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500 kids beat the heat with Fun Day at Bullard Park
Photos by Natalie Baron: Several children went all-out in a competition of Gaga Ball today at Bullard Park. Kids hit the ball with their hands, and, if hit with the ball below the knee, had to exit the pit until the next round.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
ALBION – Bullard Park hosted its County Wide Park Fun Day today, with many activities open to all children in the county.
The leaders of the Fun Day were the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the Village of Albion Recreation Department. The Ministry of Concern covered the $5 that would have been the entrance fee. Along with this, all children received a free hot dog, juice, and French fries.
John Grillo, the recreation director, said more than 500 kids attended and received wrist bands. The park was bustling despite temperatures near 90 degrees.
Patrick Holman, a magician, performed at the Fun Day. Here, he used letters on cards to ask the audience if they were ready to see some magic. He stacked all the cards, then dropped cards to reveal them to be attached together, spelling out the word “MAGIC.”
Some of the young attendees played tug of war. They used all their might to score a victory.
Maisyn caught a ride on a pony. The pony rides were well-liked by the children.
A little girl smiled as she soaked in the suds pit. The children occupied themselves by making stacks of bubble foam.
Children flocked to Bullard Park’s splash pad to beat the heat. They joyfully played in the water.
Anna and Abigail faced off at checkers. The girls pondered moves, then struck.
Yarieliz survived a round of Jenga. She turned and excitedly gave a thumbs-up.
A child looked down at the pretty water in the duck pool. Children anticipated their turn to cool down.
The bounce houses made a return from last year’s event. They were a hit with the kids.
Other activities included face and rock painting, basketball, disc golf, and the playground. Food and beverages were offered.
Tonight, the band Savage Cabbage will play at the amphitheater, as the Summer Concert Series continues to entertain the community.
Former NAPA site on Main Street will be base for big art initiative in Medina
‘It will be turning Medina into an even bigger cultural destination than it already is.’
Photos by Tom Rivers: The former NAPAA Auto Parts building on Main Street in Medina will be headquarters for the Medina Triennial art initiative that starts this fall with next year the focus of the program, which is expected to feature 50 artists at about a dozen sites in Medina.
MEDINA – The Medina Triennial, a big art initiative planned for 2026, is expected to bring 50,000 visitors to the community next summer when the project features about 50 artists at 12 different locations in Medina.
Organizers met with the Medina Village Board on Monday, updating the board on plans for the initiative.
The former NAPA Auto Parts building at 345 North Main St. will serve as the base for the Medina Triennial, a festival of contemporary art. That building will host many art events on the first floor and is planning to open for its first event this September.
It is the first of the 12 sites to be announced that will display art for the Triennial. The sites will be both indoors and outdoors in Medina.
The former NAPA site will serve as office and “hub” for the Triennial, Village Board members were told by Kari Conte, co-artistic director for the Triennial. The University at Buffalo Department of Architecture is designing the Triennial office.
Conte is an independent curator and writer based in New York City. She is co-artistic director for the Triennial with Karin Laansoo, founding director of the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center and artistic director of Kai Art Center in Tallinn, Estonia. Laansoo splits her time between Tallinn and Rochester, New York.
The Triennial was initiated by the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation as part of a broader effort to revitalize the canal. The goal is to do the event every three years.
Federico Rosario, left, is the community engagement & programs coordinator for the Medina Triennial. Ekrem Serdar is associate curator for the arts initiative that will feature about 50 artists next year in Medina.
Conte, speaking with the board by speaker phone, said sponsors are welcome to be part of the effort that is expected to draw people to Medina from around the state and country, with some international visitors as well.
“It will be turning Medina into an even bigger cultural destination than it already is,” Conte said.
She teased to one of the artists who will be featured at the Triennial. Mary Mattingly is well known for creating the Waterpod barge in New York City that featured a sustainable, sculptural art and technology habitat. It was visited by about 350,000 people.
Mattingly will create a piece with a strong environmental message. She will work on a 30-by-100-foot barge for this artwork, Conte said.
The Triennial’s steering committee includes leadership from the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Rochester Institute of Technology, Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Corning Museum of Glass and the University at Buffalo.
“This will be the first site specific project of this kind in the region,” Conte said. “We’re really excited and honored to bring this to Medina.”
Medina offers a “dynamic natural environment and industrial history.” Artists will create pieces that respond to Western New York’s communities and ecosystems.
Some of the artists will be visiting Medina in August and they prepare for their works. The project will feature local, national and international artists.
Two of the staff for the Triennial met in person with the Village Board on Monday. Federico Rosario, a Medina graduate, is the community engagement & programs coordinator for the Medina Triennial. Ekrem Serdar is associate curator for the arts initiative.
Brian Stratton, canal commissioner, issued this statement about the Triennial: “As we commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial this year, our team has been deeply engaged in strategizing new ways to invest in more canal-side communities. The Medina Triennial project represents an extraordinary opportunity for cultural enrichment, and we are proud to support the creative vision of the curatorial team in their vision at this transformative moment.”
For more on the Triennial, click here.
Record-breaking brook trout caught in Adirondacks
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Photo courtesy of DEC: Benjamin Ferguson, a fisherman from Lowville, holds his record-breaking brook trout.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a new state record for brook trout.
Benjamin Ferguson, a dedicated brook trout angler from Lowville, Lewis County, caught a 22-inch, six-pound three-ounce “brookie” from the St. Regis Canoe Area in Franklin County on July 5, edging out the 2013 record by three ounces. The record-breaking fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler.
“This new state record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to advancing the conservation of this iconic species,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Benjamin Ferguson’s record-setting catch further highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide.”
Ferguson submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers that catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Anglers with qualifying catches receive official recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.
The program’s three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers are now able to submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of a smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.
Lyndonville fails to reach majority vote to pick BOE president and VP
Photos by Tom Rivers: Patrick Whipple speaks during Tuesday’s Lyndonville Board of Education meeting after he was nominated for the board president. Jerod Thurber, the current president, is at left. Thurber wants to step back as president due to increased demands in his career. After the board was deadlocked, 3-3, Thurber needed to stay president for at least another month. The board will meet again on Aug. 19 when all seven members are expected to be present.
LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education met Tuesday for its annual organizational meeting and didn’t a majority vote for the BOE leadership.
The board was tied, 3-3, in voting for a president and vice president. Without anyone getting at least four votes, the leadership reverts to the current office holders until a majority vote can be reached.
That means Jerod Thurber remains as president and Megan Bruning as vice president.
Board members said there isn’t a rift on the board despite the 3-3 votes on leadership.
Thurber would like to step back as president, citing increased responsibilities in his career. He will be president for at least another month. The board will next meet on Aug. 19 and is expected to have all seven members present. Vern Fonda was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.
The board was split with three voting for Patrick Whipple and three for Joanne Suhr as president.
Joanne Suhr also was nominated to be board president. She is sitting between James Houseman and Megan Bruning who both backed her for president. Suhr said the board needs to be more transparent in making decisions.
Suhr is new to the board. Her husband Harold was a board member for about 20 years until his term ended on June 30. He didn’t seek re-election.
Mrs. Suhr is a retired Lyndonville teacher. She is active in the community having served on the Town of Yates Planning Board, the Town of Yates Bicentennial Committee and many committees and organizations within the school district.
She said the board needs to be more transparent and include the full board in its decision-making.
“We need more transparency with important decisions,” she told the board. “They’re not always talked about with all elected officials.”
Suhr said she would gather information and input from all members “for the best outcome for the schools, students and community.”
Suhr was backed for president by James Houseman, Megan Bruning and Suhr (voting for herself).
Dr. Patrick Whipple, who has been on the board for about a year, also garnered three votes for president – from George Avery, Jerod Thurber and Whipple (voting for himself).
Whipple works as the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCES.
He said the Lyndonville district needs to balance education and taxpayers in its push to offer the best possible outcomes for students.
The board also was 3-3 with vice president. Megan Bruning was in the role the past year and she will stay for at least another month. She was backed for VP again by Suhr, Houseman and herself.
She said she enjoyed the past year as vice president, including the more in-depth role with the search for a new district superintendent.
George Avery also received three votes for VP – from Thurber, Whipple and himself. Avery said he would strive to build a great team in the district, working with the board to develop teamwork and goals.
Sharon Smith, retiring Lyndonville school superintendent, gets praise from BOE
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sharon Smith is shown with a crabapple tree presented to her as a gift from the Board of Education on Tuesday evening at what is expected to be her final board meeting. Smith is retiring after a 40-year career in education, including the past 3 ½ years as district superintendent. The crabapple tree matches the ones on the district property. The tree was grafted by Nick Nesbitt and Steve Grabowski. Crabapple trees are associated with love, and these trees are resilient with steady roots to provide strength, said board member Megan Bruning.
LYNDONVILLE – Sharon Smith was praised for her work at Lyndonville Central School on Tuesday by the Board of Education and school administrators.
Smith is retiring July 31, ending a 40-year career in public education – the first 22 years as a teacher and the past 18 as an administrator. Tuesday is her last meeting as superintendent.
“It has been an incredibly humbling experience and the greatest honor of my professional life,” Smith said at Tuesday’s board meeting.
She has been Lyndonville’s superintendent for about 3 ½ years. Prior to that, she worked three years for Lyndonville as director of Instruction and Student Services.
Previously, she worked as Kendall’s elementary principal, a curriculum coordinator for Frontier Schools and assistant principal, CIO and grants coordinator for Newfane schools. Smith worked 22 years as an elementary teacher before becoming an administrator.
“Sharon is a very hands-on leader who always makes time for staff, students, parents, and community foundations and clubs alike,” said Jerod Thurber, the BOE president.
He said Smith has made a difference for students during her career.
“Under her leadership, NYS student assessment scores at both Kendall and Lyndonville rose to the top of the region,” Thurber said.
Smith also worked with the Army Corps of Engineers which will fund a two-year study of the Lyndonville dam and reservoir “to initiate the restoration of this vital Lyndonville resource,” Thurber said.
The BOE president also praised Smith for spearheading the current $19.5 million capital project in which all roofs are being replaced, building being updated, new state-of-the-art classrooms being created and a new track installed.
Smith also convinced Lyndonville to offer a full tuition waiver for students earning early college credits. The students’ families used to have to pay a percentage of the costs for earning college credits while in high school. But two years ago Lyndonville agreed to pay that share. That has resulted in a 20 percent increase in students completing college-level classes. Smith said that cost is under $20,000 to the district.
“It’s about access and equity for all,” she said.
She believes Lyndonville and Niagara Falls are the only districts in Orleans and Niagara counties paying the full cost that would otherwise be billed to students and their families.
Sharon Smith takes the oath of office as superintendent during Tuesday’s organizational meeting. She will serve in the role until July 31.
Thurber said he sees the work Smith does behind the scenes, and he is amazed how she juggled all the duties.
“A superintendent is pulled in so many directions,” he said. “It’s a tough job – more than people know – and I think you did it very well.”
New Board of Education member Joanne Suhr, a retired Lyndonville teacher, said she often saw Smith putting in late hours for the district.
“You were excellent,” Suhr said. “I know the countless hours you put in, often late at night. You will truly be missed.”
Board member George Avery said Smith was “always warm and kind, and that made a difference to kids.”
Patrick Whipple, another board member, said Smith was always accessible to the community, and offered prompt responses to questions and concerns. He thanked her for “leading with your heart.”
Dr. Aaron Slack, the high school principal, said Smith’s championing of the full tuition waiver has resulting in more students earning college credits. He said Smith is leaving the district in a much better position than when she started.
Dr. Elissa Smith, the elementary school principal, said the retiring superintendent was welcoming to a Lyndonville contingent when Smith was the elementary school principal in Kendall. Lyndonville wanted to learn more from Kendall on how its students were achieving at such high levels.
Smith, as the principal, made time for Lyndonville and shared Kendall’s strategies for success. That showed her passion for raising student achievement everywhere, not just at her school district.
“We are exceptionally appreciative of you,” Elissa Smith said.
Lyndonville’s new superintendent, Dr. Heather Lyon, starts on Aug. 1. She has been working as the coordinator of assessment and data at Gates Chili Central School District.
Lizzy’s Loves event benefits Knights Kaderli Fund and high school scholarships
Contributed Photo – The annual Lizzy’s Loves Charity event, held in memory of Medina High Class of 1986 member Liz Monell, was held this past weekend raising a total of $21,500 including $18,000 for the Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund and $3,500 which will go to scholarships. Those scholarships include $2,000 which will go to a Medina High Band member in memory of Liz and $500 to the Orleans Niagara BOCES Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Program taught by Mr. Rakonczey. The event included a golf tournament and a basket raffle at Shelridge. In seven years the event has raised some $86,500 including $73,500 for the Knights Kaderli Memorial Fun and $13,000 for scholarships. Shown here at the check presentation are members of the Knights and Monell families and members of the MHS Class of ’86.
Nearly 100 have donated to scholarship in memory of Mark Hughes
File photo: Mark Hughes gets many high fives on April 8, 2022 when he was recognized for 50 years of service as a Lyndonville baseball coach. Hughes was hired in 1972 as a teacher and coach. During that time, Hughes was an integral part of seven sectional titles, 17 league titles and two trips to the state tournament as part of the baseball program. He passed away at age 75 on June 4.
LYNDONVILLE – The donations keep coming for a scholarship in memory of one of Lyndonville’s most beloved teachers and coaches.
Mark Hughes passed away at age 75 on June 4. Hughes was an energetic force in the school district and community for the past 52 years.
The district has received 98 donations towards the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, totaling $17,215. Sharon Smith, the district superintendent, said several checks arrive almost daily towards the scholarship.
The Board of Education on Tuesday voted to establish the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship. (Memorials may be made in his name to the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, made payable to the Lyndonville Central School District, 25 Housel Ave. Lyndonville, NY 14098.)
Hughes started working at Lyndonville in 1972 and was an enthusiastic coach for football, soccer, basketball and baseball. Outside of coaching and teaching, Hughes also was a Senior Class advisor, drama director and cafeteria monitor. He relished the relationships with students.
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Schumer wants public health emergency declared for measles outbreak
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent the following letter on Friday to Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after the U.S. reached the grim milestone of more measles cases in 2025 than any other year since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000.
Following the devastating resurgence of this preventable and eliminated disease, Schumer is calling on RFK Jr. to declare a Public Health Emergency for measles.
“I am writing with deep concern over your response – or lack thereof – to the rapid resurgence and spread of measles across the United States over the past several months,” Schumer wrote. “Under your tutelage as Secretary, you have undermined vaccines, gutted public health funding, and dismantled core federal protections meant to keep Americans safe.”
Schumer tells Kennedy he has destabilized the nation’s infectious disease response infrastructure by conducting mass layoffs, including infectious disease scientists, indiscriminately issuing “careless and devastating grant freezes and rescissions,” and politicizing the overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
“You have walked our country into the nation’s largest measles outbreak in 33 years, leading cases to hit a record high a full 25 years after this country eliminated the disease,” Schumer wrote to Kennedy. “What began as a localized outbreak in Texas has now exploded into a nationwide public health crisis, infecting nearly 1,300 Americans across 38 states, hospitalizing scores, and proving to be deadly.”
Declaring a Public Health Emergency for measles would expand federal resources to address the worst measles outbreak in over three decades in the U.S. The federal government, states, and localities must all leverage funding, personnel, and other resources toward fighting unyielding outbreaks, Schumer said.
Bullard hosting ‘Fun Day’ on Wednesday that is open to all children in county
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kade Leverenz, 5, of Holley heads down the slide in one of the bounce houses during a Countywide Park Fun Day last year on July 17. The Fun Day returns on Wednesday.
ALBION – Wednesday will be a big day at Bullard Park with the Route 31 site adding bounce houses, pony rides, face and rock painting, and many other activities.
The park is hosting its Countywide Park Fun Day. Children have access to all the activities. The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern is covering what would have been a $5 charge.
The Fun Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes access to the splash pad, playground, Gaga ball pit, basketball courts, disc golf and other park amenities.
Food and beverages also will be available, and there will be a performance by Patrick the Magician.
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National Association of Counties opposes closing of Job Corps centers
Orleans contingent writes resolution that gets backing of NACo
Provided photos: Orleans County Legislators John Fitzak, Lynne Johnson and Skip Draper are shown at the NACo conference in Philadelphia.
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
PHILADELPHIA, PA. – Orleans County Legislators Lynne Johnson, Skip Draper and John Fitzak today announced that the National Association of Counties (NACo) has passed a resolution, authored by the three lawmakers, opposing closure of Job Corps centers across the country. The vote took place yesterday at the NACo annual conference in Philadelphia.
Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson, joined by Legislator Skip Draper, presents the resolution opposing Job Corps closure at the NACo conference.
“It’s no secret that we consider the Iroquois Job Corps center in Medina hugely important to creating pathways to employment for many young men and women,” Johnson said. “It was extremely gratifying to see other counties across the country feel the same way about Job Corps centers in their regions and joined our effort to save them.”
Legislator Skip Draper said, “The Iroquois Job Corps trains hundreds of students each year for jobs in the building trades, and Job Corps centers around the country train over 50,000 students annually. If the federal government’s desire is to reduce people’s reliance on social services programs, and instead move them into meaningful work, then cutting Job Corps does not make any sense.”
With yesterday’s vote on the Orleans County resolution, support to maintain Job Corps now becomes a priority for NACo’s lobbying efforts in Congress.
“As the old saying goes, there is strength in numbers,” said Legislator John Fitzak. “With the full weight of NACo and its member counties behind efforts to save Job Corps, we stand a much better chance of building a coalition of federal representatives to preserve this important program.”
Rochester woman gets probation, home detention for ‘swatting’ incident in Murray
False report resulted in big law enforcement response
Photo shared by Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: A big law enforcement presence responded to a false call in need of police in August 2023 on the Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road in Murray.
Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following statement regarding the recent sentencing of a Rochester woman in connection to a dangerous and malicious “swatting” incident that occurred in August 2023.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dawnn Marie Walters, 53, of Rochester, has been sentenced to one year of probation, including six months of home detention, after being convicted of conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to computers.
The conviction stems from a false emergency call, commonly referred to as “swatting,” during which Walters aided other co-conspirators to falsely report a shooting incident at a specific address, triggering a significant and unnecessary emergency response.
In August 2023, Orleans County, Monroe County, and Genesee County were all affected by a series of swatting calls. Due to the suspects’ unfamiliarity with the region, multiple law enforcement agencies responded to similar-sounding addresses, resulting in SWAT team activations, road closures, and significant public safety disruptions. One particularly alarming incident involved a targeted swatting attempt at a Rochester-area hospital.
An extensive investigation, involving federal and local law enforcement, revealed that Walters and others also engaged in a coordinated online effort to target and harass an individual. These actions included unlawfully accessing the victim’s personal electronic devices and online accounts.
One especially disturbing act involved sending an email from the victim’s account to multiple legislators. The email contained graphic images of deceased children and issued threats to “shoot up some schools in New York,” falsely implicating the victim in a potential mass shooting threat.
“This type of behavior is not a prank—it’s a serious criminal offense with potentially deadly consequences,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable anyone who uses technology to endanger lives or terrorize members of our community.”
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and all partner agencies for their collaborative efforts in securing justice for the victim and ensuring public safety throughout the affected counties.
Multiple responsible suspects have been identified across the United States and abroad. The investigation is continuing, and additional arrests are expected.
Air quality alert today in Orleans County, followed by heat advisory on Wednesday
Photo by Tom Rivers: A cyclist rides on the towpath in Hulberton on Monday morning, headed east with 600 others in the annual Cycle the Erie Canal adventure covering about 400 miles over eight days.
An air quality health advisory has been issued for Orleans County until 11 p.m. today.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said air quality levels in outdoor air are expected to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 101 for Ground Level Ozone. When pollution levels are elevated, the NYS Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.
Today’s air quality alert will be followed by a heat advisory on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Heat index values in the mid to upper 90s expected. The high temperature is forecast to reach 90 degrees.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses to occur,” the National Weather Service said.
The high temperatures for Orleans County in the forecast include 88 today, followed by 90 on Wednesday, 89 on Thursday, 78 on Friday and 84 on Saturday.
Historian’s column: Postcard images show 2 schools that served Waterport
This school building served the Waterport community beginning in the fall 1887. The graduation classes were small with the biggest class at 11 grads in 1936.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 25
WATERPORT – Those who travel through Waterport are no doubt familiar with the distinctive building pictured above. At this point some people may not even realize that it was originally built as a school and served as such for 67 years.
The Waterport Union School (upper image) was established by the State Legislature in 1887. The Orleans Republican on August 31, 1887 noted that “The full term of the Waterport Union School will commence on Monday, September 7, with Prof. Filer as principal. The outlook for the school is very flattering.”
It appears that it served primarily as an elementary school. Graduation figures were low. There was one graduate in 1902, three in 1903 and none in the years 1904-6, 1908-9, 1915, 1917, 1918 and 1919. The largest graduating class, that of 1936, numbered 11 students.
In 1922, only 35 years after it had been built, a contract of $38,000 was awarded for the construction of a new school in Waterport, on a site south of the location of the original frame school. The site cost $1,500.
This building became a grades K-12 school in 1922. It was later only an elementary school before being closed in 1989. The building is now used for apartments.
The new building would be of cement with a stucco finish. Originally referred to as the Waterport High and Grammar School, it had a capacity for 150 students, kg. to high school.
One particular student, Geraldine Hill, distinguished herself as a proficient speller from 1937-1940. She was Orleans County champion and also a Western New York finalist.
In 1944, the high school was discontinued. High school students were bused to Albion. The Waterport Grammar School then concentrated on being a “town center elementary school.”
In 1954, improvements to the Waterport school building were approved. Several rooms were added, a cafeteria kitchen was installed, the stairway was revamped, heating and lighting systems were upgraded, all at a cost of $160,000.
In 1989, citing space constraints, asbestos issues, roof problems and the cost of repairs, the Albion School Board voted to close the Waterport School and bus the remaining 158 students to Albion. This was not a popular decision.
Waterport residents strongly objected but to no avail. The building was sold to Lissow Development in 1989 for $95,000 and was subsequently converted to apartments. It currently operates as Lake Country Gardens.
