Stories from

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is pleased the House passed three bills designed to improve mental health services for veterans and support homeless veterans: The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019; the DELIVER Act; and The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020.

"Western New York is home to thousands of veterans, and I am truly humbled by and grateful for their selfless service to our nation. While COVID-19 has become front and center in our minds and news – many of our veterans are still struggling to access critical services," Jacobs said.

"I was proud the House passed three pieces of critical legislation yesterday to expand access to mental health resources and expand access to resources for homeless veterans. Our veterans served our nation selflessly, and I remain committed to doing everything I can to advance policies that support them."

The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 would create new grants at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address veteran suicide and mental health. It would also establish scholarships for educating and training mental health professionals, improve information related to care for women veterans, and improve VA telehealth services.

The DELIVER Act would authorize and expand several programs to support homeless veterans and veterans in need of retraining assistance, particularly aimed at supporting veterans significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 would create several new programs related to emergent suicide care, education programs for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders, and annual training for VA police regarding mental health.

The bill would also create an Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans and require several reports for Congress, including an analysis to meet the needs of homeless women veterans.

Press release:

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, residents of the Le Roy Central School District will be asked to participate in a capital project referendum. Two separate capital project propositions will be offered on the ballot for their consideration and vote.

Proposition 1 consists of district-wide building and site improvements focused on safety, asset preservation, and academic program enhancements. Critical needs addressed in this part of the project include exterior building reconstruction, such as masonry repointing, window replacements, roof replacements at the Wolcott Street School, and the Jr.-Sr. High School, and reconstruction of the deteriorating parapet at the Wolcott Street School.

Water accumulation in the Wolcott Street School boiler room and at the Lapp Building would also be addressed, as well as age-related deterioration to various stairways and entryways at both schools. Window film would be applied at both school buildings to enhance student safety and security.

Program enhancements would include gymnasium refinishing and locker room improvements at the Wolcott Street School, plus improvements to the existing soccer field at the Jr.-Sr. High School, including a multipurpose playing surface, lighting, and new bleachers. Both schools would also receive auditorium house lighting upgrades, plus theatrical lighting improvements at the High School.

Proposition 2, which is contingent on approval of the first proposition, incorporates additional improvements to our physical education and athletic programs. A multipurpose playing surface would be added inside the existing track at the Jr.-Sr. High School, along with new stadium field lighting and a pedestrian path leading from the school to the field. This work would put the final touches on our stadium.

Both propositions put forth in this proposed project represent an important continuation of the facilities planning initiatives we began with the R.I.T.E. project.

We encourage you to learn more about the project propositions at the public information meeting on Oct. 14 and to cast your vote on Oct. 28.

The public information meeting on Oct. 14 is in the Jr-Sr High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. and the referendum vote is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 28 at Wolcott Street School.

Download: Information sheet (pdf).

NOTE: The referendum was originally scheduled to go before voters in May. The video was made for the school district before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • Six new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
• Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • Both of the new positive cases reside in Albion.
  • Both of the individuals are 0-19 years old.
  • Both of the individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Thirteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
     

Top photo taken in January.

Submitted photos and press release from the Batavia Cemetery Association:

With heavy hearts and out of an abundance of caution, the Batavia Cemetery Association Board of Directors decided to cancel the annual Halloween Candlelight Ghostwalk for Oct. 24.

After much discussion, the board felt the safety of the reenactors and the public could not be guaranteed during the coronavirus pandemic when people must stand so closely together to hear the presentations. 

This is a financial blow, as the ghost walk is a major yearly fundraiser for the upkeep of the cemetery. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, and the cemetery has suffered great losses as well.

One of the oldest maple trees in the cemetery, and probably in Batavia, was felled by winds in January. It is reckoned the tree was approximately 200 years old. During the same storm, a large branch came down from another maple in front of the Ellicott Monument and that tree needs to be removed.

Several headstones were damaged and need repairing.

Earlier this month, a large maple along the driveway was split in half by high winds and took down two new maple trees on the other side of the driveway that were planted several years ago. It has cost several thousand dollars so far to remove three large trees.

Three other maples that have reached the end of their lives and three ash trees that have been killed by the Emerald ash borer must be removed to prevent further headstone damage. 

The board hopes to remove the dead trees this fall and begin a project next summer to grind out the stumps and replace the stately maples along the driveway. To accomplish this will require community help.

Any donations would be gratefully accepted, and may be made to Batavia Cemetery Association, 22 Fisher Park, Batavia, NY 14020. 

Please come and have some spooky fun in October, 2021 at the next Halloween Candlelight Ghostwalk!

Below, another photo from January.

Below, photo taken this month.

Below, another photo from taken this month.

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library will host author Allen Eskens for a virtual visit on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. for the 2020 Richmond Reads program. His latest book "Nothing More Dangerous" is the one selected for this year.

In light of ongoing conditions, the decision was made to move forward with the program as an online event.

Community Book Discussions are also scheduled, as well as a review contest. 

“The Richmond Reads committee wholeheartedly feels that the messages of racial equality and justice in this book are too important and timely not to share,” says Samantha Stryker Basile, Community and Adult Services librarian and Richmond Reads coordinator.

“This year’s program may look a little different but we hope to still engage in very meaningful discussions with the community and have a great experience with our author.”

Richmond Reads is a community one-book reading program, and is open to all! The title is chosen with older teens and adult readers in mind.

Author Visit:

Join Allen Eskens for a book talk and discussion at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Attend from home! The visit will be hosted over Zoom and registration is required at: http://batavialibrary.org

View at the library: Limited seats will be available at the library to view the discussion. This is intended for those who may not have access to the internet at home. Those attending will need to wear an appropriate face covering. Register at batavialibrary.org or by calling Samantha at (585) 343-9550, ext. 8.

All who register and attend the author event will be entered in a raffle to win one of three signed copies of the book! 

Community Book Discussions:

Join Librarian Samantha Stryker Basile and the Richmond Reads Committee for a discussion of the book. 

• Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. -- Virtual Book Discussion on Zoom
• Monday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. -- Virtual Book Discussion on Zoom
• *Friday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m -- IN PERSON Book Discussion at the library.

*This discussion is intended for those who may not have access to the internet at home and attendance is limited. Those attending will need to wear an appropriate face covering.

Registration required for all programs. Register at: http://batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads or by calling Samantha at (585) 343-9550, ext. 8.

Review Contest

Write a review of "Nothing More Dangerous" for a chance to win a prize! Two winners will be chosen by the Richmond Reads committee to win a signed copy of "Nothing More Dangerous" and a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant. The review form and complete rules can be found at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads or at the library. Reviews must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 19.

About the Book

Described by Library Journal as a “powerful, unforgettable crime novel” and "a coming-of-age book to rival some of the best,” "Nothing More Dangerous" by Allen Eskens presents a timely story filled with mystery, intrigue and personal discovery.

Set in the 1970s, "Nothing More Dangerous" tells the story of 15-year-old Boady, who wants nothing more than to leave his small town of Jessup, Mo., for bigger and better things. His life changes in unexpected ways when the Elgins – a black family – move in across the street.

Boady’s fast friendship with their son, Thomas, causes him to reexamine his understanding of the world as he knows it. Racial tensions are high in his town after the sudden and ominous disappearance of Lida Poe, a black woman who kept the books at the local plastics factory.

As Boady delves into this mystery and confronts the racial injustice around him, he uncovers more than he expected about his family, his neighbors and himself.

Calling it the book he “became a writer to write,” Allen Eskens began writing "Nothing More Dangerous" in the early '90s and only recently completed it for publication in 2019. A bestselling and award winning author, "Nothing More Dangerous" is Eskens’ sixth novel. Other works include "The Life We Bury," "The Guise of Another," "The Heavens May Fall," "The Deep Dark Descending," and "The Shadows We Hide."

Eskens lives in Minnesota, where he recently retired after practicing criminal law for 25 years. 

Copies of the book are available at the library in hardcover and audio and on OverDrive as an eBook or Audiobook. The book is also available to purchase at the library for $24 courtesy of Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. Contributions to the program may be directed to the Friends.

Press release:

Citizens of Genesee County:

Over my 43-year career at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, I had the privilege of working under four different Sheriffs, including current Sheriff Sheron, each a good man in his own right. This fall, Sheriff Sheron is running for a second term. In today's world, many great police agency leaders are leaving the profession, feeling frustrated and unsupported. In my opinion, we are fortunate that Sheriff Sheron is willing to take on another term.  

In these times when law enforcement is under such intense scrutiny and criticism, experienced, educated and proven leadership is extremely vital. I watched Bill Sheron work his way up within the Sheriff’s Office, having held many key positions:

• Dispatcher
• Deputy assigned to the Genesee County Jail
• Deputy assigned to Road Patrol
• Sergeant - Road Patrol
• Sergeant - Drug Task Force
• Investigator
• Chief Deputy of Road Patrol
• Undersheriff
• Sheriff

As illustrated, he has a wide variety of law enforcement knowledge and experience. He has faced many challenges during his career and honorably acquitted himself through them all. 

I support William A. Sheron Jr. He has done a great job. I urge you to vote to reelect him to office so that he may continue to provide the consistent leadership that Genesee County needs during these uncertain times.

Thank you,

Gordon L. Dibble
County Legislator
Retired Chief Deputy

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Candidate, David Krzemien, released the following statement regarding his professional history. 

“As a candidate for Genesee County Sheriff, I expect my experience and past actions to be reviewed, as they should be. I do not take my candidacy or the responsibility of the office of Sheriff lightly. My work experience is not something I shy away from, as I have done my best to protect the communities that entrusted me with such a duty,” Krzemien said.

“To date, I have never had any disciplinary actions and passed multiple background investigations throughout my career. I welcomed the opportunity to speak with The Batavian about my time at the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) and the Village of Blasdell Police Department, as my history is easy to defend. I truly have nothing to hide."

“We should hold our leaders accountable, and I am ready to answer questions about my career and, more importantly, my vision for our county,” said Krzemien. 

For more information and ways to contact me, visit my website at www.krzemienforsheriff.com/ 

Previously: Candidate for Genesee sheriff responds to allegations pertaining to previous employment

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement after voting in favor of the continuing resolution tonight – H.R. 8337, the Continuing Appropriations Act.

“Today the American people were left worrying their government would shut down during a pandemic, families worried about school lunch program cuts, and farmers braced to go longer without critical aid," Jacobs said. "When Speaker Pelosi first introduced this bill, it excluded key programs to address these issues.

"I am proud to have stood with my Republican colleagues to fight for the inclusion of Commodity Credit Corporation funding for Western New York farmers and additional nutrition assistance for school-age kids. While I am proud to have secured this vital aid and voted in favor of this bill to provide necessary stability to the American people during this pandemic – the dysfunctional budget process that led us to this point is not acceptable.

"Congress cannot continue to govern crisis to crisis, and I will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure a more sustainable process for funding the government in the future.”

Press release:

East Bethany – The Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest has science programs for kids this season.

For Students Pre-K – 12th Grade

Students explore the natural world and discover the fascinating lives of forest animals and plants with Science Wednesdays at the Interpretive Nature Center. Hikes, outdoor scavenger hunts, and handmade crafts are all part of this adventure.

Students ages 5 to 9 meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m., ages 10 and up meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Life Science state learning standards including but not limited to animal adaptations, habitats, interdependence of plants and animals, and human impacts are covered.

Topics include:

• Sept. 23rd and 30th -- Honeybees
• Oct. 7th -- The World of Plants
• Oct. 21st -- Owls
• Nov. 18th -- White-tailed Deer
• Dec. 9th -- Create-a-Critter

Cost per session is $5/student, parents and chaperones free; or $20/student for all 5 sessions. Space is limited to 15 people per session. Preregistration is required, call (585) 344-1122!

For Little Learners Ages 3 to 5

Students ages 3 to 5 years old can enjoy Nature Explorers from 10 – 11 a.m. on Thursdays Oct. 1st – 22nd. Kids explore the world of nature and learn about plants and animals in the outdoors.

Hikes, scavenger hunts, and outdoor games are all part of the fun. Kids will practice using their senses, describing with words, counting, and identifying colors, shapes, letters, and numbers.

Topics include:

• Oct. 1st -- Animals
• Oct. 8th -- Using Our Senses
• Oct. 15th -- Seasonal Changes
• Oct. 22nd -- Plants

Cost per session is $5/student, parents or chaperones free; or $15/student for all four sessions. Space is limited to 15 people per session. Preregistration is required, call (585) 344-1122!

For Homeschool Groups

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing following statement calling for the replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

“Speaker Pelosi has held up aid for small businesses, American families, and schools for weeks, and now she is threatening the well-being of farmers and rural communities," Jacobs said. "The Commodity Credit Corporation has supported farmers for decades and has always been replenished by Congress without question, yet, the Speaker has refused to include it in the upcoming spending bill.

 “It’s an affront to our farmers that the Speaker has refused to act on this funding, and I commend Ranking Member Conaway for introducing an amendment to rectify this neglect. I support his amendment and urge its inclusion in this week’s spending bill to replenish this critical program.”

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has served as the financial institution for carrying out federal farm programs since 1933.

It exists to finance authorized programs that support U.S. agriculture such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (COVID-19 financial assistance), the conservation reserve program, the dairy safety net, livestock disaster programs, in addition to the Market Facilitation Program and Food Purchase and Distribution Program aimed at combating the impacts of illegal retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products.

For more information visit: https://www.usda.gov/ccc.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) recognizes and encourages constituents to participate in Small Business Week, which runs from September 20th through Sept. 26th.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and cornerstones of our Western New York communities," Jacobs said. "They have seen unprecedented challenges in the face of COVID-19, but I truly believe their resiliency is unmatched.

"In the coming months, we need to support our small businesses and help them rebuild. I encourage every American to shop local. Go to your local restaurants, buy from your local boutique, encourage your friends and family to spend their money at smaller, locally owned stores. We all have a role in this fight and together we can rebuild our historic economy.”

National Small Business Week was started in 1963 by President Kennedy to highlight the outstanding contributions of small businesses to America.

The week seeks to recognize entrepreneurship, promote shopping and spending in local economies, and honor American innovation. This year, there will also be a three-day virtual award ceremony for entrepreneurs, employers, and advocates.

As of 2019, the 13,227 small businesses in NY-27 accounted for 95.6 percent of employers. They employed 61 percent of all workers in NY-27 and accounted for $4.9 billion in payroll for the district.

For more information on what you can do to support small businesses and for resources currently available, please visit https://sba.gov.

“It is my honor to represent the over 13,000 small business owners and the over 125,000 small business employees of NY-27 in Congress," Jacobs said. "I will keep fighting for more targeted aid for small businesses, especially strengthening the highly successful Paycheck Protection Program.

"I am also looking to the future with policies that roll back regulations and unleash the full potential of American entrepreneurship. When small businesses succeed, our whole region prospers. I ask everyone to join me in supporting them this week and to maintain the spirit of Small Business Week through the rest of the year."

Press release:

Washington, D.C., Sept. 22 -- The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture USDA is investing $268 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across 28 states.

The expenditure includes a total of $13,534,000 in loans and grants to three Genesee County towns: Byron, Pavilion and Stafford.

“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Background:

USDA is funding 76 projects through water and waste disposal loan and grant program. These investments will help to improve rural water infrastructure for 267,000 residents and businesses.

The investments that USDA announced today are being made in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov

Here is what will be allocated in Genesee County in this round of infrastructure funding:

• Town of Byron -- $5,550,000 loan + $4,425,000 grant. Total: $9,975,000

This project will extend public water service to 608 people in the town who currently do not have safe potable water. Water quality testing indicates a significant portion of residents' individual wells have coliform and E. coli contamination, which the health department indicates does not meet standards and are a threat to the health of residents. There are no other funding sources.

• Town of Pavilion -- $567,000 loan

This Rural Development investment will be used to build a new 300,000-gallon water storage tank and over one mile of water supply pipeline. The new water storage tank and pipeline will serve 2,495 people. Currently, due to the present water storage tank's deteriorated condition the town has significant water quality concerns. The current tank is located in a lower elevation so that the town does not have sufficient water pressure to fight fires in all areas. The new water tank will be located at a much higher elevation 1280 feet and will supply plenty of water pressure and good quality water.

• Town of Stafford -- $1,353,000 loan + $1,639,000 grant. Total: $2,992,000

This Rural Development Investment will be used to create Water District #12 in the Town of Stafford. This project will extend public water service to 185 residents in the town who currently do not have safe potable water. Water quality testing indicates a isgnificant portion of residents' individual wells have coliform and E. coli contamination, which the health department indicates do not meet standrds and are a threat to the health of the residents.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received five new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alexander, Batavia, Byron and Oakfield.
  • One of the new positive cases is a resident at the NYS Veterans Home.
  • One of the positive individuals is less than 20 years old, one is in their 30s, two are in their 50s and one is in their 80s.
  • One of the individuals was on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Twenty-two new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

• Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • One of the new positive cases resides in Yates and one of the new positive cases resides in Carlton.
  • One of the individuals is in their 30’s and one of the individuals is in their 50’s.
  • Neither of the individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and were released from mandatory isolation.
  • Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
     

From Erica O'Donnell:

Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. to honor the memory and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg around the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St. Batavia.

Please wear warm clothes, a mask, and practice responsible social distancing.

We will have some candles available, but you may bring your own.

We are honored to have remarks by Judge Amy Martoche, candidate for NYS Supreme Court, Diana Kastenbaum, and other local women.

We will also have a Hebrew Benediction by Hiram Kasten.

All are welcome to attend.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (at podium, center) joins veterans and his Assembly Republican Colleagues who have also served in the military to urge for a focus on passing legislation to help veterans.

Submitted photo and press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined his Assembly Republican Colleagues in Syracuse to call for action on a number of legislative items focused on veterans to help support the lives of these men and women and their families.

A veteran himself, the Assemblyman proudly serves on the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, but points to the lack of veteran representation on the committee as a hindrance to passing meaningful legislation.

“I am proud of my record on veterans’ issues and am so honored to work on behalf of our military men and women and their families," Hawley said. "Despite intransigence from the majority in the Assembly, we still achieved important measures, like the expansion of scholarships for Gold Star families, approval of a study on veteran homelessness and more.

"We have much more to work on, but I look forward to a day when there are more veterans serving alongside me in the Assembly. The leadership and character instilled in our service men and women would be a welcome addition to our chambers.”

In the past two years, Hawley helped achieve a number of items for veterans:

• Expanded scholarships for Gold Star families (A.2991, Higher Education, 4.9.2019; Executive Order 4.19.2019);
• Approval of tax exemptions to help injured or disabled veterans to refit their homes to increase mobility (A.7289);
• Authorization of a study on homeless veterans to better provide support (A.5660); and
• Required the state to closely examine veteran health issues, including PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (A.1804).

Hawley continues to fight for:

• A veterans clearinghouse to better connect veterans to needed services (A.4395);
• The “Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Act” to help veteran entrepreneurs (A.4490);
• Honoring military experience as civil work experience by increasing civil (A.5535) and education credits (A.7999); and
• Veterans’ health by tracking a list of toxins military personnel are exposed to (A.6421) and requiring coroners to report suicides of veterans and active military personnel (A.38934).

Hawley served seven years in the Ohio Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, earning the rank of first lieutenant. Thirty percent of the Assembly Republican conference is comprised of veterans, and the Assemblyman wishes to increase this number.

Comments from Hawley are available here.

Press release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee announces that the 2020 Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 at The Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia.

This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.      

Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration.

Nominations are now being accepted for: Business of the Year; Entrepreneurial Business of the Year; Agricultural Business of the Year; Innovative Enterprise of the Year; Special Service Recognition; and Geneseeans of the Year.

Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).   

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia and can also be down loaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.  

Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY Dec. 30 to be eligible for consideration.

If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

Press release:

 Every year, 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization begun in 1972, established Rail Safety Week to help educate the public about these preventable incidents. 

In an historic first for international safety cooperation, Rail Safety Week will be celebrated throughout North America.

Three national organizations, Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), Operation Lifesaver Canada,and Asociación Mexicana de Ferrocarriles (Mexican Association of Railroads, or AMF) will jointly observe Rail Safety Week, Sept. 21-27.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rail Safety Week activities devoted to saving lives near railroad tracks will have an emphasis on social medial and online safety messaging.

In 2019, 645 police departments, sheriff’s offices -- including Genesee County, and other laws enforcement agencies participated in Rail Safety Week events by sending officers to railroad crossings to join railroad employees and Operation Lifesaver volunteers in handing out safety literature. Nearly 100 Rail Safety Week events occurred throughout New York in 2019.

Though far fewer public events are occurring this year due to pandemic concerns, New York Operation Lifesaver will host an online public awareness campaign designed to increase public awareness of train safety.

 “We want to show that making unsafe decisions around tracks and trains – whether using tracks as a shortcut, going around downed gates or even glancing at a cellphone while at a crossing – can have devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and members of your community,” said Phil Merens, state coordinator of New York Operation Lifesaver.

“While public events with police officials and railroad employees, and Operation Lifesaver volunteers are a great way to show New Yorkers our concern for their safety, our online campaign has the potential to reach even more people than we reached last year.”

New York Operation Lifesaver currently runs three statewide education campaigns devoted to different aspects of train safety. These campaigns have already reached millions of New Yorkers. Throughout Rail Safety Week posts to social media as well as paid advertising will continue to highlight these safety campaigns

“Last year’s Rail Safety Week efforts generated over 1,800 stories on TV, radio, print and online, along with nearly 75 million impressions on social media,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Even with coronavirus restrictions, we are confident that millions of people will be reached through our online efforts this year.

"New York Operation Lifesaver will be highlighting their innovative education campaigns addressing Trespass Safety, At-Grade Crossing Safety and the Emergency Notification System. These campaigns have already reached millions of New Yorkers through the use of cutting-edge technology.” 

Information on this year’s RSW as well as results for last year can be found here. Rail Safety Week. Themes for each day of Rail Safety Week are shown below: 

• Monday, Sept. 21 kicks off the week with a focus on Media Outreach and Rail Safety Week Proclamations in states and localities. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 22 focuses on Law Enforcement and First Responder Partnerships through virtual and social media messaging as part of the fourth annual observance of Operation Clear Track, emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to professional drivers on safe crossing techniques and highlighting blue and white emergency notification system (ENS) signs at crossings.
• Thursday, Sept. 24, Transit Safety Thursday, showcases how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider.
• Friday, Sept. 25 focuses on Wearing Red or “Red Out” for Rail Safety to show support for safety near tracks and trains. 
• Saturday, Sept. 26 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks. 
• Sunday, Sept. 27 promotes No Photos on Tracks messaging underscoring the risks of illegally taking photos, videos, or filming on train tracks for professional and amateur photographers alike.

Visitors to oli.org will be asked to join the virtual Rail Safety Week effort by sharing the Stop Track Tragedies videos and social media messaging using the hashtags #STOPTrackTragedies and #railsafetyweek.

Press release:

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.18, down 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.67. The New York State average is $2.27 – down a penny since last week.

A year ago, the NYS average was $2.76. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages now:

• Batavia -- $2.21 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.23 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.20 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.25 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.32 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.21 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.31 (down 1 cent since last week)

Gas prices are down by a penny in most areas, and they are significantly cheaper than last year – the national average is 49 cents cheaper than one year ago. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gas demand saw a slight uptick, however, demand is still much lower than where it was at this time last year.

That lower demand has helped pump prices to decline this week and will likely help pump prices to continue their descent as fall approaches. Crude prices may continue to increase if supplies grow tighter, but demand challenges could contain potential growth in prices.

From GasBuddy:

"Gas prices have tiptoed lower with seasonal factors the primary driver, though with hurricane season continuing to be very active, sporadic shutdowns of oil rigs in the Gulf is leading to volatility in the price of oil, which may become a factor in the weeks ahead," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"With oil's rally back to $41 per barrel last week, the downturn in the national average may be put on pause for a couple of weeks, but we remain very likely to eventually continue to downward momentum into the heart of autumn. For now, we remain at the lowest prices seasonally since 2004 in most states, and largely, motorists can expect that to continue."

Press release:

Following the news of United States Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg’s passing Nate McMurray, Democratic candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, released the following statement:

“My family and I join with Western New Yorkers and all Americans mourning the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman who personified ‘fight’ every day of her groundbreaking and accomplished life. Justice Ginsburg fought for all that she achieved: her education, her children and family, and her distinguished career as a teacher, lawyer, judge, and Supreme Court Justice. At each step, she championed the cause of equality between the sexes and justice at every level of society. 

“Justice Ginsburg encouraged Americans of all ages to ‘fight for the things you care about.’ With reverence and renewed spirit, we will continue to do just that.”