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Tenney introduces the ‘Freedom to Frack Act’ which would withhold some federal grants to NY
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today reintroduced the Freedom to Frack Act to withhold certain federal grants from states that issue statewide hydraulic fracturing bans.
Much of Central New York, Western New York, and the Southern Tier lie above the Marcellus Shale and the deeper Utica Shale formations. These tremendous resources alone could support the state’s energy needs for decades and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers.
Unfortunately, despite this, in 2014, New York implemented a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The ban was then officially established in 2015 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and codified in 2020 by the New York State Legislature.
New York’s statewide fracking ban directly opposes environmental science and basic economics. American natural gas is the cleanest in the world, and its exportation has been the single greatest force behind the reduction in global CO2 emissions.
The ban has also been a disaster for New York’s economy, as despite its abundant natural resources, New Yorkers pay some of the highest prices in the country for energy. While Pennsylvania has become the second largest natural gas producer in the United States, New York continues to fall behind. Albany Democrats must reverse course on their disastrous fracking ban so New Yorkers can rightfully take advantage of the liquid gold lying beneath their feet.
“President Trump has taken bold action to unleash American energy production through multiple Executive Orders, and it’s time for states like New York to follow suit. I introduced the Freedom to Frack Act to push back against Albany’s anti-science, politically motivated ban on hydraulic fracturing,” Tenney said. “States that refuse to comply with these federal energy directives should face the consequences, including the loss of federal funding. Albany’s baseless, anti-American energy policies have blocked access to valuable local resources for too long. By lifting these restrictions, we can stimulate economic growth, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and fully unlock the potential of American energy.”
Orleans/Niagara BOCES to include students on the Board of Education
Pictured from left include Gianna Rowles of Newfane, Madilynn Warren of Wilson, Emiliana Batista of Medina and Derek Hendler of North Tonawanda.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education and District Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Taweepon Farrar are proud to welcome four high school students to join its official policy-making body.
Two of the students, Derek Hendler (North Tonawanda) and Gianna Rowles (Newfane) will act as primary non-voting ex-officio trustees of the Board of Education, while Madilynn Warren (Wilson) and Emiliana Batista (Medina) have been named alternatives.
“Our BOCES is required to have two ex-officio student members because we have 13 component districts in our region,” explains Dr. Taweepon Farrar. “We are thrilled to welcome the students to the Board table. Student voices matters, and this opportunity provides an important bridge between our leadership and the learners we serve. We look forward to the students’ contributions throughout the coming year and thank them for stepping into this leadership role.”
Hendler is a student in the HVAC program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center. He says he has a passion of working with his hands and learning and enjoys his role as a SkillsUSA officer and the President of the local chapter. “These experiences have helped me to grow as a leader and taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility and community service.”
Rowles is in the Cosmetology program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center and is the Vice President of the SkillsUSA Area 1 chapter. She has an innate desire to become a leader in the field of cosmetology, where she plans to innovate and push the boundaries of this trade. She would love to own a successful business someday or possibly teach.
Warren is enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and has a goal to be a teacher. Madi enjoys interacting with people and would love to work at a daycare while working towards a Bachelor’s Degree.
Batista is in the Allied Health program at Medina Memorial Hospital and plans on pursuing a degree in General Health Studies with the goal of specializing in radiological technology. She is the Secretary of the SkillsUSA chapter and recently competed as a member of the Health Knowledge Bowl.
The historic moment for Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ is thanks to a new state law that mandates all school districts, as well as Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), appoint at least one ex-officio, non-voting student member to their boards of education beginning July 1st.
This legislation aims to empower students and to provide them with a platform to engage in educational policy discussions and to foster civic engagement among youth.
The law was sponsored by State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner and was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2024. The students serving on the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education have attended high school within their home district for at least one year prior to their term and are currently participating in one of the BOCES’ programs.
The students’ role will be to advocate for all students enrolled in a BOCES program, gain leadership experience, and collaborate with the Board by sharing their perspectives and experiences as the Orleans/Niagara BOCES continues to chart its course for the future of the students and community it serves.
Kendall set to begin state playoff competition against Gowanda in Regional on Saturday
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino, shown here diving back to first place during the state qualifier win over Geneseo, and his Eagle teammates will face Gowanda in the Class C Far West Regional on Saturday morning at Dwyer Stadium.
Set to make just the school’s second appearance in the state baseball playoffs, Section V champion Kendall will face Section VI champion Gowanda in the Class C Far West Regional at 11 a.m. Saturday at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.
The victor will advance to the state semifinals next Friday in Binghamton.
Kendall, whose only previous trip to the state playoffs was in 1999, brings a 23-1 record into the Regional while Gowanda is 20-3.
Kendall advanced to the state playoffs by first defeating Genesee Valley-Belfast 6-0 for the Section V Class C2 championship and then edging C1 champion Geneseo 5-4 in the Section V state qualifier.
Gowanda earned a spot in the Regional by blanking Frewsburg 3-0 in the Section VI title contest.
Senior Gavin Braun and junior Nic Cole have shared the bulk of the pitching duties for the Eagles this season with senior Colby Hughes at catcher, sophomore CJ D’Agostino at first base, junior Jonny Conte at second, junior Vinnie D’Agostino at shortstop and freshman Sammy Conte at third with juniors Jonas Rhodes and Mikey Colucci and senior Gio Rodriguez in the outfield. Eighth grader Andrew D’Agostino took over the catching chores and sophomore Jacob Abrams played right field in the state qualifier game when the Eagles three seniors were away on a senior class trip. The Eagles roster also includes junior Adrian Bucco and freshman Andrew Cole.
Kendall’s 1999 squad defeated Frewsburg 4-0 in the Far West Regional but then dropped a 9-3 decision to Greenwich in the state semifinals.
Lyndonville has 3 Scholar-Athlete teams
Three Lyndonville varsity spring sports teams have earned New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Team awards by compiling a composite average of at least 90.
The three teams and their averages include, Girls Softball (97.06), Girls Track and Field (95.26) and Boys Track and Field (90.36).
The team members contributing to the award winning average are as follows:
Girls Track and Field: Sarah Corser, Arietta Metty, Emily Miner, Alyssa Prine and Shelby Tackley
Boys Track and Field: Aiden Allen, Amir Huzair and Ethan Franks
Girls Softball: Addison Dillenbeck, Emma Freas, Elena Barry, Emily Dill, Isabella Groves, Barbara Jary, Brooke Robinson, Rylan Townsend, Hannah Fox, Alexa Robinson, Arnie Sturtevant and Braelynn Dillenbeck
Federal judge temporarily blocks Job Corps shutdown
Photo by Tom Rivers: A sign directs people to the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby on Tibbits Road. The center is one of 99 that was ordered to go on “pause” last week by the federal Department of Labor, with students to be sent home by this Friday.
A federal judge has temporarily halted the closure of 99 Job Corps Centers, including the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby.
The Trump administration last Thursday announced the 99 centers would have to go on pause, with students to be sent home by June 6 and the contractors running the sites to be done by June 30.
The National Job Corps Association filed an injunction on Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, saying the federal Department of Labor can’t dismantle Job Corps, a program established and funded by Congress. A court hearing is scheduled for June 17 to determine whether a preliminary injunction will be issued, Reuters reported.
“Shuttering Job Corps will have disastrous, irreparable consequences, including displacing tens of thousands of vulnerable young people [and] destroying companies that have long operated Job Corps centers in reliance on the Government’s support for the program,” the plaintiffs stated in the lawsuit as reported by Reuters.
The lawsuit also states that the DOL can only close individual Job Corps centers individual after seeking public comment and notifying local members of Congress.
DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer a week ago announced 99 Job Corps would be paused with programs suspended by the end of June. She said the centers haven’t been fulfilling their mission.
The DOL said the graduation rate nationwide at the centers is at 38.6 percent, with the average cost per student a year at $80,284. The average cost per graduate is $155,600, according to the DOL.
On average, participants earn $16,695 annually on average when they leave the program, the DOL said.
But the National Job Corps countered that the DOL skewed the data, using information from 2023 when centers were still impacted by Covid restrictions.
Job Corps is currently operating at about half of its capacity because the DOL hasn’t allowed centers to do their own background checks on students. Since the DOL took over that duty in March, students haven’t been admitted.
The Job Corps graduation is historically closer to 60 percent, not the 38.6 percent from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, the association said. Job Corps said that prior to Covid restrictions in 2020, the average cost per Job Corps graduate was $57,312.
Allowing more students would drive down the per-student costs, Job Corps noted on its website in response to the DOL statements.
Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential career training and education program, serving people ages 16 to 24. The centers have a capacity for about 50,000 students but currently have about 25,000.
Job Corps students placed in positions earned an average wage of $17.13 in 2023, more than twice the minimum wage of $7.25. Graduates earned annualized wages of more than $31,000, Job Corps said.
The DOL also cited incidents of violence at the centers, noting there 14,913 serious incident reports filed in 2023 at centers across the country.
“Per DOL’s reporting requirements, these ‘serious’ incidents include power outages and inclement weather, athletic injuries that require treatment, and adult students leaving campus without prior approval,” Job Corps said.
Batavia hosting Pride parade and festival for GLOW region on June 14
Press Release, GLOW OUT!
Charlene Cameron’s painting, Together We Bloom, is the official artwork for Pride 2025.
BATAVIA – Saturday, June 14 will see the seventh annual Parade and Festival for LGBTQ+ Pride in Batavia, once again hosted by GLOW OUT!
The local celebration of LGBTQ+ love and resilience has grown each year since 2019, with support of communities and allies. June is recognized as National LGBTQ+ Pride Month in remembrance of the Stonewall riots in New York City in June of 1969, which catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
“Pride is important every year, but especially now,” said Lauren Berger, the newly appointed GLOW OUT! director. “It’s our history, it’s a celebration of survival and how much we have gained – and a moment to recognize who we are still fighting for.”
GLOW OUT! provides training, support, and events to raise awareness, build community and celebrate those in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are LGBTQ+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. Many allies – straight and/or cisgender people who support and advocate for their loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community – also attend Pride each year.
An opening ceremony on Sunday June 1 at the First Batavia Presbyterian Church saw remarks by youth leaders and honors bestowed on the 2025 Parade Grand Marshal and Youth Marshal, two individuals who will lead the parade.
Awards were presented to HERO Individual recipient Sheri Kreher, and inaugural HERO Business recipient, Judy Hysek of Eden Cafe in Batavia. The HERO Awards recognize one individual and one business respectively, who have contributed significantly to the mission of GLOW OUT! and have demonstrated consistent solidarity with and commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in our local communities.
“We know that having fun events like Pride are empowering, especially for youth,” said GLOW OUT! President John Couri. “It’s important for people to connect and celebrate one another – especially for a young person, who might go to a small school and feel isolated.”
Those who are 21 and over are welcome at a Happy Hour hosted at GO Art! The evening preceding the festival, Friday, June 13, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Batavia’s Juneteenth celebrations are also on the 14, and the host agencies are collaboratively working for a strong showing at both.
The Batavia Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 14, will begin with a Story Hour for families in Jackson Square at 3 p.m. The Parade will line up at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, stepping off at 5 p.m. The route will cross Main Street, turn left onto Washington Avenue and left again onto Bank Street, finishing back at Jackson Square where the Pride Festival (including vendors, food, and drag shows) will continue until 10 p.m. Those 21 and over are welcome at the after-party at TF Brown’s until 12 a.m.
“The Pride festival isn’t our only event this month,” added Berger. “We have our regular Golden GLOWs and Youth Drop-in meet ups, as well as a Karaoke event on Saturday the 21st at Go Art! From 6 – 8 p.m.”
GLOW OUT! Has added a website with events for June and ways to be involved in Batavia Pride. Find more information at linktr.ee/BataviaPride.
GLOW OUT! connects the rural LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community in times when we need it most. For more information, visit GLOWOUT.org.
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Collaborative solutions needed to address housing gaps in Orleans County
Editor:
I am writing in response to the recent letter published by Tim Elliott regarding the potential for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Village of Medina. His thoughtful proposal illustrates exactly the kind of community-driven, flexible thinking that will be required to solve the housing crisis here in Orleans County.
At the United Way of Orleans County, we have been working to elevate housing as a critical priority through collaborative, inclusive, and data-informed strategies. On May 15, we hosted the county’s first-ever Affordable Housing Summit—Building Pathways: Collaborative Solutions for Housing Development in Orleans County—bringing together over 70 stakeholders, including local officials, developers, nonprofit leaders, staff from three area charitable foundations, and interested residents.
Our keynote speaker, David A. Smith of the Affordable Housing Institute, shared some simple principles for successful development of real estate in a rural community. Starting with a slide of the old county Poor House in Albion, he encouraged the audience to think about what the community needs and has to offer, not about what the government could provide.
“What you need is: Land, Money, and Helpful Friends,” he said. “They’re the ingredients of successful real estate developments. If you have enough of any one of them, you can turn it into the other two.”
He pointed out that rural churches often have land and helpful friends (both congregants and the extended community of local elected officials). They also have a natural community of trust in each other, which can turn into effective demand, in-kind contribution of services that reduce total development cost, and access to credit that lowers the cost of capital.
We also welcomed the Assistant Commissioner at the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Leonard Skrill, who emphasized the opportunities available to “Pro-Housing Communities” through state support—opportunities Medina and other communities in Orleans County could explore with modest zoning reforms like those Mr. Elliott proposes. He encouraged anyone with questions to contact him, and he would make an appointment with them to review their project and offer suggestions for obtaining funding.
Our Housing Action Strategy, presented by former Legislator Ken DeRoller and housing consultant Nick Coulter, identified key challenges such as aging housing stock, affordability gaps, and declining population trends. Their presentation culminated in five core priority interventions that United Way and our partners see as a feasible step forward to begin to address the shortage of affordable housing in our communities:
- Launching a Landlord/Property Owner Upkeep Incentive Program
- Expanding senior and workforce housing opportunities
- Supporting housing models that address homelessness
- Promoting the development of multi-household housing
- Assisting local municipalities in achieving Pro-Housing Community certification
Mr. Elliott’s call to action aligns perfectly with these priorities. ADUs, when properly regulated, are one practical step toward building housing diversity that benefits seniors, caregivers, and young families alike.
Now is the time for all of us—government, nonprofits, developers, and citizens—to work together toward practical, community-centered solutions to meet the growing need for multiple types of housing.
We believe we can secure support from charitable foundations to assist in this effort. If you are interested in learning more, or being involved in our Housing Action Task Force, please reach out to us.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Sincerely,
Nyla Gaylord
Executive Director of United Way of Orleans County
Medina tops Wellsville in Class B sub regional
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Preston Woodworth went the distance on the mound for Medina in this evening’s 6-2 Class B state playoff Sub Regional win over Wellsville at Newark.
In a repeat of last year’s state playoff opening round victory, Section VI champion Medina downed Section V champion Wellsville 6-2 in the Class B Sub Regional this evening at Colburn Park in Newark.
Last Spring Medina bested Wellsville 8-3 in the Class B Far West Regional.
Tonight’s victory vaults Medina, which improves to 22-1, into the Class B Regional against Section IV champion Oneonta on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Frontier High School in Hamburg.
Run producing hits by Carter Woodworth, Tyler Kroening and Ryleigh Culver provided most of the offense for Medina which managed a total of only 5 hits.
Preston Woodworth turned in a sparkling effort on the mound for the Mustangs allowing only 3 hits and striking out 11.
The Mustangs defensive efforts were highlighted by a double play turned by Kroening in the first inning.
Medina wasted no time in moving on top to stay as Carter Woodworth banged out a two-run single in the top of the first inning. A walk to Vinny Gray and a single by Aidan Papaj set up the opportunity.
The Mustangs doubled the advantage to 4-0 in the fourth inning on a two-run double by Kroening. A walk and an error set up that treat.
Wellsville got on the scoreboard with an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth but Medina got that one back with interest in the top of the fifth.
The Mustangs tallied twice in the fifth on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Culver to up the advantage to 6-1. Preston Woodworth helped himself at the plate in that frame as he led off with a triple and came home on the wild pitch. Then, following a walk and an error, Culver banged out his run producing single.
The Lions picked up a run in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of hits but would get no closer than 6-2.
Preston Woodworth capped off the win in strong fashion by striking out the side in the bottom of the seventh.
Medina advanced to the state playoffs by downing Southwestern 6-0 in the Section VI Class B championship game. Wellsville claimed the Section V Class B title with a 4-3 win over LeRoy.
This is Medina’ third appearance in the state playoffs in the last four years.
Medina pinch runner Ryan Pegelow dives back to first base ahead of the throw to Wellsville’s Karson Grover.
Medina third baseman Carter Woodworth makes a throw to first.
A large crowd of Medina fans made the trip to Newark sitting both in the bleachers, top photo, and along the first base and right field line, lower photo.
Splash pad at Bullard provided relief from heat
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – With temperatures in the 80s today, many parents brought children to Bullard Park today and the splash pad proved popular.
This photo shows kids getting drenched at the splash pad at about 6:45 p.m. This was also opening day for Albion’s summer concert series at Bullard, with the concerts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
It won’t be so hot in the next several days with highs at 73 on Thursday, 71 on Friday, 72 on Saturday and 74 on Sunday.
GCC faculty and staff receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards
Photos courtesy of GCC: Top row from left include Barry Chow, Heather Jones and Kelly Starchok. Bottom row: Paul Brew and Amy Westfall.
Press Release, Genesee Community College
BATAVIA – Five exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.
The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
“The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards represent the highest recognition of excellence across the SUNY System,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC. “I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff whose passion, innovation and dedication have earned this distinguished honor. Their work exemplifies the very best of Genesee Community College and our commitment to student success.”
The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Paul Brew won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.
Mr. Brew has been a member of Genesee’s history faculty since 2008 and has taught a variety of courses including American History, World History, and American Government to name a few. History can be a challenging subject to engage students and they may often not recognize its value.
Mr. Brew uses a variety of strategies and approaches to spark curiosity and guide students to make connections between historical information and the present. He also effectively engages students in historical inquiry through active learning strategies, debates and collaborative projects.
Amy Westfall won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the Classified Service. These are system-level awards established by the university to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the university’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.
During her career in the library, Westfall has demonstrated an exceptional ability to anticipate and meet the needs of faculty, ensure continuous and efficient library operations, and foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the campus community.
Her contributions extend beyond her daily responsibilities, as she consistently advocates for students, identifies opportunities to enhance services, and offers guidance and support with the utmost compassion and discretion. Her role in facilitating a seamless transition during the relocation of the Learning Center and her personal commitment to student safety and well-being, are testaments to her profound impact.
Barry Chow won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. This award recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.
During his 26-year career at Genesee, Chow has been instrumental in fostering innovation, curriculum development and faculty leadership. His service to the college includes impactful presentations, committee leadership, and mentorship, shaping both academic policies and student engagement.
He has advised multiple student organizations, including the TV Club and Phi Theta Kappa, providing hands-on learning experiences that bridge theory with real-world application. Beyond the college, Barry has made contributions to the media and education fields, serving in leadership roles within the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the Television Academy. His professional expertise has influenced both institutional advancements and industry standards.
Kelly Starchok won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.
Her passion for fostering student engagement led her to her current role as Director of Student Engagement & Inclusion, where she has redefined student involvement post-pandemic, creating an inclusive and dynamic campus environment. She has launched impactful initiatives and spearheaded the establishment of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter at GCC.
Starchok’s management of over 30 student clubs, supervision of major campus events and hands-on approach (e.g., stepping into the College mascot costume when needed) demonstrates her tireless dedication. Beyond her position, her creativity and problem-solving are evident in her successful implementation of GCC’s Bus Services, ensuring accessible transportation for students. She actively participates in key campus committees and represents GCC in external leadership initiatives, including Leadership Genesee and national student engagement conferences.
Heather Jones won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.
Jones has been a GCC faculty member since 2008 teaching a range of courses including Drawing, Painting, 2D Design, Art History and Portfolio Development. Her teaching philosophy, rooted in learner-centered strategies and Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, creates an engaging learning environment for students.
She utilizes a “5C’s” rubric to empower students to create and critique artwork using a guided approach to assessment that fosters a deeper understanding of the creative process. Beyond the classroom, Jones has demonstrated leadership through her work in art exhibits, illustration publishing, study abroad programs, collaborations with international institutions and innovative uses of technology. Her work as a Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholar demonstrates her commitment to enhancing cross-cultural understanding through art.
Hawley speaks against proposal to ban any additional farms with 700-plus cows
Photo provided by Assemblyman Hawley’s Office: This photo was displayed at the podium of a news conference today.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) stood in support with his colleagues today at the state Capitol to denounce a new proposal from the Majority that would place a ceiling on the number of cows allowed on New York dairy farms (A.6928).
This initiative would prevent the Department of Environmental Conservation from giving any permits for new or expanding dairy operations that exceed 700 cows. While the Majority claims this policy will help improve environmental conditions, Hawley believes this bill will put an unnecessary burden on local farms and hurt our state’s agriculture industry.
Over the last 25 years, New York has seen a dramatic decline in the number of dairy farms across the state. From 1997 to 2022, the number of dairy operations decreased from 9,300 to roughly 3,000. This decline has picked up substantially in recent years as the dairy industry has struggled to turn a profit and keep up with operating costs. Hawley is adamant that this proposal will only accelerate this trend a push more dairy farmers out of business.
“While small-scale dairy farms are struggling to make ends meet, members of the Majority who have never stepped foot on a farming operation are trying to regulate them out of business,” said Hawley. “As a former farmer myself, the assertion that our local farms are destroying our environment is completely ridiculous.
“Working families across our state rely on our dairy farms for their basic necessities, and this proposal will only bring up costs and reduce availability. We cannot allow this out-of-touch proposal to hurt our rural communities, and I will continue to stand with my colleagues in the state Assembly to ensure this initiative is shut down once and for all.”
Law enforcement carried torch for Special Olympics during run in Albion
Photos courtesy of Law Enforcement Torch Run – Special Olympics New York
ALBION – Vern Fonda, an environmental conservation officer with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, carries the torch on Friday with other law enforcement officers during a torch run to benefit the Special Olympics.
He is leading a group down Route 31. This was the third annual torch run in Albion. The event is coordinated by the Albion Police Department and the Special Olympics. Some Albion students joined officers on the run.
Albion Police Chief David Mogle holds a torch during the start of the run that began in the parking lot at Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street.
Lt. Brandon Annable of the Albion Police Department took a turn holding the torch. He and the group are shown on the main driveway leading into Albion High School.
The group of law enforcement officers pose for a group before the start of the run.
Retired Rochester PD Sgt. Brett Sobieraski carried the torch for part of the run. Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, has conquered many endurance challenges to raise money for Special Olympics and officers killed in the line of duty.
Medina senior to wrestle at Norwich U.
Contributed Photo – Medina High senior Reece Senske has signed to continue his wrestling career and his education at Norwich University in Vermont where he will study Criminal Justice. He is shown here at the signing with his mother Jessika Bulera and father Mike Senske. Standing are his grandfather Richard Senske, grandmother Julie Bulera, Medina Wrestling Coach Eric Gross and his grandfather Dave Bulera. Reece earned over 100 victories during his wrestling career with the Mustangs and was a two-time place finisher at the state championships.
Kendall, Hamlin to celebrate start of $17 million sewer project on Thursday
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata stands at Lake View Park which was established through the REDI program – Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. This area used to be a turnaround along Lake Ontario. Big chunks of the land were washed out and eroded during high lake levels in 2017 and 2019. The town’s new sewer project with Hamlin will start near this park.
KENDALL – The towns of Kendall and Hamlin on Thursday will celebrate the start of construction on one of the bigger municipal projects in recent memory – a $17 million sewer project that will stretch about 15 miles in the two towns.
Two contractors are lined up and ready to start work on the project which serves about 270 residences in Kendall and about 30 in Hamlin.
Blue Heron Construction Co. LLC will be paid $8,326,480 to install low-pressure sewer collection system from Thompson Drive to Troutburg Cottages. The company will install will install grinder pumps, lateral connections and abandon septic tanks at each residence.
Rochester Pipeline Inc. is the low bidder at $5,380,730 to construct three sewer pump stations, and install sewer force main and gravity sewer from Troutburg Cottages to the sewer connection point in Hamlin. The three sewer pump stations will be near Lomond Shores/West Kendall Road, Troutburg Cottages and Hamlin Beach State Park entrance off Moscow Road.
Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said the “blue ribbon project” includes many different entities, including the two towns, counties of Orleans and Monroe, Monroe County Pure Water, the state parks system, and many other entities.
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 cost was significantly higher than the initial $9 million earmarked for the project in 2019. The state offered to pay 95 percent of the cost through the REDI Commission, which was established with $300 million for projects along the south shore of Lake Ontario.
Kendall and Hamlin were able to get about $4 million more from the state towards the project, and access other grants to bring the project to an affordable costs for residents.
“This is a win for everybody,” he said.
Kendall and Hamlin officials will join dignitaries on Thursday for an 11 a.m. ground-breaking at the Lake View Park on Thompson Drive for the sewer project. Kendall used REDI funds to create a small town park at Thompson Drive. This area saw chunks of land eroded from the high lake waters in 2017 and 2019.
Many of the septic systems along the 15-mile project have septic systems vulnerable to high waters that could erode land for septic. The project will disconnect homes from the septic systems and connect them to a wastewater system.
Besides the 15 miles of force main via horizontal directional drilling, the project includes 3,431 feet of gravity sewer via open trenching, and approximately 5 miles of sewer laterals to private residences via open trenching.
This map from LaBella Associates shows the project area in Kendall and Hamlin.
