By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 October 2019 at 9:02 pm
No. 9 seed Albion edged past host No. 8 Maryvale this evening in the opening round of the Section VI Class B1 girls soccer playoffs.
Trailing 1-0, Albion rallied for two goals in the final 20 minutes to claim the win and advance to a quarterfinal meeting at top seeded City Honors on Friday.
Albion tied the game when Mariah Plain scored off an assist from Abby Scanlan with 18:21 remaining.
Keeping the momentum, the Purple Eagles then got the game winner less than two minutes later as Abbie Pappalardo scored off an assist from Plain at the 16:26 mark.
The Purple Eagles improve to 9-7-1.
Also in Class B1, No. 10 Newfane lost 3-0 at No. 7 Olean.
In Class B2, No. 6 Wilson defeated no. 11 Pine Valley 5-0 as Skylar Munnikhuysen had 2 goals and 2 assists and Leia Cloy 2 goals.
Boys Soccer
Holley 2, Cuba-Rushford 1
A pair of first half goals proved to be just enough to earn No. 6 seed Holley a 2-1 win over No. 11 Cuba-Rushford in a Section V Class C1 opening round boys soccer playoff game at Warsaw.
Carson Major scored the first goal off an assist from Kohl Morgan and Karl Biedlingmaier netted what proved to be the game winner for the Hawks.
Improving to 9-7-1, Holley next visits No. 3 Addison in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Volleyball Medina 23-25-25-25, Lyndonville 25-19-23-5
Medina defeated visiting Lyndonville 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-5 this evening in a make-up non league volleyball match.
In the decisive fourth set Ellie Gross served up point 1-7, Jordan Lugo 9-13, Julia Howard 16-18 and Destiny Richardson 23-25 for the Mustangs.
Gross had a total of 14 aces and 5 kills and Kimani Poole 3 aces and 3 kills,
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Town of Yates Park on Morrison Road has picnic tables, grills and a pavilion close to the shoreline. The state approved spending $2.5 million to expand the park and help protect it from flooding. This photo was taken this afternoon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2019 at 7:14 pm
Yates Town Park approved for $2.5 million in improvements, expansion
The $49 million announced by Gov. Cuomo today for 20 lakeshore projects in Orleans and Niagara counties includes $17 million in Orleans County.
The projects will improve public land and infrastructure, including roads, a new sewer system in Kendall and Hamlin, and an improved Yates Town Park.
The money announced today is part of the first round of funding under the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. There is also $20 million available for homeowners and $30 million for businesses that will be allocated later.
Governor Cuomo launched the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative in May to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region.
He said today it was necessary as part of “a new normal” with high lake levels. The governor wants projects that will protect important public land and infrastructure from future flooding.
The governor was at Fort Niagara in Youngstown to announce the funding for Niagara and Orleans. The state is paying 95 percent of the costs, with the local governments chipping in percent.
Those projects include:
Orleans County
Wastewater Infrastructure for Kendall and Hamlin, $9,053,000
This project will disconnect homes from the septic systems and connect them to a wastewater system. A privately owned facility (located at Troutburg in the Town of Kendall) will be turned over to the Town of Kendall, and approximately 125 residences in the towns of Hamlin and Kendall will be connected to the facility.
The project will solve the problems for lakeside residences with septic issues west of West Kendall Drive, including along Lomond Shore West, Edrose Shore, Knapp Shore, Thompson Drive, and near Lakeland Beach Road and Bald Eagle Drive in the Town of Kendall, plus residences near Beachwood Park Road in the Town of Hamlin. This project will connect these areas to a sanitary sewer and convey wastewater to a treatment facility.
Yates Town Park and Expansion in Yates, $2,531,000
The Yates Town Park is located off Morrison Road, northeast of the Village of Lyndonville.
The Town of Yates proposes to expand the town park with enhanced recreational and water access opportunities. This project seeks to further enhance the park’s environmental resiliency, protect and expand its natural and nature-based features, and increase public access to the area’s recreational resources.
Proposed mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Installing shoreline stabilization measures to protect the park shoreline and associated features
• Evaluating opportunities to enhance recreation and water access through a new kayak launch and playground
• Installing upgrades to the park’s amenities, including an upgraded parking lot area, enclosed pavilion and bathrooms, and a 10 foot wide nature trail
Lakeshore Road (Route 97) in Carlton, east of Point Breeze, $2,062,000
Lakeshore Road is eroding rapidly and creating a hazardous situation for the roadway infrastructure and the waterline adjacent to the road. This project seeks to address the erosion of the bluff, as well as the existing failed shoreline protection.
Proposed mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Protecting the toe of the bluff with shoreline stabilization measures
• Stabilizing the bluff through grading and fill (where possible)
• Vegetation along the embankment
The project assumes 1,500 foot long by 40 foot wide shore stabilization with fill and new vegetation for 10 to 20 foot of the width. During the engineering process, the project should also evaluate potential of shore protection measures.
Public Town Road Ends/Culverts in Kendall, $1,500,000
Culverts adjacent to Ed Rose Shore, Knapp Shore, and Thompson Drive are impacted by high water levels resulting in culvert ends being clogged with debris. This project will install a more resilient box culvert concept. A culvert located at Lakeland Beach Road needs fortification, and riprap will be placed at the outlet of the culvert to provide protection.
Proposed mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Replacing end of culverts with box design systems at four locations (Edrose, Knapp Shores, and Thompson Dr.)
• Upgrade stabilization measures at the Lakeland Beach Road end of culvert
Point Breeze Boat Launch in Carlton, $751,000
The docks and boating slips at the Orleans County Marine Park will see upgrades.
The 72-slip boat launch is owned by the county at the Orleans County Marine Park.
Proposed mitigation measures for the project consists of:
• Replacement of fixed elevation docks with floating docks and slips, inclusive of anchorage and posts to permit only vertical dock movement
• Modification and upgrades to impaired boat launches to increase resiliency
Lakeside Park Road East in Carlton, $385,000
The bluff on which the eastern portion of Lakeside Park Road sits has been experiencing erosional impacts, creating a 30 to 40 foot drop that has become a hazardous condition for the road and public water line in the area. This project aims to stabilize the bluff to protect these assets.
Proposed mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Protecting the toe of the bluff with shoreline stabilization; stabilizing the bluff with embankment vegetation
• Where space allows, the bluff will be graded back to a more stable slope
Lakeside Park Road West in Carlton, $235,000
The Town of Carlton Highway Department uses a payloader to carry pallets of sandbags across a washed out section of Lakeside Park Road West on June 2. A chunk of road washed out in May. Residents at three houses have to walk through the washed out road to reach their houses. The road will protected with riprap in one of the REDI projects.
The shoreline on which Lakeside Park Road sits has been experiencing flooding impacts from both Johnson Creek and Lake Ontario, including the loss of an access road/lane, land protecting homes, and public water lines. West of the intersection with Lakeside Road there is approximately 300 feet of public water line at risk of being exposed and compromised.
Proposed mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Constructing an access road to place protective materials along the shoreline
• Placement of riprap stone to protect the public water line during future high water level(s)
Thompson Drive turnaround to become beach access in Kendall, $131,000
A section of Thompson Drive at the western end of Kendall was eaten up by Lake Ontario in the spring 2017. This photo was taken on May 7, 2017.
The former Thompson Drive turnaround provides beach access to the Lake Ontario shoreline. There is an opportunity to turn the former turnaround into beach access, coupled with nature-based shoreline protection.
The proposed project would reduce shoreline erosion, protecting local infrastructure and maintaining access along the route.
Proposed mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Installing natural or nature-based shoreline protection addressing the erosion of the turnaround, which is nearing the shoreline edge
• Ensuring and enhancing access to the shoreline
Route 237 right-of-way in Kendall, $40,000
The shoreline/waterfront area along the Route 237 right-of-way is experiencing significant erosion as a result of high water levels, flooding, and wave intensity. A project is currently ongoing to install riprap along the waterfront to protect the eroding shoreline associated with the right-of-way, abutting the riprap of two neighboring private properties.
Proposed additional mitigation measures in the project will consist of:
• Construction of a berm to further stabilize the shoreline and protect the area from future flooding
• Filling the gap between existing shoreline protection features with additional shoreline protection
• A protective barrier to provide public safety, and limit access from hazardous conditions at the end of the Route 237 right-of-way
Installing markers on submerged structures in Orleans and Niagara, $50,000
In-lake structures throughout Niagara and Orleans counties, when underwater, may result in hazardous boating conditions. Installing temporary safety markers is a proactive approach to protect public safety.
This project will installation of safety markers on submerged structures (piers). The structures will be clearly marked by installing temporary warning buoys.
For more on the projects, including the $32 million for those in Niagara County, click here.
Photos from Governor’s Office: Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks at Fort Niagara in Youngstown at about 11:15 this morning. He announced $49 million in projects in Niagara and Orleans counties.
Posted 23 October 2019 at 2:19 pm
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state is providing $49 million to advance 20 projects in Niagara and Orleans counties as part of the first round of funding under the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.
Governor Cuomo launched REDI in May to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in the REDI effort. Identified by the communities and evaluated by state agency experts, the projects address both immediate and long-term resiliency needs, enhance economic development, protect critical infrastructure, incorporate green, natural, or nature-based features, and will help sustainably rebuild and enhance communities along the Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River shorelines.
“The recent challenge of historic high water levels along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines calls for a swift and innovative response, and today I am announcing REDI projects in Niagara and Orleans counties that will create long-term sustainability for communities and businesses,” Governor Cuomo said. “I directed 11 state agencies to mobilize their expertise and assess a portfolio of community-driven actions that will sustainably protect and enhance the region’s infrastructure, habitats, and local economies. Working together, our Empire State experts and stakeholders came up with 20 projects in these counties that will help the region regain resiliency and economic vibrancy.”
Since record high water levels in 2017, New York State has committed more than $100 million to rebuild communities along the Lake Ontario shoreline that were devastated by flooding, only to again experience record high water levels and flooding in these same communities this year.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson speak at today’s announcement at Old Fort Niagara.
Five REDI regions, comprised of eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. The REDI Commission allocated $20 million for homeowner assistance, $30 million to improve the resiliency of businesses, and $15 million toward a regional dredging effort that will benefit each of the eight counties. The remaining balance, $235 million, has been allocated towards local and regional projects that advance and exemplify the REDI mission.
To identify projects, over the course of three months, REDI organized 25 stakeholder and community meetings and workshops with hundreds of local residents, convened more than 15 planning committee meetings, and directed New York State agency and engineering experts to expend thousands of hours to evaluate more than 500 projects proposed by communities. The projects comprise a range of at-risk assets, including shoreline stabilization, public health and safety, critical water and wastewater infrastructure, marinas and harbors, and land loss/value, among other priorities, with an emphasis on natural or nature-based features and green infrastructure.
For each project, multi-jurisdictional permit reviews, and any associated environmental reviews, will be needed prior to any final determination to proceed. To build resilience, reduce the risk of future property damage, and minimize habitat impacts, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has compiled general guidelines for coastal design and development projects. These guidelines include technical data, regulatory guidance, best practices, and available resources for development along the dynamic shorelines of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. This comprehensive technical and permitting information to help expedite the permitting process is available on the REDI guidance webpage.
To further address the challenges posed by high water levels, in addition to the county-specific projects announced today, Governor Cuomo announced an eight-county $15 million Regional Dredging effort to sustainably maintain safe navigation channels to harbors and bays along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. These channels are critical to the vitality of recreational and commercial boating, which generate millions of dollars annually in economic activity and support more than 1,000 jobs across the region.
The effort will address the required maintenance dredging of at least 17 harbor channels used primarily for recreational boating. Dredging sediments appropriate for benecial re-use may be employed in ecosystem restoration or erosion management projects, with likely benets to habitat, water quality, and beach nourishment.
The complete list of the 20 projects is available by clicking here. Highlighted REDI projects and estimated costs include:
Orleans County
• The $2,531,000 Yates Town Park and Expansion Project in the Town of Yates will provide shoreline remediation and expansion to include NYSEG land to create resilient wildlife refuge, increase areas of protected wetlands, and enhance public access to the Lake Ontario shoreline. It will also include shoreline protection treatments on the east and west borders of the park to mitigate effects of wave action/erosion on proposed wetlands.
• The $2,062,000 Lakeshore Road (Route 97) Project in the towns of Carlton and Kendall will seek to stabilize a bluff alongside Route 97 and improve shoreline protections for the road and buried water lines. This project includes consideration for a large-scale offshore shoal system to improve fish habitat and act as a wave break.
• The $628,000 Lakeside Park Road East and West projects will restore and protect this roadway to ensure access for residents and emergency responders. Shoreline stabilization measures will protect the road and buried utilities.
• The $751,000 Point Breeze Boat Launch Project in the Town of Carlton will help upgrade and increase the resiliency of this facility by replacing fixed elevation docks with floating docks and slips. These improvements will help maintain this facility, which supports local economic activity and access for recreational boating.
• The $131,000 Thompson Drive Project will address erosion of the turnaround, ensuring water access at the beach. This nature-based project will reduce erosion and protect local infrastructure while maintaining access along the route.
Niagara County
• The $15,707,000 Olcott Harbor Project in the Town of Newfane will encircle the lower harbor with a promenade and shoreline stabilization to secure public health and safety by providing flood protection for critical sanitary sewer infrastructure and residences in the hamlet of Olcott and Newfane. This project will support economic development through aesthetic and water access improvements. Resilience measures, including elevated shoreline treatments, one along East Harbor and the other along the West Harbor, will together protect Pump Station #6, businesses, buildings, and residences in the eastern portion of the harbor, and the town’s critical sanitary sewer infrastructure, which benefits the entire area. In addition to the shoreline protection measures, the project would entail improvements to the existing pump station to mitigate erosion and other high water related damage. The project may also include raising the elevation of the east Federal Pier, which protects the harbor entrance.
• The $3,362,000 Sunset Island West Barrier Bar Project in the Town of Wilson will include paving, raising, or otherwise reinforcing paths that protect land that might provide shoreline protections between the path and water.
• The $2,103,000 Village of Youngstown Waterfront Project in the Town of Porter will provide protection to the waterfront to support economic development, recreation, and tourism. The project will raise existing shoreline stabilization measures and add floating docks and jetties to reduce wave action for boating activity and shoreline erosion.
• The $1,814,000 Olcott Beach Berm Project in the Town of Newfane will redesign the beach berm to create a long-term solution to stabilize the berm and provide a flood strategy behind the berm, such as added floodway roads and/or a pump system. It will protect the west side of Olcott from wave action, as well as a town parking lot and year-round businesses and homes in the low-lying area.
• The $87,000 YMCA Camp Kenan Project in the Town of Somerset will provide shoreline protection measures to help maintain public access to the camp. The camp is adjacent to the shoreline, which has experienced flooding and erosion due to high water levels and wave action. The nature-based shoreline stabilization measure will protect the camp, which serves as a seasonal home away from home for hundreds of campers each year.
Senator Robert G. Ortt said, “The residents, businesses, and localities along Lake Ontario’s shores continue to face crippling flood waters due to the dangerous and ill-advised implementation of Plan 2014. However, New York State has stepped up and taken the lead on assisting those who have suffered from the millions of dollars’ worth of flood damage, and I am proud to have voted for this flood relief assistance funding. This $49 million will go a long way to help those that have been impacted by the flooding get back onto their feet, rebuild lost property, and fortify preventative infrastructure measures.”
Assemblymember Michael J. Norris said, “For many decades, there has been a critical need and a lot of discussion about fortifying the Olcott Harbor with a new break water wall and addressing other infrastructure deficiencies along the Southern shore of Lake Ontario. Now, with today’s action by New York State of investing millions into key infrastructure and resiliency projects, which includes funding for the Olcott Harbor Project and other important points across Niagara and Orleans Counties, these communities will be ensured fortification and stability in these economic and tourism centers for decades to come. I commend Governor Cuomo for his partnership in securing this investment in rebuilding and revitalizing our shoreline infrastructure. This is a perfect example of how government should work, with bipartisan efforts, to deliver for the hardworking taxpayers of the State of New York.”
Assemblymember Steve Hawley said, “I am pleased to see that the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) is moving forward with a large financial commitment from the state to help homeowners, businesses and municipalities in Orleans County recover from last year’s historic flooding. We’ve all witnessed the devastation along the lake’s southern shore and the heartache it has caused for so many. But, I am confident that the REDI will accelerate the recovery process and help rebuild the shoreline through completion of this package of projects. I will continue working with state and local leaders to see that those impacted receive the help they need moving forward.”
Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said, “Whether it’s devastating flooding or severe storms, Governor Cuomo has always answered our call responding to the needs of Orleans County. Today’s announcement will help our community build back stronger than ever and I thank the Governor for his continued support for our region.”
Town of Kendall Supervisor Tony Camaratta said, “I commend Governor Cuomo for being our advocate securing the funding that we will need to repair flood damage and to be better protected from future disasters. This investment will go far in improving our quality of life across the board, from making vulnerable areas safer to laying the foundation for economic growth.”
Following the issuance of new IRS rules that would undermine a critical tax deduction on which New York homeowners rely, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is moving forward with an effort to restore New York State’s ability to work-around the part of the federal tax law that takes an unfair aim at the state by eliminating a homeowners’ SALT tax deduction, costing them tens-of-thousands of dollars.
(Editor’s Note: In Orleans County, 3,900 homeowners claimed an average SALT deduction of $9,000 in their 2016 taxes, according to the National Association of Counties.)
Schumer explained that just as New York State was tying the bow on its workaround plan by passing a law that circumvented the feds, the IRS swooped in and used regulations to squash everything, adding insult to injury for local homeowners.
Therefore, Schumer announced that he will use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) tool to force a vote on the Senate floor this week, on a resolution to nullify recent IRS rules blocking critical state workarounds to harmful state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, and that restores New York’s ability to work around the harmful caps, allowing homeowners to again fully retain their SALT deduction.
While the IRS blocked New York’s workaround for families, the Treasury Department in September 2018 issued guidance that allowed businesses to continue to benefit from these same workarounds. Reversing the IRS’s harmful rule will also preserve the ability of states to maintain their own local charitable deductions for education, childcare and non-profits serving children, rural hospitals, environmental conservation, and more.
“As if the Trump-Republican tax bill—which has spiked tax payments for countless New York homeowners by eliminating the SALT deduction—wasn’t already bad enough, these new IRS rules add insult to injury. They are rubbing salt in the New York homeowners’ SALT-inflicted wounds,” said Senator Schumer. “Taking away the SALT deduction was brutally unfair to Upstate homeowners and hit ‘em right between the eyes and that’s why later this week, I plan to take control of the Senate floor and force a vote to nullify the IRS’s horrible rule and put power back in the hands of Upstate New York homeowners to soften the blow of the elimination of SALT deductions. New York’s hard-working homeowners shouldn’t be forced to bear the burden of the political games that target and punish specific regions of the nation.”
Schumer explained that he can use the special legislative power, provided for under the Congressional Review Act, in an attempt to nullify the recent IRS decision that blocks New York State from working around the provision in the federal tax law that strips New York homeowners from claiming their full SALT tax deduction. The disapproval resolution under the CRA gives Congress the power to expeditiously review any new federal regulation, like the recent IRS decision that hurts Upstate New York, so long as the CRA disapproval resolution is filed within 60 legislative days of the regulation being finalized. Schumer said the use of the CRA power is comparable to declaring a policy emergency, and when it comes to the SALT deduction in New York State, the issue is serious.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2019 at 9:00 am
YOUNGSTOWN – Gov. Andrew Cuomo this morning will be at Fort Niagara in Youngstown where he is expected to announce funding to protect assets along the lakeshore in Orleans and Niagara counties.
Cuomo will be at the Port of Rochester this afternoon to announce funding for Lake Ontario projects in Monroe County.
The governor formed the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Commission, which has been tasked with divvying up $300 million in funding for eight counties in the state.
The commission identified $30 million of projects in both Orleans and Niagara counties. The governor today is expected to announce which projects will be funded.
Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said on Tuesday night that she expects $15 million will be coming to Orleans County. She will be among the local officials at Fort Niagara this morning for the governor’s announcement.
The state is making money available to protect public resources, such as sewer plants, roads and parks. There will also be funding for economic assets, such as marinas and campgrounds.
Click here to see a previous article about the projects under consideration in Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2019 at 8:20 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Carlton firefighters responded to a big brush fire on Route 98 in this photo from Aug. 29, 2015. The brush fire spread to a hedgerow before being contained.
GAINES – There are far fewer active firefighters locally who are responding to fires, motor vehicle accidents, EMS calls and other emergencies.
“We’re down 40 percent in 10 years,” Richard Moy, the Clarendon town supervisor, said about the number of local firefighters. “We have to do something.”
He spoke at Tuesday’s Orleans County Association of Municipalities, which includes elected officials from the county, towns and villages. Moy said the response times are taking longer, and fire departments are showing up with small crews.
It’s not just the small towns in rural communities that have a shortage of firefighters. Moy said the Brockport Fire Department last month called Clarendon for help on five mutual aid calls.
Moy was a Clarendon firefighter for 40 years. He said there used to be a waiting list to join the local fire departments. Now it’s hard to get active members, especially younger adults who are better able to handle the physical demands of the role.
Moy said it’s been a looming problem, without any action to date.
“What are we doing about it?” he asked. “Nothing.”
Al Cheverie, an Albion firefighter, said he increasingly sees a small group of firefighters, mostly middle aged at fire calls.
There are increasing training requirements that deter many from joining local departments, Cheverie said.
But he thinks a fire department can still be an attractive option for local people looking to serve their communities.
“It’s a scary thing,” Cheverie said about the small crews. “There’s no magic wand to it. But we need to make it fun again. Nobody wants to join a dinosaur.”
Moy urged the local officials to form a committee to work on the issue. The local elected officials say a paid full-time firefighting force would be too costly for the county. But maybe firefighters could be paid if they are on-call and respond.
Moy said not all departments are struggling. Learning from those that have a lot of members would be a good start in addressing the shortage locally, he said.
Moy said the departments with many active members have maintained a family atmosphere.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2019 at 5:00 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley unveiled a new logo last week that will be displayed on signs, the village website and other promotional materials.
Holley developed the logo with assistance from Bergmann Associates. The logo encourages active exploration of Holley – “Walk It. Bike It. Boat It.”
The village received a $165,600 state brownfield grant last year to develop revitalization strategy for the downtown business district, and other parts of the community.
Brian Sorochty, mayor of Holley, said the project is a planning grant for the village, and a chance to promote assets with the trail system, canal and waterfalls.
“This is a chance to revision Holley,” he said.
As part of that revitalization effort, Bergmann and village officials displayed renderings of possible projects in Holley, and asked people last Thursday to place stickers on concepts they support.
The village has been without a grocery store since Save-A-Lot closed on Sept. 17, 2016. Many residents say the community needs a grocery store. Bergman presented two concepts – a vastly remodeled store building or one where the current building is knocked down for a new build as a town center.
Village officials want to show the concepts to developers, who may be more interested in the project once they see a more modern look for the building.
The store is in Holley’s Brownfield Opportunity Area, which provides tax incentives for investment.
Holley would also like to add amenities by its canal park, including a facility where people could rent kayaks and bicycles. The park could also have spaces reserved for food trucks.
Some downtown improvements could include streetscape amenities (benches, crosswalks, trash, trees, etc.), facade upgrades, more signage that directs people to businesses, public parking and attractions. Additional parking could also be added to the Public Square area.
The village will work with Bergmann to see which projects have a good chance for grant funding and private investment.
Hub editor kicks off the series on Nov. 4; Bill Lattin debuts new book on Nov. 5
Bill Lattin has a new book out, Trivial Tales.
ALBION – Hoag Library will celebrate National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November by welcoming 10 local authors for presentations about their books.
Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers kicks off the local author series at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 with a discussion about his two books, Farm Hands: Hard Work and Hard Lessons from Western New York Fields (published in 2010) and All Ears: A decade of listening and learning from small-town Western New Yorkers (published in 2013).
Farm Hands is based on Rivers’ experiences working at local farms in 2008. He wrote a series of news articles that are the basis of the book. All Ears includes about 100 of his favorite newspaper columns over 10 years when Rivers was a reporter at The Daily News in Batavia.
Other authors in the series include:
• Delia Robinson (Tea with Dee), November 5, Noon. Robinson, a former Gaines town historian, wrote Historical Amnesia, which highlights contributions of women in Orleans County.
• Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, will share his newest book called Trivial Tales, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 5.
• Melissa Ostrom, author of Unleaving and The Beloved Wild, will give a talk and book signing at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9.
• Hollis Ricci-Canham will be featured at noon and 6 p.m. on Nov. 11. In 2016 she completed a book on local farmers, a two-year effort that culminated in 300 pages after interviewing 150 farmers. Mom & Pop Farming in Orleans County, New York – The past brought to life includes about 400 photographs and includes reminisces about simple days with lots of hard work.
• Stryker Ostafew will do a special storytime and craft at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16. He is the author of the children’s series Bennington & Valentina.
• Eric Weatherbee, also known as “The Humble Bard,” will share his poems and writings at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16.
• George Rollie Adams, president and CEO emeritus of Strong National Museum of Play, wrote the book, South of Little Rock, a novel about race, family and small town life in the South in the 1950s. Adams will be at Hoag Library at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19.
• Mike McLean, children’s book author, will be featured 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 21.
• Kevin Pawlak, an Albion native, has written several books on the Civil War. At noon on Nov. 30, he will discuss his most recent book, Antietam National Battlefield, in the Postcards of America series.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2019 at 12:02 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Firefighters respond to the scene of a fatal fire this morning on Route 18, east of Route 63.
YATES – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim in this morning’s fatal fire in Yates. Minnie Holt, 80, was killed at about 5 a.m. in a fire at 11848 Roosevelt Highway (Route 18).
Firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene to find a house on fire in the rear and the inside full of thick black smoke.
Holt likely died from smoke inhalation. She was on the phone with an Orleans County public safety dispatcher as she tried to get out of the house. The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office is doing an autopsy.
About 50 firefighters responded to the call from Lyndonville, Carlton, Ridgeway, Shelby, Middleport and Medina.
Orleans County and state fire investigators are on scene to determine the cause of the fire. The road remains closed to traffic as of noon today.
The Town of Yates and Orleans County highway departments will help take down the house today.
First responders are shown at the scene at about 7:30 this morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2019 at 8:57 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
YATES – A woman, 80, died this morning in a fire at her home on Route 18, Orleans County Undersheriff Chris Bourke said at the scene.
Firefighters and deputies were dispatched to the house at 4:54 a.m. The house was full of thick black smoke. The fire appears to have started in the rear of the house.
The woman likely died of smoke inhalation. She was on the phone with an Orleans County dispatcher, trying to get out of the house, when she likely passed away.
The woman’s name isn’t being released, pending family notifications.
Deputies arrived to the scene on Route 18, just west of Breeze and Foss roads, nine minutes after the 911 call. The doors were locked. One deputy injured his hand, breaking the glass on a door to gain entry. That isn’t a serious injury, Bourke said.
About 50 firefighters responded to the call from Lyndonville, Carlton, Ridgeway, Shelby, Middleport and Medina.
Orleans County and state fire investigators are on scene to determine the cause of the fire. Dale Banker, the Emergency Management Office coordinator for the county, said he expects the Yates highway department will be on the scene later today to help tear down the house.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2019 at 9:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This chipmunk is climbing a tree this afternoon at the Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road.
We’ve had a nice stretch of sunny fall days. Tuesday, showers are likely in the morning, then rain between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with more showers likely to follow with a high near 63, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Wednesday will be partly sunny, with a chance of showers and a high near 54.
The Erie Canal is pictured looking east from Keitel Road towards the recently reopened Densmore Road canal bridge.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2019 at 5:53 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion will hit the road and Roy-Hart will have a home game on Tuesday to open the Section VI boys soccer playoffs. Here Albion’s Alex Gibson advances the ball up field against Roy-Hart defenders Matt Scott (16) and Aiden Guild (2) during a regular season game.
Roy-Hart will be at home and Albion will take to the road Tuesday to open the Section VI boys soccer playoffs.
In Class B2, No. 3 seed Roy-Hart will host Niagara-Orleans League foe No. 14 Akron at 6 p.m. The Rams downed the Tigers twice during the N-O season by scores of 5-0 and 3-1.
The victor will face the winner of Tuesday’s No. 11 Falconer/Cassadaga Valley at No. 6 Newfane game (3:30 p.m.) in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Also in B2 No. 10 Wilson will visit No. 10 daVinci at 4:15 p.m.
In Class B1, No. 10 Albion will visit No. 7 Iroquois at 3:30 p.m. The winner will visit No. 2 East Aurora in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Medina/Lyndonville is seeded No. 3 in Class B1 and the Mustangs will host a quarterfinal round game on Thursday against the winner of Tuesday’s contest between No. 6 Lackawanna and No. 11 I Prep.
Section V girls playoff action will also get underway on Tuesday as No. 11 Lyndonville/Medina visits No. 6 Aquinas in a Class B1 game at 6 p.m. and No. 4 Holley faces No. 13 Campbell-Savona in a Class C1 contest at 6 p.m. at Perry.
Wednesday’s soccer sectional match-ups
Section VI girls soccer competition gets underway on Wednesday as No. 9 Albion visits No. 8 Maryvale at 6 p.m. and No. 10 Newfane travels to No. 7 Olean at 3:30 p.m. in Class B1.
The Albion vs. Maryvale winner will take on top seeded City Honors while the Newfane vs. Olean winner will face No. 2 East Aurora in quarterfinal games on Friday.
In Class B2 Wednesday, No. 6 Wilson will host No. 11 Pine Valley at 3:30 p.m. The winner will visit No. 3 Olmsted on Thursday. Akron is seeded No. 2 and the Lady Tigers will host a quarterfinal game on Friday against the winner of Wednesday’s No. 7 Falconer vs. No. 10 JFK contest.
Also on Wednesday, No. 6 Holley will face No. 11 Cuba-Rushford at 6:30 p.m. at Warsaw in a Section V Class C1 boys soccer playoff opener. The victor will visit No. 3 Addison on Saturday.
Football Mustangs host midweek contest
Medina/Lyndonville/Barker will host East Aurora at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Vets Park in a match-up football game.
The Mustangs went 2-5 during the regular season and the Blue Devils 3-4.
The Mustangs hold a 10-7 lead in the all-time series with the Blue Devils. However, the Blue Devils won the most recent meeting by a score of 40-6 in 2015.
State considers extending the open season for lake trout on Lake Ontario
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking angler feedback on proposed fishing regulation changes for New York’s Great Lakes.
The proposed changes are designed to safeguard and expand certain fish populations while enhancing anglers’ continued enjoyment of these world-class fisheries. The majority of the proposals are a direct result of DEC’s work with anglers during the past several years to identify desired outcomes for Lake Ontario sport fishery management.
“I encourage Great Lakes anglers to share their comments on these proposed regulations, which are intended to make New York’s world-class Great Lakes fishing even better,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
Potential regulation changes include:
• extending the open season for lake trout on Lake Ontario and the Lower Niagara River;
• decreasing the daily creel limit for rainbow trout/steelhead on Lake Ontario;
• decreasing the brown trout daily creel limit and increasing the minimum size limit for rainbow trout/steelhead on Lake Ontario tributaries; and
• eliminating a special Lake Erie tributary regulation now deemed unnecessary in an ongoing effort to simplify New York fishing regulations.
Following a review of public comments received and further evaluation this winter, DEC may advance these proposals for formal adoption in 2020. DEC welcomes and encourages feedback on the proposed regulation changes currently under consideration.
To view these proposals and provide input, visit DEC’s website. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 14. Comments and questions can also be directed to Steve LaPan, Great Lakes Fisheries Section Head, at: New York State DEC, P.O. Box 292, Cape Vincent, NY 13618.
State Police released this photo of a man who allegedly attempted to rob a Key Bank in Niagara this afternoon.
NIAGARA – State Troopers today at 1:50 p.m. responded to Key Bank on 2429 Military Road in the town of Niagara for an attempted robbery.
State Police are working with the Town of Niagara Police Department to identify the white male suspect who presented a note to the bank employee demanding money.
No weapon displayed and the suspect left empty handed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact NYSP at 585-344-6200
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced the locations and times of his upcoming Orleans County Town Hall Meetings on Saturday, Oct. 26.
“After one of the most impactful legislative sessions in recent memory, I am looking forward to answering questions and helping residents understand what is going on in Albany,” Hawley said. “Being an elected official is about giving your neighbors a voice and these town halls are a great opportunity for me to listen to how our community feels on a host of issues. I encourage everyone who is interested to attend one of these events this Saturday. I look forward to seeing you there.”
Town Hall schedule on Saturday includes:
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Holley Village Hall, 72 Public Square
• 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kendall Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
