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Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program participated in a Valentines for Veterans community service project this winter.  The 4-H Fur & Feather Club, 4-H Sheep Club and individual 4-H members created over 250 handmade Valentine's cards for the Batavia VA. 

The Valentines for Veterans project was led by Genesee County Master Gardener Volunteer Pamela Moore in collaboration with Churchville’s Post #954 Legion Family.  Over 2,000 Valentines were collected throughout Genesee, Monroe, and Livingston Counties for the project.  The Valentines were delivered to Cindy Baker of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the Batavia VA for hospitalized veterans and veterans in the in-residence PTSD programs. 

4-H is a nationwide youth program that connects youth age 5-18 to a variety of hands-on learning opportunities.  For more information about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 131.  Enrollment forms are also available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development/how-to-join-4-h

Press release:

Christine Jones, 34 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny 4^th in Batavia Town Court on February 8, 2022.  Sentencing has been scheduled for May 4, 2022.

Jones was originally charged with 5 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and a single count of Grand Larceny 3^rd after an investigation by Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that Jones failed to report that the biological father to one of her children was residing in the home, or that he was earning wages/income.  Jones subsequently received $17,197.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoys exploring creative solutions to problems, and wants to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on in November 2022. 

• City Council at Large

• City Council 6th Ward Representative

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Cougar Classic Scholarship Honorary Chairperson, Mickey J. Hyde '87, have confirmed the 7th Annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble will take place on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Rte. 237) in Stafford.

Hyde, a resident of LeRoy, earned an associate degree in Business and Marketing from GCC in 1987 when he was also named the College's Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his participation in baseball and bowling. As a baseball player, he was named to All-District, All-Region, and All-Conference teams. After graduation, he played five seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, culminating in a call-up to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre in 1993. During his career, he was named the Phillies Minor League Player of the Month in April 1991 and that year was named the Phillies "Outstanding Player of Spring Training." Hyde earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2003, he joined Tompkins Bank of Castile and currently is vice president and branch manager of the Bank's LeRoy branch. He has served on the boards of Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Leadership Genesee's Funding Committee, Wyoming County Community Action, and GCC's Walkathon. He is a member of LeRoy-Pavilion-Stafford Kiwanis, the Rochester Press-Radio Club, and the Sons of the American Legion.

"I am sincerely grateful to Mickey for serving as chair for the seventh annual Cougar Classic," remarked Executive Director of the GCC Foundation, Justin Johnston. "He has supported our Cougar Pride Athletic Campaign, previous Cougar Classic tournaments and is a proud 2010 GCC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Mickey's leadership is vital to so many areas of GCC, and I look forward to working with him on this important initiative to raise scholarship funds for our GCC students."

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Sign-in starts at 11:00 a.m. with lunch available, and golfers tee off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. Registration is $150 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer, and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch, and dinner with a cash bar, and much more! Those wishing to attend only dinner can do so for $40.

The registration deadline for golfers is July 1, 2022. Contact Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6265 or via email at foundation@genesee.edu. The golfer registration form is also available online at https://gccfoundationinc.org/cougar-classic/

Most importantly, all proceeds go directly to the GCC student scholarship program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) cosponsored the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act to make the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent. 

“Following the implementation of President Trump’s tax cuts, our nation witnessed an extraordinary period of economic expansion, wage growth, and job creation,” Jacobs said.“Businesses were bringing manufacturing back from overseas, employers were using savings from the federal government to hire additional employees, and our nation saw our output and productivity increase.” 

The legislation co-sponsored by Jacobs most notably: 

• Make permanent the doubled standard deduction of $12K for those filing single and $24K for jointly filed returns
• Make permanent the doubled child tax credit of $2K including full refundability of $1400
• Maintains the mortgage interest deduction at $750K
• Maintains the Medical Expense Deduction to allow the deduction of qualified expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of an individual’s AGI
• Provides a 20 percent tax deduction for small businesses

“Since taking the White House and majority, Democrats have made clear they want to undo these successful policies and force through policies that waste trillions of dollars and raise taxes on Americans,” Jacobs said. “We have already seen the disastrous impact of their policies on our economy. I am proud to join this legislation to ensure a successful Trump policy is made permanent so it can continue to help families and small businesses in the future.” 

Press release:

Genesee County announced on Friday that the policy requiring employees and members of the public to wear masks inside County facilities, regardless of vaccination status, ended effective Friday, February 10, 2022. This decision was made following statements from Governor Hochul that she will allow the State’s indoor setting mask mandate to expire as scheduled today.

Effective Friday, February 10, 2022, employees and members of the public may enter County facilities without wearing masks, with the exception of the Genesee County Mental Health and Public Health Clinical settings.  Employees and visitors to the Genesee County Mental Health and Public Health Clinics must continue to wear a mask while on the premises.  County officials urge both employees and the public to assess their own risk and strongly encourage those with increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or anyone with a compromised immunized system to continue to wear a mask.

The County will continue to practice social distancing and enhanced cleaning measures to help ensure the safety of employees and residents.

“We are encouraged by the continued and significant decrease in cases and hospitalizations in Genesee County and across the Finger Lakes region.” Said County Manager Matt Landers. “The expiration of the State’s mask mandate announced yesterday by the Governor is a welcome sign that things are continuing to trend in the right direction and we can begin taking steps to return to some semblance or normalcy.”

Public Health Director Paul Pettit commented, “While we continue to see decreasing cases and hospitalizations, there is still a significant amount of viral spread within the community. We urge residents to assess their own risk factors and make decisions about the mitigation strategies they should continue to utilize to help protect them from this virus that is still very much present throughout our area.”

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.49, up five cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.51. The New York State average is $3.68, up nine cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.60. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.60 (up eight cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.62 (up nine cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.68 (up ten cents from last week)
• Rochester - $3.66 (up eight cents from last week)
• Rome - $3.70 (up seven cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.64 (up nine cents from last week)
• Watertown - $3.66 (up eight cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand increased. A decrease in total stocks and an increase in demand have contributed to upward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to play a dominant role in pushing pump prices higher. Pump prices will likely continue to follow suit as demand grows and stocks decrease if crude prices continue to climb.

Oil prices are well over $90 per barrel this morning. The tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to contribute to rising oil prices. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market. Additionally, EIA reports that total domestic crude stocks decreased recently. The current stock level is approximately 13 percent lower than at the beginning of February 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.

From Gas Buddy:

"The jump in gasoline prices has continued unabated as oil prices continue to push higher, reaching $94 per barrel last week on continued concern over the possible imminent threat that Russia may invade Ukraine," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Not only are oil prices up, but the bulk of the nation is starting the multi-month transition to summer gasoline, further adding to the rise at the pump. In addition, cold weather in Texas last week caused some power outages at major refineries, further weighing on markets. I see no other potentials in the short term but additional price increases unless Russia does an about-face on Ukraine. Even then, we'll still see seasonality push prices up, so motorists should be ready to dig deeper."

Submitted by Tess Diskin:

Pembroke Varsity Cheerleading made history by first winning their division and then being named Grand Champions for the entire Genesee Region Cheerleading Championship held at Attica High School last night. This is the first time in school history that Pembroke has won the title. First-year head coach Alison Diskin remarked, “These athletes are determined and driven to exceed any expectation that is set for them. It is the start of a new era in Pembroke Cheerleading.” She continued, “We are working on building a seamless program starting at the youth level and working up through Modified, JV and culminating with our Varsity squad. Coach Diskin talked about the importance of having her juniors and seniors mentor the younger athletes so as to carry this year’s success into the future. Her coaching team consistently stresses having the entire program work together to build strong and dedicated cheerleaders, just like the ones who won today.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today delivered nearly 100 valentines handcrafted by students from Jackson Primary School to residents of the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Hawley, having served as a member of the military himself, as well as on the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has for many years facilitated the delivery of these valentines. The occasion provides local students an opportunity to express their gratitude to veterans of the area for what they’ve done to protect America and its freedoms.

“This event is always one of my favorite ones to coordinate throughout the year because of how heartwarming it is to read the appreciation our students have for those who’ve served in our military,” said Hawley. “The patriotic messages written by the children have brought a smile to my face and the faces of hundreds of veterans every time we’ve delivered them. I’m always heartened to see the respect and gratitude young people have held toward our veterans each and every year.”

Press release:

The Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

The Super Bowl is America’s most-watched national sporting event and Super Bowl Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. In a combined effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives law enforcement officers across New York State and STOP-DWI programs will be participating in special engagement efforts.  The statewide STOP-DWI efforts start today Friday, Feb. 11, and will end on Monday, Feb. 14.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Remember:  Impaired driving is completely preventable.  All it takes is a little planning.  If you are impaired by drugs or alcohol and thinking about driving, pass your keys on to a sober driver.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs and CAN-USA Sports Ownership are back for their second season in the PGCBL and are incredibly excited to announce plans for the upcoming summer!

The 2022 PGCBL schedule has been released with Opening Day in Elmira on June 3rd and the home opener at Dwyer Stadium the following night with postgame fireworks. 

In addition to playing teams in the West Divison, the Muckdogs will incorporate new opponents from the East division like the Oneonta Outlaws and Watertown Rapids. Batavia will have exhibition games with the Cortland Crush of the NYCBL and the Capital City Reds from Ottawa, Ontario. 

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for our 2022 promotional schedule that already includes Batavia Blue Devils Night on Saturday, June 18th, and STOP DWI night on Thursday, July 14th. Be sure to check out our social media pages for more updates and call the office if you are interested in booking a night at Dwyer Stadium.

We would also like to announce the signing of eight players to the 2022 roster. Six players are returners from last season, including head coach Joe “Skip” Martinez. They include ace starting pitcher Julian Pichardo, catcher Brice Mortillaro, slugger Abner Benitez, first basemen Daniel Burroway, sidearmer AJ Winger, and dual pitcher/shortstop Trey Bacon.  

Batavia has also signed two local high school products to play this upcoming season. Gavin Schrader is an outfield/pitching prospect at Notre Dame High School who committed to play at Niagara University after his senior season. Batavia High School catcher Vincent Grazioplene will also join the Muckdogs as he prepares to play collegiately at Erie Community College.

“As an organization, we are so thankful to bring back fan favorites from a year ago. They feel like they have unfinished business the way last year ended and wanted to build off such a successful rookie season in the league,” Martinez said. “To also have a new crop of local guys this summer was important for us to do for a tight-knit community like Batavia. Gavin and Vincent will be huge additions to the roster, and I hope the fans will rally around them like how they did for Jerry Reinhart and Tyler Prospero.”

Lastly, CAN-USA Sports & Dwyer Stadium will be hosting multiple events throughout the spring and fall months. All varsity baseball games for Batavia and Notre Dame High Schools will be exclusively hosted at Dwyer Stadium. Following the PGCBL season, Dwyer will host the Western New York Alzheimer’s Association annual walk for the second year on October 1st. The Batavia Muckdogs will host another Trick or Treat day on Saturday, October 22nd. 

Dwyer will also be the host to two concerts for the first time! Margaritaville will come to Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, August 20th as a Parrothead Jimmy Buffett Cover Band will play at the stadium with live music, drinks, food, & fun!  Before the school year starts, Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB) will play Dwyer Stadium as one of their end-of-summer shows on September 3rd.

The season is only a few months away, and make sure to get in on all of the action for the best season in Batavia baseball history!

Press release:

The Pembroke Jr/Sr High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its 11th annual Shooting For A Cure! event versus Oakfield-Alabama tonight at the high school located at the corner of Routes 5 and 77 (8750 Alleghany Road) in Pembroke, New York. The doors open at 5:00 PM, and admission is free. The JV game begins at 5:30, and varsity starts at 7:00. In addition to the many ways supporters may contribute during the event, the team is accepting donations online. This year, the team hopes to add to the more than $200,000 raised since the inaugural game in 2011. Because of unwavering local support, Shooting For A Cure! has become one of Roswell Park’s largest community-based fundraising events. 

While fundraising is an important part of the event, it is not the primary focus. The 2011-2012 varsity team held their first Shooting For A Cure! to support Toni Funke, wife of Coach Ron Funke, and others affected by breast cancer. To honor additional survivors, current patients, and families of those who have battled cancer, the varsity halftime program recognizes people from all of these groups. It is a moving tribute to anyone who is fighting, has beaten, or has lost the battle against cancer.  Anyone who would like to support the cause is encouraged to do so by coming to the event or by visiting the Shooting For A Cure! donation page here.  

While the varsity roster changes from year to year, the event holds a special place in the hearts of every Shooting For A Cure! team. This year, team captain Allie Schwerthoffer stated, “My teammates and I are developing through this game and learning what it means to give back. Our goal is to raise as much money as we can for Roswell and cancer research, but this game has a much wider impact. Our team, and every other student who helps out, learn the importance of paying it forward, and we get so proud of the event before it is even over.”

Captain Sydney Johnson added, “Whenever I go to the game, it’s always an overwhelming feeling. When we can say, ‘We did that, we just helped someone who needed it the most,’ that’s probably my favorite part, knowing that this game is truly helping other people.”

On Friday, in addition to showing support through attendance, those wishing to contribute to the fundraiser will have several options, including buying raffle tickets and purchasing food and beverages. Burnin’ Barrel BBQ, Buttercrumbs Bakery, Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, and Tim Hortons will be providing concessions, and Hershey’s Ice cream and Original Pizza Logs will be sold as well.

The generous support of local benefactors has made the event possible. In addition to individual supporters, the 2021-2022 Shooting For A Cure! business and organization donor list includes 26Shirts, ACES Foundation, ADPRO Sports, Advance Auto Parts, Alleghany Services, Avalon Sports, Batavia’s Original, Bourbon & Burger, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Sabres, Burnin’ Barrel BBQ, Buttercrumbs Bakery, C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Covered Wagon Promotions, Crickler Vending, Cross Training Athletics, Dave & Adam’s Card World, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dollars for Scholars, Dry Creek Group, Eli Fish Brewing Company, Five Guys, Game of Throws, Genesee Feeds, Haun Welding Supply, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, Insty-Prints, Island’s Hawaiian Grill, Jessica Foos Photography, Jim’s Steakout, Knockaround Sunglasses, Linda’s Family Diner, M&T Bank, Main St. Pizza, Maurice’s, Michael Napoleone Foundation, Mighty Taco, Original Pizza Logs, Overhead Door of Batavia, Pembroke Youth Association, Pesci’s Pizza and Wings, Pizza 151, Pudgie’s, Rhino & Ace, Roman’s, Ron& Newt’s Sales & Service, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, Seaman’s Hardware, Settler’s, Sincerely Kayla Photography, Spa at Artemis, Subway, Target, Terry Hills, The YNGoddess Shop, Tim Hortons, Valle Jewelers, Valu Home Center, and YMCA of Batavia. Businesses or organizations wishing to donate to this year’s event should contact Mike Wilson by calling 716.949.0523. 

For more information about Shooting For A Cure! please go to:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Team Roswell

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has been joined by other members of the Assembly Minority in drafting a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie alerting him to their concerns regarding funding for libraries within the proposed executive budget. While the proposed budget does increase funding for library operating grants, Hawley and his colleagues were alarmed to see that the governor’s plan slashed capital funding for library construction projects by $20 million, a 59% cut from last year’s state budget. 

In their letter, Minority members argue that since the executive budget proposes a 7.2% increase in school funds, library capital funding should be restored given the role libraries play in educating the public.

“Libraries are critical resources to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout New York state, providing our residents an equitable means of accessing information and technology vital to their success and happiness,” said Hawley. “A great equalizer for those willing to make the most of the opportunities they provide, we would be holding back the potential of our best and brightest New Yorkers by allowing library funding to be decimated as has been proposed by our governor. As someone who considers themselves a true believer in the American dream, I cannot overstate what a loss this cut would be for people with big ideas and limited personal resources.”

Press release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel have announced that they have entered into an agreement with the Riviera Theatre, located in North Tonawanda, NY whereby both properties will help promote each other’s musical events.

Each Riviera Ticket will have a free play coupon, valid at Batavia Downs, for attendees of the Riviera’s events.  Riviera will also display signage onsite noting Batavia Downs as a major sponsor of their facility.  General Admission Tickets will also be on sale for the Michael DelGuidice Show (Celebrating the music of Billy Joel) at the Riviera Box office for the discount price of $10. 

Batavia Downs will be giving away tickets to select Riviera events to customers via drawings, all while advertising those upcoming events on their website and social media pages. 

“The live entertainment industry is coming back in a big way, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We hope that by partnering with another facility we are able to help a fellow venue owner, and also provide more prizes in the form of Riviera tickets to our great guests here.  We want the people of Western New York to continue to support local live events which keep so many of our friends and neighbors employed.”

"Batavia Downs has been a major sponsor for the Riviera Theatre over the last three years, " said Riviera Theatre Executive Director David Fillenwarth.  "We are excited to partner with Batavia Downs to collaborate and help each other market our shows. The entertainment industry struggled as a whole the last two years and we are always looking for new ways to promote and host great concerts. Batavia Downs shares that same vision and this will open the door for bigger and better things to come in the future at both venues. I think we can all agree that there is always room for more live concerts in our lives."

Officials from Batavia Downs also announced continuing promotions for purchasing tickets at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop in the Batavia Downs lobby through Valentine’s Day with $15 in Free Play for each ticket purchased.

Those wishing to buy tickets online for upcoming Batavia Downs Events can visit https://www.bataviaconcerts.com.  Tickets for upcoming Riviera Theatre Events can be found at www.rivieratheatre.org/upcoming-events/.  Tickets for select events at the Riviera Theatre are given away via drawings on Wednesday nights at Batavia Downs.

Submitted photo.

Press release:

 New York State has provided Genesee County with free COVID-19 test kits and KN95 masks to distribute to residents.

As of yesterday, a limited number of test kits and masks will be available at town and village municipal buildings listed below during their regular business hours, while supplies last. Residents will be required to show proof of residency and should contact their local municipality for hours of operation and availability.

• Town of Alabama
• Town of Alexander
• Town of Batavia
• Town of Bergen
• Town of Bethany
• Town of Byron
• Town of Elba
• Town of LeRoy
• Town of Oakfield
• Town of Pavilion
• Town of Pembroke
• Town of Stafford
• Village of Alexander
• Village of Bergen
• Village of Corfu
• Village of Elba
• Village of LeRoy
• Village of Oakfield
• Genesee County Clerk’s Office (15 Main St, Batavia)
• Genesee County Fire Training Center (7690 State Street Road, Batavia)

On Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10:00 am to Noon, the City of Batavia Fire Department (18 Evans Street, Batavia) will host a drive-thru COVID-19 test kit distribution. Residents are asked to follow the directions posted at the front of the fire station when they arrive.

“The COVID-19 community transmission level is still high in Genesee County,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We continue to encourage residents to use at-home COVID-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.”

To report a Positive At-home Test:

Individuals can visit the GO Health website COVID-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county. Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form.  If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid.  At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).  It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able.  Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.  If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often.  To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Residents can sign up for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website at https://bit.ly/GOHealthCOVID.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined the New York Republican Congressional Delegation in a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for an immediate end to her Administration's statewide mask mandate in schools.

 

"In light of the announcements by the Governors of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware, we write today to urge you to immediately rescind the onerous and unconstitutional mask mandate in New York State’s schools," the Members wrote. "We have heard from countless families throughout our districts expressing their concerns with the mandate, and how it has negatively impacted their child’s experience in the classroom. The time is now to put an end to this unlawful mandate and to allow our children to get back to being just that, children."

 

"After years of abiding by public health safety guidelines, children are itching to be able to return to some semblance of normalcy," the letter continues. "Knowing that the risk of transmission among children is extremely low, it is counter-intuitive to keep this ill-conceived mandate that does little to improve the wellness and safety of our state’s children. For these reasons, we urge you to end these punitive measures for once and for all."

Press release:

“The end of the mask mandate for businesses is a welcome development, but given what the data is telling us about the rapid decline in COVID-19 infections and what is being done in neighboring states that have otherwise maintained egregious and heavy-handed policies throughout the pandemic, it isn’t close to the announcement we would hope to hear. At this point it should be no question that the time for state-level mandates of any kind has come to an end and control of pandemic management should return to local governments and school districts.

“For rural communities like mine, mask mandates for healthy children in schools have done far more harm than good. Should educators and local administrators deem that such mandates aren’t needed, they should have the ability to make the best decision possible for the well-being of their students.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today used National Pizza Day as an opportunity to show his appreciation for the work local police departments within his district have done to protect their communities by sending pizzas from local shops to numerous departments.

“Our officers put their lives on the line daily to protect us and our neighbors, and it must be said their work has only grown more challenging in the last several years,” said Hawley. “When I learned that National Pizza Day was coming up, I knew that it was a chance to give back, so it was my honor to provide some nourishment to our hard-working officers. While it is unfortunate I was not able to deliver the pizzas to the departments myself, having a legislative session to attend to today, I hope our law enforcement professionals are able to find some time to enjoy a slice.”

Hawley sent pizzas to the following departments today:

• Albion Police Department
• Holley Police Department
• Medina Police Department
• Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
• NYS Police Troop A-Albion Barracks
• Brockport Police Department
• City of Batavia Police Department
• LeRoy Police Department
• Village of Corfu Police Department
• Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
• NYS Police Troop A- Batavia Barracks

Press release:

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York's new Winter Toolkit for the new phase of the pandemic, aiming to keep New York safe, open and moving forward. The Winter Toolkit focuses on five core areas: protecting the most vulnerable New Yorkers, increasing vaccinations and boosters, strengthening our health care system, empowering local leaders, and supporting individuals facing the long-term effects of COVID.

"As we begin a new phase in our response to this pandemic, my top priority is making sure we keep New York safe, open and moving forward," Governor Hochul said. "I want to thank the health care workers, business owners and everyday New Yorkers who acted responsibly during the Omicron surge by masking up and getting vaccinated. But make no mistake: while we're moving in the right direction, this pandemic isn't over and our new Winter Toolkit shows us the path forward."

Governor Hochul announced that the statewide indoor business mask-or-vaccine requirement will be lifted starting Thursday, February, 10, and will remain optional for businesses, local governments and counties to enforce. This protocol, a temporary measure implemented on December 10 as statewide cases spiked, was an effective tool to address the winter surge and the rise of the Omicron variant. With case counts plummeting and hospitalizations sharply declining, this temporary measure is no longer needed statewide. Counties, cities, and businesses will be able to opt into the mask-or-vaccine requirement if they so choose. 

Masks remain a critical tool to fight the spread of COVID-19, and mask requirements will remain in place in certain high-density settings. All health care settings regulated by the Department of Health and other related state agencies will continue to require masks. Masks will also be required in nursing homes, adult care facilities, correctional facilities, detention centers, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters, public transit and transportation hubs, as well as trains, planes and airports in accordance with federal regulations. 

Governor Hochul also announced plans to assess the mask requirement in schools in early March, to ensure students can continue learning in-person and in the classroom. The assessment will be based on public health data, including key metrics like cases per 100,000 residents, hospital admission rates, vaccination rates, global trends and pediatric hospitalizations. Plans are already underway to distribute two tests for every K-12 student ahead of midwinter break, and continue distribution the following week when students return to school. In the meantime, Governor Hochul has directed the Department of Health to work on preliminary guidance, with input from educators and parents, to keep students and teachers safe.

With a new phase of the pandemic beginning, Governor Hochul unveiled a new Winter Toolkit to help keep New Yorkers safe. The toolkit includes efforts to:

1. Protect the most vulnerable
2. Increase access to vaccines, boosters and testing
3. Strengthen the health system
4. Empower local leaders
5. Support New Yorkers facing long-term COVID effects

Protecting the Most Vulnerable
New York State will continue to acquire and distribute masks and tests to New Yorkers to ensure those who need them can access them. The state's test stockpile contains 92 million tests. Over 14.2 million tests have been distributed to schools and tests will continue to be distributed as needed. 4.2 tests have been distributed to nursing homes, 2.4 million tests to adult care/congregate facilities, and 4 million tests to counties.

1.28 million masks have been distributed to nursing homes and 5.5 million masks have been distributed to counties.

Visitation rules in nursing homes will remain in place. Visitors must show proof of a negative test within 24 hours of their visit and masks will remain required.

Tests will be made widely available for students so that K-12 students can go home for their Midwinter Break with two tests.

Increase Access to Vaccines, Boosters and Testing

• New York State's mass vaccination and testing sites will remain open to ensure all eligible New Yorkers can access first, second, and third doses for themselves and their children.
• The State's #VaxForKids pop-up programming continues to expand with 63 new sites established today and 193 sites established to date. This effort brings the vaccine directly to parents, guardians, and their children at local schools, community centers, and destinations like farmer's markets to make getting vaccinated convenient and accessible for families.
• New York State is actively preparing for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to come online for children under 5 years old.
• The State's robust education efforts to reach New Yorkers with good, science-based information about the vaccine is on-going including through traditional advertising, digital and multimedia campaigns, and direct messaging efforts through SMS text messaging, robo-calling, and Excelsior Pass push notifications.
• All 61 state-operated and state-partnered testing sites will remain open to provide New Yorkers with access to COVID-19 testing.
• Testing also remains widely available at over 1,800 sites statewide in every region of the State.

Strengthen the Healthcare System
To troubleshoot shortage issues, Executive Order 4 to increase staffing flexibility will remain in place. National Guard will continue to be trained to be able to staff in places needed as well.

As part of the Governor's Winter Surge Plan 2.0, the State has already deployed 20-member Medical Specialty Teams from the U.S. military hospital support team to Erie County Medical Center, a 35-member team to SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, 92 new ambulance teams to different regions in the state, including 50 to NYC, and two Medical Specialty Teams (MSTs) of 20 personnel from the Department of Defense to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Governor Hochul also outlined investments to strengthen the health care system in her 2022 State of the State Address and FY 2023 Budget. $10 billion will be invested to grow the health care workforce by twenty percent in five years. $4 billion will be invested in wages and bonuses to stop the hemorrhaging of health care staff. $1.6 billion will be invested via the Capital Plan.

Empower Local Leaders
Governor Hochul's announcement today comes after consultation with local leaders on steps the state is taking to fight COVID-19.

Support New Yorkers Facing Long-Term COVID Effects
Last Thursday, the State's Department of Health hosted an expert forum on Long COVID and over 2,000 individuals registered to view the panels. Panelists included specialists, clinicians, social scientists, patients and advocates who shared their experience, expertise, and insights.

This discussion, as well as continued focus and study by the Department, will inform the State's response which will span policy, regulatory, and program considerations to support New Yorkers suffering from long COVID as well as the healthcare providers who care for them.