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Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley rallied alongside his Assembly Republican colleagues in a letter to President Trump requesting that he assist them in obtaining data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the state, including those in nursing homes.

For months now, we have written to the director of the CDC, Robert Redfield, requesting this information but have not been provided with a firm number of COVID-19 fatalities in New York State. In a hearing in August, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker also refused to provide this data, stating he was concerned it would not be fully accurate.

“When thousands of people die, families deserve answers,” Hawley said. “Giving the families that suffered irreplaceable losses closure on this matter is the least we could do for them, and we need to know as much about this tragedy as we can to assure we never endure loss like this again.

"For these reasons, I ask the president to direct the CDC to release this information and give New Yorkers the answers they deserve regarding this unthinkable loss of life.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined in a letter with his Assembly Republican colleagues to call on Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to demand the Legislature pass legislation to curb Gov. Cuomo’s emergency powers, which have persisted since March.

The governor has used his emergency powers to implement several directives unilaterally, and Hawley believes his emergency authority has been too expansive and lasted too long.

“New Yorkers deserve a return to representative government,” Hawley said. “The problems that have emerged during this pandemic are too complex for one man to handle, and our constituents deserve to have their concerns voiced by the representatives they elected to speak on behalf of their unique districts.

"The Governor failed the people of our state in 2020 with mismanagement of this pandemic which left businesses in countless industries closed and without income for far too long, and we owe it to them to do better and take local factors more strongly into consideration before shutting down local businesses that people rely on to feed their families.”

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Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is applauding the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on their substantial investments into rural New York communities.

“Rural communities comprise the majority of NY-27, and I commend the USDA and the President for their commitment to making the health, prosperity, and future of rural communities a priority,” Jacobs said. “This commitment will translate into a strong, thriving economy in these communities and deliver new opportunities to students and younger generations.”

Overall, the USDA invested $40 billion in rural communities throughout the United States in FY20 -- $434 million of that was invested directly into New York State. Notable highlights include $16.8 million in rural broadband funding, $112 million to deliver safe drinking water supplies, and $1.6 million for small and emerging businesses. To read more about USDA investment, click here.

NY-27 Highlights:

• $17,235,000 into the towns of Byron, Pavilion, Byron and Dansville Village. These loans and grants were used to enhance water storage and access, as well as clean up contaminated water supplies. 
• $269,900 to the Springville Volunteer Fire Company to update their facilities to better respond to emergencies in the surrounding community. 
• $99,900 United States Department of Agriculture Grant (USDA) for the Village of Perry to improve local trail mapping, bolster tourism, and create jobs.
• The Farmers to Families Food Box Program developed in response to COVID-19 supported producers and processors throughout NY-27, including HH Dobbins in Lyndonville.

“I was proud to announce these significant investments into our Western New York communities, and I remain committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the USDA to ensure NY-27 rural communities are supported,” Jacobs said.

“Furthermore, I am going to be fighting for increased investment in the new Congress, especially to support rural broadband development to connect our communities – the urgency of this need has grown substantially with COVID-19 as small businesses, schools, and medical visits have moved online.”

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Kahlil Simon into his new position as a Housing Specialist.

In this role, he will assist individuals to apply for, and navigate, the programs and services offered through ILGR, including, coordinating housing evaluations for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, household budget counseling, employment advocacy, home environmental accessibility consultation, as well as serving as a liaison with landlords.

Prior to this promotion, Kahlil Simon served ILGR as a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Peer Specialist, where he earned a New York Peer Specialist Provisional Certification.

Before his coming to the Agency, he had worked as an Imaging Services Secretary at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, where he was recognized with an Exemplary Service Award. During his tenure at the Medical Center, Simon was inspired to seek work that was more community service-oriented, ultimately obtaining employment with ILGR. 

About his new position, he says, “Here at ILGR, it’s my goal to provide a service to the members of our communities that are in need of assistance, while upholding the high standards of this organization.”

Simon attended Genesee Community College in Batavia after moving to the area from Brooklyn.

ILGR is delighted that Kahlil Simon will continue to serve the disability community in this new position.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum wants to let everyone know of the change to the concert scheduled for tonight at 7 o'clock. The concert will be performed by a flute trio from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, however, due to the increased coronavirus precautions, we will not be having a live audience in attendance at the museum during the concert.

As was the case last week, we will still be livestreaming the concert on our YouTube channel, Holland Land Office Museum. We would like to thank Paul Figlow for helping us out with making this available for everyone. You can follow this link below to join us virtually tonight.

We would also like to thank the Genesee Symphony Orchestra for working with us to put on two wonderful holiday concerts to bring at least a little Christmas cheer this year.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in collaboration with the Genesee County and Orleans County Departments of Social Services announces a new program to assist tenants and landlords affected by the current COVID-19 health pandemic.

The Emergency Solutions Grant, via the CARES Act funding, will provide rental assistance to individuals who are facing eviction and are unable to pay their rent due to circumstance related to the pandemic.

These circumstances may include being laid off, furloughed, workplace closure, having a wage earner unable to work due to COVID-19, or being the primary care giver of someone who contracted COVID-19, or other circumstances.

The eviction prevention rental assistance will be available to cover up to a maximum of $4,200 for households that qualify. The rent subsidy will be paid directly to the landlord to prevent eviction on behalf of the tenant.  

This program will be available to renters who meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Must be a resident of the County where they are applying.
2. Must be determined ineligible for rental assistance with the Department of Social Services. 
3. Must provide proof of tenancy.
4. Household annual income must be at or below 50% of Average Median Income (AMI) for the County level prior to the COVID-19 crisis; and Households must provide documentation of loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19 after March 16, 2020.
5. Must be at risk of being evicted once the moratorium on eviction is lifted because of the COVID-19 Pandemic (i.e. already missed or about to miss rent payments and face eviction).

How to Apply for Assistance:

1. Contact the Department of Social Services to determine your eligibility for rental assistance. 
2. If you are not eligible, contact Independent Living of the Genesee Region at housing@wnyil.org.
3. You will be assigned to an Independent Living Specialist who will conduct an interview and collect all required documentation.  

Before contacting Independent Living, please have answers to the following questions:

a. Does your household income qualify based on this year’s gross yearly income? (The Federal Government’s unemployment pay of $600 per week is not considered as part of your income, but the state unemployment payments are). Please see income guidelines for income limits per household size.

              Genesee County                                                                Orleans County

One Person                   $25,800                                             One Person              $26,750

Two Person                   $29,500                                             Two Person              $30,600

Three Person                $33,200                                             Three Person            $34,400

Four Person                  $36,850                                             Four Person              $38,200

Five Person                   $39,800                                            Five Person              $41,300

Six Person                    $42,750                                             Six Person                $44,350

Seven Person               $45,700                                             Seven Person           $47,400

Eight Person                 $48,650                                             Eight Person             $50,450

b. Have any of your household members become unemployed or under-employed as result of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

c. Are you at risk of being evicted once the moratorium on eviction is lifted because of the COVID-19 Pandemic? (i.e., already missed or about to miss rent payments and face eviction)

If the renter provides false information to the County or its designee, they will not be qualified for the assistance and will be required to repay the assistance. The eligibility determination organization has the final say/decision in all matters/situations pertaining to this program. The program regulations can be changed at any time throughout the grant year due to reasons of funding or program need. In addition, the entire program may be withdrawn and/or changed by the County for any reason, including reasons of funding or program effect.

The Emergency Solutions Grant will provide additional funds to the existing Rapid Rehousing Program facilitated by Independent Living of the Genesee Region for people who are experiencing homelessness.  If you are unsheltered and need assistance, please contact Independent Living at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Work has been completed on the bridge replacement over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama and the road is now reopened.

A portion of Judge Road had been closed since Oct. 12 to replace the bridge, which is immediately west of Crosby Road.

Press release:

Arc of Genesee Orleans Transfer Station, 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia has reduced its hours of operation until further notice.

The Transfer Station will be closed on Fridays, but normal hours will be in effect on Mondays (8 - 2), Wednesdays (8 - 6) and Saturdays (8 - 2).

Customers are asked to please stay in their vehicle at the transfer station and reminded that masks are required.

If you have any questions, please call (585) 343-4203.

Submitted image and press release:

The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating the passing of counterfeit $100 bills throughout the area.

The department recommends that anyone receiving a $100 bill use extra caution to check its authenticity.

At left is a copy of the bill which has been circulating.

If you feel that you may be victim in receiving counterfeit bills, please report it to the Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

A few simple items to check for on U.S. Currency that are hard to recreate on counterfeit bills:

• Color Shifting Ink -- the bill denomination on the bottom right hand corner has the right color shifting ink.
• Raised Printing -- To detect raised printing, take your fingernail and run it carefully down the collar/jacket. You should feel some vibration on your nail from the ridges.
• Blurry Borders/printing/text -- significantly blurry borders, printing, or text, it is an automatic red flag. Red & Blue Threads -- If you take a close look at an authentic bill, you will see that there are small red and blue threads woven in and out within the fabric of the bill.
• Watermark -- In many of the new bills, the watermark is actually a replica of the face on the bill.

Information on the current counterfeit cases is not being release at this time due to the ongoing investigation. 

If anyone receives a counterfeit or suspected counterfeit bill, or has information in reference to the case please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370 or online.

Press release:

On Friday, Dec. 18^th, members of the City of Batavia Police Department will be holding a Christmas event in place of the annual “Shop with a Cop” that is held at Walmart each year, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, the City of Batavia Civil Service Employees Association members, and the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program donated the funding for this year’s event and the Batavia City School District assisted with choosing the families to participate.

One family from each city school was selected and will receive Christmas presents for children to open Christmas morning. The selected families provided Batavia PD with a “wish list” of items, which included toys, diapers, baby formula, boots, jackets, winter hats and gloves. The gifts have been wrapped and will be delivered via police cruiser with a special guest this week.

The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the unions and employees within the City of Batavia for their generous donations and the Batavia City School District for their assistance to make this a great event.

We would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! The City of Batavia Police Department is looking forward to the return of Shop with a Cop in 2021!

Jackson Primary School is striving to create "Magical Moments" for families in its community in partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association. The association has donated gifts for 10 family experiences. Every student will be entered into a drawing to win one of the gift packages. 

"During these uncertain times, we know family is so important," said Principal Maureen Notaro. "With the help of some elves who shopped for all of these families experiences, we have created 10 'Magical Moments' for families to enjoy together. Some of these experiences include sledding, painting, and family movie night. We supported local restaurants and businesses whose owners go out of their way to give back to our school community."

Sheriff William Sheron Jr. will draw the winners at our “Jackson Spreads Joy” event on Monday at 5:30 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Winners can pick up their prizes on the next day at Jackson Primary between 8 a.m. 4 p.m.

Submitted information and video.

Students, teachers, and staff at Le Roy High School came together this week to create Christmas care packages for more than 140 residents of Le Roy Village Green.

Video by Tim McArdle.

Press release:

Genesee County is updating its Comprehensive Plan to reach its 2050 goals and to reimagine the comprehensive planning process.

A new website launched today will help make the plan and public engagement in the planning process easy to access. The site: www.Genesee2050.com (don’t forget the www.) will include work in progress on updating the 1997 Genesee County Comprehensive Plan. The website can be used to explore the status of the Comprehensive Plan as it develops; to find opportunities to engage in the process; and to help maintain the Plan as a “living document” to ensure it reflects important community priorities as they evolve through the year 2050.

Public Input Needed

The Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update survey is open. The survey seeks input from citizens on the relative importance of and the level of satisfaction with various aspects of community life, as well as attitudes about Genesee County’s future. Open-ended questions invite respondents to describe what they currently like and what they would most like to change about Genesee County.

Users can navigate to the Take Surveys tab to access the Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update survey as well as mini surveys seeking input on a variety of topics. Mini surveys available now seek input on Agriculture and Food Supply, Renewable Energy Siting, and Pandemic Impacts on county residents. The recreation survey and other mini surveys will be launched in the near future.

County Flag Design Contest Open

Details about the contest to design a new flag for Genesee County are also available on the site.

Flag Competition Guidelines:

• Keep It Simple. The flag should be rectangular and so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
• Use Meaningful Symbolism. The flag's images, colors or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
• Use Basic Colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to as few as possible that contrast well and come from the standard color set.
• No Lettering. Do not use writing of any kind (exception: the County Seal may be used).
• Be Distinctive or Be Related. Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections. All entries must be the designer’s original work.

Users can navigate to the Get Involved tab to view full submission details.

Public Participation is Essential

“It’s crucial that we get the input of residents and stakeholders so that the final plan reflects strategies people will support to create the sustainable and vital future we all want for Genesee County,” said County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari. “We have so many assets. We need to build upon those strengths to retain existing and attract new residents, investors and businesses.

“In the midst of the global pandemic, the Genesee 2050 website serves as an important hub coordinating distanced and online public engagement. It gives everyone who lives in, works in and cares about Genesee County a place to be heard and to learn how to participate in realizing the county’s vision for its future.”

The survey is one element of a broad public input program for the Genesee County planning efforts. Public workshops, steering committee meetings and interactive site tours as well as participation in community events such as the farmers market are also part of the program. Information about upcoming events will also be posted on the project Facebook page: Genesee 2050.

For more information or to receive a printed copy of any of the surveys contact Felipe A. Oltramari, director of the Genesee County Department of Planning by email at:  Felipe.Oltramari@co.genesee.ny.us or phone (585) 815-7901.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 62 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Byron, Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield, Pavilion and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
  • Thirty-three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Twenty-four of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Six of the new positive cases are residents at Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility, six of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, and one of the positive individuals is at the VA Medical Center.
• Orleans County received 28 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre, Carlton, Kendall, Ridgeway and Shelby.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.
  • Ten of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Submitted photo and information.

Batavia High School graduate Elliot Marino, Pharm.D, BCPS, clinical manager, pharmacy, administered the first shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday at Olean General Hospital. Katie Bocher, second-floor RN, was the first frontline healthcare worker at the facility to get innoculated.

The hospital received its first supply of the vaccine and began vaccinating physicians, nurses and staff who work in high-risk areas of the hospital.

Marino attended Batavia city schools from K-12 and graduated in 2008.

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 Le Roy Police Department will participate in the statewide special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

Law enforcement Officials across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Thursday, Dec. 17 and will end on Jan. 1. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.  

The STOP-DWI Holiday Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Super Bowl weekend and St. Patrick’s Day.

“Have a Plan” to find a safe ride because impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a very safe and Happy Holiday season!

​Press release:

• Genesee County received 64 new positive cases of COVID-19. 
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Byron, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
  • Fifty of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Twenty-four of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Three of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.
• Orleans County received 19 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Carlton, Clarendon, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway and Yates.
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.
  • Five of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.