We're talking with Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron.
From Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:
I hope that this message finds you and your family safe and in good health. Over the last week, we have seen our lives and schedules turned upside down. From mandatory business closures and workforce reductions to school closures and travel restrictions, everyone has been impacted by the recent COVID-19 outbreak in New York State.
In addition to our daily lives, the current budget process has been significantly disrupted. Making matters worse is the fact that the state was facing a projected $6.1 billion deficit, prior to the current pandemic. This is expected to grow significantly due to the sharp decline in economic activity across the state.
I am hopeful that everyone will act responsibly and work towards enacting a straightforward, transparent budget. With ever-increasing uncertainty, I do not believe that it is appropriate to be advancing new “bold” programs or loading the budget with unrelated policy initiatives.
Furthermore, we must do all we can to protect critical public health programs and avoid balancing the budget with measures that will increase costs drastically for hard working families and small businesses, who are facing unprecedented financial uncertainty. Striking this balance will not be easy but is essential.
I will continue to monitor these situations closely and do all I can to advocate for Western New York families and small businesses during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michael H. Ranzenhofer
State Senator
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For more information regarding how to best protect you and your family, visit the CDC website or call the NYS Department of Health toll free at 1 (888) 364-3065.
For businesses with questions regarding the Governor’s recent Executive Order, I encourage you to contact Empire State Development Corporation.
Press release:
Currently, we are open, at our normal business hours. Starting Monday, March 23rd our hours will change to 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours will remain 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First and foremost, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy, and in good spirits.
At CountryMax, we’re hard at work ensuring our community will be able to get the essential food and supplies for their pets and livestock in these uncertain times. We take our responsibility as an essential community resource to keep pets and livestock fed and healthy extremely seriously, while also putting the health and safety of our team members, customers, and community at the top of the list.
We’d like to address a few key points about our stores and operations at the current time -- while also knowing that with an ever-changing world we may need to modify these at any time.
First, CountryMax Stores will remain open as an essential business. As mentioned, providing the community with an essential source of food for pets and livestock necessary for survival is literally what we’re here for on a daily basis, and it is heightened even more in this time of uncertainty. Our hours of operations have been reduced to those cited above. Store staffing has also been reduced where possible, but we will remain operational to make sure we can provide this essential animal health service.
Next, we know that our role in informing the public of anything health related is very virtually zero-government and health organizations are (and should be) everyone’s source for anything public health related. Still, we are distributing signage throughout our stores to remind team members and customers to practice recommended guidelines, including “The Five” and social distancing.
Finally, we ask that everyone in our stores -- team members and customers alike -- remember that we are all in this, and will get through this (coronavirus pandemic), together. We’re working as hard as we can to carry out business functions normally, but delays and temporary out of stocks are going to be part of life right now and we hope everyone can understand.
If you do not feel well or choose not to visit our stores, please remember we have at-home delivery or “buy online, pickup in-store” options available on our website.
Thank you for choosing CountryMax, and we are all hoping you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
About CountryMax
It is a local, family-owned retailer, carries a large selection of healthy pet foods and pet supplies, barn and stable feed and supplies, small animals, home, lawn and garden, and wild bird supplies. CountryMax, in business for more than 35 years, operates 17 locations across New York State, including one in Batavia.
We're going to talk with John McKenna, CEO, and president of Tompkins Bank of Castile about programs available to assist small businesses and homeowners.
A dog in a residence at 236 State St., Batavia, reportedly died in a fire that was reported at 12:20 p.m.
A second dog reportedly lived in that home but its status is unknown at this time, said Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano.
The chief credited his crew with a quick knockdown preventing what could have been a dangerous, wind-driven fire.
The fire appears to have started at the rear of the first floor.
Nobody was home at the time of the fire.
The cause is not known at this time.
Initial report:
A structure fire is reported at 236 State St., Batavia.
The initial call was for smoke coming from the residence.
The caller doesn't believe anybody is home.
City fire responding.
How is the current soft quarantine affecting you? If you're sheltering in place, how are you keeping yourself busy/entertained? What has the experience been like for you? If you're working from home, do you miss your coworkers? Do they miss you? Are you able to stay on task? What adjustments did you need to make or new things did you need to learn? How are you coping with the kids not going to school? Are you getting the help you need?
Whatever you're story, please grab your smartphone and make a selfie video about your experience and email it to howard@thebatavian.com (you can also use WeTransfer.com).
Start your video by introducing yourself.
And if you're one of the people under a health department-directed quarantine and are willing to go on camera for an interview (Skype, live stream), email howard@thebatavian.com and we can discuss it.
Press release:
Genesee Chorale, in light of coronavirus concerns, has canceled its spring 2020 season, including its previously scheduled May 1 and 3 concerts.
“Upon consideration of the safety of our members as well as the potential number of rehearsals to put together a concert in early May (if we are even able to assemble at that point), we have decided that this is the best decision for us at this time,” Chorale Director Ric Jones wrote in an email sent out to members Thursday.
Chorale Board of Directors members were unanimous in deciding to cancel the season, and also unanimous in their sadness at the necessity of doing so.
“Although I really love rehearsals and performing with the choir and I hate to see us lose out on the work we’ve done so far,” said Board Member Lindsay Edwards. “I think canceling the spring season is probably the best and safest move given the unknown nature of what is to come.”
Board members will be meeting at a later, safer date, to discuss future plans. The cancellation of the spring season is a “sad but wise decision,” said Board President Janine Fagnan, who urged members to stay healthy and safe.
Jones said the Chorale has some exciting things coming up for the fall season, including an invitational.
“At this time,” he advised singers, “please focus on your safety and that of your loved ones. I look forward to making music together soon.”
Public Notice
Norman Itjen, Village of Elba mayor, declared a State of Emergency at 12 p.m. today -- Friday, March 20, 2020 -- and issued an Emergency Order effective today, March 20, 2020 beginning at 12 p.m.
The Village Office, will be closed to the public effective March 20, 2020 for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments. This is in an effort to do our part to control the coronavirus pandemic. The Village office for now will be open remotely through the use of phones, computers and mail, or through the Village drop box.
All scheduled meetings are postponed until further notice, please stay safe and keep your social distance.
Contact Information:
Mail – Village of Elba, 4 S. Main St., P.O. Box 55, Elba NY 14058
Email – elbavillage@rochester.rr.cm
Phone – (585) 757-6889
Website – elbanewyork.com
Fax – (585) 757-9064
Statement from Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association:
“We are happy to announce that all New York small businesses, including restaurants, are now eligible for low-interest loans through the federal Small Business Administration.
"Up until (now), New York businesses were unable to apply for these much needed loans due to communities not being listed as 'disaster areas.' Through continued conversations with Empire State Development and representatives from the federal SBA program, we’ve conveyed how serious the situation is for New York restaurants.
"Many have already shut their doors and will not be able to reopen. While this is a great first step, we need to find additional ways to save the restaurant industry. When this pandemic is over, going out for a nice meal will help us all feel normal again. But some restaurants simply won’t make it.”
UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: “We can’t thank Governor Cuomo and state officials enough for forgiving interest and penalties on late sales tax payments," Fleishut said. "For some restaurants, this little bit of breathing room could mean the difference between paying employees and shutting their doors forever. That being said, this relief is temporary, and we’ll continue to advocate for additional ways to help restaurants survive during this crisis.”
Public Notice
Donna Hynes, Town of Elba supervisor, declared a State of Emergency at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 and issued an Emergency Order effective today, March 20, 2020 beginning at 12 a.m.
In the Town of Elba, our physical office and highway department will be closed to the public effective March 20, 2020 for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments. This is in an effort to do our part to control the coronavirus pandemic. The Town will still be available to answer your inquiries remotely through the use of phones, computers and mail, or other means.
Town Clerk -- Taxes and dog license requests with required documents should be dropped off in the box located in the vestibule of the Town Hall or mailed in. Tax payments may also be paid online. They will be processed and returned via US Post Service. Please email Town Clerk Trisha Werth to inquire about other services.
Contacts:
Trisha Werth, town clerk
Mark Yungfleisch, superintendent of Highways
Website: www.townofelba.com
Donna Hynes
Elba Town Supervisor
Press release:
Starting this afternoon at 4 p.m. Nate McMurray, candidate for U.S. Congress in New York’s 27th District, will hold digitally accessible Town Hall-style events in an effort to stay accessible to voters during COVID-19 pandemic and necessity of social distancing. The events will be streamed live and participants will have the opportunity to ask the candidate questions and receive answers in real time.
“This is a difficult time for our nation; the already struggling families of this district will be hit hard by this pandemic and need access to their leaders and candidates now more than ever," McMurray said. "The focus of our campaign has always been to lift up the good people of this region; while the coronavirus will inarguably impact the way we interact with them, it’s critical that we maintain open lines of communication and support for one another.
"My team is committed to utilizing alternative forms of engagement in order to address concerns, discuss the issues that matter most to NY-27 residents, and connect people with the resources they need throughout this crisis."
McMurray will begin live streaming today at 4 p.m. and will start every session by reading to the children of those participating. Those interested in attending the live session may access the event here.
McMurray is a native of North Tonawanda. He ran for Congress in NY-27 in 2018 and lost by less than 1 percent of the vote. He is a family man, an Eagle Scout, and one of seven children raised by a single mother when his father died of cancer at the age of 39. McMurray worked his way through community college, earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Buffalo, then earned a law degree from California’s Hastings College of Law.
The U.S. government awarded McMurray a Fulbright Scholarship to study the development of constitutional democracy in South Korea. His academic successes led to positions in private law practice, where he represented U.S. business interests in Asia. He was formerly the town supervisor of Grand Island, a conservative community in Western New York, where he was instrumental in bringing fiscal responsibility to local government and millions of dollars in new business investment to the town.
Public Notice
Change of policies in Town of Byron due the COVID-19: offices are closed to the public, however, the town clerk and essential employees will be there to assist you in any matters of the town. They are available via telephone or email.
If payments or other documents need to be dropped off, please use the drop box in the foyer. Any information about meetings or committees will be posted on the town’s website. Anyone without access to internet can call the office: 585-548-7123 and follow the prompts.
Also, all Town of Byron Court matters are on hold until further notice.
Peter N. Yasses, Supervisor
Press release:
As conditions evolve with the COVID-19 pandemic, National Grid is providing an update on its services.
Ensuring the health and safety of our customers and our employees remains our top priority. We will continue to focus on delivering essential customer services, while temporarily suspending nonessential work.
Services Continuing
Services Temporarily Paused
We appreciate your attention to this information and value your support. For updates and information on this evolving situation, please continue to visit our website regarding COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Gregory Knight
Chief Customer Officer
Press release:
There are many families within the greater Genesee region that, during normal circumstances, don’t know where their next meal may come from. During this time of uncertainty, it becomes clearer that as a community, it is our call to help those around us.
Have you felt that urge to help, but just can’t figure out where to plug yourself in?
Northgate Free Methodist Church will be assisting The Salvation Army with food collection and distribution.
They are setting up a drop-off point on Monday, March 23, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at their North Campus, located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.
The Salvation Army is in need of the following items:
There will be volunteers available to unload items from your vehicle, and safety precautions will be made to maintain social distancing.
Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning has offered their fleet of vehicles to transfer the goods to The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army in Batavia is looking for some (relatively) younger people who are willing to volunteer to help shop and hand out food as people come in. This would be on a daily basis for as long as they are able to have food available. They currently are in the office from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day but as the need grows it will become likely that those hours will grow as well.
*If you can help out, call Todd at 343-6284.
In a time where we are being asked to remain apart, let’s do what we can to help those who are in need right now.
*Editor's Note: We were initially provided an incorrect contact number for Todd, the person to call if you want to volunteer for The Salvation Army. The phone number has been corrected.
Press release:
COVID-19 Response Update – March 19, 2020
In response to the March 14, 2020 Declaration of a State of Emergency by the Genesee County Department of Health (DOH) and the DOH recommendation that all schools close immediately and until further notice; in response to guidance documents received from the NYS Education Department (NYSED); and in response to the Governor’s Executive Orders No. 202.4 and NO. 202.5; the Pembroke Central School District closed for students starting on March 15, 2020 and engaged its employees in necessary planning.
All Pembroke students K-12 were provided hard copy learning materials, Chromebooks, and access to online learning platforms. Families enrolled in the Free and Reduced Meals program, as well as additional families experiencing financial hardship while school is closed, have been provided the opportunity to receive free breakfasts and lunches to cover Monday through Friday.
The District is doing its due diligence to identify and secure childcare services for Pembroke parents who work in the health care field.
The Superintendent and Board of Education expresses heartfelt gratitude to the following:
To Parents: Thank you for your cooperation and trust. Thank you to those of you who offered to help however you could.
To Support Staff: Thank you for your willingness to jump right in to help the teachers and administration so many ways.
To Teachers and other PTF members: Thank you for preparing meaningful learning activities in short order and setting up our students for continued success.
To Cafeteria Staff: Thank you for meeting essential needs for those most in need through your food service.
To the Transportation Department: Thank you for delivery learning materials and being ready to roll when called upon.
To Administration, District Office Staff, Union Representatives and our SRO: Thank you for your leadership and the hours you invested this past weekend and each night after school hours.
To Kevin MacDonald and the Genesee Valley Superintendents: Thank you for your collaboration and guidance. We know the people in your organizations are responding the same way as ours.
Despite all the current challenges, we will get through this together. All Pembroke updates are posted on the District website.
From the New York State Workers Compensation Board:
New legislation signed by the governor provides a combination of benefits for eligible employees who are subject to an order of mandatory or precautionary quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.
These benefits vary depending on the size and annual income of the employer.
Leave for Quarantine/Isolation of Employee’s Child
The legislation also provides Paid Family Leave for working parents whose minor dependent child is subject to an order of mandatory or precautionary quarantine or isolation. In addition to job protection, eligible employees may receive up to a maximum benefit of $840.70 per week for the duration of the quarantine.
Note: These benefits are not available to employees who are able to work through remote access or other means.
The provisions of the quarantine legislation take effect immediately, ensuring that New York workers will be able to take advantage of these benefits.
Questions?
For more information, visit ny.gov/COVIDpaidsickleave or call the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline at (888) 364-3065.
For more information or to apply for disability benefits and/or Paid Family Leave, visit PaidFamilyLeave.ny.gov/COVID19 or call the Paid Family Leave Helpline at (844) 337-6303.
Shortly, we will be live in an interview with Shawn Heubusch, Batavia's chief of police.
Press release:
National Grid is increasing staffing and closely monitoring Friday’s weather forecast (March 20), which calls for high winds, with gusts of up to 60 mph, across portions of Upstate New York. The company’s field force is at normal staffing levels and remains at the ready if the storm impacts service. Customers are encouraged to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:
Electricity & Generator Safety
If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed power lines should immediately be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 9-1-1.
Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure todisconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in theelectric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.
Stay informed and connected
Information on National Grid’s pandemic preparedness and a customer Q&A can be found here.
Customers with active electricity accounts who text "REG" to 64743 can have personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their properties.
Customers also can text "OUT" to 64743 to report an outage.
For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.
Visit our website.
Press release:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today (March 19) announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help facilitate the identification of foreign and domestic workers that may be available and eligible to transfer to other U.S. agricultural sector employers to fulfill critical workforce needs within the United States under existing regulatory authority during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ensuring minimal disruption for our agricultural workforce during these uncertain times is a top priority for this administration,” Secretary Perdue said. “President Trump knows that these workers are critical to maintaining our food supply and our farmers and ranchers are counting on their ability to work. We will continue to work to make sure our supply chain is impacted as minimally as possible.”
“American farmers and ranchers are at the frontlines of maintaining the nation’s food supply,” Secretary Scalia said. “In these unprecedented times, it is critical for them to have the workforce they need. This new partnership between USDA and DOL will help support our farmers, ranchers, and American families.”
Background
USDA and DOL have identified nearly 20,000 H-2A and H-2B certified positions that have expiring contracts in the coming weeks. There will be workers leaving these positions who could be available to transfer to a different employer’s labor certification. The data, available on www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a, includes the number of certified worker positions, the current employer name and contact, attorney/agent name and contact, and the worksite address
This information will be a resource to H-2A employers whose workforce has been delayed because of travel restrictions or visa processing limitations. Employers should be aware that all statutory and regulatory requirements continue to apply. Employers are encouraged to monitor www.travel.state.gov for the latest information and should monitor the relevant Embassy/Consular websites for specific operational information.
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