Le Roy's varsity girls swimming team hosted Notre Dame for their season and home opener on Thursday, winning 102-74.
Highlights:
Information and photos by Tim McArdle
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley rallied alongside his Assembly Republican colleagues in a letter to President Trump requesting that he assist them in obtaining data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the state, including those in nursing homes.
For months now, we have written to the director of the CDC, Robert Redfield, requesting this information but have not been provided with a firm number of COVID-19 fatalities in New York State. In a hearing in August, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker also refused to provide this data, stating he was concerned it would not be fully accurate.
“When thousands of people die, families deserve answers,” Hawley said. “Giving the families that suffered irreplaceable losses closure on this matter is the least we could do for them, and we need to know as much about this tragedy as we can to assure we never endure loss like this again.
"For these reasons, I ask the president to direct the CDC to release this information and give New Yorkers the answers they deserve regarding this unthinkable loss of life.”
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined in a letter with his Assembly Republican colleagues to call on Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to demand the Legislature pass legislation to curb Gov. Cuomo’s emergency powers, which have persisted since March.
The governor has used his emergency powers to implement several directives unilaterally, and Hawley believes his emergency authority has been too expansive and lasted too long.
“New Yorkers deserve a return to representative government,” Hawley said. “The problems that have emerged during this pandemic are too complex for one man to handle, and our constituents deserve to have their concerns voiced by the representatives they elected to speak on behalf of their unique districts.
"The Governor failed the people of our state in 2020 with mismanagement of this pandemic which left businesses in countless industries closed and without income for far too long, and we owe it to them to do better and take local factors more strongly into consideration before shutting down local businesses that people rely on to feed their families.”
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Dear Legislative Leaders:
December 15, 2020
As we near the end of 2020 with a new legislative session quickly approaching, members of the Assembly Minority Conference are eager for an immediate return to the principles and processes of representative democracy on which our Constitution and our country were built.
Since March, Governor Cuomo has used his expanded emergency powers to implement, and then extend, numerous directives. We believe this grossly exceeds his executive authority.
As you know, Chapter 23 of the Laws of 2020 authorized a $40 million emergency appropriation for the state to make necessary preparations to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Also included in that legislationwas a measure to add “disease outbreak” to the list of emergencies by which the governor assumedexpanded authorities.
While the law granted the governor the ability to issue emergency directives, it did not empower him with the statutory authority to extend directives for an additional 30 days, which is permitted for the suspensions of laws.
Therefore, we are calling on you to review the legal authority granted to the governor and seek input from legislative colleagues on how to proceed in the best interest of all New Yorkers. At the first possible opportunity – hopefully on the first day of the 2021 Legislative Session, if not sooner – we encourage the passage of legislation such as A.10546, which would limit the governor’s expanded powers anddramatically increase local authority during future emergencies.
This has been a year that none of us will forget. You, and all the members of the Legislature, have worked tirelessly to provide help to so many constituents in crisis. Those efforts will certainly continue as we move into the new session and new calendar.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is applauding the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on their substantial investments into rural New York communities.
“Rural communities comprise the majority of NY-27, and I commend the USDA and the President for their commitment to making the health, prosperity, and future of rural communities a priority,” Jacobs said. “This commitment will translate into a strong, thriving economy in these communities and deliver new opportunities to students and younger generations.”
Overall, the USDA invested $40 billion in rural communities throughout the United States in FY20 -- $434 million of that was invested directly into New York State. Notable highlights include $16.8 million in rural broadband funding, $112 million to deliver safe drinking water supplies, and $1.6 million for small and emerging businesses. To read more about USDA investment, click here.
NY-27 Highlights:
“I was proud to announce these significant investments into our Western New York communities, and I remain committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the USDA to ensure NY-27 rural communities are supported,” Jacobs said.
“Furthermore, I am going to be fighting for increased investment in the new Congress, especially to support rural broadband development to connect our communities – the urgency of this need has grown substantially with COVID-19 as small businesses, schools, and medical visits have moved online.”
Press release:
In anticipation of increased COVID-19 transmission over the Winter Recess, Byron-Bergen Central School District announced that all learning will be fully remote for the weeks of Jan. 4th and 11th. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with the Genesee County Public Health.
“It is a difficult decision, but I believe it is the most responsible course of action,” said Byron-BergenSuperintendent Mickey Edwards. “We are announcing the schedule change now in an effort to give families as much time as possible to arrange for childcare.”
As well as precautionary measures for the health and safety of the students and staff, Edwards cites staffing and logistical challenges as a reason for his decision. In recent weeks, neighboring districts to Byron-Bergen have moved to fully remote learning. While BBCSD was able to remain open to in-person education, a spike in cases would necessitate the immediate move to fully remote learning.
“I know that parents will be concerned about the quality of education,” Edwards said. “I want to assure families that our staff has worked tirelessly to develop and implement remote teaching strategies that will deliver the standard of learning for which Byron-Bergen is well known.”
The District is scheduled to reopen for full in-person or hybrid education on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
“Our ability to reopen our doors to students in January is dependent upon the actions of the community while we are closed,” Edwards said. “I implore everyone to wear masks, wash hands, and practice socialdistancing so that we can be together again.”
Submitted photo and press release:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Kahlil Simon into his new position as a Housing Specialist.
In this role, he will assist individuals to apply for, and navigate, the programs and services offered through ILGR, including, coordinating housing evaluations for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, household budget counseling, employment advocacy, home environmental accessibility consultation, as well as serving as a liaison with landlords.
Prior to this promotion, Kahlil Simon served ILGR as a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Peer Specialist, where he earned a New York Peer Specialist Provisional Certification.
Before his coming to the Agency, he had worked as an Imaging Services Secretary at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, where he was recognized with an Exemplary Service Award. During his tenure at the Medical Center, Simon was inspired to seek work that was more community service-oriented, ultimately obtaining employment with ILGR.
About his new position, he says, “Here at ILGR, it’s my goal to provide a service to the members of our communities that are in need of assistance, while upholding the high standards of this organization.”
Simon attended Genesee Community College in Batavia after moving to the area from Brooklyn.
ILGR is delighted that Kahlil Simon will continue to serve the disability community in this new position.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
Open House this Saturday, Dec. 19th from 1 - 3 p.m. Completely renovated split level on 3.4 acres! Huge kitchen/great room combo, additional family room with walk-out french doors on lower level. Three beds, 1.5 baths, 2 car attached garage. Multi-level deck to above ground pool, 1 yr old, brand new 12x20 shed with metal roof.
Absolutely stunning -- a must see at this price! Showings to begin at open house Saturday 12/19/2020 @ 1 p.m. and offers to be review after 6 p.m. on Tuesday 12/22/2020.
What could be better for the holidays than knowing you have an amazing new home waiting for you in the 2021! Click here for more information or view the virtual tour here.
Press release:
The Holland Land Office Museum wants to let everyone know of the change to the concert scheduled for tonight at 7 o'clock. The concert will be performed by a flute trio from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, however, due to the increased coronavirus precautions, we will not be having a live audience in attendance at the museum during the concert.
As was the case last week, we will still be livestreaming the concert on our YouTube channel, Holland Land Office Museum. We would like to thank Paul Figlow for helping us out with making this available for everyone. You can follow this link below to join us virtually tonight.
We would also like to thank the Genesee Symphony Orchestra for working with us to put on two wonderful holiday concerts to bring at least a little Christmas cheer this year.
Press release:
Press release:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in collaboration with the Genesee County and Orleans County Departments of Social Services announces a new program to assist tenants and landlords affected by the current COVID-19 health pandemic.
The Emergency Solutions Grant, via the CARES Act funding, will provide rental assistance to individuals who are facing eviction and are unable to pay their rent due to circumstance related to the pandemic.
These circumstances may include being laid off, furloughed, workplace closure, having a wage earner unable to work due to COVID-19, or being the primary care giver of someone who contracted COVID-19, or other circumstances.
The eviction prevention rental assistance will be available to cover up to a maximum of $4,200 for households that qualify. The rent subsidy will be paid directly to the landlord to prevent eviction on behalf of the tenant.
This program will be available to renters who meet the following eligibility criteria:
How to Apply for Assistance:
Before contacting Independent Living, please have answers to the following questions:
a. Does your household income qualify based on this year’s gross yearly income? (The Federal Government’s unemployment pay of $600 per week is not considered as part of your income, but the state unemployment payments are). Please see income guidelines for income limits per household size.
Genesee County Orleans County
One Person $25,800 One Person $26,750
Two Person $29,500 Two Person $30,600
Three Person $33,200 Three Person $34,400
Four Person $36,850 Four Person $38,200
Five Person $39,800 Five Person $41,300
Six Person $42,750 Six Person $44,350
Seven Person $45,700 Seven Person $47,400
Eight Person $48,650 Eight Person $50,450
b. Have any of your household members become unemployed or under-employed as result of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
c. Are you at risk of being evicted once the moratorium on eviction is lifted because of the COVID-19 Pandemic? (i.e., already missed or about to miss rent payments and face eviction)
If the renter provides false information to the County or its designee, they will not be qualified for the assistance and will be required to repay the assistance. The eligibility determination organization has the final say/decision in all matters/situations pertaining to this program. The program regulations can be changed at any time throughout the grant year due to reasons of funding or program need. In addition, the entire program may be withdrawn and/or changed by the County for any reason, including reasons of funding or program effect.
The Emergency Solutions Grant will provide additional funds to the existing Rapid Rehousing Program facilitated by Independent Living of the Genesee Region for people who are experiencing homelessness. If you are unsheltered and need assistance, please contact Independent Living at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:
Work has been completed on the bridge replacement over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama and the road is now reopened.
A portion of Judge Road had been closed since Oct. 12 to replace the bridge, which is immediately west of Crosby Road.
With the agency in the midst of a study to determine if there are any gaps between current conditions and desired conditions, Jocelyn Sikorski said she believes her professional experience will help move Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County to a most favorable destination.
“Currently, they are doing their needs assessment and that will be something that I will have the opportunity to look at, those results, and evaluate what it is that we may need to tweak or change or add to programming services based on the feedback,” Sikorski said. “That will give us a way to develop a strategic plan for the agency and the community.”
Sikorski, who will take over as CCE’s executive director on Jan. 25 following the announcement of her hiring on Wednesday, said she is familiar with the needs assessment process.
“I facilitated a needs assessment four years ago with both county (youth) bureaus, and it’s about time to do another one,” she said. “So, I know exactly … how that is implemented and how to work with the results and to review those results with the staff and the board (of directors) to determine what needs to stay in place or also what may be changed.”
The Alexander resident has worked in county government for more than 20 years, the last eight as executive director of Genesee/Orleans and City of Batavia Youth Bureaus. She said she “loves” her current job, but accepting the CCE position was something that she couldn’t pass up.
“This presented an opportunity for me to not only continue my career, but to advance my career, and provide me an opportunity to continue to learn and grow. One of the things I that feel that I am is a lifelong learner,” she said.
In her new role, she will learn about the programs that CCE offers, including several relating to agriculture and gardening, as well as 4-H, Leadership Genesee (she took that course in 2007), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps). She also will be responsible for community involvement, relationship building, networking and administration.
Sikorski said the connections she has made over the years will serve her well at CCE.
“It is fortunate that Cornell works closely with the county and there will be opportunities to continue some of the relationships that I have established – working with other community members and organizations,” she said. “That’s something that I’m particularly fond of. And it’s nice that I can stay in my community and continue to work with those individuals, but in other ways now, moving forward.”
She said she plans to work with Genesee County Manager Matt Landers to put a plan in place while her successor is found.
“Having three entities that my current position reports to is a challenge, and you have to have a unique individual to handle that. Everybody’s different – all the managers of the three municipalities, the governing bodies are different and there’s a lot of balance that has to be in place,” she explained.
She said she supports the continuation of an executive director to “continue the work that we’ve already established and to be able to keep going with youth development the way it needs to be between both counties.”
Sikorski also said she is optimistic that things will pan out for the City of Batavia, which is acting on a request from City Council to explore contracting with an outside business to run its youth program.
“I think that is the best course of action for the city to take on when it comes to youth services,” she said. “I believe that there will be an organization that can provide what we need for the city youth in regards to afterschool programming and summer rec, and we will not be shortchanged in service or delivery. If we can maintain that and it’s a cost savings (by the city not having an executive director), it’s a win-win for everybody.”
She said she agreed to a two-year contract with CCE (the salary wasn’t disclosed).
Glenn Simon, who has been serving as the interim director at CCE since March, said he was involved with the interview process and was impressed with Sikorski.
“Jocelyn presented herself very well. She certainly knows the community and all the players involved (in government and civic organizations). I am sure she will do well,” he said.
Simon was summoned to lead the agency during the search for a permanent executive director -- three years after retiring as the director of Supply Chain Management at UMMC.
He said his time at CCE was a “positive experience” but he is looking forward to the warm weather and working on his golf game at Terry Hills Golf Course, which is in full view from the rear window of his Clinton Street Road residence.
Press release:
Arc of Genesee Orleans Transfer Station, 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia has reduced its hours of operation until further notice.
The Transfer Station will be closed on Fridays, but normal hours will be in effect on Mondays (8 - 2), Wednesdays (8 - 6) and Saturdays (8 - 2).
Customers are asked to please stay in their vehicle at the transfer station and reminded that masks are required.
If you have any questions, please call (585) 343-4203.
Photo and information from reader Kayla Twardowski:
My sister Crystal Ishmael's dog went missing Monday morning, Dec. 14, on Alexander Road between Pike Road and Rose Road in Batavia.
Her dog is a Chihuahua, tan in color with white paws. She's 11 years old. Her name is Lady.
My sister's phone number is (585) 356-9774. She is very worried about her and wants her back home. Lady is her support animal. ... Just trying to put the word out there.
Submitted image and press release:
The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating the passing of counterfeit $100 bills throughout the area.
The department recommends that anyone receiving a $100 bill use extra caution to check its authenticity.
At left is a copy of the bill which has been circulating.
If you feel that you may be victim in receiving counterfeit bills, please report it to the Police Department at (585) 345-6350.
A few simple items to check for on U.S. Currency that are hard to recreate on counterfeit bills:
Information on the current counterfeit cases is not being release at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
If anyone receives a counterfeit or suspected counterfeit bill, or has information in reference to the case please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370 or online.
Press release:
On Friday, Dec. 18th, members of the City of Batavia Police Department will be holding a Christmas event in place of the annual “Shop with a Cop” that is held at Walmart each year, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, the City of Batavia Civil Service Employees Association members, and the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program donated the funding for this year’s event and the Batavia City School District assisted with choosing the families to participate.
One family from each city school was selected and will receive Christmas presents for children to open Christmas morning. The selected families provided Batavia PD with a “wish list” of items, which included toys, diapers, baby formula, boots, jackets, winter hats and gloves. The gifts have been wrapped and will be delivered via police cruiser with a special guest this week.
The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the unions and employees within the City of Batavia for their generous donations and the Batavia City School District for their assistance to make this a great event.
We would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! The City of Batavia Police Department is looking forward to the return of Shop with a Cop in 2021!
Sunday is the inaugural "Bob's Christmas Car Day" created in honor of Bob Zeagler, who used to decorate his Jeep Wrangler in different themes for each holiday throughout the year with a special effort for Christmas.
The event is being organized on Facebook by a group of local residents.
Zeagler died in November 2016.
Residents are encouraged to decorate their car in a "Bob-inspired" way and drive around Batavia starting at 4 p.m. For those who want to be part of a group of cars, there will be a starting point at Ficarella's Pizzeria on Liberty Street in Batavia. It appears some of the details, such as routes, are still being worked out. Check the Facebook group for more information and updates.
Photo by Steve Ognibene.
Jackson Primary School is striving to create "Magical Moments" for families in its community in partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association. The association has donated gifts for 10 family experiences. Every student will be entered into a drawing to win one of the gift packages.
"During these uncertain times, we know family is so important," said Principal Maureen Notaro. "With the help of some elves who shopped for all of these families experiences, we have created 10 'Magical Moments' for families to enjoy together. Some of these experiences include sledding, painting, and family movie night. We supported local restaurants and businesses whose owners go out of their way to give back to our school community."
Sheriff William Sheron Jr. will draw the winners at our “Jackson Spreads Joy” event on Monday at 5:30 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Winners can pick up their prizes on the next day at Jackson Primary between 8 a.m. 4 p.m.
Submitted information and video.
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