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Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is hosting a virtual informational night for NY-27 students who are interested in attending a service academy.

“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating exceptional NY-27 students to attend four of our nation’s service academies,” Jacobs said. “These students go on to become leaders in our nation’s military and eventually their communities following their service. This night is the first step for families making a decision about which service academy is the best fit and gives students and parents a chance to ask questions directly to representatives of the academies.”

Jacobs’ virtual service academy informational night will be held on Tuesday, September 28th, 2021, at 6:00 PM EST. Students and parents can register for the event and learn more about the nomination process at https://jacobs.house.gov/military-academy-nominations.

Congressman Jacobs can nominate students to four out of the five service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA) – West Point NY, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Annapolis MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – Colorado Springs CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – Kings Point NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) – New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination.

All applications must be received by Congressman Jacobs’ Clarence District Office by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, November 5th, 2021.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today expressed his relief as news broke that Health Commissioner Howard Zucker has resigned from his position, though his resignation will only take effect when Gov. Hochul puts forward his replacement. 

Hawley has been a frequent critic of Zucker and demanded his resignation on many occasions, deeply questioning the role Zucker may have played in the potential cover-up of the true number of fatalities that occurred in nursing homes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spoke out against the mandates placed on small businesses and public institutions that restricted their operations.

“While I am of the opinion that firing Howard Zucker should have been one of the first things Gov. Hochul did after being sworn in, it is better to see him leave late than never,” said Hawley. “Zucker has mismanaged this pandemic since day one, and his highly questionable actions likely contributed to the personal and economic pain of countless people throughout our state. In managing our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be smart about recognizing the realities people in the different, distinct regions of our state face in their personal lives and careers. A continuation of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to the pandemic, characterized by burdensome, widely-applied mandates, will only stifle our state’s recovery from the pandemic. It’s my hope Zucker’s successor takes a more balanced and reasonable approach with local control, so that it won’t have the same negative impact on our communities and small businesses as Zucker’s mandates.”

Press release:

Last week, generosity shined brightly on the Batavia Campus at Genesee Community College as the 2021 Discover the Stars Scholarship Reception brought together a group of families and individuals that are truly making a difference.

"Our Discover the Stars reception is a very special opportunity to introduce GCC's cherished and generous scholarship donors to the promising and grateful scholarship recipients," said Tom Cox, event emcee and President of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors. "It is a powerful experience where we all get to see the impact of the scholarships."

Executive Director of the GCC Foundation Justin Johnston announced 12 new scholarship opportunities the Foundation has been able to establish through the kindness and passion of some new and some loyal supporters.

During this special night, attendees heard from Stefanie Resetarits, GCC class of 2006, who received a Nursing Program scholarship as a student and who has now established the Resetarits Family Nursing Scholarship with her husband, Christopher. Born and raised in Byron, NY, Resetarits earned her Nursing degree from GCC and was a member of the Swimming and Diving team. She continued her education, enrolling in the 3+1 program at SUNY Brockport where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008, graduating on the Dean's List with Honors. She began her nursing career at Lakeside Community Hospital, followed by Medical-Surgical nursing at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. After starting a family, Resetarits worked as a home care nurse on the Infusion team at the VNA of Western New York. Locally, she has worked at Hope Haven's inpatient alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation center and currently is working as an Independent Medical Nurse Observer. Resetarits and her husband reside in Alden, NY with their four children.

Current Genesee Community College student Kiana Perry who received the Jerry Reinhart Scholarship also addressed the reception crowd to share her story. Perry is originally from New Hampshire but calls Alexander, NY home. She is currently enrolled in the general studies program and her ultimate goal is to become an elementary school art teacher. She and her fiance have two beautiful girls, Gracie-Mae who is two years old, and Magnolia-Rae, three months old. She enjoys doing crafts with her children and has always had a passion for art. During the reception, Perry was able to thank Jerry Reinhart and his family and shared that this scholarship allowed her to pursue her education and set an example for her daughters.

The Genesee Community College Foundation accepts scholarship donations throughout the year and has full-time dedicated staff in place to assist any donor in establishing a new scholarship or expanding an existing fund, such as the Genesee Alumni Legacy Scholarship.

Details on the scholarships available to students are available at https://www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/scholarships/. Interested applicants are encouraged to review and apply online! The simple online application collects information and matches applicants with a list of scholarships they may qualify for. Expert advice is also available through GCC's Financial Aid Office at (585) 345-6900 or via email at financialaid@genesee.edu.

Photo: Mary Alice Panek of GCC's Board of Trustees and Regina Chuhi, recipient of 2 Scholarships, courtesy of GCC

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the Public’s assistance in locating Marc C. J. Cook.  Mr. Cook is wanted on multiple Warrants including Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd and Bail Jumping 2nd, all Felonies in Alabama Town Court.  He is also wanted by Batavia City Court for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, Criminal Use of Drug  Paraphernalia 2nd, Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, and three counts of Bail Jumping 3rd, all Misdemeanor charges.  If anyone knows his whereabouts, please contact the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 585-343-5000.

Press release:

The 8th annual GLOW Corporate Cup returned this year with 718 participants registering for the 8th annual 5K run and walk.  The race brought in $20,000 in support of the GLOW YMCA.  This money will provide support to the YMCA Scholarship program, ensuring that no one is turned away from the Y due to inability to pay.

In addition to the race, teams design their own T-Shirts and compete for the most creative design.  Each year the local Merrill Lynch office makes a $500 donation to the winning team’s charity of choice.  This year, US Gypsum won the contest and elected to direct the donation to Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship based in Le Roy. Purple Pony provides equine opportunities to persons with disabilities and diverse needs.

Pictured above are Duane Van Duuren and Nancy Havens of US Gypsum, Olivia Rogers of Merrill Lynch, and Gail Enhmann, Karen Reeverts and Daniel Kilker of Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship.

Press release:

In support of the Genesee County STOP-DWI program, the STOP-DWI Board invites all sixth- through 12th-grade students to submit a poster design that reflects the dangers of drinking and driving.

Designs should focus on the effects drinking and driving have on an individual, their family and the community.

The theme for the 2021 poster contest is, "If you drink it’s your business, if you drink and drive it’s ours.”

 Guidelines:

• Contestants must be enrolled as a  sixth- through 12th-grader in a Genesee County School;
• Poster should be no larger than 9’’ x 12” and must include the theme of: "If you drink it’s your business, if you drink and drive it’s ours”;
• Please submit your artwork in landscape (horizontal) orientation;
• Each submission should be the original student’s work. Submissions should be mailed or dropped off to the address below;
• Each entry must include the artist’s full name, address, phone number, grade, age and school on the back of the poster (no personal information should be on the illustration).

Designs can be in any medium, including computer-generated. However, we strongly recommend that students create strong, simple and colorful designs that will deliver the most visual impact for their message.

Grand Prize Winner -- gift card, T-shirt with their artwork on it and their artwork on a billboard in Genesee County. They will also be honored at the STOP DWI luncheon banquet in November.

First-  through third-place winners from each category (sixth - eighth grade; ninth - 12th grade; and graphic art) will receive a gift card, commendation and T-shirt with the overall winner’s design. They will also be recognized at the STOP-DWI luncheon banquet in November.

DEADLINE: Entries must be received in person or by mail by 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8th.

Send submissions to:

Genesee County Youth Bureau

ATTN: STOP DWI Poster Contest

2 Bank St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Press release:

The Batavia City School District’s Board of Education has engaged the services of Genesee Valley BOCES District Superintendent Kevin MacDonald to assist in the search for a new superintendent. 

The Board is encouraging input from members of the staff and community on the qualities and characteristics they would most like to see in the district’s next superintendent via virtual informational sessions hosted by Mr. MacDonald. 

The virtual informational sessions will be held on: 

• Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 pm 
• Wednesday, September 29 at 5:30 pm 

A valid email address will be required to register for either session. To register, click here. On the day of your chosen session, you will receive an email with the invitation and link to join the Zoom meeting. 

For those that are unable to participate in the virtual informational sessions, there is an optional survey available. The survey will be open from September 21-October 1.

Additional information on the search process and timeline can be found on bataviacsd.org. 

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the male pictured. The incident occurred at a local business on August 27th. If you can identify the male, please contact Officer Lindsay at (585) 345-6350.

Press release:

Jason Doohan, 38 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of petit larceny and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in Batavia Town Court on September 21, 2021.

Doohan was originally charged with one count each of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and 4^th degree Grand Larceny after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that he failed to report income from scraping metal.  He subsequently received $1464 in benefits he was not entitled to.

Doohan has made full restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services, in addition to the reduced charges and conditional discharge.  He is also disqualified from receiving benefits for one year.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of welfare fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6541.

Press release:

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4350 – the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act.

Our nation faces many challenges in the coming years – from the growing threat of terrorism brought on by our reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan, to Chinese aggression.
This bill reverses defense cuts proposed by the Biden administration to fund our military and ensure our nation can counter any threat.
It also addresses President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan by prohibiting financial support for the Taliban and allocating resources for counter-terrorism operations. 

In addition, it provides our troops a pay raise and supports the procurement of essential equipment.

Finally, the bill includes a bill I introduced to improve retention and readiness by providing opportunities to reservists, and the rule makes in order my amendment that will get more small and innovative companies to access to DoD contracts.

Mr. Speaker, we face numerous challenges both today and in the future. This legislation prioritizes resources for our military at a critical time, and I urge its passage.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced a bill to provide the $1 billion in defense funding for Israel’s Iron Dome that Democrats stripped from today’s spending bill.

“As if Democrats hadn’t learned their lesson about turning their backs on our allies when they need us most from the events in Afghanistan these past few weeks, today Speaker Pelosi stripped critical funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Just a few months ago we witnessed the Iron Dome’s effectiveness against terrorist attacks from Hamas. This decision to cut critical aid funding from our most important ally in the Middle East is shameful, adds further damage to our international credibility, and emboldens our enemies like Iran.

“I am proud to stand with Israel and their right to self-defense. I introduced this legislation to ensure critical funding gets to our ally and allows for them to protect innocent lives from future attacks. I urge my colleagues in the House to cosponsor this legislation and send a clear message of support to our Israeli partners. 
 

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement following tonight's combined vote on a continuing resolution and legislation to raise the debt limit.

“Once again, Democrats are playing games with our nation’s economic recovery. Nancy Pelosi asked Republicans to act on a bipartisan basis to raise the debt limit so she can force through $3.5 trillion in unnecessary partisan spending.

“Equally troubling, Pelosi caved to radical progressives in her party and stripped $1 billion in critical funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. This spring we saw the Iron Dome’s effectiveness against terror attacks – we need to keep it operational and stand by Israel’s right to self-defense.

“Speaker Pelosi is taking us down an incredibly divisive path that will only result in further spending problems and erosion of our credibility with our allies. Our nation would be better served if the Speaker shifted her focus from partisan power to fiscal responsibility. This is no way to govern, and Americans and our allies are growing tired of these partisan games with their well-being.
 

Press release:

In a new push to combat what has become one of the worst mosquito seasons across New York, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced a new push to help zap the mosquitos that seem to be taking over communities across New York. Schumer revealed that this summer, many communities throughout Upstate New York had a case of West Nile, the serious and potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus. Schumer also detailed data from New York State that shows dozens of mosquito samples there have tested positive for West Nile, too.

“Ask any outdoor diner about the mosquitos this summer, and you’ll feel a resounding itch,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “This is actually one of the worst mosquito seasons in recent memory with a record number of the bugs plaguing communities across New York—from the city, to Buffalo and all throughout New York State.”

“Even more concerning, pools of the potentially-deadly mosquito-borne disease, West Nile Virus, continue to grow, and this could last well into Fall because of a very wet summer and climate change. So, today, we are pushing a two-pronged plan involving the EPA and the CDC so that our area has the dollars and the resources to beat back the mosquito and its diseases before they spread,” Schumer added.

Schumer said data shows this is one of the worst summers in terms of the mosquito population—but that this could all last well into fall. Schumer said that a particularly wet summer and a changing climate are giving mosquitos the right conditions to suck New York dry of patience and the federal dollars used to beat them back. Schumer announced a two-pronged push to ensure the EPA keeps resources coming to New York and an upcoming budget boost to increase CDC ‘vector borne disease’ dollars delivered by the agency to ensure New York State has the resources they need to survey, test, educate and respond to dramatic increases in the mosquito population, such as the one we are seeing this summer, and could keep seeing into the future.

For example, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard, Onondaga County has experienced 25 times more mosquitoes this year than last. This year, Onondaga County tallied 12,543 mosquitoes in the second week of September, compared to 488 during the same time last year. Similarly, according to the New York City Health Department, a record-breaking 1,000+ West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools have been identified and there is at least one case of the West Nile Virus in each of the five boroughs. The Health Department told the media, these current numbers break 2018 records for the entire mosquito season, which still has weeks to go this year.

According to AMNY, “West Nile virus can be mild or moderate, with 80% of those infected have no symptoms at all, however it can prove to be serious for those over 50 and can cause serious or fatal infection to the brain and spine. The most common symptoms are headache, fever, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue, while more severe symptoms can also include changes in mental status and muscle weakness requiring hospitalization. Most who are infected with West Nile virus will go on to fully recover from their illness, however, some continue to have problems months after infection.” The outlet also reported, “there are currently 106 mosquito traps throughout the city and several catch basins have been treated with larvicide. Schumer confirmed, the Health Department has conducted three aerial applications of larvicide in the marsh areas of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, as well as 21 spray operations to control adult mosquitoes in the last several weeks.

Schumer explained that across New York, this surveying, educating and mitigation costs money and involves two federal agencies: the EPA and the CDC. Schumer, today, announced a two-pronged push to keep the EPA resources coming and his intention to increase the CDC dollars New York can access as all signs point to mosquito seasons lasting longer.

Schumer has officially requested a 61% increase in annual funding for the CDC’s Vector-Borne Diseases programs, which includes West Nile. Specifically, he is pushing to support two key programs essential to VBD prevention, surveillance, testing, and response activities: the CDC Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases and CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant program. This funding would increase the coordination between academic institutions and state and local departments of health to ensure research findings and information are getting out into the community more rapidly, support surveillance efforts, and promote outreach and education. The CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant program is critical for efforts related to the surveillance, detection, response, and prevention of infectious diseases, including VBD. In 2020 the CDC’s DVBD received requests for nearly $50 million from the state departments of health for VBD through the ELC program. However, the account was only able to support $16.1 million, less than a third of the needed resources to address VBD across the nation at the state and county level.

Press release:

Grange is a Fraternal/Community centered organization with a major interest in Agriculture.  With that - the Grange has always supported "Ag in the Classroom" and FFA programs.

Genesee County Pomona Grange operates an Ice Cream Stand at the Genesee County Fair.  The past three years of the Fair, Pomona Grange has placed a donation jar for collections to be passed on to the area District FFA programs.  

The funds will be used to offset student costs for various trips and educational events by all FFA chapters.

Photo: Jeff Parnapy Byron-Bergen FFA Advisor, Ian Keberle VP Elba FFA, Tracey Dahlhaus Elba FFA Advisor, Todd Hofheins Oakfield-Alabama FFA Advisor,   Dennis Phelps, Co-president Genesee County Pomona Grange.  Not Pictured Kylie Smith Pavilion FFA Advisor

 

Press release:

On Wednesday, September 22, temporary road closures will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.  These road closures are for the roadway resurfacing of the following streets (The duration of each closure will be approximately 4 hours before traffic can ride on the treatment):

Allenview Drive:        Between Naramore Drive and North Street.

Garden Drive:           Eastside between Naramore Drive and end of the road.

                                 Westside between Naramore Drive and Carolwood Drive

ADDITIONALLY:  The City parking lots at Lion’s Park and the Canale Lot off of Ellicott Street will be resurfaced and will be closed while work is occurring.

Residents will be notified by Suit-Kote of the actual work schedule via flyers delivered door to door on the impacted streets a day in advance.  The work should be completed in one day as long as not delayed.

Residents of impacted areas are asked not to park on these streets while the work is ongoing and to park on adjacent side streets if possible.

This work is weather dependent and if delayed due to wet conditions the work will resume the next business day. The current forecast for Batavia shows rain mid-week so postponements are expected.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced today that Batavia Downs will be hosting their famous wiener dog races on Sunday, October 17^th. While there is no live harness racing that day, a different type of racing will go on at Batavia’s historic track.

Up to 80 dachshunds will be racing for the crown of the fastest wiener dog in Western New York.  Each “heat” winner will receive free play and the top 3 finishers in the championship race will receive free play, food vouchers, and a free hotel stay.

Family-related activities will also take place including on-site entertainers, kettle corn stand, pumpkin painting, carriage rides, pony rides and $1 hot dogs and sodas. These will take place from 1 to 3pm with the wiener dog races commencing at 3 pm.

If you have a pure-bred dachshund and would like to enter your dog to participate, please call or email Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750 ex 6437 or email at atygart@bataviagaming.com.

Admission and Parking is free.

“The Wiener Dog Races have a great history here at Batavia Downs,” said President and CEO, Henry Wojtaszek.  “We look forward to welcoming families and the community back for another fun and affordable event.”

Photo: File photo from 2017 race.