow firefighters to quickly locate the hydrant and obtain a water supply used in firefighting activities."

Delays in locating and securing a water source can hamper fire suppression activities, raising the risk of injury and furthering property damage.

Additionally, please consider helping a neighbor who may be elderly or may need assistance in keeping the fire hydrant clear near their residence.

“Together we can help keep our City safe this winter season," Napolitano said. 

Lastly, the department asks residents and business owners to contact fire headquarters at (585) 345-6375 if they require assistance in clearing their hydrant or notice damage to the hydrant or the reflective marker attached to the hydrant.

Data Update –

• Genesee County received 18 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) 
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.
• Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Twenty-three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Orleans County 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.
• Five of the new positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Seven of the new positive individuals are residents at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
• Three of the new positive individuals is a resident at the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility.

From Tim Hens, superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department:

There is an increasing likelihood that Genesee County will be the target of a significant lake effect snow band from early Friday evening until late Saturday night.

The worst conditions are anticipated in the western half of the county, but all areas are likely to receive significant snow coupled with strong winds.

Understandably this is “Just winter in WNY” but driving conditions are expected to be treacherous in this lake effect event primarily due to high winds and low visibility. There is a solid base of snow already on the ground, so significant drifting into roadways will also be a problem.

Plan ahead and stay home if you can.

If you must go out, please check for conditions, drive slowly and do not crowd the plows.

Please be responsible and do not wait for “Travel Advisories” or “No Unnecessary Travel Advisories” to be issued as these are often done reactively after first responders are already swamped with cars off the roads.

Press release:

Due to COVID-19, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide tax preparation program had to make significant changes for everyone’s safety. Ultimately, it has resulted in a much smaller program this year. 

At this time, all available appointments are full. It is hoped that additional appointments can be added, but again, the demand will likely exceed the offering.  Should more appointments become available, we will send out a press release.  

Individuals seeking free tax services may visit the AARP.org website to locate other Tax-Aide program locations nearby in Erie and Monroe counties. 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide also offers taxpayers several options to prepare their own returns. Available options include self-preparation using free software, and facilitated self-preparation involving assistance or coaching from Tax-Aide IRS-certified Counselors. Self-preparation options are available by visiting this website.

Others may qualify for free-filing of federal returns by visiting http://www.irs.gov.  

For those without computer access, the Office for the Aging staff is able to provide additional tax preparation resources and can be reached at (585) 343-1611.  

We are fortunate to have a way to safely operate this program, even at reduced capacity. The program will continue to do all it can to serve the community.  

This AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is made possible through the dedication of AARP Foundation/RSVP AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers, in partnership with the Genesee County Office for the Aging.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement regarding the vote today on the budget resolution to begin the budget reconciliation process. 

"Two weeks ago, President Biden preached unity, cooperation and bipartisanship. However, his actions have failed to match his promises. In addition to the more than 40 executive orders and actions he has signed, Democrats in the House and Senate are now working with his blessing to advance a massive, partisan COVID-19 package. 

"We passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package one month ago. While I agree there are still important issues to address, such as funding for local governments and boosting vaccine distribution, this unilateral approach to relief legislation is damaging and unproductive. 

"I was encouraged the President met with Republican senators this week about a deal. While I oppose using the reconciliation process for COVID relief, I am ready to address these challenges and will work with the administration and congressional Democrats if they meet us at the negotiating table."

NOTE: Republicans in Congress have opposed providing assistance to local governments who have lost revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ten GOP senators met with President Biden to discuss a compromise relief bill, one that wouldn't include relief to local governments, but after the meeting, Biden rejected the GOP offer. Three days ago, we contacted a representative of Jacobs and asked for the congressman to clarify his position on aid to local governments and to explain the policy reason, not the political reason, Republicans oppose aid to local governments. This was the only response we've received, which doesn't really answer either question.

UPDATE: A member of the congressman's staff said he is working on an answer to my questions. This was not meant to be that answer.

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, and painting throughout just to start the list!

The main bath 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 is 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 or click here for more information on this listing.

An unoccupied car "drove into a house" at 5069 Hundredmark Road in Elba. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. "Negative injuries at this time."

UPDATE 3:04 p.m.: The car reportedly "bumped into the house at a low rate of speed." A first responder on scene calls for another unit to respond with a lock-picking kit. "The keys are in the vehicle that's pressed against the house," he says. "No injuries."

UPDATE 3:43 p.m.: A deputy reports that code enforcement went to the house and evaluated the situation and determined there are no code issues regarding structural damage to the house. The Elba assignment is back in service.