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County Legislature meeting cancelled due to weather on Wednesday
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014
ALBION – With blizzard-like conditions in the forecast for Wednesday, the County Legislature meeting has been cancelled. It had been scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and will be rescheduled, Legislature Clerk Nadine Hanlon advised tonight.
County officials have also closed the county office building, Clerk’s Building, and Mental Health Building. The jail, nursing home, highway department and public safety services will be open.
Albion Town Justice Kevin Howard also has closed court for Wednesday due to the weather conditions.
County offices will be closed Wednesday
Employees should report to jail, nursing home, public safety
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014 10:04 p.m.
ALBION – Orleans County offices will be closed on Wednesday and all nonessential personnel are directed to stay home, Legislature Chairman David Callard decided tonight.
Employees are to report at the jail, nursing home, the highway department and for public safety jobs with the Sheriff’s Department and dispatch.
The county has closed the County Administration Building, Mental Health Building, Legislative Office and Clerk’s Building for Wednesday. This is the first time the offices have closed since the storm in October 2006, said Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer.
Orleans is under a blizzard warning for Wednesday.
Storm warning upgraded to 'Blizzard'
Four area schools will be closed on Wednesday
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014 9:29 p.m.
Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina school districts have cancelled classes and activities on Wednesday due to the impending severe weather.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the Winter Storm Warning for Orleans and surrounding counties to a Blizzard Warning, in effect from 2 a.m. on Wednesday until 2 a.m. on Thursday.
The storm may result in accumulations of 9 to 17 inches with wind gusts up to 45 mph creating periods of whiteout conditions.
The National Weather Service warns, "Conditions will rapidly deteriorate Wednesday morning with relatively light snow becoming heavy by late morning. The combination of heavy snow and blowing snow will make travel extremely difficult to nearly impossible Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. Visibility will be reduced to near-zero at times with deep snow cover on roadways during the peak of the storm along with significant blowing and drifting of snow."
Schumer says Oak Orchard Harbor will be dredged by June 15
File photo by Tom Rivers
A boat passes through the Oak orchard Harbor last summer. Sediment buildup in the channel has made it difficult for larger boats to use the harbor.
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today that Oak Orchard Harbor will receive a large maintenance dredge this year, valued at $420,000 and funded through the Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill.
Schumer met with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Buffalo District Director LTC Beaudoin who confirmed the USACE’s plans and estimated the dredge is scheduled to be completed by around June 15. Schumer has long fought for Oak Orchard Harbor to be dredged, especially since Superstorm Sandy caused sediment damage to the harbor, and has specifically pushed for Sandy Supplemental funds to be used for dredging.
Schumer said this new dredge will allow recreational traffic to move more efficiently and support the charter fishing industry in the area, which generates approximately $269,000 in annual income.
“When it comes to dredging our ports, there is no time to waste, which is why I’ve kept the pressure on the Army Corps to accomplish this Oak Orchard dredging, especially since Superstorm Sandy,” Schumer said. “The timeline to finish dredging by mid-June is great news and it means we will soon get Oak Orchard Harbor moving full steam ahead – which will be an enormous boost this summer to the regional economy, family boaters and fishing charters.”
Oak Orchard Harbor is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek. It supports 33 fishing charters and is in need of dredging.
Since Superstorm Sandy left sediment damage, the need for a maintenance dredge has increased. Schumer explained that using money from the Sandy Supplemental Fund will help alleviate the problems posed by the current shallowness of the harbor and return Oak Orchard Harbor to a better-functioning depth.
Medina Dissolution Committee moves meeting to Friday
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014
MEDINA – A committee that was scheduled to meet on Wednesday morning is pushing back the session until Friday to avoid a snowstorm that is forecast to hit tomorrow.
The Medina Dissolution Committee was to meet at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. It will now meet on Friday at 8 a.m. The committee expects to have projected tax impacts for the village and the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway in a number of scenarios for the dissolution of the village and how the current services could be provided.
The meeting will be at City Hall. The committee is close to accepting a final report on the dissolution. It has been working with a consultant, the Center for Governmental Research in Rochester. The committee on Friday may schedule a public hearing for the residents to comment on the proposal.
The Village Board also is expected to have its own public meetings and hearings on a dissolution plan, which ultimately will be decided in a public referendum by village residents.
Teachers and principal will rock at Lyndonville talent show
'Common Core’ will entertain at intermission, playing AC/DC, Johnny Cash and more
Photo by Tom Rivers
The “Common Core” band of Lyndonville teachers and a principal gets together Monday. Pictured from left include Brian Lang on guitar, Jason Wilhelm as lead singer and guitar, Kristina Best on drums and Aaron Slack on guitar. John Bailey is also part of the group.
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014
LYNDONVILLE – The annual talent show at Lyndonville Central School is a much-anticipated event, with several hundred people packing into the school’s Stroyan Auditorium.
The event, in the past, has included teachers, but that participation had tapered off in recent years. However, the teachers will be back on stage for Thursday’s talent show, and they’ll be back in a big way.
Four teachers plus Middle/High School Principal Dr. Aaron Slack will perform in a rock band, “Common Core.” The band will make its debut and play about 10 songs during intermission, and the audience will hear a variety of music from hard-rocking AC/DC to contemporary Christian.
The band is led by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jason Wilhelm, who is also the district’s information technology director. He is part of a U2 cover band.
“I think when the kids see us up on the stage it will excite them to get more involved in the school,” Wilhelm said.
The Lyndonville band will also perform songs by Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Imagine Dragons, and Darius Rucker.
Courtesy of Lyndonville Central School
This doctored poster hangs in the Lyndonville community promoting a performance by Common Core, which includes from left: PE and health teacher Brian Lang, high school band teacher Kristina Best, school district IT director Jason Wilhelm, elementary music teacher John Bailey and middle/high school principal Dr. Aaron Slack.
Wilhelm and Slack are joined in “Common Core” by elementary physical education and health teacher Brian Lang, high school band teacher Kristina Best, and elementary music teacher John Bailey. The teachers are busy leading extracurricular programs at Lyndonville, including coaching sports and playing in the high school musical. Slack also has been busy working on the district’s budget.
The busy schedules have made it a challenge for the band to practice for Thursday’s show. But they have found time. After a final rehearsal on Wednesday, Slack said the group will be ready.
“We want to show students that they can pursue musicianship when they are older,” said Slack, who is a freelance guitar player for different bands.
Lang, the PE teacher, also hopes the band’s willingness to perform for a big crowd will encourage students to try more activities in school, even ones that are outside their comfort zones.
“We hope the kids will see us in a different way outside of normal roles at school,” Lang said. “I think we might be able to motivate the kids to be more involved.”
“Common Core” was picked as a name for the band. That is also the name for the state’s new standardized testing program.
The talent show begins at 7 p.m. and includes 15 student acts that include dancing, singing, tumbling and cheerleading, and various musical ensembles. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds will go towards the junior/senior prom.
Lyndonville student picked among top 100 for WNY
Abigail Feldman
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014
LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville student has been named to a list of the top 100 high school seniors in the eight-county Western New York region.
Business First of Buffalo announced Abigail Feldman will receive Special Mention honors for the 2014 All-Western New York Academic Team. An eight-member selection committee put Feldman on the list.
Business First’s Academic Team puts the spotlight students who pursue excellence both in and out of the classroom.
Feldman in January won the Distinguished Woman of New York during a competition at SUNY Albany. She advances to the national competition in June in Mobile, Ala.
Good nutrition and exercise can help maintain a healthy weight
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for the Orleans County Health Department Posted 11 March 2014
One of the most simple and basic rules of good health is balancing energy used with energy eaten or drank, resulting in a healthy weight. Good nutrition, combined with physical activity, is the key to keeping that balance.
March is Nutrition Month, which observes the role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy weight, preventing disease, and improving overall health. During any month of the year we should remember to eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, however if you don’t regularly eat these types of healthful foods, Nutrition Month is a great time to start!
Extra calories and too much fat and sugar are the primary nutritional problems challenging Americans today. Poor nutrition, combined with sedentary (inactive) lifestyles, leads to obesity, the second most preventable cause of death in the United States.
In New York State, 25 percent of adults were considered obese with Genesee County at 28 percent, Orleans County at 30 percent and Wyoming County at 29 percent according to the 2013 County Health Rankings.
When looking at physical inactivity New York State and Genesee County show 25 percent of adults aged 20 and over reporting no leisure time physical activity and Orleans has 28 percent and Wyoming County has 23 percent of their residents who are not physically active.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a person is overweight if his or her body mass index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9, and considered obese if the BMI is 30 or more. To calculate BMI, divide weight in pounds by the square of a person’s height in inches and multiply by 704.5 or you can check this online BMI calculator from the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute by clicking here.
Choosing healthy nutrition helps to reduce the risk of disease. Good nutrition can decrease the risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, some cancers and high blood pressure.
Choosing vegetables and fruit help to reduce the fat and cholesterol in your diet, while providing an excellent source of vitamins, fiber and energy.
The New York State Health Department recommends that you fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal or eating occasion. Make sure make at least half of your grains whole grains.
The State Health Department, through its Eat Well, Play Hard intervention, asks parents, teachers and others to serve as role models to encourage children to adopt healthy lifestyles that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Eat Well, Play Hard also promotes at least 60 minutes of physical activity, including both free and structured play, for children over the age of 2 and at least 30 minutes for adults every day. There is information on how to eat healthier, plan healthier meetings at work and encourage play with your family. For more information about Eat Well, Play Hard visit the NYSDOH web site by clicking here.
It is easy to incorporate tasty, healthful foods in your daily eating plan. For example, start the day with a glass of orange juice (8 ounces) and add raisins to your cereal. Choose water instead of sugar sweetened beverages as your drink of choice. Have a salad with lunch, and snack on dried fruit in the afternoon. Add extra vegetables to whatever you are cooking for dinner, whether it is soup, stew or stir-fry. In the grocery store, buy one percent milk or fat-free milk instead of whole milk.
Albion trio heads OrleansHub All-Area girls basketball team
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
Albion's Kelsee Soule, left, and Justice Nauden are among the first team players
on the inaugural OrleansHub All-Area girls basketball squad.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 March 2014
A trio of Albion underclassmen head the inaugural OrleansHub All-Area girls basketball squad.
The Purple Eagles are presented by junior guard Justice Nauden, sophomore forward Kelsee Soule and freshman forward Chanyce Powell.
Holley senior forward Nicole Blackburn and Kendall senior guard Nicole Browe round out the starting five as Lyndonville senior guard Jenna Castricone earns the sixth man honor to round out the unit.
Powell led Albion in scoring with 229 points (12.0 average) and rebounds with 169. She also had 51 steals, 45 assists and 17 blocks.
Nauden scored 214 points (11.2 ave.) and had 99 rebounds, 74 assists and 66 steals.
Soule, who missed several games early in the season due to an injury, scored 165 points (11.7 ave.) and added 115 rebounds 35 assists nd 26 steals.
Blackburn had 194 points (10.2 ave.), 122 rebounds, 35 assists and 3 steals on the season.
Browe led Kendall in steals with 84 and assists with 67 and also scored 111 points (5.8 ave.) and grabbed off 49 rebounds.
Castricone had 126 points, 69 rebounds and 35 steals for the Lady Tigers.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
First team honorees include Kendall's Nicole Browe, left, and Lyndonville's Jenna Castricone.
Kendall leads the way on the second team with two players, senior guard Shelby Reis and junior guard Tania Arellano who earns the sixth man honor.
The second team also includes Medina senior guard Taylor Miller, Roy-Hart senior forward Becky Harnish, Albion junior forward Sarah Metzler and Barker sophomore guard Caitlyn Mason.
Reis scored 101 points and had 61 rebounds, 12 assists and 11 steals while Arellano led the Lady Eagles with 149 points (8.2 ave.) and had 81 rebounds, 18 steals and 10 assists.
Miller scored 115 points (6.7 ave.) for the Mustangs while Harnish netted 152 (8.9 ave.) and grabbed off 122 rebounds for the Lady Rams.
Mason scored 168 points (9.3 ave.) and added 88 rebounds, 64 steals and 19 assists for the Lady Raiders.
Metzler scored 127 points (6.6 ave.) for the Purple Eagles and added 76 rebounds and 30 assists.
Earning honorable mention on the All-Area squad are Lyndonville junior Morgan Hungerford, Albion junior Many Covis, Medina freshman Molley Gross and junior Nicole Blount, Kendall senior Toni ReQua and junior Taylor Kingsbury, Barker seniors Julia Atwater and Olivia Denny, Holley juniors Samantha Barniak and Jade Underwood and Roy-Hart juniors Taylor Fry and Kendra Hill.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
First team honorees Albion's Chanyce Powell, left, and Holley's Nicole Blackburn.
Storm may bring a foot of snow on Wednesday
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 11 March 2014
The area will be hit with a major dumping of snow on Wednesday, with 10 to 17 inches in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service.
It has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Orleans and several counties, a warning that is in effect from 2 a.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday.
The storm will bring a mix of heavy snow and blowing snow. Northeast winds at 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 45 MPH, will create near whiteout conditions at times, the Weather Service advised.
“The combination of heavy snow and blowing snow will result in severe winter travel conditions,” the Weather Service said. “Driving will become extremely difficult or even nearly impossible at times.”
School enrollment has plummeted
Districts have seen an exodus in the past 2 decades
| District | 1994-95 | 2012-13 | Percent drop |
| Albion | 2,684 | 1,963 | 26.9 |
| Holley | 1,485 | 1,168 | 21.3 |
| Kendall | 1,176 | 744 | 36.7 |
| Lyndonville | 930 | 615 | 33.9 |
| Medina | 2,376 | 1,687 | 29.0 |
| (5 districts) | 8,651 | 6,177 | 28.6 |
| Source: NYS Education Department, Orleans Hub calculations | |||
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 10 March 2014
Local school districts have far fewer students now than two decades ago, a trend that mirrors the state but is more pronounced in Orleans County.
The five school districts – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina – combined had 8,651 students in the 1994-95 school year. Those districts have shed 2,474 students in about 20 years, a 28.6 percent drop. The combined enrollment for the five districts was 6,177 in 2012-13, according to figures from the state Education Department.
The combined loss is about 500 more students than Albion’s 1,963 student enrollment in 2012-13. Albion is the county’s largest school district.
State-wide enrollment fell 4.5 percent, from 2,701,438 in 1994-95 to 2,579,011 in 2012-13. The state-wide enrollment peaked recently with 2,829,151 in 1999-2000. The 2012-13 enrollment represents a 9.7 percent drop from 1999-2000.
The declining enrollment was the Sunday cover story in The Buffalo News. That article (click here) showed 34 of the 38 districts in Erie and Niagara counties lost students in the nearly 20-year time span. Five of the districts – Holland, Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, Buffalo and Lackawanna – suffered losses at 30 percent or greater.
Three districts saw sizable increases: Starpoint at 11.7 percent, Lancaster at 17.3 percent, and Clarence at 28.6.
In Orleans, all five have experienced significant enrollment losses with Kendall seeing the largest decline: 36.7 percent or 432 students from 1994-95 to 2012-13, according to the state Education Department. The loss is even greater if it is measured from 1997-98 when Kendall had 1,197 students. It dropped by 453 or 37.8 percent to 2012-13.
Lyndonville is down 33.9 percent or 315 students during the 19 years. Lyndonville and Barker talked about a merger, and Lyndonville school officials wanted to put it to a public vote about three years ago. But the Barker Board of Education declined to push the issue. Barker, located in eastern Niagara County, has lost 25.0 percent of its students, down 1,134 in 1994-95 to 851 in 2012-13.
Lyndonville closed its elementary school after the 2011-12 school year, shifting those students to one building that is shared by the junior high and high schoolers.
Photo by Tom Rivers
Lyndonville Central School closed its elementary school after the 2011-12 due to declining enrollment. Medina also closed the Towne Primary School because of its shrinking school enrollment.
Lyndonville is sharing some extracurricular sports programs with Medina. Lyndonville also has Medina students in its musical program, while some Lyndonville students are part of Medina’s Marching Band. It's a way for districts to offer opportunities for students in light of the dwindling number of student bodies.
Medina’s enrollment is down 29.0 percent over the 19 years, a drop of 689 students. That decline is more than the current enrollment at Lyndonville. Medina closed Towne Primary School after 2011-12 and moved those grades into Oak Orchard Elementary School.
The Orleans districts have all made significant cuts in staff, teachers and administrators to reflect the shrinking enrollment and also a drop in state aid. Medina cut 30 positions after the 2010-11 school year.
Albion has shrunk 26.9 percent or by 721 students since 1994-95. The district dipped below 2,000 in 2012-13 when it reached 1,963. Medina fell below 2,000 in 2002-03 when the enrollment was 1,997.
Holley’s enrollment is down 21.3 percent since 1994-95, falling from 1,485 to 1,168. Some of the districts actually grew after 1994-95, and then began a steady decline. Holley had 1,501 students in 1996-97, but has dropped by 22.2 percent or 333 students since then.
To see the data on enrollment at every district state-wide, click here.
Bank robbery accomplice gets 5 years in prison
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 10 March 2014
ALBION – The woman who admitted to driving the getaway car during a bank robbery in Albion last July 2 was sentenced to five years in state prison today.
Elyse A. Hoffer, 22, of Rochester apologized in court to the Bank of America employees, her family and the community.
Hoffer was the girlfriend of Jeremy J. Rothmund, who robbed the Bank of America on July 2. Rothmund went into the bank with a false bomb. He robbed the bank of $18,000. He was sentenced to 15 years in state prison last week.
Hoffer in December pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery. She had the getaway car behind Freeze-Dry Foods near the railroad tracks. The couple was spotted by an Albion resident who gave the vehicle ID to police. The two were stopped and arrested in Holley.
Hoffer in December pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery.
In other cases in county court today:
• Alejandro Mendoza, 28, was sentenced by Judge James Punch to five more years in state prison for assault. Mendoza was an inmate at Orleans Correctional Facility when he allegedly used a razor to slash the neck, stomach and finger of another inmate.
That inmate needed 12 stitches for his neck and five stitches for his cut finger, the District Attorney’s Office stated.
Mendoza is currently in Southport Correctional Facility in Pine City. He is a Mexican citizen without legal documents to be in the United States, the DA’s Office said.
• Jairo Chavez was sentenced to two years in state prison for two counts of third-degree rape. Chavez was living in Orleans County as a farmworker when he allegedly twice had sex with a 15-year-old girl who became pregnant. Chavez was 26 at the time. He also is a prior felon.
After prison, Chavez will be subject to 15 years of post-release supervision.
Lynn-Ette farm buys Harbor Pointe golf course
Most of land likely will be converted to farmland
Provided photos
Lynn-Ette and Sons on Friday closed on a deal to buy Harbor Pointe Country Club on Route 98 in Carlton.
Some of the trees are being cleared.
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 10 March 2014
WATERPORT – A golf course that opened 50 years ago on Route 98 in Carlton has been purchased by a local farm, which will discontinue the site as a golf venue.
Lynn-Ette and Sons closed on a deal Friday to acquire Harbor Pointe Country Club from the Cardone family. The Cardones owned and operated the course since June 1, 1981. The course opened in 1964 as the Oak Orchard Country Club.
The course had several owners before the Cardones bought it in 1981.
“It was a wonderful business to operate,” said Joe Cardone. “My mother and father made a lot of close friends. We appreciate their business and friendships.”
The golf business has struggled in the region in recent years, due to the economy and increased competition with many golf courses, Cardone said.
“There has been a drop off in golf play,” he said. “It’s also an indication of the economic times in Orleans County.”
As part of the deal, Lynn-Ette purchased 93 acres on the east side of Route 98 that have been farmed. The local farm also bought the 100-plus acres that is the golf course.
The land won’t be orchards. The farm is cleaning up the property and clearing some trees. It will need to do soil tests to determine a good crop match for the ground.
The farm’s owners weren’t available to comment today, but an employee said Lynn-Ette will likely keep the existing buildings. The farm is still evaluating how it wants to use the site.
Cardone said he was happy to have a local buyer – Lynn Roberts and his family – pursue the property.
“We were thankful we were able to work something out with the Roberts family,” Cardone said. “They’re a wonderful family and they’re working hard down there.”
Murder trial adjourned until May
Frederick Miller
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 10 March 2014
ALBION – The trial against accused murderer Frederick Miller of Carlton has been pushed back two months. The trial was scheduled to begin with jury selection today but will now start on May 12.
Miller’s lawyer, Robert King of Rochester, filed notice he is seeking a psychiatric defense for Miller. That prompted Orleans County Court Judge James Punch to adjourn the trial so District Attorney Joe Cardone would have time to hire an independent psychiatrist to evaluate Miller. Cardone will then review the psychiatrist’s report.
Miller faces second-degree murder charges after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Rachel Miller, on March 4, 2013.
Rachel Miller, 53, died of blunt force trauma combined with multiple stab wounds. The couple allegedly had a fight at a home they shared on Oak Orchard River Road.
Albion student named to All-WNY Academic Team
Jonathan Trembley
Press release, Albion Central School Posted 10 March 2014
ALBION – A Charles D’Amico High School senior has been named to Business First’s 2014 All-Western New York Academic Team.
Jonathan Trembley (Second Team) has qualified for this year’s list of the 100 most outstanding high-school seniors in the eight-county region. Winners were chosen for their records of academic excellence, school leadership and community involvement. The top 25 were named to the First Team, 25 runners-up to the Second Team, and another 50 to the Special Mention list.
“This is a highly competitive award,” said Jack Connors, president and publisher of Business First. “Think of it this way: We have about 20,000 high-school seniors in Western New York this year, and we’ve picked only 100 for the Academic Team. That puts them in the upper one-half of one percent. They’re the best and brightest students anywhere in this region.”
Schools throughout the eight-county area were asked to nominate their smartest and most accomplished students for consideration by an eight-member committee, which included six admissions directors at area colleges and two Business First editors. A total of 122 schools responded with 419 nominees. (Each school was limited to four candidates.)
The complete list of 100 honorees, along with their photos and profiles, will be published in Business First’s 2014-2015 Guide to Western New York Schools, which will hit newsstands on June 13.
Kendall, Barker cagers head OrleansHub boys All-Area team
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
Munjie Brown, left, represents Medina and Ryan Fannin Albion on the first team of the inaugural OrleansHub All-Area boys basketball team.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 March 2014
Champions Kendall and Barker have both placed two players on the first team of the inaugural OrleansHub All-Area boys basketball squad.
Kendall, which captured its first Genesee Region League Division 1 championship in 13 years, has placed senior center Garett Love and junior guard Mookie Nauden.
Barker, which captured its first Niagara-Orleans League championship since 1945 with a perfect 14-0 record, is represented by forward Jacob Haight and guard Mitchell Luckman, both seniors.
Medina senior Munjie Brown rounds out the starting five while Albion senior Ryan Fannin earns sixth man honors completing the first team.
Haight, a four-year varsity starter who became Barker's career scoring leader during the season, averaged a double-double with 360 points (18.0 ave.) and grabbing off 200 rebounds (10.0 ave.). He also had 85 steals, 84 assists and 37 blocks.
Luckman, a three-year varsity starter, scored 289 points for a 14.4 average and had 85 rebounds and 42 steals.
Love averaged 10.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.5 assists for Kendall.
The Eagles playmaking guard, Nauden averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6 assists and 2.2 steals.
Brown also averaged a double-double for the Mustangs scoring 253 points (15.3 ave.) and grabbing off 182 rebounds (11.4 ave.). He also had 43 steals and 40 assists.
Fannin scored 151 points for a 10.7 average and grabbed off 113 rebounds for the Purple Eagles.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
Kendall's first team honorees are Mookie Nauden, left, and Garett Love.
Barker, which finished the season with a 19-1 record, has also placed two players on the second team in senior center Bryce Moeller and junior guard Christopher Sweeney.
Kendall likewise has a pair of second team honorees in senior center Isaiah Brown and junior forward Will Condo who handles the sixth man role.
Roy-Hart senior forward Alex Stoddard and Holley senior forward Corey Winter round out the second team.
Moeller scored 193 points (9.6 ave.) and had 144 rebounds, 76 blocks, 26 steals and 25 assists.
Sweeeny had 194 points (9.7 ave), 87 rebounds, 45 steals and 30 assists.
Brown averaged 8.7 points, 8 rebounds, 2.75 blocks and 1.5 steals.
Condo averaged 7.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.7 steals.
Stoddard also averaged a double-double on the season with 389 points (19.4 ave.) and 204 rebounds (10 ave.) He also had 46 assists and 26 steals.
Winter, the only senior on the Holley squad, averaged 10.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per outing.
Earning honorable mention on the All-Area squad are Medina junior Jason Hellwig, Albion junior Des Blackmon, Holley junior Joey DeFelice, Lyndonville senior Patrick Hinkson, Barker senior Hayden Gooding, Kendall seniors Alex Sutphen and Devin Appleton and Roy-Hart senior Cody Breedlove and sophomore Andy Xapsos.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
Representing Barker on the first team are Jacob Haight, left, and Mitchell Luckman.
Girls graduate from private school in Albion in 1858
By Bill Lattin, Orleans County Historian Posted 10 March 2014
ALBION – This image is an ambrotype, which is a positive picture made of a photographic negative on glass backed by a black surface.
It shows the graduating class of girls in 1858 from Phipps Union Female Seminary in Albion. Caroline Phipps Achilles operated this private school for girls from 1833 to 1874. It was located on the Courthouse Square and removed in 1882 when the county purchased it and built the County Clerks Office on the site.
Adelaide Murdock Pells from Ridgeway is in the top row, fourth from left. Thanks to Nelda Callard for the donation of this picture to the Orleans County Department of History.
‘Jobs for Life’ close to graduating first class
Photo by Tom Rivers
Tim Lindsay, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion, is site leader for the new Jobs for Life program in Orleans County. He discussed the program during a meeting with the Albion Rotary Club last week. Lindsay welcomes mentors and businesses to be part of the program.
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 9 March 2014
ALBION – A group of churches is trying to “flip the list,” and the break the cycle of poverty for local residents.
The churches have formed Hands 4 Hope Orleans and launched a “Jobs for Life” program that is designed to give residents basic job skills, and also connect them to job opportunities and a mentor who will be a source of encouragement. The Rev. Tim Lindsay, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion, is site leader of the program.
“We’re trying to do things that foster independence and help people become self-supporting,” Lindsay told the Albion Rotary Club on Thursday. “We want to put jobs at the top and get people out of the cycle of dependency.”
Hands 4 Hope Orleans started the 16-class program on Jan. 27. The class meets twice a week at Hoag Library. Local business leaders have volunteered to help lead some of the classes. The first group of five students is scheduled to graduate on March 24.
Lindsay said he has witnessed big changes in the students in about six weeks of classes. They have gained confidence and direction.
He urged the Rotary Club, which includes several local business owners, to consider hiring a Jobs for Life graduate. The first class is expected to include five graduates. Lindsay expects to have additional classes in the future.
Each graduate will receive a certificate and businesses can have faith the students have learned the importance of values, showing up on time, conflict resolution, team work, a positive attitude, taking responsibility and overcoming roadblocks.
“We want this certificate to mean something to employers,” Lindsay said.
Besides Harvest Christian Fellowship, the Oak Orchard Assembly of God, Light of Victory, Albion Free Methodist Church and Alabama Full Gospel are all helping with Jobs for Life. For more information on Hands 4 Hope Orleans, click here.
Medina’s Winterguard earns 2nd
Contributed photo
Medina Winterguard performs Saturday at Marcus Whitman High School. Medina took second place at the event.
Press release, Medina Marching Band Posted 9 March 2014
Medina's Winterguard competed Saturday at Marcus Whitman High School, the Mustangs’ fifth competitive performance this season.
There were four guard units in the Scholastic A Class and Medina took second place with a score of 80.22. Victor was first with 81.81, while Lancaster came in third with 78.69 and Hinsdale was fourth with 71.60.
Guard Instructor Diana Baker thought the performance was very good for this
time of the season. She said the schools were appropriately placed in the
Scholastic A class and the students were receptive to trying new things.
The Winterguard’s next performance is March 22 in Holley. The Championships are March 29 at Brockport State College.
Medina Waterfalls aren’t entirely frozen
Photos by Tom Rivers
Most of the Medina Waterfalls are suspended in ice. But a narrow spot is still roaring and flowing with water from the Oak Orchard Creek near the Erie Canal.
By Tom Rivers, editor Posted 9 March 2014
MEDINA - There’s been a lot talk in the news recently about the frozen Niagara Falls. It’s a spectacle getting world-wide attention and drawing tourists to the natural wonder when we were in our deep freeze recently. (Click here to see a story about the phenomenon.)
I wondered about the most powerful waterfalls in Orleans County. How has it held up in the freeze?
A good portion has been held up in ice. But the fast-moving part is still flowing strong, plummeting over a gorge.
The Medina Waterfalls as it appeared in early November.
I had never seen the Medina Waterfalls until November. I had heard about it and wanted to see it. It has the “wow” effect.
It’s disappointing to me how difficult it is to reach the falls. I stopped by on Saturday morning. It’s somewhat of a perilous journey through a wooded area, climbing over fallen trees. There are steep embankments and one slip could send you into the Oak Orchard Creek.
To get to the waterfalls, you can walk through this path or venture into a wooded area with fallen trees.
The powers-that-be should recognize this is a great untapped resource for tourism, recreation and improving our quality of life. I’d highly recommend a safe walking trail to the waterfalls, a ladder from the towpath, perhaps a pavilion area and some guardrails to improve the safety.
A stone wall is a relic from when powerful mills did business near the waterfalls in the 1800s.
Here is one more photo of the waterfalls, which are located near the Erie Canal, close to the Horan Road bridge.
Another reminder to turn clocks ahead
Photo by Tom Rivers Posted 8 March 2014
Here’s another reminder to turn your clocks ahead by an hour tonight. Daylight saving time officially starts at 2 a.m. Firefighters also encourage you to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The photo above shows the very impressive clock tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. This church was built from 1892 to 1894 and is one of the most impressive Medina sandstone churches I’ve seen. The four-sided clock tower is home to the only chime bells in the city of Jamestown.
Albion FFA students compete at district competition
Provided photo
Albion FFA students who competed at the district competition include, front row, from left: Alexis Bentley, Alexis Maines, Julie Porter, Sophia Smith, Alaina Fleming, Laiken Ricker, Clara Stilwell, Isabel Penafiel, Lauren Beam.
Back row: Megan Rosato, Sara Millspaugh, Logan London, Elizabeth Bentley, Abigail Maines, Harrison Brown and Jayne Bannister.
Article by FFA reporter Megan Rosato Posted 8 March 2014
BATAVIA – Albion FFA members went to BOCES in Batavia on Thursday to compete in FFA Districts. Students competed in Career Development Events (CDEs), which help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive manner.
There are 24 CDEs, covering job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. The finalists moving on to substates include:
Junior prepared: Lauren Beam 2nd;
Junior Creed: Alexis Maines 2nd, Alexis Bentley 4th, Clara Stilwell 5th;
Senior Prepared: Sara Millspaugh 3rd;
Senior Extemporaneous: Jayne Bannister 1st, Elizabeth Bentley 2nd, Abigail Maines 4th, Megan Rosato 5th;
Job Interview: Sara Millspaugh 3rd, Logan London 5th.
Congratulations to everyone who competed and also to those who will be advancing on to the next level.