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Press release:

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today released a detailed proposal for $8.5 billion in emergency funding to fight the spread of coronavirus in the United States.

“Congress must act swiftly to confront the threat of this global health crisis,” Schumer said. “This proposal brings desperately needed resources to the global fight against coronavirus.

"Americans need to know that their government is prepared to handle the situation before coronavirus spreads to our communities. I urge the Congress to move quickly on this proposal. Time is of the essence.”

With no plan to deal with the potential public and global health crisis related to the novel coronavirus, the Trump Administration made an emergency supplemental appropriations request on Monday.

It was too little and too late — only $1.25 billion in new funding. For context, Congress appropriated more than $6B for the Pandemic Flu in 2006 and more than $7B for H1N1 (Swine) flu in 2009.

The administration’s request also asked Congress to reprogram funding dedicated to fighting Ebola — still considered an epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the second-biggest Ebola epidemic ever recorded, behind the West Africa outbreak of 2014-2016) — to deal with the coronavirus, which would make American people and the world less safe.

America must prepare for — and aggressively combat — all infectious diseases with urgency and vigor. In order to do so, we need a comprehensive plan and robust resources to execute a mission.

Thus far, the Trump Administration has failed to develop a plan and request the appropriate resources from Congress. Many of our states and cities have been left to foot the bill. The Schumer Supplemental request will address these problems.

1. $1.5B for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention—Including for the Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund (IDRRRF​)and Global Health Security

a. CDC is at the front lines of America’s domestic and international response to the coronavirus. This funding is needed to strengthen critical support to state and local health departments, bolster laboratory work, and more.

Other activities, like the evacuation of American citizens from China, deployment of CDC staff to states and ports of entry, and the purchase of protective and laboratory equipment and supplies, have been supported by the IDRRRF, depleting this fund.

2. $3 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund

a. The Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund helps drive our nation’s medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies. These funds would ensure our Department of Health and Human Services has the resources need to do the job and help contain the spread of this new virus.

3. $2 billion set-aside for State and Local Reimbursement

a. State and local health departments are on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. Many cities, like New York, have already spent millions on personnel, lab equipment, and supplies. Additional expenditures are expected to include supplies for hospital triage and isolation spaces, as well as lab testing. Additionally, there’s significant need for staff and other resources to support the public health and healthcare response, including implementing the federal quarantine order. These activities require around-the-clock staffing, temporary housing, transportation, cleaning contracts, and wrap-around services.

4. $1B for the USAID Emerging Health Threats—Emergency Reserve Fund

a. The global health community is actively fighting the dual threats of Ebola and coronavirus in the midst of a potentially severe influenza season. This global response is a resource intensive effort. The international effort, led by the United States, is severely underfunded. The Emergency Reserve Fund allows USAID to respond to emerging health threats that pose severe risks to human health.

5. $1B for the National Institutes of Health—Vaccine Development

a. For the preclinical and clinical development and testing of vaccines and other medical countermeasures for the coronavirus.

Calvin John Rodriguez, 40, of Hillside Avenue, New York City, is charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; obstructing governmental administration; two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On Monday (Feb. 24), the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was investigating a violation of a duly served order of protection. Deputies located the suspect -- Rodriguez -- who allegedly had made threatening gestures toward the protected party and acted in a manner contrary to the provisions set forth in the order of protection. During the interview with deputies, he allegedly attempted to flee the encounter and resisted as deputies attempted to perform their lawful duties. He was taken into custody and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree and obstructing governmental administration. The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at an address on Park Road in the Town of Batavia. During the search, methamphetamine, prescription medications and drug paraphernalia were located, allegedly possessed by Rodriguez. He was arraigned the next day in Batavia City Court on the charge of second-degree criminal contempt -- a qualified offense under the new Bail Reform Law, and the other charges. He was put in the custody of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in lieu of cash bail or bond. He is to appear in both City and Town of Batavia courts at a later date. Assisting in the investigation were members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Lute, Deputy Brock Cummins, Batavia Police, along with the GC District Attorney's Office. Rodriguez was also charged with petit larceny in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred the afternoon of June 8 at Kohl's department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. He received an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on March 5 to answer that charge. The petit larceny case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners as they “Catch the Gardening Bug.” They will be offering four gardening-themed programs from 6 to 8 p.m. on different dates this spring. If you are looking for garden inspiration and know-how to apply to your own garden, check out these classes.

March 31 -- “Seed Starting 101” -- Starting plants from seed is a great way for gardeners to take their hobby to the next level. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a plant blooming in your garden or harvesting a vegetable from a plant that you once held as a tiny seed in your hand. It also opens the door to thousands of new varieties that you may never find at the local nursery. Starting your own seeds can be intimidating, but with the right tools and timing, seed starting is remarkably fun and easy. Registration is required by March 25.  Fee $10 per person.

April 7 -- "Oh Canada!" -- Come travel across Canada and enjoy a variety of their gardens -- tulips in Ottawa in the spring, summer in the prairies, fall in Vancouver, and winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario. Registration required by April 1. Fee is $5 per person

April 22 -- “Everybody Loves Hostas!” -- Hostas have lush foliage and are usually grown for their impact in the shade garden. Even better, these perennials are reliable, easy to grow, and readily available. We will discuss the different types of hostas and how to best grow them including diseases, division and more. Lavish photos will show different hostas as well as ideas for landscaping. Be careful! What starts out as just one or two plants can quickly grow into a passion for collecting. Registration required by April 15. Fee $10 per person.

April 29 – “The Power of Flowers in Your Garden” -- Supporting pollinators is a vital conversation point in the gardening community. Join the discussion on developing a garden rich in biological diversity that supports pollinators indigenous to our region. The presentation will look closely at key garden elements that support the birds, bees and butterflies that pollinate our gardens. Registration required by April 22. Fee $10 per person.

All classes will be held at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Preregistration is required as class size is limited and classes may fill up.

Contact Rachel at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the extension office to register. Visit the extension's website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“This is an unprecedented attack on the autonomy of our local governments," Assemblyman Steve Hawley said. "If the people who live in our towns and villages Upstate have no say when it comes to something as fundamental as land use, what rights can they reasonably expect to maintain?

"Of course Cuomo’s wealthy donors in the energy industry want him to be able to handpick their projects and situate them wherever is best for them. That doesn’t mean the governor should go along with it. 

“I’m all for green energy projects that work for local residents, local governments and local economies. Giving the governor total, unilateral control would be a grave mistake. I’ll be fighting this misguided proposal, and I’ll be working hard to make sure it’s not included in our final budget plan."

Press release:

Six alumni and two retired Batavia teachers will be inducted into the Batavia City School District’s Musicians of Note Wall of Fame on the evening of Thursday, March 26.

Those being honored for making a significant impact in their field include:

• Joseph Robusto, Class of 1965;
• Harold McJury, Class of 1968;
• Mark Schumann, Class of 1980;
• Patrick Jee, Class of 1996;
• Brian Isaac, Class of 2001;
• Alex Davis, Class of 2008;
• Melinda Hay, former music teacher in the District;
• and Kenneth Hay*, former music teacher, BHS band director and BCSD Music Department chairperson for 21 years. 

The celebration will be held at the high school and begin with appetizers from 5-5:30 p.m., followed by dinner.

The awards ceremony and concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature select alumni performing with BHS ensembles. Kenneth Hay will conduct a musical number performed by the BHS Jazz Ensemble, and Harold McJury will perform with the BHS Jazz Ensemble.  

Tickets for the event are $25/person. Tickets to attend only the awards ceremony and concert are $10/person.

To reserve tickets, please contact Lisa Brown at Batavia High School (585-343-2480, ext. 2000).

Payment can be made by cash, or by check payable to Batavia Music Boosters.

Ticket with dinner reservations must be made by March 13. If only attending the ceremony and concert, tickets will also be available at the door.

Those wishing to make a donation for the Musicians of Note can do so through the Batavia City School Foundation Inc.

Batavia High School is located at 260 State St.

*Ken Hay was nominated last year but deferred his award until now.

Submitted photo and press release:

Following a briefing in Albany by members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined lawmakers from across the state today (Feb. 24) at a press conference to highlight the dangers of the "Green Light Law," which went into effect on Jan. 1.

The law, which a recnt Siena Poll show is opposed by 48 percent of New York voters, allows illegal aliens to apply for a New York State driver’s license. 

Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders have expressed strong opposition to allowing Customs Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration authorities to access the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database to improve data sharing efforts.

Genesee County Clerk Michael T. Cianfrini recently wrote to Gov. Cuomo requesting that an amendment be passed allowing Customs Border Patrol to gain access to the DMV database. 

“As egregious and offensive this law is to law-abiding New Yorkers, we shouldn’t be making matters worse by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities who use this information to keep the country safe,” Hawley said.

“Cooperation and data sharing between law enforcement agencies are key to tracking down and apprehending dangerous individuals and state leaders in New York are putting us all at risk by playing these political games with Washington.

"I am calling on Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders to work with us to amend this dangerous law before the public’s safety is compromised any further.”

Photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, listens as Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay speaks at the podium on the dangers of the "Green Light Law."

Press release:

President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Republican Chris Jacobs is highlighted in a new radio ad, which will begin airing across the 27th district today (Feb. 24).

President Trump endorsed Jacobs on Tuesday saying, “Chris Jacobs will be a great Congressman who will always fight for the people of New York.”

“I’m grateful for the President’s endorsement and trust,” Jacobs said. “As Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Nate McMurray attempt to drag this country toward socialism, I’m proud to stand with President Trump in the fight to put America first, secure our borders, grow our economy and honor our veterans.”

The ad:

MAN: Who does President Donald Trump support for Congress?

WOMAN: Chris Jacobs.

MAN: Why did President Trump endorse Chris Jacobs?

WOMAN: Because Chris Jacobs will have Trump’s back in Congress.

MAN: Chris Jacobs will vote every time to help President Trump finish building the wall that will secure our southern border.

WOMAN: Chris Jacobs will be on the Trump team in the fight to hold sanctuary cities that hide illegals from federal law enforcement accountable.  

MAN: Chris Jacobs will fight side by side with President Trump to drain the swamp, secure the border and keep our economy growing.

WOMAN: It’s no wonder that President Trump gave Chris Jacobs his complete endorsement, tweeting that Jacobs supports our Make America Great Again agenda.

MAN: President Trump said Jacobs “will continue to Secure our Border. Loves our military, vets and is strong on the 2nd Amendment.”

WOMAN: Cast your first vote for President Trump this year by supporting Chris Jacobs for Congress on April 28th.

JACOBS: I’m Chris Jacobs and I approve this message.

ANNOUNCER: Paid for by Jacobs for Congress.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Rotary Club of Batavia recently blessed Crossroads House with a new snowblower and lawn mower to keep the grounds of their home beautiful in the summer, and safe and snow free in the winter.

Crossroads House Executive Director Jeff Allen and Rotary Club of Batavia President Bob Knipe were on hand to see the new equipment at Cedar Street Sales and Rentals.

“For so many years, we have relied on volunteers and staff with shovels in the winter and used lawn mowers in the summer that often times were held together with duct tape.” Allen said.

“With this wonderful gift from the Rotary Club of Batavia, the great folks who keep up our grounds all year long can do so more efficiently.”

Upon delivery of the equipment Guy Clark, along with sons Adam and Connor, presented Crossroads House with a certificate from Cedar Street providing all parts, labor, maintenance and tune-ups for the new equipment for three years.

“With the added bonus, we only need to pay for gas and that is great for our budget.” Allen added.

Rotary Club of Batavia has partnered with Crossroads House for many years. They provided funds in the recent past to install a vital handicap bathroom.

They also funded an upgrade to the security camera system as well as LED lighting in the parking lot providing peace of mind important to a home that operates 24 hours a day.

Pictured, from left Bob Knipe, Rotary Club of Batavia president; Connor Clark and Guy Clark, Cedar Street Sales and Rentals; Jeff Allen, executive director of Crossroads House.

Republican "Rally for Our Candidates" is Saturday at Dibble Center in Batavia; must RSVP to get breakfast

The 2020 “Republican Rally for Our Candidates” will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Dibble Family Center.

It is located at 4110 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

A continental breakfast will be available to those who RSVP, and it will consist of fruits, bagels, pastries, coffee, etc.

Scheduled participating candidates are:

• Chris Jacobs– U.S. Congress
• Ed Rath II– NYS Senate
• William Sheron– GC Sheriff
• Scott German– GC Treasurer
• Karen Lang  -- GC Coroner
• Adam Palumbo– GC Coroner

To RSVP for breakfast, email Kathy Jasinski at:   kjasinski19@gmail.com

Or call Don and at (585) 356-5135 and leave a message.

Our website host started experiencing technical difficulities today about 9:45 this morning. That's why we were offline until 3 p.m. We're good to go now.

Press release from Senator Michael Ranzenhofer:

Participation in hunting is declining across New York State and much of the nation.

This not only has a dramatic impact on conservation funding but also a negative impact on state revenues. It is important that the state examine ways to both attract and retain hunters.

Expanding opportunities for hunters can help boost state revenue and aid the environment.

The issue of hunters “aging out” is well documented and it is important for New York State to do all it can to reverse this trend.

Expanding crossbow-hunting opportunities and loosening ambulatory hunting requirements would provide thousands of willing hunters the opportunity to continue pursuing their passion.

Current laws regarding ambulatory licenses, require that license holders need permanent assistance to qualify.

That being said, many hunters do not need assistance devices to complete daily activities but are unable to navigate a field or more rugged terrain without assistance.

This reality should be reflected when determining who qualifies for these privileges. If enacted, these proposals would help countless hunters.

In addition to retaining hunters, attracting new hunters is critical.

Lowering the hunting age has long been discussed as the primary way to get youth more engaged at a younger age.

While I do believe that reducing the big game hunting age to 12 would be helpful, hunter apprentice programs should also be examined.

Hunter apprentice programs have proven to be an extremely safe and effective way to introduce more youths to hunting in other states.

With the state facing a $6.1 billion deficit, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to advance proposals that are positive for hunters as well as generate much needed license revenue and conservation dollars for the state.

I have shared these opinions with the Governor and colleagues in the legislature and will continue to advocate for their adoption.

Supporting hunting helps the environment, supports rural communities and provides license revenue for New York State.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has announced that HP Hood will receive the Economic Development Partner of the Year award at the agency’s annual business meeting on Friday, March 6 at Batavia Downs.

Approximately 250 business, government, community and economic developments leaders are expected to attend the annual meeting.

HP Hood is one of the country’s largest branded food and beverage companies with 13 manufacturing plants throughout the United States. More than 250 food and beverage professionals are now employed at HP Hood’s Batavia facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

Theresa Bresten, vice president and treasurer for HP Hood, will be accepting the award on behalf of the company.

“Since opening its doors in Genesee County in 2017, HP Hood has been a model for success,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “The company continues to create jobs and is the latest success story in Genesee County’s proud dairy industry.”

HP Hood has invested more than $200 million in expanding, improving and operating its world-class 448,000-square-foot facility at the Agri-Business Park. The facility occupies 82 acres there and it recently purchased 22 additional acres to accommodate future growth.

“HP Hood is honored to have been selected as the GCEDC 2020 Partner of the Year,” said Hood spokesperson Theresa Bresten. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done together to bring new jobs to the local community.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with GCEDC in enriching the economy of Genesee County and New York.”

The theme of the 2020 annual meeting is “Success Starts Here,” including the growth of Batavia’s food and beverage hub.

In the past 10 years, companies in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park and surrounding companies have invested more than $500 million into facilities that employ more than 700 professionals and operate over 1 million square feet of operations.

The event will focus on the GCEDC’s business accomplishments in 2019 and economic development goals and objectives for 2020.

Register to attend the GCEDC Annual Meeting and Luncheon by visiting GCEDC.com.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has written to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting increased funding for County Cooperative Extension (CCE) Associations, which haven’t seen a funding increase in more than 20 years.

CCEs are statewide organizations that are actively engaged in their communities in fundamental areas of agriculture and nutrition sciences as well as youth development and leadership, including 4-H programming, economic development and community and environmental progress.

“We are requesting your support for an increase in the overall funding to the CCE system from $3.9 million to a total statewide amount of $8 million which would support all CCE county associations,” Hawley wrote in the letter.

“With increased funding the CCE system will be better able to proactively respond to local emerging necessities in the area of food system support. In addition, it will better leverage county funding and competing grant support for all communities.

“Additionally, funding will help generate research-based environmental justice projects related to urban agriculture.”

Hawley is a longtime member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, former owner and operator of his family farm in Batavia, Hawley Farms, and is a past president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau.

David James LeRoy, 27, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree and falsely reporting in the third degree. At 3:57 p.m. on Feb. 23, LeRoy was arrested after allegedly making several phone calls to the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center for no legitimate purpose, and making false reports. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on March 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy David Moore.

Three Buffalo residents are charged with crimes following a reported of an alleged larceny from Target in Towne Center at Batavia mall on Feb. 23. They reportedly left the scene and were located on the Thruway in Pembroke. Arrested at 5:25 p.m. Sunday were: Ashley M. Drexinger, 27, of Kensington Avenue, who is charged with third-degree grand larceny – a Class D felony, and fifth-degree conspiracy – a Class A misdemeanor. Ericka K. McBride, 30, of Janet Avenue, is charged with fifth-degree conspiracy and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Kahel S. Suttles, 23, of Dodge Street, is charged with third-degree grand larceny, and unlawful possession of marijuana. All were released on appearance tickets and are due in Town of Batavia on March 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Harry Thomas Gibson, 55, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Feb. 21 at 6:25 p.m. Gibson was arrested for petit larceny following a complaint of a shoplifter at Kohl’s department store. He allegedly stole three bottles of cologne. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on March 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy Mathew Clor.