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Press release from Duane Whitmer, Libertarian candidate for the NY-27 Congressional District:

Former Congressman Chris Collins has officially begun his prison sentence for his insider trading crimes. His guilt is not surprising. What is surprising is that he managed to get caught.

Duopoly politicians have abused their power and access for the pursuit of illicit profit throughout the history of this country, and it is only every once in a blue moon that we get to see one get caught like Rep. Collins.

Normally, these people are left untouched, free to continue their advocacy for endless warfare and welfare while acting against the public interest.

“The people of Western New York and, indeed, citizens all across the state, have seen this detestable movie over and over again for at least the past decade,” said Libertarian NY-27 Congressional Candidate Duane Whitmer. “Eliot Spitzer in 2008, Joe Bruno in 2009, Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos in 2018...this list of New York State Republican and Democrat criminals continues ad infinitum.

"Chris Collins is simply the latest menace produced by the government criminal enterprise I just described, and NY-27 voters — apparently suffering from some form of Stockholm syndrome at the hands of the political duopoly — have accepted this criminal behavior as the norm.

"My message to the voters of NY-27 is that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing — meaning voting for Democrats and Republicans — over and over while expecting a different result. So, if voters truly want to throw off the oppressive shackles of both Washington and Albany and reassert their individual liberty, then it's time to make a different choice. I am that choice. The Libertarian Party is that choice.”

Rep. Chris Jacobs and Nate McMurray legacy Republican and Democrat NY-27 contenders have one thing in common -- they are all either current politicians or attorneys. Such professions dominate what are supposed to amount to part-time endeavors as "legislators" in Albany, and are wholly responsible for creating, condoning, and expanding the culture of rampant corruption that made Collins believe his insider trading scheme was acceptable.

By contrast, Whitmer has built a career as an accountant, fighting against the onerous state and county tax systems perpetuated by all of the aforementioned politicians so that everyday New Yorkers can experience the freedom of doing what they wish with the wealth their labor has produced.

In the wake of the Collins’ imprisonment, voters have the power to determine whether we go through another cycle of electing a career politician. But if voters truly desire less government involvement in their lives and more individual liberty, they need to reject the two-party duopoly and make Duane Whitmer the congressional representative for NY-27.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received four new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are between the ages of 0-20, 30s, 50s and 60s.
  • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • We are diligently working on reporting the numbers from the previous days. A complete count will be reflective on the GOW COVID-19 interactive map by tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 16. Thank you for your ongoing patience.
• Orleans County received four new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion and Carlton.
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 40s, and 50s.
  • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation
  • Four new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

From Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator R. Pete Welker:

Genesee County Residents:

I am writing in support of re-electing William A. Sheron Jr. as the Sheriff of Genesee County.

I am a 25-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, having served as a Corrections Officer, as a Uniformed Deputy Sheriff and, for the last 20 years, as an Investigator.  

With the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office being a relatively young department, including many officers in new supervisory positions, combined with all the new challenges due to New York State reforms being thrust upon the law enforcement community, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t need change; it needs stability that comes through experience and proven leadership. Leadership that comes from 43 years of experience within the same department; leadership that comes from serving 20 years as the Undersheriff; and leadership that comes from already serving as Sheriff for over 3 years now.

During my entire career here at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Sheron has served in multiple supervisory positions: first as Chief Deputy (Road Patrol), then as the Undersheriff for 20 years (with former Sheriff Gary Maha), and finally as the Sheriff since January 1, 2017. Before my time here, Sheriff Sheron also served as a Dispatcher, a Deputy (Jail), a Deputy (Road Patrol), a Sergeant (Road Patrol/Drug Task Force), and as an Investigator.

With 43 years of law enforcement experience, all served within the same department, and after climbing through the ranks, Sheriff Sheron has acquired comprehensive knowledge regarding every aspect of the daily operations at our office. Sheriff Sheron oversees well over 100 employees from the Sheriff’s Office, the Jail, the Dispatch Center, the Animal Shelter, Genesee Justice, and the Justice for Children Advocacy Center.  

In addition to all of this, Sheriff Sheron also made a sound decision naming Brad Mazur as his Undersheriff. Brad Mazur served for 20 years at the Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy and then as a Sergeant and was consistently one of our most productive officers. Undersheriff Mazur exhibited great leadership qualities during his time as the Sergeant in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division as well as the Drug Task Force. Brad Mazur has impeccable character and has shown constant professionalism throughout his 20-year career. Brad is not only well respected within the divisions that fall under his supervision, but also within the community. I cannot think of anyone within our department that is better suited or more qualified to hold the position of Undersheriff than Brad Mazur.  

As a result of numerous retirements in recent years, the Sheriff now leads a very young department. We have a great group of outstanding new Deputies and about half of them were hired within the last 5 years. The most noteworthy changes came in the last two years when our two Chief Deputies retired with over 80 years of experience between them.

There are also new challenges facing law enforcement with the new bail and discovery reform laws in New York State. It won’t be a simple task learning to navigate through this new set of complications for law enforcement. It will not only affect the day-to-day operations of our patrols, but will also present new budgetary concerns due to the need for added personnel to handle the new discovery demands. With the time that these challenges will demand, it will be imperative that the person occupying the position of Sheriff already possess a proficient working knowledge of all the normal day-to-day operations of the multiple divisions that fall under the supervision of the Sheriff.  

I encourage the citizens of Genesee County to continue to support the professional law enforcement leadership in Genesee County by re-electing William A. Sheron for Sheriff.

Respectfully,

Investigator R. Pete Welker

Press release:

Legacy Insurance Group will be having a Grand Opening & Open House at their new office location 212 E. Main St., Batavia, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 20th.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 o'clock. Social distancing and masks required.

Legacy Insurance will be a local resource for Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare, as well as several life insurance options, and can help with navigating health insurance choices on the NYS of Health Marketplace. As of now, due to offsite events and individual appointments, hours will be by appointment or by chance.

Agent Diana M. Wagner resides in Stafford with her husband, Ron, and two of her three children, Bobby and Rachel.

She greatly enjoys the relationship that she builds with her clients, being a local point of contact, and being a resource in the community.

Most Fridays during market season, Wagner can be found with a Medicare information table set up at the Genesee Country Farmer's Market. She is also on hand at local retailers such as Walgreens and Tops, as well as senior residences like 400 Towers, and various other venues to bring Medicare information and answer questions. 

Please stop by to enjoy some cider, donuts and coffee!

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored the State Municipal Assistance for Response and Transition (SMART) Act.

“Many local governments in Western New York did not meet the 500,000 resident threshold to receive coronavirus funding from the CARES Act," Jacobs said. "Without additional aid to state and local governments our hospitals, first responders, and schools are facing the risk of layoffs and cuts to critical services they provide our communities."

The SMART Act would provide $500 billion for a Coronavirus Local Community Stabilization Fund to provide aid to state, local, and tribal governments. The latter would get $16 billion of the funds. The other $484 billion would be distributed to localities in three tranches based on the population, relative revenue loss, and COVID-19 caseload in the state as of June 1^st.

States would be required to release at least one third of these funds – totaling $161.3 billion – to municipal and county governments.

“Our local governments and services they provide are critical to rural communities,” Jacobs said. "Ensuring they have the resources they need is a top priority during this pandemic. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to support these communities, and I will continue to advocate for targeted funding for local governments in additional COVID-19 relief legislation."

Press release:

Due to the Columbus Day holiday, both the Genesee and Orleans County health departments were closed yesterday. There were no map, website or media updates over the weekend or on Monday. Updates were supposed to resume today, Oct. 13, but technology issues got in the way.

Stay safe, stay distanced and wear your masks to continue to slow the spread. Thank you for your understanding.
 

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County -- due to technology/internet issues, we do not have an update for Genesee County. Those numbers will be updated tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience.
•  
• Orleans County received 11 new positive case of COVID-19.
• The new positive cases reside in Albion, Shelby, Carlton, Barre, Yates.
• The individuals are in their 0-19 years, 20s, 30s and 50s. 
• Five of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine when they tested positive. Six of the individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Ten new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Submitted photos and story.

Last week, Jackson Primary and John Kennedy School participated in Fire Prevention Week.

Captain Greg Ireland, of the Batavia Fire Department, read a book and made informational videos that educated students about fire hazards and why it is important to stay safe in an emergency.

Students participated in a coloring contest where the winners received a grab bag and a picture with the BFD. Students also learned why fire prevention is so important. Jackson Primary students had the chance to Google Meet with students from John Kennedy where they shared information they learned about fire safety. 

On Oct. 6th and 7th, students from the two schools had the opportunity to see a real fire truck. They watched the firemen explain how the fire truck works and had the opportunity to see their gear and tools.

The students also donated a dalmatian mascot with the name J.K. Jackson to keep at the firehouse to remember how important and valuable their partnership with the Batavia Fire Department is.

From the Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter:

Judging by the calls received at the Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter office from dementia caregivers, COVID-19 continues to be a major challenge.

It compounds the struggle for care partners already challenged by the demands of providing day-to-day care for someone they love who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.

While the association's physical office remains closed to ensure the health and safety of our staff and the public, it continues to provide free resources such as virtual support groups.

The Chapter oversees several monthly caregiver support group meetings in the Genesee County region, which allows dementia caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them from care partners in local area.

These programs generally run an hour in length and are free to attend via telephone or the Zoom video chat application. Additionally, there are no residency or minimum attendance requirements. 

Caregivers looking for guidance, compassion and time away are welcome to join the discussion by phone on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m., including these Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. There is also a meeting accessible by phone or Zoom on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. on these upcoming dates: Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

While there are no fees, preregistration is a requirement, by calling 1-800-272-3900 at any time. Online registration is also an option at alz.org/CRF. If you are unfamiliar with the Zoom app, call the Chapter office for a quick and easy practice session at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313.

Genesee County residents also have access to caregiving resources and programs through the Chapter’s partnership with the Genesee County Office for the Aging. To learn more about local caregiver resources, call the county office at (585) 343-1611.

From the City of Batavia Fire Department: 

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing / testing fire hydrants on Thursday, Oct. 15^th and Friday, Oct. 16^th from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of North of Main Street and East of Bank Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes.

Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations.

If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at (585) 345-6375.

Press release:

Citywide leaf collection will begin Monday, Oct. 19 and will continue until Nov. 20.

Residents are asked to rake leaves into piles and leave them in the parkway (unbagged). Please, place close to curb line/edge of roadway without placing in the street. Do not pile around fire hydrants, trees or sign posts.

Leaf piles should only contain leaves and no branches, grass clippings or other materials.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Northside working from Grandview Terrace moving West, North of Main Street, and a second crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving East in areas South of Main Street.

A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about two weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the Yard Waste Station until it closes for the season on Dec. 5. The Yard Waste hours are: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31; and then 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on these remaining dates -- Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Dec. 5).

The Yard Waste Station will be closed Nov. 11, 26, 27 and will officially close for the season after Dec. 5th.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION:

• Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris;
• Leaf piles must be clear of all animal waste – if animal waste is found in the piles, they will not be picked up;
• Grass clippings, flower pottings, branches and pumpkins cannot be picked up and residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (open through Dec. 5;
• Leaves should not block traffic;
• Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/bicyclists/pedestrians;
• Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding;
• Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles;
• Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire;
• Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection;
• If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended.
• There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance (585) 345-6400, option 1, if you have any questions.

Press release from David Krzemien:

I am honored that the UAW (United Auto Workers) Union, Region 9 has endorsed my campaign for Genesee County Sheriff! Throughout my careers I have been involved in unions. Looking out for and protecting the interests of others is something I take great pride in. We need to support American made and locally owned businesses, together we are stronger!

Text of the letter:

Dear David:

We are pleased to inform you the Western New York Community Action Program (CAP) Council, UAW Region 9, has endorsed your candidacy in this year's election for Sheriff of Genesee County.

Enclosed is the UAW's Union-Built, American-Made, vehicle guide for 2020. Please consider this list when purchasing your next vehicle.

Good luck for a successful campaign, and we look forward to helping you win on Election Day! If you have any questions, please call our office at (716) 632-1540.

Sincerely,

 

Jeff Binz, Director UAW Region 9

Tom Ashton Asst. Director UAW Region 9

Ed Balukas, National Cap Rep. UAW Region 9

Wence Valetin III, Chairperson WNY CAP, UAW Region 9

Press release:

Holly Carney (photo above), general manager of the McDonald’s Restaurant located at 587 E. Main St., Batavia, has been selected to receive McDonald’s Outstanding General Manager Award. This is an accolade that recognizes only top performing 10 percent of McDonald’s Restaurant Managers.

Carney was one of only 33 McDonald’s Restaurant managers from New York State to receive the honor which includes a cash prize and a trophy. She has worked at McDonald’s for nine years, eight of which have been at this restaurant.

Ryan Richardson and Lisa Ryan from the McDonald’s corporate office, presented Holly with the Outstanding General Manager’s Award Tuesday Oct. 6 and they celebrated -- socially distant of course.

Also in attendance were restaurant owner Harry Schatmeyer and Darrin Glass, director of operations for the Schatmeyer organization.

"It’s awesome, so exciting," Carney said. "I have great people who are always where they need to be when they need to be there in order to deliver the best customer experience.”

McDonald's independent franchisees and regional management nominate restaurant managers for the Outstanding General Managers Awards to recognize their hard work, dedication and commitment to McDonald's and its customers.

“Holly’s done a fabulous job growing the restaurant, and delivering A-plus operation, both in the restaurant and the drive thru," Schatmeyer said. "This is well deserved.”

McDonald’s is committed to creating employment opportunities for people of allages and from all backgrounds, as well as boosting employability to help peoplegain the skills and experience, they need to progress in their careers. McDonald’s provides opportunities for progression and promoting from within; around 90 percent of restaurant management began their careers as crew members.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with more than 37,000 locations in 120 countries. Over 90 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.

Due to the Columbus Day holiday, both the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12.

There will be no map, website or media updates over the weekend or on Monday. Updates will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and will include all accumulated data.

Stay safe, stay distanced and wear your masks to continue to slow the spread. Thank you for your understanding.
 

New Cases – As of 2:00 p.m. 

• Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Elba.
  • The positive individual is in their 20s.
  • The individual was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
• The new positive case resides in Ridgeway.
• The individual is in their 40s. 
• The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Two new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Press release:

The COVID-19 pandemic is shining a spotlight on the value of more complete medical records in assessing and assisting people who need care to become and remain healthy. Now, 300 regional Community Based Organization (CBOs) sites have connected to Rochester RHIO. 

For the first time, social services and behavioral health organizations have a more complete picture of health records, including recent hospitalizations, laboratory tests and imaging, and medications administered. The same holds true for long-term care facilities, who can contribute details about residents that can speed and improve treatment should they fall ill.

Even select non-HIPAA organizations utilize RHIO DIRECT messaging service, which enables secure point to point electronic communication between caregivers. During no other time in history has a holistic collection of health information been as vital to quality care as it is today.

CBOs work to improve the lives of residents in their geographic location, delivering services that address social determinants of health, including education, transportation, socioeconomic factors, employment status and access to healthy food and activities. With this collaboration, secure data sharing is building a more complete medical record for communities and the 1.5 million residents across the RHIO’s 14-county region. 

“We work to assure that all our population can lead healthy lives,” said Jill Eisenstein, CEO and president of Rochester RHIO. “Community Based Organizations interact with people in their everyday lives, and work to address the economic, educational and social factors that have a direct bearing on their health and well-being.

"By working in coordination with clinical providers, CBOs will be better equipped to provide their services, especially during our current public health emergency.”

CBOs connect to the RHIO Contribute service to achieve bi-directional exchange, meaning they can transmit and receive data that helps caregivers make better decisions and provide better guidance. In turn, other health organizations such as hospitals and specialists who also have permission to access the data can use it to help their assessments and recommendations.

Learn more by contacting Rochester RHIO at 877-865-7446 or info@grrhio.org.

The following community participants are located in Genesee County.

• ARC of Genesee, Orleans (NYSARC)
• Genesee County Office of the Aging
• Genesee County Mental Health
• Genesee County Public Health
• Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties
• Lake Plains Community Care Network (Batavia)
• Le Roy Volunteer Ambulance Service
• UMMC Healthy Living Programs (Batavia)
• Western NY Independent Living (Batavia)

The full participant map is available here.

Press release:

• Genesee County received eight new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Batavia, Elba and Stafford.
  • Two of the positive individuals are between the ages of 0-20, one individual is in their 40s, two individuals are in their 50s, one individual is in their 60s, and two individuals are in their 80s.
  • Three individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-one new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • One of the individuals is a resident at the New York State Veterans Home.
• Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion and Yates.
  • One of the individuals is in their 20s and one individual is in their 30s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Seven new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.