WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) sent a letter to the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission expressing concerns regarding the new national broadband map.
This map is essential in determining eligibility for many federal broadband grants, including the Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Loan and Grant program and the new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Tenney raised concerns about the map’s methodology and its failure to provide information about libraries and other community anchor institutions (CAIs). Finally, she urged the FCC to extend the Jan. 13 deadline to submit disputes to ensure underserved communities and stakeholders throughout New York’s 24th Congressional District have adequate time to correct errors in the map.
“There are far too many communities in New York’s 24th District and across the country that do not have access to reliable broadband,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “When broadband companies exaggerate or misstate their service availability in rural and low-income areas, this has a negative impact on everything from economic activity to educational opportunity. The proposed map put forward by the FCC is concerning for many reasons, including its lack of consideration for the rural communities I am honored to represent. I urge the Chairwoman of the FCC to take a deeper look into this issue and reevaluate this map to ensure it better serves all communities.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 January 2023 at 8:18 pm
‘A big benefit is the mind/body connection. Yoga cultivates an awareness of yourself so you are more aware of things happening with your body.’ – Kaylin McCarthy
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kaylin McCarthy and daughter Amelia, 6, demonstrate the art of yoga at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, where Kaylin will give free lessons beginning Tuesdays in March.
MEDINA – A “Teaching for Equity” grant from the Yoga Alliance will fund a series of free yoga lessons by Kaylin McCarthy at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina.
The Yoga Alliance is a nonprofit membership trade and professional organization for yoga teachers, headquartered in Arlington, Va.
McCarthy, an Albion resident, is a registered Yoga teacher, a title in the United States that designates a yoga teacher who has received a certain standard of yoga teacher training at a registered Yoga school.
McCarthy has always been intrigued by people and early in her career she trained in social therapy.
“We looked at food they were eating and exercise they were getting, and that resonated with me,” she said.
She and her husband Patrick lived for 10 years at Heartbeet Life Sharing in Vermont, a community of people with special needs.
“We lived and worked with the adults on the farm there,” McCarthy said. “All had special needs. Some couldn’t eat without help, yet everybody contributed what they could.”
While there, she trained in yoga at Kripalu, the largest retreat and yoga school in North America.
When Patrick and Kaylin decided to make a move, they chose to come to Western New York. Housing was scarce and expensive in Vermont and they had family in Rochester and Niagara Falls, so settling in Albion was a perfect location. They arrived in December 2020 with their three children: Alden, now 9; Amelia, 6; and Etta, 5.
Kaylin, 36, has always loved yoga. She explains its benefits, especially breath work.
“It takes you from ‘fight’ to ‘flight,’” she said. “Modern science has proven most people are stuck in a fight or flight mode, and yoga takes you out of that and gives you the opportunity to reset. It has physical benefits of moving and stretching your body. A big benefit is the mind/body connection. Yoga cultivates an awareness of yourself so you are more aware of things happening with your body.”
She said she is ADHD and when her three children were under 3, she had anxiety. She was diagnosed with chronic exhaustion and fatigue.
“Yoga got me out of that state,” she said. “I understand the struggles people are going through. My work is based on my personal healing journey.”
Kaylin McCarthy and 6-year-old daughter Amelia love practicing yoga together.
Kaylin works with school districts and has taught a mindfulness class for teachers. She hopes to teach Kaliedoscope ME, a social, emotional learning platform that builds character, instills life-enhancing values and promotes healthy choices, similar to “Best Buddies” or “Big Brother, Big Sister” programs.
Kaylin began her yoga classes at the YMCA in Medina in October, and has seen a steady increase in attendance, she said. She has five neighbors in Albion who have adopted a regular yoga regimen, one of whom is in the 80s, she said. She even has inspired them to eat regular eat kale.
In January, she added a second yoga class.
The grant-funded yoga classes will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday from March through May. They are open to all ages. She currently opens her classes to individuals 5 to 85. Anyone interested in joining the classes just has to show up at the YMCA by 5:30 p.m.
The classes are suited for all ages, and chairs are available for those who may need to sit to practice.
All mats and materials are provided for the grant-funded classes. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water.
Kaylin explained the “Teaching for Equity” grant is available to teachers serving under-represented populations. She said a lot of yoga studios shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic and have not reopened. She also offers classes remotely.
“I want everyone to have access to these classes and the benefits they provide,” she said.
Newly announced decontamination protocols will reduce exposure to toxic contaminants
Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters are shown battling a fire in Holley on Jan. 6, 2020 at an apartment at the corner of routes 237 and 31. The fire displaced about a dozen residents in four apartments.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control will begin new outreach efforts to help protect New York’s firefighters and their families from the threat of cancer.
State Fire officials initially launched a similar outreach program in early 2020, which was placed on hold due to the pandemic. This new initiative coincides with January’s Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness among the fire service on how to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention, and to support those who’ve already received a cancer diagnosis within their fire departments.
“The state’s firefighters bravely risk their own lives and safety every day to protect their fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Sadly, cancer is a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of all of our fire service members, and we are committed to ensuring that these heroes have the most up-to-date guidance and information so they can enjoy a long, safe career and live a healthy life.”
Studies have shown firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer than the general public, largely due to their exposure to an increased level of toxins found in smoke at structure fires. To ensure New York’s firefighters are not only aware of this threat but also know how to limit their own risk, State Fire officials developed basic protocols for decontaminating firefighting gear following a response call and will be traveling throughout the state to promote their use by firefighters.
Research has shown that fire service members can take simple and inexpensive steps to reduce their exposure, as well as protect their families, to toxins and other carcinogens by up to 85 percent.
State Fire officials have begun working with counties across the state to schedule Firefighter Contamination Reduction and Cancer Prevention classes. At these meetings, State Fire will distribute firefighter decontamination kits to attendees. These kits contain information on decontamination immediately after incident response and items, such as a five-gallon bucket, post-fire wipes, hose, detergent, brush, and spray bottle.
“The brave women and men of New York’s fire service protect us from danger every day,” said NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. “However, too many lives of firefighters are being lost to cancer. During Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month we are ramping up efforts to educate the fire service and mitigate their risks of exposure to carcinogens found in smoke. I am proud of our State Fire team for leading the way on this initiative, providing in-person training sessions and distributing decontamination kits to fire departments across the state.”
If firefighting turnout gear is not decontaminated properly after a fire, firefighters risk exposing harmful chemicals to their firehouses and homes, potentially harming co-workers and family members. According to two studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are currently being diagnosed with cancer at a nearly 10 percent higher rate than the general public and experiencing cancer-related deaths at a nearly 15 percent higher rate.
To combat these trends, DHSES and OFPC have established basic, inexpensive protocols which will go a long way in limiting firefighters’ exposure to harmful chemicals often found in smoke.
If exposed during a response, firefighters should:
Perform on scene gross decontamination, stop the exposure, and stop the spread of contaminates to the apparatus and station.
While on scene, use post-fire wipes to reduce exposures.
Shower as soon as possible and put on clean clothes.
Wash tools, equipment, and apparatus after fires.
Transport gear in non-porous containers such as a clear garbage bag.
Wear only clean gear, including hood.
Starting this month, State experts will travel across New York State to bring these protocols directly to firefighters via in-person educational sessions at local fire departments. At each session, firefighters will view a live demonstration (click here) of the new decontamination protocols, a new educational video that details the protocols and the risks facing firefighters and have an opportunity for a Q&A with OFPC personnel involved in developing the protocols. Additionally, OFPC is expanding its entire roster of firefighting classes and trainings to include a section on cancer awareness and prevention education.
New sessions are being scheduled on a rolling basis. Firefighters looking to attend or host an educational session can view the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s training calendar, or contact their county’s fire coordinator.
“We are thrilled to continue our program educating members of the State Fire Service on immediate steps they can take to protect themselves following an incident response,” said NYS Fire Administrator Jim Cable said. “Sadly, cancer is now the leading cause of firefighter deaths in the nation. Our goal is to reduce occupational illness by educating our brothers and sisters in the fire service on specific measures they can take to reduce exposure to contaminates and lower their health risks.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 January 2023 at 3:21 pm
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans County and western and central New York from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
“A mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow will spread from southwest to northeast through early Thursday afternoon,” the National Weather Service said. “Mixed precipitation will changeover to all rain Thursday afternoon. Mixed precipitation expected. Total ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch.”
The Weather Service advised to plan on slippery road conditions, with the hazardous conditions possibly impacting the morning commute.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 January 2023 at 1:41 pm
ALBION – Three people were sentenced to incarceration today by Orleans County Court judge Sanford Church.
Travis Cook, 34, of Le Roy received the longest sentence at 3 to 6 years in state prison for third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Cook in May took a wallet from a vehicle in someone’s garage. The wallet had four credit cards. He also had a handgun without a license, and is accused of taking a bottle with pills, and attempting to steal from another vehicle. District Attorney Joe Cardone said Cook threw a loaded firearm out onto the road when he was pursued by law enforcement.
A Lockport man was sentenced to two months of intermittent jail and five years probation for first-degree criminal contempt for violating an order of protection.
Dana Scott, 45, apologized in court. He asked he be allowed to continue running his business so he can support his children.
The judge sentenced him to two days a week in the county jail, as well as probation.
Cardone, the district attorney, asked for some incarceration because Scott entered the home of a woman at night in Ridgeway and took some of her property, despite an order of protection. Cardone said he is concerned the situation could escalate.
“There has to be consequences for violating an order of protection when there is aggression towards other people, particularly females,” Church said.
Scott was fined $1,000 and ordered to take a domestic violence class.
The victim of the crime has since asked the order of protection be removed, and the judge agreed to that in court today.
Darius Jones, 31, was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison for promoting prison contraband. He sharpened plastic to resemble an ice pick, creating a dangerous situation in the prison.
Jones already is serving a 12 to 15 year sentence for crimes in Genesee County. He now is incarcerated at the Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, Erie County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 January 2023 at 12:19 pm
BATAVIA – The four-county Arc GLOW has hired an Orleans County resident to serve a public relations director.
Lisa Bors
Lisa Bors will lead the agency’s efforts to increase community awareness and private support. Arc GLOW serves about 2,000 developmentally disabled residents in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
“Lisa has a lot of great energy and valuable experience,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW executive director. “She’s a wonderful addition to our management team.”
Bors and her husband, Hans, reside in Orleans County. She earned an associate’s degree in non-profit management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Empire State College, and brings with her over 20 years of experience in public relations and development in higher education.
“Arc GLOW is an incredible, family-driven organization empowering people with disabilities of all ages to be valued members of the community,” Bors said. “I look forward to sharing our mission and vision and working to increase community awareness and private support.”
The position of public relations director coordinates efforts to educate community partners on services offered by Arc GLOW throughout all four counties; takes the lead on fundraising efforts through private donations, grant and foundation solicitation; builds meaningful connections with a variety of stakeholders to support the mission to encourage community members to take action, for example through attendance at events, donations, gifts and agency advocacy.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 January 2023 at 9:39 am
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Society has announced receipt of a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Arts and Culture Initiative, according to Cobblestone director Doug Farley.
The grant, in the amount of $9,000, can be used for operational expenses, such as heat, lights, insurance, maintenance, staff, etc., Farley said.
“It is one of only a few grants available to us that covers everyday expenses, as opposed to specific grants that must be used for a restricted purpose,” Farley said. “I am pleased to receive this grant because it can be used for everyday needs. This is the first time we have received a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. I am happy they are reaching out into Orleans County to help us and other non-profit groups.”
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo announced the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Arts and Culture Initiative awards totaling $500,000 to support more than 75 small to mid-sized arts organizations serving the eight counties of Western New York and Monroe County through its inaugural 2022 competitive grants process. The criteria for the first year of grant funding was developed from input from more than 100 arts and cultural representatives across the nine counties, and the selection of the grantees was through a committee of arts and cultural leaders representing all the counties.
The initial announcement in December 2021 also includes $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and culture organizations in the nine counties.
“We are grateful to the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation for recognizing the important role the arts and culture sector play in a thriving and vibrant Western New York regional economy and supporting it through an endowment forever,” said Betsy Constantine, executive vice president of the Community Foundation. “Community input was essential to the process and we will continue to listen and engage as we carry out this transformational investment.”
Bill Lattin, retired museum director, discusses two restored paintings during a reception at the visitors center at the Cobblestone Museum on Sept. 23. The paintings of Charles and Mary Ann Danolds (not shown) were restored after conservations efforts performed by Great Lakes Conservation of Grand Island. The two were pillars of the Universalist churches in Childs and Albion. The museum has tackled several preservation projects in recent years.
“When we established the endowment to support Western New York’s arts and culture sector, we did so out of the Foundation’s economic development focus area,” said Jim Boyle, vice president of programs and communications for the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
“These organizations, both large and small, are key economic drivers in their neighborhoods, communities and the broader region,” Boyle said. “This investment is our unique and long-term contribution to the arts and culture sector. We look forward to witnessing the amazing work to come from these new grantees.”
This recent grant follows the announcement in late December of the receipt of a $47,000 grant from the Genesee Valley Rural Revitalization Program, which will be used for projects at the circa 1836 Ward house. This grant was written by Cobblestone board president Erin Anheier, while the new grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation was written by Matt Holland, Orleans County’s grant writer before he took the position as director of United Way of Orleans County. The current grant writer is Nyla Gaylord, whose position is funded by a grant she wrote more than two years ago.
MEDINA – Billy Martin’s Cole All Star Circus will soon return to Orleans County with shows at four local schools.
Albion will host Billy Martin’s Cole All Star Circus on Thursday with shows at 5 and 7 p.m. in the elementary school gym. Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and that entitles two kids to come in for free.
This dog is dressed as Elsa from Frozen while the song, “Let It Go,” was played during the circus at Albion in this photo from Jan. 18, 2017.
Medina will host the circus on Friday with shows at 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. at Wise Intermediate School. The following week there will be a 6:30 p.m. show on Jan. 26 at the Holley Elementary Gym and then a 6:30 p.m. show on Jan. 27 at the Kendall High School Gym.
Billy Martin has been leading the circus for nearly 50 years, visiting small towns in performances that also serve as fundraisers for an organization in the school or community .
Most of the circus’s schedule was wiped out for nearly two years of the Covid pandemic.
Billy Martin and the performers last year returned to performing their New York and Pennsylvania tour on Feb. 1, and were greeted with big crowds.
“It’s very emotional,” Martin said during intermission of the first show in Holley on Feb. 9. “I thought people might have forgotten about us.”
The circus was able to survive during the pandemic by working out of an amusement park in Iowa for 21 weeks in both 2020 and 2021.
Billy Martin was 12 years old when he met legendary showman James M. Cole in 1972 during an indoor performance at Martin’s hometown school in Olean. His fascination with the circus evolved into a friendship with Cole, and at age 14, Martin began booking schools for the circus throughout Western New York.
After graduating from high school in 1977, Martin joined the Cole Circus. He performed a juggling/balancing act, served as ringmaster and became Cole’s right-hand man. When Cole retired at the age of 80, Martin purchased the show and remains at its helm today. With his wife Angela, an accomplished aerialist and consummate circus performer, they continue the legacy of the Cole All-Star Circus.
In Medina, the performances will be a fundraiser for the Orleans Community Health Foundation.
Similar events planned Jan. 23 in Lyndonville, Jan. 30 in Kendall
By Makaila Albanese, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce recently began a series of meetings titled “Coffee and Conversation.” The goal is to have an open dialogue about the obstacles many businesses face in the area.
The Chamber’s director, Darlene Hartway, and president, David Gagne, decided that these meetings would take place in many of the towns individually, hoping to share coffee and conversation about each area’s point of view on what business owners and community members see their area facing.
“Promote, Advocate, Connect and Educate” are the four pillars of the Chamber of Commerce. Hartway and Gagne discussed how the Chamber can help with each of these as long as they are made aware of the issues that each town/village is dealing with.
Albion was the first community in the series on Nov. 29. Many of the issues that Albion faced involved their concern about safety in the downtown area. They also discussed creating a “village identity” and a “community voice.” This concern about a “community voice” was echoed in the Chamber’s second meeting that took place in Holley on Dec. 8.
When speaking of advocacy and what the Chamber can do to make sure that issues are brought to the people and agencies that can help solve them, many people shared the sentiment that there is “strength in numbers and everyone needs to stick together to face community issues as a group.”
Other issues discussed were the Orleans County fuel tax being higher than in surrounding counties, needing a local bank and grocer to draw people in to live and start businesses in Holley, and connecting with other local businesses to promote and build each other up.
Both Albion and Holley community members shared concerns about vacant buildings in their downtown areas as well as the “transient housing” which has caused issues for many local business owners and deterred some people from investing in the area.
The Chamber will continue this series of meetings in other Orleans County communities with the Lyndonville area meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 23, at the Webber Hotel and the Kendall area meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 30 at the Kendall Town Hall.
The Chamber also will host a Business Networking Event on the third Tuesday of each month from 8 to 9 a.m. to discuss topics involving business ownership. There also are the “Chamber After Hours” events on the third Thursday of every month, which is a social gathering for Chamber members to get to know each other because “you do business with who you know.”
Follow the Chamber on social media for updates as to the location and dates of the upcoming events or check the website at orleanschamber.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 January 2023 at 3:57 pm
This photo is from a screen shot of the Main Street lift bridge in Albion at 3:45 p.m. A YouTube page shows a livestream of the bridge. Click here to see it.
ALBION – Next Tuesday will be a historic day for Albion, if everything goes as planned.
The trusses from the Main Street lift bridge will be moved by a giant crane to just north of the canal on land owned by the State Canal Corp.
The trusses were expected to be moved this week, but that has been pushed back to Jan. 24, the state Department of Transportation said today.
The bridge closed to traffic on Nov. 14 and isn’t expected to reopen for 18 months as part of a major rehabilitation.
Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport is general contractor for the project on the bridge that was originally constructed in 1914.
It also will be doing a similar effort in Brockport. The state approved a $28.3 million construction bid for the two bridge projects.
In rebuilding the Albion bridge, Crane-Hogan will be:
Replacing bridge decks and portions of the truss system with high-strength, galvanized steel.
Modernizing mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s lifting system.
Rehabilitating the bridge tower.
Installing new bridge rails.
Repainting the bridge, maintaining its current shade of green.
When the work on the bridge is complete, the span will be moved back into place over the Canal, the state Department of Transportation said.
ROCHESTER – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle hosted a press conference outlining his priorities for the new year and the 118th Congress—including lowering prescription drug costs, protecting women’s healthcare, strengthening our economy, and keeping neighborhoods safe.
“Despite an historic start to this year’s Congress navigating the first Speaker election in centuries to require multiple votes, my focus continues to be delivering results for families in our community—and I’m ready to get back to work,” Congressman Joe Morelle said in a statement. “As always, I remain committed to advancing solutions that lower costs and strengthen quality of life for families, grow our local economy, and protect public safety.”
Editor’s Note: Morelle, a Democrat, represents the 25th Congressional District, which includes Monroe County and about half of Orleans. He outlined his priorities during a news conference today at the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building in Rochester.
“I am also hopeful that this year brings with it new opportunities to collaborate with my partners on the other side of the aisle in bipartisan ways,” Morelle said. “I have a long history of working across the aisle, which is why I currently sponsor over 300 bipartisan bills. For me, all that matters is creating a brighter future for the families who call Rochester home—and I’ll work with anyone, from any party, to get that done.”
For more details on Congressman Morelle’s policy and legislative priorities, visit www.morelle.house.gov/issues.
This map shows the boundaries of the 25th Congressional District, which includes part of Orleans County.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
January is Radon Action Month, an annual observance that focuses on increasing the public’s awareness of the health risks of radon and how you can take action.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no smell, taste or color. When radon forms from the breakdown of uranium found in soil, it can enter a home through cracks in the walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and claims the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year. This January, we are encouraging all homeowners, renters, real estate agents and building managers to conduct radon testing. The New York State Department of Health recommends testing for radon during the buying/selling of a home, after doing a major renovation, and every two to five years depending on previous radon level readings.
The EPA and NYSDOH have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). The good news is, testing your home with a short term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon present in your home. The test kits are easy to use and contain basic instructions on how to receive the most accurate results when testing your home for radon.
“The only way to know if high levels of radon are present in your home is by testing your home for radon,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Editor’s Note: According to the EPA, Orleans County is listed as Zone 2 (Moderate Potential) and Genesee County is listed as Zone 1 (Highest Potential) for radon zones.
The Genesee County Health Department was awarded a five year grant through the NYSDOH to provide radon prevention education and distribute free radon test kits to Genesee County residents. Currently, there is a limited supply of radon test kits that can be given to residents of Genesee County and this process is free of charge when you request a kit. If you live outside of Genesee County, you can purchase an inexpensive radon test kit from your local hardware store.
If test results come back and the radon levels in your home are greater than 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), you can contact a certified radon mitigation contractor to install a radon reduction system in your home. This would be at the homeowner’s expense.
For more details about the program or to seek a radon test kit, call the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region is pleased that Allea DeVos has joined their team in the role of Housing Specialist. She had worked five years as a Housing Services Representative at PathStone Corporation in Batavia, the local administrator of Federal and State low-income homeownership and rental assistance programs, and gained additional office and leadership experience at ConServe, Premier Credit and Loan Depot in Victor, New York.
In this position, Ms. DeVos will assist individuals with disabilities to apply for, and benefit from, the programs and services offered through Independent Living, including but not limited to coordinating housing evaluations and program options for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
She will support consumers who are eligible for Rapid Rehousing by coordinating budget plans, conducting inspections of potential housing rental units using U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, and offering home and building architectural barrier consultation, utilizing federal and state guidelines on disabilities.
DeVos will provide peer counseling to persons with disabilities, their family members and advocates for the purpose of identifying life goals, objectives and values; intervene at their request, in crisis situations; and mediate between consumers and landlords to ensure timely payments and prevent evictions.
As a sign of our times, with opportunities provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, she will determine eligibility for the Emergency Solutions Grant -Corona Virus (ESG CV) program and complete the required documentation, entering all necessary data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
ILGR is delighted that DeVos is bringing her experience to serve the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming region in her new position.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
MURRAY – Murray firefighters were dispatched today at 3:45 p.m. for a 2-vehicle MVA with injuries at Ridge Road and Carton Road.
First arriving unit was Assistant Chief Jim Fox confirming a 2-vehicle MVA with a vehicle into a pole. Further investigation revealed the second vehicle was a parked vehicle with no occupants. Fox reported minor injuries and requested National Grid to the scene.
District Chief Rick Cary arrived and took Command. Fire Police units shut down traffic in both directions. Monroe Ambulance obtained a patient refusal and was returned to service.
Murray units were on-scene for a couple of hours while National Grid and the tow company removed the vehicle. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the State Police.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2023 at 7:20 pm
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas dropped 9 cents in Orleans County in the past week, from $3.58 to $3.49, AAA reported today.
The national average price is at $3.31 today, up 3 cents since last Monday. One year ago, the price also was $3.31, AAA said.
The average price for regular unleaded in New York state is $3.438 today, compared to $3.452 a week ago, $3.527 a month ago and $3.483 a year ago. The average diesel price statewide is at $5.271 a gallon today, compared to $5.319 a week ago, $5.508 a month ago and $3.755 a year ago.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in Western New York counties:
Orleans, $3.491
Genesee, $3.332
Livingston, $3.453
Wyoming, $3.450
Monroe, $3.455
Niagara, $3.313
Erie, $3.421
Chautauqua, $3.612
Cattaraugus, $3.522
Allegany, $3.572
AAA issued this statement today about gas prices:
“According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. is winding down its dependence on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve which it has drawn from over the past year to add market supply and bring down pump prices of gasoline. Gas prices have fallen from a record high of $5 a gallon in mid-June and crude prices are off their high of more than $130 a barrel in early March.”
“This morning oil prices range from $79 to $84 per barrel, up three dollars since last week.”
January is Radon Action Month, an annual observance that focuses on increasing the public’s awareness of the health risks of radon and how you can take action.
