New York Farm Bureau is disappointed the state’s growing eligibility list for people to get the Covid-19 vaccine doesn’t include farmworkers.

NYFB President David Fisher issued this statement on Wednesday, a day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited a mass vaccination clinic in Syracuse. The governor this week announced the age eligibility for the vaccine would be lowered from 65 to 60 years old. Farmworkers haven’t been included among the eligible essential workers for the vaccine.

“It is frustrating that Governor Cuomo visited a location synonymous with New York agriculture, the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, to announce the expansion of the state’s COVID vaccine eligibility list, yet he still refuses to protect farmworkers by including them in the ongoing rollout of phase 1b,” Fisher said in a statement. “The CDC recommends that food and agricultural workers be eligible for their own safety and that of our food system. It is time do what is right and prioritize the essential workers who help ensure New Yorkers have food on their tables.”

There are 19 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today in Genesee and Orleans counties, bringing the total to 6,863 in the two counties since March a year ago.

In Orleans County there are 6 new cases reported today for a total of 2,462 cases during the pandemic.

The positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 30s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

One of the newly positive individuals was under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said today.

In Orleans, 3 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There is currently 1 county resident hospitalized due to Covid.

Genesee County today reported 13 new positive cases of Covid-19 for a total of 4,401 cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s, 70s and 80s. (One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia.)

Genesee is reporting 4 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

$1,400 stimulus checks, $12 million in aid to local governments in Orleans County

President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden this afternoon signed the $1.9 trillion America Rescue Plan that will deliver $1,400 checks for Americans with household incomes less than $150,000 or individuals earning less than $75,000 a year.

The legislation also includes $300 in weekly federal unemployment payments through Sept. 6. That weekly amount was $400 in an earlier bill approved by the House, but then was reduced to $300 by the Senate and in the final version approved by the House on Wednesday.

The America Rescue Plan passed without any Republican support in the House or Senate, although Biden said Republican governors, mayors and county executives pushed for the relief package.

The plan includes $23.8 billion for New York to the state and local governments, including over $12 million for the Orleans County government, the 10 towns and four villages.

That amount per municipality in Orleans includes:

• Albion: $880,000
• Barre: $210,000
• Carlton: $310,000
• Clarendon: $380,000
• Gaines: $350,000
• Kendall: $290,000
• Murray: $510,000
• Ridgeway: $690,000
• Shelby: $550,000
• Yates: $260,000
• Orleans County: $7.83 million

The village amounts will be taken from six of the 10 towns listed above. The village amounts haven’t been released yet.

Biden is scheduled to give a national address tonight about the $1.9 trillion plan. He signed the bill into law this afternoon at the White House. Biden said the funding is about “rebuilding the backbone of this country” and “giving people in this nation, working people, the middle class folks, the people who built this nation a fighting chance, that is the essence of this.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement on the $1.9 billion plan:

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary action, and the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed into law today meets that mandate. This historic package is both what the American people demanded and what they deserve – a lifeline to state and local governments, essential workers, and small businesses; a stimulus for our vaccination efforts; a boost to lift Americans and children out of poverty; a catalyst for our economic recovery and revitalization.

“Everyone who worked tirelessly to make this legislation a reality – especially President Biden, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, our Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and our New York Democratic Congressional Delegation – should be proud of what they accomplished today.

“It’s fitting that this legislation was signed one year to the day since the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 virus a pandemic. Let today be the day we finish one of the longest, darkest chapters of our history, and together start building a revitalized, resilient, renewed America.”

Photo from Medina Central School: Pictured from left include Sofia Lopez, teacher Leah Gates and Natalia Olsen.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Two sixth grade students at Medina’s Clifford Wise Intermediate School have won awards for writing from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Aurora Women’s Club.

GFWC (Aurora Branch) is a volunteer organization that offers a wide range of programs for community service, while providing members with opportunities for education, personal development and social interaction. The group’s purpose is to promote education at all levels, support partition in the arts, preserve natural resources, stress good citizenship and leadership development, and serve the needs of the community.

Every year the GFWC sponsors creative writing contests for poetry and short story to provide an avenue for students to freely express themselves, as well as draw upon their experiences through writing.

English Language Arts teacher Leah Gates worked with her students on submissions.  She was thrilled to hear that Natalia Olsen (sixth grade) won second place in Category 3 for Poetry for her poem “The Tornado” and that Sofia Lopez (sixth grade) won an honorable mention in Category 3 for her short story “Rain”.

Both students received certificates and ribbons and Natalia also received a monetary award for her second place finish.

“We are so proud of these talented young students,” say Principal Christopher Hughes and Assistant Principal Jennifer Stearns.

The entire Republican conference in the State Senate is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign.

“The Governor’s Office is under a cloud of multiple scandals and ongoing investigations,” according to the joint statement from the senators.

“New Yorkers need a leader to focus on the important work facing this state, but the ability of the Governor to be anything but a distraction is damaged beyond repair. He must resign for the good of all New Yorkers. If the Governor does not resign, the next step is impeachment.”

The statement was signed by the Republican conference that includes: Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Fred Akshar, George Borrello, Phil Boyle, Patrick Gallivan, Joseph Griffo, Pamela Helming, Daphne Jordan, Andrew Lanza, Mike Martucci, Mario Mattera, Thomas O’Mara, Peter Oberacker, Anthony Palumbo, Edward Rath III, Patty Richie, Sue Serino, Daniel Stec, James Tedisco and Alexis Weik.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Employees of Baxter Healthcare in Medina clean up the lawn at Head Start on Ensign Avenue in Medina in this photo from May 9, 2019. From left are Tammy Pogel, Tim Ingrassia, plant manager Kevin Foley and Melinda Pitcher.

After Covid-19 forced organizers to cancel the Day of Caring last spring 2020, United Way of Orleans County is bringing back the day on April 30.

Day of Caring is a volunteer-oriented event of United Ways nationwide, which encourages volunteerism in the community by helping people and non-profit agencies in need.

Creig Shockley, left, and Brian Hosmer, both Baxter employees, repair and put up swings at Camp Rainbow during the Day of Caring on May 9, 2019. Four more Baxter employees painted cabins, while another cleaned the bathrooms.

“The day combines volunteers with work projects county-wide,” said Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County. “It highlights giving back. If we can get 150 to 200 that will be great.”

Any company employee or member of the community is urged to volunteer for a couple of hours that day in performing simple tasks for agencies or individuals, such as painting a fence, raking a lawn, sorting donated food, delivering meals to the elderly, landscaping or other minor tasks.

“It is an exciting day that offers a unique opportunity for businesses, employees and individuals to participate in making a difference, and to see first-hand how their donations to United Way are benefiting the lives and vitality of our community,” Bellack said.

Not only are volunteers needed to perform various tasks, but projects to do are also needed to make the day a huge success.

Registration forms are available on United Way’s website by clicking on “volunteer” and then “Day of Caring.” Registrations forms should be returned by April 10.

On April 30, volunteers should report to the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. for breakfast. They should dress in comfortable clothing to suit the day.  Volunteer projects will begin immediately following the breakfast and typically last from 9 to 10 a.m. and/or from 2 to 3 p.m.

“This is a great day,” Bellack said. “It promotes good deeds – and the United Way.”

Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory starting April 1st.

While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread – wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.

“New Yorkers have shown strength and perseverance throughout this entire pandemic, and it shows through the numbers that continue to decrease every day,” Cuomo said. “As we work to build our vaccination infrastructure even further and get more shots in arms, we’re making significant progress in winning the footrace between the infection rate and the vaccination rate, allowing us to open new sectors of our economy and start our transition to a new normal in a post-pandemic world. As part of that transition, quarantine for domestic travelers is no longer required, but it is still being advised as an added precaution.”

Regardless of quarantine status, all individuals exposed to Covid-19 or returning from travel must:

• Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14;
• Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated);
• Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.

Press Release, Police Chief Roland Nenni

HOLLEY – The Holley Police Department will be holding a police forum at 7 p.m. today at the Village Office (the former Holley High School), 1 Wright St.

The purpose of this forum is to get the input form the community so that the Police Department can better serve the citizens of the Village of Holley.

The Orleans County District Attorney and Public Defender will be in attendance to address recent changes to the legal and criminal justice system and can address any questions.

The intent is to have open discussions. If anyone would like to speak or address a particular issue, we ask that you contact the Village Office at 638-6367 before the event to be placed on the agenda.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These snowdrop flowers popped out of an Albion front yard on Wednesday, when temperatures were nearly 70 degrees. The flowers beat the start of spring, which is March 20.

This week the weather will feel like spring. Today is forecast to be cloudy with a high of 67, followed by highs of 49 on Friday, 38 on Saturday, 39 on Sunday and 31 on Monday.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Heidi Haines, right, and her daughter Bri Haines walk their dogs this evening in Albion along East Park Street. Heidi is walking the dachshund named Diesel and Bri, 17, is with the golden retriever, Archie.

Today’s high temperature was nearly 70 degrees in Orleans County, a major turnaround from the freezing cold only a few days.

The high hit 69 in Albion, and 68 in Medina and Holley, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. The 68 degrees in Rochester tied an all-time record from 1977 for the city.

The warm temperature brought lots of people to playgrounds and out for neighborhood walks.

The high for Thursday is forecast for 66 in Orleans County. The high on Friday drops to 50, and then the highs will only be 37 on both Saturday and Sunday, according to the Weather Service.

Heidi and Bri Haines enjoy some outdoor time with their dogs.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

The New York State Senate Republican Conference today announced the introduction of a concurrent resolution (B477) to rescind Governor Cuomo’s mandate that prohibits bars and restaurants from serving alcoholic beverages to patrons who do not order food.

The arbitrary Executive Order (202.52 of 2020), which was put into effect last July by Governor Cuomo, stated any establishment licensed by the SLA could only serve alcoholic beverages if accompanied by the purchase of a food item by each individual being served an alcoholic beverage.

The change was announced by Governor Cuomo during a news conference, with no guidance in place, and caused mass confusion within the bar and restaurant industry that was already struggling to comply with constantly changing regulations and mandates.

“While we all recognized the need to make adjustments to help contain the spread of the virus in the midst of the pandemic, this order was completely arbitrary, with absolutely no scientific data to back it up. Our bars and restaurants continue to struggle under burdensome mandates passed on by the Governor, and lifting this one is a no-brainer that would immediately help these businesses get back on their feet,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

“As we mark a year into the pandemic, the cumulative economic toll on our restaurants, hospitality businesses and their hardworking employees keeps growing. Burdened by the Governor’s overly restrictive and arbitrary mandates, New York’s industry is in worse shape than its peers in other states and, every day, we see more of these small businesses forced to close their doors. While the Governor is consumed with defending himself against a series of unfolding scandals, we need to be laser focused on doing everything in our power to help our struggling hospitality sector and the New Yorkers it employs by rescinding senseless directives like this one that accomplish nothing other than causing further economic harm,” said Senator George Borrello.

“Restaurants have been one of the businesses hit especially hard by pandemic-related restrictions, many of which are arbitrary and not based on science.  The requirement for customers to purchase food when ordering alcoholic beverages is just one example.  As we move to safely reopen our economy, we must continue to ease restrictions and eliminate unnecessary burdens on businesses and consumers,” said Senator Patrick Gallivan.

Last week on the floor of the Senate Chamber, Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris stated, “for example, there is currently a rule in place that if you’re at an establishment and having a beverage, you have to also have food. It is our opinion that would no longer be able to be in effect because that is unrelated to public health.”

The comments were made by Senator Gianaris while discussing a  Democrat-negotiated deal with the Governor’s office on legislation that was supposedly intended to remove the Governor’s emergency powers. However, that bill did not go far enough and was not an actual repeal.

Under the bill passed by the Majorities, directives already made by the Governor still remain in effect, and he maintains the ability to modify or extend them. Senator Gianaris stated “if there is something in there you don’t like, put it in a resolution and call for its repeal. We have the ability to do that with a simple majority.”

“I’m encouraged that Senator Gianaris shares our sentiment that there is no scientific reason for this mandate – which hurts our bars and restaurants – to remain in place. I look forward to our colleagues in the Majority bringing this to the floor, and joining us to support this commonsense resolution that would actually provide some relief to our small businesses,” said Leader Ortt.

State Senator Rob Ortt, the Republican conference leader in the State Senate, issued a statement this evening calling for the impeachment of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Rob Ortt

Ortt follows Assembly Republicans, including minority conference leader Will Barclay and Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia, in pressing for the governor’s impeachment.

Ortt’s statement came after a sixth woman accused the governor of sexual harassment.

Ortt’s district includes Orleans, Niagara and parts of western Monroe. He issued this statement:

“The Governor is no longer capable of leading New York at a time when we need leadership. New York State is still fighting this deadly pandemic and we are days away from beginning state budget negotiations. With so much at stake, he and his closest aides continue to plunge Albany into a morass of scandal, the scale and scope of which are truly unprecedented.

“These are dark and shameful days for our state government. Despite all the swirling scandals, all the investigations, all the damning media reports, and all the victims of his destructive behavior coming forward, Governor Cuomo remains arrogantly defiant.

“The era of this Governor’s misdeeds must come to an end. We as state legislators must bring it to an end. I support my colleague Assembly Leader Barclay’s call for the Assembly to begin the impeachment process immediately.”

HARTLAND –  A fire this afternoon on Stone Road in Middleport destroyed a detached garage. All of the contents, including two classic automobiles, were a total loss, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported.

There was a 911 call at 1:58 p.m. reporting the fire at 3829 Stone Rd. Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies and officers of the Village of Middleport Police Department responded and confirmed the single story 2 ½-car garage was engulfed.

The fire was subsequently extinguished by members of Middleport Fire Department. Besides the loss of the garage, a wooden shed that was located adjacent to the garage also suffered fire damage, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported.

No injuries were reported. An investigation into the cause of the fire by the Niagara County Origin and Cause Team is underway.

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Board

The Orleans County Youth Board currently has three open positions available. The seats represent the following municipalities: Medina/Ridgeway/Shelby and Yates/Lyndonville, and also a youth representative.

The Orleans County Youth Board is an advisory body made up of citizens from local municipalities, as well as youth representatives and members from various human service agencies.

The board works with Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau staff and is responsible for recommending funding allocations annually. The Youth Bureau administers population-based funding made available to the county by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

Youth Development Prevention funding supports programs that provide opportunities for youth to gain important life skills and core competencies, and that allow youth to have meaningful roles in their community. The Youth Board also assists with programs such as the annual Youth Recognition Awards Banquet and Family Game Night.

The board meets on the first Wednesday of the month, September through June, and meets a minimum of six times a year. The meetings last an average of one hour.

Any residents interested or who would like more information can contact the Youth Bureau office at 585-344-3960 or via email at youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us for an application.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reminding constituents that due to a new boating law passed last year, all motorboat operators, regardless of age, must have a boating safety certificate by 2025 in order to operate motorized watercrafts, including personal watercraft such as jet-skis.

Under the new law, all motorboat operators:

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 needed a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.
• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
• All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.

Information on taking the boating safety course in-person or online can be found by clicking here.

“I encourage anyone who has even a mild interest in boating to take the state boating safety course, because it’s never been easier to get your certificate,” said Hawley. “Whether taking the course in-person or online, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon and ensure everyone stays safe in New York waters.”