2 counties combined pass 5,000 Covid cases in pandemic

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 99 more Covid-19 cases today, which pushes the two counties past 5,000 since March at the start of the pandemic.

The two counties together have 97,632 people (57,280 in Genesee and 40,352 in Orleans, according to the 2019 Census estimate.) With 5,066 confirmed cases, that represents 5.2 percent of the combined population who have had Covid-19.

Genesee has had a higher percentage of its population test positive compared to Orleans. Orleans has had 4.5 percent (1,833 out of 40,352) while in Genesee, the percentage of the population that has tested positive is 5.6 (3,233 out of 57,280).

In Orleans County, today there are 50 new confirmed cases for 1,833 total since March.

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

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Of the new cases, 2 were on quarantine prior to testing positive.

The new cases include two residents of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina.

Orleans County hosted a rapid Covid testing clinic on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Of those 513 tests, 22 were positive for Covid, including 21 Orleans County residents.

Orleans is reporting 34 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation.

Orleans currently has 17 residents hospitalized due to Covid.

• Albion Central School is reporting today that three students – hybrid student from the High School and two hybrid students from the Middle School – have tested positive for Covid-19. One of the students was last in school on Jan. 5. Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined there is no need to quarantine any additional staff or students, the district stated on its website.

The second and third students were in school on Jan. 11. Students and staff members deemed to have been in close contact with the student have been identified by the Department of Health.

• Medina Central School is reporting today a student at Wise Middle School has tested positive for Covid. The district is in the process of notifying the families of anyone who may have come into close contact with the student.

Out of an abundance of caution, this student’s class will switch to 100 percent virtual during the quarantine period, said Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent, in a letter on the district website.

In Genesee County, there are 49 new confirmed cases of Covid reported today for a total of 3,233 positive cases since March.

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, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Genesee also is reporting 66 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. (The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said there was a miscount for reporting the number of people recovered yesterday. There were 2,517 people recovered from Covid-19 yesterday in Genesee County, not 2,515.)

Genesee also has 10 people hospitalized due to Covid.

The county also has had two more residents pass away due to a Covid-related illness. They were both residents over age 65 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Batavia. Genesee has now had 39 people die due to Covid, including 32 since Dec. 1.

NYS Vaccination Sites – Message from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments: (Updated today) The “Am I Eligible” website has changed this afternoon to only show the NYS-run vaccination sites. The Covid-19 Vaccination Hotline is for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers at the New York State-run vaccination sites only: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Use their online tool to find a location. Appointments are required. If you visit a location without an appointment you will not receive a vaccine. We apologize for any confusion, the state just updated this information late this afternoon.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, responded to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s renewable energy proposals in his third State of the State Address this week.

Cuomo, in his address, touted a 200-megawatt solar project in Orleans County. “Orleans Solar” has been proposed by Community Energy in the towns of Barre and Shelby. The company on Dec. 21 went over the project in an online forum. The project would cover 1,300 acres, with about 75 percent in Barre and 25 percent in Shelby.

Ortt said many of these large-scale projects do not give local communities enough say, instead giving the state the ultimate authority in siting the projects.

“(The) announcement of a 200-megawatt solar energy project proposed for Orleans County displays the governor and his administration’s complete disregard for the opinions and desires of Orleans County residents,” Ortt said in a statement. “Residents and local officials have been vehemently opposed to industrial energy projects proposed in the past, yet Gov. Cuomo continues to ignore our concerns. Along with disrupting and destroying the quality of life where these projects are placed, they also raise energy costs for local businesses and families.

“Democrats in Albany are intent on silencing the voices of our community so that they may fulfill socialists’ desires for a Green New Deal,” Ortt said.

The Finger Lakes Region, which was the leading the state with the highest positivity rate and hospitalization rate, is seeing a drop in both.

The Region, which includes Orleans and eight other counties, is still above the statewide average for positive tests – 6.95 percent on Wednesday in the state compared to 8.28 percent in the Finger Lakes.

The Finger Lakes had the fourth highest percent on Wednesday, behind the 9.18 percent in the Mohawk Valley, 8.69 percent on Long Island and 8.45 percent on the Capital Region. The Finger Lakes was over 10 percent as recently as Jan. 7 when it was 10.22 percent.

Wyoming County has the highest positivity rates among the nine counties in the Finger Lakes Region in the past seven days (10.1 percent) and in the past 14 days (12.4 percent).

Positivity rate in Finger Lakes Region counties

• Genesee, 8.2% last 7 days; 10.1% last 14 days
• Livingston, 8.2% last 7 days; 9.6% last 14 days
• Monroe, 8.1% last 7 days; 8.8% last 14 days
• Ontario, 8.4% last 7 days; 9.4% last 14 days
• Orleans, 9.3% last 7 days; 9.8% last 14 days
• Seneca, 7.1% last 7 days; 8.5% last 14 days
• Wayne, 8.0% last 7 days; 8.8% last 14 days
• Wyoming, 10.1% last 7 days; 12.4% last 14 days
• Yates, 9.7% last 7 days; 9.7% last 14 days

Among the 10 regions, the Finger Lakes has the fourth highest percent positive in last 7 days at 8.3 percent. That’s less than the Mohawk Valley, 9.2 percent; Long Island, 8.7 percent; and the Capital Region, 8.4 percent. Western NY was at 7.4 percent. The Southern Tier is the lowest at 4.3 percent

Going back 14 days, the positivity rate in the Finger Lakes is 9.1 percent, which is lower than the Mohawk Valley, 9.8 percent; Capital Region, 9.2 percent; and the same as Long Island, 9.1 percent. Western NY is at 7.9 percent over the past 14 days and the Southern Tier, at 4.8 percent, is the lowest among the 10 regions.

Hospitalizations

The number of people hospitalized due to Covid in the Finger Lakes was 830 on Wednesday, which is down from 874 on Tuesday, 919 on Jan. 1 and a high of 964 on Dec. 28.

While hospitalizations are decreasing the Finger Lakes, they have been steadily rising statewide. The 8,929 hospitalizations on Jan. 12 was the most since 9,179 on May 5. The state reached a pandemic high with 18,825 on April 12.

Governor announces several initiatives in renewable energy agenda

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday noted a 200-megawatt solar energy project proposed in Orleans County is part of the state’s push to embrace a “green economy.”

Cuomo, during a third State of the State address this week, touted “Orleans Solar” which has been proposed by Community Energy in the towns of Barre and Shelby. The company on Dec. 21 went over the project in an online forum. The project would cover 1,300 acres, with about 75 percent in Barre and 25 percent in Shelby.

Community Energy expects it will complete the permitting process by the second quarter in 2022, with construction to commence in the third quarter of 2022. Interconnection to the grid would be complete in the third quarter 2023, with construction done the fourth quarter that year. That was the timeframe presented by Joe Green, director of development for the company based near Philadelphia, Pa. For more on the project, click here.

Cuomo said the state has several proposals to expand and facilitate renewable energy projects, including the largest offshore wind program in the nation  near Long Island. Cuomo also said the state will become a global wind energy manufacturing powerhouse and will create a green energy transmission superhighway.

“We are proposing the largest wind programs in the nation and advancing our green manufacturing capacity and the jobs that go with it,” Cuomo said. “Our new energy superhighway will be optimized by state-of-the-art battery storage facilities, so we can store renewable energy to be used when needed. These projects will not only create power but bring needed economic opportunity to struggling parts of our state, create green jobs, and make New York State a global wind energy manufacturing powerhouse.”

Governor Cuomo continued, “Green energy is a pressing moral imperative and a prime economic opportunity. New York can and will be the nation’s leader for renewable energy innovation and production, all while securing jobs of the future for New Yorkers. Our entire green energy program will create a total 12,400 megawatts of green energy to power 6 million homes, directly create more than 50,000 jobs, and spur $29 billion in private investment all across the state.”

The proposals and projects announced by the governor include:

• Largest Offshore Wind Program in the Nation: The state will contract with Equinor Wind US LLC for the development of two new offshore wind farms more than 20 miles off the shore of Long Island, in what is the largest procurement of renewable energy by a state in U.S. history. Upon completion, the two offshore wind farms will yield a combined 2,490 megawatts of carbon-free energy, bring another $8.9 billion in investment, and create more than 5,200 jobs.

Once the large-scale renewable and offshore wind farms are complete, more than half of New York’s electricity will come from renewable sources, putting the state ahead of schedule toward reaching its goal of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030.

• Global Wind Energy Manufacturing Powerhouse: New York has secured commitments from companies to manufacture wind turbine components within the state and build the nation’s largest offshore wind program.

The projects will leverage almost $3 of private funding for every $1 of public funding, for a combined $644 million investment in these port facilities, and will ultimately yield 2,600 short- and long-term jobs in the offshore wind industry.

Plans to make New York State a global wind energy manufacturing powerhouse include upgrades to create five dedicated port facilities, including:

• The nation’s first offshore wind tower-manufacturing facility to be built at the Port of Albany.
• An offshore wind turbine staging facility and operations and maintenance hub to be established at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.
• Increasing the use of the Port of Coeymans for cutting-edge turbine foundation manufacturing, and
• Buttressing the ongoing operations and maintenance out of Port Jefferson and Port of Montauk Harbor in Long Island.

• Construct New York’s Green Energy Transmission Superhighway: As New York builds substantial capacity to generate clean energy Upstate, the next challenge is to create a modern transmission system capable of delivering this electricity efficiently to high-demand areas Downstate. Last year, New Yorkers utility bills reflected approximately $1 billion in unnecessary “congestion costs” because of bottlenecks on our antiquated transmission grid, Cuomo said.

In 2021, New York State will construct a new green energy superhighway of 250 miles, Cuomo said. The $2 billion project will create opportunities to maximize the use of renewable energy for the parts of the state that still rely on fossil-fuel plants.

Construction has already started on the New York Power Authority’s 86-mile Smart Path project from Massena to Croghan, and construction will soon start on several key projects in Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the Capital Region.

The state will issue a Request for Proposals for transmission arteries to bring renewable energy from Upstate and Canada to New York City. Supercharging the new transmission superhighway will be vital to completing New York’s nation-leading green economic recovery and accelerating renewable energy development programs. Current and planned investments will result in more than 1,000 jobs and $5 billion of public and private sector investment.

• Public-Private Partnership to Build Nearly 100 Renewable Energy Projects: New York’s clean energy transformation has accelerated rapidly over the past five years, Cuomo said. During this period, the State has contracted for the construction of 68 new large-scale renewable energy facilities including solar farms, onshore wind farms, and three offshore wind farms that are among the largest in the nation. These investments in renewable energy have brought economic activity to 34 distinct counties, will add 6,100 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the state’s infrastructure, and generate investment of more than $12 billion.

The state will contract for another 24 large-scale renewable energy generation projects in 2021, to bring the State’s total clean energy build-out to nearly 100 projects. The 23 solar farms and one hydroelectric facility will be the most cost-efficient clean energy construction to date in New York, producing more than 2,200 megawatts of clean power, generating more than $2.9 billion of investment and creating 3,400 jobs in 16 counties Upstate.

• Energy Storage Projects: New York will continue to develop and deploy state-of-the-art renewable energy storage technology and facilities to generate electricity, build the capacity for storage, and help the state achieve its ambitious climate plans.

To that end, the New York Power Authority has already begun construction on a large-scale, 20-megawatt battery storage project in Northern New York, one of the largest storage projects in the State’s growing portfolio of almost 1,000 megawatts of contracted storage projects.

These projects will help meet the electricity demands of 1.2 million New York homes using renewable energy. In addition, these projects will help continue propelling this fast-growing job sector.

• Train the Green Energy Workforce: New York’s accelerated renewable energy development program is creating thousands of well-paying jobs. To make sure all New Yorkers benefit directly from growth in this sector, the State is investing $20 million in a new Offshore Wind Training Institute based at SUNY Stony Brook and Farmingdale State College.

The Institute will train at least 2,500 New Yorkers for good-paying jobs in wind and renewable. energy.

Press Release, Heritage Wind

BARRE – Apex Clean Energy’s Heritage Wind project has filed its application with the Office of Renewable Energy Siting to transfer its Article 10 permit application to the new Section 94-c permitting process.

Because Heritage Wind’s application was previously deemed complete on December 8, 2020 under the Article 10 process, its transfer application shall also be deemed complete in accordance with Section 94-c.

The comprehensive Article 10 permit application filed for the project consisted of 41 exhibits as well as numerous supporting figures, graphics, and studies. The full application and supplemental materials can be found on the project website at www.heritagewindpower.com.

“Transitioning to the new permitting process will provide both Heritage Wind and community stakeholders more certainty regarding permitting conditions while keeping the commitments we have made to the Town of Barre, Orleans County, and area school districts on host community benefits,” said Carmen O’Keefe, Development Manager with Apex Clean Energy. “We will continue to work together with our local government partners and the community under this new process and look forward to bringing this major economic development opportunity to the region.”

The proposed Heritage Wind project consists of 33 wind turbines to be located within the Town of Barre in Orleans County. If approved and built, the project would generate enough homegrown New York clean energy to power over 45,000 homes. It would also create millions of dollars in economic activity for the Town of Barre and Orleans County, including an estimated $50 million in new revenue for the town, county, and local school districts. The project would also support about 200 construction jobs and up to 6 local full-time jobs once the project is operational.

Under the Section 94-c process, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting is expected to publish draft permit conditions and schedule a public hearing regarding those conditions within 60 days of a transfer application being deemed complete.

Following this hearing and public comment period an adjudicatory process may take place, if deemed necessary. A final determination regarding the project is required within 1 year of an application being deemed complete. For Heritage Wind the anticipated timeline for a permit being issued is January 2022. If approved, Heritage Wind would likely commence construction in 2022 and begin commercial operations in late 2023.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A dock is pictured in Medina’s Canal Basin in this photo from a recent fall day. Medina has received a grant to add a kayak launch at the canal.

MEDINA – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor announced a $10,500 grant today to help develop and install an ADA-accessible kayak launch on the Erie Canal in downtown Medina.

This is one of 13 Erie Canalway IMPACT! grants for non-profit organizations and municipalities. The grants total $108,787 and will advance projects that preserve and showcase canal heritage, educate youth and welcome people to explore the canal in their local communities, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor said in a news release.

The grants range from $1,500 to $12,000 and will leverage an additional $146,630 in private and public project support.

“As the pandemic continues to present abnormal challenges it is especially gratifying to support diverse canal inspired innovations,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “We are so pleased to make these timely investments and contribute to the resilience of our canal communities.”

The organization now has made 96 grants to communities and non-profit organizations since 2008 that have spurred $2.49 million in additional investments in heritage preservation, recreation, and education, Radliff said.

The IMPACT! grants are made possible with funding support provided by the National Park Service and the NYS Canal Corporation.

“We are proud to support this year’s IMPACT! grant recipients as the winning projects will positively improve canalside communities while ensuring the New York State Canal System continues to drive economic growth while safeguarding the environment and preserving the history of the nation’s most iconic waterway for the next generation,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton.

The 2021 Erie Canalway IMPACT! grant awards include:

• Buffalo Maritime Center, Buffalo – Award: $12,000 to create an exhibit dedicated to the Haudenosaunee alliance of Native Americans and Erie Canal history to complement Buffalo Maritime Center’s building of the Packet Boat, Seneca Chief.
• Canal Society of New York State, Port Byron – Award: $5,300 to install wayside signs to improve outreach and accessibility to cultural and natural resources at the Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron.
• Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Chittenango – Award: $9,967 to produce a virtual 3-D tour of the museum complex to expand outreach efforts and create new opportunities for education. In addition, develop a STEM-based distance learning program for youth blending concepts of robotics and canal infrastructure.
• City of Amsterdam – Award: $11,757 to institute creative, place-based visitor enhancements at Riverlink Park and Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook.
• Corn Hill Navigation, Pittsford – Award: $11,388 to implement a variety of educational initiatives aboard the Sam Patch, including a bird watching tour in partnership with the Montezuma Audubon Society, and hands-on learning for students in the Erie Canal Environmental Education program, which blends STEM, history, and environmental curriculums.
• Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse – Award: $11,000 to partner with restaurants and other local businesses to offer public programming on the Erie Canal’s relationship to food, specifically as it pertains to agriculture, irrigation and transportation of goods.
• Erie Canal Discovery Center/Niagara County Historical Society, Lockport – Award: $4,180 to support the development of five virtual lessons on the history, geography, engineering and national impact of the Erie Canal.
• Lumber City Development Corporation, North Tonawanda – Award: $3,500 to install a historic mural near the dock area at Gateway Harbor Park in the City of North Tonawanda, enhancing the beauty of the park for visitors while establishing a strong sense of place and heritage.
• Montezuma Audubon Center, Savannah – Award: $10,865 to organize a Canalway Conservation Corps to develop early detection invasive species management programs and STEM-based educational opportunities at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.
• Village of Brockport – Award: $4,830 to enhance Brockport’s self-guided walking tour by upgrading tour materials and interpretive panels.
• Village of Medina – Award: $10,500 to develop and install an ADA accessible kayak launch located on the Erie Canal in the heart of downtown Medina.
• Village of Newark – Award: $1,500 to repair vandalism damage to a prominent Erie Canal themed mural on the canalfront and guard against further damage or deterioration with protective coatings.
• Western New York Land Conservancy, Inc., East Aurora – Award: $12,000 to transform an unused rail corridor into The Riverline, an iconic, innovative, and inspiring nature trail and greenway along the Buffalo River near the terminus of the Erie Canal.

Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) on Wednesday called on the new Congress to pass a Coronavirus Stimulus Package that provides federal aid to state and local aid governments.

NYSAC’s call follows Tuesday’s announcement by incoming Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand supporting legislation that will assist New York State and its local governments.

The bi-partisan Direct Support for Communities Act provides local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services, retain frontline workers, and offset lost revenues and increased costs from the Covid-19 emergency.

Since March of last year, counties across New York have seen their revenues plummet by an estimated $1.5 billion. Sales tax losses could reach $325 million for counties through 2021, state revenue cuts represent a $645 million loss, potentially increase to $965 million through 2021, and Native American gaming revenues and hotel occupancy taxes amount to almost $220 million in losses for counties through 2021.

“For nearly 10 months, local governments have deployed every tool at their disposal to protect New Yorkers and provide the essential services as an economic crisis devastated local revenues. But time is running out,” said NYSAC President and Ontario County Board Chair Jack Marren. “Counties applaud the continued leadership of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and the NY House delegation on fighting for direct aid, and they should pass a bill within the first 100 days of the new administration. Our local governments need help to end this pandemic and get life back to normal.”

“This bill provides the direct, flexible and unrestricted aid counties need to make up for the unprecedented revenue shortfalls brought on by the pandemic,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Without this direct aid, counties will be hamstrung to do the essential work necessary to end the pandemic, including setting up Covid-19 vaccination sites, providing contact tracing and testing, and delivering essential services to children, families and seniors who have been struggling during the pandemic.”

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing a webinar hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to discuss the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.

“I first want to commend the SBA for their tireless work to support our small businesses and our communities,” Jacobs said. “One of my top priorities since taking office has been to deliver economic relief to support millions of American small businesses. When we passed the most recent Covid-19 aid package, not only did we deliver $284 billion to support the Paycheck Protection Program, but we also enacted additional provisions such as the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act that continue to represent our commitment to a strong American comeback.”

This legislation allocated $15 billion to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which offers up to $10 million in grant funding to eligible organizations. The webinar will take place on January 14th, 2021 at 3 p.m. EST, and will cover eligibility, accessibility of grants, and the application process.

Please be advised this webinar will fill up fast, if additional sessions become available an update will be provided. To register for the webinar, click here.

In addition, the Paycheck Protection Program is currently open to both first time recipients and applicants seeking a second draw. The funding is being distributed through Community Financial Institutions. To be eligible for a second loan, a borrower must meet the following criteria: 1) received a first-time loan and has or will use the full amount for authorized uses 2) has no more than 300 employees, and 3) can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, click here.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging New Yorkers to apply for rental relief through the New York State-administered Covid Rent Relief Program. The application deadline is February 1, and individuals can apply through the Covid Rent Relief Program portal (click here), which is available in multiple languages.

“Too many New Yorkers are still struggling to pay their rent due to lost income caused by the Covid-19 pandemic – we must ensure that folks understand and can access the resources available to help,” Gillibrand said. “I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply for rental relief through the Covid Rent Relief program before the Feb. 1 deadline. To beat the economic and public health crisis caused by the pandemic, we must ensure every New Yorker has a stable roof over their head, and a safe place to call home.”

Background:

New York’s Covid Rent Relief Program is the remaining portion of New York’s federal CARES Act funding for rental assistance, which amounted to $100 million. Senator Gillibrand has fought for funding to support housing assistance for New Yorkers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

She co-sponsored the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020, which would establish an Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide $100 billion in emergency rental assistance in order to help families and individuals pay their rent and remain housed during the coronavirus pandemic, and to help families pay back rent once the crisis is over.

Gillibrand also cosponsored the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act, which would provide an additional $11.5 billion in critical funding to state and local governments to respond to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during this crisis.

Not nearly enough supply as state expands priority groups, including people 65 and older

Orleans County officials are working to set up Covid vaccination clinics, possibly at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds later this month.

The county Health Department is being inundated with calls from residents who want the vaccine, but there is far too little supply so far, said Paul Pettit, the county’s public health director.

So far the Health Department, Orleans Community Health and Oak Orchard Health Center have been administering the vaccine mostly to Priority Group 1A. With the recent addition of Priority Group 1B and the addition of those aged 65 and older, the supply of vaccine is not meeting the demand.

“At this time, Orleans County would like to ensure the public that we are working tirelessly to administer the limited doses we have on hand immediately, and we will continue to get vaccine to the qualifying populations in the most efficient and equitable manner possible,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman.

“As the quantity of available vaccine doses increases and we begin to have some confidence in delivery amounts and timing from the state, the county will communicate with those in the priority groups and the general public to notify them of vaccination opportunities,” Johnson said. “In the meantime we are asking our residents, to be patient.”

The county is planning Point of Dispensing (POD) mass vaccination clinics for Priority Groups 1A and 1B. Residents can check their eligibility to either of these groups by clicking here.

Links for pre-registration are updated on a week to week basis based on vaccine availability.  If appointments become full, check the state vaccine web page by clicking here or go to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments Health Vaccine web page (click here).

Due to high traffic volume, the registration links may temporarily become unavailable. Continue to try again if experiencing any errors with registration, the Health Departments advised.

The process of getting the vaccine out to priority groups and eventually the general public is going to take many weeks and months, the Health Departments said.

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 65 and older who do not have internet access, contact the Office for the Aging in Orleans County at 585-589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message.

In Genesee County, the Office for the Aging can be reached at 585-813-2457 for Covid-19 Vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and leave a message and someone will return the call.

Orleans reports another death from Covid for 64 during pandemic

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported 88 more cases of Covid-19 today in the two counties.

In Orleans County, there are 39 new confirmed cases of Covid from Tuesday through earlier today for a total of 1,783 positive cases since March.

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

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Of the new positive cases, one is a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, which has now had 67 of its residents test positive during the pandemic.

The county is reporting 8 of the new 39 positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive. The county has had 26 more people recover from Covid and be removed from the isolation.

Orleans currently has 14 residents hospitalized due to Covid.

The county also is reporting a resident has passed away due to Covid. The individual was younger than 65. This is the 64^th resident to die from Covid during the pandemic.

• Albion Central School is reporting today that a staff member from the High School has tested positive for Covid-19.

The staff member was last in school on Jan. 8. Students and staff members deemed to have been in close contact with the individual have been identified by the district and will be notified by the Department of Health, the district stated on its web site.

• Lyndonville Central School is reporting today that a student and staff member have tested positive for Covid-19.

The student who tested positive was last present on district property on Jan. 11 and has immediately begun isolation at home. Contact tracing was completed in collaboration with the Orleans County Health Department. As a result, two students were placed under quarantine and no staff.

The staff member who tested positive was last present on district property on Jan. 8. Contact tracing was completed in collaboration with the Orleans County Health Department. As a result, no students or staff have been placed under quarantine.

• Medina Central School is reporting today that three students and two staff members have tested positive for Covid.

One of the students is in the high school but is 100 percent virtual. The Department of Health has determined that no further quarantines are required from school contact.

A middle school student also tested positive. The district is in the process of notifying the families of anyone who may have come into close contact with the student. Out of an abundance of caution, this student’s class will switch to 100 percent virtual during the quarantine period, Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent, said in a letter on the district website.

An Oak Orchard Elementary school student also tested positive. The district is in the process of notifying the families of anyone who may have come into close contact with the student. Out of an abundance of caution, this student’s class will switch to 100 percent virtual during the quarantine period.

The two staff members are not based in a school building. The has notified anyone who needs to be quarantined.

In Genesee County there are 49 new positive cases Covid for a total of 3,184 cases since March.

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, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Of the new cases, 4 are residents of Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia and 6 are residents of the LeRoy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility.

In Genesee, 47 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee has 16 residents currently hospitalized with Covid.

• Health Alert – People should monitor themselves for symptoms of Covid-19 if they were at Batavia’s Original from noon to 1 p.m. on Jan. 9.

If the symptoms develop, contact a primary care provider to seek testing immediately and self-isolate until the test results are received.

Symptoms of Covid-19 include but are not limited to fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

10 Republicans join Democrats in voting to impeach for incitement of insurrection at Capitol

The House of Representatives voted 232-197 today to impeach Donald J. Trump for a second time, saying he cited an insurrection against the government a week ago when a mob stormed the Capitol, resulting in five deaths, including a police officer.

White House portrait of President Donald J. Trump

This time there were 10 Republicans to join Democrats in the impeachment vote, including John Katko, a congressman from near Syracuse.

Chris Jacobs, a Republican in the 27^th District which includes Orleans, opposed impeachment said it was rushed without due process, and set “a dangerous precedent to further politically weaponize impeachment.”

Brian Higgins, a Democrat from Buffalo, was among those voting to impeach.

“The facts are clear and compelling – President Trump incited an insurrection against America’s democracy,” Higgins said.

Trump was first impeached in the House on Dec. 18, 2019 but acquitted in the Senate on Feb. 5, 2020 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConell, R-Kentucky, said there “is simply no chance that a fair or serious trial could conclude before President-elect Biden is sworn in next week.”

McConnell said the Senate has held three presidential impeachment trials and they lasted 83 days, 37 days, and 21 days, respectively.

The quickest path for a change in the presidency is for Biden to be sworn in on Jan. 20, McConnell said in a statement.

“In light of this reality, I believe it will best serve our nation if Congress and the executive branch spend the next seven days completely focused on facilitating a safe inauguration and an orderly transfer of power to the incoming Biden Administration,” McConnell said. “I am grateful to the offices and institutions within the Capitol that are working around the clock, alongside federal and local law enforcement, to prepare for a safe and successful inauguration at the Capitol next Wednesday.”

Here is Chris Jacobs’ full statement on impeachment:

“The events of last week were horrific, and the violence we witnessed has no place in our democracy. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. I want to thank the brave men and women of the United States Capitol Police who showed true heroism while protecting me, my colleagues, and thousands of staff members and aides.

“Our nation is clearly divided. Healing this division and moving the country forward should be our first and foremost priority. This rushed impeachment proceeding accomplishes none of these goals, especially given that the President has agreed to an orderly and peaceful transition of power on January 20th, 2021.

“Impeachment has been used rarely in our nation’s history, and when it has been used the House of Representatives has carried out a full and deliberate process complete with an investigation, hearings led by the Judiciary Committee, and a mark-up of the articles of impeachment before a vote is called. We witnessed none of that today. The process was rushed, avoided due process, and set a dangerous precedent to further politically weaponize impeachment.

“Because of the abbreviated process, the short length left in the President’s term, and his commitment to a peaceful transition, I voted against the articles of impeachment today. Our nation has significant challenges we still need to address – including the on-going Covid-19 crisis.

“Our focus should be on tackling these very serious and pressing issues while we work to heal a deeply divided nation. Now is the time to move forward, not take additional divisive action at a time when our country cannot bear it.

“The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our American democracy; it is what sets us apart. Now more than ever, I believe all Americans need to see that transition process occur, as it always has, to reaffirm that our democracy is still strong, healthy, and unbreakable.”

Brian Higgins, a Democrat from Buffalo, issued this statement:

“The facts are clear and compelling – President Trump incited an insurrection against America’s democracy,” Higgins said in a statement. “Through words and actions, Trump publicly broadcast the evidence in the lead-up to the attack. The outcome of his actions was on full display for the world to see with Members of Congress serving as both targets and first-hand witnesses. Efforts to minimize, accept or excuse this insurrection represents a failure by Members to live up to our oath and a failure to protect the democracy this country was founded on and other nations have aspired to model. Members who oppose impeachment are either wrong, weak or both.”

Elise Stefanik, a Republican from Northern New York who opposed impeachment, issued this statement:

“I am vehemently opposed to the snap impeachment of President Trump. It is a partisan ploy with no basis in the Constitution. The Democrats’ decision to impeach the President with one week remaining in his term further fuels the divisions in the country during this very trying time. As Members of the United States Congress, we should focus on unifying our country by delivering solutions to the American people.”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, issued this statement:

“Donald Trump deservedly becomes the first president in American history to bear the stain of impeachment twice over. The Senate is required to act and will proceed with his trial and hold a vote on his conviction.

“Despite the efforts of Donald Trump and violent insurrectionists, America is not a dictatorship. We have been and will forever remain a Democracy that respects and reveres the rule of law, including the bedrock principle that the voters choose our leaders — that just power can only derive from the consent of the governed.

“Now that the House of Representatives has acted, the Senate will hold a fair trial on the impeachment of Donald J. Trump for his role in inciting the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th and attempting to overturn a free and fair election.

“A Senate trial can begin immediately, with agreement from the current Senate Majority Leader to reconvene the Senate for an emergency session, or it will begin after January 19th. But make no mistake, there will be an impeachment trial in the United States Senate; there will be a vote on convicting the president for high crimes and misdemeanors; and if the president is convicted, there will be a vote barring him from running again.

“The president of the United States incited a violent mob against the duly elected government of the United States in a vicious, depraved and desperate attempt to remain in power. For the sake of our democracy, it cannot and must not be tolerated, excused, or go unpunished.”

Projects includes 237 in Murray over canal and 31 in Ridgeway over railroad

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, announced plans the state is working to finalize plans for bridge deck maintenance on two bridges in Orleans County.

One of the projects includes the bridge on Route 237 over the Erie Canal in the town of Murray. The work will be completed either this year or in 2022 depending on public safety factors and contractor resource availability, Hawley said.

The bridge will need to be closed for six weeks as maintenance work takes place, at which point a detour will be established directing motorists to use NY-31, NY-387 and NY-104.

“This maintenance work will help insure this bridge continues to safely serve our community for decades to come, and I am grateful to everybody at the Department of Transportation involved in making this much-needed project a reality,” Hawley said.

The DOT also is planning maintenance work on the bridge deck of the Route 31 bridge over the Falls Road Railroad in the town of Ridgeway, near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The work will be completed either this year or in 2022 depending on public safety factors and contractor resource availability, Hawley said.

The bridge will need to be closed for six weeks as maintenance work takes place, at which point a detour will be established directing motorists to use NY-63, NY-31A, and NY-98 . Both lanes of traffic near the bridge will be open during the annual Orleans County 4-H Fair at the end of July.

“I am glad to see that this project will be able to move forward in the near future without disrupting the annual Orleans County 4-H Fair,” Hawley said. “This maintenance work will keep this bridge safe and operational for years to come, and I’m grateful to everyone at the Department of Transportation involved in planning this important project.”

Photos and information courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion Central School teacher

ALBION – Renzo Tomasi, a seventh grade Service Learning student in Albion, is shown with Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon town historian, today after a historical marker was reinstalled at Union Cemetery on Route 98. This sign is by the Watt Farms Country Market.

This was one of three historic markers that were reinstalled today, with assistance from Mark Radzinski, the Gaines town highway superintendent.

Ierlan worked with students to repaint the markers. She has given a facelift to many of the markers in Orleans County in recent years.

Service Learning teacher Tim Archer said the project has allowed the students to connect with the community during a school year when there hasn’t been any field trips.

“These are civic-minded projects that help students appreciate their community’s past history and to participate in maintaining our heritage,” Archer said. “The students enjoy the hands-on aspect of learning.”

The other two historical markers are on Ridge Road, including one for the First Academy.

The marker for the First Church also was reset after getting a fresh coat of paint.

Nick Prest works on repainting a cast iron road sign from Gillette Road in Barre. Isaiah Riley also is working to restore the sign with assistance from Mrs. Kami Feder’s eighth grade art class.

Here is how the road sign looked before students started working on it.

Archer works with town officials to get approval and then has the highway superintendent take down the sign for restoration. Once completed, the sign will go back up on West Barre Road near the West Barre United Methodist Church.

“Periodically my 7th grade Service Learning classes restore local historic markers or historic road signs,” Archer said. “This is the second ‘West Barre’ area sign we’ve done.”

Archer asked Middle School Art Teacher Kamie Feder to include her eighth-grade art class, which includes Prest and Riley, to help with this second West Barre sign as part of an “interdisciplinary partnership.”

“Since it involved painting, and her room was more conducive to doing it, I asked Kamie if she would take some of her regular art class time to paint the sign,” Archer said. “She was kind enough to accept. Nick and Isaiah are in a small class with her and I had both Nick and Isaiah in class last year. This is an extension of the service-learning instruction that they were part of previously.”

Additionally, the three signs from the Town of Gaines that seventh-graders Brynn Dugan and Renzo Tomasi were working to restore this past September are finished and reinstalled roadside.

Since September, Town of Clarendon Historian Melissa Ierlan has been working on the fine lettering work on the signs.

As for the West Barre sign, it should be back up later this year.

County in talks with ICE, U.S. Marshals to hold federal detainees, defendants

Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo from 2013 shows two cells inside the Orleans County Jail, where the inmate population has dropped from an average of 49 inmates a day in December 2019 to 22 last month, a decline of 55 percent.

ALBION — The jail population significantly dropped in 2020 locally and statewide. The inmate population in the Orleans County Jail was down to 22 inmates in December, a drop of 55 percent from December 2019 when the average daily inmate count was 49.

The jail on Platt Street has a capacity for 82 inmates. The jail population is operating at only about a quarter of the available beds.

Sheriff Chris Bourke said the county is negotiating with two federal agencies to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees and U.S. Marshal’s Service defendants.

Bourke advised local elected officials during a Tuesday conference call that the county is negotiating with the two federal agencies. The jail will be inspected by ICE and the Marshals next week, Bourke said. The county DPW is working to clean and paint the jail in time for the inspection, Bourke said.

The contracts if approved would bring much-needed revenue to the county, the sheriff said.

Bourke said changes in criminal justice laws, including bail reform, is a big factor in the inmate population drop. He also said Covid-19 restrictions which have local courts operating at reduced levels, with cases be adjourned and sentences put off.

According to a report from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, the Orleans County average daily inmate population was much higher from 2010 to 2019: 73 in 2010, 76 in 2011, 75 in 2012, 62 in 2013, 61 in 2014, 65 in 2015, 63 in 2016, 68 in 2017, 60 in 2018 and 58 in 2019.

Statewide the average daily inmate count in county jails has dropped from 25,059 in 2016, 24,457 in 2017, 22,821 in 2018, 19,920 in 2019. Statewide, the jail population is down 19.5 percent from December 2019 to last month, dropping from an average daily inmate count of 16,872 to 13,575.

The inmate population in county jails statewide hit a low in 2020 in July with 11,090 inmates in county jails. It has been rising since then to 11,583 in August, 12,266 in September, 12,824 in October, 13,392 in November and 13,575 in December.

The Orleans County Jail is located on Platt Street in Albion.