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Press release:

Rochester Regional Health opened three COVID-19 collection sites as an extension of RRH (and Greater Rochester Independent Practice Association (GRIPA)) primary care practices to ensure patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 are properly tested while limiting exposure to other patients and staff.

These trailers are NOT open to everyone, nor are they drive-through sites.

Patients must have a lab testing order from their provider, which means they must have been evaluated by their provider via either telemedicine or an in-office visit before coming to our sites. Patients will be billed for testing, but not charged for the trailer visit. 

Locations

• Wilson Immediate Care parking lot on the Rochester General Hospital (1425 Portland Ave. Rochester, NY 14621) campus (Monroe County)
• Geneva Medical Campus (Ontario County) - 875 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456
• Jerome Center (Genesee County) – 16 Bank St., Batavia

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

From David H. Krzemien, candidate for Genesee County Sheriff:

Dear Neighbor,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to share my vision for our community. I have more than 20 years of service in law enforcement and currently serve and the Darien Deputy Town Supervisor. These experiences uniquely qualify me to handle the duties of Sheriff.

I have selected Christopher Parker (Republican) as my choice for Undersheriff. Christopher is currently an Investigator at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, where he has had a long, respected career. His expertise and dedication to our county will make him a great Undersheriff, as a trusted advisor.

Earlier this year, I accepted the endorsement from our local Democrat Party, and created the Pro 2^nd Amendment party line. We worked to create this secondary party to demonstrate our passion for the constitution and individual rights of our fellow community members. I am very fortunate to have endorsements from the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA) and the New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union, Council 82.

I believe now, more than ever, we must hold our elected leaders accountable, regardless of party. I am committed to keeping our community and our deputies safe, while listening to the needs of the people I serve. I pledge to be a voice for those who may be silent, to provide an open door where there is a blockade, and to bring honor and integrity to the office of Sheriff.

It would be a distinct privilege to serve as your Sheriff, however I cannot do this alone. With your help, I know we can magnify the strengths of our community, while building upon our weaknesses. I hope I can count on your vote on Election Day!

Please feel free to call me any time with questions or concerns. Thank You!

Phone:   (585) 483-8741

Email:   krzemienforsheriff@gmail.com

Mailing Address:   P.O. Box 1427, Batavia NY 14020

Website:   http://KrzemienForSheriff.com

Press release:

Genesee Region USBC league bowlers produced one honor score and several near misses to close out the month of October.

A pair of Rochester residents led the way as Joshua Cummings posted a 300 game in the American Legion Thursday Men’s League at Le Roy Legion Lanes and Robert Manners registered a 299 and 786 series in the Wednesday Men’s Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Cummings, a 45-year-old right-hander, opened with perfection on lanes 1-2, catching a couple crossover strikes early before hitting the 1-3 pocket the rest of the way.

The 300 is his second (the first came at Dewey Garden Lanes in Rochester) to go with a 299 rolled in 1999 and an 812 series in 2009, both at Sunset Lanes in Rochester.

He said he used a Storm Match Up ball purchased last year specifically for Legion Lanes.

“I got the ball from Chris Lamb at Lightning Strikes (pro shop) just for Le Roy because I needed something to go long,” said Cummings, an employee of Panther Graphics in Rochester. “He polished it up and it has been working pretty well.”

Cummings lost his carry after game one, however, and finished with a 642 series. He averaged 195 in Le Roy last season and 215 at Sunset Lanes.

At Rose Garden Bowl, Manners, a 47-year-old righty, had the line from the start and kept in all night, rolling 299-267-220--786 in a substitute role.

Elsewhere around the region:

-- Veteran Batavia bowler Mike Pettinella stayed hot in the Turnbull Heating Tuesday Triples League at Mancuso Bowling Center, recording 268-247-259—774. The big series followed a 744 set the previous week.

-- Warsaw lefty Kevin Gray Jr. notched a 298 game and 739 series to take top honors in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl, edging his father, Kevin Sr., who rolled 279—733. Gray Jr. had a 798 series the week before.

-- Jeremy Vallance of Warsaw registered 269-237-244—750 to lead the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso’s, while Matt Balduf of South Byron put up the same score with 267-246-237—750 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man at Mancuso’s. Geoff Harloff of Batavia was next with 236-259-253—748.

-- At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Bill Logan of Albion had games of 267, 257 and 223 in a 747 series in the Sneezy’s Monday Night League.

For a list of high scores through Oct. 31, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Submitted photo and press release:

Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. receives endorsements from Genesee County Treasurer Scott German (top photo, right) and former Genesee County Legislature Chair Robert Bausch.

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From Scott D. German, Genesee County Treasurer:

I have known Sheriff Sheron for about 25 years and know him to be a true law enforcement professional.  Sheriff Sheron had the opportunity to learn from the best, from the retired Sheriff Gary T. Maha, whom Bill had the pleasure to work for as Undersheriff for 21 years. Sheriff Sheron has 43 years of law enforcement experience working for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the last four as our Sheriff.  

Bill knows our Genesee County community, and he knows how to keep us safe at an economical cost to the taxpayers.  For the past 17 years as County Treasurer, I have worked with Bill regarding the finances of the Sheriff’s Office. He is acutely aware of the costs of law enforcement on the taxpayers, and he does keep that in mind when making decisions. Under Sheriff Sheron’s leadership, the department has continued to be in compliance of all 110 standards and has continued to be an accredited department since 2000.

Sheriff Sheron merits another four-year term as Genesee County Sheriff, and I fully endorse him for this position. Please join me in voting for William A. Sheron Jr. for another term as our Sheriff.

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From former Genesee County Legislature Chair Robert Bausch:

As a former Genesee County Legislature Chair, Legislator, and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, I worked with Bill in his capacity as Undersheriff and Sheriff on a very real-time basis.   

Without a doubt, he is very professional, experienced and strongly committed to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Genesee County and our many visitors.  His foresight and desire to continually improve all areas of responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office is commendable.  

Bill Sheron has earned, and deserves, our support on Election Day.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department joins fire departments nationwide in promoting the annual “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” campaign on Sunday, Nov. 1. Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano encourages all residents to adopt the simple, life-saving habit of changing smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks back from daylight savings time to standard time.

“It’s an easy, inexpensive, and proven way to protect your family and your home,” Chief Napolitano said. “Plus with winter quickly approaching and most everyone turning their heating systems on, it also makes this an ideal time to make sure your heating system is working properly. This is a great opportunity to check your carbon monoxide detectors as well.”

Today’s home fires grow in size faster than ever, typically allowing as little as one to two minutes to escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds, due to current home furnishings burning faster and producing more toxic gases and smoke. One thing that is instrumental in reducing deaths is to close doors to prevent the fire from spreading and to facilitate escape.

Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing or dead batteries or disconnected wires. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping; a working smoke alarm provides the critical extra time needed to get out safely.

According to the NFPA, the maximum life cycle of a smoke alarm is 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. Beginning in 2002, all smoke alarms must have a manufacture date marked on the outside of the smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm does not have a manufacture date or if you’ve had it for more than 10 years, it needs to be replaced.

The City of Batavia Fire Department recommends purchasing smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

"The City of Batavia Fire Department has a free smoke alarm installation program,” Chief Napolitano said. “If you do not have a smoke detector or if you are unsure the batteries are working properly, members of the City of Batavia Fire Department will come to your home and ensure that you have a working smoke detector, absolutely free of charge. Call (585) 345-6375 to set up an in-home appointment.”

Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Pembroke.
  • The individual is in their 60s.
  • The individual was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized. 
  • Genesee County was informed yesterday, Oct. 29, that a student at the Le Roy Junior/Senior High School has tested positive for COVID-19. Last day the student was in the school was Tuesday, Oct. 27. All contacts have been identified and have been placed under mandatory quarantine.

   

  • Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.

   

  • The new positive case resides in Gaines.
  • The individual is in their 50s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.

Press release:

The Home Energy Assistance Program -- HEAP -- opens Monday, Nov. 2, for all new applicants.

Each year, Genesee County Office for the Aging assists older adults and persons with disabilities with HEAP applications.

This year, it is strongly recommended that you apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov. If you do not have a computer or lack to skills to apply online, you may pick up a blank application in the front entryway of our building.

If you need assistance or have questions about filling out the application, please call 343-1611 for a phone appointment. Once you have completed your application, you can either drop off or mail it in to our location, 2 Bank St. in Downtown Batavia.

Please remember to include all necessary documentation and identification for all household members.

Press release:

“The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month...”

The American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 in Le Roy will observe the annual Veterans Day program as per custom on Wednesday, Nov. 11th at 11 a.m. at the Trigon Memorial Park.

Personnel will assemble at 10:45 at the Trigon Park Soldiers Monument, with the program beginning at 11 a.m. sharp!

Highlights of the program will include readings by Post Commander David Rumsey and Auxiliary President Chris Stewart that will commemorate the significance of the day. This will be followed by a remembrance prayer offered by Chaplain Gary Bassett.

The ceremony will conclude by a placement of the wreath on the Memorial, a volley by the Post Firing Squad and playing of “Taps."

Immediately following the formal ceremony, all are invited to the American Legion hall for refreshments. It is located at 53 W. Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

UPDATED today, Oct. 30, 2:57 p.m.: Please note that per Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Executive Orders, gathering restrictions are still limited to 50 people. In addition masking and social distancing requirements will be adhered to.

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A Reminder: There is a Difference!

• Armed Forces Day -- The third Saturday of each May -- honors those serving.
• Memorial Day -- The last Monday of each May -- remembers those who died while serving.
• Veterans Day -- The 11th day of each November -- honors those who served.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) announces that it will also adopt the newly added New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) veteran and active military waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Nov. 14.

This hunt will operate similar to the regular season waterfowl hunt in that individual hunting stands will be decided at 5 a.m. on the morning of the hunt through a random drawing.

The draw will be held at the Refuge Shop at 1101 Casey Road, Basom to ensure the safety of staff and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mapping applications may try to take you to Sour Springs Road, so ensure it is directing you to the Iroquois NWR Admin Building at the above address. 

This is a free hunt for veteran and active military personnel.

State regulations apply including required documentation, which can be found on the DEC website. Refuge specific regulations also apply. Please visit the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.

Second Session of Waterfowl Hunting Season

Iroquois NWR will also be open for the second session of the waterfowl hunting season beginning on Nov. 28. Permits will be available online for all blinds on a first come, first serve basis.

Permits will be made available two days prior to the hunt day at 6 p.m. and close at 5 a.m. the morning of the hunt. You will receive your permit for your blind immediately via RecAccess. Since you will select your blind at check out, there will be no morning blind draw.

All other rules and regulations apply.  

For further information please see visit the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge website or contact Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge by email at Iroquois@fws.gov or Visitor Services Specialist Eric Schaertl at (585) 948-5445, ext. 7036.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors formally adopted a Phase 1 Housing Policy at the agency’s meeting on Oct. 29. The Phase 1 policy establishes incentives and criteria for multifamily rental/market-rate and multifamily rental/affordable housing projects.

The Phase 1 Housing Policy is the result of the findings from a study and assessment of Genesee County’s housing stock conducted by LaBella Associates in 2018 and an economic development strategic assessment of Genesee County conducted by the Rockefeller Institute of Government in 2019.

Among the key findings of both assessments:

• Genesee County has an extremely aged housing stock with an average median age of 73+ years;
• There is a marketplace demand demand/need for approximately 4,800 new housing units, market-rate apartments, and owner-occupied units $100,000+;
• Grants and/or incentives should be provided to promote new housing construction;
• Incentives should be created to spur investment in the housing stock.
• Failure to meet market housing demand will negatively impact economic development, including potential out-migration of current residents.

“I want to thank and acknowledge the great work of the members of the GCEDC Housing Committee, including our Housing Committee Chair Paul Battaglia that took a methodical approach in developing this policy,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “It is irrefutable that there is a demand in the marketplace for new housing and if we do not address the supply there will be negative economic impacts.”

The GCEDC Phase 1 Housing Policy would offer property tax exemptions for new construction and/or rehabilitation of multifamily rental market rate and affordable housing projects; sales tax exemptions for the purchase of construction materials, equipment rentals and purchases; and mortgage tax exemptions. These are the typical incentives available through the GCEDC for projects across the county.

“The members of the Housing Committee and the GCEDC Board recognize that housing is an integral part of economic development, including the demand among employers who are concerned about being able to attract new workers as they expand their operations because of a lack of quality housing near their workplaces,” Battaglia said.

“We are confident in the review by our legal counsel that we can begin to offer these incentives to developers to improve the County’s housing stock and we are excited about moving forward to get some projects started.”

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2021 at its board meeting on Oct. 29. The budget anticipates cash outflows of approximately $2.1 million. 

“The mission of the GGLDC is to foster local economic development by making real estate development investments that prepare sites in Genesee County for new corporate tenants,” said Don Cunningham, chairman of the GGLDC. “The GGLDC also provides strategic investment funding to support the GCEDC’s ongoing economic development and workforce development programs.”

The anticipated 2021 expenditures of the GGLDC include operations and maintenance for the MedTech Centre building, site/corporate park maintenance, an economic development program support grant to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), continuing to support a dedicated workforce development consultant, and professional services.  

Other significant items include an $820,000 pass through grant from the New York State Department of Transportation that furthers the ability of the tenants of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park (Ag Park) to access rail, $407,000 in debt service payments supporting development at the MedTech Centre campus, as well as $93,000 in expenses related to the GGLDC’s commitment to expanding utility capacities at the Buffalo East Technology Park for current and potential future tenants. 

A major source of revenue is rent of $696,000 from the MedTech Centre facility. Additional cash receipts will include $320,000 in principal and interest payments from several companies repaying loans made in previous years.

“The GGLDC will continue to actively market our shovel-ready parks in collaboration with the Genesee County Economic Development Center in 2021,” Cunningham said. “We have been working on a few projects that we anticipate will come to fruition by the end of 2021.”

Press Release:

The Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator announced that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Le Roy Police Department are participating in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. When it comes to drunk driving, Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While we spend time trick-or-treating and hosting parties with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State are taking to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts starts today, Oct. 30, and will end on Sunday, Nov. 1. State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. 

The STOP-DWI Halloween Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year. the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Thanksgiving and the national holiday season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. 

You can help to make a difference by having a sober plan. Download the mobile app – “Have a Plan” -- and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Halloween Weekend.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) held a press conference this morning to highlight the critical need for additional state and local COVID-19 relief funding. He was joined by NYS Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Mike Norris, Niagara County Legislature Chair Rebecca Wydysh, and Orleans County Legislature Chair Lynne Johnston. 

"Our small rural governments are struggling and facing severe cuts to first responders, education, hospitals, and other critical services unless additional aid is provided to them," Jacobs said.

"I am working tirelessly to ensure they are supported, and that is why I proudly cosponsored the SMART Act to deliver $500 billion in relief, specifically $161 billion to county and municipal governments that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 revenue loss and expenses."

"The state's Division of Budget is currently withholding 3 billion dollars in COVID-19 recovery funds, a third of which could be immediately distributed to the smaller counties of our state that did not receive assistance previously," Ortt said.

"By releasing this funding, the Governor could provide much-needed support to our counties, towns, villages, and cities, these counties and municipalities that are struggling to maintain vital services due to the economic impacts of the COVID pandemic." 

“I commend Congressman Jacobs for supporting the SMART Act to assist municipalities recover during COVID-19," Assemblyman Norris said. "It is very important that this proposal gets enacted to assist counties like Niagara and Orleans to directly receive funding to help taxpayers and small businesses rebuild."

"The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the local economies of all counties across New York State, large and small, and as such, all counties should have received a share of CARES Act dollars,” Wydysh said. "We do not begrudge the fact that Erie County received funding, and quite frankly, they have done some great things like grants to small businesses that we would emulate.

"That is why I join with Congressman Jacobs and my colleagues in calling on New York State to release CARES dollars that are still sitting in Albany to counties like Niagara that so far have received nothing."

"I am calling on Governor Cuomo to release CARES Act funds to our rural counties. Each day that he stalls forces smaller counties to make difficult decisions," Johnson said.

In NY-27, Monroe County and Erie County received CARES Act funding because they met the population threshold of over 500,000 residents. With this funding these counties were able to launch programs to aid towns and small businesses.

Meanwhile, smaller counties, including Orleans and Niagara, have received little to no funding. The SMART Act would send one-third of the $500 billion ($161 billion) directly to local governments based on revenue loss, population size, and COVID-19 caseload.

There are now 30 active cases in Genesee County. The highest recorded total since April 15, when there were 32 active cases.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received 12 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Pavilion, and Oakfield.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s (1), 20s (4), 30s (2), 40s (1), 50s (3), and 60s (1).
  • Five of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Three of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Yates.
  • The individuals are in their 60s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Eighteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • Orleans County was informed today, Oct. 28, that a staff member of Lyndonville Central School District has tested positive for COVID-19. Last day the staff member was in the school was Friday, Oct. 23. All contacts have been identified and have been placed under mandatory quarantine.

Press release:

I am sincerely humbled by the endorsement of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office Administrative staff. I thank them for their support of reelection to Sheriff of Genesee County and for their complete dedication to the citizens of Genesee County.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such true professionals that consistently go above and beyond to meet the demands associated with the administration of the Sheriff's Office.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

~Sheriff Bill Sheron

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Dear Genesee County Residents,

The current Genesee County Sheriff’s Office administrative staff offer this letter in support of the reelection of Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. Sheriff Sheron is a steadfast leader who demonstrates the values consistent with the type of Sheriff that Genesee County deserves. He is a man of honesty and integrity and is representative of the quality of the individuals that make up the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Sheron sets an expectation consisting of the highest standards in order to maintain the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reputation of professionalism and respected service to the community.

Sheriff Sheron has dedicated his entire professional 43-year career to the citizens of Genesee County and has served in numerous roles within the Sheriff’s Office. This experience provides invaluable insight into the many facets of operations within the Sheriff’s Office, and also offers the experience of earning a true and genuine appreciation for the work performed each day by every individual at the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Sheron’s experience is unquestionable and when difficult decisions need to be made, we know him to be a person of reason. He is open to differing opinions for consideration and discussion in an effort toward a sound resolution.

Sheriff Sheron carefully selected Bradley D. Mazur to serve as his Undersheriff. Undersheriff Mazur is a person of humility and uncompromising character who offers a 21-year career of consistent police work as a foundation for his work ethic and reputation. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is very well-respected in the community. We know Undersheriff Mazur to be a thoughtful, rational leader who has assumed the role of Undersheriff promoting a fair standard.

During a time when the issue of trust has come into question in law enforcement, the dignity and integrity of each member of the Sheriff’s Office has never been more important. As members of the administrative team, both Sheriff Sheron and Undersheriff Mazur have earned our trust and proven themselves as the most-qualified candidates for the roles of Sheriff and Undersheriff of Genesee County.  

Please join us in support of Sheriff Sheron and Undersheriff Mazur in this year’s election. Each vote will make a difference.

Respectfully submitted,

Chief Deputy Joseph M. Graff

Chief Deputy Brian M. Frieday

Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel

Confidential Secretary Carolyn A. Della Penna

Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe

Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono

Press release:

On Oct. 6, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new cluster action initiative to address COVID-19 hotspots that have or may be identified in certain areas of New York.

“Under the Governor’s initiative to prevent cluster activity it is important to understand the detrimental impact having a cluster can have on our counties,” said Rochelle Stein, Genesee County Legislative Chair. “Currently, neither Genesee nor Orleans counties have any such clusters/hotspots.”

We can take simple steps to continue our low positivity rates going forward.

According to the Governor’s release, the State has developed a science-based approach to contain these clusters and contain any further spread of the virus, including new rules and restrictions directly targeted to areas with the highest concentration of COVID-19 cases and the surrounding areas.

• Under Executive Order 202.68, certain actives in cluster zones are restricted, and any permitted activities in such zones (Red, Orange, Yellow), must be conducted in strict adherence to Department of Health guidance.
• For more information go to the Empire State Development guidance and the New York Forward website for updated information on locations of and operating restrictions within the clusters.

The Cluster Initiative will take the most significant action within the cluster (Red Zone), moderate action in the area surrounding the cluster to stop the spread (Orange Zone), and precautionary action in the outlying communities (Yellow Zone). Fines for the sponsors of mass gatherings in violation of state public health rules will be increased to $15,000. To see the restrictions within the clusters click here.

“As we continue to move forward through this pandemic and begin to see an increase in both testing and positive cases, we can expect to see changes in the cluster hotspots. Generally the zones are identified as a hotspot for a period of 14 days, but that is also subject to change if the hotspot doesn’t show improvement during that time,” said Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health departments.

GO Health continues to remind our residents of the relevant Executive Orders and Public Health Laws to:

• Limit gatherings, (the state maintains no more than 50 at any nonessential gatherings, fines may be levied to those ignoring this order);
• Properly wearing mask/face coverings (nose and mouth covered) whenever in public indoors and outdoors, especially when physical distancing is difficult to maintain;
• Frequently wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (that contains at least 60 percent alcohol) if soap and water are not readily available;
• Consider alternatives to family and friend gatherings to decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
• With the impending flu season, it is also important to get this year’s flu vaccine to help lower the risk of being hospitalized with serious complications of the flu.
• As always, if you are experiencing any COVID-19 or flu symptoms – STAY HOME!

Symptoms for both COVID-19 (may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus) and the flu (generally sudden onset) can be similar and may include any of the following: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell (COVID-19); sore throat; congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Talk with your primary care provider before going to the office.

If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and/or have bluish lips or face, seek emergency care immediately.

“We all want this to be over, but it will take time,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County legislative chair. “We can get through this together if we take care of our health, limit contact with nonhousehold members and be respectful and wear a mask/face covering when in public.”

Press release:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has introduced and cosponsored a series of bills to strengthen the economy andnational security by taking on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) on multiple fronts. Many of the bills were part of House Republicans’ China Task Force Report, which contains more than 400 recommendations to address the threat of China to the United States.

"China presents a clear threat to the strategic interest of the United States both at home and overseas, and we must act now to protect our economy and national security," Jacobs said.

"The CCP’s manipulative actions have made it clear they are not responsible members of the international community. This critical legislation I am supporting holds the CCP accountable, provides greater protections for Americans, and ensures we develop a strong economic position through advanced manufacturing."

The bill Rep. Jacobs introduced was the No Small Business Aid for China Act. This legislation would prohibit the Small Business Administration from providing aid, counsel or assistance to a small business with significant ties to China.

“My legislation ensures that American government assistance is used to support American small businesses," Jacobs said. "As we defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, my priority is a strong American economic comeback. That means ensuring money benefits domestic companies that need it most."

Furthermore, Rep. Jacobs cosponsored several other pieces of legislation:

• H.R. 8238 – AIM Act – Establishes an intelligence office within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to counteract Chinese efforts to steal American agricultural technology and to evaluate threats to American agriculture.
• H.R. 12 – The China Task Force Act – This is a comprehensive package of 137 pieces of legislation designed to protect American universities and intellectual property, bolster American manufacturing, and hold China accountable for their cover-up in response to COVID-19.

Highlights of the China Task Force Act:

• H.R. 6421 Li Wenliang Global Public Health Accountability Act of 2020 – allows the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in deliberate acts to conceal or distort information about a public health emergency of international concern, including COVID-19. 
• H.R. 7178 – CHIPS for America Act – would establish investments and incentives to support U.S. semiconductor supply manufacturing research and development and supply chain security.

"I, once again, commend the hard work and dedication of the China Task Force for delivering a comprehensive report on the threat of China," Jacobs said. "Bringing back good-paying American jobs, protecting our economy and agriculture, and holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic should be top priorities for Congress. I will keep fighting with my colleagues to implement these vital policies."

Press release from Mark Glogowski, Ph.D., Libertarian candidate, 139^thAssembly District

Dear Residents of the 139^thAssembly District:

The Democrats and Republicans may be right! This may be the most important election year of your life -- but not because one of the two major parties will win. You are about to lose another of your constitutional rights -- your ability to form an independent political third party. 

Legislation was passed unconstitutionally earlier this year in the budget and much of that legislation itself is being challenged as unconstitutional.

The last section of the Governor’s budget (S7508B/A9508B, part ZZZ) threatens the very existence of the current political third parties. That legislation raises the bar for recognition so high that Independent Nominating Bodies (INBs) (third parties in the making) are unlikely to ever be able to get their candidates on to the ballot in NYS. The INBs were required to collect three times more petition signatures than the Democrats and Republicans and now are required to collect nine times the number of signatures. Since the population in New York State has been essentially flat since 1965, what is their justification for raising these requirements? 

This legislation is deliberate and is intended to eliminate current political third parties as well as all INB attempts to place candidates on the ballot. The Democrats and Republicans want political third parties gone. Why? Because, they just created a new taxpayer funded campaign slush fund. That fund will supply to both the Democratic and Republican parties over $125 million each for their candidates and they don’t want political third parties or INB’s to dip into “their” taxpayer funded political slush fund. For the details, read the two articles on “Legislative Tyranny” on my website.

When one considers that 1) many legislative bills are unconstitutional, 2) incumbent legislators used an unconstitutional process to increase their salaries, 3) this year legislators walked away from their responsibility to legislate and unconstitutionally gave their legislative powers and responsibilities to the Governor, and 4) elected officials used their legislative powers to eradicate their political competition and reap the benefit of an enormous slush fund themselves, why would anyone even consider rewarding an incumbent with reelection? Demonstrating their willingness to ignore the NYS Constitution -- not one incumbent deserves to be reelected. 

Our society slid down the slippery slope and is now imbedded in tyranny quicksand. You have witnessed, and probably felt the consequences of the government tyranny -- civil unrest, financial hardship. While you still can, vote for people in a political party who will not trade your rights for government benefits. Cast your vote for liberty. Vote Libertarian and help end the tyranny. 

I will work to restore county representation in the Assembly, will oppose the creation of a regional government being inserted between county and the State governments (a proposal my opponent cosponsored), will work to promote legislation that encourages homeschooling, will work to eliminate state mandates, and will work to get government to comply with the Second Amendment prohibition and restore your Ninth and 10^th Amendment rights to defend yourself and your family. 

This year, vote Libertarian.

(To reregister to vote or to change your party affiliation click on this link:  https://voterreg.dmv.ny.gov/motorvoter/)