Month: March 2017

Our Letters Policy

Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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It’s election day for 3 villages in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2024 at 9:57 am

Voters will choose Village Board members in Albion, Lyndonville and Medina

Voters in three Orleans County villages today will elect members to the Village Board.

Medina has the most candidates, with seven seeking three positions, including mayor.

In Albion, two candidates will appear on the ballot, but two others are mounting write-in campaigns.

In Lyndonville, only two candidates will be on the ballot for three positions. The mayor’s post won’t have a candidate on the ballot, but incumbent John Belson is running again – as a write-in. Two others also have announced write-in campaigns for trustee.

MEDINA – In Medina voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave.

Recent elections in the village have been quiet, with candidates typically unopposed.

But this time there are a lineup of seven candidates for three positions.

Medina will have a new mayor on April 1 because Mike Sidari isn’t seeking re-election after 8 years. He was elected in 2016, running with Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott.

This time, Sherman is running for mayor with Elliott again seeking trustee. Sherman is recently retired as a special education teacher and Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms.

They are joined on “The Village Party” by Debbie Padoleski for a trustee position. Padoleski retired in June 2021 after 41 years in Medina’s clerk’s office, including the final eight years as clerk/treasurer.

Three other candidates are running as a team with “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Michael Maak, a retired captain in the Medina Fire Department, is running for mayor. He works as a paramedic for the Gates Ambulance.

He is joined by Austin “Mat” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik who want to be trustees. Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher is a former Medina firefighter who now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Kwik Fill as safety and compliance officer.

Mark Prawel, a retired Medina police officer and owner of an auto repair business, is running as a trustee under the “United Party.”

Click here to see a nearly two-hour candidate forum last week at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

LYNDONVILLE – Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. at the village office, 2 South Main St.

There are three positions on the ballot and all are for four-year terms.

No names appear for mayor, but Belson is running a write-in campaign. Belson, the mayor the past eight years, missed the deadline to file petitions by one day. He is retired from Kodak and also served as Yates town supervisor.

Anne Marie Holland, a current trustee, also missed the petition deadline and is running as a write-in. She is retired from Lyndonville as a special education teacher and director of special education.

Justin Edwards, a Marien Corps veteran and highway worker for the Town of Yates, is also running as a write-in for trustee.

Two candidates turned in petitions in will appear on the ballot.

Steve Colon of North Main Street is running under the “Tax Payers Party” and Danny Woodward Jr. is running under “The Voice of the People Party.”

Woodward has been on the Village Board the past 12 years. He has been an active firefighter for 31 years, including as fire chief.

Colon is active in the Conservative Party and has run for the Yates Town Board.

ALBION – Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. at the village office, 35 East Bank St.

There are two trustee positions up for election and two candidates will be on the ballot, although two others are running write-in campaigns. The positions have four-year terms.

The write-in candidates include Faith Smith, director of the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, and William Gabalski, who said steep tax increases in the Albion community are making the community less affordable.

Greg Bennett has been endorsed by both the Republican and Democratic Party for the election. He works as a locksmith at the Albion Correctional Facility. He has been there nearly five years. Previously, he worked a decade for Baxter Healthcare in Medina. He also has been a long-time youth baseball coach.

Jeff Holler is running with the Republican line. Holler worked as an executive chef for 25 years, and then head cook for 13 years at the Orleans Correctional Facility. Since he retired in 2014, he has been a very active member at the Masonic Lodge.

There are several letters to editor about the election on the Orleans Hub. Click here to be directed to the letters to the editor.

Nine veterans lead Albion softball squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 March 2024 at 9:41 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s veteran softball group includes, in front, Kenzi Snook, Alison Gibson, Maddie Hughson and Alana Irvine. In back are Aubrielle Barry, Abby Wittenberg, Janessa Lindsey. Cami London and Leah Pawlak.

Nine returning players, including the starting battery, will lead Albion into the upcoming softball season which is scheduled to begin on Friday when the Purple Eagles visit Batavia for a 4:30 p.m. non league contest.

Pitcher Alana Irvine and catcher Cami London, both juniors, head that veteran group which also includes seniors Abby Wittenberg (OF), Maddie Hughson (OF), Alison Gibson (OF) and Janessa Lindsey (Inf) along with junior Kenzi Snook (Inf), sophomore Leah Pawlak (Inf) and eighth grader Aubrielle Barry (OF/P).

London was a first team Niagara-Orleans All-League honoree and Irvine was a second team selection.

“We’ve got a good group back,” said Coach Cathy Schmitt. “Having our pitcher and catcher back is big for us.”

The Purple Eagles graduation losses included Maya Knaak (1B/P) and Emma Foote (3B/Of).

Albion, which went 5-7 in the league and 6-9 overall last spring, is scheduled to open the N-O season at home on April 10 against Newfane.

Schumer announces expanded effort to address rural healthcare worker shortage

Posted 19 March 2024 at 9:09 am

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After helping successfully deliver the long-desired visa waiver program for physicians last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Monday announced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) will expand its new J-1 Visa Waiver Program to include physicians practicing specialty medicine, helping bring doctors in critically needed medical fields to Upstate New York.

Schumer said the new and expanded program can help address the healthcare worker in critically needed specialty fields for Upstate NY communities like anesthesiologists, cardiologists and cancer specialists by easing the visa requirements for these doctors, who are trained in the U.S. and agree to practice in underserved areas of the Northern Border region like Upstate NY.

“The new and expanded visa-waiver program for specialty physicians, like anesthesiologists and cancer specialists, is a major shot in the arm for recruiting doctors to address the national healthcare worker shortage in rural communities across Upstate NY,” Schumer said. “I am proud we secured these vital visas to help tackle the healthcare worker shortage in Upstate NY head on, and to ensure New York rural communities have access to the quality medical care they need.”

Schumer explained that currently NBRC’s waiver program is only open to physicians offered primary care positions in the Northern Border region. However, as of April 1, 2024, with this new expansion waiver requests for physicians practicing specialty medicine will also be begin being accepted. The program is modeled, in part, after the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) successful J-1 Visa waiver program.

Schumer is currently leading the charge in the Senate to renew the Northern Border Regional Commission’s economic development programs. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair, and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy.

The northern border region of New York State includes 28 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne and Yates.

Community center in Holley adds voucher program to help people access nutritious food

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Scottie Osborne, a volunteer at the Eastern Orleans Community Center, organizes the free food which is offered the community on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. (Right) Jeanette Worsley, lead case manager/health coach at Community Action, chats with James Salvatore, who brings produce from Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouses in Eagle Harbor to the Eastern Orleans Community Center, which community members can purchase.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 March 2024 at 8:07 am

Site has expanded services to promote healthy lifestyles

HOLLEY – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is excited to announce several new programs to serve people in need locally.

One of the most important things is a “Prevention Pays” campaign launched this spring through their Axis of Care.

Axis of Care was executive director Renee Hungerford’s much acclaimed pilot program she started after becoming director nearly two years ago.

The program was designed to help overcome barriers which prevent people from living a healthy, active life, said Katrina Chaffee, director of Community Services and Reporting.

From left, Katrina Chaffee, director of Community Services and Reporting, volunteer Rachel Escovar and Jeanette Worsley, lead case manager/health coach at Community Action enjoy camaraderie at the Eastern Orleans Community Center on Friday.

“Axis of Care focuses on helping people make changes that lead to good health and a better quality of life,” she said.

One person who can attest to the success of the program is volunteer Rachel Escovar.  She started with the nutrition program and lost weight.

“She is such an inspiration,” Chaffee said. “She had to have hip replacement in December, but first had to lose weight and quit smoking.”

Her goal is to lose another 40 pounds and to stay healthy, she said.

“This all falls in with Renee’s Axis of Care,” said Jeanette Worley, lead case manager/health coach for Community Action.

When Worsley began researching things Community Action could do to bring preventative medicine to Orleans County, she came up with several unique ideas, including offering food vouchers as an incentive for people to take part in health screenings.

The response to the food voucher incentive was overwhelming, but many recipients voiced concern that they were unable to get to farmers’ markets to use them.

“The big problem here is people don’t have transportation,” Worsley said.

Worsley happened to be at Navarra’s in Eagle Harbor, and knew they offered custom weekly produce boxes and accepted fresh food Rx vouchers. A conversation ensued and Navarra’s agreed to allow Community Action staff to accept orders from customers for produce boxes from Navarra’s.

Navarra’s has a list of 25 to 30 items customers can choose from, indicating whether they want a $10, $20 or $30 box. The list changes every week, Salvatore said.

On Friday’s Navarra’s delivers the weekly orders to the Eastern Orleans Community Center, where customers can pay in cash or with their vouchers.

James Salvatore, whose family owns Navarra’s, delivers the produce boxes to the Community Center. Demand has grown so much, he sets up a table with fresh produce, flowers, relishes, etc., which people can purchase.

“We wanted to help get produce to the community at a reasonable price,” Salvatore said. “We know prices in the stores are high. And we grow all of this produce.”

Debbie Westlund is director of the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley.

Navarra’s also sells flowers from Wild Dahlia in Brockport and popcorn from Sweet Treats by Gertie in Albion.

Community Action is also exploring options to expand accessibility to fresh produce to those who lack transportation to traditional markets and stands. They are considering becoming a site where SNAP clients can purchase farm market tokens using their EBT benefits and SNAP Stretch, which doubles recipients’ SNAP value at farm markets.

Another program at the Community Center is the food giveaway on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, when volunteers pick up donated food from Wegmans and Walmart.

This past Friday’s free food included boxes and boxes of chicken thighs, vegetables, salad greens, lo mein meals, breads and baked goods.

Those who can get a ride come for the free food and stay for lunch. A typical day sees 40 to 50 individuals come in, said Debbie Westlund, manager of the Eastern Orleans Community Center.

One who comes often is Billie Jo Van Hoy from Hamlin.

“An aide brings me three days a week,” Van Hoy said. “I come for the food and the friendliness. Food is so expensive in the stores, and I’m on a fixed income. Here, I can get fruits and vegetables, and sometimes hamburger or chicken. It really helps.”

Another lady who asked to just be called “Patti,” comes for lunch every day and for the friends she meets and the conversations.

“I get the free food on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, because I’m retired and I couldn’t spend the money on the things I get here.”

A gentleman named Rick also comes often, and sometimes brings his brother, who has special needs, for socialization. Rick sometimes plays guitar for the crowd. He appreciates the food distribution, but really enjoys having fun and making conversation with the others.

Community members fill the room at the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley most days. Here, they wait for lunch on Friday, after choosing from a large assortment of free food provided by Wegman’s and Walmart.

Courthouse dome in blue to honor Genesee sergeant killed in line of duty

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 9:11 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is illuminated in blue this evening in honor of Genesee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty at age 54 on March 10, responding to an incident at Batavia Downs.

Sanfratello’s funeral service was Saturday at the Call Arena at Genesee Community College in Batavia. A contingent of law enforcement officers from Orleans County attended the service.

The dome will be lighted in blue for a week, beginning on March 14.

“We send our deepest condolences to his family and to all his fellow law enforcement officials, especially those in the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, who are devastated by the loss of their colleague,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.

The flag at the courthouse lawn is also lowered in honor of Sanfratello.

Medina to pursue funding for inclusive playground at State Street Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 5:14 pm

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes sensory wave spinning seats. “The high back molded sensory seat with handles and front pommel design helps children maintain a neutral body position while spinning,” the company states. A RoxAll SeeSaw also has high backs and side rails. “Each of the four seats on this innovative see-saw are designed to accommodate users of all abilities as they enjoy the rocking motion with their friends. The center saucer is designed for users to transfer easily to and from a mobility device and the durable, heavy-duty springs are made to last!” GameTime states.

MEDINA – The village is in the early stages to bring an inclusive playground to State Street Park, the Village Board announced last week.

The playground would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground in Medina, Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.

The project from GameTime would be $492,321 with Medina’s only commitment to perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions, Sherman said.

Mayor Mike Sidari’s term as mayor ends March 31, but he is willing to help work on the project when he retires, Sherman said.

“Right now we’re just laying the groundwork,” she said.

The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.

Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.

Albion braces for big increases in rates to pay for upgrades at water plant, infrastructure

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 2:37 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: The water tower by the Albion Correctional Facility on Route 31 is part of Albion’s water infrastructure. The correctional facilities are charged $4.35 per 1,000 gallons of water.

ALBION – The Village Board said an significant increase is needed in what it bills for water, but the board hasn’t determined just how the higher cost will be spread among village residential users and wholesale customers in the towns and correctional facilities.

The Village Board said a hike in the water rates and base charges will be necessary to pay the debt for more than $10 million in financing for upgrades to the water plant and distribution system.

“We need to do something and we need to do something something relatively soon,” Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said about the higher water rates.

The village is looking at more than $16 million in water plant and system improvements. The village has been approved for two grants at over $6 million towards the projects.

One project, Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) 1, has a total cost of $5,241,440 with grants paying $1,949,00 with the village to potentially borrow $3,292,000.

The second WIIA has a total cost of $11,418,000 with grants covering $4,250,000 and borrowing for the other $7,168,500.

The village doesn’t start paying the debt for the first project until next year, and then faces another debt payment increase with the second project.

The first project is expected to result in annual debt payment of over $300,000, with the second project even more.

“We’re trying to beef up our water plant to make it more sustainable for the next 20-30 years,” Village Trustee David Buczek said at last week’s board meeting.

The water fund operates on a current $1.9 million budget.

The Village Board in 2022 changed its water charges for residential customers in the village. The rate was actually lowered from $3.61 to $3.39 per 1,000 gallons for the village residents and commercial customers. And the village eliminated a $5 quarterly administrative fee.

The big changes were the addition of a new base charge at $21 per quarter for residents with ¾” meter and how the village does a minimum charge. That was $28.16 for residents and most small businesses and included the first 5,100 gallons of water.

The new system put the minimum at $21.00 per quarter (the base charge) but doesn’t include any water usage. The village starts billing at zero gallons. The change resulted in lower water bills for customers that use less than average water each quarter.

The village is working with a consultant on calculating the new charges and rates. WaterWorth representatives last week presented a plan to raise the base charge by 60 percent in 2025 to $33.60, and then another 40 percent to $47.04 in 2026, and 15 percent more in 2027 to $54.10, with 3 percent increases to follow after 2027.

The water rates would go up 15 percent from $3.39 to $3.90 in 2025, and then 6.9 percent to $4.17 in 2026, another 4.6 percent in 2027 to $4.38 and then 3.0 percent increases to follow, according to the proposal.

The village pumps about 1.45 million gallons a day on average from its plant on Wilson Road in Carlton. The towns and prisons account for about 60 percent of that usage.

The village last year raised its wholesale rates to the towns of Carlton, Gaines, Barre and Albion by 40 cents to $3.34 per 1,000 gallons. (Most of the Town of Albion’s water comes through Barre’s water system and Barre bills most of the Town of Albion. Village water also goes to portions of Ridgeway and Murray, going through the Town of Albion system, with Gaines sending some village water to Murray.)

The correctional facilities, which are outside the village, are billed at $4.35 per 1,000 gallons.

With the towns and prison recently getting the rates increased, the WaterWorth proposal doesn’t show big increases for them.

Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr. said he would prefer to see the increases spread out among all users – wholesale in the towns and residential and commercial in the village.

Riley, the deputy mayor, agreed that she doesn’t want most of the new debt payments to fall on village residential users. She believes the towns and prisons should also see significantly higher rates to lessen the impact on the village and to spread out the higher costs.

Adam Rush, chief operator of the water plant for the village, said higher wholesale rates for the towns could lead to the local towns switching to the Monroe County Water Authority, where the out-of-county wholesale rates are $2.63. The MCWA is close to Albion’s water system, supplying Kendall and parts of Murray and Clarendon.

If some of the towns switch water districts to the MCWA that will shift more of the operational and debt costs to the village residential and commercial users, Rush said.

Riley believes the towns will stay loyal to the village, which she said offers prompt service if there are water leaks or other issues.

She compared the MCWA and Niagara County Water District to “big box stores” that may be cheaper but don’t provide the care and service to the Village of Albion.

“When the big chains come in, people say it’s going to be the death of the mom and pop stores,” Riley said. “We are the mom and pop store. We provide excellent service. ”

The village’s quick response should be valued by the wholesale users, Riley said.

“We’re in their backyard,” Riley said about the local town customers. “We’re available for service. When people call us, off we go. That is value you don’t get from the bigger counties.”

The board said it will work to finalize a plan on the water rates and base charges, and will have a public hearing soon on the new structure. It also wants a public meeting to go over the planned upgrades at the water plant and the distribution system.

Buczek said the village is in a difficult position where an increase is needed to pay for what he said are long overdue upgrades to the water plant.

He said the village has been living “paycheck to paycheck” with its water system, trying to keep the rates down and not take on big expenses.

“We need to think long-term and about resiliency,” he said.

He believes the public will support the increases in costs when they understand the value of the Albion water and plan to upgrade the water plant for the future.

“We need to change the perception of Albion water and make people aware of the services we provide,” he said.

Rush, the water plant chief operator, said Albion’s water rates are among the lowest in the region.

The Village of Fredonia in Chautauqua County, for example, just raised its rates by $2 from $4.95 to $6.95 per 1,000 gallons.

The city of Dunkirk next to Fredonia also raised the rate on water it sells to the North County Water District from $3.84 to $5.16 per 1,000 gallons.

‘White church on the hill’ in East Shelby stands as landmark since 1854

Posted 18 March 2024 at 11:36 am

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans – Vol. 4, No. 11

This commemorative plate was issued for the centenary of the East Shelby Methodist Church in 1954.

EAST SHELBY – The “white church on the hill” has been a landmark in rural East Shelby since its construction in 1854.

According to Helen E. Allen, who compiled a history of Orleans County churches, a small group of people in the East Shelby area decided to form a Methodist Episcopal congregation in 1839, even though churches of that denomination had already been formed in Millville and West Barre. They assembled at a local schoolhouse for fifteen years.

They incorporated as the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church on April 3, 1854, their petition to incorporate was signed by Seth Trowbridge and Cornelius V. Posson. A contract for the construction of the church was drawn up on May 24, 1854, and awarded to Israel Sanborn.

The site, at the intersection of Posson Road and Barber Road, one mile south of East Shelby, was deeded to the trustees by Lorenzo and Nancy Gardner. The church was built in 1854 for a cost of $3,500 and was dedicated by the presiding Elder, Rev. Ryan Smith.

A vestibule and steeple were added in 1882 and a furnace was also installed.

According to an account in the May 6, 1992, Journal-Register,

“The steeple was built on the floor of the front foyer and then lifted up into place through the ceiling of the foyer by ropes drawn by horses and a long pole. A sea captain, possibly Israel Sanborn, was on hand to oversee the tying of the knots, the lifting and hoisting of the steeple into place. The original bell was then placed in the steeple.”

In 1908, under the pastorate of Rev. G. Hares, a twelve-foot addition was added on the west to provide a kitchen and upstairs dining room. The interior was redecorated in 1919, new art glass windows were installed, and also a tin ceiling. The church was shingled and painted in 1942. New front steps and a front lawn wall were built in 1948 and a new oil furnace was installed.

Members undertook an ambitious remodeling for the centennial celebration. Rev. Karl R. Harris was pastor. The walls were painted a soft green, the woodwork was painted white. The pews were white with mahogany trim while the accompanying cushions and pulpit chairs were green. The steeple was re-shingled.

The distinctive front doors were donated in memory of the family of Nelson and Carrie Posson. A hymn board was donated in memory of Mrs. Belle Maxwell.

A new pulpit was given by the R.T. Smith family, while a pulpit Bible was given by H. Justin Roberts in memory of his parents Mr. & Mrs. Bert Roberts and his aunt Mrs. Anna Beckett. These items were dedicated at a special centennial program held on Nov. 17, 1954, which was attended by ministers who had formerly preached at the church.

Due to declining membership, the Methodist Conference declared the closure of the church in 1964. It sat forlorn and deteriorating until it was purchased in August 1989 as the future home of the East Shelby Community Bible Church and Pastor Erik Olsen. Following eight months of renovation, the church was reopened on Palm Sunday, 1990.

The East Shelby Church as it appeared in 1989.

The congregation has since flourished. It honors the area’s nineteenth century heritage and traditions at the popular Old Tyme celebrations held in the recreated West Jackson Corners in July and December.

The Community Bible congregation celebrated the church’s 150th anniversary at their Old Tyme Days in 2004. They also compiled and published the West Jackson Corners Cookbook which includes a reprint of the cookbook printed in 1901 by the ladies’ aid group, the Crescent Circle.

One hundred and seventy years following its construction, “the white church on the hill” is still a landmark in East Shelby, its signature red door heralds its continued vibrance.

County will take questions about ag district during April 15 session at Hoag Library

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 10:04 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer plants seeds in May 2019 in Carlton on Waterport-Carlton Road. That sunny day gave farmers a chance to get their big equipment out in the fields during a soggy spring that year.

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Planning and Development will have a session from 3 to 7 p.m. on April 15 where property owners can learn about the Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1.

The county has one consolidated agricultural district and property owners this year have their once-every-8-year chance to remove land from the district. Property owners every year have an opportunity to add land to the district.

County officials will be at Hoag Library on April 15 to answer questions about the ag district. There will be a map of the current district for people to look up their land to see if it’s in or out of the district.

The Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1 covers over 118,000 acres or approximately 48% of the land mass of the county. All currently included landowners will receive notification of the ag district review and the forms should be returned by March 31.

The recent Agricultural Census showed sales for farm products in 2022 totaled $233.6 million in Orleans County, up 50.4 percent from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million. That includes sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products.

A snapshot of Orleans County’s ag economy in 2022 includes:

  • 444 farms (498 in 2017)
  • 130,055 land in agriculture (129,573 in 2017)
  • average size of farm – 293 acres (260 in 2017)
  • estimated value of land and buildings – $1.416 billion
  • 33 farms at more than 1,000 acres, but 140 are 10 to 49 acres, and 131 are 50 to 179 acres.
  • 132 farms sold less than $2,500, while 126 sold $100,000 or more.

For more information about agricultural districts or the ongoing review of the Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1, contact Corey Winters (Planner, Orleans County Department of Planning & Development) at (585) 589-3197.

Mustangs lacrosse squad returns a large contingent of veterans

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 March 2024 at 9:57 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anchoring the Medina varsity lacrosse team lineup this season will be this group of returning regulars. In front are Lucius Wagner, Sawyer Kingsbury, Jack Cecchini and Jason Beyer. In back are Cole Callard, Jacob Rissew, Will Prest, Dylan Lonnen, Ayden Johnson and Liam Castricone.

Boasting a large group of veterans, the Medina lacrosse team is scheduled to open the season against Depew at 6 p.m. Thursday at Vets Park.

That veteran contingent includes seniors Jacob Rissew (Midfield), Dylan Lonnen (Attack), Will Prest (Midfield), Liam Castricone (Midfield), Kole Campbell (Midfield), Jack Cecchini (Defense), Jackson Schultz (Defense), Jason Beyer (Defense), Ayden Johnson (Midfield), Sawyer Kingsbury (Defense), Conor Crandall (Defense), Xavier King (Goalie), and Jackson Clute (Goalie) along with juniors Lucius Wagner (Midfield) and Cole Callard (Attack).

Prest, Beyer and Johnson all earned second team D Division All-Star honors while Callard received Honorable Mention.

Callard had 24 goals and 12 assists last season while Prest had 22 goals and 3 assists, Lonnen 21 goals and 13 assists and Castricone 11 goals and 3 assists.

“We do have a large veteran group back but we play in a tough league,” said Coach Todd Eick. “So our defense really has to step up and hopefully our attack can put the ball in the back of the net consistently.”

The Mustangs graduation losses included midfielder Cayden Lilleby who had a team leading 71 goals and 30 assists, attackman Josh Wilson (12 goals and 23 assists) along with defenders Ollie Wilson and Noah Skinner. Lilleby, Josh Wilson and Ollie Wilson all earned first team D Division All-Star honors.

Medina went 6-4 in the D Division and 11-6 overall last year.

The Mustangs will also host Brockport on Saturday at 11 a.m., Wilson on March 26 at 5 p.m. and visit Gowanda on March 28 at 6 p.m. before the Easter break.

AAA says total eclipse on April 8 will be ‘tourism sensation’ for region

Posted 18 March 2024 at 9:00 am

Press Release, AAA

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is promoting the site as a prime viewing location to see the total eclipse.

A total solar eclipse is expected in North America on April 8. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and partially or completely blocks the sun from view.

On April 8, in some key areas, the sky will darken as if it is dawn or dusk, according to NASA. The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds in affected locations, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017.

The 2017 total solar eclipse was witnessed by about 20 million people, and the upcoming 2024 Great American Eclipse is expected to be observed by many millions more. In fact, it is becoming quite the tourism sensation already with area hotels selling out eclipse viewing packages and tourism promotions.

AAA anticipates that cities along the path of totality will experience high tourist volumes and increased traffic leading up to April 8. Totality is expected to begin on April 8 at 3:18 p.m. in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, 3:20 p.m. in Rochester, and 3:23 p.m. in Syracuse and Watertown.

Excitement across the state is building over the viewing, which could lead to distractions for motorists. AAA’s advice:

  • Do not attempt to watch the solar eclipse while driving! The better option is to find a safe place to park, and then observe the eclipse. The peak darkness phase will last just a few minutes. NASA has created an interactive map that allows you to find out when the eclipse will be visible in your area.
  • Use public transportation to avoid the potential of clogged roads, breakdowns, and crashes.
  • According to NASA, you should avoid looking directly at the sun without proper eyewear protection. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. Do not drive with eclipse glasses on.
  • Drive safely. Eagerness to view the eclipse is not an acceptable reason to drive aggressively or while distracted. Do not attempt to take pictures or video of the eclipse while driving.
  • Drive with your headlights on. Not only will you be much more visible to other drivers, your forward vision will be improved.
  • Watch out for pedestrians! There may be many people standing in or along the roadway to get a glimpse.
  • Watch for animals too! When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife can awaken, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep.
  • Be alert to the possibility of increased traffic and distracted drivers swerving into your lane.

Gas prices up 3 cents in NY in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 8:47 am

Gas prices increased 3 cents in New York State is the past week to an average of $3.37, while the price was up an average of 7 cents nationally to $3.47, according to AAA.

“The main driver for the increase is a spike in oil prices, which are trading in the low 80s per barrel this morning,” AAA said. “Oil is the main ingredient in the production of gasoline. In addition, demand for gas has become stronger with daylight saving time.”

Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:

  • Orleans, $3.370
  • Genesee, $3.249
  • Wyoming, $3.337
  • Livingston, $3.370
  • Monroe, $3.297
  • Niagara, $3.243
  • Erie, $3.310
  • Chautauqua, $3.409
  • Cattaraugus, $3.325
  • Allegany, $3.375

Holler has shown community involvement for many years in Albion

Posted 17 March 2024 at 8:53 pm

Editor:

Here are my reasons to vote for Jeff Holler and they should be yours as well.

He has coached the youth here for 20-plus years. Whether it was football or baseball, helping to shape the young people which has been and is a passion of his. Besides fundraising for AYSAP and the Summer Parks Program he assists in numerous community events such as serving over 200 for Thanksgiving dinner, 2,000 chicken barbecue dinners at the Que-in for Christmas, assisting in stocking the two community refrigerators and preparing meals for both, helping to provide presents and breakfast with Santa for Christmas, all at no cost to the community.

He has been a business and homeowner here in the village. He also has ties to our local Masonic Chapter. Since joining them over 20 years ago he has held several positions from treasurer to trustee to master. Most recently he achieved his goal of bringing  back the community involvement while leading the lodge as Master.

With being business-minded he will do what’s best for our community and not be pushed into a yes vote without doing his research.

Nicole Horn

Albion

Green captures Mountain View tourney title

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 March 2024 at 5:39 pm

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green holds the tournament championship trophy

Putting together a sizzling final round, Medina’s Melanie Green captured the Mountain View Collegiate Golf Tournament championship which concluded this afternoon at the Mountain View Golf Club in Tucson, Arizona.

Green, who is a senior at the University of South Florida, blistered the course with 8 birdies to key her final round of 66.

She finished the three-day tourney with a 205 total on rounds of 67-72-66 to score a three shot win for her third career victory.

Trailing by one shot heading into today’s final round, she set the tone for a big finish at the outset by birding two of the first three holes.

A bogey on the seventh hole dropped her to -1 for the day but she rebounded in dominating fashion.

Catching fire, she registered birdies on five of the next six holes (8,9, 10, 12 and 13) to go to 6 under for the day and 11 under for the tournament to open up a three shot lead.

Green tacked on another birdie on the 16th hole to go to 7 under for the day. She finished with the day’s best round of 6 under 66.

She also opened the tourney in strong fashion on Friday notching 7 birdies in route to posting a round of 5 under par 67 to take the early tournament lead.

On Saturday, Green posted an even par round of 72 to stay within one shot of the lead setting the stage for her red hot tournament title clinching final round.

Her efforts helped the University of South Florida win the tournament team championship by four strokes over Texas A&M (848-852).

Green will next compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Golf Tournament at Augusta, Georgia April 3-6. The final round will be played at Augusta National, the site of The Masters.