By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2019 at 11:47 am
ALBION – A corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility pleaded guilty today to a criminal sex act with an inmate and faces a maximum to six months in jail and five years of probation.
David F. Stupnick, 26, of Medina allegedly had inappropriate sexual relations with two female inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility. He admitted to receiving oral sex from an inmate and pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sex act in the third degree.
He was arrested on May 17 by State Police and was charged with four counts of sex abuse in the 2nd degree, two counts each of criminal sex act in the 3rd degree and official misconduct.
Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church issued orders of protection for two victims in the case.
Stupnick will be sentenced in County Court on Feb. 20.
Photo by Tom Rivers: These town highway superintendents – from left, Larry Swanger of Clarendon, Mike Fuller of Shelby, and Ron Mannella of Gaines – are pictured at Tillman’s Village Inn on Wednesday. They were honored at the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2019 at 8:45 am
Swanger, Fuller and Mannella led their towns through major waterline expansions
GAINES – Three town highways superintendents in Orleans County are retiring, with the trio serving 106 years combined as highway workers, including 70 years as the highway superintendents.
Larry Swanger of Clarendon, Ron Mannella of Gaines and Mike Fuller of Shelby have each put in many new miles of water districts, in addition to leading their departments in maintaining and plowing roads.
The superintendents were honored on Wednesday at the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association. They received citations from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways. That group’s president, Joel Kie of the Town of Dickinson near Binghamton, attended the meeting and praised the three local highway chiefs for their service.
Larry Swanger, left, is presented with citations for his service by Joel Kie (center), president of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways; and Michael Niedert, Albion town highway superintendent and president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
Swanger is retiring after 30 years as Clarendon’s highway superintendent. When he started, there was one water district in Clarendon, and it was privately owned and served Thomas Estates. Now, Clarendon has 13 water districts spread over 50 miles with 830 customers. About two decades ago, the town built a water tower.
Swanger is the water superintendent, in addition to the highway leader. Mannella and Fuller also serve in both roles.
“I’ve liked the people and the other highway superintendents,” Swanger said. “It’s the people that you get involved with.”
Swanger said the job is more complicated than people realize.
“People don’t see the behind-the-scenes paperwork, the contracts you have to deal with,” he said.
Swanger didn’t seek re-election in November. Tracy Bruce Chalker was elected to the position and starts Jan. 1.
Ron Mannella is presented citations for his service by the president of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways and the president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
Ron Mannella is retiring after 26 years as the Gaines highway superintendent. Before working in Gaines, Mannella was a motor equipment operator for six years with the Town of Albion Highway Department.
When he started with Gaines, the town had 8 miles of waterlines. Now there are more than 50 miles with 750 to 800 water customers. The expansion of public water is a big accomplishment for the town, Mannella said.
Gaines also used a grant to cover most of the costs of a salt storage shed. In 1999, the town highway garage collapsed after a heavy snow storm. A rebuilt garage opened in 2001.
Although Mannella is retiring as the highway superintendent, he will stay in public service as a new member of the Gaines Town Board. He received the most votes in November among four candidates. Mark Radzinski was elected in November to succeed Mannella as the highway superintendent.
“It was a good run,” Mannella said about the 26 years as highway superintendent. “The people of Gaines are really nice.”
Mike Fuller smiles after receiving his citations for a 44-year career with the Town of Shelby Highway Department.
Mike Fuller has worked 44 years with the Town of Shelby Highway Department, starting as a motor equipment operator when he was 21. The past 14 years he has been highway superintendent.
The town built its first water district in 1972 with 125 customers in the hamlet and on South Gravel Road. During Fuller’s career, the town expanded to 12 water districts serving 800 customers. Shelby also built a salt storage shed.
“We put in a lot of waterlines,” Fuller said. “Those are big projects.”
Shelby used to have its town building on Maple Ridge Road, where ALDI is located today. That site had contaminated soil from fuel. Fuller led the effort to have the soil removed from the site and relocated to the town property on Salt Works Road. The town used a bio-cell where micro-organisms improved the soil, which was cleared by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Fuller said that project was an interesting challenge for the Highway Department.
He also is pleased with the town’s efforts in helping to put in infrastructure and clear land for the Medina Business Park. Shelby teamed with the Medina Department of Public Works and Orleans County Highway Department for projects at the Business Park.
Fuller lost a close election last month to Dale Root for highway superintendent. Fuller said he will remain active in the community. He is past chief and current president of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. He also serves with the Knights of Columbus and has a part-time job with Mercy EMS in Batavia.
“I’ve enjoyed serving the people,” he said.
Mike Neidert, president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association, is finishing his first four-year term as Albion’s superintendent. He said the local highway leaders embraced him when he started. He urged the group to continue that approach with the three new highway superintendents.
“Everyone took me under their wing and welcomed me in and I encourage everyone to do that with the new guys coming in,” Neidert said.
Joel Kie, president of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, attended the meeting, driving from near Binghamton. He said the town highway departments will need to press the state legislators to maintain funding for road maintenance. Kie said he is concerned about the state funding, especially with the state facing a shortfall.
He urged the highway superintendents to attend lobbying days in Albany on March 3-4.
“This year will be extra tough because of the deficits,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2019 at 5:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Village of Albion has a new vacuum truck from the Vactor that will be used when there are waterline breaks, plugged sewers and other work on the water and sewer lines.
Jay Pahura, Albion’s superintendent of the Department of Public Works, shows the new truck to Mayor Eileen Banker, State Sen. Robert Ortt and one of Ortt’s staff members.
Ortt and his office helped secure $300,000 in state funding for the $380,000 vacuum truck. It replaces a Vactor from 2003 that has been declared surplus and will be sold.
Albion will use the vacuum truck to assist other nearby municipalities if they have waterline breaks or clogged sewers. Medina and Carlton also have vacuum trucks in the county.
Mayor Eileen Banker, DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura and State Sen. Robert Ortt are pictured today with a new Vactor in the Albion DPW garage on Washington Street. Ortt is giving Pahura the keys to the vehicle.
Albion applied for the funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Capital Funding Program or SAM. Once the money was approved by Ortt and the State Legislature, the village needed to work with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.
State Sen. Ortt said the vacuum truck would have been costly for village taxpayers to pay for on their own. He said it is an ideal project for the SAM grants, especially because Albion will use the Vactor to assist other municipalities.
Ortt praised the DPW and highway workers would are often out in extreme cold or heat to fix waterline breaks or clogged sewers and culverts.
“They’re out there doing the work when it is 20 degrees and the water is flying,” Ortt said.
Ortt, who is no longer in the majority conference in the State Senate, said he has less funding than he did when Republicans were in control. He still urged local municipalities to seek SAM funding by identifying needed projects or capital expenses.
Provided photo: The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County last week named Elissa Nesbitt, left, a “Friend of Extension” for her efforts in securing funding from Xerox for the 4-H robotics program. Laura Olinger, board president, presents Nesbitt with the award at the Black North Inn.
POINT BREEZE – The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County recognized several key supporters and contributors during the organization’s annual meeting last week at the Black North Inn.
The following were honored:
Friend of Extension – Elissa Nesbitt and Xerox
Elissa Nesbitt and Xerox have been supporters of the 4-H robotics program since the program’s inception. Through the years Xerox’s name has appeared on every robot the team has built for competitions.
Nesbitt has searched for ways for the team to seek contributions from other sponsors as well. When she found out this year that the team is hoping to build a STEM shop on the fairgrounds that will provide a permanent build site, she leapt into action by helping to draft materials to share with perspective members and sponsors, identifying furniture and equipment donations to fill the new building, and being a champion for the participants.
Thanks to this ongoing support, many of those first year participants have now completed their college education and moved into STEM careers.
Outstanding 4-H Leader – Kayla Sucy
Extension annually recognizes an outstanding 4-H leader who has demonstrated successful club work, has worked to maintain a group of active youth and contributes greatly towards the successful project work of 4-H youth.
Kayla Sucy has served as leader of the Paw Praisers Dog Club for five years. She is a member of Fair Committee and the dog program development committee. Sucy takes on other roles as well including volunteering to travel with our Orleans County delegation to 4-H Tech Changemaker training at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland and as a chaperone for other events when needed.
Friend of Master Gardeners – Jena Buckwell
Master Gardeners chose Jena Buckwell as the Friend of Master Gardener for her commitment to furthering CCE’s educational mission. Buckwell has completed training as both a Master Gardener and Master Forest Owner through CCE.
Buckwell leads educational programming at the Spring Education Day and Fall Education Day each year. Her class topics are always ecologically centered, with a strong focus on sustainability and ecological health. She is meticulous about her research and always willing to offer participants additional resources to further enhance their understanding of her topic material. Most of all, she always conveys her passion and experience in subjects that matter to her and to the natural world.
Also honored were retiring board members – Ed Neal, Charlie Pettit and Laura Olinger. These members have all served the two full terms on the board. All of the honorees were recognized with engraved ice cream spoons and gift cards to enjoy ice cream, just one more way they will continue to support Orleans County agriculture.
Photo courtesy of DEC: A pile of bags filled with debris is shown at Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area.
BATAVIA – An Albion man was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison on Nov. 27 for his role in illegally dumping asbestos waste in Genesee County.
Carl Rivers, 50, was arrested on Jan.3, 2019, for allegedly dumping asbestos waste and other debris on the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area in the town of Alabama in May 2018.
With forensic evidence obtained from the illegal dump site, investigators identified Rivers as a person of interest. During an interview with investigators, Rivers admitted to dumping the asbestos waste and the other debris, the Department of Environmental Conservation said.
The charges followed an investigation conducted by DEC’s Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation into the illegal dumping of approximately 20 bags of friable asbestos and other household and demolition debris.
In addition to the prison sentence, Rivers is required to pay restitution to the state for $13,347.07 in cleanup costs, and $667.35 in surcharges.
BECI lead investigator, Mark Wojtkowiak, worked closely with the Genesee County District Attorney’s office on the prosecution of this case. Also assisting in the investigation was the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, New York State Department of Labor’s Asbestos Control Bureau, and DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement Environmental Forensic Unit.
This is the architect’s rendering of Stonehurst showing a three-story addition with ground to roof glass on the north side of the building.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 December 2019 at 10:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: This is Stonehurst (also known as the Luther Mansion) at the corner of West Center and Prospect streets, which is being restored by Roger Hungerford’s company, Talis Equity Historic Restoration. Tales is also working on major projects at Bent’s Opera House and former Medina High School.
MEDINA – The house at 304 West Center St. is an architectural gem, a one-of-a-kind mansion built of pink Medina sandstone.
Knowing his dedication to his hometown, it’s no surprise Roger Hungerford should include it among the historic buildings he is seeking to preserve.
“Driving by it every day with its central location, it was a shame to see it deteriorating,” said Tessa Hartway, director of Marketing for Hungerford’s company, Talis Equity. “The home has so much character.”
Stonehurst, as it is known, was built in 1861 by A.M. Ives, who owned the first harness trade in Medina and was also involved in the produce business of Swan, Ives and Whalen. Sometime in the 1800s, the home was expanded. The servants’ quarters were in the attic, Hartway said.
The more-than-5,000 square foot home sits on little more than half an acre at the corner of West Center and Prospect streets. When Ives died, his widow sold the home in 1898 to Homer J. Luther, vice president of the Union Bank, resulting in the home’s designation as the “Luther Mansion.”
The home has had a succession of owners, not the least of whom was Ron Balcerzak, a construction management engineer. He purchased the home in 1979 and undertook considerable renovation to restore the home to its place as one of Medina’s finest pieces of architecture. He worked years to restore portions of the home that involved marble, crystal and parquet flooring.
Later owners removed many of these costly restorations. After years of neglect, the property suffered serious deterioration. Talis Historic Restoration purchased the home in March 2018 and began the task of repairing and restoring the property.
“We’re telling the building’s story,” Hartway said.
This open stairway in Stonehurst (also known as the Luther Mansion) will be preserved during its current restoration by Talis Equity. The basement will house a modern kitchen for catering staff.
The interior of the home will receive a full makeover, as much of it has been destroyed. Redesign will include improvements to add modern architectural elements to contrast with the historic character, increasing the number of bedrooms and developing the attic into livable space. These improvements include a three-story addition on the north end, with ground-to-roof windows.
“This addition will tie in with the rest of the historic home,” Hartway said. “We don’t want to change its integrity or its footprint. Just add on to it.”
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Chef Lionel Heydel, left, and sous chef Jose Ocasio stand in front of the sandstone wall which once formed the north wall of Stonehurst, until owners put an addition on. Another addition to add a third story on the north with glass from ground to roof is being planned during its current restoration by Talis Equity Historic Restoration.
The basement will be outfitted with a modern kitchen. The exterior will be fully restored to its original grandeur, including extensive landscaping. The new owner’s vision includes an elaborate garden and full renovation of the carriage house on the property.
When complete, the home will be an event venue with rooms available to stay overnight as an Airbnb.
The upstairs rooms will be available for overnight stays.
Carpet will be removed and wooden floors will be showcased.
Photos courtesy of Orleans County 4-H program: Adele Mathes, 8, of Barre prepares Cheesecake Tarts featuring cream cheese, milk and cherries. Adele took 2nd place in the Jr. Novice Division.
Posted 11 December 2019 at 10:03 am
Press Release, Orleans County 4-H program
Tresza Vinca, 10, of Holley prepares Sausage Hotpot, a recipe featuring apples, pork, carrots, bacon and tomatoes grown and produced in New York.
KNOWLESVILLE – Members of the Orleans County 4-H program gathered at the Trolley Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds last month for the annual Produced in New York Silent Cooking Competition.
The event challenges youth, ages 5-19, to develop recipes featuring products grown or produced in New York State which taste great and are also sources of good nutrition.
This year, there were 17 local 4-Hers in the contest. The participants are evaluated on their demonstration skills which include an orderly plan of work, correct use of equipment and food safety, as well as the taste and appearance of the final product. Those in attendance are able to sample recipes which are made the day of the event.
“Produced in New York is a demanding competition,” said Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Program Coordinator. “Youth must complete a menu plan with their recipe that includes a balanced menu and a complete and accurate nutrient list.”
Winners in the Junior Novice Division were Sophie Kroening, 1st place; Adele Mathes, 2nd place; Olivia Mathes, 3rd place.
In the Junior Division – Jackson McGrath, 1st place; Makenzie McGrath, 2nd place; and Shania Mathes, 3rd place.
In the Senior Division – Ariel Vinca, 1st place; Ella Dahlhaus, 2nd place; and Lillian Mathes, 3rd place.
Participants with the highest scores are eligible to prepare their recipes in the 4-H Youth Building during the 2020 New York State Fair in Syracuse next August.
Makenzie McGrath, 12, of Medina received 2nd place in the Junior Division for her Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake. Her recipe featured pumpkin, eggs, cream cheese and butter.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 December 2019 at 9:35 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dan Fuller proudly stands by this vehicle he made entirely out of items he found around his house. He started with an old Cub Cadet lawn tractor his uncle gave him.
MEDINA – It could hardly be classified as an antique, although almost everything it is made of is “old.”
In fact, owner Dan Fuller doesn’t know what to call it, except maybe a “toy.”
Fuller’s toy was on display in the parking lot of Medina High School during the toy show oin October, where it received a lot of attention.
One of the first to stop and look it over was Gary Brockel of West Shelby, who wasn’t sure whether to admire it or question it.
The red vehicle had wheels, exhaust pipes coming out of the top of what was obviously an engine, and an unlikely driver sitting behind a steering wheel of sorts.
Fuller said he could never afford a real hot rod, so this was his compromise.
It all started when his uncle asked if he wanted an old Cub Cadet lawn tractor. Fuller did, and spent the next couple of years transforming it.
A neighbor’s old wheelbarrow became the seat; his daughter’s bunk bed yielded material for a shelf; a bumper off a 1957 Cadillac became the hood; metal from an old foosball table framed the windshield; a balance plate was fashioned from an old ash tray belonging to his parents; two souvenir copper mugs served as headlamps; a discarded wrought iron railing formed holders for the windshield; part of an old desk and steel plate from his son’s wheelchair became the grill, with a cross cut out of it.
Fuller said he started building his hotrod last fall and then finished it in the spring.
He has several more ideas for projects in the future. He has a silage wagon in his yard which he plans to turn into a “she shed” for his wife.
Then he has purchased a 1948 Farmall Cub tractor, which he intends to make into a World War II-era airport tug, such as would be used to move airplanes.
As an Air Force veteran, Fuller said that is tops on his “to-do” list.
Gary Brockel of West Shelby checks out this vehicle on display in the parking lot of Medina High School during the first ever toy show this fall. The “toy” was built by Dan Fuller of Medina from odd parts he found laying around his house.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2019 at 9:05 am
Local law enforcement agencies will have increased DWI patrols beginning today until Jan. 1.
“December can be a dangerous time on our roadways due to the increase in holiday parties and festivities,” said Sheriff Randy Bower. “In an effort to keep our roadways safer during the holiday season, Orleans County law enforcement agencies are joining forces to stop drinking and driving during this holiday crackdown.”
The sheriff urges people who are drinking alcohol to have a plan for a safe way home. They can call for a ride from a friend, family member, taxi or Uber driver.
The county receives state STOP-DWI funding to help fund the increased patrols.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced today there will be a state-wide crackdown on impaired driving during the busy holiday travel season, from today through Jan. 1.
“We want New Yorkers to travel safely so they can celebrate the holidays with their friends and families,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am asking every driver to consider the danger they pose to themselves and others when they choose to drive impaired. There will be zero tolerance for impaired driving, and state and local law enforcement will be highly visible to ensure that every impaired driver is caught and held accountable.”
During the 2018 enforcement campaign, law enforcement throughout the state arrested 4,142 people for impaired driving and issued 144,197 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations.
A major component of New York’s efforts to combat impaired driving is the Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated. The state’s STOP-DWI program is the nation’s first self-sustaining impaired driving program. The program is funded from fines paid by convicted impaired drivers. Program coordinators are comprised of diverse professional backgrounds, including law enforcement and non-law enforcement.
The STOP-DWI program was created to empower counties to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. All 62 counties have opted to participate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2019 at 10:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Dillon DiGuilio and other members of the Albion Middle School Jazz Ensemble play “Who Let the Elves Out” during this evening’s middle school concert. Several students wore Santa hats or reindeer antlers for the concert.
The jazz ensemble also performed, “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” The middle school concert choir and concert band also performed several holiday favorites.
Here is the schedule of holiday or winter concerts at the five school districts in Orleans County.
Albion
Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. – Middle school holiday concert
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. – Elementary school chorus and 5th grade band holiday concert
Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. – High school chorus holiday concert
Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. – High school band holiday concert
Holley
Holley had its middle school/high school concert on Dec. 5 and its elementary winter concert on Dec. 3.
Kendall
Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. – Junior/Senior high band and chorus holiday concert
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. – Elementary school band and chorus holiday concert
Lyndonville
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. – Grades 3-8 winter concert
The senior high winter concert was Dec. 5.
Medina
Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. — Grade 4 holiday concert at Wise Middle School
Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. – Grade 5 holiday concert at Wise Middle School
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. – Grades 6 and 7 holiday concert at High School
Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. – A’Cappella Choir concert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. – High School holiday concert at High School
Alonzo Figueroa-Fuentes plays the baritone saxophone in the Albion Jazz Ensemble.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2019 at 6:23 pm
Provided photo: Pictured from left include John Pera, county commander of the American Legion; William Barnosky of Albion, third place; Lauren Miller of Kendall, second place; Ethan Kuhn of Kendall, first place; and Gary Befus, contest chairman for the Legion.
MEDINA – Medina High School on Saturday hosted the 83rd annual oratorical contest through the American Legion in Orleans County.
Ethan Kuhn of Kendall won first place and Lauren Miller of Kendall was second. William Barnosky of Albion placed third.
Students presented an 8 to 10 minute prepared oration on a US Constitution topic of their choosing.
Kuhn and Miller both advance to the District level contest to be held in Kenmore in January.
MEDINA – Three people were charged today after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the Village of Medina.
The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Medina Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the Orleans County Multi-Agency SWAT executed a search warrant at 107 South Ave. and arrested two individuals on numerous drug charges. A third suspect related to the investigation was located at a different location by the Medina Police Department and was also arrested on drug charges.
Police seized over an ounce of crack cocaine packaged for sale, $874 in cash, a loaded 380 semi-auto hand gun with defaced serial numbers, a stun gun, numerous packages of synthetic marijuana, scales, packaging and other drug paraphernalia.
The following were charged:
Brandon Askew
Brandon Askew, 40, of 107 South Ave., Medina. He was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) and 4 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies). He also was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (Class D felony).
Lisa Mailman
Lisa Mailman, 48, of 107 South Ave., Medina. She charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Mathew Parker, 30, no known address, was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Askew and Mailman were arraigned in Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Dawn Keppler. Askew was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. Mailman was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Both are to return to Shelby Town Court on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
Parker was also arraigned by Justice Keppler in Shelby Town Court and was committed to the Orleans County Jail without bail due to his previous criminal history, the Task Force said in a news release. Parker is to return back to Town Court on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
This investigation is ongoing, and further charges and arrests are pending, the Task Force said.
Provided and article courtesy of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Students in Joe Wilkie’s Certified Personal Trainer Program at Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently got a lesson in boxing.
Lori Grabowski is a personal trainer at SNAP Fitness in Medina. She stopped at the class, which met at Royalton-Hartland High School, to show the students some moves and talk about its uses to help clients reach their physical fitness potential.
Lori Grabowski is shown with teacher Joe Wilkie and his class: Jon Rivera (Lockport), Don Ross (Albion), Joe Ogiba (Lockport), Caden Gibson (Newfane), Ethan Dominquez (Lockport), Logan Overton (Lockport), Brendan Saia (Royalton-Hartland), Caleb Cidzillo (Medina), Ruben Cheatham (Lockport), Richie Stern (Newfane) and Kali Sharping (Royalton-Hartland).
Grabowski has been a personal trainer since 2011 and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do as well. Mr. Wilkie says it was a great experience for his class to hear from her.
“She really shared a lot of knowledge with my class and talked about how boxing is a different modality that people can use to achieve their fitness and health goals,” Wilkie said. “She really wore them out with her routine!”
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library hosted some very special friends on Friday night. The Santa Pajama Storytime program celebrated its 37th year as children, along with family and friends, eagerly awaited an evening with Santa.
The children were treated to a movie titled “What is Christmas?” Then, to everyone’s delight, sleigh bells began to ring as Santa arrived to entertain everyone with special songs and activities. Next, over 100 people settled in as Santa read, The Broken Ornament by Tony DiTerlizzi.
Santa reads, The Broken Ornament, to children and families.
The evening culminated with each child visiting with Santa and everyone was encouraged to make crafts, read books and visit with friends and family.
Families also contributed to the local food bank as part of this annual event.
Kendall Oliver Farewell shares her list with Santa.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2019 at 12:25 pm
ALBION – The Town Board on Monday gave final approval to set a 15-ton weight limit on Gaines Basin Road. The weight limit includes the section of Gaines Basin from the south entrance of Walmart, going south to the Barre townline, which is between West County House Road and Route 31A (West Lee Road).
Town Highway Superintendent Michael Niedert pushed for the weight limit because he said many big trucks and tractor trailers were using Gaines Basin to bypass going through the village.
Neidert said routes 98 and 31 are better suited for the heavy truck traffic.
The town had a public hearing on the weight limit in November. Albion previously didn’t have a weight limit for the road. Neidert said keeping the heavy trucks off Gaines Basin Road will help the road to last longer without needing major maintenance.
