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A tanker carrying liquid fertilizer has leaked about a thousand gallons of liquid fertilizer by the Circular Hill Road railroad crossing in Le Roy (not sure if it's from a railroad tank car or a truck tanker). Le Roy fire and ambulance service are dispatched. No word on how or why the leak occurred.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m. (By Howard): Le Roy Fire Chief Tom Wood said about 13,000 gallons of fertilizer spilled. The Department of Environmental Conservation and Genesee County Emergency Management also responded. The location is a transfer station and employees were operating a valve when there was a leak and fertilizer got on them. They shut off the valve and left to wash and change and when they returned, they discovered the valve had failed, causing the leak. Heavy equipment is on scene now beginning remediation.The spill area is about 50 yards wide and the soil will need to be removed and taken to a remediation site.

Press release:

The New York State Elections Commissioners’ Association is calling for immediate action by the Governor and New York State Legislature to protect our electoral process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Election Boards throughout the state are risking personnel safety and health to prepare for impending elections on April 28, 2020. We are facing critical shortages of inspectors and polling places due to the ongoing public health crisis.

Over the next week, BOEs will find it almost impossible to meet mission critical deadlines for testing machines and preparing ballots because of staff shortages due to the ongoing stay-at-home order.

We ask Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and NYS Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to consider the following items by either Executive Order or Legislative action:

1.) Postponing the Democratic Presidential Primary scheduled for April 28^th to June 23^rd. Fielding inspectors in the midst of this health crisis is dangerous and may be impossible. Traditional polling places may be unusable as they are currently restricted or closed to the public. Postponing until June will not only give us time to plan, but will ease the burdens on host counties budgets that are devastated by the COVID-19 crisis.

2.) Amend 8-400 of NYS Election Law to allow for Absentee Balloting during all times of declared state of emergency due to infectious disease or pandemic. This will allow all voters who are at-risk but perhaps not yet sick to apply for and receive an absentee ballot. At risk or vulnerable citizens should not have to make decisions on whether to exercise their right to vote or risk their health.

3.) For all Primary & Special Elections: Give wide latitude to the local Board of Elections to consolidate polling places and election districts to best operate the election. While we hope the COVID 19 crisis will be better by June, it is quite likely we will have limited numbers of polling places and inspectors even then. We need this flexibility to adjust to circumstances on the ground in our jurisdictions that may be changing right up until the June 23^rd Election.

Acting on these items will buy us precious time and save our host counties significant amount of resources while also preserving the rights of voters and safety and health of Election Workers. Every day that we do not act makes us less prepared and wastes valuable time and money.

BHS photo: Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Molly Corey, Ed.D., Principal Paul Kesler (center), Assistant Principal Nate Korzelius.

Submitted photos and press release:

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Batavia High staff and administrators were determined that the traditional 100 Days to Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 would be honored, despite the school closure. The only way to do this -- while still following the safe guidelines that have been established to prevent the spread of COVID-19 -- was online.

After getting the word out through emails and social media, BHS Principal Paul Kesler, Assistant Principal Nate Korzelius and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Molly Corey, Ed.D., “met” the seniors in the video-conferencing app Google Meet on Friday morning, March 20.

There, all students had the capability to see the administrators as well as their friends onscreen, post comments, and watch as Kesler announced the local business donors and their gift cards; Corey drew names of lucky seniors; and Korzelius kept track of the prizewinners on a board in the BHS conference room.

Each prizewinner, as announced, was also invited to temporarily unmute their log-in so they could bask in “their moment” while classmates and other staff who had logged in could offer congratulations (as well as offers to help them spend the card).

Seniors had also been invited to compete to create the best meme and emailing it to Kesler. After an intense off-screen discussion between Kesler and Korzelius, Brock Every was chosen as the winner for his “wanted” poster. 

There were more than 50 gift cards in the giveaway, and all prizewinners were able to drive through the BHS loop that day to pick up theirs, or have them mailed to them.

More than 100 people, including some teachers, signed in for the online celebration. Kesler assured the students that this 100 Day event was not intended to replace a “live” celebration, and that, once school resumes, an additional ceremony, breakfast, and prize giveaway will be planned.

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center continues to take steps to further prepare to meet the needs of our community during this COVID-19 pandemic. This week, a series of tents will be installed outside the Emergency Department. With this, there will be changes in traffic patterns at the main campus at 127 North St.

If you are driving in the area, please plan for potential delays and drive with caution.

Access to the hospital and offices via Summit Street will be restricted to ambulances only. All other hospital traffic will be directed to the main entrance or Chandler Avenue.

Our main entrance -- 127 North St. -- continues to provide access for patients and permitted visitors to the following departments:

Press release:

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today (March 24) regarding National Agriculture Day and President Donald J. Trump’s Proclamation recognizing the importance of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers:

“Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world," Secretary Perdue said. "Now more than ever it’s important that the American people not forget that. Our farmers are resilient, and during these uncertain times they are still working, day in and day out, to produce what’s needed for our growing population.

"Today, on National Ag Day, I challenge the American public to keep our farmers, ranchers and producers on their minds – for all their work to provide us a safe, healthy and abundant food supply. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

View U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's brief speech about today:

Press release:

National Grid has taken another step to reduce the coronavirus’ financial strain and economic uncertainty on Upstate New York customers by deferring a bill increase that was scheduled to take effect April 1.

The company has asked New York regulators for permission to postpone the previously approved gas and electricity delivery price increases in recognition of the unprecedented hardships the COVID-19 outbreak continues to bring to families across the region.

“We have made the commitment to help our customers through these challenging times and this is another step on that journey,” said Badar Khan, National Grid’s Interim U.S. president. “We will continue to closely monitor our customers’ needs during the pandemic and find new ways to assist where we can.”

In today’s filing, National Grid requested a three-month delay in implementing the increases that were approved as part of a multiparty agreement to reset electricity and gas delivery prices.

The agreement calls for an approximately 4-percent increase in electricity bills and a 5-percent increase in natural gas bills to support investments in infrastructure safety and integrity, and enhancements to energy efficiency and other customer-focused initiatives.

The Company has asked for those increases, as well as a required April 1 update to the low-income customer credit that would reduce the currently available discount to qualifying customers, to be delayed until July 1.

National Grid also has asked that the Public Service Commission defer until the summer any rate increases in the pending gas rate cases for Downstate New York.

Our Continuing Customer Commitment

             National Grid has committed to a number of actions to keep customer and employee well-being and safety the priority during the international pandemic. They include:

• Suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections and late payment charges, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on customers.
• Dedicating $500,000 to community-based organizations across its U.S. business to help support many of the basic customer and community needs being interrupted.
• Encouraging customers who are struggling to pay their National Grid bill to take advantage of a variety of payment and billing options designed to make transactions easy and convenient. 
• Offering the expertise of our Consumer Advocates, who provide crisis intervention support for customers in need, working closely with county Social Services and community assistance organizations.

Additional details on National Grid’s pandemic preparedness, associated actions and a customer Q&A can be found at ngrid.com/covid-19.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is encouraging area residents to take the night off from cooking on Tuesday, March 24th and order takeout!

A national coalition of restaurants has organized “The Great American Takeout” on Tuesday, March 24, asking Americans to order at least one delivery or pickup meal on Tuesday to show support for the restaurant industry.

Many of our favorite restaurants are still working hard to keep us fed and the only way to support these struggling businesses is to order takeout or delivery.  

Staying home doesn't mean you have to miss out on "Taco Tuesday" or your favorite weekly specials; order takeout, delivery or curbside pickup and be part of something bigger: #TheGreatAmericanTakeout

There are great breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options on this list, so be sure to show your support all day!

********************

Editor's Note: Click here for The Batavian's list of local restaurants that offer takeout and/or delivery.

Press release:

While the current situation hasn’t been easy on anyone, if you find yourself or someone you know looking for a job, Tops Friendly Markets is hiring for temporary and permanent positions and they welcome your application.

Stop by any one of Tops' 162 stores, their warehouse in Lancaster, NY, or visit here online to learn more.

Press release:

Customers of Genesee Lumber Company are asked to call ahead to place their orders for pickup, in response to the CDC recommendations for social distancing. Employees at Genesee Lumber will prepare customer orders and place them in the designated pickup areas outside of the building.

As of today (March 23), this policy will remain in effect until March 31st, but this could change as the pandemic continues to grow. Genesee Lumber can be reached at (585) 343-0777 from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 7 a.m. -1 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Genesee Lumber will also continue job-site deliveries, but asks that you do not assist our drivers in unloading.

“We have taken all precautions to meet the government recommendations for social distancing and have our staff following all of the guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus,” said John Harrower, owner of Genesee Lumber.

Genesee Lumber is a building materials supplier on Franklin Street in Batavia that has been in business since 1928. For more up-to-date information you can visit www.geneseelumber.com.

Public Notice

Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and resulting Emergency and State and Federal bans on large meetings or gatherings, and pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 220.1 issued on March 12, the Open Meetings Law is suspended to limit potential transmission and exposure to the virus.

Therefore, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced the following schedule for various committee and board meetings that will be held electronically via conference call instead of a public meeting. 

Please note the following times:

• GCEDC STAMP Committee Meeting – March 24 at 10:30 a.m.
• Genesee County Funding Corporation Board Meeting (GCFC) – March 25 at 1 p.m.
• GCEDC Audit and Finance Committee Meeting – March 26 at 3 p.m. 
• Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) Audit and Finance Committee – March 26 at 3 p.m. (immediately following the GCEDC Audit and Finance Committee meeting)
• Genesee County Economic Development Center – March 26 at 4 p.m. 
• GGLDC Board meeting – March 26 at 4 p.m. (immediately following GCEDC Board meeting)

The public also may view the various committee and board meetings by a link available on the GCEDC website here. Also, minutes of the meetings will transcribed and posted on the website.

Press release:

In accordance with the Oakfield Town Supervisor and the Oakfield Town Board, it has been decided that during the coronavirus crisis, we are offering to the ELDERLY and DISABLED residents in the Town and Village of Oakfield the following service:

• Volunteers will get FOOD and ESSENTIAL household items for those in need. The items will be delivered to your home, at which time payment is mandatory (cash or check only). Volunteers will purchase items with their own money so please be prepared to pay them when the items are delivered.

Our volunteers will practice personal protection for both you and themselves. They will not be entering the home, just delivering to the door, with minimal contact and collecting the funds for the purchases. 

If you are in need of this service, please contact the Oakfield Town Office at 948-5835, ext. 101, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and leave a message. A volunteer will return your call as soon as possible.

From Blue Pearl Yoga:

Blue Pearl Yoga Studio in Batavia is pleased to be offering live stream classes via Zoom for adults and kids! Please see our Live Stream Classes page and use the signup links to register and join our teachers teaching live from their homes to yours.

Please use the link in your confirmation email to join the class.

*Due to the financial strain that many of you are facing, we welcome you to use a discount code if you are experiencing a serious financial hardship. Please understand that we are, too -- and any amount you can give is appreciated.

**UPDATE: See below.

Live Stream Schedule:

Mondays 9:30-10:30 a.m.   Vinyasa - All Levels (Patti)
Mondays 4-5 p.m.   Gentle Yoga (Marianne)
Mondays  5:30-6:30 p.m.   Vinyasa - All Levels (Lisa)
 
Tuesdays 10-10:45 a.m.   Kids & Family Yoga  (Marianne)
Tuesdays  4-5 p.m.   Vinyasa - All Levels (Patti)
Tuesdays  5:30-6:30 p.m.   Vinyasa - All Levels (Lisa)
 
Thursdays 10-10:45 a.m.  Kids & Family Yoga (Marianne)
Thursdays  4-5 p.m.   Vinyasa - All Levels (Patti)
 
Saturday 9-10 a.m.  Vinyasa - All Levels (Patti)

Follow these simple steps:

• Click “Live Stream Classes” page at bp-yoga.com
• Choose class and click "Sign Up"
• Use the link in your confirmation email to join the class
• Do Yoga!

You will get notified 12 hours and again 1 hour before your class.

Take very good care of yourself as you care for those you love. Stay in touch through future Newsletters and posts on our Facebook page.

*For those experiencing a serious financial hardship who would like to use a discount code to access live stream yoga classes:

• Simply click on the Sign-Up button from our Live Stream Classes page, and enter the code. Use code HALFOFF for a 50-percent discount; Use code FREE for a 100-percent discount.

​**UPDATE 12:46 p.m., Tuesday, March 24: Many have asked to use their Class Card, so a coupon code has been added to the website -- CLASSCARD. Please remember, we are extending all class card expiration dates, of course.

Press release:

Area health care practices are seeking ways to help their patients while simultaneously minimizing coronavirus spread. Sleep Insights, a local sleep medicine practice in Batavia, has quickly implemented an effective option for patients seeking help with their sleep: telehealth.

Telehealth refers to the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic communication. A live interaction (think FaceTime, Skype or videochat) between a health professional and a patient provides a virtual alternative to the traditional in-person doctor’s visit. This interaction is commonly referred to as telemedicine.

Last week, the sleep medicine practice began moving all scheduled appointments at their 10 regional locations to a telemedicine platform.

In addition, people who need a new patient visit, follow-up appointment or CPAP setup are also able to be seen via telemedicine. Home sleep apnea testing is still being offered and CPAP supplies are available; both will be mailed to patients when possible. Noncritical overnight sleep testing will be suspended at certain locations.

“Since we’re an independent practice and not part of a healthcare or hospital system, it allows us to creatively and quickly respond to unique situations such as COVID-19,” said Dr. Jacob Dominik, Sleep Insights’ medical director. “Fortunately for patients, telemedicine is relatively easy to implement at all our locations and patients can ‘see’ someone at any of our 10 locations.”

If a patient is interested in using telemedicine, Sleep Insights provides the patient with setup instructions to be completed prior to their appointment. The patient and provider each need a private environment, such as an enclosed, private room in someone’s home or office. A secure internet or cellphone connection and working camera on an iPhone/Android, laptop, computer, or iPad are also needed.

Both New York State and Medicare have waived previous restrictions in the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine now covers all medical services and is available to all patients from any geographical location.

Sleep Insights Batavia is accepting new patients and sleep testing patients: 585.219.4330 or visit www.sleepinsights.com.

About Sleep Insights

Founded in 2005, Sleep Insights is a regional, integrated sleep medicine practice offering consultative, diagnostic testing and sleep therapy services. Sleep Insights is an independent sleep center, not owned by or affiliated with a hospital. The company’s main site is in Rochester, NY, with 10 locations throughout Central and Western New York: Rochester, Syracuse, Batavia, Geneseo, Dansville, Niagara Falls, North Buffalo, Batavia, Orchard Park, Springville and Olean.

Sleep Insights provides sleep specialist appointments, home sleep apnea testing, overnight sleep testing, respiratory therapists, CPAP supplies, and the latest sleep therapies in one convenient location and under the supervision of board-certified sleep specialists.

Patients are seen at Sleep Insights for a variety of sleep disorders that can affect their sleep quality and ability to function. Some of the most common conditions impacting sleep include snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, daytime sleepiness and fatigue, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and parasomnias, which are abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Press release:

In keeping with the Governor’s proclamation regarding business closures, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia, closed Saturday, March 21, until further notice.

You may call our offices at 585-343-3040 with questions. We will return your call as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and please know that the Cornell staff is eager to return to work to serve the people of Batavia and Genesee County.

A dump truck vs. car accident with unknown injuries is reported in Alexander at 10088 Alexander Road (Route 98). Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Goodman and Sprague roads.

Public Notice

By order of Town of Bethany Supervisor and Chief Executive Officer Carl Hyde Jr., a State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Bethany, effective at 3 p.m. on March 19, 2020 due to the ongoing viral pandemic of COVID-19 and the existing States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County level.

This State of Emergency is declared in an effort to protect public health and safety and will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of the Town of Bethany, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Carl Hyde Jr., exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality. I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Town of Bethany to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Emergency Orders

These orders took effect March 19, 2020 at 3 p.m. and will remain in effect for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments by the Chief Executive Officer:

• Town of Bethany Town Hall, Town Offices and Highway Garage are closed to the public. Employees will continue to receive regular pay and be considered as on-call in the event of an emergency. Employees are encouraged to take all steps to avoid personal infection of the virus so that they remain ready in case of further emergency.
• Bethany Town Board meetings are cancelled until further notice.
• All Bethany Town Court matters are cancelled until further notice.
• Taxes, dog licenses and other payments or applications may be placed in the drop box located near the front door of the Town Hall or mailed to the Town Hall at: 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054. Receipts will be mailed to you after they have been processed.
• ​The Town of Bethany Transfer Station will be open for use for Bethany residents on Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ONLY and will close permanently thereafter. Residents must dispose of their trash as quickly as possible with as little personal contact as possible. (The Transfer Station will not be open as previously planned on March 28, 2020.)

These actions are in the interest of protecting public health and reducing transmission of COVID-19.

Carl Hyde, Jr.

Town Supervisor

Town of Bethany

March 19, 2020

Press release:

Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced he is signing the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone.

It includes a new directive that all nonessential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.

Guidance on essential services under the executive order is as follows:

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES, including any for profit or nonprofit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure, are not subject to the in-person restriction.

(Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health).

This guidance is issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development d/b/a Empire State Development and applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation. With respect to business or entities that operate or provide both essential and nonessential services, supplies or support, only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the restrictions. 

For purposes of Executive Order 202.6, "Essential Business," means:

1. Essential Health Care Operations, including:

• research and laboratory services
• hospitals
• walk-in-care health facilities
• emergency veterinary and livestock services
• elder care
• medical wholesale and distribution
• home health care workers or aides for the elderly
• doctor and emergency dental
• nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities
• medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers

2. Essential Infrastructure, including:

• utilities including power generation, fuel supply and transmission
• public water and wastewater
• telecommunications and data centers
• airports/airlines
• transportation infrastructure such as bus, rail, or for-hire vehicles, garages
• hotels, and places of accommodation

3. Essential Manufacturing, including:

• food processing, manufacturing agents, including all foods and beverages
• chemicals
• medical equipment/instruments
• pharmaceuticals
• sanitary products
• telecommunications
• microelectronics/semi-conductor
• agriculture/farms
• household paper products

4. Essential Retail, including:

• grocery stores including all food and beverage stores
• pharmacies
• convenience stores
• farmer's markets
• gas stations
• restaurants/bars (but only for take-out/delivery)
• hardware and building material stores

5. Essential Services, including:

• trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal
• mail and shipping services
• laundromats
• building cleaning and maintenance
• child care services
• auto repair
• warehouse/distribution and fulfillment
• funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries
• storage for essential businesses
• animal shelters

6. News Media

7. Financial Institutions, including:

• banks
• insurance
• payroll
• accounting
• services related to financial markets

8. Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations, including:

• homeless shelters and congregate care facilities
• food banks
• human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support.

9. Construction, including:

• skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers 
• other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes

10. Defense

• defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the U.S. government.

11. Essential Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses, including:

• law enforcement
• fire prevention and response
• building code enforcement
• security
• emergency management and response
• building cleaners or janitors
• general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor
• automotive repair
• disinfection

12. Vendors that Provide Essential Services or Products, Including Logistics and Technology Support, Child Care and Services:

• logistics
• technology support for online services
• child care programs and services
• government owned or leased buildings
• essential government services

If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an essential business.

Houses of worship are not ordered closed however it is strongly recommended no congregate services be held and social distance maintained. 

Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet.

Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above, should only be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.

To request designation as an essential business, please click here (PDF).

Restrictions on requesting designation as an essential business:

• Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (i.e. gas station) has been deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an essential business.
• Businesses ordered to close on Monday, March 15, 2020 under the restrictions on any gathering with 50 or more participants, including but not limited to, bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, casinos, auditoriums, concerts, conferences, worship services, sporting events, and physical fitness centers, are presumed to be compliant with NYS issued restrictions and must remain closed and are not eligible for designation as an essential business for purposes of this guidance.

For Guidance on cleaning and disinfection of facilities, refer to the New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19 here (PDF). 

For further information: New York State Department of Health's COVID-19 webpage.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.

Local health department contact information can be found here.