Orleans County has declared a state of emergency and all public schools are closed until further notice.
“Over the past week, COVID-19 has evolved rapidly,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “While Orleans County has no confirmed cases, there are confirmed cases in a neighboring county and increasing local testing. I believe it is inevitable we will see cases here in Orleans County. With this in mind and after discussion with Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, I am declaring a state of emergency for Orleans County. I am recommending that all schools in Orleans County close to students effective immediately for an undetermined amount of time.”
Paul Pettit, Public Health director: “We still want to remind people the risk in our community still remains relatively low and these decisions are based on the need to slow transmission in our communities. Through ongoing discussions with all 5 school districts and county administration, this unified decision is based on the increased activity in our county and has led to these preventive measures.”
The recommendation applies to students, districts can make individual determinations regarding faculty and staff.
“With the announcement of Monroe County schools closing and Kendall and Holley share students with the Monroe County BOCES program, I feel this is a difficult but proactive approach to slow the potential spread of disease,” said Julie Christensen, superintendent of Kendall Central School.
“We understand the potential hardship this can have on our families,” stated Michael Bonnewell, superintendent of Albion Central School, “but are in agreement with this decision.”
“Even though there are no positive cases of COVID-19 in Orleans County we believe taking a proactive approach will help keep our students and their families healthy,” said Mark Kruzynski, superintendent of Medina School District.
“We will continue to work with the Health Department to determine when we can get our students back to school, but want our families to understand that this is a rapidly evolving situation and we are concerned for the safety of our school family,” said Jason Smith, superintendent of Lyndonville School District.
“As a District Superintendent it is our charge to provide safe, quality education for the students of our district,” said Brian Bartalo, superintendent of Holley School District. “We understand this is an unprecedented response to the COVID-19 outbreak and anticipate that these steps will help protect our communities and limit the potential spread of disease.
“With the declaration of a State of Emergency it allows us to procure goods and services as well as required and available assistance to municipalities and school districts vital to the security, well- being, and health and safety of the citizens of Orleans County,” said Dale Banker, director of Emergency Management for Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2020 at 4:08 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The sign at Medina Central School announces that schools are closed until further notice.
Not long after Kendall announced it would be closing until further notice, the four school districts in Orleans County said they, too, also would be closed beginning on Monday due to health threats from the coronavirus.
Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina announced they will be closed, and that includes no sports or extracurricular activities.
Michael Bonnewell, Albion Central School superintendent, said the district will be closed “for an undetermined time,” per the recommendation from Paul Pettit, the Public Health director in Orleans and Genesee counties.
All 22 public school districts also won’t be opening next week in Monroe County.
Michael Bonnewell, Albion Central School superintendent, shared this message on the district’s website:
The COVID-19 virus continues to impact our daily lives.
Effective immediately, upon the recommendation of the Orleans County Health Director, all schools in Orleans County are closed for an undetermined period of time. The closure applies to student classes and extracurricular activities. County and school officials will reexamine the closure status at least weekly.
All 12-month employees will continue to report for work as per their usual schedule. Tuesday, March 17. has been designated as a Superintendent’s Conference Day, with all 10-month employees to report for work that day as per their usual schedule.
Additional information about the virus, the closure, alternate instruction, and the availability of continuing school meals for students will be provided on this webpage and referenced in upcoming messages through the emergency alert system. Check back here often!
Mark Kruzynski, Medina Central School superintendent, shared this message on the district website:
“Due to the declaration of a state of emergency in Orleans County, and after consultation with the public health departments, all Medina Central Schools will be closed to students effective immediately until further notice. While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school district, this closure is being done to mitigate the spread of the virus.
This closing includes all school-related activities including sports, marching band, all extracurricular activities, and all community activities within the schools.
The Medina Central School district has plans to provide meals, social supports, and plans to continue student learning during this closure. All information can be found here: www.medinacsd.org/COVID-19. This site will be continually updated with new information for everyone throughout the closure.
The Orleans County Health Department and school leaders throughout the county will be reviewing this on a week to week basis – and providing an update by midday Friday.”
Holley Central School posted this message on the district website:
The Holley Central School District is closed for students beginning Monday, March 16, until further notice. This closing includes all school-related events, including sports and extra-curricular activities.
Information regarding at-home learning activities, food distribution and other important information for families will be sent out as soon as possible, when more information is known.
Jason Smith, Lyndonville Central School superintendent, shared this message on the district website:
After extensive discussions with area superintendents, information from the Department of Health and County officials, I have decided to close Lyndonville Central Schools, beginning Monday, March 16th, 2020. Decisions regarding opening will be made on a weekly basis, with updates each Friday. I want you to know this decision was not made lightly.
As of today, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orleans and Niagara Counties. However, two cases have been confirmed in Monroe County and all Monroe County schools have announced their plans to close.
Please look for instructional updates on our website. Learning activities, resources, and directions on how to access them will be on a regular basis for all students.
Below are additional updates:
INSTRUCTIONAL UPDATE
Wi fi access – Our school has a building-wide hot-spot that can be accessed from our parking lot. Information will be released ASAP.
Chromebooks will be made available by Friday, March 20, for 7-12 students. Distribution plans will be announced mid-week
Regents course resources are being downloaded for individual student thumb drive use and further information will be provided.
NUTRITION UPDATE
Students will have the opportunity to receive both breakfast and lunch while school remains closed.
Breakfasts and lunches may be picked up daily in the front loop by the cafeteria door between 8:00 AM and NOON, beginning Tuesday, March 17th
There is NO cost for breakfast and lunch during school closure, regardless of free/reduced lunch or full pay status.
ATHLETICS/EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
All athletics and extra-curricular activities are suspended immediately.
If your family is experiencing hardship with pickup times for food, learning supplies, or need transportation, please contact Mrs. Lamay, District Clerk at LLamay@LCSDK12.org or (585) 765-3101.
We will continue to work with the NYS Department of Education, the Orleans County Health Department, area superintendents and state and local officials to monitor the situation and determine the best course of action moving forward.
We will update you with additional information through our website, calls, texts and social media. If your contact information needs to be updated, please contact Tanya Marek at 765-3102.
The district has also added information regarding COVID-19 to our website, and I encourage you to look there for resources on how to remain healthy as this virus spreads.
Thank you for your patience as we work together to navigate this ever-changing situation. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. As always, please contact me with any questions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2020 at 3:10 pm
All 22 school districts in Monroe County will be closed
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kendall Central School will be closed beginning on Monday.
Kendall Central School will be closed beginning Monday until further notice.
The closing also means no sports practices or extracurricular events. Kendall announced the news in automated phone calls to the community at 3 p.m.
The district said it will provide updates on its website and through social media.
All 22 public school districts in Monroe County also will be closed until further notice, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said this afternoon.
He made the announcement following the second confirmed case of coronavirus in Monroe, this time involving an employee at the Greece arcadia Middle School.
Here is the statement issued by Bello this afternoon:
“After consultation with Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Mendoza and the Superintendents of all 22 Monroe County School Districts, all Monroe County public schools will be closed to students beginning Monday, March 16, until further notice.
“Staff may be asked to report depending on the individual district needs.
“This closing includes all school-related activities, including sports and other extracurricular activities.
“Each individual school district will share more specific information regarding their plans for food, social supports, remote instruction, and other operational procedures with their individual communities.
“The Monroe County Health Department and school leaders will be reviewing this on a week-to-week basis — and providing an update by midday Friday.
“The City of Rochester will be announcing its efforts regarding food distribution and support for children and families tomorrow morning at a 10 a.m. press conference at the Emergency Operations Center.”
(Editor’s Note: There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Orleans or Genesee counties, and both counties each have two people under precautionary quarantine, according to the Orleans County Department of Health’s website.)
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Orleans & Genesee
“There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Genesee and Orleans counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee & Orleans Counties Departments of Health. “While the risk of community transmission is currently low, things are rapidly evolving with this outbreak. In response, our departments are proactively taking actions to safeguard our communities.”
The Health Departments are aware of a second positive case of COVID- 19 in Monroe County. “We continue to encourage social distancing where people avoid gathering in public places, limit contact with others; stay home if you are sick; if you are older and/or are immunocompromised with underlying health conditions stay home,” stated Pettit.
COVID-19 may cause symptoms including:
• Cough
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Pneumonia
“It is important to remain calm and focus on trusted, accurate information listed below,” stated Pettit. “We understand everyone wants to be updated but want to make sure the information is factual.”
For more information about prevention the state health department has an information call center for questions and answers about travel and symptoms regarding COVID-19. The number is 1-888-364-3065. Or you can visit the following websites:
BARRE– After an extensive period of public outreach and engagement, project engineering, and numerous studies, Apex Clean Energy’s Heritage Wind project filed its Article 10 permit application with the New York State Board on Electric Generating Siting and the Environment.
The first project to file an Article 10 application this year, Heritage Wind would consist of 33 wind turbines located within the Town of Barre in Orleans County. (Click here to see the layout for the proposed turbines in the town.)
If approved and built, the 184.8 megawatt project would connect to the New York State electrical grid via an interconnection substation that would be constructed within the town along the existing National Grid Lockport-to-Mortimer 115 kV power line.
“We are excited to be formally submitting our application, bringing Heritage Wind one step closer to becoming a reality and helping New York reach its clean energy goals,” said Karlis Povisils, senior vice president of development with Apex Clean Energy. “We have worked closely with community members and stakeholders for several years to bring this major economic development opportunity to Orleans County and look forward to a long-term partnership with the local community for years to come.”
Heritage Wind was awarded a 20-year contract for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the New York State Energy & Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) 2018 REC Solicitation and is currently working to secure buyers for the energy generated by the project.
In addition to generating enough clean, homegrown New York energy to power over 45,000 homes, Heritage Wind would create millions of dollars in economic activity for the Town of Barre and Orleans County, including an estimated $50 million in Host Community and PILOT Agreement payments to the town, county, and local school districts. The project would also support over 100 construction jobs and 12 local full-time jobs once the project is operational.
“Heritage Wind is one of the biggest economic development projects to come to Orleans County in memory,” said Larry Gaylard, a lifelong Barre resident and former Barre Town councilman of 18 years. “If approved, the project would invest millions of dollars in our communities throughout the construction process and life of the project. Permanent clean energy jobs and payments to local governments will be a benefit for decades. Congratulations to Apex Clean Energy and the entire Heritage Wind team on this major project milestone.”
In addition to the construction investment and payments to local governments, area farmers and landowners stand to benefit from the project through landowner lease payments totaling $50 million over the life of the project.
“It has been a tough couple of years for farmers, causing many young people to move out of rural farming communities” said Kirk Mathes, a sixth-generation farmer in Barre who will host a turbine on his property if Heritage Wind is approved by the New York Siting Board. “The revenue provided by harvesting the wind will help stabilize farm incomes and allow family farms to continue on for generations to come.”
With the application formally submitted, Heritage Wind developers expect a response from the Siting Board in the next three to six months requesting additional information before the application is deemed complete. Once it is deemed complete, the Siting Board must decide on whether to approve the application within 12 months.
For more on the project, click here to be directed to the Heritage Wind website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2020 at 9:40 am
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will take some added precautions in responding to emergency medical calls due to concerns with the coronavirus and urges understanding from the community.
Fire Chief Matt Jackson posted this message on the fire department’s Facebook page:
“Dear Residents of the Village of Medina and Adjacent Communities We Serve:
“I am writing about the Village of Medina Fire Department’s precautionary measures related to COVID-19. Thankfully the virus itself has not yet had a direct impact on our communities. We have been implementing reasonable and proactive steps to protect the communities we serve, as well as our personnel.
“Because of our responsibility to our communities, we are enhancing our precautions to ensure we remain fully-staffed and healthy. Rest assured, we will still respond to your emergencies as we always have and always will.
“However, if we are dispatched to your home, you might find yourself being asked questions by our personnel from your doorway and we may also be wearing protective equipment such as a mask, eye protection and gown. You may also be asked to a wear a mask while we assess your medical condition. Again, this is being done out of an abundance of caution to maintain a healthy, prepared emergency response team.
“We will continuously reassess this situation and pass along any pertinent information as needed. We would also ask you to be proactive and take this situation seriously. Stay informed, wash your hands, stay home when sick and call 911 only for true emergencies. Please follow the guidance of actual medical professionals, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the NYS Department of Health.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2020 at 8:20 am
LYNDONVILLE – The school district has cancelled or postponed several programs, due to concerns about the spreading coronavirus.
Jason Smith, the school district superintendent, advised the community of the following cancellations: LCS Pickup Soccer, Lyndonville Youth Baseball/Softball Camp, AGOGE Wrestling Club, Lyndonville Youth Baseball Organization, Town of Yates Men’s Basketball, and the Spring Fling Daddy/Daughter Dance has been postponed until April 24.
“Please stay tuned for future announcements regarding upcoming events,” Smith said in message on the district website.
‘No plans to close school at this time’
Smith also wrote this letter to the Lyndonville community:
“We are continuing to monitor the Novel Coronavirus. As a district, we have been working together to discuss strategies on how to best keep our students, staff and families healthy during this emerging public health situation.
“According to the New York Governor, the decision to close a school is made locally with the guidance of the Orleans County Health Department. While there are no plans to close school at this time, we recommend that families begin to prepare for childcare in case closures become a reality.
“As a district, we have begun to develop a plan for extended school closings. Our instruction office, technology, transportation department and food service are collaborating on how to ensure the continuation of instruction and services in the event of closing.
“At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Orleans County.
“However, due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, the state and health department recommend that restrictions be placed on large group gatherings. Therefore, select cancellations and postponements may be needed.
“We are all working to navigate unknown situations.
“I ask that you check our district website regularly for updates. Please know the health and safety of our students and staff will continue to be the priority in all decisions we make.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2020 at 11:02 pm
Jon DeYoung led fire company while getting chemo, radiation treatments
Jon DeYoung
HOLLEY – Jon DeYoung’s friends and family, and many local firefighters said goodbye today to the long-time Clarendon volunteer firefighter, who served as fire chief and continued to answer numerous calls while undergoing chemo and radiation.
DeYoung, 55, died on March 10. He fought cancer for seven years.
He inspired many in the community with his dedication to the fire company, and also for his steadfast support of his three sons – Jeremy, Jon Jr. and Tyler – while they played sports at Holley and then when they followed his example in becoming volunteer firefighters in Clarendon.
“Everything in his life had to do with making a real connection to real people,” said the Rev. Aleka Schmidt, who led his service today at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes in Holley.
She praised DeYoung for living out four tenants – courage, honor, commitment and duty.
DeYoung was known by many in the community as a dedicated firefighter. He was also a devoted family man, who loved to hunt, go camping and spend time on the golf course. (He had more fun finding other peoples’ lost golf balls than actually playing the game.)
The ladder trucks from Clarendon and Bergen were extended to make an arch at Mount Albion Cemetery.
When his sons played baseball, DeYoung would take them to the field early and throw them batting practice. He was eager to help the coaches with the team, and offered lots of encouragement to all the players.
His sons also played soccer, basketball and ran cross country. DeYoung would bring a bike to games and meets, and ride along the 3.1 mile cross country course at different check points to cheer on the runners.
He made all the games, while working full-time in Rochester as a tool-and-die designer for Acro Industries, and responding to hundreds of fire and EMS calls.
“He was a superhero, a magician,” said his son Tyler, 25. “I don’t know how he did it.”
His brother Jon Jr., 28, is a captain in the fire company. He said his father had a drive to help other people.
Jeremy, 30, is a life member in the fire company. He said his father enjoyed being a mentor to the firefighters and Holley’s young athletes. He was patient in teaching skills and providing motivation.
The flag was lowered at the Clarendon fire hall in honor of Jon DeYoung, and his helmet and turnout gear were set by a memorial for firefighters.
DeYoung was well regarded among the fire departments in the county, especially in the eastern battalion – Holley, Clarendon, Fancher-Hulberton-Murray and Kendall. DeYoung didn’t see those departments as rivals. He saw them as one unit, said Bob Freida, a past Clarendon fire chief and one of DeYoung’s close friends.
Today at the funeral, firefighters from Holley and Clarendon served as pallbearers. Freida said DeYoung would have appreciated that, without any one department being singled out.
He supported a firefighter youth group for children, with the hope they would eventually join a fire company. That youth group mostly includes students in Clarendon, Holley and FHM fire districts.
Dan Campbell, past fire chief, and another close friend for DeYoung, shared the firefighter’s prayer at the funeral home. Campbell also said DeYoung had a great sense of humor and was a fun person to be with.
“No words can do justice to his sacrifice,” Campbell said during the service today. “We lost one of our bravest. Jon battled this disease the past seven years and never gave up.”
Several fire trucks from the eastern battalion as well as Barre were part of the funeral processional for 10 miles to Mount Albion Cemetery.
DeYoung was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in April 2013. In October 2014, he had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to remove his colon, prostate, bladder and stomach. That kept the cancer away for more than three years. It was back in December 2017.
That meant more chemo and radiation. Through it all, DeYoung kept going to fire calls.
Last April 27, the Fire Company’s Board of Directors presented DeYoung with the Firefighter of the Year award.
At that time, DeYoung was fighting cancer for the fourth time, and continued to put on the turn-out gear and respond to many of the fire calls and accidents. He also attended committee meetings and training sessions.
“Regardless of everything going on he stays very active and is at the fire scenes, the trainings and all the committees,” Freida, president of the fire company, said then. “He is truly doing the job as fire chief. We wanted to recognize him for his determination and fight to continue to give back to his community.”
Despite having a rough day with his illness, DeYoung made sure to attend the banquet last April so he could present the Chief’s Award to his son, Jon DeYoung Jr., who worked three years to get new rescue tools for the fire company.
DeYoung also was able to recognize his other sons for milestone anniversaries of service to the fire company. Jeremy in 2019 reached the 15-year milestone as a volunteer firefighter while Tyler reached 10 years.
“As the Chief and father of these young men I couldn’t have been more proud,” DeYoung posted on his Facebook page after the banquet.
Firefighters including Troy Kingdollar, front left, and Bob Freida, front right, served as pallbearers for DeYoung. They are shown at Mount Albion Cemetery.
Freida was one of the pallbearers at the funeral today. He presented a folded American flag to DeYoung’s wife of 31 years, Brenda, a former EMT.
Freida and DeYoung both have about 35 years as volunteer firefighters. They are buddies and long-time leaders for the fire company. DeYoung was fire chief seven years, and was the deputy chief during Freida’s eight years as chief.
“He was just a good, wholehearted person,” Freida said. “No matter what you threw at Jon, he was always there.”
Freida said the two responded to many difficult calls together – serious car accidents and fires.
Bob Freida has a black stripe on his badge to symbolize the mourning among firefighters at the funeral today.
“I truly consider him a brother,” Freida said.
An Orleans County dispatcher gave the last call for DeYoung today at about 11:30. It was the final call for DeYoung and badge number 171.
“Thank you for 35 years of unwavering dedication to your family and community,” the dispatcher said in a message broadcast at the funeral home. “Your legacy will never be forgotten.”
DeYoung grew up in a firefighting family. His father, the late Richard DeYoung, was a firefighter in Rochester and then joined the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company. His son Jon joined 35 years ago when he was 20.
Jon was the fire chief right up until Jan. 1. He was succeeded by his brother, Jim.
Jon was a long-time leader for the fire company. He could be counted on to do the training needed to respond in many emergency situations, from interior firefighting, motor vehicle accidents and extrications, to medical calls. He knew what to do and kept a calm head.
DeYoung lived on Brown Schoolhouse Road, 2.8 miles away from the fire hall. He was determined to get to as many calls as possible, even when he was camping with his wife Brenda in Byron at Southwoods RV Resort, where he made many friends.
If it was a major holiday, and the family was sitting down for dinner, DeYoung would still respond to the fire call. When his sons became teen-agers and young adults, they joined him on those calls.
He knew all families of firefighters sacrifice when there is training, committee meetings, parades and fire calls.
In one of his last public acts, DeYoung attended the most recent fire company banquet on Feb. 15. This time he was in a wheelchair. He insisted on being there so he could present the Fire Chief’s Award to his wife of 31 years. He wanted to acknowledge Brenda’s support behind the scenes for so many years and for her love and care in his cancer fight.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2020 at 5:18 pm
MEDINA – Medina Central School is canceling field trips and overnight trips until further notice, Superintendent of Schools Mark Kruzynski said in a letter to the community.
The district plans to remain open, but urges parents to consider childcare options if the school district is forced to shut down for an extended period of time, he said.
Here is the superintendent’s letter, which was posted on the district’s Facebook page at about 4:30 p.m.
Dear Parent and Community Member:
We are aware of concerns of the COVID-19 virus. At this time, Monroe County has one confirmed case, and Orleans and Niagara County have no confirmed cases. The Medina Central School District is closely monitoring this fluid situation and is following guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and Orleans County Health Department, and the New York State Education Department. As of the time I am writing this, 4:00 pm, Friday, March 13, the Department of Health is NOT recommending closure of the schools.
Based on conversations with various area health officials, the Medina Central School District will be implementing the following changes, effective immediately:
• All field trips and overnight trips have been cancelled until further notice.
• No events, other than food service, will take place with more than 50 people in attendance.
Given the continual changing nature of this situation, we ask that you consider your childcare options in the event that school does close for an extended period of time. Please send an email to me at mkruzynski@medinacsd.org if your emergency contact information has changed, with the correct information. We will utilize the district website, email, phone calls, and social media to communicate updates.
In the event of an extended closure, we have preparations in place for distribution of food and instructional resources.
The Medina Central School District will continue to share information as it becomes available. We thank you for your patience, support, and understanding during this unprecedented situation.
Press Release, New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBANY – NYSCOPBA President Michael B. Powers and the Executive Board have called on the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and Office of Mental Health to immediately suspend inmate and inmate patient visits amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in New York and across the country.
Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency on Saturday and many colleges, universities, and schools have suspended classes for the remainder of the semester. Mass gatherings have been limited and most major sporting and entertainment events have been canceled or postponed in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Albany County and dozens of other counties, including Orleans, across the state have suspended inmate visits at county jails. Oregon, South Carolina, Louisiana, Missouri and Florida are states that have already announced visitation bans.
In addition, OMH and NYSCOPBA members who are employed in essential state agencies should be protected from unnecessary outside contact and exposure to the virus.
“DOCCS and OMH should immediately suspend all inmate and inmate patient visits to limit the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Michael B. Powers, NYSCOPBA president. “Protecting both staff and inmates from the spread of COVID-19 should be the highest priority of DOCCS and OMH administrations. Continuing to allow inmate visits without proper testing puts both staff and inmates at risk.
“Medical experts have stated containing the virus among prisons and jails will be a challenge with inmates living and staff working in close quarters. Continuing to allow inmate visits only exacerbates that challenge and we are calling on the Acting Commissioner to suspend all visits until this pandemic is under control. It is the prudent thing to do.”
We know all of you are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) being reported in the media and how it may impact us here at Orleans Community Health.
Protecting those entrusted to our care by providing a safe and healthy environment is our top priority. At this time, we don’t have any cases in our facility (Medina Memorial Hospital).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the office of Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) have recommended a variety of steps that we have been implementing to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our building. However, we need your continued help in battling COVID-19.
Based on the latest CDC, CMS and State recommendations and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our patients and residents, effective today, no visitors will be allowed at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Exception: Nursing staff and attending physicians will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, end-of-life situations, etc. on a case-by-case basis.
Anyone coming to the facility for services will follow the requirements below:
• Complete a screening prior to having services rendered
• Limit movement within the facility, do not travel from one floor to another unnecessarily
• Perform hand hygiene upon entry and exiting the facility
We understand that connecting with family members is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways you might consider connecting with them. These may include telephone, email, text, video chat or through social media. If you believe a visit to the facility is necessary for circumstances other than that described above, we request that you contact one of the individuals below prior to your arrival.
Our facility is following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps, including following strict handwashing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing gowns and gloves when interacting with patients and residents who are sick.
We also are staying up-to-date with the CDC recommendations as they are updated. In addition, Orleans Community Health is in close contact with the local and state health department and are following their guidance. We will continue to keep you informed as we receive updated information.
Thank you for your cooperation as we all work together to keep our patients and residents safe.
If there are questions, contact Joanna Miller, risk manager, at (585) 798-8210.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2020 at 9:46 am
YATES – The Town Board is sending a message to Albany that it doesn’t want the state to take more control over siting large-scale solar and wind energy projects.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Feb. 21 announced Article 23 in a budget amendment. The governor wants to speed up the review of energy projects and give the state more authority in siting projects which can currently take years to get through local and state approvals, often with stiff opposition from the local communities.
Cuomo wants to ensure that complete applications are acted upon within one year, except in the case of certain former commercial and industrial sites, which will be reviewed within six months.
John Riggi said the governor’s proposal needs to be defeated or else communities will see an erosion of local control.
Cuomo proposed creating a new Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to improve and streamline the process for siting of large-scale renewable energy projects. The governor said the projects deliver significant benefits to local communities.
Yates town officials see the governor’s proposal as an attack on home rule, with a loss of local control.
“This completely takes the town out of the process,” said Town Councilman John Riggi.
The Yates Town Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the governor’s proposed Article 23. The resolution states Yates has a comprehensive plan for land use and local zoning laws to guide residential and commercial development.
“The Article 23 Amendment, if passed, would greatly limit the role of local zoning laws, avoid critical reviews of local environmental conditions requiring mitigation, allow the State to take certain lands through eminent domain and make them available to developers for construction of power plants, and limit a town’s taxation and assessment powers,” the resolution states.
The Barre Town Board approved a similar resolution on Wednesday. Barre and Yates both are eyed for large-scale wind turbine projects. A company also is proposing an 1,800-acre solar project in Barre and Shelby.
Yates is asking the governor to withdraw Amendment 23, which Cuomo proposed after state hearings in January.
Yates town officials said the proposal skirted the normal legislative process. Such a significant change in how the state sites energy projects shouldn’t be adopted as a budget amendment, Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon said.
If the amendment is approved, the Yates resolution also states the town won’t provide its local resources or cooperation towards approval, administration and enforcement of any permits issued through Article 23.
Town Board members Jim Whipple and Susan Hrovat said the town still needs to follow state laws, even if legislation is passed that so board members don’t agree with. Whipple also had concerns with declaring the town an “Article 23 Sanctuary Town.”
Councilman Riggi said Yates was using some of the governor’s own language with that declaration.
“I think we’re being a little dramatic with ‘sanctuary town,’” Whipple said.
Resident Agnes Recco told the board she thought they were being disrespectful to the governor, especially when moments earlier the board voted to accept a state grant for more than $2 million to upgrade the town park.
“I’m objecting to you bashing the governor,” Recco said.
Town Supervisor Jim Simon said the board is sending a message over policy to the governor. Simon said he may disagree with Cuomo “100 percent” on Article 23, but the town supervisor still supports Cuomo, especially as he leads the state’s response efforts to the coronavirus.
“I pray for him,” Simon said at the Town Board meeting. “This is a tough situation we’re in. There needs to be a lot more respect for leaders.”
Simon urged residents to check in on elderly shut-ins and be good neighbors while social activities are curtailed with the coronavirus response.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2020 at 7:43 am
• Holley’s musical, High School Musical, has been postponed. The district was planning shows today and Saturday.
• The SAT Exam scheduled for Saturday, March 14, in Albion is cancelled. For students scheduled to take the exam, please check your College Board account to reschedule.
• Saturday’s Albion Jazz Cabaret has been cancelled due to the current health situation, said Michael Thaine, the district’s high school band teacher.
• Saturday’s Winterguard program at Medina High School has been cancelled.
• The Orleans County Farmer to Neighbor Night has been cancelled on Saturday.
• The Orleans County YMCA in Medina also has postponed its annual Healthy Kids Day, which was scheduled for March 20. This event typically brings over 200 people to the YMCA.
• The Meet & Greet that Orleans Community Health had scheduled at Medina Memorial Hospital on March 25 has been cancelled.
To be included in the list of cancellations on the Orleans Hub, send an email to news@orleanshub.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2020 at 6:43 pm
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke will be temporarily suspending visitation with Orleans County Jail inmates effective March 13.
This policy has been put in place to help protect inmates and jail staff from the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation, Bourke said.
Niagara and Genesee have also restricted visits to their jails due to the coronavirus concerns.
“This action is a precautionary measure only,” Bourke said. “At this time, there is no reason to believe that there is any risk to staff or inmates in our facility. This action, along with the cleaning and sanitizing procedures put in place this week, will reduce the risk of an exposure to inmates or staff.”
The sheriff said friends and families of inmates in the Orleans County Jail may use the Video Visitation System.
In Niagara County, acting sheriff Michael J. Filicetti also announced today he is temporarily suspend all inmate visitation and programming until further notice. Legal representation will continue through non-contact visits for attorneys following a medical screening.
The Niagara County Jail will have reduced charges for phone services beginning on Tuesday, March 17.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2020 at 6:31 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The merry-go-round at the Barre Town Park was removed today by the highway department.
The town’s insurance provider, New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal, said the merry-go-round posed a safety risk and considered its removal a high priority. A merry-go-round can be dangerous to get on or off while it is rotating.
The Town Board on Wednesday authorized Dale Brooks, highway superintendent, to take out the merry-go-round at the park on Route 98.
The town last year put in two loads of wood chips near the merry-go-round so children would be less likely to slide underneath it. But Pogue said that wasn’t enough to ease the concerns of NYMIR, the insurance provider.
NYMIR also urged the town to put concrete barriers on the edge of the parking lot so vehicles can’t drive on the playground. Pogue said those barriers are at the park and will be put in place soon by the highway department.
(The highway department also is repairing the backstop fence at the Little League field. Those repairs weren’t identified as an action item for the town by the insurance company but town officials want the fence in good shape for the upcoming baseball season.)
NYMIR also suggested the town clerk have a panic button that would alert law enforcement if there was a safety concern or emergency at the town hall. Pogue said the town officials are discussing installing a panic button.
