From the Holland Land Office Museum:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on May 5, 2020, people around the world are coming together for #GivingTuesdayNow to give back to their communities and valued organizations in many different ways. The Holland Land Office Museum will be one of those participating cultural organizations and we need your help!

By joining the #GivingTuesdayNow movement, you’re proving that in times of uncertainty, generosity can bring the whole world together. As regular sources of funding become less reliable, we must look to other avenues to make our way through these difficult times.

We are joining this movement to ask for support from our friends and community in order to continue our mission to educate and preserve the local history of Genesee County and the development of Western New York through the history of the Holland Land Company.

Here is how you can help:

On May 5, go to www.hollandlandoffice.com or our Facebook page and donate.

This support will go toward many different areas:

• The continued operation of the museum and maintaining of our staff.
• The continuance of our programming both virtual and in public once it is safe to do so. These programs include: History Heroes Kids Summer Camp, Saturday Morning Children’s Program, Guest Speaker & Concert Series, Java with Joe E., and Trivia Nights.
• The development of exhibits and exhibitions.
• The preservation and conservation of the museum’s collection of more than 20,000 artifacts.
• The efforts currently under way to rebuild and restore the two 19^th century military cannons featured on the museum’s front portico.

You can also support our organization in these ways:

• Follow -- Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and invite your friends to do the same.
• Spread the word -- Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating a real impact on May 5th by sharing what our mission means to you and why you support our organization. Make sure to use the hashtag #GivingTuesdayNow.

Learn more at www.hollandlandoffice.com as well as our social media platforms.

Thank you for your support during this challenging time.

Ryan Duffy, Director, Holland Land Office Museum

Looking to literally buy some time while waiting to see if another round of federal stimulus funding transpires, the Genesee County Legislature’s Human Services Committee today tabled a pair of resolutions connected to Mercy Flight and the Genesee County Fair.

After hearing reports from Michael Gugliuzza, director of medical operations for Mercy Flight, and Amanda Gallo of the Genesee County Ag Society that touched upon lower revenues and uncertainty stemming from the COVID-19 Pandemic, respectively, committee members voted to hold off on contracts that specified the amount of the county’s financial support for the two agencies.

The resolution for Mercy Flight funding calls for the county to contribute $12,825 to back air medical transfer service in the county for 2020. That amount is the same as what was provided in 2019.

The resolution for the Ag Society has the county’s sponsorship of 4-H Judging and Premiums during the 2020 Genesee County Fair at $11,000, which also mirrors last year’s support.

County Manager Jay Gsell informed the committee that Mercy EMS did receive money for Personal Protection Equipment and from the first round of federal stimulus because of its combined operations (ground and air service), but that wasn’t enough to make up for a drop-off in activity.

“You heard Mike talking about what the ground service and flight service have been experiencing – about a 40 percent drop in their actual service calls, and that’s really since the beginning of this year,” Gsell said. “They’re moving through it with regard to both the commitment that they have and obviously their significant presence here in the county, both at the County Airport and at Gateway II across Route 98 from the original county industrial park.”

The Genesee County Fair currently is scheduled for July 25-August 1, but those dates aren’t etched in stone due to the coronavirus and its impact upon the local business community.

“Once they have a fair date for certain, (funding is done) on a reimbursement basis – once the judging occurs,” Gsell said. “If they have it and they do the judging, then we make the payment based on the invoices, so we have a little bit of time there.”

Committee Chair Andrew Young, noting the lack of revenue and other factors, asked if this is something “that we can hold off on until we understand what’s going on with our revenue?”

To which Gsell responded: “We’d like to think that between the governor and Mr. (Robert) Mujica (Jr., NYS budget director) that they’ll fairly soon start telling us what they’re going to be doing with the state budget … and then we start looking at what that means to us in terms of general state aid and obviously sales tax – with sales tax being the really big driver.”

Gsell also said he hoped that another federal stimulus bill provides money to fund state and local governments by the end of the month, which would mean “another trillion-plus dollars is put into play across the country.”

Committee members Gregg Torrey and John Deleo along with alternate member Gordon Dibble joined Young in voting to table the resolutions, which likely will be placed on the group’s June 1 meeting agenda.

“We will wade through this,” Young said. “The funding through the next stimulus bill is really the wild card. I don’t know that we have a lot of other good news to look forward to … if it doesn’t happen, we’ll have to deal with it.”

Friend and family drove their cars down North Lyon Street in Batavia on Saturday evening in a show of support for Sterling Stroman.

Stroman has been fighting cancer for six years now but is losing that fight. He has been on hospice at home. A caretaker says Stroman is declining.

The parade, with more than 50 cars, was a surprise for Stroman, a 20-year employee of GCASA.

Former Vice President of Operations at Batavia Downs, James P. Samberg, passed away on Wednesday (Apr. 29) at the age of 85.  

Samberg was born in 1935 in Detroit, Mich., where he attended Precious Blood Catholic School and Catholic Central High School. He went on to graduate from St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto with a degree in Theology and Writing. He taught English and history for a year at his alma mater, Catholic Central HS and then at Aquinas Institute. 

In 1983, Samberg transitioned careers and came to Batavia Downs as their Director of Publicity. His leadership in the organization eventually moved him to overseeing the entire plant as vice-president of operations, a position he held until the tracks initial closure in 1997. In 1998 Samberg reached out to Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) with a proposal to sell the track to them and was eventually able to consummate a deal that year. The track reopened under its new ownership in 2002.

It was the efforts of Samberg to move Batavia Downs forward that gave the shuttered track a new life under the guidance of the WROTB and that interaction eventually turned out to be financially beneficial to the residents of 15 Western New York counties (that include the cities of Buffalo and Rochester) by returning more than $220 million in revenues generated by the now modern and thriving racing and gaming venue to the taxpayers of those municipalities over the last 18 years.

Samberg was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who loved life and everyone he knew. He was well respected by all the horsemen who raced at Batavia Downs during his tenure and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Samberg was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Martha Samberg; loving wife, Barbara P. Samberg; son, Michael P. McDonald. He is survived by his children, Martha Smith, Mark (Jacqueline) McDonald, Margo McDonald and Meghan McDonald (Scott Boone); 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Carl L. Samberg; sister, Suzanne (Ronald) Marmol; sister-in-law, Donna Warner; several nieces and nephews; and special friend of the family, Bonnie Jones.

A Memorial Mass at St. Ann's Home will be scheduled at a later date due to the current situation. Interment at Holy Sepulchre was held privately. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or to the Sisters of Mercy. To share a memory of James please visit www.giltnerfuneralhomes.com.

-- By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Press release:

The City of Batavia will freeze hiring on all open positions across the City of Batavia.

The City is facing an estimated shortfall in revenue of $2.5 million in the General Fund that will affect many aspects of the City’s operations, including the ability to hire staff and fill positions.

The City will examine potential cost savings through a variety of measures including reduced spending, deferred purchases, and program cuts. Seventy-two percent of the general fund spending is allocated to employee costs and various benefits related to employment. Communication and conversations with department heads and union leaders will continue as the City balances the revenue loss with delivery of critical services.

“I have directed City staff to make immediate spending reductions, freeze purchasing that can be deferred, and I have implemented a hiring freeze on all open positions in the City," said Martin Moore, Ph.D., City of Batavia manager.

"These measures are only the first phase of plans to reduce spending amid projected revenue shortfalls. As the year continues the City will need to be flexible and adjust the City’s operations to keep pace with revenue shortfalls,”

The current open positions that will not be filled include two part-time Yard Waste Attendants, a part-time Ordinance Enforcement Officer, a full-time Laborer position, two full time Fire Fighter positions, multiple part-time summer recreation positions, and a full-time Youth Services Program Assistant.

“The summer recreation program will not be able to operate this summer due to the hiring freeze and spending reductions,” said Eugene Jankowski, president of the Batavia City Council. “I know myself, and all of Council, are disappointed that this program cannot continue this summer, but understand the difficult position the COVID-19 pandemic has put upon our City.

"We also will not be able to hold the Memorial Day Parade this year because of social distancing guidelines, but will still honor our Veterans with flags and flowers on their gravestones.”

Other cuts to programming and service are likely to occur due to financial constraints and because of rules and regulations that must be followed to continue to keep residents safe.

The City will continue to take proactive precautions to keep City employees safe from contracting and spreading the flu and coronavirus.

Currently City Hall, and all other City buildings remain closed to residents. Facilities will reopen once a comprehensive reopening plan is in place and with guidance from New York State and the Genesee County Department of Health and Emergency Management Office.

The City will continue to clean all facilities and wipe down all “high-touch” surfaces during the day to keep staff healthy and safe. The fire department will continue to disinfect city vehicles on a regular rotation and all city employees that currently interact with the public will continue to wear masks and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The Department of Public works will be fitting protective paneling or “sneeze guard” shields to customer facing offices in the coming weeks.

Currently, the City has multiple options to contact employees, receive building permits, and pay bills. All departments are available via phone and email to assist you. As always in case of an emergency please call 9-1-1.

Residents who need to pay a bill are encouraged to use the drobox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card, or mail a check.

If you need a dog license, hunting/fishing license, birth, death or marriage certificate/license please contact the City Clerk’s Office. You can also obtain information about Frequently Asked Questions on the City Clerks Page,https://www.batavianewyork.com/node/2060/faq

Questions on building permits can be directed to the Bureau of Inspection at (585) 345-6345.

Daily Briefing:

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 154 positive cases.
    • The positive case resides in Alabama.
    • The positive individual is in their 20s.
    • The newly positive individual was not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • One of the previous positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Six of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
• Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 102 positive cases.
  • The positive case (community) resides in Ridgeway.
  • There was one new positive individual for The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center.
  • The new positive cases have one individual in their 40s and one individual in their 70s.
  • The community individual had not been on mandatory quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
  • Five of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans County online map of confirmed cases

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today applauded the announcement that agricultural producers, for the first time, are now eligible for the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. 

“America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers need the same help that other American businesses need during this unprecedented time,” said Secretary Perdue. 

SBA’s EIDL portal has been closed since April 15. However, the Agency is able to reopen the portal today, in a limited capacity, as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act.

The legislation, which was signed into law by the President one week ago, provided additional critical funding for farmers and ranchers affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In order to help facilitate this important change to EIDL Loan and EIDL Advance assistance eligibility, SBA is reopening the Loan and Advance application portal to agricultural enterprises only.

For agricultural producers that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these applications without the need for reapplying.

All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted prior to April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

State Police have released the identity of a 77-year-old man who apparently drowned on his property at a residence on Broadway Road, Darien, on Saturday.

David Scott reportedly had gone out to set up a pump in a retention pond. At about 12:27 p.m. his daughter found him partially submerged in the pond. 

Volunteers with the Darien Fire Department along with Mercy EMS personnel attempted to revive Scott but were unsuccessful.

Press release:

• State will monitor four core factors to determine if a region can reopen: number of new infections, health care capacity, diagnostic testing capacity and contact tracing capacity.
• Outlines new safety precautions each business must put in place upon reopening.
• More than one million New Yorkers have been tested for COVID-19 to date.
• New York's National Guard has made nearly 300,000 testing kits to collect samples.
• Announces special enrollment through the marketplace will remain open through June 15, 2020.
• Confirms 2,538 additional coronavirus cases in New York State -- bringing statewide total to 318,953; new cases in 45 counties.
• Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today outlined additional guidelines for when regions can reopen.

The state will monitor four core factors to determine if a region can reopen:

1. New Infections: Based on guidelines from the CDC, regions must have at least 14 days of decline in total net hospitalizations and deaths on a three-day rolling average. In regions with few COVID cases, the region cannot exceed 15 net new total hospitalizations or five new deaths on a three-day rolling average. In order to monitor the potential spread of infection in a region, a region must have fewer than two new COVID patients admitted per 100,000 residents per day.
2. Health Care Capacity: Every region must have the health care capacity to handle a potential surge in cases. Regions must have at least 30 percent total hospital and ICU beds available. This is coupled with the new requirement that hospitals have at least 90 days of personal protective equipment stockpiled.
3. Diagnostic Testing Capacity: Each region must have the capacity to conduct 30 diagnostic tests for every 1,000 residents per month. The state is rapidly expanding capacity statewide to help all regions meet this threshold.
4. Contact Tracing Capacity: Regions must have a baseline of 30 contact tracers for every 100,000 residents, and additional tracers based on the projected number of cases in the region. The state is currently building an army of contact tracers with Mayor Bloomberg to meet the needs of each region statewide.

Governor Cuomo also outlined which industries and businesses can open in each phase of the state's reopening plan. Businesses considered "more essential" with inherent low risks of infection in the workplace and to customers will be prioritized, followed by other businesses considered "less essential" or those that present a higher risk of infection spread.

Regions must not open attractions or businesses that would draw a large number of visitors from outside the local area.

The Governor also outlined new safety precautions that each business must put in place upon reopening to help lower the risk of spreading the virus. Businesses will be required to:

• Adjust workplace hours and shift design as necessary to reduce density in the workplace;
• Enact social distancing protocols;
• Restrict nonessential travel for employees;
• Require all employees and customers to wear masks if in frequent contact with others;
• Implement strict cleaning and sanitation standards;
• Enact a continuous health screening process for individuals to enter the workplace;
• Continue tracing, tracking and reporting of cases; and
• Develop liability processes.

The Governor also announced that more than one million New Yorkers have already been tested for COVID-19 to date.

The Governor also announced New York's National Guard has made nearly 300,000 testing kits to collect samples, 60,000 of which are being sent to labs and hospitals across New York State.

The Governor also announced the special enrollment period through the NY State of Health Health Plan Marketplace will remain open through June 15, 2020.

"While we continue to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we can begin to focus on reopening, but we have to be careful and use the information we've learned so we don't erase the strides we've already made," Governor Cuomo said. "Reopening is not going to happen statewide all at once -- New York has diverse regions and those regions have different circumstances, so rather than wait for the whole state to be ready to reopen we are going to analyze the situation on a regional basis.

"We will measure whether a region can reopen based on four factors -- the number of new infections, health care capacity, diagnostic testing and contact tracing -- and we will continue to monitor these factors throughout the reopening process to prevent a second wave of the virus and protect the health and safety New Yorkers."

Press release:

The American Legion, Post 626 of Basom, New York will be postponing their Annual Memorial Day Meat Raffle Drawing until July 20^th.

Due to recent events and the social changes, it has been challenging to safely sell those raffle tickets.

Tickets can still be purchased by contacting any Legion member or at the Alabama Holley Farms store in Alabama.

Benjamin J. Dills, 27, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with two misdemeanors: reckless endangerment in the second degree; and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 3:40 p.m. on May 3, Dills was arrested in the 10000 block of West Bethany Road, Bethany, after a bullet struck a nearby residence when he was allegedly target shooting. The family was at home at the time. Dill was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on June 2. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen, Dpeuty Mathew Clor, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, and Environmental Conservation Officer Fay Fuerch.

Robert Edward Gerlach II, 45, of Broadway Road, Alexander, was arrested on April 30 on Broadway Road in Alexander after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to a complaint of dogs running at large. At 7:14 p.m., deputies responded to an animal complaint and following an investigation, determined Gerlach owns three dogs and was allegedly allowing them to run at large on other people's properties. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alexander Court on July 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Nickie Fazio, wife of Batavia High School softball Coach Jim Fazio, made this video as a tribute to the 2020 softball team, whose season has been canceled by the coronavirus pandemic.

Fazio said:

I wanted to do something special for the Varsity girls since they did not get to play this year. My heart goes out to all of them, but especially the seniors. Took me the whole week to get it done. Thank you to everyone that sent me pictures to help me put this together. It evolved into something much bigger than I originally planned. This was the best way Coach and I could express how much these girls mean to us.

Press release:

Tomorrow, May 5, as part of the global day of giving #GivingTuesdayNow, YMCAs across New York State will join together to showcase how they are staying “Open For Good” to meet the needs of their community during the COVID-19 crisis.

“When businesses were shut down, the impact on YMCAs was immediately felt,” said Kyle Stewart, executive director of the Alliance of New York State YMCAs. 

Since the organization’s beginning in the United States in 1851, the Y has always adapted to meet community needs, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. 

“We’ve seen a tremendous spike in requests for services and financial support since our community closed,” said Rob Walker, GLOW YMCA. “Now, we’re hoping that communities throughout our state will support us, so that we can continue providing essential services during this pandemic, and also ensure that we’re able to serve our communities as we reopen and recover.” 

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together.

“YMCAs are a charitable, nonprofit force for good,” said Stewart. “#GivingTuesdayNow gives us all the chance to showcase how we bring diverse communities together to help our community heal.”

On #GivingTuesdayNow, you can support the Ys across New York, and in your community, by visiting www.ymcaforgood.org.

City of Batavia Public Works Director Matt Worth is hopeful that the City Centre roof alternations and replacement project will resume sooner rather than later.

“We’re just waiting for a little bit of clearance (from New York State regarding work guidelines) and a little bit of good weather for that to move forward,” Worth said, talking about a $664,080 contract the City forged with Grove Roofing Services Inc. of Buffalo.

Close to a year ago, City Council selected Grove Roofing to replace several sections of concourse roof and the skylights, a project that will encompass about 80 percent of the roof, Worth said.

The roofers had delivered some materials and we’re just about to start the tear-off when the COVID-19 shutdown came.

“They tried to do some things that they could do safely – like putting up safety barriers and things like that, but held off getting into the project, in accordance with the (state) directives,” Worth said.

The project entails removing the existing insulation and roof material, installing new insulation and a new rubber membrane roof.

Worth said about 5 percent of the job will deal with replacing the metal roof deck beneath the roof “that we know is deteriorated – an area down by Sunny’s (Restaurant) and a wing down off of City Hall by Dr. Yaeger’s (office).”

The project is being paid for by funds taken from the City’s Facility Reserve.

In mid-April, Council voted to take $30,000 from the Facility Reserve (which was at $238,000) to cover unexpected construction costs.

A recent design change with the skylight roof covering resulted in an additional expense of $13,040. The remaining nearly $17,000 will be available in case of a condition change that needs to be addressed right away once the main roof construction work starts, Worth said.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $1.78, up 1 cent since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.90. The New York State average is $2.16 – down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.97. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.23 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.21 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.13 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.18 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.11 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.06 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.13 (down 2 cents since last week)

After steadily declining because of low gas demand and cheap crude prices due to COVID-19, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased for the first time in 10 weeks.

Today’s national average is still historically low – at $1.78, which is $1.12 less than a year ago. Data from the Energy Information Administration reveals that domestic gas demand continues to increase, which helped to push up the national average. It grew from 5.31 million b/d (barrels per day) to 5.86 million b/d recently; however, it is still 3.37 million b/d lower than last year’s rate at this same time.

As more states aim to end their stay at home orders and businesses around the country begin to reopen, gas demand is likely to continue increasing and pump prices are likely to slow their decline and possibly increase as well. Local prices continue to drop as they are slower to react to national trends.

From GasBuddy:

"It's becoming a bit clearer that those 99 cent per gallon gas prices from the COVID-19 pandemic are solidly behind us as gasoline demand rebounds across the country as cities and states slowly reopen. The lowest-priced stations in the country will see some upward movement, but most areas will still see declines," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

"While oil may continue to struggle, a disconnect between low oil prices and rising gasoline prices has emerged at the hands of refineries that have slowed production over the past month to avoid flooding the market with unwanted gasoline. As demand stages a rebound, it remains to be seen how quickly refiners will raise production to meet the locations that have or will begin to re-open in the days and weeks ahead.

"For now, expect prices to see upward potential- but only in the lower -- priced states -- as we await a boost in gasoline production."

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have received five more COVID-19 cases. Orleans has two new cases and Genesee has three. 

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individual will be notified by Health Department staff. Both of the Orleans County individuals are residents of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center.

There is currently no further information to release on ages and locations. Mapping to include the positive cases from the weekend will be updated on Monday afternoon.

“We are also saddened to report one more death of an Orleans County resident from The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very challenging time,” said Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.

We continue to encourage our residents to be vigilant about handwashing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, properly wearing cloth face coverings over the mouth and nose, keeping your hands away from your face, limiting time out in public and when you do need to go out for essentials you designate one person from your household, keep social distancing and stay home if you are sick.

Above, from left: Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., C.O. Michael A. Cox, C.O. Adam C. Snow, Senior C.O. James M. Smart, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, C.O. Trevor J. Sherwood, C.O. Christopher L. Seelbinder, C.O. Lewis A. Henning, C.O. Anthony J. Ridder, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur.

Submitted photos and press release:

On May 5, 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first full week of May would be observed as National Correctional Officers’ Week in recognition of the important role these officers play in our criminal justice system.

The position of Correctional Officer, once considered merely that of a “guard,” has become increasingly more complex and demanding, involving simultaneously custodial, supervisory, rehabilitation, and counseling roles, and that complexity continues to grow.

In the year 2020, Correctional Officers continue to play that vital role, but in an ever more stressful environment due to the current pandemic sweeping our nation and the world.

This week acknowledges the difficult job Correction Officers perform, locked within a facility for a large part of their day where they must securely, safely and humanely keep those committed to the jail, respecting the rights and dignity of all the inmates, including those who have been found guilty and those only awaiting adjudication.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., along with the Genesee County Legislature, recognize these public safety professionals for their continued dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service.

The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation at its April 22 meeting recognizing May 3 – 9, 2020, as National Correctional Officers’ Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to red, white and blue to acknowledge this week.

“The important and difficult role Correctional Officers fulfill is not always recognized by the general public,” Sheriff Sheron said. “If you know a Correctional Officer, please join me in thanking these men and women for their exceptional service.”

Above, in the forefront: C.O. Philip A. Mangefrida; back row, from left: Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., Senior C.O. Peter M. Hoy, C.O. Austin J. Davis, C.O. Kelly P. Creegan, C.O. Michael F. Lindsley, C.O. Daniel J. Renz, C.O. Brian M. Manley, C.O. Cody D. NiCastro, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur.

Above, in the forefront, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel. Second row, from left: Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., C.O. Jason M. Buck, C.O. Marissa R. Jacques, C.O. Dennis J. Bartholomew, C.O. Tyler J. Stewart, C.O. Matthew M. Luce, C.O. John P. Garlock, C.O. Jared T. Swimline, C.O. Jenna R. Barber, C.O. Kevin P. Thomas. Back row, from left: C.O. Seth C. Rademacker, Senior C.O. Jason R. Queal, C.O. Michael A. Strumpf, C.O. Susan A. Mattice, Senior C.O. Caleb C. Chaya, C.O. Tyler M. Tambe, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Senior C.O. Matthew R. Burgett.

Sunday message from Pastor Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church: "What is Saving Your Life Right Now?"

Press release:

AMID ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, GOVERNOR CUOMO, GOVERNOR MURPHY, GOVERNOR LAMONT, GOVERNOR WOLF, GOVERNOR CARNEY, GOVERNOR RAIMONDO & GOVERNOR BAKER ANNOUNCE JOINT MULTI-STATE AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

States will aggregate demand for personal protective equipment, medical equipment and testing on a regional basis.

Regional supply chains will help realize better pricing, delivery and reliability of PPE and medical equipment for states.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, Delaware Governor John Carney, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker today announced a joint multistate agreement to develop a regional supply chain for personal protective equipment, other medical equipment and testing.

While the states will continue to partner with the federal government during this global and national public health crisis, they will also work together to identify the entire region's needs for these products, aggregate demand among the states, reduce costs and stabilize the supply chain.

The states will also coordinate policies regarding the inventory of PPE each state's health care infrastructure should have to be prepared for a possible second wave of COVID-19. The states will also coordinate policies on what supplies local governments should have on hand for their first responders, and if any requirements regarding PPE for the not-for-profit and private sector are needed.

The states will then seek to identify suppliers within the country, region or state who can scale to meet the demand of the entire region over the next three months. The goal of this approach is to decrease the potential for disruptions in the supply chain for PPE and medical equipment, including sanitizer and ventilators, and testing, and promote regional economic development.

In addition, the states are discussing how to collectively explore emerging technologies on an ongoing basis to take advantage of the potential associated with alternative methods of production for existing products and innovation that would lead to more effective and/or less expensive alternatives. For example, 3D printers may represent an attractive alternative to manufacturing certain personal protective equipment and medical products.

"The COVID-19 pandemic created a mad scramble for medical equipment across the entire nation -- there was competition among states, private entities and the federal government and we were driving up the prices of these critical resources," Governor Cuomo said.

"As a state and as a nation, we can't go through that again. We're going to form a regional state purchasing consortium with our seven Northeast partner states to increase our market power when we're buying supplies and help us actually get the equipment at a better price. I want to thank our neighboring states for their ongoing support, generosity and regional coordination on these important efforts."

Governor Murphy said, "Our states should never be in a position where we are actively competing against each other for life-saving resources. By working together across the region, we can obtain critical supplies as we begin the process to restart our economies, while also saving money for our taxpayers. This concept is at the heart of the regional approach we've established."

Governor Lamont said, "With global supply chains continuing to experience a major disruption due to the pandemic, combining the efforts of our states into a regional purchasing initiative will help our states obtain needed PPE and other medical equipment without competing against each other. I've long been advocating for the federal government to get involved because pitting all 50 states against each other to compete for these supplies has never made any sense. Partnering with our neighbors helps make our purchasing power stronger and more dependable."

Governor Wolf said, "By working together we can combine our strengths to build the capacities we all need. We can exploit our market size to encourage producers to make what we need, we can exploit our financial strength to give that encouragement added weight, and we can exploit the great research institutions and the brainpower in our region to increase our chances of success. I look forward to working with my fellow governors — and my neighbors -- to build a strong regional supply chain."

Governor Carney said, "We need a consistent approach for moving our states out of this crisis, and that includes ensuring a sufficient supply of PPE and tests. I'm thankful for this coordination with my fellow governors in the region. We'll be better positioned to continue tackling this crisis working together with the states around us."

Governor Raimondo said, "Our healthcare workers should never have to worry if we have enough PPE to keep them safe. Over the past two months, we've been scouring the earth for supplies and have worked hard to meet the demand on the frontlines. We know that, in order to safely reopen the economy, we need a long-term supply of PPE for all critical infrastructure workers. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with states across the region in order to build and maintain a steady, reliable, and affordable supply of PPE."

Governor Baker said, "Massachusetts looks forward to working with other states to identify more options for PPE procurements for our health care workers and public safety personnel."

Friends and family of Joshua T. Fullmer Sr., who died Monday following a motorcycle and bicycle accident on Route 5 near Wortendyke Road, was fondly remembered Saturday evening in a candlelight vigil at the site of the crash.

From his obituary:

Josh was a wonderful young man who packed a lot of life in his 27 years, some would say he was an “Old Soul,” friends, he had too many to count but Josh always, always had an ear to listen or a hand to lend. He had an unusual love for snakes, his motorcycle and children, he was wonderful with them and they were drawn to him. Josh was employed at HP Hood in Batavia and was a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.

Top photo: His mother, Joy, stepfather, Joe, and his siblings, Justin, Jeremy and Brittany.

Photos by Jessica Pfalzer