Month: December 2019

Our Letters Policy

Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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Kendall resident opens licensed cannabis dispensary in Brockport

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2024 at 1:36 pm

Provided photo: Evergreen Retail celebrated its grand opened on April 18 as licensed cannabis retail site in Brockport. Th business is owned by Karen M. Tobin of Kendall.

BROCKPORT – A Kendall resident has opened a licensed cannabis retail site in downtown Brockport.

Karen M. Tobin on April 18 celebrated the opening of Evergreen Retail. The site at 51 North Main St. offers a licensed cannabis dispensary between Buffalo and Rochester.

Tobin has more than eight years of experience in the regulated cannabis market. She said Evergreen Retail aims to set the standard for service and community engagement in the area.

“Our goal was to open a dispensary that not only offers high-quality cannabis products from local sources but also operates with the highest standards of compliance and customer care in an inviting environment,” Tobin stated in a news release. “Being licensed in New York under the new adult-use legislation, we are excited to lead the way in responsible and community-focused cannabis retailing.”

The grand opening was attended by community leaders, cannabis industry professionals, and local residents, who all welcomed the new business with enthusiasm while enjoying food provided by their neighboring business D. P. Dough.

Evergreen Retail offers a broad range of products from premium flower and concentrates to artisanal edibles and topicals. The business supports local farmers and processors within the region, Tobin said.

For more information, check www.evergreennyretail.com or contact Evergreen Retail at (585) 391-3474.

Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for hidden cameras in church bathroom in Orleans

Posted 7 May 2024 at 1:25 pm

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York

Stephen Nicot

ROCHESTER – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stephen Nicot, 61, of Rochester, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Rossi and Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that between 2012 and 2014, Nicot hid a camera in the bathroom of a church located in the Western District of New York. (Editor’s Note: Previous news reports and a press release from the U.S. Attorney stated the church was in Orleans County.)

Nicot positioned the camera so that it would capture video and images of naked individuals using the shower in the church bathroom. He did this knowing some of the individuals would be under the age of 18 and he planned to display the video of the minors.

On July 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a warrant at the Nicot’s residence and recovered a memory card and USB drive, which contained videos and images of at least five minor victims using the church bathroom and shower. Two cell phones were also seized, which contained naked images of a minor victim that were recorded by a camera hidden in a bathroom of Nicot’s residence.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

Holley village budget raises taxes by 5.5 percent

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2024 at 11:07 am

HOLLEY – The Village Board approved a budget on April 30 that increases taxes by 5.5 percent, an amount needed for the village to keep up with services and not keep projects on the back burner, Mayor Mark Bower said.

Mark Bower

The board considered three options for the budget, a tax increase of 5 percent, 5.5 percent or 7 percent.

Bower and the board felt the 7 percent was too much of a burden on the village taxpayers. It went with the 5.5 percent so the village could maintain services and not put things off.

“We didn’t want to impose such a high increase on village residents,” Bower said. “But we have to get back to maintaining our village streets and village-owned properties.”

The $2,509,431 total village budget includes a general fund of $1,673,609, water fund of $554,226, and sewer fund at $281,596.

The village will be collecting $1,078,527 in property taxes, up 5.5 percent from the $1,022,300 in 2023-24.

The tax rate will increase by 3.56 percent from $17.26 to $17.87 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The village saw about $1 million in growth in its tax base, from $59,238,365 to $60,350,244. The community hasn’t gone through a full reassessment like other villages in Orleans County either last year or this year.

Police officer’s book about horror of Jan. 6 shows seriousness of that day

Posted 7 May 2024 at 10:50 am

Editor:

I recently completed twenty-year District of Columbia metropolitan police officer Michael Fanone’s book. “Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop’s Battle for America’s Soul.”

As someone who thinks truth matters, I strongly suspect that anyone who believes the January 6, 2021 attempted storming of the House of Representatives chamber by a violent mob was a lovefest isn’t fully aware of what happened that day.

Joe Biden’s predecessor continues to maintain that Fanone and dozens of others who suffered serious consequences while attempting to keep the certification of Biden as our 46th President orderly and peaceful are at the very least greatly exaggerating. (Fanone was pulled into the mob, viciously beaten and tased until he had a heart attack.)

Those still unable to accept the 2020 election results and the facts about number 45 and January 6th, 2021 after reading streetwise cop Fanone’s book may need to take a closer look at this nation, our recent history, the Constitution, and the intent of—and risks taken by—patriots such as the Founding Fathers.

Sincerely,

Gary Kent

Albion

Police officer’s book about horror of Jan. 6 shows seriousness of that day

Posted 7 May 2024 at 10:20 am

Editor:

I recently completed twenty-year District of Columbia metropolitan police officer Michael Fanone’s book. “Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop’s Battle for America’s Soul.”

Those still unable to accept the 2020 election results and the facts about number 45 and January 6th, 2021after reading streetwise cop Fanone’s book may need to take a closer look at this nation, our recent history, the Constitution, and the intent of—and risks taken by—patriots such as the Founding Fathers.

Sincerely,

Gary Kent

Albion

Hoag Library elects 2 trustees, reports uptick in circulation

Photo by Tom Rivers: Hoag Library director Betty Sue Miller, back left, and assistant director Elizabeth Haibach meet with the board of trustees following the annual meeting at the library on Monday evening.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2024 at 9:23 am

ALBION – Hoag Library experienced an increase in circulation for books, non-book materials, eBooks and audiobooks in 2023, a year when the library also added a music series.

Betty Sue Miller, director of the library, went over highlights of the year during the library’s annual meeting on Monday. Total circulation for books and non-books was 42,898 with 32,323 books and 10,575 non-books. (That compares to 40,082 in 2022, with 28,927 from books being checked out and 11,025 non-books including laptops and hot spots for internet access.)

The circulation was up 2,816 or by 7.0 percent for books and non-books. The eBook circulation was up by 1,741 or 25.9 percent from 6,727 to 8,468, according to the annual report.

Total items checked out – books, non-books and digital materials – added up to 51,366, up by 9.7 percent from 46,809 in 2022.

Hoag was used in other ways in 2023:

4,757 items loaned out through inter-library loan
5,666 items borrowed through inter-library loan
619 programs with 5,365 attendees
446 notarized documents
1,174 meeting room bookings
27,883 WiFi sessions
379 reference questions
900 Fax services
57 homebound deliveries

Two trustees were also elected to four-year terms during the annual election. Jim Babcock, an incumbent, received the most votes of three candidates, and was picked on 64 of 83 ballots. Carole Patterson, a former board member, is back for a new term after receiving 51 votes. Kevin Doherty, an incumbent trustee and former board president, came in third with 38 votes.

After the annual meeting, the trustees met and picked their officers and chose to keep the same leaders: Linda Weller as president, Mary Covell as vice president, Dawn Squicciarini as secretary, and Rachel Hicks as treasurer.

The library has an overall budget of $693,150 in 2024, up $10,050 from $683,150 in 2023. The library will be seeking $664,510 during the May 21 vote that also includes the school budget, the board of education candidates and other propositions for the school. Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library.

The library’s amount to be collected by the school is up $10,000 or by 1.5 percent from the $654,100 in 2023. It remains under the $754,350 in 2021, the last year Hoag was still paying on the mortgage for a new library that opened in 2012.

Scouts, Medina Lions Club team for cleanup effort at park by canal

Posted 6 May 2024 at 10:05 pm

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Lions Club

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club on Saturday teamed up with Scouts and their leaders from Troop and Pack 28 for clean up at Lions Park by the Erie Canal in Medina.

Each year the Lions clean and mulch the parks, trees and flower beds. Mulch is provided by the village of Medina and brought onsite for the work.

This year seven Lions Club members and approximately 12 scouts pulled weeds, spread mulch, and cleaned the area. Each worker was treated to a hot dog lunch when the work was done.

The Medina Lions wish to give special thanks to Todd Draper and Tim Miller, the adult leaders from Troop and Pack 28, for mobilizing the help.

The Lions motto is “We Serve” and we greatly appreciate the help from the community to allow us all to enjoy a nicer area.

District Court would give more power to state, diminish local voice

Posted 6 May 2024 at 9:21 pm

Editor:

Truth or consequences?

Orleans County voters – you have an important issue to address. Your County Legislators have put forth the proposition that your right to have local courts, the courts closest to the people, and your vote for locally elected public officers, should be taken away and ceded to New York State.

The path to the hearing on this proposed local law on May 7th has been paved with misinformation and half-truths. As the saying goes, if we fail to understand the truth, we are destined to suffer the consequences.

By Resolution 137-323 of the Orleans County Legislature, an 11-member “District Court Committee” was established. Its directive: to “study the potential implementation of a district court system in Orleans County…. and to provide a recommendation to the County Legislature regarding the merits of the establishment of a district court system.”

The report of the committee starts with the conclusion that a district court is the best option for Orleans County. It then provides anecdotal statements from the New York State Bar Association in an attempt to support that conclusion. Almost half of the committee, 5 of the 11 members, have either dissented from the recommendation or abstained from making any recommendation whatsoever. Hardly a ringing endorsement of the current plan.

Where are the facts to support making such a drastic change? Why can’t they provide definitive financial information? Where is the necessary support from the State Legislature for funding?

The crux of the committee’s report suggests substantial cost savings by substituting individual town courts for a single district court. At the same time, they admit that a vote to establish a district court does not terminate existing Town Courts (New York State Constitution (Article VI, Section 17). Towns would still need to fund local courts. So where is the promised cost savings?

The report includes a statement almost too cynical to be believed: “…. townships can minimize the cost of the justice court by substantially reducing the court’s budget, salaries and personnel and other resources to render the justice court ineffective and essentially exist in name only.” It is unconscionable that a Legislative body would accept a plan to “render the justice court ineffective.” Does this sound like a committee seeking to “improve safety, fairness, access to justice and efficiency in the administration of criminal justice”?

Our founders established three separate yet equal branches of government in the Constitution – Legislative, Executive and Judicial. Each branch is to have separate and independent powers, so that no one branch is more powerful than another.

It should not be the goal of a County Legislature to run roughshod over the Judicial branch to “render justice courts ineffective.” No one branch should have that power over another. That is autocracy not democracy.

Please do not let the County Legislature take away your access to local courts and your right to vote for community representation. Your decision has consequences.

Hon. Sherry R. Davenport

Past President of the New York State Magistrates Association

Cortland

BOCES will celebrate new lab for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program

Provided photo: Bill Rakonczay, AME teacher at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, is shown in the new classroom and lab.

Posted 6 May 2024 at 8:42 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s (OCTEC) Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) program was awarded a $250,000 naming rights grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to upgrade the classroom at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES site.

Now that the renovations are completed, it is one of the premier Career and Technical Education CNC labs in the country, said AME teacher Bill Rakonczay.

“We are thrilled to have received this very generous grant from the Gene Haas Foundation,” Rakonczay said. “The director of the Gene Haas Foundation, Kathy Looman, encouraged me to apply for the funds because she said she has heard a lot about our program, and from what she saw from our social media accounts. I think that speaks volumes about what we do here.”

There will be a ceremony for the grand opening of the new Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing and Engineer Lab at 1 p.m. on Thursday, with an open house to follow from 2 to 6 p.m. The O/N BOCES is located at 4232 Shelby Basin Rd., Medina.

The AME program teaches students CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, along with engineering principles. The AME program at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES also partner with NASA for their HUNCH program with the students making parts for the stowage lockers that go to the International Space Station.

“Gene Haas Foundation is thrilled to partner with Orleans/Niagara BOCES on this upgrade to their facility,” Looman said. “This naming program is an endorsement of the best CNC programs in the world. This grant was established for the purpose of highlighting those programs in order to raise the standard of Manufacturing Technology programs everywhere. We would like to thank William Rakonczay and the entire team at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for the success it has had as we look forward to the future.”

The upgrades to the classroom took place over the course of this summer and this year’s classes walking into the new Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Lab at the beginning of the school year.

“It is a very exciting time for me and for the students,” Rakonczay said. “We have a state-of-the-art learning lab. It’s been completely transformed.”

The Gene Haas Foundation has played a very important role in Mr. Rakonczay’ s program for many years providing scholarships to his students to continue their education. Gene Haas, the sole funder of the foundation bearing his name, is the founder and owner of Haas Automation, the largest machine tool builder in the western world.

The foundation was created by its namesake in 1999 to focus on manufacturing education in the form of scholarships for CNC machinist training. It donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community.

There are over 300,000 manufacturing jobs that are currently unfilled due to a lack of skilled workers. Those numbers continue to grow daily due to retirements.

“I get calls all the time from companies who desperately need machinists,” Rakonczay said. “There are just not enough trained workers out there.”

Albion opens artificial turf softball field with win over Medina; Barker locks up N-O title

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2024 at 8:24 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Abigail Wittenberg slides safely into home ahead of a tag by Medina pitcher Samantha Heschke during the Purple Eagles win this afternoon to open their new artificial turf field.

Celebrating the opening of their new artificial turf softball field and Senior Day, the Albion Purple Eagles downed rival Medina 13-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League game this afternoon.

A three-run home run by Cami London, which highlighted a 6 run second inning, and a two-run homer by Kenzi Snook in the fifth frame keyed the Albion offense.

London, winning pitcher Alana Irvine and Aubrielle Barry each finished with 2 hits.

In the circle, Irvine pitched a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.

Albion’s Alana Irvine delivers the first pitch on the Purple Eagles new turf field.

Barker 11, Wilson 3

Barker put a lock on its first N-O title since 2007 with an 11-3 win over runner-up Wilson.

The Lady Bulldogs stay perfect at 10-0 in N-O action with two league games remaining while Wilson slips to 8-3.

Madyson Flint and Peyton Bradley combined to pitch a 4 hitter with 8 strikeouts for the Lady Bulldogs.

Barker moved on top to stay with a 5 runs second inning highlighted by two-run singles by both Arnie Sturtevant and Kaylee Stoll.

Sturtevant also had a two-run double to key a four run fifth inning uprising.

Elba 12, Lyndonville 8
Breaking away from an 8-8 tie, Elba scored 4 times in the seventh inning to down Lyndonville 12-8 in a Genesee Region League contest.

Kayli Miller had 3 hits for Lyndonville as Bella Groves and Brooke Robinson each had 2.

Holley 5, Pembroke 4
Holley pushed across a run in the seventh inning on a passed ball to nip Pembroke 5-4 in another G-R contest.

Ryleigh Weader and Skylar Gallagher both had RBI singles on the day for the Lady Hawks.

Kendall 24, Byron-Bergen 7
Kendall topped Byron-Bergen 24-7 in a G-R contest as Brooke Rodas and Isabella D’Agostino both had 3 hits. Rodas’ hits included a home run.

In the circle, Danielle Offhaus hurled a 4 hitter with 4 strikeouts.

Albion scores key victory over Akron to grab N-O League tennis lead

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2024 at 7:56 pm

Albion moved into the drivers seat in the Niagara-Orleans League tennis championship race as the Purple Eagles blanked defending champion Akron 5-0 at Akron this afternoon in a key late season clash of unbeatens.

Albion, which is seeking its first N-O title since 2015, improves to 9-0 while Akron slips to 9-1.

Leo Bolton and Mark Ames scored singles victories for the Purple Eagles which also got wins from the doubles teams of Jordan Marshall – Landon Graybill, Oliver Beach – Jason Anstey and Brayden Whittier – Lucy Rivers.

The two teams will meet again at Albion in the season finale on May 15.

In the other N-O matches, Wilson downed Barker 4-1 and Roy-Hart bested Newfane 4-1.

Roy-Hart swept the three doubles matches on wins by the duos of Allie Trombley – Jayden Swygert, Emily Livergood – Kaylie Churchill and Abby Glyshaw – Alaina Kusmierczak.

John Konstanty won at second singles for Roy-Hart while Newfane’s Luke Gunby took the first singles match.

N-O Standings – Albion 9-0, Akron 9-1, Wilson 7-4, Roy-Hart 4-5, Barker 3-6, Medina 2-7, Newfane 0-11.

Big first inning powers front-running Mustangs to victory over Purple Eagles

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2024 at 7:35 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Vinny Gray slides safely into home before Albion’s Nathan Gibson gets the ball during the Mustangs win over the host Purple Eagles this afternoon.

Erupting for 8 runs in the first inning, Medina went on to down host Albion 12-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.

Brandon Christiaansen and Julian Woodworth both banged out two-run singles and Aidan Papaj chipped in with both an RBI double and an RBI single in the decisive frame.

The Mustangs other 4 runs came in the fourth frame as Ryleigh Culver belted a three-run home run and Carter Woodworth had an RBI single.

Julian Woodworth finished with 3 hits and Papaj 2.

Brody Fry picked up the win on the mound scattering 5 hits and striking out 7 over the first four innings and Julian Woodworth gave up no hits and fanned 2 in the fifth inning.

Front-running Medina improves to 7-1 in N-O action and Albion slips to 2-6.

Roy-Hart 9, Newfane 0
Dawson Draper hurled a 2 hitter with 14 strikeouts for Roy-Hart in the 9-0 win over Newfane.

The Rams scored 5 runs in the second inning as Brayden Hy belted a three-run homer and Evan Poeller a two-run single.

Rem Albee had 3 hits on the day for the Rams as Poeller and Ethan Kuzma both had 2.

Roy-Hart improves to 5-3 in the league and Newfane slips to 6-4.

Wilson 9, Barker 0
Tyler Johnston pitched a no hitter with 17 strikeouts to lead Wilson past Barker.

Blake Simpson had 3 hits for the Lakemen as Johnston and Tyler Woolson both had 2.

Wilson is now 7-3 and Barker 0-8 in N-O action.

N-O Standings: Medina 7-1, Wilson 7-3, Roy-Hart 5-3, Newfane 6-4, Akron 3-5, Albion 2-6, Barker 0-8.

Northstar 3, Kendall 0

Northstar blanked Kendall 3-0 on a one hitter in a non league game.

Medina stickmen down Lockport

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2024 at 7:00 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Will Prest puta a shot on goal during the Mustangs 11-3 win over Lockport at Vets Park this afternoon.

Building up an 8-1 half-time advantage, Medina went on to defeat Lockport 11-3 in an interdivisional lacrosse game at Vets Park this afternoon.

Dylan Lonnen and Will Prest both scored 3 goals to lead the Mustangs as Lucius Wagner added 2 and Liam Castricone, Cole Callard and Ayden Johnson 1 each.

Now at 6-7 overall, Medina next visits Brockport for a non league contest at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Hoag Library trustee election, annual meeting today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2024 at 2:30 pm

ALBION – Hoag Library will have its annual meeting today at 7 p.m., and voters in the library service area of central Orleans will elect two people to be trustees.

There are three people running for two positions with four-year terms. Voting is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library.

Kevin Doherty and Jim Babcock, the incumbents, are back on the ballot, along with Carole Patterson, a former board member from 2009 to 2013.

Patterson is retired from The Village of Orleans. She was part fo the feasibility study with the Ivy Partners for the new Hoag Library before it was built in 2012. She remains invoIved with the Friends of Hoag Library.

“My vision for the future as part of the Hoag Library board is to support and address staff concerns, support and assist with new program ideas,” Patterson said in a candidate statement on the library website. “I would like to see a daytime book club for members of the community who are unable to attend evening sessions. Continue to support Friends of Hoag as outside support for library needs not included in annual budget. I feel the library is the cornerstone of Albion providing services for the entire community.”

Kevin Doherty was the board president when the new library was built. He owns a technology services company, Doherty Communications, and is a former member of the Board of Education.

Jim Babcock, a local contractor, also has been involved in many community efforts.

“I believe the library is a valuable asset to the community and with great stewardship it can continue to be,” Babcock said.

Joe Brueckner of Medina becomes an Eagle Scout

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2024 at 10:07 am

Provided photos

MEDINA – Joseph Andrew Brueckner became Troop 28’s newest Eagle Scout on Sunday during a ceremony and celebration at Glenwood Park in Ridgeway.

In the photo at left, Brueckner thanks people for their support during his scout journey, including Todd Draper in back. In the photo at right, Brueckner celebrates with Scoutmaster Tim Miller.

Brueckner has been a scout since the 1st grade. His Eagle Project consisted of adding 2 benches and 10 birdhouses at Glenwood Lake.

This photo shows a group of all Eagle Scouts. From left Scoutmaster Tim Miller, Steve Miller, Joe Brueckner, David Vanderwalker, Todd Draper and Eli Pask.

Brueckner is a senior at Medina High School and is in the AME program at BOCES. He works as an intern at Amada Tool America in Batavia as well as helping with his family’s restaurant and catering business. He plans to continue his education after high school but is uncertain which school he will choose.