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Judy Schildwaster submitted this photo of a juvenile bald eagle taken yesterday morning off of Route 33 in Stafford.

Submitted by Principal Tim McArdle.

Message from Pastor Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church: April 26th -- "What is Saving Your Life Right Now?"

Press release:

Citing an all-out explosion of unproven, untested and unregulated do-it-yourself, at-home coronavirus test kits now for sale across the internet, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer demanded, today, that the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begin a crackdown focused on more oversight of the marketplace, ramped-up inspections and cease and desist actions against bad actors.

Schumer said a simple “Google” search on these kits now results in a bombardment of antibody and other coronavirus tests that are simply not validated for accuracy by the FDA.

“While the coronavirus itself continues to risk infecting people, varying at-home test kits for the virus’s antibodies, and even the disease itself, are now infecting the internet and the consumer marketplace," Senator Schumer said. "However, the vast, vast majority of these ‘kits’ are unproven, untested and totally unregulated by the FDA, and that’s dangerous.

"That is why I am publicly calling on the FDA to institute a crackdown on these kits now exploding across the internet. The agency (FDA) must raise the bar, move heaven and earth and stand up for consumers who are vulnerable, uncertain and anxious with all that is going on.”

Schumer said that as part of returning to normal, consumers — especially New Yorkers — could be hard hit by faulty tests that mislead an already uncertain public.

He said that the FDA must immediately move heaven and earth to ensure this emerging testing marketplace does not become riddled with shoddy at-home kits that are not backed by the FDA and the best available science. Schumer also said New Yorkers are currently purchasing these kits and that the feds must act swiftly or risk turning a pandemic into a false sense of security epidemic that hurts hot spots like New York which must rely upon testing accuracy to fully return to normal.

“The authenticity and accuracy of any at-home testing kits must be paramount at the FDA, because consumers are not only willing to buy them, but they are willing to rely upon them," Schumer added. "Shoddy tests could spell disaster for hot spot states like New York because if there is anything New York and other places will require to turn the page on this virus, it’s rooted in testing accuracy, and these unregulated kits pose serious risk to the overall recovery."

According to CNN, the “FDA has granted emergency use authorization to only four antibody tests, and there are dozens more awaiting the same authorization. The FDA has also opened a separate process for more than 100 other non-FDA approved tests to be checked for accuracy.”

Schumer says, despite this, at-home coronavirus antibody and virus test kits are for sale across the internet, seemingly unchecked.

Experts across the government have said antibody tests will likely play an important role in the reopening of the economy and the next chapter of public health. Schumer says the FDA cannot offer any regulatory flexibility to some test makers and rigidity for others.

He said the only way to ensure test kit standards are rooted in science and accuracy is to ramp up oversight, inspections and cease and desist actions before unproven products risk turning a pandemic into a false sense of security epidemic that hurts hot spots like New York dependent on accuracy.

“Right now, only formally approved tests should be available for sale to consumers,” Schumer said. “The stakes are too high to let bad actors prey on vulnerable New Yorkers and add even more anxiety and uncertainty to this crisis.”

Schumer’s letter to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn appears below:

Dear Commissioner Hahn:

The array of misinformation about the coronavirus is a danger to public health and an impediment to a swift and full reopening of our country. One of the most dangerous elements of this misinformation is the volume of unapproved COVID-19 tests available online, many of them claiming they are able to conduct an authentic test at home. As you very well know, these tests are not currently approved. I have grave concerns that New Yorkers, understandably frustrated and desperate because of the broad testing shortage across the country, are turning to these unapproved tests. If such a test is unreliable or administered incorrectly, and a person falsely believes they do not have COVID-19 or have antibodies, that presents a danger to their family and their community. 

I appreciate the work that FDA has done thus far, including in its March 20 announcement, in pushing back against these unauthorized tests. However, more must be done. A simple online search, as well as anecdotal evidence from people in New York City, shows that these tests are still easily available and people are buying them. Given how high the stakes are right now, the administration must use all its resources and authority to immediately get these tests off the market. 

I request answers to the following questions:

1.     What is the FDA doing since its March 20 announcement to continue to crackdown on these tests?

2.     Does FDA have sufficient resources to monitor and respond to the availability of these unauthorized tests?

3.     What is FDA doing, in coordination with the White House and its press efforts, to educate the public that authorized tests should not be used?

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

A bicyclist and a motorcycle rider were both seriously injured this evening in a crash on Route 5 at Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

A 17-year-old female from Batavia, whose name was not released, was riding a bike northbound on Wortendyke, according to the Sheriff's Office, when she attempted to cross Route 5.

Joshua Fullmer, 27, of Harvester Avenue, was eastbound on a 2014 Yamaha motorcycle.

The motorcycle collided with the bicycle.

Both patients were transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center. 

The crash is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office. Charges may be pending.

Also responding to the scene were the State Police, Le Roy Ambulance, Town of Batavia Fire, East Pembroke Fire, Mercy EMS, and members of the Emergency Management team.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department wants to warn citizens of a dangerous mixture of cocaine currently on the street. There have already been two overdose cases today.

The warning comes in an attempt to stop further overdoses, which can be fatal. Police are working to locate the source and put a stop to further incidents.

Victim information and statuses are not being released.

Anyone with information can contact the Genesee County Drug Task Force at (585) 343-3020, the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370 or online here.

The Batavia Police would also like to offer assistance to persons who are struggling with addiction. Through our Police Assistance Addiction & Recovery Initiative, or PAARI program, we have partnered with the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) in an effort to decrease the number of opiate-related deaths and reduce the crime associated with opiate abuse.

Anyone who is struggling with addiction can come to the police department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we will assist in locating a treatment program, with no questions asked. We strive to help and support those who are looking to break the chains of addiction.

Several citizens have taken advantage of the program and we feel this is another way in which we can help win the war against drugs!

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have received five more COVID-19 cases. Orleans has four new cases from The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehab and Genesee has one. Contact tracing has been initiated for all of the positive cases.

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individuals will be notified by Health Department staff.

“We are also saddened to report that Orleans County has lost two more individuals to COVID-19," said Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. Both individuals were residents at The Villages of Orleans with one person under the age of 65 and one person over 65. Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of these two individuals.”

There is currently no further information to release on ages and location. Mapping to include the positive cases from the weekend will be updated on Monday afternoon.

It's a beautiful spring day so Tiffany Martin helps Owen Elmore learn how to ride his electric scooter on Morton Avenue, Batavia.

A reader tipped us to a trio of dinosaurs marauding through Downtown Batavia. We hunted them down and shot them (with a camera) while they were passing by St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.

Addison Kerble displays her completed clothespin trivet from the kit.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee County Family & Consumer Sciences 4-H Club organized an outreach program for the other members in the Genesee County 4-H Program. Thanks to a donation of cans and bottles, the club had funding to put together “quarantine kits,” for interested members.

The kits contained supplies for eight craft projects and information on other engaging activities the county is offering at this time.

One hundred kits were assembled and distributed on Wednesday afternoon, April 22nd, in the parking lot of the Cornell Cooperattive Extension Office on East Main Street in Batavia.

Members were enthusiastic about getting the craft kits.

“This was an exciting opportunity for my club to share the fun we have each month during our FCS meetings," leader Julie Keller said. "The families that helped assemble and I had fun doing so, and it was rewarding to see members take home the kits.”

For more information on Genesee County 4-H contact genesee4h@cornell.edu.

Below, Catherine and Tegan, of Bergen, (inside the vehicle) receive a sheet of instructions from Julie and Melissa Keller, of Corfu.

Below, Julie and Melissa Keller, of Corfu, (outside the vehicle) greet Catherine and Tegan, of Bergen, and hand them some instructions.

Below, the FCS leaders greet a 4-H Family with kit materials and supplies during the 2020 FCS Spring Drive Thru. 

Below, Evan and Maggie Winspear, of Oakfield, waiting for families to arrive. 

James Anthony Colantonio, 50, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at a stop sign. At 9:30 a.m. on April 20, Colantonio was arrested on the charges on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia after he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Justin O. Porter, 28, of Bennington Street, Rochester, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree; unlicensed operator; and speeding. According to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Porter was stopped in the area of Swan and Ellicott streets in the city at 5:27 p.m. March 23 following the alleged observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. After an investigation by members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, it is alleged that Porter possessed some marijuana and was driving while his privilege to do so was suspended in New York State. He was issued appearance tickets for June 2 in Batavia City Court.

The City of Batavia is getting its ducks in a row in anticipation of a $2 million rehabilitation of Richmond Avenue and Harvester Avenue in the summer of 2022.

Memos from Public Works Director Matt Worth to City Manager Martin Moore provide backup to a pair of draft resolutions:

-- The first one authorizing an agreement with the state Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to appropriate $358,000 up front to cover 100 percent of the federal and non-federal share of preliminary engineering, design and right of way incidentals;

-- The second one approving the selection of an engineering firm to oversee the preventive maintenance project.

Both resolutions are earmarked for discussion at City Council’s Conference Meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday via the Zoom videoconferencing service.

In a memo dated April 17, Worth wrote that the City was awarded federal highway funding through the Genesee Transportation Council for the renovation of Richmond Avenue from State Street to Oak Street and for the entire length of Harvester Avenue (from East Main Street to Ellicott Street).

The project is expected to cost $2,040,900, with the City’s share at 20 percent of the total expense.

Worth went on to explain that the City’s final share will drop to around $102,000 (5 percent) due to the utilization of two funding streams -- CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) and Marchiselli, the primary state aid match to Federal Highway Administration-funded projects.

The proposed schedule shows the awarding of an engineering contract this spring, preliminary design completion by the fall, advanced design completion in 2021, solicitation of construction bids in the winter of 2021 (into 2022) and the actual work in the summer of 2022.

Work will include a 3-inch mill and overlay treatment with fibers and milling and resurfacing with a hot mix asphalt course. Additional work includes miscellaneous spot pavement repairs, curb repairs, curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and shared bicycle lane pavement markings.

In a memo dated April 20, Worth wrote that the City solicited NYSDOT-approved engineering firms last month and accepted proposals through April 21.

A team of City employees, headed by Worth, is prepared to make a recommendation to Council at Monday’s meeting, with the expectation that it will be approved by the board at its May 11^th Business Meeting.

A one-car accident is reported just west of the intersection of East Bethany-Le Roy Road and Roanoke Road in Stafford. The vehicle struck a pole and it is down. Wires are possibly in the roadway.

The operator was out of the vehicle and "walking toward Le Roy," says the dispatcher, and is now with a first responder. It is unknown if the driver is injured. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:26 a.m.: A deputy at the scene reports heavy front-end damage and calls for a flatbed tow truck. The vehicle is about 15 feet off the roadway.

UPDATE 8:28 a.m.: The pole is snapped in half and a heavy wire is hanging low over the roadway.

Elba resident Lucine Kauffman reads "Leisure" by W.H. Davies.

Written briefing:

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 142 positive cases.
    • The positive case resides in Elba.
    • The positive case is in their 50s.
    • The newly positive individual was not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Five of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • One of the total active positive cases is hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 75 positive cases.
    • One positive case resides in Barre, and one resides in Kendall.
    • Eight of the positive cases were from The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab Facility.
    • One individual is in their 30s, one individual is in their 40s, two individuals are in their 60s and one individual is in their 70s, three individuals are in their 80s and two individuals are in their 90s or older.
    • One of the newly positive individuals was on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Eight of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
• Orleans County has been made aware of two more deaths from The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab, both of the individuals were over 65. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals, our neighbors, during this very sad time.

Genesee County school district officials are contending with reductions in state aid – some that may occur due to the economic situation created by COVID-19 – and increased expenditures as they work to balance their budgets for 2020-21.

Toward that end, The Batavian reached out to superintendents of the seven districts, asking them to respond to three questions:

• Is your district facing a deficit for the 2020-21 school year and, if so, how much?
• Is the school board intending to seek a property tax increase?
• Is the school board considering asking teachers/administrators to take a pay cut or a pay freeze?

(Note: On April 21st, The Batavian was the first to report the situation facing the Batavia City School District).

Here are the responses from the seven superintendents::

Catherine Huber, Alexander

We are not. We are certainly impacted by the anticipated budget cuts but we are able to manage our budget through the strategic use of reserves and other adjustments.

Our budget to budget (from 2019-20 to 2020-21) increase is 1.7 percent due to contractual and other required increases. We are going out with a zero percent tax increase.

We do not anticipate cutting positions, although our business official, our administrative unit and I will take salary freezes for 2020-21.

Mickey Edwards, Byron-Bergen:

Byron-Bergen will face a deficit, but the amount is unknown at this time.

An increase is a possibility, but that won't be determined until our first Board meeting in May.

This has not been discussed with our Teacher's Association.

Ned Dale, Elba:

Yes, the district is facing a shortfall. The exact amount is unknown based on the three lookback periods that the state will assess their own revenue and then determine how much each district will lose. I have estimated for the Board that it could be $300,000 or more for our approximately $10 million budget.

In March, we initially adopted a budget with a 2 percent tax increase. In April, we rescinded the budget proposition. We are looking to reduce that tax increase based on the loss of revenues and impact on our community from this pandemic.

The Elba Faculty Association and Board of Education are currently working collaboratively on a new agreement for next year. The EFA has been responsive and understands the financial impact that the district is under based on the loss of state aid. Their efforts are appreciated and will allow us to preserve some positions.

Merritt Holly, Le Roy:

We are waiting for the "first lookback" coming from Governor Cuomo and the State at the end of April. Our understanding is that picture should be clearer by May 4th and we will wait to see what those implications are for Le Roy CSD.

Furthermore, we are following the conversation if any additional federal funding is coming back to New York State and then to schools.

John Fisgus, Oakfield-Alabama:

The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District is closely monitoring the Governor's Executive Orders and announcements with respect to the ever-changing financial positions under the COVID-19 hardships that New York State is enduring.

At this time, our District is facing a roughly $200,000 budget shortfall with the current State Aid run calculations.

We are experiencing some cuts in equipment, supplies, and operational costs that are manageable at this point. We are projecting a zero percent property tax increase and we do not foresee any wage freeze propositions.

Unfortunately, it is anticipated that additional cuts in State Aid are imminent. Any further lack of educational funding could be detrimental to our District. We will adjust our budget accordingly if this is the case.

Kenneth Ellison, Pavilion:

Yes, we will face a deficit; amount is unknown at this time.

To be determined at our first meeting in May. A (property tax) increase is unlikely due to the economic situation.

This (wage cut/freeze) has not been discussed.

Matthew Calderon, Pembroke:

Based on the most recent state aid information we received, Pembroke is facing a deficit of $1.1 million, and that does not include additional state aid cuts that the Governor can enact each quarter moving forward.

The $1.1 million deficit assumes a zero percent tax levy increase.

I am not recommending a pay cut or a pay freeze for any employee group, and the Board has not made that request.

My recommendations to the Board include four (4) Levels of cost saving measures:

Level 1 includes cutting at least half of the requests made to purchase additional supplies and equipment.

Level 2 includes cost savings due to attrition (for instance, we will not replace half of the teachers who already gave notice they are retiring).

Level 3 includes using the Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve (EBALR) to develop a retirement incentive for additional teachers and support staff members to consider. If our deficit remains at the $1.1 million, these three levels of cost saving measures will get us very close to closing that gap. However, if the Governor enacts additional cuts, then we may need to consider.

Level 4 measures, which unfortunately would include personnel cuts. Unfortunately, as a small rural school district in Genesee County, we already offer a relative lean educational program compared to the suburban schools in Erie and Monroe counties, and we can only cut positions so far before it has a significant negative effect on the quality of education we provide.

The Governor recently referenced an additional state aid cut up to 20 percent and an additional 20 percent cut in our state aid would be $1.8 million for Pembroke. If that happened, the number of personnel cuts required to close that gap would put us well below the level to enable us to provide a "sound basic education," which is a right afforded to all students in the New York State Constitution.

From the Genesee County Board of Elections:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidential Primary Election and NY-27 Special Election, which were scheduled to take place on Tuesday April 28^th at your regular polling locations, have been postponed.

There will be NO voting this coming Tuesday (April 28) and NO Early Voting!

The April 28^th Presidential Primary and NY-27 Special Election have been moved to the June 23^rd Primary date. 

You can vote absentee instead of going to the polls on June 23rd by going to our website, going to departments and elections where you can print an absentee application. Fill it out checking the box that says temporary illness in the first block of questions and in the second block of questions check Primary Election only.

You can also call our office at (585) 815-7804 to request an absentee application. After filling out your absentee application you can either mail it in to the Genesee County Board of Elections, or scan and email your application back into our office for processing.

Our email address is:   election@co.genesee.ny.us

Visit our Facebook Page for updates at Genesee Co. NY Board of Elections.                                                                               

Lorie J. Longhany, Democratic Commissioner

Richard E. Seibert, Republican Commissioner

Board of Elections

**********

County Building One, 15 Main St., Batavia

Phone: (585) 815-7804

FAX: (585) 344-8562

www.co.genesee.ny.us

Press release:

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee Inc. Child Care Resource and Referral Program is pleased to announce that the Cuomo Administration has developed a plan to provide child care to eligible essential workers at no cost.

This allocation of funding for child care for essential workers comes to the state from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act(the “CARES Act”), which has provided New York with $163.6 million in emergency relief to the child care system.

New York State is using a portion of this funding to provide free child care for income eligible essential workers.

Essential workers using a regulated child care provider may receive a scholarship for the cost of care as long as the funds to support it are available. All licensed and regulated providers who are caring for essential workers are able to participate in this new program.

Access to affordable and safe child care is a barrier for working parents during the best of times, and even more so during a crisis.

New York State’s plan will ensure that the workforce that is needed to protect and care for the public during this pandemic have the child care that allows them to continue to serve us all. CCR&Rs are the child care experts and the conduit to accessing child care in New York State.

If you meet the definition of an essential employee and have child care needs, please apply here. You will be contacted by Community Action of Orleans and Genesee Child Care Resource and Referral staff within one business day.

We will follow up on next steps to gather information about your household and help you identify a participating child care provider or work with your current registered or licensed child care provider. If you have questions, you may contact Taryn Moyle, CCR&R Manager at: tmoyle@caoginc.org

Briefing.