Today's Veteran's Day ceremonies:
Organizations participating:
Press release:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.62, up 1 cent since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.70. The New York State average is $2.70 – up 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.91. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.65 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.64 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.67 (no change since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.67 (no change since last week)
- Rome -- $2.64 (down 3 cents since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.59 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.65 (down 1 cent since last week)
The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that total domestic stocks of gasoline decreased for the sixth consecutive week pushing stocks 10.8 million barrels lower than last year’s level at this time.
Reduced stock levels, amid robust demand, have helped to push the national gas price average higher. Although demand took a significant step back week over week, it remains higher than last year’s rate in early November. The national average could increase further if demand continues to remain robust as stocks decline.
Press release:
Nate McMurray, running in the Special Election in NY-27, has been endorsed by Genesee County Democratic Chair Michael Plitt. He has also been endorsed by the Democratic chairs of Niagara, Wyoming, and Monroe counties.
"Genesee County Democrats are excited to help Nate McMurray finish the job he started last year," Plitt said. "Our volunteers worked tirelessly and will do so again because they believe in Nate and his message.
"Voters in Batavia crossed party lines for him and the city went blue for the first time in years. We believe our government should work for all people, not just the elite; and we are confident Nate will be the representative we all deserve."
“I am proud to have the support of Michael Plitt and the Genesee County Democrats as I run for Congress," McMurray said. "Across Genesee, and across Western New York as a whole, families are struggling to make ends meet and our lack of representation in Washington is not helping. I will fight for the healthcare access and jobs our region needs."
Genesee County is outperforming many other municipalities in New York when it comes to getting the highest possible return on tax dollars, a financial consultant told members of the Legislature this week.
Over the past year, the county has earned almost $1.6 million by adroitly managing cash flows and placing cash reserves in investments with the best returns while minimizing risk and complying with state regulations.
With a $32 million tax levy, that return is about 4.77 percent, which means lawmakers can keep the property tax rate lower. If they wanted to generate an additional $1.6 million in property tax revenue, they couldn't do that without violating the state's tax cap.
The reason: "The county treasurer is willing to step out of the box and do whatever it takes to help the taxpayers," said Garrett Macdonald, a Genesee County resident who is vice president of Three+1, a financial consulting firm based in Pittsford.
Also, Macdonald said the county is "looking at data more intuitively and making sure that we're really looking under every stone to earn more. A lot of times (with) public entities, it's not the first priority to earn more on taxpayer dollars.
"The first priority is to make sure it's safe, to make sure that it's in deposit, that the money gets somewhere that it's recorded. And then budgeting is important. Treasury always is kind of a second priority.
"But in Genesee County's case, they're able to accomplish all the above. So looking at data, working with their banks, really putting treasury and earnings at the top of the priority list, along with safety, legality, liquidity."
Because there is money coming in before it's needed for public services, and because the county is required to maintain a cash reserve, there is always cash on hand.
What a government agency can do with it is regulated by the state, and among the things the county can do is buy treasury bills -- place it in money market accounts or certificate of account registries, or other safe and liquid investment vehicles. There are about seven options in total.
Treasurer Scott German spends time every week looking at the data and working with Macdonald on what the county's portfolio should look like based on market conditions and cash flow needs.
"I want to get the biggest return I can for the taxpayer," German said. "Therefore, using his information that he is able to provide, his negotiations with other banks, we are able to maximize the returns for the taxpayers.
"I mean, you compare me to probably any other county in the State of New York, I'm probably doing probably double or triple in interest rates, percentage-wise."
Macdonald said the county's return is well above the 1.5-percent benchmark local agencies should try to achieve, and that most municipalities struggle to get a 1-percent return.
There's one government agency, he said, that has a tax levy $26 million higher than Genesee County's and is generating $600,000 in investment income, less than half of what Genesee County is generating. And that's the next largest total dollar return in the comparison group.
"The biggest point that I will hone in on again and just reiterate: our goal is to maximize the value that the public creates through tax dollars," Macdonald said. "If we can do that through generating new revenues, that doesn't include increasing taxes, that's a big win."
Among economists, there has been a lot of talk about the inverted yield curve (a graph tracking returns on long-term and short-term bonds; when the economic outlook is good, long-term rates are higher than short-term rates; when the curve inverts, it's a sign investors have lost confidence in long-term returns). The curve inverted last quarter, which is a possible sign of a coming recession.
Macdonald believes the bond markets are correcting and he doesn't see a recession on the two-year horizon (in the past, when the yield curve has inverted, there has been a recession within 18 months). That said, if there is a recession in the next year, because of the money management practices of German, Genesee County's funds should be protected.
Financial markets are always cyclical, Macdonald noted, which is why it's important to stay on top of what is going on every week.
"If we have a recession in two years, I think the impact is yet to be known because we don't have money invested for two years," Macdonald said. "The longest we have money invested for the county's about one year.
"But when I can tell you is, looking into 2020, even though rates have gone down three times -- once in July, once in September and then once in October -- it's because we've been proactive and because Scott's been proactive at investing early before those decreases.
"We're still going to beat benchmarks going into 2020. So, where most counties are being reactive, Genesee County is proactive."
Get ready, here it comes, maybe, the first significant snowfall of the season.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Monday morning through late Monday night.
Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are possible.
The worst travel conditions, the period of the heaviest snowfall, is expected from late Monday afternoon through Monday night.
A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Clinton Street Road (Route 33) and Griswold Road in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department, Mercy medics and law enforcement are responding.
UPDATE 10:31 a.m.: The law enforcement officer on scene reports Griswold Road is blocked.
UPDATE 11:01 a.m.: This was a minor-injury accident involving two vehicles, both requiring tows. A 55-year-old male with no complaints of pain is being taken to UMMC for evaluation. Only law enforcement remains at the scene.
A possible serious injury accident involving two-vehicles is reported in the city at 123 S. Swan St. Police, fire and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 11:34 p.m.: A code enforcement officer is called to the scene.
UPDATE 11:44 p.m.: Two sedans collided in front of the Polish Falcons of America Nest in Batavia, which caused one vehicle to slam into the front porch at 129 S. Swan.
UPDATE 11:47 p.m.: Both drivers, the sole occupants, were able to self extricate from their vehicles and neither sustained serious injuries.
UPDATE 11:51 p.m.: It appears one driver will be a sign-off and the other will be transported to UMMC for evaluation.
UPDATE 11:59 p.m.: One vehicle was northbound on South Swan Street; the other was southbound. The investigation continues to determine if one of the cars was making a turn into the parking lot when the collision occurred.
UPDATE 12:08 a.m.: City firefighters are expected to be on the scene for awhile because they have to deploy air bags under the damaged porch in order to remove the vehicle so it can be towed. They will then have to put wood supports in place to temporarily prop up the porch.
Press release:
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that major construction is complete on a $1.6 million project to replace elements of the bridge carrying U.S. Route 20 over Oatka Creek in the Town of Pavilion, Genesee County.
The bridge, which reopened to traffic today, will be more resilient and capable of withstanding potential damage from flooding or stream debris during inclement weather.
“By making existing infrastructure more resilient to wearing and weather impacts, we are investing in the future of our transportation system,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “The renovations, which DOT incorporated as part of this project provide safe access for users and will greatly benefit Genesee County residents and travelers as part of the Finger Lakes Forward initiative.”
As part of this project, the existing steel truss was replaced with a modern steel multi-girder superstructure that includes a concrete deck. To accommodate all users of the roadway, 12-foot-wide travel lanes and seven-foot-wide shoulders were included in the striping pattern of the bridge to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Multi-girder type bridges have more redundant elements than truss bridges, making them more resilient. Rip rap shoring up the base provides additional strength to the bridge, preventing erosion, and the inclusion of joint-less approaches to the bridge will help reduce corrosion.
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said “I am glad that the construction on Route 20 bridge over Oatka Creek is complete. The safety of our roads and bridges is one of my top priorities. With winter fast approaching this construction completion was crucial.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said “The Route 20 Bridge over Oatka Creek has been subject to flood waters and damage for some time, and I am pleased to see that repairs have been made and travelers may now cross the bridge with ease and confidence. Safe and reliable infrastructure is paramount for our business owners, local residents and emergency service vehicles, and I will continue to advocate for Western New York’s bridge road and highway needs moving forward.”
During the bridge closure, which began in July, motorists were detoured using nearby state routes 19 and 63. While the bridge is now open to vehicular traffic, there is anticipated cleanup work and shoulder work remaining.
For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY app.
A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:
As we approach Veterans Day weekend, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging his constituents and all New Yorkers to reserve some time to speak to and thank a veteran or current service member for their dedication and sacrifice to preserving our way of life.
Hawley, the son of a veteran, served seven years in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves and reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
“Military service runs deep in my family and Veterans Day will always hold a special place in my heart,” Hawley said. “Whether it be my annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., to give back to local veterans or my efforts in Albany, I try to improve the lives of our active military and veterans consistently throughout the year.”
Hawley is a true champion in Albany for our current and retired military members in Albany. When Downstate politician blocked a bill earlier this year to provide free college tuition to Gold Star families, Hawley launched a national campaign to ensure that the dependents of our state’s heroes receive the benefits they deserve, and ultimately was successful.
“Our veterans display a tremendous amount of sacrifice and dedication to preserving our way of life and their actions have helped shape our country into the pinnacle of liberty and success,” Hawley continued. “I encourage all my constituents and New Yorkers alike to take time this weekend to thank a veteran for their service and pray for those who are still fighting overseas.”
Hawley sponsors several pieces of legislation to make the “Campaign Service Medal” more inclusive, help veterans start small businesses and remove admission fees for veterans to state parks. Hawley also played a pivotal role in ushering in the Veterans Buy-back Bill that allows vets to purchase up to three years of military service back from the state in exchange for a credit toward their public pension.
A rollover accident with injuries is reported at routes 19 and 20, Pavilion Center. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding along with law enforcement.
UPDATE 3:59 p.m.: A first responder says the pickup truck was southbound on Route 19 and then turned left onto the onramp to Route 20 and was T-boned by a minivan that was northbound on Route 20 19. The truck rollover over as a result of the impact and the minivan was disabled in the roadway. Both drivers, who were the sole occupants, sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
A tractor-trailer vs. car accident with unknown injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 325.7. Smoke and/or fire is reportedly coming from the big rig. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire department and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: Traffic lanes were closed due to the accident but one lane of traffic is now reopened.
UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: Lanes reopened; assignment is back in service.
Press release:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced, following his years-long support and advocacy, his legislation, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, has unanimously passed the Senate and will now head to the president’s desk for signature.
The bipartisan PACT Act, introduced in the Senate by senators Pat Toomey [R-PA], Richard Blumenthal [D-CT], Dianne Feinstein [D-CA] and Dick Durbin [D-IL], and cosponsored by Schumer, closes a loophole created by the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act.
The law criminalized the creation and distribution of videos depicting the torture of animals, but prevented federal law enforcement from prosecuting abusers.
Once the PACT Ace is signed into law, Schumer explained, criminals that are caught torturing or otherwise harming animals can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and even sentenced to up to seven years in prison.
“For far too long, animal abusers have used a loophole to avoid penalties or repercussions for their heinous acts," Schumer said. "The maiming and torturing of innocent animals is abhorrent and will now finally be a federal felony, punishable to the fullest extent of the law.
"After years of supporting the PACT Act, I’m delighted that it’s finally headed to the president to be signed and become law."
“Time and again, we’ve seen the linkage between animal cruelty and cruelty and crimes against people," said Libby Post, executive director, New York State Animal Protection Federation. "It is essential to take pro-active steps to curtail animal crimes and give law enforcement the tools they need to stop these crimes.
"Shelters across New York are partners with law enforcement and district attorneys that tackle animal cruelty. Many shelters across the state give safe harbor to the animals who survive this abuse. The New York State Animal Protection Federation stands with Senator Schumer in fighting animal crimes and thanks him for standing up for animals. The PACT Act is a crucial step forward and we have Senator Schumer to thank for it."
Though Schumer supported the PACT Act during the last two Congresses as well, it ultimately failed to pass in the House of Representatives. The PACT Act was reintroduced this year by Senators Blumenthal, Toomey, Feinstein and Durbin, and garnered a bipartisan group of 41 cosponsors, including Schumer.
Despite the federal animal crush video law enacted in 2010, banning the creation, sale, and distribution of videos that show live animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or subjected to other heinous abuse, Congress failed to make the act of crushing a federal crime.
Therefore, even when there was overwhelming and substantiated evidence that torture is taking place, current federal law only prohibits and criminalizes animal cruelty if the offenders create and sell videos depicting the abuse, leaving federal law enforcement unable to arrest known abusers or protect the animals. The PACT Act ensures that those found guilty of torturing animals face fines, felony charges, and up to seven years in prison.
The PACT Act is supported by the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Wellness Action, National Sheriffs' Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the country.
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the companion bill on Oct. 23 with 301 cosponsors.
If you like watching the Buffalo Bills play football on TV and enjoy cornhole for a good cause, there's a fundraiser at Eli Fish Brewing Co. in Downtown Batavia on Sunday to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western New York.
The Nov. 10th event is being organized by Erin Worbs, who will soon be honored as one of the Foundation's WNY Rising Stars Class of 2019, which recognizes the area's outstanding young professionals.
Worbs, who lives and works in Batavia, is committed to raising funds to help the Foundation's mission of controlling and curing cystic fibrosis.
The Bills' watch party (vs. the Cleveland Browns) starts at 1 p.m. and the cornhole tournament begins as soon as the game ends, tentatively about 4:30.
Admission to the cornhole tournament is $20 per person, and the winning team will receive two tickets to either a Bills or Sabres home game!
There are no tickets required for the watch party, but there is a suggested donation of $15, and snacks will be provided.
Eli Fish Brewing Co. is located at 109 Main St.
And if anyone can’t make the event but would like to donate online they can do so here until Nov. 12th.
This undertaking isn't Worbs' first on behalf of the devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene.
She interned with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in college, and was chair of the Pitt Dance Marathon that raised more $60,000 for CFF, and the overall president of Pitt Greek Week, which raised more than $350,000 for the Foundation.
"I am constantly impressed by all the incredible work that CFF does to improve the lives of those with cystic fibrosis, and to help find a cure," Worbs says. "I am thrilled to have this chance to continue my fundraising efforts for this amazing cause, and with your help we can all be a part of making CF stand for Cure Found!"
Worbs holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a law degree from the University of Texas and is a financial advisor for Wealth Management at Merrill Lynch in Batavia. She is also a member of the Batavia Area Jaycees and a Genesee County Symphony Orchestra Board member.
Looking for that perfect gift this year? Don't miss the Holiday Shopping Bazaar held exclusively at Genesee Community College on one day only!
It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, and admission is free.
All are welcome and invited.
This unique collection of shops and vendors will display their finest in cutlery, jewelry, household items and gutters, crafts and much more!
Due to demand, GCC has opened the vendor registration to accept just a handful more vendors to this unique event.
Vendors can register to participate in this shopping bazaar for $50 by contacting ptk@genesee.edu. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Proceeds from the bazaar support GCC's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
The campus is located at 1 College Road in the Town of Batavia.
Submitted photos and information from Kate M. Schrodt.
The Alexander Central School Drama Club will present its production of "The Little Mermaid" this weekend!
Shows are Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.
It's a show you don't want to miss! Get your tickets today here. Prices are $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors (60+)/veterans.
Tickets at the door cost $11 for adults and $9 for students/seniors (60+)/veterans.
"The Little Mermaid" is the name of a Disney animated musical romantic fastasy film produced in 1989.
It's about a 16-year-old mermaid princess named Ariel in the kingdom of Atlantica, a fantasy kingdom in the Atlantic Ocean. She is fascinated by the human world above. With her best friend Flounder, Ariel collects human artifacts in her grotto and often goes to the surface of the ocean to visit Scuttle visit, a seagull who offers very inaccurate knowledge of human culture. She ignores the warnings of her father King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica, and Sebastian, a crab who serves as Triton's adviser and court composer, that contact between merpeople and humans is forbidden. ...
"The Little Mermaid" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Here's the Cast List:
ARIEL -- Erin Hess
PILOT -- Evan Whitmore
PRINCE ERIC -- Nolan Quackenbush
GRIMSBY -- Shawn Calmes
FLOUNDER -- Paige Bryant
SCUTTLE -- Paige Sikorski
WINDWARD -- Emma Ferraro
LEEWARD -- Kylie Shillea
SEBASTIAN -- Ethan Stroud
KING TRITON -- Nathaniel Luker
AQUATA -- Jasmine Wessel
ANDRINA -- Emma Cline
ARISTA -- Leanne Dolph
ATINA -- Julia Francis
ADELLA -- Alyssa Lafferty
ALLANA -- Aubrey Hamm
FLOTSAM -- Morgan Burns
JETSAM -- Holly Ulrich
URSULA -- Lydia Daley
CHEF LOUIS -- Kylie Shillea
ENSEMBLE: Kathryn McClellan, Patience Thomas, Brittany Johnson, Kylee McClellan, Emma Hollands, Olivia Burkhardt, Brooke Harman, Angelina Luker, Kristen Thompson, Stuart Ulrich, Riley Wall, Corey Hanlin, Bryanna Snyder, Kasey Smith.
Submitted photo and press release:
Extending the reach of the One GCC efforts at Genesee Community College, Diversity and Inclusion coordinator Sara Vacin and the Inclusive Excellence Committee will host Social Justice Day on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Batavia Campus Forum.
This event is made possible through a SUNY Diversity and Inclusion Performance Improvement Fund and is FREE and open to the entire community.
As her journey ensued, she became a nationally recognized activist, which she will describe in her keynote presentation, "The Voice of Farmworkers' Rights."
In addition, on Tuesday, Art Force 5, a group of self-proclaimed "art-equipped heroes" founded at Alfred University will lead attendees to do as they have done and embrace creativity over conflict through the creation of a large mosaic piece.
The mosaic will become a visual tribute to GCC's Open Door Internship Program.
From 2 - 2:55 p.m. Social Justice Day participants can attend one of the following sessions:
From 3 - 3:55 p.m. participants can choose from the following sessions:
Finally, at 4 p.m. all participants are encouraged to come together for refreshments and a closing discussion reflecting on the opportunities to put the information they've been given into action in their own lives.
We got a bit of snow today. In this photo, you can see the flakes cutting across the tree in a cornfield off of Route 33 near Route 237 in Batavia. We may get a little more snow tonight, with an anticipated low tonight of 28 degrees.
Press release:
The public is invited to the upcoming public presentations of the candidates for the position of executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.
They will be held at CCE, located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia, as follows:
Any questions can be directed to Yvonne Peck at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.
Public Notice
The annual election of the East Pembroke Fire District will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10th, between 6 and 9 p.m. at the East Pembroke Fire District Hall, located at 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia.
It is for the purpose of electing one Fire Commissioner for the term of five years, commencing Jan. 1 of next year and ending Dec. 31 2024.
Petitions may be obtained by contacting William R. Joyce, 2539 Main Road, East Pembroke (NY 14056) or by calling 585-762-9913.
Qualified candidates shall file their petitions signed by 25 registered voters of the East Pembroke Fire District. Petitions must be filed with the East Pembroke Fire District Secretary no later than Nov. 30.
This notice is by order of the East Pembroke Fire District Secretary William R. Joyce.
A farm truck is on fire in the area of 6697 Quaker Hill Road, Byron.
The initial call was for smoke coming from a dashboard. A few minutes later, the dispatcher informed first responders that the truck is now on fire.
Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched. Fire police requested to shut down the road.
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