Staff reports
Canandaigua Daily Messenger
Several Ontario County fire departments and ambulance corps saluted fallen New York State Trooper Joe Gallagher from state Thruway bridge overpasses on Monday. Gallagher died last month of multiple injuries he suffered three years ago after he was struck by a distracted driver while assisting a disabled motorist.
Troopers escorted his body from Long Island to his home in the Buffalo area.
Manchester, Shortsville, and Hopewell fire departments, Ontario County Emergency Services, and Shortsville Ambulance were among the agencies represented.
The State Police tweeted: Thank you to everyone, first responders and New Yorkers, who helped us escort Trooper Joseph Gallagher from Long Island and home to Buffalo where he will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
Marcia Greenwood and Mike Murphy
Canandaigua Daily Messenger
It was the worst of times, it was the strangest of times. In 2020, against the backdrop of historic demonstrations and social unrest and a once-in-a-lifetime health crisis, Canandaigua officials had to figure out what to do about a kangaroo yes, you read that right and a wandering bear. That s not all. Rochester put a public servant on a doughnut, was ready to believe that animals had escaped from the Seneca Park Zoo and watched a Zamboni machine go up in flames. So many anomalous occurrences. Here are a few that stood out.
Messenger Post Media
Canandaigua Daily Messenger
CANANDAIGUA Canandaigua Academy students will shift to remote learning starting Friday and it will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 23, when students head off for winter break.
The decision a day after Ontario County Public Health officials issued an urgent message to avoid social gatherings as COVID-19 cases continue to soar to record levels this month was made as a result of staffing issues primarily from quarantines, but also some COVID-positive cases specifically and recently at the Academy, according to Superintendent Jamie Farr.
In-person learning at Canandaigua Primary-Elementary School and Canandaigua Middle School will continue.
Messenger Post Media
Canandaigua Daily Messenger
The Public Health Departments of Ontario, Seneca, and Yates counties announce free COVID-19 testing for the public beginning next week.
Each county has organized asymptomatic testing opportunities throughout the region. In addition, the counties have partnered with Finger Lakes Community Health (FLCH) to add additional asymptomatic testing opportunities in more locations.
Victor-Farmington Ambulance will add a site in Ontario County.
Testing availability for asymptomatic people has been challenging for these communities, said Mary Beer, public health director of Ontario County, with many who seek testing having to make lengthy trips to Monroe County.
Deb Minor, public health director of Yates County, and county officials said they are so thankful FLCH has expanded its hours to support the effort.