Gradual phase-in to lower overtime threshold in agriculture starts in 2024

File photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer plants seeds on May 23, 2019 in Carlton on Waterport-Carlton Road.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the launch of the State’s new Farm Employer Overtime Credit advance portal, which is now open for farmers to register and begin preparing the documents they will need to apply for reimbursement.

Later this year, eligible farm employers may apply to the Department of Agriculture and Markets for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid to their employees between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2024. As tax season opens, this opportunity is part of Governor Hochul’s plan to support New York’s farmers through a series of new and increased tax credits and other initiatives.

“Our farmers and farm workers are essential, and I want to do everything in my power to ensure that they can thrive in their work to bring fresh, local products to the tables of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a big part of that, reducing the tax burden for our farm businesses while allowing them to continue supporting their hardworking staff. I encourage all eligible farmers to learn more about this program, get registered and talk to their tax preparer so they can be prepared to apply later this year.”

The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for eligible farm employers who pay overtime wages after January 1, 2024, based on the gradual phase-in of the overtime threshold in New York State. Farmers can apply for this refundable credit if they or their business:

• are an eligible farmer; and
• employ eligible farm employees that were paid eligible overtime.

Farm employers are encouraged to prepare to apply this year by taking the following steps:

• Ensuring that they are registered for a NY.gov ID through My.NY.gov.
• Taking the farm employer eligibility assessment to establish if they (the farm employer) expect to meet the eligible farmer income requirements for their tax filing type at the end of the tax year.
• Discussing the program with their tax and payroll advisors to ensure they are keeping necessary records during the January 1 – July 31 period this year.
• Registering their farm in the online portal now if they plan to apply for the advance payment in 2024. The application portal can be accessed by visiting taxcredit.agriculture.ny.gov.
• Optionally, choosing to delegate authority to a representative (e.g., a tax preparer), who may complete and submit the application on the farm employer’s behalf later in the year.

A user guide to assist farmers with these preparatory steps is available at agriculture.ny.gov/user-guide-farm-employer-overtime-credit-advance.

After July 31, farm employers may upload supporting payroll documentation to the portal and submit to the Department of Agriculture and Markets AGM for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid between Jan. 1 and July 31. Applications must be submitted to AGM by Sept. 30.

After eligibility review, AGM will issue a certificate of advance payment to each approved farm employer. With a certificate of advance payment, the approved farmer or business owners (for example, partners or shareholders) can then request their share of the advance payment from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance (DTF). This request must be made no later than November 1, using the online services account at DTF’s website.

Additional information and resources, including important dates and a chart where upcoming educational events will be available when scheduled, can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website at agriculture.ny.gov/farming/farm-employer-overtime-credit-advance and the DTF website at tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/farm-employer-overtime-credit.htm. Questions may be directed to farmOTadvance@agriculture.ny.gov or (518) 457-7076.

“Farm labor is a critical issue, and we at the State are working hard to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to support their workforce and while meeting their food production goals,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “I encourage farmers to take a look at the resources we have available, learn more about the Farm Employer Overtime Credit program, and talk to their tax and payroll advisors to ensure they can take part in this great opportunity.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Tuesday joined Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and New York’s Republican Congressional Delegation in introducing a Congressional Resolution condemning New York Governor Kathy Hochul for defunding schools across New York State and prioritizing increased funding for migrants.

The Governor’s budget reduces funding for hundreds of schools across New York State while providing $2.4 billion to provide undocumented immigrants with legal assistance, housing, transportation, healthcare and jobs. If Governor Hochul’s cuts to schools go through, schools could be forced to make up the difference by shuttering special education and disability services, cutting mental health resources, and more, Tenney said.

“Once again, Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats are putting illegal migrants and their progressive agenda ahead of New York’s children,” Tenney said. “Hochul’s misguided decision to cut critical funding from taxpayer-funded schools threatens students’ learning, especially as they continue to recover from COVID-related learning loss and their access to valuable disability services and mental health resources. I stand with my New York Republican colleagues in demanding that she reevaluate her priorities and support our children over illegal migrants!”

“Governor Hochul is prioritizing undocumented immigrants over our children’s education,” said Congressman Molinaro. “Cutting funding for schools will inevitably jeopardize crucial disability services and mental health resources. We cannot let extreme left immigration policies ruin our children’s future. Governor Hochul: reverse course.”

BATAVIA –  There are 198 students from Genesee Community College named to President’s List including 20 from Orleans County. Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The students from Orleans include:

• Brianna Pasnik of Medina
• Emma Carson of Medina
• Sade Poole of Medina
• Cayden Lilleby of Medina
• Corey Saj of Medina
• Alexandria Strong of Medina
• Candice Baker of Medina
• Michael Greybill of Albion
• Myrna Martin of Albion
• Reuben Rivers of Albion
• Amanda Greenough of Albion
• Derrick Murschel of Albion
• Isaac Neidert of Albion
• Madison Flor of Albion
• Melanie Kuhmann of Albion
• Rowan Ford of Albion
• Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
• Grace Gregoire of Albion
• Luke Gregoire of Albion
• Natalie Bertsch of Waterport

Many volunteer ambulance squads have shut down, while non-profits struggle

 Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

ALBANY – In some areas of the state, ambulance wait times are getting longer and longer, and a lack of volunteers and funding shortfalls have thrown our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems into crisis.

In response, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and a coalition of state lawmakers and advocates have been working on a package of legislation to strengthen local EMS services.

Today, NYSAC was joined by county leaders, state legislators, and EMS professionals to discuss the proposals that will help support those efforts.

The legislative package, which NYSAC worked in close collaboration with state legislators and EMS providers to craft, is designed to provide local governments with the authority to create and fund countywide EMS services, provide financial incentives for EMS workers to enter and stay in the field, and update Medicaid reimbursement rates to reflect current needs and costs.

“All across the state, local EMS providers are in crisis due to rising costs and high demand for increasingly complex services,” said NYSAC President Daniel P. McCoy. “Counties are being asked to fill growing gaps in EMS services, but they lack the resources and authority to develop county-wide systems.”

The “Rescue EMS” package includes the following legislation:

• S.4020-B (Mayer) / A.3392-B (Otis) – This comprehensive legislative package allows special taxing districts to be created to fund EMS services. In addition, this legislation would recognize EMS as an essential service and provide reforms to the Emergency Medical Services Council.
• S.5000 (May) / A.4077 (Lupardo) – This legislation would remove EMS services from the real property tax cap, which would allow local municipalities to expand and better support their local EMS services. This measure is needed in the short-term while other solutions are being discussed.
• Authorization of Reimbursement for Treatment in Place and Transportation to Alternative Destinations (Hinchey / Kelles to introduce) – Effective immediately, NYS should establish a mechanism within the Medicaid Fee Schedule for Ground Ambulance Services to provide reimbursement to emergency medical service agencies for providing emergency medical care to Medicaid enrollees without transporting them from the location where medical care was administered to the beneficiary. Reimbursements shall be made when emergency medical care is provided to a Medicaid enrollee after a call, text, or other request for emergency medical care.
• S.6630 (Mannion) / A.6274 (Barrett) – This legislation allows volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to claim both state income and local property tax credits.
• S.7286 (Martinez) / A.7524 (Thiele) – This legislation increases the volunteer firefighters’ and ambulance workers’ personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married joint filers.
• A.231 of 2021 (Gottfried) – (MoA Hevesi to introduce) – This bill would create a methodology for ambulance reimbursement under Medicaid that more closely approximates the cost of providing the service. Ambulances are required by law to pick everyone up, including Medicaid patients. It is unfair to require these ambulance companies to accept Medicaid patients and then not fairly reimburse them for the costs of providing services to these patients.

Steve Kroll, NYS Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association said, “We are grateful to all the Legislators here today to improve emergency medical services in New York State. Long-term underfunding and a shortage of both volunteer and career EMS responders places communities at risk when ambulances are unavailable to respond when someone is seriously ill or injured. This package of bills will take a major step in the right direction to ensure the health and safety of our communities, said Steven Kroll of the NYS Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, which serves the community not-for-profit and volunteer EMS sector.

Alanna Badgley, Co-Founder of the EMS Sustainability Alliance said, “As a unified voice for EMS professionals looking to ensure a sustainable future for EMS for both patients and providers, the EMS Sustainability Alliance fully supports the passage of the following package of bills: S.4020-B/A.3392-B; S.5000/A.4077; S.6630/A.6274; S.7286/ A.7524; and A.231 of 2021. We believe that each of these bills can effectively address a component of the EMS crisis and must be coupled with future legislation to create long-term sustainability for a functioning pre-hospital healthcare system. We are encouraged by the continued legislative energy of our leaders here in New York to build EMS as a viable career path for healthcare professionals within this field, not outside of it.”

Timothy P. Egan, Chair of United New York Ambulance Network and Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services said, “Ambulance service providers have been dealing with the same workforce shortage and budget issues as other sectors in healthcare. On top of that, the industry has been faced with years of inadequate funding, putting many operators in peril. Working with county and state lawmakers, we are hopeful the FY 2024-25 State Budget delivers EMS the critical resources needed to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively, delivering the best possible outcomes for patients across New York State.”

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “EMS is the frontline of healthcare in rural and medically-underserved communities across New York State; however, we’ve seen firsthand how insufficient funding, along with workforce and geographic challenges, has pushed many providers to a breaking point. Two years ago, I sponsored legislation to create the Rural Ambulance Services Task Force, and I’m proud to champion a new bill based on its recommendations, which would create three new funding methods for EMS, covering Treatment-In-Place, Telemedicine, and Transport to Alternative Healthcare Settings, including mental health facilities. It is incumbent that we deliver real solutions to keep this lifesaving service available, and I thank all of our EMS professionals, NYSAC, and our coalition of partners in government for working with us to strengthen EMS in New York.”

Press Release, Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon

ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon today reminded pistol permit holders that with the start of the New Year they should check to see if they are due to recertify their permit with the New York State Police.

Nadine Hanlon

Concealed carry permit holders must now recertify every three years, while those with premises restricted permits will continue to recertify every five years. Those who either received a concealed carry permit or recertified in 2021 must recertify this year by the date of issuance on their permit.

“I want to make sure our pistol permit holders remain in good standing with the state and are not putting their permits at risk, even knowing the frustration many of us feel about this law,” Hanlon said.  “And if you are overdue to recertify from a previous year, I urge you to get it done immediately.”

Hanlon said those who need to re-certify should go to the State Police recertification website at https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/welcome.faces. Those recertifying should have their pistol permit and their New York State driver license or non-driver identification available before they begin the process, as providing specific information from these documents will be necessary.

“Although the Orleans County Pistol Permit Office does not have any role in the certification process nor access to the state system, we will do our best to assist Orleans County permit holders with any questions or concerns,” Hanlon said.  “The state website can also answer many questions or folks can call 1-855-LAW-GUNS (1-855-529-4867) with questions on New York’s gun laws.”

By Michelle L. Okonieczny, FNP-BC, Primary Care

Michelle L. Okonieczny

Yes, it is true, that women’s health can be confusing. So many rules and regulations! When do you get a mammogram or a Pap Smear? If you are at high risk for breast cancer, what are your options? What birth control is right for you? In this article, we will touch upon several topics related to women’s health that we hope will clear up the mystery around women’s health. These are all topics you should be discussing with your provider at Oak Orchard Health (OOH).

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Mammograms and breast self-exams are two very important ways to detect cancer early. Early detection saves lives. The age range for a mammogram is 40-75 but talk with your provider if you want to get one earlier or continue past 75. The American College of Gynecology recommends mammograms yearly.

Breast ultrasounds are primarily used to find out if a problem discovered by a mammogram or physical exam of the breast may be a cyst filled with fluid or a solid tumor. Breast ultrasounds are also recommended for screening women with dense breast tissue along with a mammogram.

Breast MRIs may be recommended in addition to mammography if you are at high risk for breast cancer (usually because of a strong family history of cancer or genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2). Or to gather more information after you have been diagnosed and to further evaluate breast abnormalities that are difficult to assess with mammography and breast ultrasound.

When and why should you get a Pap Smear?

The Pap test (or Pap Smear) looks for cancer, and cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

Once you turn 21, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that you have three annual pap smears. If all those are normal and you are HPV negative, then you can go every three years. Once you turn 30, you can have a Pap every 3-5 years depending on your Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) status. If you are positive for HPV that is considered high risk, and your chance of cervical cancer goes up. So those who are HPV positive should have annual Pap Smears.

Birth Control – so many choices

If you are sexually active and do not want to get pregnant, consult with your Oak Orchard provider about the many options available. Some include birth control pills, patches, NuvaRing, condoms, and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) including Nexplanon implants and IUDs, and Depo-Provera.

Did you know that you often do not need a pelvic exam to get birth control? Birth control pills come in 30-day packs, and you get your period each month, or 90-day pill packs and you get a period every three months. There is no medical reason to have a period, so these are safe options.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing is easier than you think.

STD testing including urine and blood tests can detect STDs even if you do not have symptoms. Diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility. Sometimes people can have these diseases with little or no symptoms. If caught early, they are highly treatable with an oral antibiotic. A simple urine test can detect gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you are positive, we can also treat your partner.

What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Screening for HPV is effective in identifying precancerous lesions and allows for interventions that can prevent the development of cancer. The use of condoms may decrease the spread of the virus. The HPV Vaccination is effective in preventing the development of infection and related cancers. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting the series between ages 9-12 years and up to age 26. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all preteens need HPV vaccination, so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life. Even if you have had HPV, you should still get the vaccine.

According to the CDC, the HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers. Since the HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, HPV infections that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women. The vaccine, often called Gardasil, is for both boys and girls. This vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer but also rectal, throat, and oral cancers, as well as penile cancer.

Call for an appointment at Oak Orchard Health at (585) 589-5613.

Johnson says county is close to completing broadband internet project

LYNDONVILLE – Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the county wants to share more services with local governments to increase efficiencies and drive down costs.

Johnson said a group from the Legislature, the town supervisors and village mayors have been meeting to look for ways to work together more to bring down expenses.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, speaks Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Luncheon a the White Birch Golf Course.

Johnson spoke during Friday’s Legislative Luncheon organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. She cited the shared services as a big initiative this year.

She favors continued exploration of a district court that would serve multiple towns. District Attorney Joe Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best have pushed for the court, saying it would be more efficient, and also allow for more consistency in local justice.

Cardone and Best also anticipate the state will eventually require district courts, including in smaller counties. Many of the town justices have pushed back on the court, saying it will ultimately be more expensive and a judge serving multiple towns will be less connected to the community.

“Some are afraid of giving up their power or losing a position,” Johnson said about shared services.

The town judges said there is limited information about the financial implications of a district court. They said it will be more costly.

Johnson said that data should be available this year and presented in public hearings. She expects the issue with be on the ballot in a public referendum in November.

She said there has been great progress in a push to get high-speed internet throughout the county. A final tower will be going up in Carlton as part of the project, which has been a decade in the works.

“We’ve had a lot of help with a lot of grants,” she said during the luncheon. “Next year at this time we can say Orleans County has internet. I thank you all for your patience. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The United Way is currently using a grant to help hook up low-to-moderate income families to the internet at no cost to the resident. That grant expires Feb. 15 and includes the villages of Albion, Holley, and Medina and the towns of Albion, Gaines and Shelby. The grant pays for free installation of wireless broadband service and free equipment, a $650 benefit.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley speaks at the luncheon. Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman, is at left.

Johnson was asked if the Legislature will share more of the local sales tax with towns and villages. The county has kept the total sales tax share to the four villages and 10 towns at the same level since 2001 – $1,366,671.

The local sales tax was at $22.5 million in 2022 and the amount has more than doubled since 2001.

“The more we give to towns, the more we have to raise taxes at the county level,” Johnson responded. “It ends up at the end of the day coming out of yours and mine’s pockets.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley spoke about the Governor’s proposed executive budget at $233 billion. He said the Republican conference in the Legislature will speak out about $2.4 billion in proposed aid to help with the migrant crisis. He doesn’t want to see money going to migrants when there are proposed cuts to some school districts, and when the CHIPS highway aid  is down $60 million to $530 million.

Hawley said the state needs to rein in its Medicaid program, and pull back on some of the options and benefits.

“We have the Cadillac of Medicaid programs in the United States of America,” he said. “We opt into pretty much everything and the county has to pay a percentage of that.”

Darlene Hartway, Chamber executive director, welcomes the presenters and a crowd of about 75 people. Speakers included County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Ag Commissioner Richard Ball, and representatives from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and State Sen. Robert Ortt.

The speakers were also asked about a lawsuit between Orleans and Genesee counties, where Orleans seeks to halt construction of a sewer line from the STAMP manufacturing site in the Town of Alabama to the Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby. Orleans contends the sewer discharge would hurt the county’s recreational and economic development efforts, especially in Medina.

Chris Zeltman, a representative for U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, declined to speak in detail about the lawsuit, citing the ongoing litigation. But Zeltman said STAMP offers the chance to be a significant job creator for the region.

Plug Power is building a $290 million green hydrogen fuel plant at STAMP as the site’s first tenant. The company expects to have 65-70 workers at STAMP when it opens.

Edwards Vacuum has committed to building a $319 million manufacturing facility at STAMP. That new “factory of the future” will serve the semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing sectors and create approximately 343 new high-paying jobs.

“We fight every day to get jobs in New York State,” Zeltman said. “We continue to monitor (the lawsuit between Orleans and Genesee) but ultimately it’s the courts that will resolve this.”

Andrew Dugan from State Sen. Rob Ortt’s office said Ortt supports the STAMP site and wants to see companies locate there, but believes Genesee should have worked with Orleans on the project.

“We understand the job creation aspect,” Dugan said in response to the question. “We fight every day too to bring jobs to our area. No one disagrees about the importance of the jobs. The challenge is making sure this process is done with cooperation and togetherness. I think that’s where some of the concerns are.”

Press Release, NYS Senate Republican Conference

ALBANY – The New York State Senate Republican Conference on Monday unveiled a legislative package aimed at keeping education a priority for all New Yorkers. Key among the legislative package’s provisions is reversing the devastating cuts to schools that Governor Hochul included in her budget proposal.

The elimination of the “hold harmless” provision that provides critical stability to local school districts is a glaring example of Albany Democrats’ misplaced priorities. This bloated $233 billion budget siphons state aid away from local schools while dedicating $2.4 billion in taxpayer dollars earmarked for migrants, bringing the total to $4.3 billion over the last two years.

The migrant crisis continues to get worse because the Democrats refuse to put an end to wrongheaded sanctuary city policies. Instead, they continue to throw more money at the issue and away from programs that provide for our New York families, including school aid.

Education should always be among the top priorities for state government, and the Senate Republican Conference is committed to ensuring that New Yorkers’ hard earned tax dollars help schools obtain the resources they need.

“The Governor’s budget is yet another example of the complete disregard for New York families and taxpayers – $4.3 billion over two years will be used to address the migrant crisis that was caused by open borders and sanctuary city policies supported by Democrats,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “At the same time, they are stripping millions of dollars from rural and suburban school districts. We are tired of misplaced priorities from Albany’s One-Party Rule, and our conference will fight to get all school districts the funding they deserve.”

The legislative package unveiled on Monday includes proposals that will keep our students safe and improve educational outcomes in school throughout the state:

• Reversing misguided changes in the education formula proposed in the Executive Budget that will take resources away from our local schools; and
• Closing the pandemic learning loss gap by ensuring unspent Federal emergency relief aid supports academic recovery programs, expanding state grant funding, creating an office in the State Education Department to track outcomes of such programs and focusing on future aid increases for early education to ensure students are provided a solid foundation for future academic challenges; and
• Prohibiting the housing of migrants in K-12 schools or on school grounds throughout the state (S.7391, Senator Alexis Weik);
• Committing greater resources for school building security by creating a school resource officer program to permit the employment of retired law enforcement officers and provide grants to school districts and non-public schools. (S.4985, Senator Oberacker).

Greg Bennett, left, and Jeff Holler

ALBION – Two candidates were backed this evening at the Albion Republican Caucus for village trustees.

Greg Bennett already had the Democratic Party backing last week for the one of the trustee posts. Now he has the Republican Party’s support as well.

Republicans also backed Jeff Holler for the other trustee position in the March 19 election.

The caucus drew less than 10 Republicans in a small turnout that was similar to the eight who voted at the Democratic caucus last week.

Former Village Board member Kevin Sheehan said Albion should move away from the two-party system for village elections. He would prefer to see Albion follow Holley, Lyndonville and Medina and have the village elections be run on independent party lines, without Republican or Democrat next to the name of the candidates.

Sheehan said he has run and been elected to the Village Board a Democrat, independent and Republican. He doesn’t think at the village level party politics is much of a factor. He nominated Bennett to be endorsed by the Republicans even though Bennett just secured the Democrat line.

“It’s not about left or right or a political party,” Bennett said at the caucus at the Masonic Lodge on Platt Street. “It’s about doing the best for the village.”

Bennett, 47, of Chamberlain Street works as a locksmith at the Albion Correctional Facility. He has been there nearly five years. Previously, he worked a decade for Baxter Healthcare in Medina.

Bennett is well known in Albion as a long-time coach in the Albion Midget League. He also is an assistant with the Albion varsity baseball team. He also coaches youth baseball teams in the summer and fall.

Bennett during the Republican caucus said the board needs to communicate more with village residents about the issues facing the board and community. He would like to see quarterly town hall-style meetings where the board takes questions from the community and updates residents on projects.

Holler, 57, lives on East State Street. He worked as an executive chef for 25 years, and then head cook for 13 years at the Orleans Correctional Facility. Since he retired in 2014, he has been a very active member at the Masonic Lodge. He also has been a busy volunteer for the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, especially with the efforts to cook Thanksgiving meals and also an Easter egg hunt and prize giveaway.

Holler said he would like to see local service clubs and organizations work together more for programs helping youth and also to help with a more vibrant downtown.

Holler said Albion needs more industry, but he doesn’t necessarily want more chain stores that drive out local small businesses.

“I think I can make a difference and fight for the community,” he said.

There is still time for other candidates to file an independent petition or mount a write-in campaign for the March 19 election.

Holler and Bennett are running for four-year terms for positions that are currently filled by Chris Barry and David Buczek. Barry has been on the board nearly four years while Buczek was appointed last month by Mayor Angel Javier Jr. He is filling the remainder of Zack Burgess’s term.

The Erie Canal will open for its 200^th navigational season on May 17. The canal will close to boaters on Oct. 16.

The state Canal Corp. announced today there will again be no tolls or fees for recreational use of the canal system this year.

“This year marks the 200th consecutive season of navigation along New York’s Canals,” the Canal Corp. announced today. “The 200th anniversary of the original Erie Canal’s completion and opening will be commemorated as the Erie Canal’s bicentennial in 2025.”

Photo courtesy of Maggie Stewart, Albion Central School: Sgt. First Class Michael Landauer embraces his daughter Nova after seeing her in the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School today. Landauer is back home after a year-long deployment in Iraq.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Sergeant First Class Michael Landauer reunited with his daughter, Nova, today after he was deployed overseas for the past year.

Landauer helped organize a surprise for Nova, a first-grader at Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School. Mr. Epperson read a story about how to handle “worries” and led a discussion about people the students’ missed. After Nova shared she was worried about her dad and would give him a bear hug when she saw him again, Mr. Epperson asked if anyone else had something to share and Landauer stepped through the door saying he “missed his little girl, Nova.”

“It has been a very hard year,” Landauer said. “It’s the first time I have been away from her [Nova] for that long since she was really little, it means a tremendous amount to be able to spend time with her.”

Provided photo: Sgt. First Class Michael Landauer serves with CH-47F Chinook heavy helicopter platoon. Here he is with 1st Platoon Al Asad Iraq, operation Inherent Resolve.

Landauer left home Jan 22, 2023 for Fort Hood before being deployed to Iraq, where he served as platoon sergeant, overseeing operations of a CH-47F Chinook heavy helicopter platoon for nine months. For the last 14 years, he has served in the National Guard with Bravo Company 3rd Battalion, 126 Aviation Regiment. He has been deployed three times, one of which was in 2017 and he had to request emergency leave so he could be home when Nova was born.

Currently, Landauer is on leave through mid-March when he will begin his new job with the 42 Combat Aviation Brigade in Albany.

“Being gone has been hard for me and hard for her [Nova],” Landauer said. “With this brigade, it is less likely I will be deployed as often so I’ll be able to be here for her more.”

Welcome home, Sergeant First Class Landauer, and thank you for your service.

Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands

BATAVIA – GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare plans to host its second annual career exploration event for local students interested in healthcare career pathways and opportunities.

Approximately 600 students in grades 8-12 from 28 schools will gather at Genesee Community College on March 22 to connect with various healthcare businesses and organizations to learn about careers in healthcare and science-related fields throughout the GLOW region.

The success of GLOW with Your Hands in workforce recruitment in the manufacturing sector and the urgent workforce need in the healthcare sector has once again brought businesses, educational organizations, and economic development agencies from across the region to collaborate to provide an incredible opportunity for GLOW region students to learn about the careers in their own backyard.

“The healthcare sector is one of the GLOW region’s largest employers and contributors to the economy, offering ample career pathway opportunities to the next generation of workforce candidates,” said Angela Grouse, Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber and Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “As we have experienced from our manufacturing event, hands-on interactions with these professionals and organizations lead to sustained interest.”

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare will provide the healthcare sector with the opportunity to meet and recruit its future workforce. Participants include representatives from hospitals and health systems and those in nursing, mental health, social services and first responders.  Attendees also will be able to explore educational pathways in the healthcare sector through BOCES and local colleges and universities.

“Serving Wyoming County and the GLOW region for the past 110 years showcases our commitment to the community and why career exploration is so essential, especially in the healthcare sector,” said Wyoming County Community Health System CEO David Kobis. “Our local youth get a detailed understanding of the opportunities we have available, and we get to see what they are looking for in a career.”

“We are always trying to find new strategies and opportunities that help prepare our students to enter the workforce upon graduation,” said Karyn Winters, director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Director and Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands Healthcare. “Through collaboration with local stakeholders we are building a workforce development model that is being replicated across the region.”

Various healthcare businesses and organizations have demonstrated their appreciation of the value of this event with generous support including ESL Federal Credit Union, Wyoming County Community Health Services, Rochester Regional Health | United Memorial Medical Center, Genesee County Economic Development Center, and University of Rochester Medicine | Noyes Health.

“Our sponsors are one of the main reasons we have seen so much success and interest with GLOW With Your Hands events these past few years,” said Justin Dueppengiesser, Executive Director, Wyoming County Business Education Council. “This is a unique opportunity for businesses across the region to tap into the pipeline of well-prepared and educated workforce candidates.”

There are still sponsorship opportunities for the March 22 event at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000) and Bronze ($500) levels.

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare visit www.GLOWWithYourHands.com/healthcare or contact Chris Suozzi at csuozzi@gcedc.com.

Press Release, CASA

Orleans and Genesee counties are teaming up throughout the month of February for a fundraiser called “Hearts for CASA.”

Participating area businesses will be selling paper hearts to their customers for $2 per heart. Customers can sign their hearts or write a special message to CASA, and participating businesses will display them all month long. Donations to CASA are also welcome.

“We’re so grateful to the businesses making this fundraiser possible, and we know the community will show up to support this important cause,” said Jennifer Metz, executive director for CASA. “It is through the generosity of our community partners and the public that we can continue our work, helping to change a child’s story.”

A huge thank you to Vision 2000 for kicking off the event in Medina and to Vic and Brenda Marchese for helping to kick off the event in Batavia. Let us make this fundraiser a success and support CASA’s mission to help children in need.

Hearts can be purchased at the following businesses in Orleans County: Vision 2000, Della’s Chocolates, The Shirt Café, Ashlee’s Place, and Coffee Pot Café.

In Genesee County: Main Street Pizza Company, The Coffee Press, House of Bounce, Holland Land Museum, Eden Café, Le Beau Salon, My Cut Barbershop, Beverly’s Florist, Meraki Salon, and The Spa at Artemis. In Monroe County hearts can be purchased at Romig’s Tavern in Greece.

Vision 2000 in Medina also is selling the hearts. From left, includes owner Darlene Witte, Dayne Kleinhans, Serina Petry and Alishia Lewis Panton.

All proceeds from this event go directly to CASA, a non-profit organization that trains and supervises volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected.

These children are at risk of being removed from their homes or have already been placed into the foster care system. The family court judge refers cases to CASA and then CASA assigns an advocate to the child.

CASA meets and talks to parents, foster parents, teachers, principals, social workers, counselors, case workers, the child’s attorney, and anyone else who may have relevant information on the well-being of the child(ren).

The CASA advocate then gathers all factual information and writes a report to the court approximately every 60 days which is seen by all parties involved in the case, including the judge. A child who has a CASA is more likely to succeed in school and is half as likely to reenter the foster care system.

If you would like more information about the organization or would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer advocate with CASA please contact 585-815-7809 or email inquiries to director@genseecountycasa.org.

Gas prices held steady state-wide in the past week, remaining at $3.26 for the average price of regular unleaded gas. Nationally, the average price was up 3 cents to $3.11. A year ago the average was $3.51, according to AAA.

In Orleans County, the price is down a penny in the past week from $3.41 to $3.40.

Here are the average prices in Western New York counties today:

• Orleans, $3.401
• Genesee, $3.290
• Wyoming, $3.448
• Livingston, $3.439
• Monroe, $3.204
• Niagara, $3.264
• Erie, $3.383
• Chautauqua, $3.303
• Cattaraugus, $3.280
• Allegany, $3.429

AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “Since last week, the national average for a gallon of gas has barely risen three cents as local gas prices have remained relatively steady with a slight decline in most areas. This is likely caused by low gas demand countered by slightly higher costs for oil.

“December and January are when we typically see lower gas prices. Due to fluctuating oil prices, lower gas demand, and rising total domestic gasoline stocks, drivers could see pump prices increase steadily in the weeks ahead.

“This morning, oil prices range from $78 to $84 per barrel, a $6 increase from one week ago. Diesel prices are also steady. The national average price for diesel is $3.91, with no change from one week ago, and down from $4.69 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.40, also no change from a week ago, and lower than $5.29 one year ago.”