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Press release:

The Genesee County Health Departments will host a FREE drive thru anti-rabies immunization clinic Oct. 15.

Note that last month, Orleans County had two exposures from feral cats that tested positive for rabies and resulted in unnecessary and costly post exposure treatments. It’s important to avoid contact with unknown animals both wild and domestic – love your own, leave the rest alone. It is an important reminder that all dogs, cats and ferrets are to be updated on their rabies vaccines.

• The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Oct. 15th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

• To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

• Click here (pdf) to print out and fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out TWO copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you. Masks are required when speaking to staff and when outside of your vehicle at the vaccination station.

  For more information, please contact:

Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555

• Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

Public Notice

Judge Road between Crosby Road and Griffen Road in the Town of Alabama will be closed Oct. 12^th through approximately Dec.  31^st  for a bridge replacement project. The road will NOT be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles. A detour will be posted. 

The public will be notified when the road reopens.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) signed a discharge petition yesterday to force a vote on H.R. 8265, a bill that would release the over $130 billion in unspent Paycheck Protection Program funds currently available.

“American small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, and we have an excellent opportunity to deliver them critical aid now," Jacobs said. "The success of the Paycheck Protection Program cannot be disputed, so the fact that this bill has been used as a pawn in partisan games is an appalling disservice to the American people.

"I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 8265, and I am proud to sign this discharge petition and join my colleagues to support American small businesses. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to sign this petition to help us get this critical funding to our small businesses and main streets."

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. is pleased to announce that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has completed the reaccreditation audit of its law enforcement bureau.

An accredited law enforcement agency is reassessed every five years and must show they have been in compliance with the 133 standards during that time period. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office received its initial accreditation in year 2000.

The Law Enforcement Accreditation Program provides agencies with a method for developing and adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness within the field of law enforcement and to provide formal recognition of that excellence. The Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is voluntary. Of the approximately 550 law enforcement agencies within New York State, approximately 145 agencies are accredited.

The Office will be officially recognized at the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council meeting in Albany in December.

“I would like to show special recognition to Deputy Deborah Snyder for her dedication to the reaccreditation of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office," Sheriff Sheron said. "I am extremely proud of the Sheriff’s Office for meeting these strict compliance standards set by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Service and for the professionalism of all the employees of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office."

Press release:

SYRACUSE -- National Grid today filed a customer assistance proposal with its New York regulator that would provide up to $50 million in financial assistance to support its most economically vulnerable residential customers as well as businesses that are struggling because of the pandemic’sfinancial impact.

The company sought input from the New York State Department of Public Service staff, customer advocates and other stakeholders to design the programs and determine how best to allocate the assistance to those most in need.

“Six months into the pandemic, the economic recovery remains relatively flat and unemployment rates are increasing sharply in the COVID-19 recession," said John Bruckner, National Grid’s New York president. "National Grid’s relief package offers an important opportunity to provide our customers with financial assistance to lessen their hardship beyond what we currently offer through our existing COVID-19 programs and services.”

Bruckner noted that funding for the programs will be targeted to customers who are in arrears and/or unable to pay their energy bills due to financial hardship stemming from the pandemic.

“By redeploying existing customer funds to programs carefully designed to address identified economic hardships, we believe our proposed programs will help with the financial difficulties currently being experienced by our customers,” he said.

• Programs Offer Additional Support for Economically Vulnerable Residential Customers

  National Grid’s proposal includes up to $25 million in funding for two new programs forresidential customers enrolled in the company’s Energy Assistance Program. Participants in the EAP are among the company’s most vulnerable customers, facing financial hardships that could require them to choose between paying their energy bills and other necessities. The company believes that bill credits are the best tool for providing immediate assistance to help these customers manage their energy costs.
  Program Highlights:

  Enhanced Economic Development Programs

  For National Grid’s business customers, the company’s proposal includes up to $25 million for a new arrears forgiveness plan and two enhanced economic development grant programs.
   

• Program Highlights:

  1. Under the proposal, EAP customers would receive an immediate, one-time bill credit on both the gas and electricity portions of their bills.

  2. Customers enrolled in EAP who also have a Deferred Payment Agreement will receive up to 12 monthly arrears incentive payments if they honor that agreement, which requires paying their current bill and a monthly installment toward their past due balance.

  3. If there are any funds remaining in this program after 12 months, the balance will be shared as a final one-time bill credit for all EAP customers.

  4. Upon implementation, distressed business customers who enroll in a Deferred Payment Agreement under the program’s guidelines, will receive a bill credit on a portion of their arrears if they are current on their DPA.

  5. These customers may receive a second bill credit on a portion of their arrears upon completion of their DPA.

  6. A new COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Grant Program that offers grants to large commercial and industrial customers for eligible recovery-related expenses, including personal protective equipment, environmental health and safety measures, interest expenses associated with pandemic-related loans, and machinery and equipment costs.

  7. Further enhancing the existing Manufacturing Productivity Program so that qualifying small- and medium-sized business can apply for funds to support COVID-19 recovery and future resiliency, including business continuity planning, enterprise risk management, and support for employee/environmental health and safety. The funding would remain available through August or until program funding is depleted.

  8. Bruckner noted that while New York State and the federal government have taken measures to assist residents and businesses during this unprecedented time, the duration of the pandemic is unknown, and the impacts are difficult to predict. “We believe that additional assistance is necessary for our customers. Our proposal is a way for us to provide crucial near-term relief,” he said.

     Continuing Customer Commitment

     National Grid remains focused on providing solutions to customers who are suffering from thepandemic’s financial and personal impacts. Some of the immediate actions the company took at the onset of the pandemic to help customers include:

     • Donating nearly $1 million across New York to support hunger relief, human services agencies and others.

     • Pausing residential disconnections and fees, late payment charges and collections-related activities and offering flexible payment plans.

     • Launching extensive customer outreach through emails, letters, traditional and digital media, webinars, and calls to provide information on managing energy bills, offer flexiblepayment and billing options, and provide details on financial assistance and energy savings programs. We encourage customers who are struggling to pay their bills to contactus as soon as possible so that we can help.

     • Offering the expertise of our Consumer Advocates to provide crisis intervention support for customers, working closely with county Social Services and community assistance organizations.

     • Providing enhanced economic development support to New York businesses producing critical pandemic supplies.

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

     • Key Highlights

     • Up to $25 million for low income customers enrolled in the Energy Assistance Program with immediate bill credits and up to 12 monthly arrears incentive payments.

     • Up to $20 million in arrears incentive payments for business customers.

     • Up to $5 million for new COVID-19 recovery assistance grants for commercial, industrial and small business customers.

Press release:

• Genesee County received five new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Elba, and Oakfield.
  • Two of the individuals are between the ages of 0-20, one is in their 20s, one is in their 30s, and one is in their 60s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fourteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
• Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Monday’s check presentation took place at Stafford Country Club. From right are: Dan Ireland, UMMC president, Dr. Nicholas Loffredo and his wife Annie Loffredo and their two little daughters.

Submitted photo and press release:

The United Memorial Medical Center Foundation Annual Golf, Tennis and Bocce Tournament raised funds for the hospital for more than 20 years. When it was eliminated in 2018, one of UMMC’s own immediately stepped up to fill the void, forming a not-for-profit called North Pole Charity to take its place and resume the event.

“Giving back has always been important to me and my family,” said Nicholas Loffredo, DO, United Memorial Medical Center orthopedic surgeon. “I’m thrilled to carry on this longstanding tradition that will support United Memorial Medical Center and its healthcare workers, helping to ensure local access to great care in this community for decades to come.”

This year’s event raised $4,000 for the hospital and a total of $8,000 since its revival last year.

“As COVID-19 became more prevalent in the community, we were concerned the tournament would be canceled,” Dr. Loffredo said. “It was even more important to carry on with the golf tournament this year to help support the healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 on the frontline.”

North Pole Charity plans to build on this tournament to raise additional funds for the hospital for years to come.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 a.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for an early morning of reflection and “New Beginnings."

Presenter for the morning will be Chad Klotzbach, owner of Alleghany Farm Services and Genesee County Legislator. Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Limited in-person and virtual options are available. Please RSVP by Oct. 12 to Yvonne Peck:   ydp3@cornell.edu or call (585) 343-3040, ext. 123.

Submitted photo and press release:

Calling all creative people to dress up a pumpkin in any style they choose to compete for an Amazon Gift Card at the Hollwedel Memorial Library!

Everyone is invited to bring in a festive pumpkin anytime between now and Wednesday Oct. 28 to take part in a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Library patrons can vote for a winner from the entries on display when they checkout any books, DVDs, or other library materials.

There are two age categories, one for children up to 12 years of age, and the other for folks that are 13 and older. Each winner in their category will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. 

“We already have some pretty cute entries that are getting votes,” says Library Director Josselyn Borowiec. “We’d love to have more dressed up pumpkins to choose from.”

Enter your decorated -- not carved -- pumpkin from now until Oct. 28. Get in early so people can see and vote for your creation!

Information about this contest, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Photo: Library Director Josselyn Borowiec shows off two of the entries in the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Votes can be cast at the library at checkout. 

Press release:

Travis Sick has recently joined Tompkins Bank of Castile as Branch Manager in the Arcade office. In his new role, he is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the branch, staff development and customer care. In addition, he also oversees business development for Tompkins, focusing on gaining new customers and retaining existing ones.

Prior to joining Tompkins, Sick worked three years as the Director of Game Day Operations & Special Events for the Rochester Red Wings and nine years as General Manager of the Batavia Muckdogs. In those roles, he was responsible for business development, overseeing operations and outside events, as well as providing a high level of customer service.

“We are pleased to welcome Travis to our growing community banking team,” said Diane Torcello, senior vice president, Community Banking. “He will ensure that we continue to provide the highest level of customer service while creating mutually beneficial financial relationships with small business customers. He will truly be an asset to our team.”

Sick earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and business management from St. John Fisher College. He currently resides in Corfu.

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.19, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.65. The New York State average is $2.26 – down a penny since last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.74. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.21 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.23 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.20 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.25 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.32 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.19 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.32 (up 1 cent since last week)

In a recent report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted a slight uptick in demand from 8.48 million barrels per day to 8/52, which pushed the national average price up by one penny. Meanwhile, local prices remain flat. With low pump prices and fall colors beginning to show, many travelers will be tempted to take fall getaways to enjoy the foliage.

From GasBuddy:

"Higher oil prices caused most states to see gas prices inch higher, with the national average rising ever so slightly in the last week, breaking its three week streak of declines," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "However, the rise is likely temporary as oil prices that had pushed higher gave up their gains last week and closed near the low-side of the range they've been in for quite some time.

"According to Pay with GasBuddy data, gasoline demand declined again last week, falling nearly 1 percent from the prior week, largely in line with expectations as we head into the first full week of fall. While the Atlantic is finally silent -- likely temporary -- really the only upside we could see over the coming months would be borne out of hurricane season, or if a COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in pushing demand back closer to normal."

Attica author Rob Thompson has released his 17^th book, but only his second historical fiction. "Candle in the Rain" is the story of the 1997 Genesee County homicide of Ann Rippel (inset photo, right).

Her body was found in the Little Tonawanda Creek near Brookeville and Creek Roads in Bethany. No arrest has ever been made and Ann’s case has been labeled cold for many years.

“I’ve been working on a book about Ann’s case for a couple of years now,” Thompson said, “I had to be very careful, I was limited in what information I could access, and I remained in touch with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department along the way to make sure I wasn’t jeopardizing an active investigation.

“Above all I wanted to be respectful to Ann and to her family; so historical fiction seemed to be the best way to go. I don’t deviate from known facts of the case, but I do incorporate some fictional elements around those publicly known facts.”

Thompson uses vivid imagery in telling his own personal story and that of Rippel's.

“I found it a good opportunity to share with my readers aspects of our lives they may not know,” Thompson said. "Poets, balladeers, and purveyors of prose have bemoaned at how close their protagonists have been during the layout of damnable syntax. I’ve been personally close to many things in life, so close at times. I’ve been close to winning, close to losing, close to God and awfully close to His rival.” 

“In my opinion, the investigating officers are and have been very close to solving this case, I believe it comes down to just one or two things or even just one long-silent voice stepping forward. I wanted the readers to know Ann was a very real person and not a just a dusty file folder…for example what might she had said to her family if she had been given a chance.

“Perhaps she would have something like this…

“If tomorrow starts without me…if the sun should rise and find your eyes filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today…God looked down and smiled at me. He said, your life on Earth has passed, but here, life starts anew. You have been forgiven and now at last are free.”

Thompson said, “I conclude the book with my providing a behavioral profile on a possible suspect to the family. My background in psychology and literary psychoanalytical criticism aids me during such pursuits. Based on studying the scene, the public information on the crime and after interviewing Ann’s family my detailed profile concludes with the labeling of the possible suspect as a sociopath.

Because of COVID-19, there may be no public signings, the book is available on Amazon (paperback, $9.29) and if anyone knows anything about Rippel’s case, or have heard about what may have happened during that April in 1997 please call the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.

Press release: 

New York Council on Problem Gambling is hosting the 2020 Annual Conference VIRTUALLY. This year, we’re bringing the conference to YOU! We’re offering 20 hours of LIVE problem gambling education for only $20.

All sessions will take place on Oct. 8th and 9th.

Just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean we can’t see each other and connect. We’re excited to be offering networking sessions and online tools to support attendees and presenters who want to connect virtually.

Join your local Western NY Problem Gambling Resource Center staff, Jeffrey Wierzbicki and Angela DiRosa for 20 hours of virtual problem gambling education and partnership building. Check out all the exciting training and networking opportunities we are offering at this year's conference; attending is easier than ever!

Click here for more details! 

Or email: WesternPGRC@nyproblemgambling.org for a registration link.

The Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) New York/New Jersey Region will be hosting the Upstate NY Virtual Team Hope Walk on Sunday, Nov. 1.

HD is a fatal genetic disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain. In New York, the total HD population is more than 19,000.

Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event. Thousands of families, friends, coworkers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA's fight to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington's disease (HD) and their families.

A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get to choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill! 

Press release:

In response to President Trump’s announcement that he has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in New York’s 27th Congressional District, released the following statement: 

“A mere week after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing, the Trump administration speeds forward with its plan to install another extremist ideologue on the Supreme Court by Election Day in November, flouting the Constitution yet again in the process. 

“All this so the Republican party can cruelly do away with protections for preexisting conditions and go after women's health and protections for minority communities. Over 204,000 Americans are dead, seven million more infected and at risk of long-term effects of COVID-19.

"Over 40 million Americans are out of work and 12 million lost their health insurance since March. It is unconscionable that President Trump would choose a nominee who will deliver the death blow to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and rip health care away from millions of people during a deadly pandemic.

After Justice Ginsburg’s passing, I said that Trump’s choice for the nomination would unravel Justice Ginsburg’s legacy of protecting choice and equality. Sadly, I was correct. And the hyper-political nature of this moment puts on full display his utter contempt for the American judicial system and the confirmation process. 

“There is no doubt that Trump will, if allowed to stack the highest court in the United States, ask them to overturn the ACA, including its protections for people with preexisting conditions. If Trump has his way, complications from COVID-19, on top of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and pregnancy, will become preexisting conditions that allow families to be denied healthcare coverage.

“My opponent, who has only known a life of wealth and privilege, including lifelong access to excellent healthcare, has already signaled his support of Trump’s nominee. Chris Jacobs has no idea what it is like to be unemployed or struggling, without health insurance, in a health crisis. I do. The voters do. God help us."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement following the President’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court today.

“Today the President fulfilled his constitutional obligation and put forth his nomination to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Ginsburg," Congressman Jacobs said. "Judge Amy Coney Barrett is highly qualified, well respected, and has a record of upholding the Constitution.

"While the House of Representatives has no formal role in the confirmation process, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to give Judge Barrett a fair, swift and respectful consideration."