news

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) announced their legislation, the Reservists Opportunity Act (H.R. 5063), was signed into law by the President as part of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Jacky Rosen (NV) and Joni Ernst (IA).

“Ensuring America’s military is ready to face any threat to our nation requires us to retain the best men and women our country has to offer,” Jacobs said. “The Reservists Opportunity Act helps accomplish that goal by streamlining the process for our citizen-soldiers in the National Guard and Army Reserves to access active-duty opportunities. I’m proud to have successfully led this bipartisan effort to set our military up for future success, and I look forward to seeing our citizen-soldiers find new opportunities to serve our nation.”

"When members of our National Guard and Reserve want to step up to serve full-time, the last thing that should stop them are technological barriers. This Reservists Opportunity Act will ensure these servicemembers can access the opportunities available for active-duty service from their personal devices. I’m proud to have worked with my Republican colleague Chris Jacobs and Senators Joni Ernst and Jacky Rosen to get this important legislation across the finish line for our Guard and Reserve members," said Rep. Tim Ryan.

“Army reservists in Iowa, and across the country, should be able to easily access information on opportunities to grow their careers and find positions that best match their skill sets,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan effort will ensure reservists can securely utilize the Tour of Duty system, and in turn improve military readiness and retention. I’m thrilled to see it signed into law.”

“Removing unnecessary red tape and providing more flexibility to securely search for career-enhancing active-duty opportunities is going to help our soldiers in the Army National Guard and Reserve,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m glad to see our bipartisan plan become law through the national defense bill, so we can help the Army find existing talent within their ranks, grow soldiers professionally, and better serve the needs of the nation.”

“Providing ease of access for Citizen Soldiers to find their next opportunity to serve is vital to their growth as soldiers and the readiness of the reserve force,” said ROA’s Executive Director, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Phillips.  “ROA is proud to have been an initial partner with Congressman Jacobs in allowing the Tour of Duty system to be accessed at home, removing any barriers to soldiers looking to be “twice the citizen” and schedule the next time they can serve their country in uniform.”

The Reservists Opportunity Act (H.R. 5063), would allow for members of the Army Reserves and National Guard to access the Army’s “Tour of Duty” system from personal devices, greatly improving access and making it easier for reservists and guardsmen to access active-duty opportunities. Currently, this system can only be accessed at locations with Department of Defense (DoD) network access. More information on this legislation can be found here.

Press Release:

Genesee County is set to host a free KN95 mask distribution on Wednesday, December 29 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alva Place parking lot, located on the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street in Batavia.  Additional KN95 masks will be available to the public during normal business hours at the Genesee County Clerk’s Office in County Building 1 at 15 Main St, Batavia, and the Genesee County Department of Social Services at 5130 East Main St, Batavia, while supplies last.  The free masks are provided by New York State.  

“We appreciate New York State stepping up to help us prevent the spread of COVID 19 and in particular the highly contagious Omicron variant by providing these highly effective masks,” said Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein.  “This will go a long way to helping our businesses, especially our retail businesses stay open, over the next several days as we welcome in the New Year.”

Residents can also sign up an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or a pediatric dose for children age 5-11 here.

 Led by BID Interim Director Shannon Maute, FeBREWary is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26 in downtown Batavia.

“We’re hoping to have a lot more people participating and will want to get out and go downtown,” Maute said during an interview Tuesday. “We’re still accepting applications … and tickets are only being sold at Eventbrite.”

Run in a similar fashion to BID’s popular wine walk, FeBREWary will take place at 20 downtown businesses and focuses on tasting the brew. There will also be hard cider for those that don’t like beer as much, Maute said. Folks will have three hours to walk, sample from New York State craft breweries, and check out the downtown merchant goods. 

Maute’s name may seem new, but she has served on BID committees for quite a while now, she said. A former event coordinator and office manager for Eli Fish, the Batavia native worked on FeBREWary, Christmas in the City, and wine walk events. BID members recently began seeking applications for the BID director position after Beth Kemp announced she was leaving earlier this month. Maute was hired as interim director to fill the gap. 

The organization has received some applications, including one from Maute, she said. As someone who has “helped with a lot of events,” she would like an opportunity to fulfill the director’s duties, she said.

“I find it very exciting; it’s an amazing opportunity to get business downtown,” Maute said. “Beth has done a great job, and I would like to continue that. Whether or not I get the position, I will be driving FeBREWary."

A total of 600 tickets will be sold, and can only be purchased online. General admission is $25, and all participants will receive a commemorative beer glass. VIP tickets are $35 and will allow participants entry an hour earlier at 4 p.m., plus exclusive specials, raffle tickets, and a commemorative gift. Tickets for $5 will also be available for designated drivers.

For more information, call (585) 344-0900. To buy tickets, go to: https://downtownbataviany.com/index.php/febrewary/

Top photo: Interim BID Director Shannon Maute shows the poster and glass for the next FeBREWary set for Feb. 26 downtown Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release from BAAS:

On Dec. 10, Byron Association Against Solar members Eric Zuber, Gayla Starowitz and Jim Lamkin led state and local officials on a tour of the proposed Excelsior Solar Project in Byron as indicated by the black line on the Excelsior map (above).

Included on the tour were officials and attorneys from NextEra/Excelsior, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Public Service, the Department of Agriculture, BAAS and the Byron Town Board.

The purpose of the tour was to allow state and town officials to see for themselves the size and scope, and magnitude of the prime farmland acreage that will be covered by solar panels if the NextEra/Excelsior project is approved.  These areas are colored “purple” on the attached map.     

Local landowners have agreed to lease 3,400 acres of land for 30 years for the project although only about 1,700 acres (in purple) will initially be covered by solar panels, roads, fences, wires, poles, batteries and other related equipment.  The landowners, the Byron-Bergen Central School District, Genesee County and the Town of Byron will receive compensation from the project.

We ask that Byron Town residents view the proposed site of the project for themselves by starting at the South Byron Firemen’s Recreation Hall and following the black line on the map.  The numbers represent view sites.

It is expected that in early 2022 the project will be reviewed by the New York State Siting Board as part of the Article 10 process.  If approved, it is likely that construction will begin in 2022.

A multi-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 73 Main Street, in front of the YNGodess Shop, Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: A car has struck a parked car in front of Key Bank.

UPDATE 7:44 p.m.: An Audi sedan struck a parked vehicle pushing that vehicle into another car parked in front of it.  The driver of the Audi was administered a field sobriety test and taken into custody.  His name has not yet been released.

Press release:

In a decision rendered December 21, 2021, Genesee County Court Judge Charles N. Zambito affirmed the misdemeanor DWI conviction of defendant James D. Doyle (complete decision attached). The defendant was convicted upon his guilty plea in Pembroke Town Court in March of 2018 and was sentenced to a conditional discharge.

On August 26-27, 2012, around midnight, Trooper Timothy Pickering was on duty and received multiple reports through dispatch of an erratic vehicle traveling eastbound on the Thruway. Trooper Pickering located the car in the Pembroke service area. The vehicle was parked but it was still running. When the trooper approached the car, he saw "a driver sitting in the driver's seat, no seat belt, slumped over the wheel, and there was a female passenger in the passenger seat slumped over, too." The trooper knocked on the window and received no response. He then opened the door and was eventually successful in waking up the driver, who was Mr. Doyle.

After Mr. Doyle pleaded guilty, he filed a notice of appeal In April of 2018. In July of 2020, after Mr. Doyle had made no further action to perfect the appeal, the Genesee County District Attorney's Office moved to dismiss the matter. Genesee County Court allowed Mr. Doyle to complete his appeal, and an oral argument occurred on September 29, 2021.

In its decision, Genesee County Court found that Trooper Pickering was justified In "the minimally intrusive act of opening the defendant's . . . door to continue his Investigation" due to "the recent and substantial report of the defendant's erratic driving behavior, the manner in which the defendant's vehicle was parked, the fact that the vehicle was still running, and the defendant's unresponsive state." These factors gave the trooper reasonable cause to believe that the defendant had operated the vehicle while intoxicated or impaired. The trooper's actions were also justified under the emergency doctrine.

Assistant District Attorney Robert J. Shoemaker, who handled the appeal, welcomed the decision. "This is a good result not only for law enforcement, but it is also a win for logic and reason. We appreciate County Court's recognition that a trooper in this situation can approach a car and check on the occupants, both to determine their welfare and to investigate possible criminal activity.

Indeed, Trooper Pickering would have been derelict in his duties if he had knocked on Mr. Doyle's window and, upon receiving no response, had simply walked away.”

To read the full decision, click here (pdf).

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department and the New York State Police are investigating two separate incidents of burglaries at two different gas stations in the City of Batavia and Town of Batavia respectively this weekend.

In both incidents, two suspects smashed a front window with construction debris found near the gas stations. The suspects then made entry into the businesses and stole property.

The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance identifying the suspects or if any citizens observed any suspicious events near the Valero Gas Station on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at or about 5:00 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jason Ivison at (585) 345-6312 or email him at jivison@batavianewyork.com.

You may also use the CONFIDENTIAL TIP LINE at (585) 345-6370.

Press release:

The B.I.D. FeBREWary Committee announces this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, February 26th.

Only 600 tickets are available for this year’s event. Tickets may be purchased online. General Admission tickets are $25, VIP $35 and DD tickets for $5. All VIP ticket holders get into event 1 hour early at 4 PM, a special gift, raffle tickets and more! All ticket holders will enjoy a tasting of several NYS Craft Beer and at over 20 local businesses throughout our Downtown.

For more information contact the Batavia Business Improvement District at 585-344-0900 or Shannon Maute at director@downtownbataviany.com.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.29, down two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.25. The New York State average is $3.50, down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.32. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages from last week:)

• Buffalo - $3.45 (down one cent from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.50 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.50 (down one cent from last week)
• Rome - $3.52 (down one cent from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.46 (down one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.50 (down four cents from last week)

Despite increased demand with holiday travelers, national gas prices are down two cents from last week. Oil prices are now fluctuating in the $70s, and if oil prices go up, gas prices usually follow. January typically brings the cheapest prices of the year with a drop in demand amid winter weather.

From Gas Buddy:

"Nearly every state saw average gasoline prices decline last week as millions of Americans took to the road for holiday travel, with the national average now nearly 20 cents per gallon lower than in early November. While the fall in prices is welcomed, we set an ugly new record for the holiday- it was the most expensive Christmas Day we've ever seen by two tenths of a penny," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "The average on Christmas was $3.264 per gallon, just a fraction of a penny higher than Christmas Day 2013 which saw the national average at $3.262 per gallon. Motorists shouldn't get too worked up about it - the downward direction in gas prices should persist into this week in most areas. However, gas prices are likely to jump in the Great Lakes due to a behavior called price cycling, caused by a rise in the wholesale price of gasoline against a backdrop of prices in the region that have now fallen under replacement cost. This will trigger a likely jump in gas prices in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky very soon."

The Oakfield Betterment Committee has announced the winners of its annual home Christmas Decorating Contest.

First place, top photo: Becky Chatt, 50 Drake St.

Photos and info submitted by Jamie Lindsley

Second place, Jerry Bliemeister- 32 Oak St.

Third place, Matt & Amanda Kastelic - 30 Webber.

Volunteers along with their family members at T. F. Brown's on Christmas Day for the restaurant's annual free Christmas Day Dinner for the community.  This year, the meal distribution was drive-thru with about 300 meals distributed.  This year, the toys donated for community children were distributed by City Church.

Photo and info submitted by Joe Teresi.

A portion of Route 5 is closed due to an ongoing incident in the 6300 block of Main Road, Stafford. More details will be posted as they become available.

Update 12:27 p.m.:  The local law enforcement emergency response team is on scene.

Update 12:46 p.m.: One person is in custody.

Update 1:05 p.m.: Stafford fire department is clearing the scene. The road is to remain closed for the time being. There is no estimated time for when it will open.

Update 1:13 p.m.: Route 5 is now open.

Update 1:20 p.m.: This was a mental health incident, Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron said, but possible charges are pending. The subject has been transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The sheriff expects to put out a press release in a few hours, he said.

UPDATE 6 p.m. (By Howard Owens): This afternoon, 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers received a call of a detached garage at a residence on Main Road, Stafford, was on fire.  Stafford Fire responded and encountered a reportedly uncooperative male. Deputies responded and attempted to make contact with the male, who was by then barricaded in the garage. The male claimed the garage was equipped with explosives and would detonate if approached. Additional deputies, along with the State Police, and DEC responded.  Route 5 was closed and residents in the area were evacuated. Batavia PD's Emergency Response Team, including members of the Sheriff's Office, responded, along with Batavia PD patrol officers. Negotiation specialists from both Batavia PD and the Sheriff's Office responded.  The subject was taken into custody and criminal charges are pending. There was no threat to the general public. More information will be released later.

Photos by Howard Owens

Marcella F. Greene, 37, of Fernwood Park, Rochester, and Chelsea M. Mutter, 28, of Miller Avenue, Batavia, are both charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th.

Greene and Mutter were arrested by members of the Local Drug Task Force after local law enforcement responded a call at Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, about an attempt to locate a warrant subject.

Upon investigation, Greene and Mutter were allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. They were taken into custody without incident and also arrested on multiple outstanding warrants.

The duo was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court.  Greene was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Mutter was released on her own recognizance. 

Batavia PD assisted in the investigation.

Brian Thomas Durett, 31, of Mount Vernon, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable and prudent. Durett was charged following an investigation by Deputy Moore of a report at 12:39 a.m., Dec. 24, into a report of a vehicle in a ditch on I-490 in Le Roy.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

“Shannon is more committed and the most dedicated in this field than anyone I’ve ever seen,” said GCASA Executive Director John Bennett, marking Murphy’s longevity award as a 25-year employee of the nonprofit agency on East Main Street.

“She loves the patients. That’s her strength and her gift. She’s always there for her team, the agency and the people she serves.”

Murphy (photo at right) was one of 14 GCASA employees to receive longevity awards, ranging from 25 years to five years with the company.

Not one for being in the public eye, she said she “was so grateful” for her job and her co-workers.

“I love everybody here,” she said. “It has been an honor.”

Treatment Director Kathy Hodgins, who has worked with Murphy for the past 20 years, called her colleague “a game-changer.”

“She is the most loyal person I’ve ever met – my comic relief (noting Murphy’s quick wit) – and sincere and genuinely compassionate,” Hodgins said.

Others recognized for their longevity were as follows:

TWENTY YEARS

• Liz Riter, director of Corporate Compliance/Quality Assurance, Batavia office;
• Lisa Schutt, chemical dependency counselor, Batavia office.

FIFTEEN YEARS

• Holly Main, assistant director of Treatment, Batavia office;
• Sue Murphy, registered nurse, Batavia/Albion offices.

TEN YEARS

• Sarah Millen, billing clerk, Batavia office:
• Shellye Dale-Hall, prevention educator, Batavia office.

FIVE YEARS

• McKayla Burvid, registered nurse, Batavia office;
• Beth Collee, executive secretary, Batavia office;
• Gretchen Franke, registered nurse, Batavia/Albion offices;
• Shannon Ford, director of Communications & Development and Prevention, Batavia office;
• Dawn Sagerman, director of Prevention Resource Center, Batavia office;
• Gina Henry, prevention educator, Batavia office;
• Matt Martin, chemical dependency counselor, Batavia office.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is publicist for GCASA.

Wednesday evening seemed to be the right time to check out what was going on at Genesee County Animal Shelter on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Evening hours provided opportunities for several folks to visit, adopt a pet and/or drop off generous donations.

Top photo: Sara Rose of Revival Salon in Batavia brings in a donation of edible treats Wednesday evening for the animals at Genesee County Animal Shelter on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Bottom photos: Kevin and Krista Kretschmer donate a large assortment of items, a chart on the Volunteers For Animals website displays how donations are used, Ken Krueger adopts Princess, a cat makes itself comfortable in the greeting room and Mike and Patty Uzialko snap a photo of their future household addition, Juliette. Photos by Howard Owens

The boys had come to the West Main Street site this week to make their donation to Volunteers For Animals, which operates out of the shelter. It was one of at least three donations brought in during a 90-minute span.

“We had some share money and didn’t know what to do with it,” Jonathan said as to why they were visiting on a snowy Wednesday evening. “I really like animals.”

His mom, Melannie, explained that the youngsters earn a regular allowance, and they merge some of the money for a “share” fund, which is given to charity. 

“We had dropped off some stuff before and thought it’d be nice to help the local shelter,” she said. “They were so excited to come and see the animals.”

Seeing the animals: Ruben

“He has a lot of behavioral issues and is getting training,” Stocking said. “He loves people. He wants to learn, he really tries.”

Ruben is about 2 years old and loves to play with toys. The blue-eyed looker would be ideal with someone who can be his leader and understand his need for exercise and having “room to run,” Stocking said. He is a playful and affectionate boy who will do best in a household that provides consistent guidance and direction. Ruben is learning loose leash walking and receiving some basic obedience training while at the shelter. Volunteers say he will excel in a household that will maintain the training and give him a structured environment.

And Sammie … 

“This is the best place for her to be, rather than going out and getting pregnant,” Stocking said. 

Sammie can go to a good home now, and the spaying procedure will be paid for by VFA. Stocking wasn’t certain whether she gets along with dogs and/or cats because she was just brought in, however, she demonstrated an enthusiastic joy for mingling with people. She is estimated to be 1-1/2 years old and weighing in at around 70 to 80 pounds. She is a strong young lady and is receiving some training as well.

Volunteer Vern Luce favors Sammie, he said, because she reminds him of a dog he adopted when the new shelter first opened. That other dog, named Kazoo, was a 10-month-old shepherd-Rottweiler mix.

“She was just so sweet,” Luce said of his prior pup, turning to the brown, long tail-wagging Sammie. “That’s why I like her.”

Coco and River …

Coco is a brown Labrador retriever mix from a shelter in Kentucky. After torrential storms leveled nearby states, the Kentucky shelter cleared out some of its inventory to make way for animals from those devastated communities, Stocking said. VFA took in six of those dogs, about half of which have already been adopted. Coco is a “very sweet” 4-year-old who loves greeting visitors. River is another rescue from Kentucky. He is a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever/German Shepherd mix.

“They’re good with other dogs, and they play with everybody,” Stocking said. 
  
Hunter and Felco …

“They love to play, and they can run and run and run,” Luce said. 

There were 10 dogs up for adoption, and about a half dozen cats, as of Wednesday evening. The Batavian will be publishing periodic stories about the animals in need at the shelter, including those that have been rescued, turned in, or found as strays. That doesn’t mean they will make ideal holiday gifts, Stocking said. What may seem like a cute surprise to hand to a child — or even to an adult — can soon become an inconvenience, she said. 

“We don’t recommend a pet for Christmas,” she said. “Nine out of 10 come back. I would never suggest a pet as a gift. Adopting a pet is a lot of responsibility.” 

Adoption fees are $60 for county dogs and cats and $50 to $150 for rescues from out of state. If the animal is not spayed or neutered, there is a $35 refundable deposit that is returned upon proof of surgery. An adoption application must be filled out at the shelter by the person wishing to adopt the animal. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the potential adopter may visit and meet any of the animals. All cats must leave the shelter in a cat carrier, to be supplied by the adopter.

If you’re ready for the long-term commitment of raising a four-legged friend, contact the shelter at 585-343-6410, Option 7, to schedule an appointment. For more information, go to vol4animals.org. 

Top photo: Jonathan and Henry Maher drop off a monetary donation to Volunteers For Animals during a visit Wednesday at the Genesee County Animal Shelter in Batavia. They visit with residents Ruben, Sammie, Coco, River, Hunter and Felco, assisted by volunteers Cindy Moag, Debbie Stocking, and Vern Luce. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

With COVID’s Omicron variant spreading and Upstate New York overwhelmed by the latest surge, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched a major push to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand testing capacity and support for Upstate communities.  Schumer made a personal call to FEMA Assistant Administrator Keith Turi and Acting FEMA Region 2 Administrator Chad Gorman to urge them to deploy 200 mobile testing sites in New York, 100 across New York State and an additional 100 in New York City. Schumer said that expanding access to testing is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19, especially as we enter the peak of holiday travel and the heart of the harsh winter months.

“Upstate New York is seeing record high COVID cases, and with variants like Omicron already here, we must stop the spread in its tracks and that means testing testing testing. That is why I am calling on FEMA to immediately deploy mobile testing sites across Upstate New York, to give struggling communities the support they need to keep their residents safe,” said Senator Schumer. “Especially as people travel over the winter holidays, easy access to testing is critical to ensure the safety of themselves and loved ones. FEMA must provide Upstate communities the support they need to protect public health and to stay ahead of this variant into the winter.” 

New York State today saw a record over 28,000 new coronavirus infections over a 24-hour period, signifying a significant increase in case counts from just a week ago.

Schumer’s request comes on the heels of his successful push for the federal government to provide free at-home tests to New York community health centers & mobile sites. President Biden announced earlier this week that the federal government woulddeliver 500 million free at-home rapid testing starting in January. Schumer said that these at home testing kits in tandem with 200 mobile testing sites in the communities that need them most is vital to protecting the health of New Yorkers.

“We now have the testing infrastructure and tools we didn’t have early on in the pandemic,” said Schumer. “It’s one of the keys to stop this surge and keep recovery going.”

According to the World Health Organization, the most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 6-feet; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated.

 

A copy of Senator Schumer’s original letter to FEMA appears below:

 Dear Administrator Criswell:

I write today to ask for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) assistance as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent increase in cases due to the Omicron variant. The spike in cases has brought upon an increased demand for testing that is sure to strain the already robust testing infrastructure in New York City. In addition to supporting the City of New York’s request for an increased supply of at-home test kits, I ask that FEMA authorize the opening of 100 mobile test sites in New York City, and 100 additional mobile test sites across the rest of the state, including in Long Island.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, FEMA has played a central role in New York City’s fight against COVID-19. While I am grateful for these efforts and for the work of FEMA staffers, I ask that FEMA continue this partnership and build on its efforts as cases increase due to the Omicron variant. On December 21, 2021 New York City recorded its highest 7-day daily average of cases at nearly 9,500 cases. As reports of daily cases and hospitalizations continue to trend upward, it is vital that FEMA provide the City with the necessary resources to help slow this spread. With more testing capabilities in the form of at-home kits and testing sites, the City can better gauge the trends of this variant and provide more accurate guidance and information to residents.

Thank you again for your leadership and assistance over the past year as New York and the nation continue battling COVID-19. FEMA has been an invaluable partner in combatting this pandemic and I ask that as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly you continue this partnership and swiftly provide New York City the increased at-home testing kits requested in their letter to the Administration and authorize the opening of 100 testing sites across the City and 100 additional sites across the State.  

I appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions

 

The unemployment rate fell to 3.3 percent in November in the Batavia Micropolitan Area, down from 4.9 percent the previous year.

The micropolitan area, a demographic term, is roughly contiguous with the borders of Genesee County.

There are 27,900 people in the local labor force (people with jobs or looking for jobs), down from 28,900 from a year ago. There are 27,000 people with jobs, down by 500 from the previous year.

There are 900 people in the labor force who are currently unemployed, down from 1,400 a year ago, and down by 100 from last month.

The state's unemployment rate is 5.5 percent, down from 8.3 percent a year ago.

Danielle R. Tooley is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. On Nov. 24, in the Town of Bergen, Tooley is accused of possessing more than 500 milligrams of cocaine.  On that same date, she is accused of driving a 2008 Volvo on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, while her license was suspended.