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Barre supervisor wrongly besmirches character of candidate, spreads falsehoods
Editor:
Barre residents: First of all, thank you for your support and I encourage you to read the entire length of my letter.
Now that the dust has settled, I believe I have the right to respond to Pogue’s outlandish 1,378-word letter. He, as the Barre Town Supervisor, chose to maliciously attack and try to defame my name with lies. And, he may very well have caused harm to my primary election.
His letter was almost 3 times the requested length and since it attacked me in part, I believe my letter should be allowed even though it is about 777 words.
Pogue Claimed: that I wrote a letter to the State in order to stop wind turbines.
False: I have not written any letters to the State telling them that I should be allowed to single handedly stop wind turbines.
Pogue Claimed: that I said I would sue the Town over wind turbines.
False: I addressed his ridiculous claim before. I have never threatened to sue anyone using your money, my money, or anyone else’s money to do so. That comment came from someone else, who I believe has moved away, and was during an election, years ago of which I was not even involved!
Pogue Claimed: “…you might get sued…” “…if these three get in…” “…be careful what you wish for…”.
False: These words were craftily placed in the letter, but there appears to be a threatening message which seems to have been meant to scare voters from voting for me, George McKenna and Iva McKenna.
Pogue Claimed: that I stuck signs up and may not have visited residents.
False: Rubbish. Some people actually picked up signs to place in their own yards. Of course I visited residents. I didn’t just go around sticking signs up without talking to people and listening to them. But now I am wondering if me or my wife have been followed around…otherwise, why in the world would Pogue make that claim?
Pogue Claimed: I am not involved with the town.
False: He must not have seen me all those months at the Comprehensive Plan Committee Meetings which I attended and was part of.
Pogue Claimed: I have not attended town meetings.
False: I used to attend the town board meetings quite regularly in-person. The truth is, even though I also addressed this before, I feel I can now write candidly as to the reason I, along with many other residents, stopped going “in-person” to town board meetings. I just could not stomach observing the public, verbal abuse by Pogue on one particular board member.
The clincher for me was this: Imagine sitting next to a family member who is visibly shaken-up due to the town supervisor’s appearance of being on the brink of losing self-control by yelling at a board member, shoving themselves away from the bench with fists clenched.
Imagine this family member asking the board to stop this out-of-control behavior because it is causing an amount of anxiety and panic. Imagine the town supervisor, who is supposed to be a leader, after just showing a bout of sheer rage, looking at her and out-right laugh at her! Imagine being a man of excellent self-control having to sit on your hands for the rest of the meeting. That is the truth of why I will not grace the town supervisor with my presence “in-person” at town board meetings.
I am not sure why Pogue turned the Barre Primary Election into a fight about the wind energy…again…he wasn’t even running. But, for the future, here are a few things that Pogue did not claim, so I will add them for you:
I am not in agreement with wind energy – The town supervisor’s Republican nominee is in agreement with wind energy.
I do not have a monetary interest in any wind companies – The town supervisor’s Republican nominee has a monetary interest in Heritage Wind, LLC.
I support the ideals of the not-for-profit group, Clear Skies Above Barre – The town supervisor’s Republican nominee supports the ideals of Heritage Wind, LLC.
My hope is that the next town supervisor, whomever it may be, refuses to follow in Pogue’s footsteps of malicious fashion. I also have to wonder what will happen now that I have written this letter.
I do know that there is one citizen who would like to write a letter to the editor, but is too afraid. Why? Because each time they have written their point of view in the past, retaliation has been bestowed upon them.
I neither support nor condone malicious behavior nor abusive behavior…by anyone…for any reason.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Burnside
Town of Barre
Trump should rein in his impulses and set a better example
Editor:
Isn’t it time we demand that our commander in chief exercise some self-discipline, rein in this tongue, and set an example for our young people?
When I heard that our chief executive used an “f” bomb in referring to Iranian and Israeli conduct, I thought surely that could not be. But, then, what that he does—or says—should shock us at this point?
Yes, the original Constitution stipulates that Congress shall have the power to decide when war is justified. And yes, the person we elect President could be impeached for ordering the United States military to strike Iran without the approval of Congress.
A case might be made that he could be charged by the House of Representatives—and if convicted in the United States Senate—removed from office for crossing yet another point of no return.
Gary Kent
Albion
9U Division Midget playoffs begin Thursday
Baseball playoff action will get underway Thursday evening for the Albion Midget League 9U Division.
Thursday’s 6 p.m. quarterfinal games will have No. 8 seed Holley at No. 1 Sandstone, No. 7 Elba 1 at No. 2 Barre, No. 6 Vets at No. 3 Elba 2 and No. 5 Rotary at No. 4 Carlton.
The semifinals are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday and the championship game at 6 p.m. Tuesday July 1.
Graduation ceremonies set for 5 school districts in Orleans County
Provided photo: Kendall’s 57 graduates and one honorary foreign exchange student in the Class of 2024 celebrated commencement on June 28, 2024 in the school auditorium.
Orleans County’s school districts will be giving high school seniors a big send off with commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.
About 400 graduates will receive their diplomas.
The commencement ceremonies include:
• Albion is graduating 139 students this year. The ceremony speakers are Linda Weller (Acting Board of Education President), Mickey Edwards (Superintendent), Kenadie Patten (Class of 2025 President), Zackary Baron (Salutatorian) and Tye Talbot (Valedictorian).
The ceremony is planned to be outside on football field beginning at 7 p.m. with the high school gym the back-up in case of rain.
• Holley has 67 students graduating on Saturday during commencement at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.
Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.
The Salutatory address will be given by Natalie Amelia Foose and the Valedictory address will be delivered by Allison Renee Merle.
• Kendall has 53 seniors graduating at 7 p.m. Friday with a ceremony in the school auditorium. Carolyn Sweeting, who retired as a Spanish teacher in 2023, has been picked by the class to be the commencement speaker.
The top two students academically also will give speeches, including Valedictorian Colby Hughes and Salutatorian Isabella Goodrich.
• Lyndonville has 30 students graduating on Friday during a 7 p.m. ceremony in the auditorium. Valedictorian Addison Dillenbeck and Salutatorian Madison Davis will each give an address.
• Medina has just under 100 graduates receiving diplomas at 7 p.m. on Friday at Vets Park. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the ceremony will be inside in the auditorium.
The speakers will be Dan Owen DeVera, the valedictorian, and Cameron Kenward, the salutatorian.
3 candidates who won in Barre primary thankful for support
Editor:
We would like to thank all who voted in the Town of Barre primary. Every vote matters!
We look forward to hearing the concerns of our fellow citizens in the future as we work together to make Barre a more wonderful place to live.
Thank you.
Stephen Coville, Dave Allen and Wesley Miller
Barre
Police union says AG report ‘one-sided’ on high-speed chases; PBA says officers wrongly blamed for dangerous pursuits
Press Release, Police Benevolent Association of New York State
ALBANY – The Police Benevolent Association of New York State released the following statement today, attributable to its president Lt. James McCartney:
“The Police Benevolent Association of New York State appreciates the time and resources spent by the Office of the Attorney General to gather and analyze data on law officer pursuits of suspects. Our brother and sister officers have variously initiated pursuits by car, motorcycle, boat, ATV, snowmobile and other vehicles. The PBA of New York State agrees that police pursuits are dangerous: for the suspect, for the officers involved in the pursuit and for the general public.
However, we strongly disagree with the one-sided research in this report, which implies that officer decision-making is the sole cause of unsafe pursuits. Above all—and missing from the OAG’s announcement—is that it is never legally allowable for a civilian to decide they do not want to stop or yield to a police officer’s commands toward their vehicle. Likewise, it is never legally allowable for a civilian to decide to flee an initiated traffic stop.
The officers we represent make split-second, life or death decisions every single day. They do so by balancing many factors, including the seriousness of an offense, their own personal safety and the well-being of the general public. Rather than once again scrutinizing the decisions made by police officers, we urge the OAG and New York’s lawmakers to instead consider passing laws which increase criminal liability and penalties for those who flee from lawful traffic stops and investigations.”
In its 2007 ruling in the case of Scott v. Harris, the United States Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in favor of a Georgia sheriff’s deputy who took action to terminate a police pursuit. The ensuing crash left the suspect in the case permanently paralyzed. Even so, the Supreme Court found that public policy which bans, limits or affects the in-chase mechanics of a high-speed police pursuit will only encourage suspects to flee more often. The court referred to such policy as an “invitation to impunity-earned-by-recklessness.”
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At baccalaureate, Medina students urged to be humble with life’s blessings
Photo by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Jr.-Sr. High School counselor Audralee Doll shared her inspirational story at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service Sunday, telling how she grew up in a toxic household and forged her parents’ names to enter the Air Force at 17. (Center) MHS senior Mackenzie McGrath introduces keynote speaker, Jr.-Sr. High School counselor Audralee Doll at commencement ceremonies Sunday at the high school. (Right) A closing reflection and prayer for graduates was offered by Pastor Wes Cantrell at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service on Sunday.
MEDINA – Medina High School’s annual baccalaureate service sponsored by Medina Area Association of Churches took place Sunday afternoon at Medina High School.
The Rev. Vince Iorio, vice president of MAAC, welcomed graduates on behalf of president Sue Metzo.
“Baccalaureate is a tradition intended to lift your soul,” the pastor told graduates.
The program included reflective readings from the Bible by seniors Logan Trillizio and Sophia Goyette and a special offering by the A Capella Select Choir, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio.
Senior Mackenzie McGraph introduced keynote speaker Audralee Doll, director of counseling and a high school counselor at MHS. She is also a spin instructor and executive board member with the YMCA.
Medina High School’s A Capella Select Choir, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio, sang a special offering at baccalaureate.
Doll stated she was taken aback when senior Ryder Jones asked her to be keynote speaker.
“Why would you want to hear your counselor speak?” she asked. “However, it reminded me of a few years ago when a former student, who happened to know a little about my background, suggested I share my story with students. It is because of that, every year before I begin our annual presentation where we give information on preparing for life after high school, I start off by giving my experience growing up in a tumultuous household.”
Due to such, at 17 she joined the Air Force, she said.
During the next seven years, four of which were served overseas, she rose to the rank of staff sergeant and earned more than 10 awards and commendations. Also during her enlistment, she earned her associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. She later served with the 146th California Air National Guard, while completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu.
Returning to New York, Doll earned a master’s degree in human development and school counseling with a concentration in leadership from the University of Rochester. She has since added K-12 school building and district leadership certifications to her credentials.
Fast forward to today, Doll shared she has earned more than half a million dollars in education and is a few courses shy of her doctorate, all the while having zero debt.
“That is all from someone who believed college was not an option for herself,” she said. “The goal of why I share this with seniors is to emphasize that if there is a will, there is a way, but it’s up to you to achieve that.”
(Left) Logan Trillizio leaves the podium after presenting the first reflective reading at Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Medina High School. (Center) Senior Sophia Goyette shared a selection of readings from the Bible during baccalaureate on Sunday. (Right) The Rev. Vince Iorio, vice president of Medina Area Association of Churches, greeted graduates at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service Sunday, which MAAC sponsored.
What Doll wants to stress is how to navigate life when something gets in the way of that will – because it is inevitable and it will happen.
The secret is to be humble and be grateful, she said.
“Throughout all of my experiences in life, I have never felt sorry for myself,” Doll said. “What has helped me is the mindset that ‘someone else always has it worse.”
To her, that means one is looking at the glass half full.
“Taking life in a positive psychology mindset means you recognize others do have a struggle that is greater than yours, and most importantly, it’s appreciating and recognizing the things you do have,” she said. “You cannot choose what happens to you, what people think of you or what goes on in the world. You can choose what you do about it.”
Life right now couldn’t be better for Doll, a proud resident of Medina with her husband Maximillan and their dog Charlie. They are happily hoping to expand their family.
Final reading of the afternoon was William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” by senior Garrett Koch.
Pastor Wes Cantrell of One Church Medina shared a final message to graduates and a closing prayer.
“In the wink of an eye, the last 12 years have become history,” he said. “The decisions you make now will shape your years ahead.”
Others who contributed to the program were Ryder Jones, who designed the invitations; Amanda Kroening, who designed the programs; pianist Diane Stephenson who accompanied guest in singing “Take my Life and Let it Be”; Karen Jones, who assisted in program planning; River Jones for lights and sound; and Robyn Watts for being the liaison between MAAC and the school.
Students and guests enjoyed punch and cookies, courtesy of MAAC.
Point Breeze kicks off another season of summer concerts
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – A new season of summer concerts has begun at the Orleans County Marine Park.
The band, Stone Age Romeos, performed on a hot Tuesday evening at the pavilion of the park on Route 98. The band plays classic ’70s vinyl and more.
Gene Romano of Stone Age Romeos sings “The One I Love” by REM.
The concerts are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the park, 1110 Point Breeze Rd. in Kent.
The lineup for the other concerts includes:
- July 1 – The Who Dats
- July 8 – Feedback
- July 15 – Dave Viterna Group
- July 22 – No concert due to Orleans County 4-H Fair
- July 29 – Highway 31
- August 5 – Yacht Club
- Aug. 12 and Aug. 19 – rain dates
Frank Panczyszyn a member of the events committee for the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, calls out the winning 50/50 numbers. OONA and the Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park organize the concerts.
Jason Pilon works the grill for the Clarendon Lions Club. He was helping the club cook and serve food. His father-in-law, Tom Persia, is a member. Club member Kevin Johnson is at right. The Lions Club and several other food vendors will be at the concerts.
Kendall Carnival to return Thursday through Saturday with double the rides
Photo by Tom Rivers: Bryan Hardenbrook, co-chairman of the Kendall Carnival, is shown Tuesday evening with some of the rides at this year’s Kendall Carnival which runs from Thursday through Saturday. A new ride company, Knox’s Great American Amusements, will have 12 rides.
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department thought its annual carnival was over. The department was the last one in Orleans County to offer a carnival with amusement rides and other entertainment.
But it’s been increasingly difficult to find a ride company. Last year there was a carnival but there weren’t any rides, and it was reduced from three to two days.
The department’s leadership thought that was the last event, with no more carnival.
But then the department got a call in early May from Knox’s Great American Amusements, a new ride company out of Franklinville. Knox’s had an opening this week after a cancellation. Kendall called an emergency meeting and decided to continue the carnival.
The event is usually the second week in July, but the department will be running the three-day carnival this week from Thursday through Saturday. Knox’s will have 12 rides. That is up from the six in 2023 when there were last rides at the carnival.
“It’s a great community event,” said Bryan Hardenbrook, who is co-chairman of the carnival along with Phil D’Agostino.
The event is the department’s biggest fundraiser, usually generating about $20,000 to $25,000. It’s also a popular class reunion.
Due to the late start in planning the carnival, there won’t be fireworks but everything else is a go. The parade, which is usually on Friday, will be on Thursday at 7 p.m. so it doesnlt conflict with Kendall’s graduation ceremony.
Some other highlights include:
• Knox’s Great American Amusements offering $20 ride specials for four hours, 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and Saturday, and also 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
• Bands will play in the beer tent and include Shotgun Pauly on Thursday, Highway 31 on Friday and Tryst on Saturday.
• The auction will start at 5 p.m. on Friday behind the Kendall fire hall.
• Cornhole tournament begins at noon on Saturday at $60 a team. Chicken barbecue that day.
Hardenbrook also thanked Wegmans for providing a refrigerated trailer for the week at no charge to the fire department.
He expects big crowds for the three days. He is hoping to secure a longer-term agreement with Knox’s to provide the amusement rides so the carnival continues for years to come.
“It’s a lot of work but the community likes it,” he said about the carnival.
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Y will again offer kayaks, hydro-bikes on Erie Canal
Bent’s Opera House covering costs this season for free use for public
File photo by Tom Rivers: These three people enjoy hydro-bikes on the Erie Canal in Medina in July 2023 near the Horan Road bridge. The hydro-bikes were offered for free in an “On the Canals” program where hydro-bikes and kayaks can be rented for free through the Orleans County YMCA. Bent’s Opera House is covering the cost for the kayaks and hydro-bikes to be offered free to the community and visitors this season.
MEDINA – This summer the YMCA will again offer its Canal Club program for people to have fun while exercising on Erie Canal with kayaks and hydro-bikes.
Beginning this week the Y will be allowing people to go kayaking and to pedal the hydro-bikes from Thursdays to Saturdays, from noon to 9 p.m. The program ends on Aug. 9.
People can sign up on Event Brite and rent them for free. (Go to eventbrite.com and search for kayaks and hydro-bikes to make a reservation.) The Y has 10 kayaks and four hydro-bikes from prior years. Bent’s Opera House is covering the costs of the Y’s staff time to run the program.
“We want people to get out and enjoy the summer and the canal,” said Coby Albone, who helps run the program for the Y. “It’s here and it’s free for them to use.”
No experience is needed. Participants need to be at least 12 years old. The Y will have the kayaks and hydro-bikes behind Captain Kidz at 143 East Center St.
The Y received the kayaks and hydro-bikes in 2020 through grants from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and the Erie Canalway Corridor’s Consolidated Fund.
The state covered the Y’s staffing costs to run the program with the “On the Canals” initiative in 2021 and 2022. About 1,200 people signed up to use the kayaks and hydro-bikes those years. Albone said the Y would like to reach 2,000 users this summer.
He thanked Bent’s Opera House for its financial assistance this year.
Honors presented at N-O Coaches Banquet
Contributed Photos – Highlighting Monday’s annual Niagara-Orleans League Coaches Banquet was the honoring of two new Foundation Award recipients, former Roy-Hart Coach Mark Rydza and former Medina Coach Kristi Young. Rydza, holding his plaque at left, was presented his award by Barker Athletic Director and Roy-Hart graduate Rob Mucha. Rydza was a long time basketball and golf coach at Roy-Hart. Young was presented her award by Medina Athletic Director Eric Valley. She was a long time field hockey and softball coach at Medina.
Recipients of the N-O Sportsmanship Coaches awards were, from left, Gordy Luthart (Medina), Paul DerSarkissian (Barker) and Kerry Atlas (Wilson).
Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Norm Palmer (Newfane), at left, and Scott Dinse (Wilson) holding his plaque at right. Palmer received his award from Akron Athletic Director John Morello. Dinse received his award from Wilson Athletic Director Jeff Roth.
Albion and Lyndonville tie in 18U contest
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Drew Pritchard sides into third base as Lyndonville’s Shawn Robertson applies the tag during Tuesday’s 18U game at Lyndonville.
Albion and Lyndonville played to a 7-7 tie in a GLOW 18U Division baseball game at Lyndonville Tuesday evening that was halted after five innings.
GLOW League rules state that no new inning can be started after 8:15 thus the stoppage of play after five innings.
Albion jumped out to an early 2-0 lead by scoring once in the first inning on a double by Nate Gibson and once in the second on an error following a double by Mason Snook.
Lyndonville rallied into a 3-2 lead in the third inning on a three-run single by Atticus Mank.
However, Albion answered with 5 runs in the fifth on an RBI single by Snook, two passed balls, a wild pitch and a bases loaded walk to regain the lead at 7-3.
GLOW League rules also limit the number of runs that can be scored in an inning to 5.
Lyndonville though again came rallying back to knot the contest at 7-7 by scoring once in the fourth on a balk and three times in the fifth on a hit batter and a two-run double by Thomas Blake. He also had a double to set up the fourth inning tally.
Albion is now 3-0-1 and Lyndonville 0-2-1.
Starting on the mound were Aaron Woodrow for Albion and Quincy McClinsey for Lyndonville.
