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The New York State Police will be hosting a child passenger safety seat event BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at Troop A headquarters, 4525 W. Saile Drive, Batavia, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, July 18.

Our child safety seat technicians will be on hand to assist with the installation of your child’s safety seat, and answer any questions.

AN APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY for this event, please contact (585) 344-2200.

A car vs. pole accident with unknown injuries is reported at 1433 Main Road in Pembroke. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Injuries are believed to be minor.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: National Grid is notified that the pole is cracked and utility wires are damaged.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: One person is being transported to ECMC.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Two patients were transported in separate ambulances to ECMC.

Danny D. Williams, 31, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams was arrested after a domestic incident on Ellicott Street at 1:30 p.m. on July 6. It is alleged he destroyed a cell phone and was in a physical altercation with a minor. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Donald J. McClary, 25, of Indiana Street, Rochester, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a prior conviction; failure to stop from a driveway; unsafe turn; moving from lane unsafely; and unregistered motor vehicle. At about 1 p.m. on July 14, Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins responded to 573 E. Main St. in Batavia for a report of a male slumped over the wheel in the McDonald's parking lot. After a subsequent traffic stop and investigation, McClary was released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 16. Perkins was assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Shawn P. Thomas, 37, of Pine Ridge Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Thomas was arrested on July 9, after he was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on East Main Street in Batavia on May 7. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Press release:

As part of its summer reading program, the Richmond Memorial Library is offering the following craft programs to children and teens.

Registration for craft pick up as well as our reading challenge can be completed online.

Children Ages 3-12

The craft bag will include crafts and supplies. The crafts in each bag will change every week!

TEENS Ages 13-18

The craft bag will include materials and written instructions. 
Video instructions will also be posted on our Facebook page Mondays at 9 a.m. and can be found under the videos tab.

TWEENS & TEENS

Crafter noon Zoom with Miss Sue -- Thursdays Weekly at 2 p.m.
A Zoom gathering for crafters who would like to socialize while they craft, or may need minor guidance or trouble shooting.

Crafters of all crafts and abilities are welcome to come share projects, show off finished objects, be cheered on working through a work in progress, or share stories to help each other conquer challenging craft steps.

*Younger crafters may join with their trusted grown-up.

From Senator Michael Ranzenhoffer:

It goes without saying that 2020 has been one of the most unpredictable and challenging years of our lifetime. The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for years to come.

As the Legislature prepares to return for a rare July session, many important questions remain unanswered.

In a recent Buffalo News article, it was stated that legislative leaders anticipated a “robust agenda” for the upcoming July session. It is my hope that we will not squander the opportunity and will start providing much needed clarity and assistance to families and businesses.

For years, I have advocated for increasing assistance to working families through an expansion of the Child Care Credit. This assistance is even more critical now as many families are struggling to find adequate childcare, while continuing to work from home.

In addition, it is critical that we develop plans to ensure that children and teachers can return to school safely and as soon as possible.

While I acknowledge that the current fiscal crisis could not have been predicted, it is still troubling that we have yet to be presented with the Governor’s suggested budget revisions.

Furthermore, it is impossible to ignore the fact that prior to COVID-19 the state was already experiencing an over $6 billion deficit. As part of my 2020 Legislative Questionnaire, over 51 percent of respondents said the state should address deficits by reducing spending and cutting outdated regulations.

Conversely, only 28 percent of residents advocated for tax increases or cost shifts.

Right-sizing New York State government is more critical than ever to ensure the quickest, most sustainable, economic recovery possible.

I strongly believe we need to examine how we utilize our economic development dollars. With so many small businesses struggling to survive we need to do all we can to assist them.

The Governor controls billions of dollars for economic development incentives to attract new businesses to the state. I can think of no better time redistribute these resources to support locally owned businesses.

In my previously mentioned questionnaire, nearly 53 percent of respondents said the state should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. Instead, they supported broad-based tax relief for businesses or not incentivizing private corporations at all. Only 13 percent of respondents believed that incentives were extremely important to help businesses.

Great challenges face government leaders as Legislative Session resumes. I hope the Governor and Senate and Assembly leaders will take real steps to assist hardworking families and struggling small businesses.

Best,

MIKE RANZENHOFER

State Senator – 61st District

Come on down and bring a chair! Music starts at 6:30 p.m.

At the debut event, the talents of guitarist Austin Wahl will delight listeners.

About Austin Wahl

He is a guitarist of many skills. Currently pursuing his master's degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where he also earned a bachelor's degree and Performers' Certificate, Wahl has played classical guitar since age 5.

He is also a skilled bluegrass and rock guitarist, equally at home in all three genres.

(UPDATED July 25: the owner has decided that subsequent concert this season will be on Thursdays, same time -- 6:30 p.m.)

Submitted photo and information from Debra Webster.

Press release:

In a series of coordinated press conferences today, New York State Sheriffs presented a number of legislative proposals aimed at protecting law-enforcement personnel and the public they serve.

These proposals were the result of weeks of conversations among Sheriffs about their concerns for the safety of their Deputies as a result of the atmosphere of disrespect for law enforcement being promoted or tolerated in so many quarters today.

The Sheriffs asked the State Legislature and the Governor to enact laws which would discourage harassment and physical attacks against the police and encourage compliance with the lawful orders of the police engaged in enforcing the criminal laws of New York. 

Additionally, Sheriffs encouraged the legislature to recognize and highlight the work done by law- enforcement personnel by providing a disability and death benefit for police officers seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and designating May 15 of each year as a state holiday -- Police Memorial Day -- to honor the 1,567 officers who have died in the line of duty in New York State.

Regional press events were held in Albany, Oneida, Ontario, Broome and Niagara counties.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1934 to assist all 58 of New York’s sheriffs in serving and protecting the citizenry through member-supported training programs, accreditation, legislative advocacy, and public safety programs. Visit www.nysheriffs.org.

A collision between a truck with CNG natural gas tanks on top of it and a trash truck occurred in Le Roy on Mill Street.

A tank ruptured but there is no fire. Wires are down. Le Roy Fire Department is on scene along with law enforcement. A railroad representative is contacted to inspect the railroad tracks and bridge, which initially was believed to have been struck.

Two tanks are intact on the ground, one exploded, according to command. There may be a couple more tanks in the cargo.

A hazmat team is asked by command to stand by in case needed. The street will be closed.

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: Pavilion Fire Department is requested to send a tanker to fill in at the Le Roy Fire Department.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: A tanker from Bergen is requested to stand by at the scene. National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: This did not involve two vehicles. It involves a single trash truck that is powered with natural gas tanks. They are working to contain the fuel leak from the ruptured tank now.

A barn fire with a lot of smoke and some flames showing is reported in Darien at 9796 Harper Road. No people are believed to be inside the barn, but there are probably farm animals inside.

No propane tanks can be seen near the building, according to the caller to dispatch. The location is between Sumner and Richley roads.

Darien Fire Department is dispatched along with Mercy medics and mutual aid from Corfu and Alexander fire departments.

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: According to a first responder on scene, the fire is contained to one bale of hay inside a small one-story metal shielded structure. The structure is not on fire and they are pulling out the bale of hay that is ablaze.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: Now the fire is going into the 30 by 50 foot structure and command says firefighters "should be able knock it down quickly" with a single line.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: The fire was extinguished about 10 minutes ago. No structural damage. The assignment will be back in service soon.

Press release:

Today, KABOOM!, the national nonprofit working to end playspace inequity for good, and the Built to Play Initiative, supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, announced the launch of the Play Everywhere Design Challenge.

The Challenge, now in its third iteration, invites communities to submit creative design ideas that make it easier for families to incorporate play into everyday moments.

Selected projects will bring play into public spaces in unconventional ways – such as swings at bus stops or play zones at laundromats – in neighborhoods that have experienced significant disinvestment.

The “Play Me a Tune Garden” at GO ART! in Downtown Batavia that opened last October was made possible through a previous design challenge, which is sponsored by KaBoom! and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. 

Applications are now open for community groups and public agencies to receive a total of $1 million to create unique play installations in everyday locations across Western New York and Southeast Michigan in order to address disparities in access to quality playspaces.

Interested groups can view full eligibility requirements and submit a brief Idea Form, the first step in the application process here. The deadline to submit an Idea Form is Sept. 11. Winning projects will be implemented over a 12-month period ending Jan. 31, 2022.

As communities begin the process of reopening following stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19, the need for flexible play options is more apparent now than ever before, especially because black and brown communities and low-wealth communities that have been hardest hit by the pandemic have often been overlooked when it comes to investment in critical community infrastructure like places to play.

Play Everywhere Design Challenge winners will be uniquely positioned to respond to shifting local needs and public health realities.

Communities can customize the design of their project to ensure they meet local guidelines, from location and materials to how kids interact with each installation. Activities like site activation events, installation procedures, and community engagement protocols are also highly adaptable.

Applicants will also have the unique opportunity to team up with design experts to support the development and potential execution of their concept. Applicants can partner with designers they already know or get matched up with an expert designer hand-selected by KABOOM!

The Built to Play Initiative answers a need identified through the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation's work with the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program on each region's "State of Play" assessment, and through research conducted by KABOOM!. The research shows that while play is an essential factor in childhood development, there are far too many kids who lack opportunities for great, safe spaces to play – especially in neighborhoods facing economic hardship and the added trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Play Everywhere installations are so exciting because they bring the magic of the playground into everyday spaces where kids and families are already spending a lot of time,” said James Siegal, CEO of KABOOM! “These spaces are essential to help kids learn, connect and grow, especially in communities experiencing disinvestment. We thank the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for their partnership and support in ensuring every kid can access a great, safe place to play.”

According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, only 24 percent of youth ages 6 to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, down from 30 percent a decade earlier. The Challenge aims to address this need by sparking innovative playspaces that provide kids with equitable opportunities for active play.

“The way kids play, and ultimately, the way we engage as a community has changed,” said Jim Boyle, vice president of Programs and Communications at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Now more than ever we have to find creative ways to keep youth active, engaged and safe, while following local guidelines.”

In addition to the Play Everywhere Challenge, Built to Play is also funding Unique Playground Builds through KABOOM! and Community Skateparks through The Skatepark Project across both regions. Learn more about the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and these opportunities by visiting http://www.rwbuilttoplay.org/.

About KABOOM! 

KABOOM! is the national nonprofit that works to achieve playspace equity. Kids who don’t have access to play miss out on childhood and are denied critical opportunities to build physical, social and emotional health. And all too often, it more deeply affects communities of color.

So we amplify the power of communities to build inspiring playspaces that spark unlimited opportunities for every kid, everywhere. KABOOM! has teamed up with partners to build or improve 17,000+ playspaces, engage more than 1.5 million community members and bring joy to more than 11 million kids.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region begins limited reopening today.

In mid-March, human service agencies were among the many facilities that New York State required to close their doors to prevent people from gathering and thereby stem the spread of COVID-19.

While they have continued to serve people with disabilities by phone, email and the Internet, now that the State has entered Phase Four, the Batavia and Warsaw, New York offices of Independent Living of the Genesee Region have reopened on a limited basis, observing strict rules for everyone’s safety:

• Consumers wishing to meet face-to-face with a service provider must first make an appointment, and complete a screening questionnaire over the phone, the day before the appointment. If they do not have face coverings to bring with them, inform the staff at this time, so one can be obtained (if available), or the appointment can be rescheduled for a date when they can bring one. If the staff member cannot be reached by phone, they should not come in, to avoid an unnecessary trip.
• On arrival, if the answers to four short screening questions are acceptable, they are to use hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water and take a seat in the waiting area until a staff member escorts them to a private, sanitized meeting room. If the answers are not acceptable, they will be asked to reschedule and contact their medical provider.
• Consumers are asked to maintain a six-foot social distance, and refrain from hugging, shaking hands, fist bumping or other physical contact.
• On departure, consumers should, again, use hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water.
• If a staff member fails to follow these protocols, consumers can alert the Human Resources Department or the staff person’s supervisor.

If you need your services provider’s phone number, you can call (585) 815-8501, and dial “9” to access the Dial-by-Name directory, or call the receptionist at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400, during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Batavia, the ILGR office is located at 319 W. Main St.

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.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, July 15 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today posted the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s final scientific report, an objective review of the latest available science on specific nutrition topics.

The report’s evidence-based findings will inform USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as they co-develop the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will provide recommendations on what to eat and drink to promote health and prevent chronic disease

“Science-based dietary guidance is critical to ensuring a healthy future for America,” said USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps. “USDA greatly appreciates the high-quality work done by this committee comprised of our nation’s leading scientists and dietary experts. We look forward to thoroughly reviewing the report and leveraging their scientific advice as we partner with HHS to develop the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”

USDA and HHS are accepting written public comments on the committee’s final report through Aug. 13, 2020. The public will also have an opportunity to provide oral comments on the scientific report to the departments at a public meeting on Aug. 11.

Background:

Moving into the next stage of development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, USDA and HHS will leverage the scientific advice in the committee’s report, as well as comments from the public and other federal agencies to develop the upcoming edition of the dietary guidelines. The departments plan to publish the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the end of this December.

Throughout the entire 2020-2025 dietary guidelines process, USDA and HHS have taken numerous steps to promote transparency, integrity and public involvement. Most recently, the advisory committee held a webinar – the first of its kind in the dietary guidelines process – to publicly present their draft conclusions. The committee considered all of these conclusions holistically to develop the report they provided USDA and HHS.

In another unprecedented step of transparency, the topics and questions the committee examined were made public prior to scientific review. These topics and questions were defined with input from the public and other federal agencies, and based on how well they informed dietary guidance for public health. Similar to prior committees, this committee addressed all of the topics and the majority of the scientific questions set forth for review. All of this information can be found in their scientific report document released today.

The committee’s work was informed by more than 62,000 public comments, a testament to USDA and HHS’s commitment to public involvement in the dietary guidelines process. For comparison, prior committees received an average of about 450 comments. To date, the public has had more than 18 months to provide comments to help shape the committee’s review and the forthcoming dietary guidelines.

In addition to co-developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat.

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced an emergency rental assistance program that will help keep low-income families throughout New York in their homes.

The program, which is designed to reach those individuals and families with the greatest need, will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part of the CARES Act.

The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and access to program applications will be available here on Thursday, July 16.

"Since day one we made it clear that no New Yorkers should be thrown on the streets because of hardships caused by this pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "It's critically important that people are able to stay safely in their homes as we progress through our data-driven, phased reopening, and the COVID Rent Relief Program reinforces that commitment with direct assistance to those in the greatest need."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "Despite the progress we have made in fighting COVID-19, millions of New Yorkers are struggling because of this virus and the economic crisis. Providing direct aid to overburdened renters will help these New Yorkers stay in their homes and be able to make ends meet. I applaud Senator Brian Kavanagh for advancing this legislation, my Senate Democratic Majority for passing it, and Governor Cuomo for signing it into law. While this effort will offer some relief, we know that government needs to step up and provide more support during this difficult time. We are going to keep advancing meaningful legislation to help New Yorkers, and we need the federal government to work with us and provide the resources our state needs."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "For many New Yorkers, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the challenges of securing affordable housing even greater. The Assembly Majority has fought tirelessly for years to keep New Yorkers in their homes and in the communities that they helped shape. With many New Yorkers still out of work, we still need assistance from the federal government to help states deal with significant fiscal challenges. We must do everything in our power to help New York families. This rental assistance program, while still not enough to meet the tremendous needs that exist, is a step forward to lifting a financial burden off of our most vulnerable families. We will continue to look to do more to help people remain in their homes during this unprecedented time."

Under the new program, eligible households will benefit from a one-time rental subsidy paid directly to landlords and housing providers. Tenants are not required to repay this assistance. 

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements: 

• Must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State. 
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income (including unemployment benefits) must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Applicants can find the Area Median Income for their county, based on household size, on HCR's website here.
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been "rent burdened," which is defined as paying more than 30 percent of gross monthly income towards rent.
• Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
• The application period will be open for two weeks. Residents can apply any time during the two-week period. 

HCR will prioritize households with greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness. The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household's rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden during the period the household is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance for the months of April through July. The program is open to households that rent apartments, single-family homes, manufactured homes and manufactured home lots. 

Households with at least one household member with U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status are qualified to receive the subsidy. Tenants currently receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher for housing costs or who reside in public housing are not eligible for RRP assistance.

The COVID Rent Relief Program builds upon Governor Cuomo's efforts to protect New York's renters during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a statewide moratorium on COVID-related residential or commercial evictions; banning late payments or fees for missed rent payments during the eviction moratorium; and allowing renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.

More information about the COVID Rent Relief Program, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available here.   

HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Families and individuals who were already rent burdened, or living paycheck-to-paycheck, were particularly vulnerable to the sudden loss in income that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Cuomo's immediate actions to protect New Yorkers against eviction and foreclosure provided much-needed security during an unimaginable health crisis. The COVID Rent Relief Program builds upon the State's efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by so many tenants with a one-time rental subsidy. By helping our fellow New Yorkers remain secure in their homes, we can continue on our road to economic recovery."

Senator Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan and Brooklyn), chair of the Senate Housing Committee and prime sponsor of the bill, said, "Since this pandemic started, New York has fought back hard to save lives and keep people safe, but we haven't done nearly enough for the many New Yorkers who have been struggling to pay rent and stay in their homes. While we need a lot more funding to cover a much wider range of people, including those currently homeless and those whose immigration status makes it difficult to access other forms of assistance, this program is an important first step toward supporting New Yorkers in need of relief. I thank Commissioner Visnauskas and the diligent staff at HCR for their efforts in launching this program quickly, just four weeks after we passed the Emergency Rent Relief Act."

Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Brooklyn), chair of the Assembly's Housing Committee, said, "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am pleased to see the COVID Rent Relief Program up and running. Tenants and landlords face enormous financial challenges brought about by our ceaseless fight against this virus. Our responsibility to reopen safely must be balanced by the continuing need to fight homelessness and to keep New Yorkers safe in their own homes. By prioritizing households with the greatest need, this program will help enable our recovery while we wait for Congress to act and provide more essential relief."

Representative Nita Lowey said, "The COVID Rent Relief Program, which is made possible with the federal funds I helped secure for New York in the CARES Act, is an important step in providing critical assistance to communities and families that were hardest hit by this pandemic. I commend Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature for taking decisive action to protect renters around the state from eviction who continue to suffer from the financial impact of the economic shutdown. Housing is foundational to health and safety, and I will continue working to secure the federal relief New Yorkers need to ensure our health, safety, and economic security."

Representative José Serrano said, "Affordable housing was a serious issue before this crisis, and it has been exacerbated during the coronavirus pandemic. Too many families in the Bronx and elsewhere are struggling to make ends meet, pay their rent, and cover other basic expenses. We need to do everything possible to prevent a housing crisis on top of the public health and economic crises that are ongoing. Made possible thanks to the CARES Act passed in Congress, the COVID Rent Relief Program will provide much needed relief to help those who need it most to pay rent and keep a roof over their heads. I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in developing this important program." 

Representative Carolyn B. Maloney said, "The COVID Rent Relief Program is a much needed, common-sense approach that will help renters experiencing economic strain brought on by the pandemic. New York State is once again leading the way and the Senate should follow suit by passing the House's Heroes Act, which includes a $100 billion fund for rent relief, and H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act. Nobody should lose sleep worried about how they will keep a roof over their heads, especially during a pandemic. We must continue to take steps to help our nation weather this storm and deliver meaningful relief to the American people when they need it most."

Representative Nydia M. Velázquez said, "So many New Yorkers are struggling right now as a result of the pandemic and they are faced with an unbearable choice between paying rent, keeping their lights on or putting food on the table. The COVID Rent Relief Program will deliver critical assistance but this is just a small part of the overall need. I will continue to fight for additional federal funding to ensure that no New Yorker is forced from their home during an unprecedented health and economic crisis."

Representative Hakeem Jeffries said, "New York has borne the burden of the COVID-19 public health crisis, and our communities have experienced unthinkable pain, suffering and death. As we start to reopen the state carefully, we must ensure that the people and communities with the most need receive assistance to help make their ends meet. The emergency rental assistance program will reach those who are most at risk of losing the roof over their heads. This is an extraordinary crisis, and I thank Governor Cuomo for his extraordinary leadership."

Representative Grace Meng said, "For months, I have led calls for relief to be provided to New Yorkers struggling to pay their rent. I thank the Governor for establishing this program and look forward to doing more to help additional New Yorkers who have been forced to endure this severe financial burden through no fault of their own. But this is a first step forward to solving a major issue and I will continue to use my spot on the House Appropriations Committee, which funds the federal government-to combat the renter crisis. Nobody in our state should be kicked out of their homes due to the coronavirus. I also call on the Senate to follow the House in passing the Heroes Act which contains more funding for rent relief."

A letter from the Batavia Minor League Youth Baseball Board of Directors:

Fellow Community Members,

During these trying and uncertain times, the Batavia Minor League Youth Baseball Board of Directors, coaches and players have been patiently waiting for the go-ahead to begin our season. We are very excited that the time has arrived and we look forward to getting back to the game that we love.

The Board has done their best in navigating the many restrictions and rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the necessary changes to our operations to maintain social distancing and helping to ensure the safety of our players.

While we believe that we have the proper plan of action in place, it cannot be achieved to its fullest without the support of our community. 

The Board would like to share a few of our guidelines for the upcoming season.

All individuals should measure their body temperature to ensure that no fever is present prior to participating or attending each League activity. Anyone with symptoms of fever, cough, or worsening respiratory symptoms, or any known exposure to a person with COVID-19 should not attend any League activity until cleared by a medical professional.

Any individual, including players, at risk for severe illness or with serious underlying medical or respiratory condition should only attend League activities with permission from a medical professional.

It is strongly recommended that players travel to the field with a member(s) of their immediate household when possible. Sharing rides is highly discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

Players, coaches, volunteers, and families should vacate the field/facility as soon as is reasonably possible after the conclusion of a game to allow for proper sanitation of the facility and to aid in greater social distancing.

Social distancing is required for the entire complex, and the wearing of face covering is highly recommended when social distancing cannot be accomplished.

The concession stand will NOT be in operation for this season. Players should plan accordingly to bring their own drinks to ensure proper hydration.

Spectators:

• Spectators must maintain social distancing when possible.
• Spectators shall have NO access to the field, batting cages or player areas.

Matthew I. Diers, 36, of West Main Street, Batavia, is a convicted Level 2 sex offender charged with sex offender failure to report a change of internet identifiers within 10 days as required on the NYS Sex Offender Registry. He was previously been convicted of failing to notify authorities of a change of status within 10 days, thereby elevating this charge to a Class D felony. He is in jail without bail. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Laytefa A. Franklin, 31, Castle Place, Buffalo, is charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person and criminal obstruction of breathing. Franklin was arrested on July 2 and arraigned in Batavia City Court. It is alleged that at 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 4 on Bank Street in Batavia that Franklin intentionally obstructed the breathing of an incompetant person by intentionally blocking the victim's nose and mouth. Franklin was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due back in court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Daniel W. Mosholder, 28, no permanent address, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree stangulation. Mosholder was arrested after a domestic incident on North Spruce Street in Batavia at 6:45 a.m. June 28. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due there again on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Rae C. Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Cook was arrested after a disturbance on Liberty Street at 8:30 p.m. on June 29 in which she allegedly struck a neighbor. Cook was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Mark Anthony Constable Jr., 31, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment -- physical contact; criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property; and grand larceny in the fourth degree -- taking property from a person. Batavia police were dispatched to Ganson Avenue at 10:56 a.m. on June 30 for a physical domestic incident. After arraignment in Batavia City Court, Constable was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Thomas Franklin Hofmeier, 19, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested on Main Road in Pembroke at 8:32 p.m. on July 11 after he allegedly used a car key to scratch the exterior of the victim's vehicle and broke the rear view mirror in the vehicle. He also allegedly took the victim's cell phone when the victim attempted to call 9-1-1 and threw the phone into a nearby ditch so the victim was unable to call for help. Hofmeier was put in Genesee County Jail and was arraigned July 12 in Genesee County Court. He was released and is due to appear before Judge Charles Zambito on Sept. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Thomas J. Wolcott, 36, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Wolcott was arrested at 12:07 p.m. on July 7 on Main Street after an investigation into a violation of a court order. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Stephen Cronmiller.

Rae C. Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Cook was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident at 9:35 p.m. on July 8 on Liberty Street. Cook allegedly violated an order of protection. Cook is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Andre Lamar Roberts, 27, of Burrows Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 12:30 a.m. on July 1, Roberts was found by BYS Troopers walking on Route 98 in the roadway. He was taken to Batavia Police Headquarters and arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection at a location on West Main Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed on $4,000 cash bail or $8,000 bond or $15,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in city court on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Robert B. Schultz, 61, of Ross street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent; DWI -- common law; and moving from lane unsafely. Schultz was arrested at 8:48 p.m. July 4 on Harvester Avenue in Batavia after a motor-vehicle accident on Harvester Avenue. He is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Willie L. Williams, 33, of Laser Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree; and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree. At 11:18 a.m. on June 30, Williams was arrested after an investigation into a traffic stop that occurred earlier in the day on East Main Street, Batavia. After arraignment in Batavia City Court he was jailed without bail and is due back there on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

A caller reported seeing -- from the roadway -- two dogs inside a kennel with "no shade or water" in the 1800 block of Main Road in Corfu. A Genesee County Sheriff's deputy is responding.

A caller to dispatch reports kids are swimming in the sand wash, 115 Cedar St. at DeWitt Recreation Area, near the rocks and the benches. City police are responding.