2 counties pass 500 active cases for first time during pandemic; Orleans goes past 5,000 cases total since March 2020

Orleans and Genesee counties combined have passed 500 active Covid cases today for the first time since the pandemic.

Each county also has set a new record high for active cases. Orleans is at 281. It previously peaked at 279 on Jan. 7, 2021.

Genesee is at 298 today, past its previous high of 269 on Dec. 7, 2020.

The 579 active cases in the two counties is up from 481 on Monday, the last update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments and the previous high for active cases.

Both Genesee and Orleans have Covid positivity rates well above the state average of 3.0 percent over the past seven days. Orleans is at 11.1 percent over the seven days, the second highest percentage in the state, only behind the 11.5 percent at Cattaraugus County. Genesee, at 8.9 percent, is at nearly three times the state positivity rate.

Orleans has 177 new positive cases since Monday, and now is at 5,006 positive cases since March 2020.

The county currently has three people hospitalized due to Covid, and is reporting 125 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

Orleans has also had three people die due to Covid since Nov. 4, going from 90 deaths to 93.

Genesee is reporting 118 new positive Covid cases since Monday, and 62 more recoveries. The county currently has 22 residents hospitalized due to Covid, and also has had three people die from Covid since Nov. 4, bringing the total deaths from 135 to 138 during the pandemic.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is celebrating a new law (A.7685) signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul today that will give free college tuition to members of Gold Star families.

The signing came over two years after Hawley himself proposed a bill to provide Gold Star families with free tuition, though that bill (A.2991 of 2019) was blocked in the Higher Education Committee by the Assembly Majority and never brought to the floor for a vote.

“This legislation provides the opportunity to pursue higher education for the families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation in the military. For 13 years I sought to get this legislation passed, so I am truly elated to finally see it become a reality,” said Hawley. “I thank the chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Didi Barrett for her work ensuring the bill made it across the finish line.

“While I had hoped this law would come to fruition earlier to begin helping families more quickly, I am relieved that New York’s Gold Star families will soon be receiving much-deserved educational assistance,” Hawley concluded.

Photo by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Traffic moves along Route 31 today near the bridge over the railroad tracks in Knowlesville near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. This photo was taken at about 2:45 p.m.

The bridge reopened today after being closed May 11 for what was expected to be a six-week project for bridge deck repairs, joint replacement and slab reconstruction.

But unexpected delays led to the bridge being closed for about six months. Once construction started, the bridge needed additional materials to ensure the project’s success, officials from the state Department of Transportation said back in July. Those materials needed to be manufactured.

Photo and information courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Security and Law Enforcement teachers Dudley Gilbert and Gene Newman want to extend their gratitude to the Medina Police Department and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Their students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center have been practicing felony traffic stops and the two law enforcement agencies had an officer and a vehicle available to the classes for a morning to help with the exercises.

“We are so grateful to the Medina Police Department and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, who sent us two fine police officers, Officer Dustin Meredith (Medina Police Department) and Deputy Jason Barnum (Orleans County Sheriff’s Office) and their patrol cars for the graded practical in felony traffic stops,” says Mr. Newman. “Each of the officers spoke to and encouraged our students before, during and after their successful completion on the exercise.  Mr. Gilbert and I want to thank them for their continued support of our Security and Law Enforcement program here at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.”

ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is sponsoring a blood drive Cross on Tuesday from 12:30 to 7 p.m. at Albion Elks Lodge 1006.  The lodge is located at 428 W. State St.

The drive is being hosted by the American Red Cross. There is currently an emergency blood shortage, the American Red Cross said.

Those over the age of 18 are encouraged to download the blood donor app, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-red-cross to schedule their appointments.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt is honored and proud to share that two of his much-needed bills supporting our veterans and their families were signed into law yesterday by the governor.

Senator Ortt, a veteran himself, brought forth these bills to better the lives of veterans and their families, both during and after their military service. The new laws will ensure military families receive the resources and financial support they need and deserve, and work to provide employment opportunities for veterans when they come home. The two bills signed will:

• Permit an individual who leaves their employment to accompany their spouse on a military transfer to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits (S.3623); and
• Establish a task force to study and improve veteran employment opportunities (S.3638).

“As a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made in service to our nation,” Ortt said. “It is paramount that we as a state provide the resources necessary to assist military families here at home and ensure that we are supporting veterans with every opportunity to succeed once they exit our armed forces. I am proud to have sponsored two of these vital pieces of legislation and commend New York State for placing emphasis on helping our veterans and their families prosper in their post-military careers.”

Both laws go into effect immediately.

Group visited vets at Orchard  Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Photos by Ginny Kropf

MEDINA – Dave Kusmierczak, a member of the American Legion and VFW in Medina, greets veteran Frank Ranallo during a ceremony Thursday at Orchard  Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in honor of Veterans Day. Ranallo was formerly a member of the same veterans’ organizations with Kusmierczak.

Saluting its 24 resident veterans is a tradition at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where on Thursday morning members of the American Legion and VFW presented a three-gun salute and playing of Taps.

The ceremony also included a prayer and patriotic reading by Legion and VFW member Dave Kusmierczak.

The veterans were in the entryway to watch the ceremony unfold before them in the parking lot. Previously, the annual ceremony took place in the courtyard, but because of Covid, visitors are not allowed to walk through the nursing home, said activities director Jamie Murphy.

Following the patriotic services, the veterans were treated to coffee and donuts donated by Tops. In the afternoon the residents enjoyed karaoke and patriotic songs.

Members of the Medina American Legion and VFW stand at attention before firing a three-gun salute at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Thursday morning. From left are Glenn Whitmore, Jim Wells, John Follman, Greg Smith, Eric Delano, Dan Anderson and Steve Earle. In front, Dave Kusmierczak offers a prayer. At far right is Jim Freas.

From left, Dave Morien and Rebecca Platt wait with bugler Bradley Nudd for patriotic services to begin Thursday at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina.

Amanda Luckman, finance coordinator at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, chats with veteran Larie Vagg, a former resident of Barre Center, prior to a Veteran’s Day service on Thursday morning.

Photos contributed by Lynne Menz

Following a Veterans Day ceremony at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, members of the Medina American Legion and VFW gathered at the YMCA to conduct patriotic services there. Bugler Bradley Nudd plays Taps at the site of the Company F Memorial in front of the former Medina Armory.

Members of the American Legion and VFW line up for a three-gun salute in honor of veterans at the Company F Memorial on Thursday morning.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Sawyer Braley, right, and his brother Stryker put a flag in a fire pit at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion on Thursday evening. The brothers are members of Troop 164 which held a flag retirement ceremony on Veterans Day.

Scouts retired about 100 flags in the fire pit. Harrison Brown led construction of the fire pit for his Eagle Scout project. It was first used on May 29, 2019.

This was the first flag retirement ceremony by the troop during the Covid pandemic, which started in March 2020.

The troop wants to do the flag retirements more frequently. Anyone with a flag they want to retire can reach out to a troop member.

Donovan Braley, right, puts one of the flags in the fire pit. He is assisted by James Ruiz.

The first flag in the fire pit came from Gates Albert Inc., a machine shop in North Chili. Dan Flanagan, the scoutmaster of Troop 164, works at Gates Albert.

Aaron Flanagan and his mother Sue Flanagan put one of the retired flags in the fire pit. Mrs. Flanagan is the assistant scoutmaster and committee chair for the troop.

Coleson Braley, 10, puts one of the flags in the fire pit.

The troop welcomes more members, and they can join at any time. The troop now welcomes girls as well as boys who are past fifth grade.

The troop meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Albion Sportsmen’s Club on Keitel Road. For more information on troop, contact the Iroquois Trail Council at 585-343-0307.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Firefighters from Albion, Barre and Medina responded to a bathroom fire at the Albion Walmart at about 8:15 p.m.

Employees and customers were evacuated from the store when dark smoke was seen in a bathroom in the back of the store.

Firefighters doused the fire with a hose and it was contained to the bathroom. Albion Fire Chief Rob Connor said paper towels were on fire.

Fire investigators have been called to determine the cause of the fire.

Firefighters set up fans in the front entrance of the store to blow in fresh air.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse is illumined in green tonight, the 11^thday it has been lighted up in support of veterans. The flags are by a veterans’ memorial that was spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus.

Orleans County is participating in “Operation Green Light” to recognize the service of military personnel.

Veterans continue to serve their community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, church groups and civil service, county legislators said in resolution last month supporting the green light initiative.

Many of the military personnel experience significant stress in transitioning to civilian life, and many commit suicide in that first year out of the military, legislators said.

“With designation as a Green Light for Military Service County, Orleans County hereby declares from November 1st through Veterans Day, November 11th 2021 a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service,” legislators said in the resolution.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s three Genesee Region League  volleyball All-Stars include, from left, Haley Shaffer, Lorelei Dillenbeck and Addison Dillenbeck.

Division 2 champion Lyndonville has placed three players on the Genesee Region League All-Star volleyball team.

The Lady Tigers are represented by juniors Haley Shaffer and Lorelei Dillenbeck and freshman Addison Dillenbeck.

Lyndonville senior Gracie Johnson also earned Honorable Mention.

Kendall is represented on the All-Star team by juniors Taigan Guerrero and Lauren Pilon and Holley by senior Adriana Botello.

Holley seniors Grace McKeon and Rachel Kinsey and Kendall junior Madison Shonitsky all received Honorable Mention.

The All-Star team also includes seniors Tori Walker, Chase Harding, Emily Gadd and sophomore Ellie Cusmano from Attica; seniors Sam Sawyer and Adeline Kautz and sophomore Alyssa Kramer from Alexander; senior Lindsey Weidman and junior Maggie Monachino from Notre Dame; seniors Lexi Vurraro and Grace Huhn from Byron-Bergen and junior Taylor Drummond from Wheatland-Chili.

The Honorable Mention selections also include Olivia Mercado and Maddie Robinson from Attica, Avelin Tomidy and Sonji Warner from Notre Dame, Courtney Schum and Norah Crawford from Alexander, Allie Schwerthoffer and Carly Cerasani from Pembroke, Colbi Heineman from Oakfield-Alabama, Jorie Strzelecki from Byron-Bergen, Thaliah Sainpaulin from Wheatland-Chili and Laci Sewar from Elba.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package to support and protect veterans and their families.

“Our active service members and veterans have served a high calling to protect our democracy and freedoms, and now it is our turn to support them and their families,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing these bills into law today, we are taking steps to ensure veterans and active duty military members have the benefits and resources they need, and the flexibility their circumstances require, to best take care of themselves and their families. New York’s veterans stood up for us, and we will continue to stand by them.”

• Legislation S.7124A/A.7388B changes the beginning of the Vietnam War from February 28, 1961 to November 1, 1955. This change acts to acknowledge the American military presences in the Republic of Vietnam prior to the previous date recognized by the federal and state government. With the signing of this legislation, New York State’s law conforms to federal government and will ensure New York’s Vietnam veterans will receive the credit they deserve for serving in a time of war.
• Legislation S.3623/A.7514 ensures that individuals who voluntarily leave their jobs to accompany spouses who are subjects of military transfers will be eligible for unemployment benefits.
• Legislation S.701A/A.1140 creates the women veterans advisory committee whose purpose will be to support and assist the Division of Veterans’ Services in locating, educating, and advocating for all women veterans in the State of New York. The committee will be comprised of twelve members: six to be appointed by the Governor, two to be appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate, two by the Speaker of the Assembly, one by the Senate Minority Leader, and one by the Assembly Minority Leader. Appointees must be women veterans of any branch, including the Reserves, who were honorably discharged or have a qualifying condition.
• Legislation S.3638/A.7472 establishes a task force on veteran employment opportunities. This group will be charged with holding annual public hearings and making recommendations to the legislature, regarding ways that the state can assist veterans in finding and maintaining meaningful employment opportunities. This task force will be comprised of stakeholders within state government, the private sector and institutions of higher education.
• Legislation S.2977A/A.6100A requires that all intake forms for admission or residency to any nursing home, assisted living facility or homeless shelter ask individuals whether they or their spouses ever served in the military. Identifying individuals who are veterans or spouses of veterans enables the state to help these individuals receive the benefits that they have earned and are entitled to receive.
• Legislation S.7125/A.2658 authorizes Westchester County to waive certain fees for veterans’ organizations. This waiver facilitates the construction and improvement of veterans’ posts in the area so that veterans can experience a sense of community akin to what they experienced while active service members.
• Legislation S.6452/A.3920 enables veterans and reservists to receive benefit information upon applying for or renewing a driver’s license. This will ensure veterans are aware of the benefits they may be entitled to under federal and state law.
• Legislation S.5245A/A.6249 provides in-state tuition continuity at SUNY and CUNY colleges for spouses and children of active duty service members following their stationing in New York.
• Legislation S.5743A/A.6528 allows for children of military families who are relocating under military orders to preliminarily enroll in the school at which they will be a student. This advanced enrollment ensures a smooth transition and eases the stress of missing classes and changing courses during the school year.
• Legislation S.5543A/A.7685 expands the State’s Military Enhanced Recognition, Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship by making it available to all families of fallen and disabled service members by removing the current requirement of military service occurring and after August 2, 1990 for their children and spouse to be eligible to receive such scholarship.
• Legislation S.763/A.5447 provides all men and women that have served with the ability to receive credits for civil service appointments and promotions by removing the restriction that only combat veterans can receive credits.
• Legislation S.6535/A.4089 authorizes a county board of supervisors to require ferries operating within said county to provide free transportation to any member of the United States armed forces in uniform during their enlistment. This waiver of fees is an act of thanks to the men and women who serve our country.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “As the daughter and sister of veterans, I have a special spot in my heart for all veterans. Our veterans and active military personnel have made brave sacrifices to defend and preserve our nation’s freedom. They answered the call to serve and we owe them a debt of gratitude.  I would like to thank Governor Hochul for signing this package of bills on Veterans Day to help provide the services and support they have earned. Easing veterans’ transition back to civilian life is a top priority for the Senate Democratic Majority, and this set of bills will advance that mission.”

Senator Rob Ortt said, “As a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made in service to our nation. It is paramount that we as a state provide the resources necessary to assist military families here at home and ensure that we are supporting veterans with every opportunity to succeed once they exit our armed forces. I am proud to have sponsored two of these vital pieces of legislation and commend New York State for placing emphasis on helping our veterans prosper in their post-military careers.”