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Press release:

Data Update – Including data since Thursday, Dec. 24^th after 2 p.m.

Due to the increased numbers from the holiday weekend, we anticipate to have the data updated over the next couple of days in order for staff to make sure the date is properly vetted.

• Genesee County received 101 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, 70s, 80s and 90s.
• One hundred and forty-eight of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Correction: Six recoveries have been retracted from today’s number as four previously reported are residents of the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia and two are residents of Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility. Persons reported recovered are community members only. 
• Thirty-eight of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Three of the new positive cases are residents at Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility. 
• Three of the new positive cases are residents of Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.
• Two of the new positive cases are residents of Genesee Senior Living. 
• Two of the new positive cases are residents at the New York State Veterans Home – At Batavia. 
• One of the new positive cases is a resident at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia. 

 

• Orleans County received 80 new positive cases of COVID-19.
• The new 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, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. 
• Fourteen of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Seventy-eight of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Eighteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Nineteen of the new positives are inmates of the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.25, up 3 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.57. The New York State average is $2.32 – up 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.70.

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

• Batavia -- $2.25 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.27 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.29 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.30 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.37 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.29 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.36 (up 3 cents since last week)

Two factors have contributed to driving up prices at the pump: rising crude oil prices and tightening supply. The domestic price of crude (WTI) has been steadily rising since November, reaching levels not seen since February, before stay-at-home guidance was introduced across the country. Prices began to rise last month alongside vaccination news and have only increased with it becoming available.

Reports from the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. gasoline supply levels are healthy, but could tighten in weeks ahead amid refinery consolidations in the northwest and maintenance in the upper Midwest.

Even with holiday demand increasing, overall demand still remains at an extremely low level. AAA believes this factor will impact gas prices, pushing them cheaper in January.

From GasBuddy:

"Average gasoline prices continue to move higher in most areas as retail gas prices continue to follow the rising price of crude oil which remains near the highest level since COVID-19 began in March," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Seasonal factors have sat in the backseat compared to a modest recovery in demand and a healthy dose of optimism that a COVID-19 vaccine will bring normal demand levels in the coming year. For now, it's not the best news for motorists as I expect gas prices may continue their ascent, but while it won't last forever, it's likely a sign of what's to come in 2021 -- higher prices.

The year ahead will be likely marked by recovery in the pandemic and rising demand, and for motorists interested in what's coming to the pump GasBuddy will be releasing our 2021 Fuel Price Outlook in the days ahead, which will hopefully give motorists some idea of what to plan for in terms of pain at the pump."

Submitted photos and press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #734 of Attica, has been busy with this year’s holiday project “Sweats for Our Vets."  

With the generous donations of the organizations of the Harder O’Donnell Post #734; American Legion Auxiliary, A.V.M.A., American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and the assistance of local Attica business owner, Robert Cusmano of Mugs and More, the project quickly came together.  

A donation of 76 zip-up hooded sweatshirts were given to every patient of the Batavia V.A. Medical Center in their gift bags on Christmas morning. 

Also donated by the Auxiliary, was a 55” television for the Veterans Recreation Room. This donation was made in memory of Auxiliary Past President Leilani Spring, who passed away earlier this year.

We would like to thank Volunteer Services Personnel Cindy Baker and Nicholas LaMarca of the Batavia V.A.M.C. for their assistance with our holiday project “Sweats for Our Vets."

A few members of each organization met on Dec. 8^th at the V.A.M.C. to deliver the sweatshirts and television.

The vets were delighted and surprised!

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #734

Harder O’Donnell Post

83 Market St., Attica

Top photo from left: Auxiliary members -- Tammy Soemann, Barbara Eddy, Kathy Roberts, Kate Kellner; Commander Robert Wood; Adjutant Keith Almeter; and S.A.L. members Ralph Eddy and Mike Almeter.

Submitted photo and information from reader Joe Caruso:

My Dad was a resident at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia and passed in 2017. I have an 11-year-old Granddaughter (top photo left) who donated 20 canvas paintings she spent endless hours painting.

She felt the residents would appreciate having them to display or hang in rooms. Her name is Sofia Falleti and she is a sixth-grade student at Saint Joseph Regional School in Batavia.

Press release:

Data Update – Due to the Christmas holiday, we will not be reporting out on Friday. Monday’s report will include Friday and the weekend coverage. We would like to take this time to wish everyone a healthy, safe and Merry Christmas! Please limit contact and time with non-household members, wash hands frequently and wear a mask/face covering to limit the spread.

o Genesee County received 123 new positive cases of COVID-19.

The new positive cases reside in the:

• • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke);
  • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Corfu, Elba, Oakfield);
  • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Stafford and Pavilion);
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
  • Thirty-eight of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Twenty-nine of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Thirteen of the new positive cases are residents at Le Roy Village Green.
  • Seven of the new positive cases are residents at New York State Veterans Home – At Batavia.
  • Twenty-three of the new positive cases are residents at Genesee Senior Living.
  • One new positive case is an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center.
  • One positive case previously reported as a resident of Premier Genesee is actually a resident of Genesee Senior Living.
• Orleans County received 26 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby);
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and the
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
  • Two of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nineteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Eight of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Eight of the new positives are inmates of the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Press release from Genesee Region USBC:

Mickey Hyde of Le Roy was a model of consistency on Sunday as he captured the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Bowling Tournament for the second straight year, this time at his hometown Legion Lanes.

Hyde pocketed the $250 first-place check along with a plaque and paid entry to next month’s GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament with a 200-184 victory over Batavian Mike Pettinella in the title match.

The 54-year-old right-hander, manager of Tompkins Bank of Castile in Le Roy, won the 2019 event at Mount Morris Lanes.

Pettinella, a two-time GRUSBC Senior Masters champion (2007 and 2011), earned $150 for placing second.

Hyde led the three-game qualifying round with a 626 score, one of only five series of 600 or better on challenging lane conditions.

He went on to post 466 in the 12-bowler, two-game second round and then rolled a 181 game in the six-bowler, one-game semifinals to earn the No. 1 seed in the three-bowler stepladder finals based on his six-game total.

Six of the 12 bowlers advanced in the second round and three of the six remaining bowlers advanced in the semifinals.

In the title match, Hyde doubled in the eighth and ninth frame to secure the victory after a pocket split in the eighth frame hurt Pettinella’s chances.

“I thought the shot was very tough but it was really fair, and there was less oil than normal,” said Hyde, who is the secretary of the Thursday night American Legion Men’s League in Le Roy. “It was fair because you were penalized if you missed your mark.”

He said he used a Hammer Black Widow ball during the qualifying round and a Black Hammer urethane ball for the second round and finals.

“I liked my chances because I knew it wasn’t going to be a carry contest and you had to be able to pick your corner pins,” he said. “It was a nice surprise to win and thanks to Paul Spiotta for running a great tournament.”

Pettinella qualified in the 10^th position with a 563 series but then posted 418 in the second round (to capture the sixth and final spot) and 224 in the semifinals – the only bowler of the six to hit the 200 mark.

In the opening match of the finals, the second-seeded Pettinella, a GRUSBC Hall of Famer, defeated No. 3 seed Brett Van Duser of Perry, 202-192, with Van Duser being victimized by a split in the 10^th frame.

Van Duser won $100 for his third-place finish.

Other cashers were as follows:

John Lowe of Le Roy, Rick Pernicone of Dansville (who had the high second-round score of 499), and Al Vlietstra of Geneseo, $70 each.

Spiotta of Batavia, Matt Balduf of South Byron, Jim Pursel of Batavia, Mike Johnson of Batavia, John LaGeorge of Retsof, Paul Bacon of Lockport, $50 each.

Mike Kime of Honeoye Falls, $35 (lost to Van Duser in a one-game rolloff after tying for the 12^th and final qualifying spot).

The tournament drew 34 entries.

Submitted photo -- Mike Pettinella, left, and Mickey Hyde.

ALBION DUO WINS NO-TAP EVENT

Bill Logan and Jim Passarell of Albion combined for a 1,725 score with handicap to win the first GRUSBC No-Tap Doubles Tournament on Saturday at Medina Lanes.

Logan rolled 890 and Passarell had 820 for 1,710 scratch in the event, which awards a strike for a first ball of nine or 10 pins. The victory was worth $320.

Seven other teams (out of the 33 entries) cashed as follows:

Kyle and Mike Johnson, Batavia – 1,596 -- $220;

Chase Cone, Bergen, and Josh Elliott, Attica – 1,592 -- $160;

Tom Rohl, Le Roy, and Mark Brown, Attica – 1,586 -- $130;

Samantha and Mickey Hyde, Le Roy – 1,576 -- $120;

John Wolff and Bill Neubert, Batavia – 1,571 -- $110;

Gary Kuchler, Batavia, and Frank Jarkiewicz, Byron – 1,569 -- $100;

Paul Bacon, Lockport, and Derek Leach, Batavia – 1,567 -- $90.

TWO ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENTS IN JANUARY

Three GRUSBC tournaments are on next month’s schedule:

-- Jan. 2-3, Scratch Memorial at Perry Bowling Center;

-- Jan. 9-10. Adult-Junior at Mount Morris Lanes;

-- Jan. 23-24, Youth Team at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

For more information, go to www.bowlgr.com.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging’s Home Delivered Meals program offers a nutritionally balanced, hot meal at lunchtime, up to five days per week. The meals are delivered with a smile by dedicated RSVP volunteers and Office for the Aging staff.

Each person receives ongoing case management, an important piece of the program, which supports their health and independence in the community.   

This week, due to the generosity of a local couple’s bequest, a local dentist and his wife, and individuals employed by Genesee County government, the older adults participating in the program were treated to a holiday gift bag.

The Office for the Aging has seen tremendous growth in the program; a 55-percent increase since the beginning of the pandemic. The support of the local community has been tremendous and necessary to meet the demand.

During this season of giving, the office wishes to thank everyone involved in making this program one that the community can depend on.   

If you wish to support the Home Delivered Meals program by volunteering or donating, please call (585) 343-1611 or email OFA.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.

More volunteers are particularly needed to deliver meals in the City of Batavia at this time.

Financial donations to the Genesee Senior Foundation Inc., a nonprofit affiliated with the Office for the Aging, are always appreciated.

Press release:

ALBANY -- Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that protects the interests of New York’s small businesses who are taking out loans to survive the coronavirus pandemic and other emergencies.

The New York State Small Business Truth in Lending Act, Chapter 369 of the Laws of 2020, helps borrowers by requiring clear and comprehensive disclosures from all lenders.

The NYS Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Coalition has been working with members across the state to build support for this common sense measure since it passed the Assembly and Senate in July.

“As we wait for the coronavirus vaccine to roll out, New York’s small businesses are struggling to hang on,” said Linda MacFarlane, chair of the NYS CDFI Coalition and executive director of Community Loan Fund of Capital Region.

“Unfortunately, some lenders have made it hard for small businesses to compare the true cost of their offers. CDFI Coalition members around the state are pleased to see that this measure will require lenders to disclose annual percentage rate (APR) and repayment terms.”

“CDFIs know too well how harmful predatory lending can be for small businesses, particularly during a crisis,” said Hubert VanTol, president of PathStone Enterprise Center in Rochester and vice chair of the NYS CDFI Coalition.

“That’s why we’re so pleased that Governor Cuomo signed the signed the NYS Small Business Truth in Lending Act. Now more than ever, New York businesses should be able to trust all lenders to clearly disclose their terms, so borrowers can compare loans on an ‘apples-to-apples’ basis.”

“Small businesses account for the vast majority of New York’s businesses and employ over half of the state’s workforce, but they are closing in record numbers due to COVID shutdowns,” said Kimberlie Jacobs, president/CEOCommunity Capital New York in Westchester County and CDFI Coalition board member.

“The provisions in this new law will deliver significant savings for small business borrowers. The Responsible Business Lending Coalition estimates that the NYS Small Business Truth in Lending Act will save New York’s small businesses more than $369 million annually in unnecessary finance charges. Minority-owned small businesses alone could save as much as $130 million a year.”

According to Carolynn Welch, executive director of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative in Buffalo and member of the Coalition, “CDFIs often help businesses get out from under crushing debt -- but sometimes, the damage has been done. Small businesses deserve straightforward disclosures from all financing providers so that they can make informed decisions and avoid debt traps.”

“The NYS Small Business Truth in Lending Act was endorsed by a wide range of lenders and small business advocates,” said Eric S. Levine, Esq., CEO of Alternatives Federal Credit Unionof in Ithaca and a member of the Coalition. “Fair and honest lenders have nothing to fear regarding transparency and the adoption of standard terms to describe the cost of loans.”   

“The provisions of the New York State Small Business Truth in Lending Act (A.10118 / S.5470b) will help small business owners who are trying to recover from all of the setbacks of 2020,” Coalition Chair MacFarlane said.

“We applaud Governor Cuomo, Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski and Senator Kevin Thomas for their leadership, the NYS Department of Financial Services, the Responsible Business Lending Coalition, and CDFIs around the state who worked to give our small businesses the tools they need to keep their businesses going, support their employees and serve the needs of their communities.”

The New York State CDFI Coalition represents the institutions that make innovative financing possible, foster financially vibrant and healthy communities, and strengthen all regions of New York State.

Tongue-in-cheek press release:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a movement permit to S. Nicholas Claus, of the North Pole, a broker with Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. December 24, 2020 and 7 a.m. December 25, 2020, through or over any U.S. border port.

“This is a holiday season like no other. But as I told my grandkids, Santa has immunity to COVID, so he and his reindeer will circle the globe as planned,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Greg Ibach.

“We are all looking forward to Mr. Claus’ special brand of Christmas cheer, this year more than ever. To help ensure a smooth trip, USDA worked with Worldwide Gifts Unlimited to issue this permit in advance and waived all applicable fees.”

Veterinary officials ensured the reindeer met all entry requirements before issuing the permit. It was noted on the health certificate that one reindeer, Rudolph, has a minor physical anomaly. The veterinarian indicated that Rudolph’s red nose, while bright, was normal for him and not a concern.

The reindeer will arrive pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel, who will wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow all COVID-19 safety rules, will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry. They will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Claus will disinfect his boots and thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms around the world prior to entering the United States.

Claus also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to U.S. animal or plant health.

“It’s important that Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited take all the right steps and precautions to protect against the potential introduction of pests and diseases,” Claus explained. “I appreciate USDA’s assistance every year as we gear up for our big night.”

Whether you see the smiles, joy, and wonder on children’s faces this Christmas morning in person or on video chat, enjoy the moment. Happy holidays from USDA!

Press release:

Data Update - COVID-19 is widespread throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. With the high prevalence of active cases, we are changing the way we are reporting the positive cases to regionally rather than listing each of the towns. Detailed demographic data is still being captured by the state

• Genesee County received 50 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Corfu, Elba, Oakfield)
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Stafford and Pavilion)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
  • Seventy-four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Twenty of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Sixteen of the new positive cases are residents at Le Roy Village Green.
  • Six of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee.
  • Three of the new positive cases are residents at New York State Veterans Home – Batavia.
  • We are saddened to report the loss of a community member. The individual was over 65. We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this very difficult time.
• Orleans County received 15 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
    • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and the
    • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 70s and 80s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fourteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Eight of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Four of the new positives are inmates of the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Press release:

Eleven years ago the attorneys working in the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office at that time had an average of 25 years of experience. Current First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell was still the “new guy“ in the office, having been there for 19 years.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has now been with the office for nearly 39 years and Finnell, with 30 years of experience as a prosecutor, is no longer the “new guy." From March of last year until September of this year, all five of the other Assistant District attorneys began their careers with the office, along with the office’s two new paralegals. In other words, seven of the office's 13 employees started within that 18-month period.

These are the new attorneys and paralegals:

Kaitlynn Schmit joined the office as an Assistant District Attorney in March of 2019, having previously worked as an Assistant Counsel with the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and briefly as a Staff Attorney with the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo.

Joseph Robinson joined the office as an Assistant District Attorney in June of 2019, immediately after graduating from law school and becoming an attorney.

Cheryl Nielsen worked at a private law firm, the Wayne County Public Defender’s office and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office before joining the Genesee County District Attorney’s office in January of this year.

Robert “Bo” Shoemaker started with the office in April of this year after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Monroe County for five years, an Appellate Court Attorney with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department for two years and a litigator with the New York City Law Department for one year.

Andrew DiPasquale became an Assistant District Attorney in Genesee County in August of this year, after spending three years working in Albany for the New York State Senate and then the New York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.

Gabrielle Krzemien became a Paralegal with the office in December 2019 after working as a Legal Assistant at the law firm of Connors and Ferris in Cheektowaga for one year and then as a Paralegal for the Buffalo law firm of Goldberg Segalla for a year and a half.

Alexandria Almeter joined the office as a Paralegal in March of this year, after working in the same capacity at the DiMatteo and Roach law office in Warsaw for one year.

In addition to Friedman and Finnell, the other “long term” employees of the office are Confidential Secretary Lacie Snell and legal clerk typists Kathleen Schrider, Rhonda Natalizia and Andrea Agan-Silverling. Rosanne DeMare, a Victim Counselor employed by Genesee Justice, also works out of the District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Friedman and First Assistant District Attorney Finnell are very proud of their staff and happy to have all of these new additions to the office, who all fit in well and are doing great in their new positions.

Press release:

With Christmas just two days away, many people in our community aren’t experiencing the joy that the season brings, but are struggling with substance use disorders and the resulting feelings of depression and loneliness.  

Leaders of the local law enforcement agencies and fire department involved with the Public Safety Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative want residents in those situations to know that they understand and are available to help them on a road to recovery and sobriety.

PAARI, a program of the GOW (Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming) Opioid Task Force, is a joint venture of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, Le Roy Police Department, and City of Batavia Fire Department that provides support and resources to create non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery.

Those dealing with substance use issues can connect with these agencies throughout the coronavirus pandemic and holiday season to access safe and nonjudgmental support, said Christen Ferraro, task force coordinator.

“We appreciate our law enforcement and fire department locations for continuing to offer this line of assistance to our community,” she said.

City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said his department is “committed to helping those in our community that need help the most.”

“We have worked closely with the Opioid Task Force and Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse to make the City Police Department a place that anyone suffering from substance abuse can come to and be connected with services, no questions asked,” he said. “If you or a loved is in need, you can access the Department 24/7 by coming to Police Headquarters located at 10 West Main Street and ask to speak with an officer. They will connect you with a peer advocate from GCASA to help you on a road to recovery.”

City of Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano echoed Heubusch’s sentiments.

“The City of Batavia Fire Department, located at 18 Evans Street, is pleased to provide a judgment free and safe area of refuge for those seeking assistance in dealing with substance abuse,” he said. “Having the ability to partner with so many agencies to assist those in time of need coincides with our department's mission.”

Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron said his office is “proud” to participate in the initiative.

“We fully recognize that addiction has no boundaries, and we are committed to providing assistance to anyone at any time,” he said. “Please do not hesitate. Let us help you obtain the treatment that you deserve to overcome your addiction.”

For more information, contact Ferraro at cferraro@gcasa.org.

Press release:

Senator-elect Ed Rath has been appointed Ranking Member of the Elections Committee and the Local Government Committee.

“I am looking forward to the start of the legislative year," Rath said. "There is a lot that needs to be done this year in Albany and I am ready to begin that work. As a former Erie County Legislator, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing our local governments.

"The pandemic has put a huge burden on local governments’ budgets and the services they provide. I look forward to working with local leaders across the district to address their specific needs and concerns.

 “Over the last few legislative sessions, we have seen tremendous changes to our election laws in New York State, the work of this committee critical. We need to assure that our elections are run smoothly, transparently, and effectively. We need to work with our local board of elections to learn what can be done to improve our election system in New York State. It is imperative that we get to Albany and work to help our suffering, local communities.”

“Senator-elect Rath’s experience and leadership as a former Erie County legislator will bode well for him as ranking member on the New York State Senate Committee on Elections, and the New York State Senate Committee on Local Government," said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

"For more than a decade, Senator-elect Rath has been a fighter in his community and county government. His placement on these committees will allow him to continue to champion the issues important to local communities and taxpayers in his district and across New York.” 

A complete list of Senate Standing Committees is available at nysenate.gov/committees.

Photos and information from Ben Dennis, director of Services, GC Department of Social Services:

There's an amazing generosity in the people and businesses that exist in this community. Each year, I am contacted by local businesses who want to be able to help their fellow citizens by sponsoring a family for the Holidays.

These businesses are really amazing -- how they come through with gifts for the kids and the parents who ordinarily could not afford to have a nice Christmas.

This year, the employees at O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative, Inc., and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) and Tompkins Bank of Castile (408 E. Main St.), each separately reached out to me and sponsored a separate family.

The employees themselves did all the shopping and wrapping of the gifts for each member of the family they sponsored.

Last week, the DSS caseworkers delivered the gifts to the families and they are overjoyed and incredibly grateful for the donations.

Times are very difficult right now for many families trying to make ends meet.

We have hard-working people that have had to quit their job in order to stay home and help their children with their remote school work, or we had folks who were laid off due to business closures or downsizing.

"I have to say that the way that this community comes together in a time of need is really heartwarming to me personally," Dennis said. "This community is really amazing."

Press release:

Just back from Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said about $800 million for Upstate NY and NYS, separate from New York City, is now on the way to help ensure the coronavirus vaccine and other coronavirus care efforts will be available here.

Schumer said local Upstate governments should not be on the hook for a single dollar related to the costs of distributing the new vaccine, along with testing or tracing for the virus.

Schumer said these just-locked fed funds will help to ensure New Yorkers can access the vaccine at local hospitals. He detailed the federal dollars as he explained what this means for public health and those most at risk to the virus across New York State.  

“The biggest thing we want to ensure about the coronavirus vaccine is universal access—no barriers—for New Yorkers,” Senator Schumer said. “Part of the way we do that, and to ensure a free vaccine is available here in New York, centers on the federal funds we just secured in the COVID relief bill voted on late last night.

"Communities throughout Upstate will get a sizable share of over $775 million dollars to do these things, and I am here to say the money is on the way, and to get the word out about what happens next for localities as they ramp up with distribution.

“All in, New York communities and the state will be getting about $800 million to distribute the vaccine, test, trace, and for any other public health initiatives related to COVID. This can mean nursing home safety, home care, any sort of mitigation—we worked to get this language and the funding into the bill, and now it is time to get the word out so great public hospitals, and all our New York hospitals, can succeed in the collective goal of public health."

For Upstate New York and New York State, Schumer detailed the exact dollar breakdowns, now that the bill has passed:

$1.55 Billion – Vaccine, Testing, and Tracing, and Flexible Local Health Funding. The breakdown means Upstate New York will get a sizable share of $775 million dollars.

• $127M for NYS for vaccine distribution (Upstate to get a sizable share)
• $648M for NYS testing, tracing, isolation support and COVID mitigation (Upstate to get a sizable share)

“This is a start, it’s not the entirety of what we need—this entire bill was not that—but this is a down payment amid an ongoing pandemic,” Schumer said.“State and local governments should not be out a single dollar to distribute the new COVID vaccine, test or trace for the virus, and these new federal funds mean a measure of help is on the way to support that endeavor.”

Nationally, Schumer said the just-passed relief bill provides essential funding for vaccine procurement and distribution, providing roughly $20 billion for manufacturing, production and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary supplies, nearly $9 billion to the CDC and states for vaccine distribution and more than $3 billion for the strategic national stockpile.

This includes $300 million specifically directed to high-risk and underserved populations for vaccine distribution, including communities of color.

The bill provides more than $22 billion, all sent directly to states, for testing, contact tracing and COVID-19 mitigation programs. Of this total, $2.5 billion will be distributed for targeted use in high-risk and underserved populations, including communities of color, like here in New York.

Sufficient funding for vaccine distribution has been a key priority for President-elect Biden, who, according to reports, has pledged to oversee the administration of 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in his first 100 days in office.

Biden has said publicly that without proper funding for distribution, the efforts described above could slow or be delayed. Schumer says we do not want that to happen, and why we must continue to assess funding needs in real time.

Public health officials have said the goal is to provide vaccinations to as many as 20 million Americans by the first week of January.

Aaric Luce won Le Roy Junior High's spelling bee on Tuesday by correctly spelling “Rectangular” in the final round.

Second place went to Jax Burnside.

Aaric advances to the regional competition.

Photo and information submitted by Tim McArdle.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 75 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Bergen, Byron, Corfu, Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield and Stafford.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
  • Fifty-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Sixteen of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Seven of the new positive cases are residents at Le Roy Village Green.
  • Three of the new positive cases are residents at Genesee Senior Living.
  • One of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee.
  • Due to the increased positive cases reported yesterday, there was a mistake in calculating the number of active cases…today’s number has been corrected.
• Orleans County received 44 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
  • Two of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nineteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • One of the new positives is a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
  • One of the new positives is an inmate of the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Percent positive seven-day average as of Dec. 20, 2021 (https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county-dashboard):

• Genesee:  10.5 percent
• Orleans:  8.7 percent

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has received his committee assignments for the upcoming legislative year, and will be serving on the committees for Agriculture, Insurance, Rules, Veterans’ Affairs and Ways and Means. Additionally, Hawley has also been reappointed as Deputy Minority Leader of the Assembly Republican Conference.

“I am honored to have been chosen once again to serve our conference as Deputy Minority Leader, and look forward to continuing to use my role in our conference to give a voice to the people of the 139th Assembly District, as well as working people and families from all walks of life throughout our state,” Hawley said.