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Town of Byron declares State of Emergency

By Billie Owens
Public Notice

 

The Town of Byron Supervisor, Peter Yasses, has declared a State of Emergency on today, March 20, 2020 at 3 p.m. and issued an Emergency Order effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 beginning at 12:01 a.m.

  • The Town of Byron Town Office and Highway Garage are closed to the public effective March 21, 2020 until further notice.
  • The Town will conduct business with the public via telephone, email or other means.
  • All Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are cancelled until further notice.
  • All Town of Byron Court matters are cancelled until further notice.
  • The transfer station will continue to remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

All Town Clerk, Tax Collecting and dog license matters can be deposited in the secure drop box in the foyer or mailed to the Town of Byron, P.O. Box 9, Byron, NY 14422.

Please email (townclerk@byronny.com) or call (585-548-7123, ext. 10) the Town Clerk with any questions you may have.

Tompkins Financial implements new Loan Assistance Program for commercial clients

By Billie Owens
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Press release:

In an effort to assist current business customers with unexpected financial burdens faced during the current COVID-19 crisis, and on the heels of its recently announced relief for consumer loan customers, Tompkins Financial has implemented a loan assistance program for its eligible commercial clients.

Tompkins’ new Loan Assistance Program provides up to 60 days of deferment for all commercial loans.

“We understand that companies, including our small business customers, are the backbone of the U.S. economy and that they need our support during this critical time more than ever,” said Stephen Romaine, president and CEO. “As a community bank, it is our duty to assist businesses in the best way we can, which includes taking a market-leading position on loan deferment that we hope will inspire others to do the same during this time of unexpected hardship.”

Tompkins announced late Wednesday that it would provide this program as well as loan relief options to retail customers, preceding New York State’s announcement Thursday. Loan customers who are experiencing challenges with loan repayment should contact their banker via phone or email immediately, or reach out to Tompkins’ Customer Care Center at 1-888-300-0110 to review options that may be available to them. 

About Tompkins Financial Corporation

It is a financial services company serving the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Ithaca, NY, Tompkins Financial is parent to Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Tompkins VIST Bank, Tompkins Insurance Agencies Inc., and offers wealth management services through Tompkins Financial Advisors. For more information on Tompkins Financial, visit online.

Village of Le Roy declares State of Emergency

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

Greg Rogers, Village of Le Roy mayor, declared a State of Emergency at on March 19, 2020 and issued an Emergency Order effective March 19, 2020 beginning at 1 p.m.

Village of Le Roy Office and DPW Garage are closed to the public effective March 19, 2020 for fivedays unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments.

The Village will conduct business with the public remotely through the use of phones, computers, mail, or other means.

Sewer bills will be received by mail, and may be dropped off in the drop box located on the west side of Village Hall. They will be processed during regular business hours. You may email the Clerk-Treasurer to inquire about other services.

Village Clerk-Treasurer:  sjeary@villageofleroy.org

Phone number (585)768-2527, ext. 2216

Law and Order: Teen trio charged with disorderly conduct after fight in cafeteria at BHS

By Billie Owens

Christopher Lopez Torres, 18, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. According to the police report, Lopez Torres, Irelyn Curry (no age or address provided) and a 17-year-old female were arrested on the same charge after a fight during lunch at the Batavia High School Cafeteria at 1 p.m. on March 5. They were issued appearance tickets and are due in Bataviia City Court on March 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Shawn P. Wilbur, 22, no permanent address, is charged with: second-degree criminal impersonation; second-degree harassment; and third-degree criminal mischief. Wilbur was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:30 a.m. on March 15 in the 100 block of West Main Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court later that morning and released on his own recognizance. the defendant was due back in city court March 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Jordan McGinnis.

Robert A. Bell Jr., 41, of Plymouth Rock Road, Albuquerue, N.M., is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree; operation of a vehicle without Inspection Certificate; and unlicensed driver. Bell was arrested after a traffic stop at 1:21 p.m. on March 13 on East Main Street in Batavia and he was allegedly identified as the driver of a stolen vehicle reported in Depew. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court, he was turned over to the Depew Police Department for additional charges. He is due back in city court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Steven Michael Lindner, 47, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for petit larceny after he was located during a traffic stop on State Street Road in Batavia. He was due in city court on March 19. The charge stems from a larceny complaint at Dollar General on East Main Street in Batavia on Sept. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Terance D. Payne

By Billie Owens

Corfu -- Terance “Terry” D. Payne, 73, of Corfu, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time because of the health concerns regarding COVID-19. A complete obituary and services will be published in The Batavia Daily News in the coming months.

Arrangements are being made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY.

Vernon G. Rupert

By Billie Owens

Alexander -- Vernon G. Rupert, 88 of Alexander, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia.

Vern was born July 21, 1931 in Batavia, a son of the late George W. and Victoria Williams Rupert. He was the father of the late Vernon James Rupert and brother of the late Roy Rupert and Kenneth Rupert.

On March 22, 2020, Vern would have been a Master Mason for 65 years. He was a very dedicated member. He was appointed Steward of the Batavia Lodge No. 475 in 1961 and was the Master in 1968 and 2004-2008. He was the installing officer from 1971-1977; District Deputy Grand Master of the Genesee-Wyoming District from 1974-1977; District Brotherhood Fund Chairman from 1975-1977; President of Genesee-Wyoming Council of Masonic Activities from 1977-1978; President of the Purple Apron Club 1984-1985 and when the Batavia Lodge merged with the Olive Branch No. 39 in July of 2012, he transferred there. Most recently, in May of 2019, Vern received through the Livingston District, the RW-James W. Lee Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Vern became a member of the Western Star Chapter No. 35 on May 7, 1955 and received Most Excellent Master on June 2, 1955. He was exalted to Degree of Royal Arch Mason on June 16, 1955. Vern became High Priest in 1961 and was the District Deputy high Priest from 1983-1984. He was elected Grand Council of Anointed High Priest (Holy Order of High Priesthood) in 1961; Member of Nundawaga Council No. 92 in May 1962; appointed to the Grand Representative of Georgia in September 2004 and was elected and installed Recorder of the Council May 11, 1998 to the present. Vern received the Order of the Silver Trowel Degree in Ellenville, NY on September 13, 1997. He became a member of Batavia Commandry No. 34 Knights Templar in January 1962 and was the Commander for four years. He received Knight of The York Cross of Honor in Cheektowaga in January 2003. Ken Kohlhagen and Vern took care of the installation teams for the district for the past 10 years.

Vern honorably served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Vern was on the Village of Alexander Planning Board from 2008 to the present time. He starting working as a Counselor in 2003 for the AARP/IRS Federal and State Income Tax and in 2007 became the ERO, Counselor, and Instructor for the program. He still held these positions in 2020.

Vern is survived by: his beloved wife of 62 years, Anne Elm Rupert; sister-in-laws, Eula Rupert and Daisy Klein; nieces and nephews, Gail (Robert) Stephans, Joyce (Herman) Langford, Bryan (Lou Ann) Rupert, L.J. (Diane) Lang, Ozzie (Pinky) Osborn and Keith Rupert; several great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews also survive.

There a no calling hours or services at this time. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for July 5, 2020 at the Masonic Temple in Le Roy. More information will be available the closer we get to the date.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY.

Cornell extention's GC Master Gardeners programs and speaking events cancelled through April

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This is a challenging time for everyone. In light of the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and to ensure the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants, all Genesee County Master Gardener programs and speaking engagements have been cancelled through April.

If you have registered and paid for any of our programs you will get a refund. We will resume our regular programming as soon as we can.

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and to do our part to help limit the spread, the Master Gardener Helpline will not be available to walk-ins through May 1. 

Master Gardener volunteers will not be in the office during this time. We hope to reopen to the public on Monday, May 4.

With gardening season at our doorstep, we want to be available to help you. If you have gardening questions you may continue to contact us through our email at geneseemg@hotmail.com. Photos may be sent for plant and insect identification.

If you are on Facebook you can also leave a question on the CCE Genesee Facebook page.

Stay up to date with our Master Gardener program by visiting our website.

Please take all precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you in the near future.

Bethany Transfer Station closes tomorrow at 2 p.m. permanently

By Billie Owens
Public Notice
 
The Bethany Transfer Station will be open on Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at which time it will close permanently. It will not be open on Saturday, March 28 as planned for its final day due to COVID-19.
 
When dropping off your trash, please do so as quickly as possible and avoid contact with other persons as much as possible.
 
Bethany Town Supervisor

Town of Pavilion declares State of Emergency due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

By order of the Town Supervisor a State of Emergency is hereby declared in the TOWN OF PAVILION, effective at 3 p.m. today -- 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 Pavilion, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Robert J. LaPoint , 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 Pavilion to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Robert J. LaPoint

Town Supervisor

Town of Pavilion

March 19th, 2020

Woodward Memorial Library closed due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Woodward Memorial Library is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in effect as long as deemed necessary.

Our online resources are available 24/7. E-books, e-audiobooks, comics, videos, music, and digital magazines are available through Overdrive, Hoopla, and RB Digital. These are all available as free apps that can be downloaded to smart devices or links are available through the library’s website.

The library’s Wi-Fi works well from the grounds 24/7. No library card necessary.

We will keep you updated through our Facebook page, Instagram, and website. We will also be posting storytime videos and craft tutorials to our Facebook and Instagram stories. Follow us on Instagram @wmlib. Our website is www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org.

We look forward to reopening as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

Stay safe and well,

Betsy Halvorsen

Library Director

NYS declared eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses

By Billie Owens

From the U.S. Small Business Administration:

Given the trying times we’re dealing we wanted to give you some updates you can pass along to your businesses. The first question businesses should be asking is of their current bankers and landlords. Are they able to defer payments for a few months? On current SBA Loans banks do have the authority to provide a deferment. Given the situation, we hope that landlords and other lenders would provide deferment as well.

Next, New York State has been approved and declared a State eligible for C for the novel coronavirus. Businesses can apply for these loans at: www.sba.gov/disaster

Disaster Loan Fact Sheet

It is a good idea for folks to have 3 years of tax returns, P&L from last year, Balance Sheet, Monthly Cash Flow and a listing of their liabilities (Mortgages, loans, etc.) together before applying. These loans do not replace lost sales but can cover fixed costs such as rent, utilities and payroll (if keeping employees).

I am doing a webinar with the Better Business Bureau and Lynn Oswald from our NCCC SBDC on Wednesday, March 25th from noon to 1 p.m. Please join us from the webinar as we’ll explain more about the Disaster Loan program and give other tips and resources for business survival in this trying time. Link to register.

Our Small Business Development Centers, SCORE Mentors and Women’s Business Center are operating during this time. Most are doing appointments via phone or web conference, but are available for businesses who have questions.

Please let me know if you need anything or have any further questions.

Best regards,

Greg Lindberg

Small Business Administration

Town of Pembroke declares State of Emergency due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Pembroke, New York for a period of five days beginning at 5 p.m. today -- March 20, 2020 -- with possible extension if needed.

The State of Emergency has been declared due to the continuing nationally declared state of emergency, the New York State declared state of emergency, and the County of Genesee declared state of emergency due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

Such conditions threaten or imperil the public health or safety of the citizens of this municipality.

As Chief Executive of this municipality, I have exercised the authority given to me under New York State Executive Law 24, 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 the Town.

Town offices are hereby closed to the Public and all nonemergency functions will be postponed. A drop box will be made available outside the Town Hall for the public to drop off important business.

The scheduled three-year assessment revaluation has been postponed until 2021.

Town meetings scheduled for next week are canceled.

For the duration of the State of Emergency, Town employees are being directed to work from home to the extent practicable and can access email and phone messages from home.   

Town Clerk, 585-762-4105, town-clerk@townofpembroke.org

Please mail all payments/paperwork to: 1145 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Receipts will be mailed back to you. All March and April Dog License renewals will have until May 31st to renew. Funeral Directors, please call to file a death certificate. If you need to renew a handicap permit, please call and one can be mailed out to you.

Town Assessor, 585-356-2150, assessor@townofpembroke.org

Call for appointment.

Building and Zoning, 585-762-4108, zoning-codes@townofpembroke.org  

Town Court, 585-599-4817, ext. 5

Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice. Please call with questions.

Town Supervisor, cell 585-762-4107 or 585-409-8429, supervisor@townofpembroke.org

Please call with questions, concerns.

Highway Superintendent, cell 585-506-2690, highway@townofpembroke.org

Thomas C. Schneider Jr.

Town Supervisor

Ranzenhofer: COVID-19 impacts on the NYS budget

By Billie Owens

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

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

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.

CountryMax to reduce store hours starting Monday

By Billie Owens

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.

Genesee Chorale cancels spring season concerts May 1 and May 3

By Billie Owens

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.”

Village of Elba declares State of Emergency due to coronavirus

By Billie Owens

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

President of NYS Restaurant Association announces small businesses now eligible for low-interest loans

By Billie Owens

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.”

Town of Elba declares state of emergency due to coronavirus

By Billie Owens

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

  • townclerk@elbanewyork.com
  • 585-757-2762, ext. 1

Mark Yungfleisch, superintendent of Highways

  • 585-757-2762, ext. 5

Website: www.townofelba.com

Donna Hynes

Elba Town Supervisor

Town of Byron issues current policies due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

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

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