A field fire is reported at 1611 Main Road in East Pembroke. East Pembroke and Corfu fire departments are responding. The location is between Boyce and Cleveland roads.
UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: Town of Batavia, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments dispatched as mutual aid to fight the grass fire.
Prattsburgh – Empire Access is now offering two months of free internet service to families with students who do not currently have internet at home.
Starting today, households with K-12 and/or college students can sign up for two months of free Empire Access Internet service with Wi-Fi. There are no contracts required for this service, and installation is free.
“As a locally owned and operated broadband company, we recognize the need for students to have internet access at home during their time away from school due to the impacts of the coronavirus," said Jim Baase, COO of Empire Access. "We are here for our communities, and ready to help families and students during this challenging time."
To sign up for this free internet service, families can call 844-502-7089. The Empire Access call center is open 24/7.
This service includes Empire Access standard internet speeds and is available only in existing Empire Access service areas. After two months of free service, standard rates will apply.
Empire is also reaching out to local school districts to help ensure students without broadband service have the necessary internet access to continue their education.
Empire Access is part of a locally/family-owned and operated company; rooted from a telephone company founded in 1896. The organization has long been recognized for their knowledgeable, reliable and responsive service. Live customer support is available 24/7/365.
About Empire Access
After starting in 1896 with one telephone line in Prattsburgh, NY, Empire Access has grown significantly as a family-owned, locally based communications provider serving large areas of Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Today’s Empire offers a wide range of products and services from basic phone service to customized phone solutions, scalable high-speed Fiber Optic Internet, basic to enhanced digital TV service and advanced security solutions. Responding to a variety of business and consumer needs, Empire continues to expand into new areas while retaining a strong focus on local, personalized customer service.
Empire Access offers Fiber Optic service in Arkport, Batavia, Bath, Big Flats, Burdett, Canandaigua, Canisteo, Corning, Dansville, Elmira, Elmira Heights, Geneseo, Geneva, Hammondsport, Hornell, Le Roy, Montour Falls, Mount Morris, Naples, North Hornell, Odessa, Prattsburgh, Penn Yan, Victor, Warsaw, Watkins Glen, and Waverly in New York and Sayre, Athens, South Waverly and Troy in Pennsylvania. The company’s Website can be found here.
From Genesee County Board of Elections
Lorie Longhany and Dick Siebert
We realize there is great uncertainty concerning COVID-19 and how the spread of the coronavirus, the National Emergency and new State directives may affect the April 28th Special Election for Congress, the Presidential Primary and the nine days of Early Voting.
We at the Genesee County Board of Elections will communicate any changes so voters will be aware as soon as we are informed by the State Board of Elections. Understand that this situation is fluid and so are the changes that may precipitate as the days go on.
The Genesee County Interagency Council is canceling its March membership meeting on Wednesday, March 18 in response to COVID-19.
Please send any updates especially those pertaining to services continuing to be offered to our community to Chelsea Elliott, vice president, at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us.
Stay well everyone!
In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus), the following preemptive action is effective as of 5 p.m. today, March 16th:
The Darien Town Hall will be closed to outside groups and functions until at least April 1.
Per NYS Office of Court Administration, Court operations are suspended for no less than 45 days.
Board meetings will not be affected at this time.
Please call the Town Clerk's office at 585-547-2274, ext. 1026, with questions regarding other services.
Thank you,
Alice Calmes, Darien Town Clerk
10569 Alleghany Road, Darien, NY 14040
585-547-2274, ext. 1026
Fax: 585-547-3331
Press release:
The Salvation Army has significantly increased its preparation for operations during this outbreak of the novel coronavirus as well as ramping up efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The Salvation Army is taking unprecedented measures to make sure it keeps its doors open and continues to serve those in need.
Locally in order to do this we have made some temporary changes. We have suspended all programing including Monday evening Bible study, Tuesday luncheons, and Wednesday evening Youth activities.
Our Mobile Pantry food distribution scheduled for Wednesday, April 1st has been cancelled.
Our Emergency Food Pantry will be available by calling our office at (585)343-6284. Our Emergency Disaster Services team has made itself available to the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management if they are needed.
Major Ivan Rock, the commander of the Empire State Division, says The Salvation Army will continue to do everything possible to provide for those in need.
“People have turned to The Salvation Army in times of crisis for 155 years,” Rock said.
We emphasize that these changes are temporary and look forward to returning to a regular schedule.
Kyle A. Scheuerlein, 27, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with: criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and second-degree attempted assault. At 8:48 p.m. on March 8, Scheuerlein was arrested after a domestic incident at an apartment in the 300 block of Washington Avenue in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there on March 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.
Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and trespass. Finnin was arrested March 12 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court following an investigation into an alleged violation of an order of protection on Nov. 27 on South Main Street in Batavia. He was put in jail with (unspecified) bail. He was due to return to city court March 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.
Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court while outside on Swan Street in Batavia on March 12. The warrant was issued after the defendant allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program on Nov. 20. Finnin was put in jail with (unspecified) bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.
Karisa L. McKeown, 25, of Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and moving from lane unsafely. At 4:56 p.m. on Feb. 29, Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a one-car accident with injuries on Silver Lake Road in the Town of Covington. When deputies arrived, they observed Pavilion Fire Department treating a patient with minor injuries. Upon further investigation, McKeown was identified as the driver. The vehicle was traveling southbound when it left the roadway, striking a mailbox and a tree, before coming to rest in the bushes in front of a residence. She was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Officer where a Datamaster breath test was administered. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Covington Court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Harding, assisted by Deputy Chance Sampson.
Eric Francis Borowski, 30, of Fontaine Drive, Buffalo, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment. He was arrested on March 15 following a complaint at 4 p.m. March 11 on Alleghany Road in Darien. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on April 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.
Carrie L. Hensley, 42, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On March 11, Hensley was arrested after a shoplifting complaint at the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for March 24 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.
Press release:
Consistent with precautions that are being initiated throughout the country to combat the spread of the coronavirus, Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. is requesting the public’s assistance in limiting walk-in traffic to the Sheriff’s Office located at 165 Park Road, Batavia.
Records Division: please direct all requests for copies of reports, including accident reports, and background checks by phone (585-345-3000, ext. 3560),
fax (585-345-3089), email (Sheriff.Civil@co.genesee.ny.us) or online at https://co.genesee.ny.us/departments/sheriff/records.php
Your request will be responded to in an electronic format or by U.S. Mail.
Civil Division: please direct questions regarding payments, service of process, evictions and judgement payments by phone (585-345-3000, ext. 3565), fax (585-345-3089), or e-mail (sheriff.civil@co.genesee.ny.us). Civil payments can be made online at https://co.genesee.ny.us/departments/sheriff/civil.php
Animal Shelter: all business (including animal adoptions and turn-ins) will be conducted by appointment only. Please call 585-343-6410.
Deputies and Investigators: in order to practice social distancing, where appropriate, complaints will be handled via phone (585-345-3000) or by electronic means. When responding to a resident’s home for a complaint, if possible, we are asking that conversations be conducted outside your home rather than inside.
As always, please dial 9-1-1 when you are in need of emergency assistance.
Genesee County Jail: visitation continues to be suspended until further notice.
The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated as we all work through this pandemic situation.
Public Notice
All Town meetings for the Town of Bethany are postponed until further notice. The Bethany Town Court has suspended operations until Tuesday, May 5th at 7 p.m.
Carl L Hyde Jr., Bethany Town Supervisor
Oliver's Candies will remain open from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 7 days a week.
Oliver's Candies is still planning the Easter Bunny visit on Saturday, March 21st, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
A Legislative Column from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:
In the wake of large-scale developments throughout the country, I want to take the time to go through the facts as we have them available to us today, and I want to reassure my friends and neighbors that we are working diligently on the situation. Our goal is to work these new facts into our daily routines and alleviate the public health crisis.
One of the steps that the New York Legislature has taken is passed a $40 million emergency fund that can be used to increase the state’s ability to respond to COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. As the situation has continued to change and grow, and as public health officials have learned more, important steps have been taken and additional measures will come in the future as the situation continues to develop.
Additionally, President Trump has declared a national state of emergency relating to the pandemic; this not only means all federal initiatives are shifting toward the better health and welfare of citizens, but also that forgiveness programs are being implemented to ensure all citizens are protected, both economically and related to their healthcare.
We are currently in uncharted territory: international travel has been restricted, professional sports leagues have been suspended and Wall Street’s reactions all demonstrate the gravity of the situation. It can be overwhelming to see the constant news coverage paired with social media commentary, wild predictions and increased anxiety about what the future holds. While concern is a natural response, I am calling for citizens to remain calm and follow the guidelines set forth by public policy and health experts.
As of today, there are currently 729 positive cases in New York, with 329 of the confirmed cases found in New York City, New Rochelle and Long Island. As the state government continues to assess and manage the total impacts of this disease, it is critical that we all work together to manage the issue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a wealth of information about what the virus is, how people can protect their health and what to do if you think you may be a victim of the disease.
I urge everyone to review the CDC’s recommendations and do your part to help prevent the disease from spreading further. As part of its response and to ensure residents stay informed, New York state has established the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at: 1-888-364-3065.
Some of these ideas and recommendations might seem silly and obvious, but a healthy reminder is as important now as it has ever been. What we are learning as we study and combat this virus is that the most effective ways to beat it are the simplest. It is important that, as the situation continues to change rapidly, we keep up-to-date with accurate information, and be considerate of others.
As of right now, it is clear that our homes are not susceptible to the coronavirus. Only two positive infections have been confirmed in Monroe County. But, as I said before, the situation is likely to change, so it is imperative that citizens practice healthy habits of washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and limiting prolonged close contact with others. Do this, and we will push through this incident together.
Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.
Press release:
Due to the Genesee County State of Emergency regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union has closed the lobby today, March 16, until further notice. Our drive thru remains OPEN for all teller transactions.
In addition, we are here to serve the rest of your needs by phone, including lending, 585- 343-5627 and website www.tvfcubatavia.com
COVID-19 Update, as of Monday, March 16:
ONLY DRIVE-UP OPEN, EFFECTIVE TODAY – LOBBY CLOSED
Beginning today, our lobby will be closed to member traffic. We welcome you to conduct your teller transactions in our four-lane drive-up in an effort to apply social distancing to protect both you and our staff. In addition, our ATM and our network of ATM’s are also available to you, to ensure you have adequate access to your cash.
Currently, our hours will remain unchanged. We will be ready to serve you Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon in our drive up or via phone. This schedule is subject to change.
Members looking for loans or for in-person appointments, are asked to call our office first, before stopping in. We will do our best to accommodate all requests. If you had an appointment previously set up with a loan officer, please call to confirm your appointment.
With our new home banking www.tvfcubatavia.com and our new mobile app, you will find it easy to perform for most banking transactions. Use either of these methods, to check balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, deposit checks, and pay your bills while remaining safely in your home.
If you have questions about setting up home banking, bill pay, or installing our mobile app, please call to speak to a member of our tech team, for assistance.
Our main concern is for your safety and for the safety of our staff. We appreciate your willingness to explore the many alternative ways we plan to serve you at this time. Thank you for being a loyal member of TVFCU and your patience to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Blue Pearl Yoga Studio:
Blue Pearl Yoga has decided to follow the lead of the Batavia City School District and temporarily close the studio due to the coronavirus outbreak. We will most likely reopen the studio when public school resumes.
For Class Card Holders, all Consistency Reward dates and expiration dates will be extended for the length of our closure.
Yin Yoga will resume when the studio reopens to complete the rest of the classes left in this session.
Restorative Yoga Registrants will be reimbursed in full.
Take very good care of yourself as you care for those you love. We will stay in touch through future emails and posts on our Facebook page.
All upcoming court cases scheduled for Batavia Town Court have been adjourned until May due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If you have an attorney please contact him/her in regards to your new court date. Your future Court date will be mailed to you, if you have not received a notice within a week of your originally schedule court date please email the court at Court@townofbatavia.com.
Traffic Ticket Infraction submissions are encouraged to be e-mailed or mailed into the Court at 3833 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020.
Due to our offices potentially being closed, the best mode of contacting the court is through e-mail. If you choose to call the Court and leave a message we may not respond to you until May 8th.
If you have a Fine/Surcharge due the due date will be extended until May 8th but it can also mailed in to the court directly or paid online at www.paycourtonline.com or by our call center at 1-888-912-1541. Mailed in payments may not be processed until May therefore payment online or through the call center are recommended.
Any records requests received during this time will not be completed until May.
Teressa M. Morasco
Town Clerk/Tax Collector/RMC
COVID-19 / Richmond Memorial Library Update March 16:
1) Cancelling all programs and outside meetings for eight weeks (through May 11).
2) Isolating materials for a minimum of nine hours/ until the next day after check in and sanitizing hard surfaces daily.
3) Toys have been put in storage to encourage shorter family visits.
4) Washing hands frequently and staying home if sick.
5) Extending checkouts for nine weeks (through May 18)
As we prioritize services, we will do our best to keep library materials available to you. Please note that interlibrary loan will be effected due to various closures within the NIOGA system.
What we ask of you:
Practice social distancing. Stay home if sick or vulnerable.
Materials may be ordered online or by phone. Use the library only for pickup, or send a healthy friend or family member with your card to get your materials.
If you are over the age of 60 you may qualify for home delivery of library materials through our library visits program.
Call 585-343-9550, option 6, for more information.
Remember, our website is open 24/7 with resources like OverDrive, Hoopla, Miss Humblebee's Academy and more!
These measures will be evaluated constantly and updated as needed.
Richmond Memorial Library
19 Ross St., Batavia | 343-9550 | batavialibrary.org
Press release:
Tops Friendly Markets, with Genesee County locations in Batavia and Le Roy, are temporarily limiting hours of operation.
As we continue to do all we can to serve the needs of our customers, we will be changing our hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to restock and continue to maintain the increased sanitation levels in our stores.
Stores that typically close earlier will maintain their existing hours of operation. These revised hours will be in effect until further notice.
For more information on these and other details re: COVID-19 updates, please visit our website.
From the Genesee County Office for the Aging:
All congregate (group) meal sites are cancelled at this time. Home-delivered meal service will continue.
Diana Fox, LCSW
Director-Genesee County Office for the Aging
Press release:
Described by some as one of the “hidden gems” of Genesee County, the Genesee County Fire Training Center will be the venue for several up-coming training programs designed for first responders.
The state-of-the-art facility is located at 7690 State Street Road in Batavia.
The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management staff member and training technician Gary Patnode, in conjunction with NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, work together to offer programs that will enable firefighters the opportunity to develop, refresh and expand on their skills.
Through participation in training programs, students are presented the knowledge and skills to become confident, effective and efficient first responders ensuring their safety and the community they serve.
To register, contact the Genesee County Fire Training Center at 585-344-0078 or Jeanette.diehl@co.genesee.ny.us. Visit your local fire department to find out about volunteer opportunities.
The training programs listed below are scheduled to be held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center this spring.
Course Description / Dates / Times / Designed for; Prerequisite(s):
From Rochester Regional Health Chief Medical Officer Robert Mayo, M.D.
“As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, Rochester Regional Health joins leading health systems around the world to proactively reschedule elective surgeries at all RRH facilities beginning Monday, March 16 and continuing through March 29. This time frame may change as we monitor developments surrounding COVID-19.
"Our decision, made in lockstep with our physician leaders across the health system, was guided by the recommendations of the American College of Surgeons and the United States Surgeon General. Patients are being contacted to reschedule their procedures to a later date. We are making every effort to make this rescheduling process as convenient for our patients as possible.
"This is one of many safeguards Rochester Regional Health is implementing in our ongoing effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to protect the health and safety of our team members and our patients."
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