News Briefs: July 25, 2024
USDA Providing Disaster Relief Programs
SYRACUSE—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover. Many FSA disaster programs have a 30-day window to report losses. They include the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, and the Tree Assistance Program. For more information, visit farmers.gov/recover.
NYCM Ranks with State’s Best Employers
EDMESTON—NYCM Insurance was named among the 2024 Best Companies to Work for in New York State, the company’s seventh consecutive year on the list. The award was announced by the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and Rochester Business Journal. NYCM has a team of nearly 900 employees and more than 1,400 independent agents.
Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed in Finger Lakes
NEW YORK STATE—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that it has detected spotted lanternfly in the Finger Lakes grape-growing region. This invasive pest poses a serious danger to many of New York’s most important crops, including grapevine, apple trees and hops. Finger Lakes area residents should thoroughly inspect their vehicles before leaving the region. All grape growers and residents must report sightings by taking a photo, freezing a sample insect in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, and submitting their tip at agriculture.ny.gov/reportslf. Other spotted lanternflies should be killed on sight. For more information, visit the Agriculture and Markets website.
DOT Physicals Available at BHN HealthWorks
FLY CREEK—Bassett Healthcare Network’s HealthWorks will expand its capacity to perform Federal Department of Transportation-required physical exams. They will be available at a bi-monthly clinic at the HealthWorks office in Fly Creek, 6160 State Route 28, and by appointment at clinics throughout Bassett’s service area. Businesses can arrange for on-site clinics. HealthWorks files completed exams directly with the DOT, streamlining the process. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (607) 547-7014, extension 1.
Heartworks Seeks Help with Donation Quilt
FLY CREEK—Heartworks Quilts and Fabrics announced that it will create a new donation quilt for Bassett Cancer Center, as its previous quilt is more than 15 years old. Kits and patterns are complete, but community volunteers are needed to contribute a block or two. To volunteer, call (607) 435-0951.
United Way Announces Tornado Fund
UTICA—United Way of the Mohawk Valley announced an unmet needs fund to assist the City of Rome and Village of Canastota in the aftermath of devastating tornado activity on July 16. The fund, operated in partnership with the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, will provide direct support to impacted families. For more information or to make a contribution, visit unitedwaymv.org/tornado.
