MEDINA – A vehicle reported stolen July 13, 2020 at 7:50 a.m. was recovered in the City of Rochester later that day around 12:19 p.m. with both suspects inside the vehicle, the Medina Police Department reported today.
The Medina PD charged two Medina residents – Jakob Bishop, 21, and Adrienne Wissinger, 24 – with grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and other charges.
Bishop was also charged in connection with another stolen vehicle that was stolen July 8 from the Village of Medina. That vehicle was recovered July 13 by the Medina Police Department.
Due to New York State’s new bail reform the individuals were processed and released on appearance tickets due to the charges not being bailable offenses listed by the New York State. The Medina Police Department encourages people to lock their vehicles, and don’t leave the keys inside the vehicles.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2020 at 1:11 pm
New York State has passed 25,000 confirmed deaths from Covid-19. The state had nine confirmed deaths on Tuesday from Covid-19, bringing the total to 25,003.
The daily deaths from Covid-19 have been in the single digits most days the past two weeks. That is down from the peak in early April, when there were usually more than 700 each day with a peak of 799 on April 8.
Orleans County has 54 of those deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic, with 30 at the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion, 23 at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, and one other resident in the community.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state has made significant progress reducing the daily deaths and infections from Covid-19.
“New Yorkers brought the curve down by making big changes, and we see that work reflected in the numbers every day,” Cuomo said. “But we must continue to be smart – by wearing a mask, social distancing and washing our hands, we all have a role to play in protecting the progress we’ve made and leading the rest of the nation by example.”
Cuomo also announced today the state was named most responsible state in fighting Covid-19 according to a new study by The Truth About Insurance.
“We’ve used data and science to drive this fight and fuel our re-opening strategy, but make no mistake, this distinction is shared by every single New Yorker who did the right thing these last months, ignored the politics, socially distanced and wore a mask,” Cuomo said. “Together, we climbed this terrible mountain and came down on the other side, but we can’t stop now. We must remain disciplined and we must remain New York Tough. We’ve come too far to go back to where we were.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2020 at 9:38 am
Kevin Lynch appointed to take over as village’s top elected official
Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller, right, reads a commendation from the Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday evening for Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty, center in back. Sorochty resigned, effective today, because he is moving out of the community and has increased work responsibilities.
HOLLEY – Brian Sorochty was praised during his final meeting as Holley mayor on Tuesday. Sorochty has resigned effective today and Kevin Lynch will fill out the remaining two months of the term.
Kevin Lynch was appointed by the other Village Board members to serve as mayor. He is running in a Sept. 15 election.
Lynch was deputy mayor under Sorochty. Lynch, a retired Canal Corp. employee, is running for mayor in the Sept. 15 election. The village election was pushed back about three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sorochty has increased work responsibilities as vice president of engineering for an engineering/construction company. He also is moving out of the village.
He was presented with an official commendation from the Orleans County Legislature for his 15 years of service to Holley, first on the Planning Board, then as village trustee and the past four years as mayor.
County Legislator Ken DeRoller said Sorochty has been instrumental in pushing through major initiatives for Holley, highlighted by a $17 million transformation of the old Holley High School into 41 senior apartments and the Holley village offices.
Residents have moved into the apartments and Home Leasing, developer of the project, is close to having the village offices ready. Holley village employees could shift to that space next month.
Holley also will be putting in new sidewalks and water lines the next year, a $4.5 million project.
The transformation of the former Holley High School is nearly complete. The front columns are yet to be delivered to Holley. The village offices are expected to move to the building next month.
With Sorochty as mayor, Holley created a Local Development Corporation to acquire eight residential homes affected by the Diaz Chemical spill from January 2002. These homes were given a clean bill of health by the EPA, put up for sale, sold to residents and are back on the tax rolls.
Brian Sorochty
Holley also has received a planning grant for redeveloping vacant buildings in the downtown, finding uses for brownfield sites, including the former Diaz Chemical property. The brownfield grant is nearly complete with a final community meeting to be scheduled soon.
DeRoller, the county legislator, also said Sorochty has been active in an association of local elected officials, and also has attended many meetings on better utilizing the Erie Canal in the county.
DeRoller praised Sorochty for upgrading Holley’s signage, infrastructure and parks.
Sorochty also commended DeRoller for being a “good partner” for the village.
Connie Nenni, a Holley village trustee, said Sorochty pushed through major projects in the community.
“Many, many thanks, Brian,” she told him during the meeting on Tuesday. “I can’t stress it enough.”
Tuesday’s Village Board meeting may have been the last one in the upstairs meeting room at 72 Public Square. In this photo, DPW Superintendent Dave Nenni (in orange shirt) updates the board about the DPW. Next to him at right is Aric Albright, sewer plant operator; and Matt Campbell, water and electric superintendent.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 July 2020 at 6:55 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Providing a place for the neighborhood kids to play baseball for over 60 years now Albion’s Sandstone Park has been undergoing some major improvements this summer. The project has been made possible thanks to the donations and volunteer time given by neighbors, former players and friends of the park. Here Sandstone Coach Dan Bartlett and Sandstone Park renovation project Coordinator Bruce Sidari stand next to one of the three new outfield distance signs that will be hung on the new outfield fence, one in centerfield and one along each foul line. “We have received some great support with donations and volunteer help and donated material which has made this project possible,” said Sidari. Bartlett is just the fourth coach in the Sandstone team’s 64 year history. The three previous coaches were Guido Mannella, Leonard Sidari and Steve Coville.
A large section of the new fence, which will be topped with a yellow safety guard, is shown here. Beyond the fence is an area which will be used for infield practice by both Sandstone’s 7-9 and 10-12 age group teams.
Here Elliott Trapiss gets set to take a swing in front of the new backstop. The project will also include the installation of a flag pole behind the backstop as well as a monument which will be mounted on a piece of sandstone. The monument will have the following inscription. “SANDSTONE PARK: Purchased and developed by the hard working and caring men and women of East State Street in 1954. These members of America’s “Greatest Generation” provided a safe enjoyable recreation area for their children, the residents of East State Street and the Village of Albion. The generations of volunteers since its inception has allowed Sandstone Park to provide and maintain a sense of fair play and a sportsman like atmosphere that the founders worked so hard to create. The resident’s past and present of East State Street and the Village of Albion will forever be in their debt. To “The Greatest Generation” Thank You”
Volunteer labor and donated materials helped to transform this old block restroom building into a storage building complete with the Sandstone Park logo. The work has also included a large new parking area.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2020 at 4:18 pm
There are no new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Orleans County while Genesee County has two more, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.
There two new positive cases in Genesee include a Batavia resident and Pembroke resident. One of the new cases is a person in the 40s and the other is in the 60s. The positive individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
Genesee now has had 236 people test positive for coronavirus while Orleans has had 269.
Genesee also has had two more recoveries and now has 172 total in the community. No one in Genesee is currently hospitalized from Covid-19, while Orleans has six who are hospitalized with Covid-19.
More from Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
Travel Advisory: New York is requiring travelers from the following 22 states with high coronavirus rates to self-quarantine for 14 days: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
Traveler Health Form: For all out-of-state travelers from NYS restricted states, whether arriving by land or air, must self-identify by completing a traveler health form or be subject to a $2,000 fine. Click here for the traveler health form.
Precautionary Quarantine: Everyone (including children) who has traveled to/from any restricted states (for more than 24 hours) are required to self (precautionary) quarantine and self-monitor their health upon entering New York.
This means the individual(s) cannot leave to go shopping, visiting, daycare and are only allowed to go for emergency care for 14 days. Businesses including childcare providers should include a travel question in their regular health screening for their staff and clientele/children. For general inquiries contact or call the Hotline: 1-888-364-3065 or click Ask A Question.
BATAVIA – “Socially distanced but strategically focused,” that is how administrators at GCC are describing the Fall 2020 semester which introduces new micro-credentials and some important curriculum changes all aimed at helping students secure or create long-term careers to sustain success in these uncertain and uncharted times ahead.
Professional Sales Micro-Credential
Careers in professional sales are evolving with new tools and strategies to reach ever-more sophisticated consumers and many new marketplaces. Professional sales careers offer the benefit of high earning potential, job security, scheduling flexibility, unlimited industry options and the joy of applying both the entrepreneurial spirit with basic business skills.
In just three business courses or nine credit hours, the Professional Sales Micro-credential at GCC provides up and coming, as well as seasoned sales professionals across industry lines with a skill set that launches or actively advances sales careers. This program can be completed in one semester and is offered via GCC’s HyFlex learning modality which provides students the ultimate convenience of learning anywhere, anytime, on any device – including a classroom. To discuss the Professional Sales Micro-credential opportunity, contact Dr. Lina LaMattina, GCC assistant professor and director of business and commerce, at LMLamattina@genesee.edu, or call 585-343-0055, extension 6319.
Computer Repair Certificate
Since March, millions of people worldwide have relied on their computers and the internet to work from home, maintain an income, place online orders for groceries and other essentials, complete academic coursework and even engage in religious worship and socializing.
The reliance on technology has increased the demand for people who can maintain computers, laptops and other electronic devices that are now our lifeline. With that in mind, GCC refreshed the Computer Repair Certificate program which introduces computer hardware and various software and operating system components. Students will learn hardware installation, configuration, repair, systematic troubleshooting, internal operation, peripheral devices, operating system installation and system tools. Students will also gain invaluable experience during lab work that includes computer assembly and real-time repair projects.
Individualized Studies Associate in Applied Science
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the average individual experiences a half dozen careers in a lifetime. Everyday new businesses are being created and people are inventing entirely new careers born of innovation, creativity and the desire to satisfy and address new needs, opportunities and trends.
GCC’s Individualized Studies Associate in Applied Science degree has been meticulously redesigned to encourage students of all ages to select courses and program parameters that align with individual goals and interests while meeting core learning requirements. It is a degree that supports unique dreams, aspirations and budding business plans.
“The faculty at Genesee Community College are focused on their students in a way that most people don’t realize,” Dr. Kathleen M. Schiefen, GCC provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs said. “They are not just teaching students day-to-day and meticulously following their progress through a course. They are also staying abreast of industry trends, technology changes and job forecasts. Every program is carefully reviewed and scrutinized every five years with the help of several hundred industry professionals who make up GCC’s broad network of academic advisory councils. GCC students receive an education based on the latest data, research and a close evaluation of best practices and future forecasts.”
This scrutiny can lead to grants that may bring in new equipment or a new adjunct faculty member, or small adjustments such as eliminating a three-credit language requirement. Collectively, it means GCC students waste no time in securing the education, experience and often the connections that lead to success.
Anyone one who is currently working, but looking to add a skill set or change a career path; out of work and wanting to try something new; or just graduating from high school or a GED program and looking for the next steps toward a college degree, now is the time to apply. The Fall 2020 semester starts Aug. 31. Most courses are available online offering maximum flexibility and the comfort and safety of learning from home.
Contact a GCC student success coach by calling 585-345-6805 or email ssc@genesee.edu, or start your free application online (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2020 at 11:34 am
Metaphysical store has products at storefront, and runs popular Facebook Live sales
MEDINA — Scott Wengewicz has enjoyed mining rocks and crystal as a hobby for many years. The retired Border Patrol agent says rocks can be colorful, and they have energy which can have a calming effect on people, and also help them to work through grief or overcome fears.
Wengewicz, 58, is connected with other miners and he decided to sell quartz, gemstones, crystals and other products in a business from his basement.
He started in September and the business, Mystic Dragon’s Lair, quickly took off.
“We like dragons and we were selling from our basement which felt like a lair,” he said about the business’s name.
Cassandra Wengewicz holds a scenic quartz ball that has been cut and polished.
Mystic has nearly 5,000 Facebook followers. It’s Facebook live sale on Saturday had 1,400 comments. It does Facebook live sales on Tuesdays at noon and Saturdays at 10 p.m.
Those Facebook live sales fuel the business with buyers from all over the country, the United Kingdom, Australian and New Zealand.
Wengewicz needed more space for Mystic Dragon’s Lair. In February, he opened a storefront with lots of storage and packing space at 339 North Main Street in Medina.
The metaphysical store draws in-person customers from Western New York. They walk in and there is an aroma of incense, which is available for sale.
“The incense is calming and relaxing,” said Cassandra Wengewicz, Scott’s daughter-in-law who works with him in the business. “And it’s safer than a candle.”
Scott Wengewicz holds Mangano Calcite under ultraviolent light. The rock can help people let go of grief and fear.
Many people like to browse and see the crystals, rocks and other merchandise. Some of the crystals are cut and polished into the shape of crosses or skulls.
Not everything can be shipped. Mystic sells large clusters of quartz that needs to be handled with care.
Mystic sells dragon figurines, gargoyles, Buddha statues, bracelets with different properties, salt lamps, and about 50 types of rocks.
“Every rock has its own energy – whether people can feel it or not,” Scott said.
Mystic Dragon’s Lair sells about 50 different types of rocks.
Those rocks come in many sizes. Many of them are colorful and they look like giant jellybeans.
Those smaller rocks can be carried in a purse or pocket.
“It brings peace of mind,” said Cassandra, 29, a Lyndonville native.
She keeps a Healerite stone in her pocket and she believes it has helped her with her arthritic hips, reducing the pain.
Cassandra Wengewicz is shown with the “singing bowls” in the Reiki Room. The bowls send out pitches that help people think clearly.
Mystic encourages people to go to the doctor and follow medical advice. Scott Wengewicz said natural healing is a growing movement, with people seeking to better understand their bodies and how they can improve their health without totally relying on pharmaceuticals.
Cassandra has two bachelor’s degrees, in criminal justice and biology. The business allows her to be home more with her two children. And she said Mystic makes a difference for their customers.
“We want to help people and bring them happiness,” she said.
Mystic has another employee, Jennifer Storelli, who leads the Reiki Room, promoting natural healing and helping people to slow down, reduce stress and connect to positive energy.
The store also sells raw honey from Scott’s farm, Scokat Farms. He has been a commercial beekeeper for several years. He started working with bees when he was 15, making his own honey.
Mystic is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here to see its Facebook page.
People traveling from those states to NY will need to self quarantine for 14 days
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that four additional states meet the metrics to qualify for the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states, all of which have significant community spread, to quarantine for 14 days.
The newly-added states are Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin. Delaware has been removed. That puts 22 states on New York’s travel advisory.
The quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced a travel enforcement operation will commence today at airports across the state to help ensure travelers are following the state’s quarantine restrictions and to help contain the rates of COVID-19 transmission in New York State.
“New Yorkers showed incredible courage and resiliency throughout this pandemic, and nowhere is their work more evident than in the numbers we release every day, including in New York City, once a global hotspot,” Governor Cuomo said. “However, the success of our efforts depends on citizens’ willingness to comply with state guidance, socially distance, wear masks and wash their hands, and rising cases around the country continue to threaten our progress, which is why four new states have been added to New York’s travel advisory.”
The 22 states on the advisory include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
“It’s also clear based on contact tracing that many of the new cases in New York are a result of a lack of compliance during the July 4 weekend and illustrate how quickly the virus spreads, with one party, for example, infecting more than a third of attendees,” Cuomo said. “I cannot be more clear: Look at what’s happening in the rest of the country — if we are not smart, if we don’t wear masks and socially distance, cases will spike. No one wants to go back to the hell we experienced three months ago, so please stay vigilant.”
State and local contact tracing efforts found that 35 percent of people who attended a Fourth of July weekend party in Suffolk County – or more than 1/a third of the entire party – became infected with COVID-19, demonstrating how quickly the virus can spread.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a travel enforcement operation will commence today at airports across the state to help ensure travelers are following the state’s quarantine restrictions and to help contain the rates of COVID-19 transmission in New York State.
As part of the enforcement operation, enforcement teams will be stationed at airports statewide to meet arriving aircrafts at gates and greet disembarking passengers to request proof of completion of the State Department of Health traveler form, which is being distributed to passengers by airlines prior to, and upon boarding or disembarking flights to New York State. A new electronic version of the DOH traveler form is now also available, making it easier and more efficient for travelers to complete the form.
State DOH has also issued an emergency health order mandating that all out-of-state travelers from designated states complete the DOH traveler form upon entering New York. Travelers who leave the airport without completing the form will be subject to a $2,000 fine and may be brought to a hearing and ordered to complete mandatory quarantine.
Airlines have all pledged to help make passengers aware of the new requirement using pre-flight emails, pre-flight announcements, in-flight announcements and other methods. Additionally, travelers coming to New York from designated states through other means of transport, including trains and cars, must fill out the DOH traveler form online.
On June 24th, the Governor announced a joint incoming travel advisory with New Jersey and Connecticut requiring that all individuals traveling from states with significant community spread of COVID-19 quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. Nineteen states currently meet the criteria for required quarantine based upon a seven day rolling average of positive tests in excess of 10 percent, or number of positive cases exceeding 10 per 100,000 residents. More information on the state’s travel advisory is available here.
“New York’s success in fighting the COVID-19 virus is under two threats: lack of compliance and the virus coming to New York from other states with increasing infection rates,” Governor Cuomo said. “We have already implemented a quarantine order for travelers coming in from states with the highest infection rates, but we are experiencing non-compliance with the order that can lead to outbreaks and threaten the tremendous progress we’ve already made.”
Enforcement at Port Authority Airports
Enforcement teams stationed at Port Authority airports will be comprised of peace officers from state agencies and will be supplemented by State Department of Health staff and supported by Port Authority police officers. The enforcement teams will meet arriving aircrafts at gates and greet disembarking passengers to request proof of completion of the State DOH traveler form. The Port Authority will facilitate the physical set up of enforcement area with proper queuing and social distancing measures taken.
Enforcement at Regional Airports
MacArthur, Westchester, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports will have enforcement teams on site daily based on daily arrivals from impacted states. Elmira, Ogdensburg and Plattsburgh Airports will have enforcement teams on site based on non-daily arrivals from impacted states.
The enforcement teams stationed at these regional airports will be comprised of State DOH peace officers and staff supported by State Police personnel and will meet arriving aircrafts at gates and greet disembarking passengers to request proof of completion of the State DOH traveler form. Each airport will facilitate the physical set up of enforcement area with proper queuing and social distancing measures taken.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2020 at 8:45 am
CLARENDON – Route 237 has reopened after a tanker rolled over and spilled several thousand gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer on Monday afternoon.
The tractor trailer flipped when it rounded the curve between Hinds Road and Church Street. The area near the accident is limited to one lane and there are flaggers out to slow traffic while crews work on the cleanup.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Response Team and a private contractor are working on the cleanup.
All regions currently meet threshold for starting school in terms of low rate of positive Covid-19 tests
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Each region’s percentage of positive tests are currently well below the 5 percent threshold for schools to reopen.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new, data-driven guidance for reopening schools in New York State. Schools in a region can reopen if that region is in Phase 4 of reopening and if its daily infection rate remains below 5 percent or lower using a 14-day average since unPAUSE was lifted.
Schools will close if the regional infection rate rises above 9 percent, using a 7-day average, after August 1. New York State will make the formula determination during the week of August 1 to 7.
“Everybody wants to reopen schools, but you only reopen if it’s safe to reopen, and that’s determined by the data,” Cuomo said. “You don’t hold your finger up and feel the wind, you don’t have an inspiration, you don’t have a dream, you don’t have an emotion – look at the data. We test more and we have more data than any state. If you have the virus under control, reopen. If you don’t have the virus under control, then you can’t reopen.”
New York State, the Reimagine Education Advisory Council and the Department of Health released finalized guidance and guiding principles for reopening schools today, which are available by clicking here.
The DOH and Governor’s Reimagine Council are working closely with the Department of Education as it releases education guidance. Plans to reopen schools are due on July 31.
Topics addressed by state guidance include:
Masks/PPE
Social Distancing
Cohort Structures
Restructuring Space to Maximize In-Class Instruction
Transportation
Food Service
Aftercare and Extracurriculars
Screening
Tracing
Cleaning and Disinfecting
“We’re not going to use our children as the litmus test and we’re not going to going to put our children in a place where their health is endangered,” Cuomo said. “It’s that simple. Common sense and intelligence can still determine what we do, even in this crazy environment. We’re not going to use our children as guinea pigs. What I say to the experts is very simple. I’m making the determination as to whether or not I would send my daughter to school. If it’s safe, I’ll send her. If it’s not safe, I’m not going to send her. And you can determine that by science.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2020 at 8:42 pm
Provided photos from Orleans EMO: The Monroe County Fire Bureau Hazmat Team works to contain the leak on an overturned tanker.
CLAREENDON – Emergency response crews have stopped the leak of liquid nitrogen fertilizer after a tractor trailer rolled over at 3:30 p.m. on Route 237 in Clarendon.
The crews are expected to be there for a while longer on the cleanup, the Orleans Emergency Management Office said.
The spilled product poses no significant health risk and is primarily an eye and skin irritant. Air quality monitoring is being done in the area of the scene, with no adverse readings are being indicated at this time, said the Orleans EMO.
The Clarendon Fire Company and Monroe Ambulance were dispatched to the accident in the area of 4602 Holley-Byron Rd. Upon arrival Clarendon firefighters reported a tractor trailer on its side with liquid nitrogen dumping from the top hatch of the trailer, and the driver out of the vehicle sitting on the side of the road.
The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Monroe Ambulance.
The tractor trailer was carrying approximately 6,100 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer at the time of the accident. As of 5:45 p.m., Monroe County Fire Bureau Hazmat Team was able to stop the leak. At this time, crews are working to drain the remaining liquid nitrogen from the tank, before the truck and trailer can be removed, the Orleans EMO said.
The accident shut down a section of Route 237 between Church Street and Hinds Road.
The NYS DEC Spill Response Team is on scene and monitoring the situation and assessing the potential environmental impact. Holley-Byron Road (Route 237) remains closed at this time between Church Street and Hinds Road in the Town of Clarendon.
At this time the following agencies have been involved with the response: Clarendon, Holley, Fancher-Hulberton-Murray, Barre and Albion Fire Departments, Orleans County Emergency Management, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe Ambulance, Monroe County Fire Bureau, NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, National Grid, A.D. Call and Son’s, and Kerhaert’s Towing.
“It was quite a team effort,” said Dale Banker, Orleans County EMO coordinator. “Great work by all.”
Albion, Kendall and Brockport are standing by to cover jobs in the eastern and central portions of the county. Crews will be on scene for quite some time this evening as cleanup efforts continue, the Orleans EMO said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2020 at 6:45 pm
CLARENDON – An Orleans Hub reader sent in these photos of a tanker after it flipped at about 3:30 p.m. on Route 237 at the curve near the Hanson quarry.
The tanker leaked several thousand gallons of liquid fertilizer with nitrogen.
Route 237 is shut down between the Route 31A intersection and Hinds Road.
The State Police is handling the situation with assistance from many local fire departments, the DEC Spill Response Team, Monroe County Hazmat Team and other first responders.
The tanker rolled into the cattails at the curve, which is a wetland.
The driver of the truck was taken by ambulance. A person who was one of the first on the scene said the driver didn’t appear to have serious injuries.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2020 at 6:18 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties each have one new confirmed case of Covid-19. Orleans has now had 269 people test positive while Genesee has had 234 test positive for coronavirus.
In Orleans, the new positive case is a person from Yates in the 20s. The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported today.
Orleans also has one more recovery from Covid-19, for 114 recoveries from community members. In Orleans, there are seven people hospitalized with Covid-19.
The new positive case in Genesee County is a person from Oakfield in the 20s. The individual was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
Genesee also is reporting one more recovery for 170 total. No one in Genesee is currently hospitalized with Covid-19.
More information from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
• Nursing Home Visitation: Limited visitation and activities will be allowed in those regions in which the nursing home is in Phase 3. Click here for the guidance.
• Precautionary Quarantine: Everyone (including children) who has traveled to/from any restricted states (for more than 24 hours) are required to self quarantine and self-monitor their health upon entering New York. This means the individual(s) cannot leave to go shopping, visiting, daycare and are only allowed to go for emergency care for the first 14 days back in New York.
Businesses including childcare providers should include a travel question in their regular health screening for their staff and clientele/children. Click here for the guidance. For general inquiries contact or call the Hotline: 1-888-364-3065 or click Ask A Question.
As of July 7, the 19 states in the travel advisory include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. Those violating could be subject to a judicial order and mandatory quarantine and potential fines.
In Orleans, there are 16 people currently on precautionary quarantine due to the advisory, while Genesee is reporting 8 people on precautionary quarantine.
• At-risk: Please continue to make sure you are practicing social distancing especially if you have underlying health conditions or are over 65 years old. Wear masks/face coverings whenever you are out in public, especially if you cannot maintain a 6-foot space between non-household members. Wash or sanitize your hands and shared items often.
The most important thing to remember is if you are having any type of symptoms to STAY HOME! Some of the symptoms people have been reporting are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste and/or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headaches, fatigue nausea or vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Masks/Face-coverings are still required to be properly worn (covering nose & mouth) for all employees who work with the public. They are to be worn with direct contact (and all food service workers are to properly wear coverings when preparing and serving food – no exceptions) with the public as well as with co-workers when social distancing of 6 feet or more is not able to be kept.
All residents over the age of 2 years old and able to medically tolerate a face-covering are required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in public and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more.
• Social Gathering Sizes: According to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders 202.42 and 202.45, all non-essential gatherings of up to 50 of individuals of any size for any reason (graduation parties, celebrations, or other social events) unless otherwise designated (ex. religious gatherings) are now allowed for those regions in phase 4. This is as long as requirements are followed for appropriate social distancing, and wearing cloth masks/face coverings over the mouth and nose.
•Community Testing Sites: Check with the testing site for any specific criteria necessary for testing such as illness, contact with someone who tested positive, essential worker, required for reopening/business, etc. Many need to have a doctor referral/prescription. Always call first.
Oak Orchard Health: 301 West Ave Albion, NY 14411. Call (585) 589-5613 to be screened and to schedule an appointment – no walk-ins.
WellNow Urgent Care: 4189 Veterans Memorial Drive Batavia, NY 14020.
Rochester Regional Health Urgent Care: 16 Bank Street Batavia, NY 14020. (Rochester Regional Health has transitioned Covid-19 evaluations from the tents at 127 North Street to Urgent Care.)
• Antibody Testing: This is a current snapshot of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results in both counties.
Genesee County: Of the 1,639 antibody test results received there are 51 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) antibodies.
Orleans County: Of the 709 antibody test results received there are 17 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) antibodies.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2020 at 5:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Numerous fire departments and hazmat response crews are in Clarendon after a tanker flipped on the curve on Route 237 and spilled thousands of gallons of liquid fertilizer with nitrogen.
The accident happened at about 3:30 p.m. Route 237 is shut down between the Route 31A intersection and Hinds Road. The tanker flipped on the curve near the Hanson quarry.
Media are not allowed close to the scene. The State Police is handling the situation with assistance from many local fire departments, the DEC Spill Response Team, Monroe County Hazmat Team and other first responders.
The tanker rolled into the cattails at the curve, which is considered a wetland.
The driver of the truck was taken by ambulance. A person on site said the driver didn’t appear to have serious injuries.
