Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – The school district has been honored for the 14th year in a row with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The designation celebrates districts that work hard to provide music access and education to all students. In order to qualify for the designation, the district completed a detailed survey, answered questions regarding music class participation, facilities, support for the music programs, and, topically, how its adapted instruction and programming to continue effectively through the coronavirus pandemic.

Elementary students learn about music using boomwackers

“We are honored to once again be recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from NAMM,” Superintendent Mickey Edwards said. “While this last year has provided us with some unexpected challenges, this designation is a testament that our program, students, and staff have not only persevered but overcome these obstacles, carrying on the vibrant tradition of music in our district as well as our community.”

High School Principal Jennifer Ashbery celebrated the NAMM recognition stating, “This is a testament to the efforts of our students and entire music staff here at Albion Central Schools. We have a lot to be proud of!”

“The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting precautions and regulations have certainly changed the way we teach, but haven’t lessened the vitality of our music education program here in Albion,” High School Band Director Mike Thaine explained. “We are blessed with a committed administration, supportive and understanding community, and dedicated music teachers who never considered ‘phoning it in’ this year, but – on the contrary – have worked tirelessly to reimagine how music education can be effective during a time of hybrid schedules, on-line learning, compulsory mask-wearing, instrument covers, 12-foot ensemble spacing, and no in-person public concerts.”

While following COVID-19 safety regulations has posed some unique challenges for our ensembles, they have also had some unexpectedly positive results.

For example, with the 12-foot spacing regulation, ensemble teachers have noticed that, without other musicians to “hide behind,” students have become more independent musicians and confidence has improved. It’s also given teachers an opportunity to focus less on ensemble performance, and more heavily on individual concepts such as ear-training, music analysis, solfege, melodic & rhythmic dictation, critical listening, exposure to professional models, and solo performance skills.

“We’ve seen wonderful growth in our students’ general music literacy through these activities,” Thaine said. “Our classroom music teachers report that the smaller class sizes have resulted in more individual attention for each student. Elementary students are actually getting more time with Orff and Kolday activities, gaining an opportunity to increase their rhythmic aptitude.”

Some extracurricular ensembles such as marching band, chamber choir, and jazz ensemble have been practicing regularly via Zoom. “Now, more than ever, our students need music,” Thaine emphasized. “Our philosophy during the pandemic is to absolutely keep music prominent for them.”

Additionally, as in-person concerts have not been permitted this year due to the pandemic, the department dedicated its time to reimagining these events, carrying on the traditions for the students, staff and greater Albion community.

HS students prepare for the virtual Veterans Day performance in November.

“At no time did we consider simply canceling them,” Thaine emphasized.

For example, in November, rather than the usual Sr. High Band and Choir Veterans Day Concert, the music department presented a pre-recorded virtual Veterans Day program, which featured small groups of students performing patriotic musical selections and student-driven interviews with several veterans that have close ties to the Albion music students. In this way, they were able to carry on the tradition of honoring some of our local heroes.

In December, in place of a live holiday concert, each hybrid section of the high school choir recorded a wonderful 15-minute program explaining and demonstrating what activities and techniques they’ve been working on in class before incorporating the skills in their performance of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” That program was emailed to all of the choir students, as well as parents /guardians.

On the other hand, high school band students were separated into solos, duets, trios, and quartets and then chose a Christmas carol or short holiday tune to prepare. Each group was video recorded performing their song and students dressed up in holiday garb and decorated their instruments. These informal, yet festive, music videos were posted on the band’s Facebook page and emailed home to band families. The Middle School bands and choruses recorded an abbreviated holiday musical presentation, which was shared with parents and the public via the school’s YouTube channel.

Every March the district hosts its annual All-District Concert, which, depending on the year, features all of the district’s instrumental or vocal ensembles, elementary through senior high, together in one event. It would have been easy to skip the event this year, given the circumstances, but instead, teachers organized a virtual program, including students from both hybrid sections of the Fifth Grade Band, all four hybrid sections of the Middle School bands, several soloists from the HS Band, and even a few remote students. The program was broadcast via YouTube and the district’s website.

Lastly, the musical theater productions were also all done virtually this year. The productions were professionally recorded and casts, crews, and orchestras wore masks and were largely kept socially distanced. (Tickets are available for the high school show, Freaky Friday, by clicking here.)

About The NAMM Foundation: The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A nest perched in a crevice on the Orleans County Courthouse has proven to be a curiosity for people coming and going to the courthouse.

Ravens started work on the nest about two months ago. It’s an impressive nest with big branches, with some dangling over the edge.

Orleans Hub has received several emails and messages about the nest, which faces Platt Street and looms over the parking area of the county jail.

I’ve tried to get pictures of the ravens in flight or near the nest. I’ve seen them several times but haven’t been quick enough to get a good photo of the birds.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Artists in Lyndonville Central School District’s Photography, Studio Art and 5/6 grades recently created videos for the annual Rural Schools Association Video Contest: Our School, Our Community.

Students were instructed to create a video 3 minutes or less that shows the rural school-community connection. Videos could include music, narration, documentaries or short plays. Although school staff were able to assist, each video was required to be student directed. A grand prize winner will be selected from grades K-8 and 9-12 and each will receive $1,000. Additional prizes include: first prize of $500, second prize of $300 and finalist awards.

Lyndonville Central School will share each of the seven videos that were created on social media throughout the month. The videos are currently on the district’s YouTube channel. Links are below for you to enjoy!

Click here for submission number 1.

Click here for submission number 2.

Click here for submission number 3.

Click here for submission number 4.

Click here for submission number 5.

Click here for submission number 6.

Click here for submission number 7.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A hollowed out limb in an old beech tree is pictured of a tree was taken down last week at Mount Albion Cemetery.

The Orleans County Department of Public Works brought in a bucket truck and tree cutters to cut down three large trees on the east side of the historic cemetery on Route 31. The county also trimmed several other trees.

This beech tree is one of the two that were taken down. A maple tree also was brought down.

Jason Zicari, the cemetery superintendent, said the three trees “were totally dead” and posed a hazard to the cemetery.

This large maple tree on the eastern edge of the cemetery was cut down. A big piece of the tree blew out in a recent windstorm.

“We don’t like to cut down any of the trees,” Zicari said. “We try to do everything we can to save them. This is the last resort.”

The cemetery staff plans to plant new trees after it cleans up from the three that were cut down.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – Public Safety Telecommunicators, the 911 dispatchers, are a vital part in an emergency. Through assessment and coordination of each situation, the 911 dispatcher links callers in distress to the correct emergency services needed for rapid response times.

Many lives are saved in the community due to the expertise and coordination of the 911 dispatchers.

Please join us in recognizing our 911 Dispatchers for their diligence, dedication and service to our community.

Editor’s Note: Orleans County has nine full-time and three part-time dispatchers. About 100,000 calls are made to dispatch in Orleans County each year.

OAKFIELD – An Oakfield man was killed in an ATV accident on Saturday night after striking a rock embankment, which caused the ATV to overturn several times.

State troopers reported this morning that Thomas S. Butler, 43, was ejected and died at the scene. His 55-year-old passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries. That passenger was taken by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center for treatment, State Police said.

Troopers were dispatched to Lockport Road in Oakfield at 10:12 p.m. Troopers said Butler was driving a 2014 Can Am Outlander northbound on Bliss Road and crossed Lockport Road, exiting the intersection and hitting the rock embankment. Neither operator nor passenger were wearing helmets, State Police said.

An autopsy is scheduled for the deceased. This is still an active investigation, State Police said.

There are more than 1,300 appointments available for Covid-19 vaccines through the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The vaccines are available for free to eligible residents. The eligibility is currently anyone 16 and older. However, the vaccine appointments are for the first dose of the Moderna vaccine which is available for people 18 and older.

There are currently about 300 appointments available for a vaccine clinic at the Ridgeway Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Click here to register and for more information. There will be another clinic at Ridgeway on Thursday.

GCC in Batavia will host a clinic on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. There are about 1,000 appointments as of this morning. Click here to register and for more information.

These clinics are targeted to residents in Orleans and Genesee counties but are available for any New York State individuals who reside, work or study in the state.

“We want to see all of these clinics filled up with those who can also commit to returning for the second dose of the Moderna vaccine 28 days later,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in the two counties.

560,000 have died from Covid-related illness in U.S. going back to January 2020

Press Release, Federal Emergency Management Agency

WASHINGTON – FEMA beginning April 12 will begin accepting applications for financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (Covid-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.

The policy was finalized March 24, and FEMA is moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

“At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate.”

To be eligible for Covid-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to Covid-19.
• If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
• An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
• The Covid-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
• Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
• A dedicated 800 number has been established to help individuals who apply. That Covid-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number is 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585. Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time

Applicants are encouraged to gather the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to Covid-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” Covid-19 or Covid-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of Covid-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
• Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

For more information about this assistance, visit Covid-19 Funeral Assistance.

ALBION – A motorist struck a cow that was standing in the middle of the road on Route 98 in Albion at about 10 p.m.

The cow was killed from the collision and the driver wasn’t injured, according to an Albion firefighter.

The accident closed a section of Route 98 between Allen Road and Countyhouse Road, just south of the village.

The owner of the cow used a tractor to remove the animal from the roadway.

No additional information is available.

Adrienne Kirby selected this family photo as one of her favorites. It was taken in 1983, most likely at the Village Inn for the celebration of her grandfather’s 85th birthday. Adrienne is seen at left, next to her grandfather, Cary Lattin and her younger sister, Allison Lattin.   Standing in back is her grandmother, Avis Lattin and her father, Bill Lattin. 

By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director

(Author’s note:  It became obvious to me while working on what turned out to be Part 1 of the History of the Lattin family in the Hamlet of Childs and environs, that one article alone would not do the story justice. So, without further ado, here is the second installment. (If you missed article 1, you may want to back up a week and check it out or click here.)

Adrienne (Lattin) Kirby, current Town of Gaines Historian, is happy to explain how she is the third rung in the ladder of historic preservation, so to speak, as both her father, C.W. (Bill) Lattin, and grandfather, Cary Lattin, have greased the wheel by providing her so much interesting historical information over her 46 year lifetime.

The Lattin family and the Cobblestone Museum, have in many ways become synonymous over the years with community engagement. Whether it was hosting school tours for up to fifty classrooms each year, or inviting the community to take part in the Pumpkin Festival, with prizes given to historic themed entries.

Adrienne remembers this particular Festival in 1982 because of the pumpkin sitting on the stand next to her. She recognized the “O.C.” which stood for Orleans County, and a carved cello which was the instrument that Pamela Frame played for this program in the Cobblestone Church. The children taking part in this photo include (Left to Right): Marsha Bolton (now Rivers), DeeDee States (now DiMarco), Allison Lattin, Richard Bowen, and Adrienne Lattin (now Kirby). The adult in the center of the photo is Pamela Frame, the cellist who played for the event.

Another fond remembrance for Adrienne was the annual Christmas pageant at the Schoolhouse. “Janice (Thaine) did those for many years, and I remember them fondly. I was in a skit called ‘The Christmas Belles’ about 3 sisters, whose names were Laurabelle, Clarabelle, and Isabelle.” Adrienne (left) and sister, Allison, are seen here in 1982 with Santa (Gerald Thaine) at the Schoolhouse.

Janice Thaine offered up the Christmas pagents in the 1970s and 1980s.  Here we see Adrienne and Allison Lattin at the right side of the first row of children.

A makeshift “theater” was created each Christmas at the schoolhouse, by stringing a collection of sheets across the front of the classroom for a makeshift stage curtain, as seen here. The audience sat in the student’s desks. Adrienne said, “I’m sure I played the organ for the program in 1985 (pictured here), I would have been taking lessons with Miss DiGuilio. She was in Albion, but a lot of people around here will remember her.”

Young actor, Danny Capurso, age 4, with his mother, Chris Capurso, are seen arriving at the schoolhouse in 1983. Some of Janice Thaine’s handmade Christmas decorations are displayed in the window. The program was composed of children reciting seasonal poems, short skits and music.

Adrienne said, “Every year, we sang ‘Up on the Housetop.’ I seem to remember having to snap my fingers at the ‘click, click, click,’ and a few other hand gestures. The show always closed with Janice sitting in the teacher’s chair, reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ with all the kids sitting on the floor around her. Her husband Gerald, would dress up as Santa Claus and kids would take turns sitting on his lap. I think the wire for the curtain is still there. The curtain was just some white sheets pinned together.”

Adrienne reminisced, “ I distinctly remember when I was in 1st grade wearing lace up shoes with rather thick, soft rubber soles, because that was fashionable in 1980. I stood on the metal grating above the furnace long enough for it to melt an imprint into the bottom of my shoe. I remember Janice also brought in a cardboard fireplace, most likely from the 1950s, as sort of a backdrop.”

Folks who have toured the Farmers Hall at the Cobblestone Museum probably remember the large smokehouse and bin there were created from sycamore limbs.  What they may not know is the artifacts’ connection to the Lattin family. Sometime in 1870s, Adrienne’s great-great grandfather, Bartlett decided to cut a huge sycamore tree in Kuck’s Woods. He was assisted by a friend, and the two men decided to each take half of the wood.

The sycamore tree they selected was 90 feet tall, six feet in diameter, and about 20’ in circumference. One of the characteristics of sycamore trees is they usually become hollow on their own. Bartlett used half of the trunk to create a log bin, seen here occupied by Cary Lattin in 1902, and Barlett’s friend used the other half of the trunk for a chicken coop.

Bartlett also used one limb measuring three foot in diameter for a smokehouse. The sycamore smokehouse is shown here in 1945, with Cary Lattin at right. Cary’s father, Nahum, is holding his grandson, Bill Lattin. The family trio is inspecting meat hanging inside the smokehouse. In 1980, Cary gave the sycamore smokehouse to the Cobblestone Museum to preserve.

It’s no secret that the Lattin’s have enjoyed collecting antiques. Bill has even “set up shop” at regional antique stores.  One of the items that Cary and Bill were fond of is displayed in their homestead and has a six generation connection to the Lattin family.  Adrienne’s great- great-great-great grandfather, Nathaniel Lattin, purchased a Hepplewhite sideboard in a shop in New York City in the 1830s. It was second hand at that point, and the family tells the story that it was once owned by a sea captain and was used in his cabin on a sailing vessel. Nathaniel recognized it as quality furniture.

When Nathaniel died, he passed it on through the “greats,” first to Joseph, then to Joseph’s son, William.  The story is told that Bartlett Lattin, William’s brother, liked the piece of furniture so much that he offered a milk cow in exchange, if his brother William would give him the sideboard.  Succeeding with the barter, Bartlett took his newly acquired sideboard home. His wife, Phebe, was very upset with the trade.  She said, “You traded our best milk cow for that old, second-hand piece of furniture – What were you thinking?!  You can’t put that in my dining room!”

After some serious give and take, Phebe relaxed her indignation enough to say the Hepplewhite sideboard could go in the woodshed, where she used it to store odds and ends. When Phebe died in 1886, Barlett moved the sideboard in to the house and gave it a place of rightful honor.” Bartlett died in 1900 and the cabinet was inherited by his son, Nahum Lattin.

Bill Lattin said, “Nahum was offered $500 for the sideboard in 1902. Luckily, he didn’t sell it and it sits in my dining room today.” Bill appreciates it, certainly for its value, but probably more so for its wonderful family provenance that includes stories of sea captains and a traded milk cow. You see, a historian is really a seasoned story teller.

The State Health Department updated its guidance for schools on Friday evening, allowing schools to reduce student distancing from 6 to 3 feet.

The update has been eagerly anticipated, especially Albion and Holley which are bringing back more students for in-person learning next week.

The change will allow the districts to have more kids in the classroom for in-person learning. Many districts in the state have been on a hybrid schedule, alternating cohorts of students to keep reduce the capacity in the classrooms.

That reduction in student distancing applies to schools in counties with low, moderate and substantial transmission of Covid-19.

The School Administrators Association of New York State summarized other highlights in the guidance:

• Physical barriers are no longer recommended when social distancing can not be maintained. A preferred strategy is “enhanced” ventilation and air filtration.
• Face masks are required at all times-except when eating. Six feet distance must be maintained during meals or snacks.
• Six feet distance is required between adults.
• Masks must be worn at all times on buses and “individuals should maintain appropriate physical distancing, unless they are members of the same household.”
• Six feet distance must be maintained for participation in activities that require projecting the voice or playing wind instruments. This distance must be maintained the audience and performers.
• Six feet must be maintained in common areas.
• Other mitigation strategies such as cleaning protocols, daily screening and testing must be maintained

The federal government on March 19 issued an update on guidance for schools with the distance between desks reduced from 6 to 3 feet.

Paul Pettit, public health director in Orleans and Genesee counties, has previously said he supports the change in distancing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

School districts, however, didn’t have the option of moving students closer together until the state Department of Health issued its updated guidance on Friday evening.

“We don’t have the authority to approve,” Pettit said last month. “It’s between the schools and the state. The schools need to follow the state guidelines. We support the change if it happens from the CDC.”

Teachers union wants students in person for school ‘in the safest possible environment’

Press Release, New York State United Teachers

ALBANY – New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta issued the following statement today on revised New York State Department of Health Covid-19 guidance for K-12 schools:

“As educators, we know that the best place for our students to learn is in person in the classroom. What we’ve wanted from the very beginning of the school reopening process is for that to happen in the safest possible environment.

“In adopting new physical distancing guidelines in line with CDC recommendations, the state is making it crystal clear that distancing is only one part of a layered mitigation strategy. These revised guidelines not only draw distinctions between when it’s appropriate to have three feet of distancing and when six feet of distancing is still necessary, they also mandate masks at all times and lay out specific ventilation recommendations while maintaining important provisions for cleaning, hygiene and contact tracing.

“What’s more, the guidelines are clear that community transmission — with a majority of New York counties currently at high levels of transmission, per CDC metrics — is a critical factor in how physical distancing changes are implemented. And before districts make changes, school communities, including parents and educators, must be given an opportunity to provide input on updates to reopening plans. That has always been and must continue to be essential to the reopening process.

“There also is more to be done to strengthen safety protocols. While the state recommends that districts ‘strongly consider’ implementing screening testing, we believe there is zero excuse for all districts not to implement routine testing as soon as possible. The federal government is making hundreds of millions of dollars available to New York schools explicitly for this purpose. It’s long past time to get this done.

“Ultimately, if changes to local reopening plans are made, it’s up to local departments of health to enforce state required guidelines. They must do so expeditiously and ensure no district is lax in sticking to a layered mitigation strategy.”

BARRE – The Barre Town Board will be opening up its meetings to the public for in-person attendance again starting this Wednesday, April 14.

There is a public hearing at 6 p.m. on proposed solar law changes followed at 7 p.m. with a Town Board meeting.

“Accommodations have been made for a limited number of people to attend,” said Town Supervisor Sean Pogue. “All in attendance must follow proper CDC and NY state health guidelines. Masks are mandatory and must cover the nose and mouth simultaneously at all times.”

Others will still be able to watch and comment on YouTube. The link is posted on the town website (click here).

“There is also the ability to listen in by calling 585.589.5100, push 5, push 4, 3, 2, 1, # on your phone,” Pogue said.

Press Release, VA Western New York

BUFFALO/BATAVIA — VA Western New York Healthcare System is providing Covid-19 vaccinations to anyone who served in the military to include their caregivers and spouses and some other beneficiaries under the authority granted by the SAVE LIVES Act that was signed by President Joe Biden on March 24.

The expanded authority depends on the readily available Covid-19 vaccine supply and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to prioritize veteran s enrolled in VA care. Previously, only veterans that were already enrolled and eligible for VA health care could receive Covid-19 vaccinations.

“Since the start of the pandemic, VA WNYHS (Western New York Healthcare System) has been focused on vaccinating as many veterans as possible, and we are excited to multiply our efforts thanks to the SAVE LIVES Act,” said Royce Calhoun, associate director of VA WNYHS.

Veterans now eligible under the SAVE LIVES Act who wish to receive a vaccine can click here to register online and stay informed on the VA’s vaccine rollout process.

Additionally, veterans, caregivers and spouses of veterans can call directly to schedule their Covid-19 vaccination at (716) 862-7868.

To maintain continued health and safety during the pandemic, please do not visit a VA facility for a Covid-19 vaccine without an appointment.

Provided photo: Congressman Chris Jacobs, second from left, tours a facility on the southern border.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) completed a southern border tour in Eagle Pass and Del Rio, Texas, with members of the Republican Study Committee.

The representatives toured a detention facility in Eagle Pass, Texas, held a roundtable with local sheriffs, conducted a press conference to update media, toured Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, participated in a flyover tour of the southern border, and were briefed by Border Patrol leadership in Del Rio, Texas.

“We knew the situation along our southern border was a growing national security and humanitarian crisis, but to see it firsthand and hear directly from law enforcement on the frontlines was shocking,” Jacobs said. “They are seeing a massive surge of migrants illegally entering our country, and with it there is a surge of drug smuggling, human and child trafficking, and criminal entry. The cartels are taking advantage of the Biden administration’s weakened security measures at the border, making an estimated $11 million per week from human trafficking in this sector.”

Jacobs was joined by Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (IN-03), as well as members Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Kevin Hern (OK-01), and Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL).

“Law enforcement along the southern border is working tirelessly to protect our nation and aid children being tragically trafficked hundreds of miles across the border. It is clear to me they are doing so under increasingly strenuous and unmanageable circumstances,” Jacobs said. “Local residents are becoming increasingly concerned for their communities. In the sector I toured they have seen a 340% increase in apprehensions from last year. Border Patrol has also confirmed that suspected terrorists have crossed the border.”

Earlier this week, it was announced that two Yemeni nationals on the FBI’s terrorism watchlist were apprehended at the southern border. In addition, yesterday, it was announced that there was a 100% increase in unaccompanied minors from February 2021 (9,400) to March 2021 (18,800) – this is also a record-setting number. It was also announced that March 2021 saw 172,000 migrant apprehensions at the southern border – a 15-year record high.

“The President and Vice President need to come down to this area to hear from the people who are impacted by their reckless policies that have led to this dangerous and heartbreaking situation,” Jacobs said. “Action needs to be taken now. Further delay and indecision will worsen the situation for immigrant children, border communities, and our nation.”