genesee county

Press Release:

The New Year often brings feelings of positive improvement and change – a time to focus on living a better life and providing support for those around us. As we make our way through the month of January, it’s important to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pioneer in the world of positive improvement and change, with the celebration of the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 17.

Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others,’” and for nearly 30 years the MLK Day of Service has encouraged individuals to volunteer their time in service to their communities. Here at the GLOW YMCA we’re encouraging everyone to use this day as a call to action to get involved to better our community in 2022.

Volunteering, regardless if the opportunity is big or small, can make a major impact on those around you and helps keep our communities and personal relationships strong. With our community still recovering following the effects of COVID-19, volunteer work is needed now, more than ever. The Y is currently seeking volunteers to assist with fundraising for our new facility, provide mentorship to children in our Y childcare programs (in person or virtually), to coach sports through our Challenger Sports programs, or to make phone calls to our senior members who are practicing social distancing.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the GLOW YMCA and to begin the process of becoming a volunteer, check out the Y’s webpage at www.glowymca.org

Genesee County Staff were invited to contribute $2 donation to Crossroads House and were able to dress in their Bills gear on Friday, Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved a final resolution for a proposed $8.5 million financial investment by Mega Properties Inc. for the purchase of a vacant 147,000 sq. ft building in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

 

The new warehouse distribution facility located at Federal Drive will retain nine full-time employees and add 11 new positions to the site. The project will receive approximately $600,000 in sales, mortgage, and property tax exemptions.

 

A public hearing on the proposed project assistance was held Dec. 21 in the town of Batavia.

 

The GCEDC also approved assistance in Gateway GS LLC’s (Gallina Development) proposal to invest $2.9 million as part of an expanded project in the Gateway II Corporate Park. The financial investment supports the construction of a 33,600 sq. ft. facility.

 

Gateway GS LLC plans to create 21 FTEs with an average salary of $42,000 annually plus benefits. The expansion will generate an estimated $28 in economic activity for every $1 of public investment. 

 

An initial resolution has been accepted by the board for two 8-unit market-rate apartment buildings located south of Buffalo East Tech Park in the town of Pembroke by Franklin Real Estate and Development.

Press Release:

Is your New Year’s resolution to do more gardening? If so, join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk starting February 3. We’ll take off with “Monarchs - their flight, their plight and what you can do.” Master Gardener Pam M. will talk about the Monarch butterfly and the challenges it faces. Monarch butterflies have had huge population declines over the past 20 years. One reason is habitat loss. Once a common sight, they are perilously close to being added to the Endangered Species List. Join us to learn about their life cycle, what they need to thrive, survive, and how you can help rescue these beautiful creatures with your garden.

March 3 – “Plants of Shakespeare” with Master Gardener Connie B. Although Shakespeare most likely was not a gardener, he constantly referenced plants in his plays and sonnets. The program will focus on plants found in Shakespeare's literary works, as well as plants popular in Elizabethan gardens and folklore.

April 7 – “Spring into the Garden” with Master Gardener Suzanne B. Once the spring weather hits, everyone wants to rush out into the garden, but sometimes the garden isn’t ready for every chore. We’ll have plenty of tips on what you can do to get your garden ready for spring.

May 5 – “Kitchen Gardens” with Master Gardener Kathie W. Kitchen gardens have been around for as long as humans have lived in communities. And no, they are not gardens in your kitchen! Join us to find out a little history, a little design, and what exactly is a kitchen garden, and what can be planted in yours.

June 2 – “Playing in the Dirt - Risks and Benefits” with Master Gardener Irene H. Gardening offers many health and life benefits to the gardener, but it also has its risks. Some will surprise you!

We hope to be able to return to an in-person option for Garden Talk programs, but the February program will only be available via Zoom. Garden Talk runs from Noon to 12:45 pm. This free series is open to all. Registration is required. Please visit our events page at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee

County website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events. After registering a Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

Master Gardener events will be posted on the CCE Genesee County website and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee. Garden Talk programs are recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXK_W80PkoUBj-HBm8OFMA/videos.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider a final resolution for a proposed $8.5 million financial investment by Mega Properties Inc. for the purchase of a vacant 147,000 sq. ft. building in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Mega Properties Inc. plans to develop the Federal Drive building into a warehouse distribution facility.  The proposed $8.5 million financial investment would retain nine full-time employees and create up to 11 new jobs. The project has requested approximately $600,000 in sales, mortgage, and property tax exemptions.

A public hearing on the proposed project assistance was held Dec. 21 in the town of Batavia.

The GCEDC Board also will consider a final resolution for Gateway GS LLC’s (Gallina Development) proposal to invest $2.9 million as part of an expanded project in the Gateway II Corporate Park. The financial investment supports the construction of a 33,600 sq. ft. facility.

Gateway GS LLC is requesting $478,418 in sales, mortgage, and property tax incentives. The expansion will generate an estimated $28 in economic activity for every $1 of public investment.

An initial resolution will be considered by the board for two 8-unit market-rate apartment buildings located south of Buffalo East Tech Park in the town of Pembroke by Franklin Real Estate and Development. 

GCEDC Pre-Board Meeting Release
The multi-unit buildings will include one 1-bedroom apartments and seven 2-bedroom apartments. Franklin Real Estate and Development is requesting $243,402 in sales, mortgage, and property tax incentives. 

Finally, the board will consider accepting an initial resolution from Apple Tree Acres, LLC which is proposing to invest $3.1 million to build a 50,000 sq. ft. facility on its property at Apple Tree Acres in the town of Bergen. 

The facility would create three full-time jobs with an average annual salary ranging from $30,000-$35,000. The project is estimated to create a $10-to-$1 return on investment for Genesee County. 

The January 13, 2022, GCEDC Board meeting will be held remotely at 4 p.m. A livestream and on-demand recording of the meeting also will be available at www.gcedc.com.

Press Release:

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth Boards are looking for nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Banquet.  There are three awards presented at the Youth Recognition Banquet:

• Youth Recognition Award—This award recognizes young people who have performed exceptional service to the community and/or have assumed extraordinary roles in their families.  Typically, the best candidates for this award are high school students, but we also know there are 12, 13, 14 year olds who exemplify distinctive qualities of service.  Several youth will be recognized; however the Youth Boards reserve the right to limit the number of recipients.
• Adult Volunteer—This award recognizes an adult who provides service as a volunteer to youth in Genesee County.
• Adult Youth Worker—This award recognizes a youth service professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.

Recipients will be honored at the Youth Recognition Banquet on March 31, 2022.  Nominations are due by Friday, February 11th.  For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 or youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us.  The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website, www.co.genesee.ny.us. 

Press Release:

Due to the anticipated high demand for free COVID-19 tests, Genesee County will distribute one test kit per car. Each kit contains two tests. The distribution event is scheduled for Saturday, January 8^th from 12-2 pm at the Genesee County Fire Training Center, located at 7690 State Street Rd in Batavia.

County officials stress that there will be more opportunities in the future for the distribution of tests.

There are 2,580 available test kits, with two tests per kit. Attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residence in order to receive a kit(s). Should a resident test positive with an at-home rapid test, they are asked to report it here.

Residents can also sign up for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or a pediatric dose for children age 5-11 here.

 

Press Release:

Enjoy the forest in winter and track the secret lives of wild animals on a guided hike! Winter Wonderland Hikes are held at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest on the following Saturdays:

January 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
February 12th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Hikes will go, snow or no snow. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Recommended for ages 3 and up! Space is limited! Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122! Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.

Join us for Winter Fun Night Hikes from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on the following Saturdays:

January 8th Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center
February 12th Meet at Pavilion A

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest at night! Park guides lead you on a night hike for ages 18 and over.

Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Space is limited! Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122! Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet
of social distance.

Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A Naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431-acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in January and February from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own. Rental is included in the price. Limit group size of 10 people. $5/person, minimum group fee is $50. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure!

Snowshoe Rentals are available at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting. Snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at
http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/,

Press Release:

A year ago today, the world watched in horror as the US Capital came under attack in an attempt to block the peaceful transfer of power. We watched as police officers were beaten and vandals’ broke windows and shimmed up scaffolding. The world gasped as the bangs on the House chamber doors grew louder and more intense and brave Capitol Police stood guard. Our government representatives hid under desks and donned chemical masks. Others, reaching back to their military training, helped their
colleagues navigate to the tunnels which would, hopefully, provide them safety. In the twelve months since we all watched an American Coup unfold during primetime, very little has been done to punish those who participated in launching this attack or implementing policies to prevent it from happening again. 

When the dust settled, New York Representatives Chris Jacobs, Nicole Malliotakis, Elise Stefanik, and Lee Zeldin betrayed their oath to the Constitution by refusing to certify legitimate electoral votes. New Yorkers still remember this.

Today, the Genesee County Democratic Party thanks the brave individuals who serve and protect our nation from threats, both foreign and domestic. We honor those who uphold their oath to the constitution and have the courage to speak up when needed. We hope that you join us in this day of remembrace for those we lost during the terrorist attack and implore the House Sedition Caucus to follow the example of Congressman Rice of South Carolina, who admitted that there was no reason to not certify the 2020 election and expressed
regret for his vote.

As of 10:22 p.m. Wednesday, the following Genesee County schools have announced that they will be closed on Thursday due to a weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 1 a.m. Friday:

• Alexander Central School 
• Batavia City School District – no remote instruction
• Byron-Bergen Central School District
• Elba Central School District 
• Genesee Community College: All locations, remote operations only for Thursday
• Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus
• LeRoy Central School District 
• Notre Dame High School 
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School District
• Pembroke Central School District 
• St. Joseph's School, Batavia 

Pavilion Central School District has not officially announced a closure as of 10:26 p.m. Wednesday. The Batavian will update this list as needed.

UPDATE 10:47 p.m. Richmond Memorial Library and book sale will also be closed.

UPDATE 11:39 p.m. Genesee County Office for Aging is cancelling home-delivered meals and lunchtime meal sites for Thursday. Clients should use emergency meals.

St. James Episcopal Church Thrift Shop will be closed Thursday.

Email closures and cancellations to news@thebatavian.com

The Genesee County Legislature welcomed 2022 tonight with an organizational meeting at the Old County Courthouse marked by the swearing in of district representatives, attorneys and clerk – and Chairperson Rochelle Stein's hope for better days ahead.

Stein (in photo above being sworn in by County Clerk Michael Cianfrini and joined by grandsons Daniel, left, and Lockwood Sutherland) was unanimously approved by her peers to continue leading the legislative body.

She called Genesee County “a community of wealth of spirit and pride” while thanking those in public health and the hundreds of volunteers who gave countless hours in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to a Committee of the Whole meeting where lawmakers passed a resolution authorizing county treasurer Scott German to borrow up to $70 million in serial bonds toward the construction of a new county jail on West Main Street Road. Following is the text of the speech Stein gave at the end of the session:

“The county faced many challenges in 2021 and achieved many accomplishments. The COVID pandemic continues to rage on. We have our Public Health Department staff, Emergency Management staff, Public Safety officers and all county departments and other municipal partners leadership to thank for their dedication to our health and prosperity in 2021.

“Our ability to serve members of Genesee County came down to testing, clinics and vaccination clinics and now mask distributions and soon at-home COVID test kits.

“Volunteers from every department of Genesee County came together to accomplish one goal: Recover our good public health. Truly the best example of meeting the needs of our communities. Thank you to all of our volunteers.

“Our Chamber of Commerce and (Genesee County) Economic Development Center took on the communication and guidance and support of our businesses. Our business sector of essential businesses learned that staff and employees are critical needs to continue meeting supply demands.

“Highways and bridges were repaired and replaced all throughout the county. (WNY) STAMP campus has Plug Power as an initial green energy business tenant. More interest in our shovel-ready parks was evident in 2021.

“Families lost love ones, whether due to COVID or not, (and) traditions of gathering in grief and loss were curtailed. We carry these friends, family members and neighbors with us daily in loss and in prayer.

“Accomplishing a 40-year sales tax agreement with the City of Batavia and municipal water surcharge agreements (with towns and villages) is game changing for moving our next public water project into motion.

“Moving forward with construction of a new jail in 2022, Phase 3 of the (Countywide) Public Water (Project) and investing in high speed broadband are next up on our to-do list.

I am very pleased to be part of this legislative body of thoughtful forward-thinking individuals who take responsibility for moving our county forward into the next decade with courage and vision.

“In spite of COVID arresting what was our normal way of life, we have embraced technology – we may even be ‘remote meeting gurus’ by now. We have learned to think outside of the box for local governments to accomplish goals.

“We have much to be appreciative of, and see the uncertainties ahead of us. Together with dedicated leadership, factual information and administrative support from our county manager, we will continue to be a successful county. Genesee County is a community with wealth of spirit and pride. We are proud to serve her.”

JAIL FINANCING AT TOP OF LIST

County Manager Matt Landers said the resolution giving German the go-ahead to identify financial institutions willing to issue the bonds caps a “long journey” to construction the state-mandated 184-bed jail.

He also mentioned that the county has money in reserve, believed to be in the $7 million to $10 million range, that could be used to enable the county “to borrow a little less” than the $70 million or to cover any overages brought about by a “volatile” construction marker.

German said he will be contacting banks and other lenders, keeping a Feb. 15 deadline to change the amount to be borrowed, again depending upon construction costs.

Members of the 2022 Genesee County Legislature, front from left, Gregg Torrey, Rochelle Stein, Marianne Clattenburg; back, Brooks Hawley, Christian Yunker, Chad Klotzbach, John Deleo, Gordon Dibble and Gary Maha. Clattenburg and Torrey will serve as 1st and 2nd vice chair, respectively.

Kevin Finnell, accompanied by his wife, Nanette, takes the oath of office as the county's District Attorney. Cianfrini is at right. Jerry Ader of Clarence was reappointed as Genesee County public defender through Dec. 31, 2023.

Cianfrini swears in Legislature Clerk Lisa Casey as her mother, Sandy, looks on. Casey was hired by the legislature in early September 2021.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: Legislature set to appoint LeRoyan Wujcik as county attorney; Town of Batavia to hire Earl on part-time basis

Press Release:

Genesee County, in collaboration with New York State, is holding a COVID-19 rapid testing kit distribution event this Saturday, January 8^th at the Genesee County Fire Training Center, located at 7690 State Street Rd in Batavia, from 12-2pm.

There are 2,580 available test kits, with two tests per kit. Those attending may take up to two kits per household, while supplies last.  Attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residence in order to receive a kit(s).This will be the first of several upcoming COVID-19 test kit distribution events, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Providing our residents with free COVID-19 test kits, thereby expanding testing county-wide, is an essential component in the fight against COVID-19 and stopping the spread,” said Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein. “We look forward to holding more of these events in the near future, but we remind residents that our best resource for fighting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated as they are proven to be safe and effective.”

Should a resident test positive with an at-home rapid test, they are asked to report it here.

As local schools are distributing test kits for students, Genesee County officials encourage families with students to utilize school resources to ensure people & families without students have access to county and state resources.

Residents can also sign up for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or a pediatric dose for children age 5-11 here.

Press Release:

Genesee County is set to host a free KN95 mask distribution on Wednesday, December 29 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alva Place parking lot, located on the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street in Batavia.  Additional KN95 masks will be available to the public during normal business hours at the Genesee County Clerk’s Office in County Building 1 at 15 Main St, Batavia, and the Genesee County Department of Social Services at 5130 East Main St, Batavia, while supplies last.  The free masks are provided by New York State.  

“We appreciate New York State stepping up to help us prevent the spread of COVID 19 and in particular the highly contagious Omicron variant by providing these highly effective masks,” said Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein.  “This will go a long way to helping our businesses, especially our retail businesses stay open, over the next several days as we welcome in the New Year.”

Residents can also sign up an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or a pediatric dose for children age 5-11 here.

Genesee County is expected to receive up to $1 million to help in its COVID-19 prevention efforts as well as around 3,000 in-home test kits over the next few weeks, County Manager Matt Landers said in response to an email from The Batavian today.

“Based on information from the press release (from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office) yesterday, Genesee County is in line to be reimbursed for up to $1 million in costs,” Landers said.

The money is earmarked for local health departments for vaccine and testing sites, staffing, and personnel expenses related to media campaigns, supply distribution and enforcement of mask/vaccine mandates.

Landers said he doesn’t see the additional funding having a signficiant impact upon the county’s ability – or willingness – to enforce Hochul’s rule requiring those over the age of 2 to wear masks or show proof of vaccination when entering businesses.

“We are still waiting on more guidance on what the money can be used for, but based on the short window to spend this money, it does not appear that Genesee County will have any greater ability to enforce the state’s mask rule,” Landers advised. “More than likely, we will use some of this money to promote our residents to get vaccinated or boosted, testing clinics and vaccination/booster clinics.

“Genesee County believes that masking in public settings does offer greater protection against the spread of COVID-19, and encourages businesses and residents to take appropriate precautions during this holiday season.”

Landers reported that he was just notified that more test kits (likely in early January) and masks (on Thursday) will be coming to Genesee County.

“Our Emergency Management Office is coordinating the distribution efforts for both and we will have details in the days following. We haven’t received word on the exact distribution numbers yet, but we are anticipating around 3,000 take-home test kits to be distributed to the public in early January,” he said.

The county manager said he “appreciates” the open communication line with the governor’s office and the distribution of supplies to rural counties such as Genesee.

According to Hochul’s press release, the state is prepared to release $65 million to New York’s 62 counties to help enforce the most recent mandates, which was announced two weeks ago and expires on Jan. 15.

The governor said she is opposed to more school or business shutdowns to the coronavirus “because we have the tools available to all of us (and) we’re going to keep fighting back.”

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is excited to the 2022 Home Show has been scheduled for April 8, 9 & 10, 2022. The Show will be held at the Batavia Ice Arena, 22 Evans Street, Batavia. Vendor applications are being accepted at this time. Applications can be downloaded from the Chamber’s Clickable-Home-Show-Contract.pdf  (geneseeny.com) and are available at the Chamber’s office, 8276 Park Road. Space is limited and on a first come basis.

 

Press Release:

Enjoy the forest in winter and track the secret lives of wild animals on a guided hike! Winter Wonderland Hikes are held at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest on the following  Saturdays:

January 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
February 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Hikes will go, snow or no snow. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Recommended for ages 3 and up! Space is limited! Pre-registration is required, call 585- 344-1122! Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance. Join us for Winter Fun Night Hikes from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on the following Saturdays: January 8th Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center February 12th Meet at Pavilion A.

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest at night! Park guides lead you on a night hike for ages 18 and over. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Space is limited! Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122! Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A Naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431- acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in January and February from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own.
Rental is included in the price. Limit group size of 10 people. $5/person, minimum group fee is $50. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure! Snowshoe Rentals are available at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on
Thursdays and Fridays, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting.
Snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at
http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/

Thirteen of the 20 municipalities in Genesee County have decided to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption places.

According to information provided on a Marijuana Opt-Out Tracker compiled by the Rockefeller Institute of Government and phone calls made by The Batavian to town and village officials, this is the current tally:

OPT OUT

Towns – Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield, Stafford.

Villages – Bergen, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield.

OPT IN

City – Batavia.

Towns – Darien, Pavilion, Pembroke.

Villages – Corfu.

UNDECIDED

Towns – Byron (vote on Dec. 27).

Villages – Alexander (vote on Dec. 28).

The state’s Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act was signed into law by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 31. It requires municipalities to either opt in or opt out by Dec. 31.

Communities opting out can opt in at a later date, but those opting in will not be permitted to opt out.

Cities, towns and villages that have opted out are subject to permissive referendum should residents wish to push for retail dispensaries, such as storefronts to buy products for home consumption and adult use consumption sites.

Economists estimate that legalized sales of marijuana products will become a $1 billion industry with expected annual revenue of $350 million and the creation of around 45,000 jobs.

Sales tax on cannabis will be 13 percent, with 9 percent going to the state, 3 percent to the host municipality and 1 percent to the county. Additionally, a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) excise tax will be imposed.

Press Release:

The Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. Law enforcement officers across New York State and STOP-DWI programs will be participating in special engagement efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign start on Friday, December 17, 2021 and will end on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Remember: Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. If you are impaired by drugs or alcohol and thinking about driving, pass your keys on to a sober driver. Have a very safe & Happy Holiday season.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners are excited to announce that we will be collecting NEW, unwrapped BOOKS for the annual Toys for Tots campaign in conjunction with the Harvey C. Noon Legion. Collecting new books is a goal of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. Books enhance a child’s ability to read and to communicate effectively. The books that are collected will go to children and youth ages preschool through high school. A gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence to children in need. You can drop off books at the Genesee County Cooperative Extension office, Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. We will have a collection bin set up near the reception area. Book donations can be made at the CCE office through December 6.