Stories from

Press release:

“The budget the Majority is set to pass this year will increase our state’s spending by about 20 percent over last year’s budget, and it makes me think, has the average New York family increased their spending by that much over the last year?" says Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

"The answer is of course not. While New York families have pared back their spending and lived within their means, our state is poised to increase both spending and taxes in a way that will prove unsustainable, all while giving twice to illegal immigrants what it will distribute to small businesses as aid.

"I am nearly certain that by this time next year the Majority will be talking about the need to further increase our taxes to pay for the increased spending people will come to rely on, which is why I will be voting against this irresponsible budget.”

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, will continue its search for more than 1,500 employees with a first-of-its-kind drive-thru hiring event on Saturday, April 10, and Saturday, April 17.

Applicants should apply online beforehand for positions at the park, waterpark, and hotel and campground and then interview from the comfort and safety of their own cars at the park. Positions require no previous experience with training provided and offer flexible scheduling, competitive wages, and great benefits.

“This innovative new hiring process is a safe and convenient way to connect with job applicants while still providing the familiarity and comfort of a face-to-face interview,” said Six Flags Darien Lake President Chris Thorpe. “We’ll be able to answer questions in-person and make same-day job offers in an easy and inviting format.”

The drive-thru hiring event steps include:

• Applicants apply online at https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake/jobs/ prior to the hiring event they plan on attending;
• Applicants will receive an email to sign up for an interview time on April 10 or April 17, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; 
• Once the interview is scheduled, applicants arrive at the park’s toll plaza to check-in at their scheduled time and then proceed to their hiring department’s designated drive-thru interview area; 
• Interviews will be done at a safe distanced from the interviewee’s car; 
• Interviewees will be required to wear a face covering throughout the process, as will the interviewers;
• Once hired, applicants will finish their onboarding on the spot.      

Darien Lake offers new rates for many frontline positions, starting at $12.50 per hour, for employees 14 years old and up.

A variety of positions are available including lifeguards, ride operators, cashiers, front gate ticket takers and sellers as well as positions in Medical Services, Security, Guest Relations, Accommodations, Retail and Food Service. 

Six Flags Darien Lake offers great benefits including paid internships, scholarship opportunities, insurance plans, in-park discounts, plus rewards and recognition programs.

A Six Flags seasonal job can be a great option for students, teachers, retirees, or anyone looking for a second job or one that allows them to work around a busy personal schedule. Six Flags also offers unlimited theme park and waterpark admission for employees, free tickets for family and friends, exclusive team member events, and more. 

Applicants who are unable to participate in the drive-thru hiring event, may apply online anytime Visit us at https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake/jobs/ for more information.

Press release:

• Genesee County reporting 27 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 and 90s. 
• Twenty-six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Nine of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
• Two of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Genesee County Jail. 

Orleans County reporting 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 50s and 70s.
• One of the new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Press release:

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses* incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

• The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.
• There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or qualified alien.

*Please note: If the funeral was prepaid then it is not eligible for these funds.

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

At Bohm-Calarco-Smith, Burdett & Sanford and H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. we’re dedicated to assisting any community member in this process, regardless of the funeral home they choose to work with. Please contact our office at (585) 344-4295 today to let us support you and your loved ones during this trying time.

Press release:

Secure a spot for you and the family for the 18^th annual Family Game Night! Spots are still available and with registration closing Friday, make sure you call to register before spots fill up!

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will host the event in celebration of National County Government Month. The event will take place on Thursday, April 29^th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Family Game Night will be a “Grab 'n’ Go” style event. Families will drive up to the main entrance of County Building 2 and staff will greet them with a family tote that will consist of information about the services provided by the Genesee County Departments as well as prizes and activities.

Each bag will also have snacks, beverages and of course a brand new board game for families to start their own “Family Game Night” at home.

The theme for this year’s County Government Month is “Counties Matter.” Many county residents aren’t aware of the many important services provided by County Government. Each county department will provide information that showcases their roles and responsibilities to our residents. 

As we know, counties are on the front lines protecting our communities. Now more than ever, Genesee County residents are seeing firsthand the essential functions counties perform. The county provides critical services to all our residents, beginning at birth and spanning throughout their entire lives.

There is no cost for this event. Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game. Please call the Youth Bureau for more information or to register at 344-3960. Registration is required by April 9^th and is only open for the first 30 families to RSVP.

Submitted photo and press release:

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s Head Start Program is joining forces to celebrate the upcoming Week of the Young Child – April 10-16 with the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The local Head Start program serves more than 250 young children, ages birth – 5 years, and their parents in Orleans and Genesee counties. Like NAEYC, Head Start programs are committed to delivering best practice early childhood education that help young children thrive and learn in an environment dedicated to ensuring children reach their full potential.

The 2021 Head Start Book Fund Campaign -- "Build a Library … Create a Reader" will put books in the homes of local Head Start Children on a monthly basis.  

Esther Leadley, longtime active member of the Community Action Board of Directors, has worked tirelessly in advocating for the “Young Child” throughout her career. Her enthusiasm and passion for young children has initiated the Head Start Book Fund Campaign where children exposed to more books can increase their vocabulary and nurture beginner reading skills.

“It’s about our local children and their future," Leadley said. "I hope others will join me in this annual project that “builds home libraries and helps create readers for our Head Start children.”

Head Start donors can help “create readers” with a $60 donation that will ensure one take-home book for one local Head Start child for each of 12 months. A donation of $120 will ensure a take home book for two Head Start children; one book for each of 12 months.

Online donations can be made by clicking here. Or checks can be made payable to Community Action of Orleans/Genesee and mailed to 409 State St., Albion, NY  14411.

Press release: 

The Byron-Bergen Central School District’s Board of Education (BOE), has named three finalists for the next Superintendent of Schools. 

Debra List, president of the Byron-Bergen Central School District’s BOE, said she is pleased with the high-quality candidate pool and is enthused about the potential the three finalists have to offer. 

“Choosing the best superintendent for the district is the board’s main priority,” List said. “The field of candidates was diverse, which made narrowing the field to three very difficult. We are confident that one of these candidates will be the best choice for our school district and community.”

The three finalists are Patrick McGee, Jennifer Sinsebox, Ed.D., and Tracy Marchianda. 

McGee is currently the principal of Byron-Bergen Junior/Senior High School, a position he has held since 2015. From 2013 until 2015, he served as the assistant principal of Byron-Bergen Junior/Senior High School. Before that, McGee was the dean of students from 2012 until 2013. He began his career in education in 2007 as a fifth-grade teacher at Byron-Bergen Middle School and served in this role until 2012. Throughout his career at Byron-Bergen CS, he has served in many leadership capacities including: overseeing and supporting the growth of a Video Coaching Model to assist teachers with professional development; increasing the number of Advanced Placement courses offered; implementing an agriculture program; and revitalizing an FFA Chapter. Under McGee’s tenure, Byron-Bergen High School was named U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John Fisher College in Elementary and Special Education, and a master’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from the Buffalo State College. McGee earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester and also holds New York State certifications as School Building and District Leader, as well as Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities. 

Jennifer Sinsebox, Ed.D., is the executive director of Curriculum and Data Management at Wheatland-Chili Central Schools, a position she has held since 2008. From 1996 until 2008, she served as a special education teacher at Wheatland-Chili Central Schools. In 1993, Sinsebox started her path in education as a Special Education teacher at Bloomfield Central Schools. Sinsebox is also an adjunct professor at the State University of New York at Brockport, a post she has held since 2015. During her tenure at Wheatland-Chili CS, she: organized district family/community engagement parent university workshops; assisted in the creation of a five-year Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education district plan; and directed and facilitated the district strategic plan with the development of the district comprehensive improvement plan. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Special Education from Nazareth College. Sinsebox holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from The State University of New York at Brockport and also holds New York State certifications in School District Administration, as well as Elementary and Special Education. Sinsebox completed her doctorate in Education in 2020.

Tracy Marchianda has been employed by Geneva City School District since 2011, and currently is the assistant superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Accountability, a post she’s held since 2020. Her leadership roles at the Geneva City School District include director of Innovation and Multi-Language Learners, director of Innovative Programming and Student Services, and principal of North Street Elementary School. Marchianda is presently an adjunct professor at the University of Rochester. From 2000 until 2011, she served the Bath Central School District, first as the principal of Vernon E. Wightman Primary School, and then as the director of Curriculum and Instruction. In these roles, she facilitated a comprehensive curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development program for a high-needs rural school district. Marchianda started teaching in 1989 as a second- and fifth-grade teacher at Dundee Central School District where she also served as a staff development trainer and English Language Arts coordinator. 

Marchianda earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, and two Master of Science degrees in Education from Elmira College. She is in progress of earning her doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Science of Learning from the University of Buffalo. She earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from the State University of New York at Brockport and also holds New York State certifications as School District administrator and supervisor, as well as literacy specialist, and elementary teacher.

The three candidates will interview with stakeholders on Wednesday, April 7 and conclude the process with final separate interviews with the Board of Education on April 13, 14 and 15. 

The anticipated start date for the new superintendent is July 1.

Kevin MacDonald, district superintendent of the Genesee Valley BOCES, who is acting as the search consultant, said the Board has developed and implemented a process that will help determine the best candidate.

“This is a thorough search process,” MacDonald said. “Finalists will visit the Byron-Bergen Central School District to meet with stakeholders. The process concludes with final rounds of interviews with the Board of Education.”

Press release:

The final budget bill includes the Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) aid for the City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, and Genesee County in the amount of $800,000. Originally left out of the Senate One-House Budget, Senator Ed Rath was vocal in his opposition to the elimination of this critical aid.

“I am pleased to see this aid restored," Senator Rath said. "Many of our communities are beginning to recover from COVID and the financial implications, to cut their funding at such a critical time would be detrimental.

"To think that the only areas that were exempt from the VLT aid were areas represented by Republican senators was troubling. This cut would have been detrimental, and I am glad that the aid was restored."

The VLT funding was included in part KK of the Public Protections and General Government Budget Bill (S.2505-C).

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have vaccination and testing clinics with appointments available for residents in Genesee and Orleans counties.

“Whichever COVID-19 vaccine is available is the right vaccine to get now! All approved vaccines are effective and saves lives,” said Paul Pettit, director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

“We encourage anyone that is currently eligible to register for an upcoming clinic. Residents in Genesee and Orleans counties are eligible to attend either clinic location when vaccine is available.”

Starting today, April 6^th, vaccine is now available for people age 16 (only Pfizer vaccine if 16- and 17-year-olds with a parent/guardian present with them) and older. Pfizer is a two-series dose, 21 days apart (three weeks), and is recommended for people aged 16 and older. Moderna is a two-series dose, 28 days apart (four weeks), and is recommended for people aged 18 and older. Johnson & Johnson is a one-series dose and is recommended for people age 18 and older.

It is important to note that you must be able to return for the second dose 21 days for Pfizer or 28 days for Moderna after the first dose at the location, you received your initial vaccination. You will be making that appointment after you are vaccinated. If you cannot make that date, please do not make an appointment for a two-dose series until you can make both appointments.  

Visit the vaccination webpage at:  https://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine. Choose either the Moderna Clinic, the Johnson & Johnson Clinic or the Pfizer Clinic button for whichever clinic site works best, to make your appointment. When you register, it will also show which vaccine will be at the clinic during that day. When clicking one of the clinic buttons to register you will see what vaccine is available or, if there is not a clinic or it is full, it will show "No Appointments Available." Check the links often for added clinics.

In Genesee County, the clinics are held at the Athletic Center at Genesee Community College in Batavia and in Orleans County, the clinics are held at the Ridgeway Fire Hall in Medina.

If you are interested in making an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!  

Free Rapid COVID-19 Test Clinics have been moved to the respective health departments. Anyone over 4 years of age (with parent/guardian present) can make an appointment for either county at https://bit.ly/GOHealthTesting. 

Testing clinics for this week:

04/07/21 – Genesee County Health Department (GCHD)

04/07/21 – Orleans County Health Department (OCHD)

04/08/21 – GCHD

04/09/21 - OCHD

Press release:

• Genesee County is reporting 47 new positive cases of COVID-19, including data from over the weekend.
  • 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 and 70s. 
• Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Nine of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
• Twelve of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Genesee County Jail. 

Orleans County is reporting 18 new positive cases of COVID-19, including data from over the weekend.

• 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 and 60s.
• One of the new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Twenty of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Five of the new positive individuals are inmates of the Albion Correctional Facility.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate of the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.87, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $1.94. The New York State average is $2.90 – down a penny from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.30.

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

• Batavia -- $2.85 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.82 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.88 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.87 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.93 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.85 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.95 (no change since last week)

Oil prices are down a bit while Easter travel is in full swing, leading to mixed news on gas prices. Demand is up as many families are traveling for Easter break. At the same time, refineries are switching over to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce. Gas prices typically reach their highest level of the year as we approach Memorial Day.

From GasBuddy:

"Last week was a mixed bag for consumers at the pump as gas prices in half of states rose, while the other half saw declines, with March closing like a lamb after starting out like a lion," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Oil prices have shown signs of strength in the last few trading sessions, as OPEC agreed to raise oil production starting in May by a very modest 350,000 barrels per day. Overall, it's a small increase in output as global demand continues to show strength in light of Covid-related improvements.

"U.S. gasoline demand rose for the sixth straight week as consumers hit the road for Easter, and with demand growth likely to remain robust, we may see a second attempt at a run at a national average of $3 per gallon in the months ahead. While the last few weeks have seen gas prices hold mostly steady, it's not likely to last forever, especially as Americans increasingly get outside as warmer temperatures return."

Press release:

• Genesee County reporting 13 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 50s, 60s and 70s. 
  • Ten of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
  • Eight of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
  • One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.​

​

• Orleans County reporting 10 new positive cases of COVID-19.  
  • The positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
    • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
  • Three of the new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Two of the new positive individuals are inmates of the Albion Correctional Facility.

Press release:

New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), in collaboration with state agencies and other partners, has created a series of videos on how to complete and submit applications for benefits for older New Yorkers and other eligible individuals.

Press release:

Effective Monday, April 5, visitation at Rochester General Hospital, Unity Hospital, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, and United Memorial Medical Center will expand to allow a maximum of two visitors per patient per day for up to four hours each at the bedside. Due to social distancing concerns because of COVID-19, only one visitor will be permitted at a time.

Visitors will be required to check in after being screened at the door.

Other changes to the policy include: 

• Pediatrics (permits two support persons together)
  • Each patient may have two support persons 24/7;
• Labor and Delivery (permits two support persons together)
  • Each patient may have two support persons 24/7;
• Patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (permits two persons together)
  • Each patient may have one support person 24/7 and one visitor for a maximum of four hours per day during scheduled visiting hours.

Visitation hours: 

• Rochester General Hospital: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 8 p.m.
• Unity Hospital: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 8 p.m.
• Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic:  12 – 8 p.m.
• Newark-Wayne Community Hospital: Monday – Friday: 1 – 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• United Memorial Medical Center: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 6 p.m. 

Visitation is still prohibited for Emergency Department patients, COVID-19 positive patients, patients awaiting COVID-19 test results, cancer infusion centers, and inpatient behavioral health (chemical dependency and mental health).

For more information, please visit our website at www.rochesterregional.org.

Press release:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Thursday took action to provide $1 billion per month in additional food assistance to an estimated 25 million people in very low-income households that are participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and struggling to put food on the table due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The estimated increase in food assistance for New York State for one month is $66.2 million and for six months it is $397.1 million.

Starting this month, households that had not received at least $95 per month in increased benefits through emergency allotments during the pandemic – because they were already at or close to receiving the current maximum benefit – will now be eligible to receive additional benefits. Benefit levels will remain unchanged for households that have been receiving increased payments of at least $95 per month.

States may need a few weeks to update their systems and get the additional benefits to participants.

“The emergency SNAP increases authorized by Congress last year were not being distributed equitably, and the poorest households – who have the least ability to absorb the economic shocks brought about by COVID – received little to no emergency benefit increases,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“As part of President Biden’s commitment to deliver economic relief, and ensure every family can afford to put food on the table, today’s actions will provide much-needed support for those who need it most.”

• State-level benefit estimates (PDF, 138 KB)

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act authorized emergency allotments to SNAP households to help address temporary food needs during the pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, USDA has issued about $29 billion in additional benefits, to bring all SNAP households up to the maximum benefit for their household size. Unfortunately, households already at the maximum SNAP benefit received no additional support. Among households that received little to no benefit increase, about 40 percent have children, 20 percent include someone who is elderly and 15 percent include someone who is disabled.

On Jan. 22, President Biden, issued his Executive Order on Economic Relief Related to the COVID-19 pandemic, directing all federal agencies to consider administrative actions to better address the current economic crisis resulting from the pandemic. At that time, the White House called on USDA to consider allowing larger Emergency Allotments for the lowest income SNAP households.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration under Secretary Vilsack, USDA is committed to transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on: more resilient local and regional food production; fairer markets for all producers; ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities; building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices; making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America; committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.

To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Press release:

Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest from 10 to 11 a.m. on:

• Saturday April 3rd
• Saturday May 1st
• Saturday June 12th
• Saturday July 10th

This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate.

Cost is $5/dog and all proceeds go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain six feet of social distance. Participants are encouraged to wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer.

Preregistration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register.

The Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is vocalizing his opposition to the proposed establishment of an “excluded workers fund” in this year’s state budget, which advocates hope will provide more than $2.1 billion in new state aid to illegal immigrants.

The fund would allocate $2.1 billion in new spending to provide unemployment benefits, including benefits similar to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), for workers federally ineligible to receive traditional unemployment insurance benefits: illegal immigrants and convicted felons. 

Noncitizens and other cash-economy workers would be the primary beneficiaries of such funds, as they are ineligible to receive unemployment benefits under current federal Department of Labor regulations. Some beneficiaries would be eligible for payments of up to $27,000 under current Assembly Majority proposals.

“In this unprecedented time of need, as thousands of families struggle to keep the lights on and put food on their tables, we shouldn’t be spending billions to help people who should not be here in the first place,” said Hawley.

“Rewarding those who ignore our laws will only further erode the rule of law in our state. In doing so, we would disrespect all who come to our nation legally, as well as those who otherwise live here lawfully but are still struggling to make ends meet.”

From Jim Dillon:

Batavia Soccer Club has extended their online registration until April 18. It has been a difficult year and many people didn't receive notification of the online registration in the manner that they have in the past.

Registration is open for the U6 (players turning 5 or 6 in 2021), U8 (players turning 7 or 8 in 2021) and U10 (players turning 9 or 10 in 2021).

Detailed information on these programs can be found at BataviaSoccerClub.com.

We want to make sure that every interested family has an opportunity to register. Please feel free to contact us through our website or Facebook page with any questions.

Please click on this link to sign up and please share. Thank you!

Press release:

Please note today is the first day of no travel quarantine. Asymptomatic travelers entering New York from another U.S. state or territory are no longer required to test or quarantine as of April 1.

Quarantine, consistent with the CDC recommendations for international travel, is still recommended for domestic travelers who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from laboratory confirmed COVID-19 during the previous three months.  

It is important for residents to understand they are still responsible for completing the NYS Traveler Health Form, and should continue with masking, proper hand washing/sanitizing and monitoring their health for 14 days. If they start to experience any COVID-related symptoms they are to immediately self-isolate and should contact their primary care provider.

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Genesee County reporting 10 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, 70s and 80s. 
• Twenty-one of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 

Orleans County reporting eight 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 and 60s.
• One of the new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Zero of the previous positive individuals have recovered and havebeen removed from the isolation list.
• Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Two of the new positive individuals are inmates of the Albion Correctional Facility.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting its next Trivia Night at the Museum on Thursday, April 8^th at 7 p.m. In honor of his birthday, the topic will be life and works of William Shakespeare.

You can either join us in person at the museum or via Zoom. Our in-person audience will be limited to 12 people, and masks and social distancing will be required.

The Holland Land Office Musuem welcomes James Black on Wednesday, April 14^th at 7 p.m. for its next edition of its Guest Speaker Series. The presentation will be on edged weapons of the Civil War from both the Union and Confederate armies.

The presentation will be available via Facebook Live and in person to a small group of up to 12 people to come to watch on our big screen. All those in attendance must wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.

If you would like to attend in either event person, please contact the museum by phone at (585) 343-4727 to preregister. If you would like to come in person we are asking for a donation in place of the regular admission.

Please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com, for more details, and for links to attend the April 8 Zoom event on Shakespeare.