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Murray officials discuss how to handle on-street parking for businesses

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 23 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Business owners praised for ‘stepping up’ to address situation

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Nathan Pace, an attorney from Medina, speaks to Murray Town Board members Wednesday evening during a workshop meeting. The town’s ongoing efforts to address on-street parking outside businesses was discussed.

MURRAY – Members of the Murray Town Board agreed Wednesday evening to monitor and assist businesses in the town in regards to on-street parking issues.

The town has spent two years discussing options for bringing businesses into compliance with its zoning, which Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti says requires businesses to provide off-street parking for customers.

The Town Board workshop session on the issue began with Vendetti reporting that the situation is much different now than two years ago in regards to compliance.

“There has been progress everywhere to varying degrees,” Vendetti said. “People have made efforts to control parking on the road outside their businesses.”

He noted there are still some problems, but the town has so far refrained from putting up no parking signs to, “Give folks a chance to address” the issue, Vendetti said.

Several business owners attended the meeting.

“We pull people from far and wide,” said Amy Machamer of Hurd Orchards. “We try to make them feel welcome.”

For Hurd’s, that has meant creating additional on-site parking and encouraging customers to park there.

Vendetti noted Hurd’s is the largest business affected by the parking issue and for that reason has, “seen the most dramatic decrease in (on-street) parking.”

Machamer asked the Board not to resort to no parking signs, calling them negative communication and a complete deterrent  to customers. “Help us to encourage our guests as opposed to punishing our guests,” she said.

Attorney Nathan Pace represented A&M Automotive and told the Board that he had been in contact with the state Department of Transportation. He explained the DOT has no regulations prohibiting on-street, parallel parking on state roads and is responsible for safety along its roadways. The DOT doesn’t see parking as a “safety issue,” Pace said.

He, too, asked the town not to put up no parking signs which would, “chill what Murray is,” Pace said.  He explained that most businesses along Rt. 31 and Ridge Road are located in former homes – “which are not amenable to a shopping center parking lot.”

Murray Town Supervisor John Morriss said “sandwich” signs like those used by Hurd Orchards can direct customers to off-street parking. Morriss said those signs are an effective alternative to the town placing no parking signs.

“It’s a good idea, a compromise,” he said.

Councilman Paul Hendel said he agreed that the town should not resort to no parking signs. “There has been lots of voluntary compliance, the best compliance is voluntary,” Hendel said. “The business owners are stepping up.”

Vendetti and Hendel both brought up the issue of safety, particularly when customers park across from a business and must walk across the roadway.

“I don’t believe we should wait for accidents,” Vendetti said. “It’s an unsafe situation. We are not requesting parking areas be paved.”

He said the Murray Superette at the corner of Rt. 104 and Rt. 237 continues to be an issue.  He said he would contact the NYSDOT regarding signs which block the view for motorists and requested the town put up no parking signs at that location.  The owners of the Superette were not in attendance at Wednesday’s work session.

The board also addressed the issue of on-street parking along Lynch Road outside the Holley Middle School/High School during special events. Residents told the board they continue to worry about safety issues. Doug Piedemonte said there is parking available on the Holley Central School campus near the old bus garage. He said he counted 140 parking spaces, which would accommodate the 70-80 car overflow which often ends up on Lynch Road.

Town Board members said they would discuss the issue with the School District and with the Village of Holley as the south side of Lynch Road is in the village.

Farmers want some water left in canal for irrigation when draining starts next week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2016 at 9:00 am
Water siphon in the canal

Photos by Tom Rivers– The state Canal Corp. will begin draining a section of the canal on Monday. New York Farm Bureau is asking the Canal Corp. to leave enough water in the canal so farms can continue to siphon water for crops. This picture shows one of the siphons just west of the Keitel Road bridge in Albion.

ALBION – The draining of the a section of the Erie Canal starting next week comes at a bad time for many of the farmers with land by the canal, agricultural operations that rely on canal water to help nourish crops.

The state Canal Corp. will drain water beginning Monday from Brockport to Middleport so the Canal Corp. and a contractor can make an emergency repair to a culvert in Hulberton. After the initial closure of the canal, the drained portion will be isolated between Albion and Holley.

There are 27 permitted irrigation siphons between Brockport and Middleport, including 25 for farms and two for commercial golf courses, said Shane Mahar, Canal spokesman. The section between Albion and Holley has 14 permitted agricultural siphon permits.

Farm irrigation in Albion

A farm uses canal water today to irrigate a field in Albion between Keitel and Butts roads. There are 14 farms between Albion and Holley with agricultural permits to siphon canal water.

New York Farm Bureau is asking the Canal Corp. to leave some water in the canal for farmers to siphon water, particularly during this difficult stretch of weather with so little rain, Farm Bureau officials told the Orleans Hub.

Mahar said the Canal Corp. won’t be “bone dry” after the draining beginning next week. The Canal Corp. is in “daily conversations” with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, NY Farm Bureau and its engineering team about how much water should be left in the canal.

“This stretch of the canal is so vital to the agriculture community for irrigation purposes,” Mahar said. “There may be extra pumps and siphons, but it won’t be at the full volume they typically get.”

The Canal Corp. announced last week the section of the canal needed to be closed to allow for the repair of a leaking culvert in Hulberton. Mahar said that notice was intended to give farmers, boaters and other canal users time to adjust how they use the canal and to perhaps make other plans.

The Canal Corp. said the closure could last several weeks, but Mahar said it could be reopened sooner, depending on the extent of the work needed. That scope of work won’t be known until the canal is drained and contractors and engineers can better assess the damage, Mahar said.

“We are cautiously optimistic the repair could be done sooner,” he said. “We’re trying to figure out how to make this as minimally impacting as possible.”

Albion starts summer park program

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Cole London, left, and Mekhi Rivera were among the many kids playing dodgeball today at Bullard Park, the opening day of the Village of Albion’s Summer Parks Program.

Albion has Bullard and Pee Wee Park (which is within Bullard) on Route 31 staffed with 12 supervisors. There are other parks with in the village but they are not staffed with supervisors.

This year all activities will take place at Bullard Park. All children who attend Veteran’s Park in the past are encouraged to attend Bullard Park and Pee Wee Park on the east side of the village on Route 31. The village shifted all of the park supervisors to Bullard in a budget-saving move.

Anthony Freeman, 13, fires the ball during dodgeball today at Bullard.

The parks will have supervisors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. All of the supervisors are certified in First Aid and CPR.

The first three days will be orientation and getting familiar with the parks and supervisors. Activities will also be conducted. The supervisors are working hard on the bulletin boards and setting up for the summer season. The children will have an opportunity to play team and individual games and activities throughout the summer.

Field trips and special events are also planned for the children’s enjoyment, said John Grillo, the village’s recreation director.

The Parks Program will also offer week-long camps in tennis, baseball, wrestling, a second week of tennis, and volleyball. Check with the park supervisors for more information.

When parents arrive at the park, they should register their child, and fill out an emergency form with immunization records.

The Parks Program is free to children in the Albion Central School District.

Mike Brewer, 13, eyes a target during dodgeball. The parks run many games for children, including crafts at Pee Wee Park.

Scott Baker, owner of Park & Play in Cazenovia, installs new playground equipment at Bullard.

The new playground equipment enhances Bullard, the village’s most popular park.

Sheriff sending 8 kids to camp in Penn Yan

Posted 22 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Sheriff Randy Bower

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower announced that 8 children from the county are attending the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute’s 2016 Summer Camp.

The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp is designed to provide a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship. This will mark the 39th year of the camp’s operation.

The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp, which is located near Penn Yan in Yates County, is supported by the Sheriffs’ Association Institute’s Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues. This year the camp will accommodate over 900 deserving boys and girls from across New York State.

“This is a great opportunity for our county youth and I personally thank Orleans County residents for donating and making this possible,” Bower said.

The camp program provides an opportunity for children to go away for a week during the summer. These are often kids who normally wouldn’t have that chance.

“The primary objective is to create positive interaction between the kids attending camp and the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who participate in the camp programs,” Bower said. “We have found from experiences during the first 38 summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce the laws. The deputies become their friends and in some cases substitute parents for a week.”

Throughout the week-long stay, the children observe special exhibits and demonstrations presented by Sheriffs’ Offices from across the State. Included in these presentations are D.A.R.E. presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations and even a talent show just for fun.

Upon completion of their stay, all children will be awarded a diploma for their participation in a program of “Good Citizenship and Law Enforcement Studies.”

Sorochty elected new Holley mayor

Staff Reports Posted 22 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Brian Sorochty

HOLLEY – Village residents elected Brian Sorochty as Holley mayor during Tuesday’s village election. Sorochty was unopposed and received 62 votes. He will succeed John Kenney, who is retiring from the Village Board.

Two incumbent trustees were also unopposed. Connie Nenni received 53 votes and Kevin Lynch was backed on 52 ballots.

Sorochty, who works in the engineering field, has served as trustee for three years and is currently deputy mayor. Sorochty says important issues facing the community include addressing the village’s aging infrastructure, the number of vacant and under-utilized properties, and maintaining and improving village services to residents while minimizing taxes.

The new two-year terms start July 1 for Sorochty, Nenni and Lynch.

As mayor, Sorochty said his future plans include pursuing grants to aid in repairing aging infrastructure; following up on goals set as part of the village’s Comprehensive Plan; making the renovation of the old high school a reality; and working to find new ways to encourage more positive interaction and involvement from village residents with local government.

Albion Alumni Foundation gives nearly $52K in scholarships

Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos courtesy of Kim Pritt – Adam Burlison and his mother, Lisa Burlison, present the Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship to Zachary Shaffer. This scholarship honors Adam’s father, Wayne Burlison, a former elementary school music teacher at Albion. Meredith Patterson also was awarded a Burlison scholarship.

Press Release, Albion High School Alumni Foundation

ALBION – The Albion High School Alumni Foundation takes great pride in making a difference for a lifetime for the Albion Central School District community – alumni, students, teachers, and friends. The main focus of the Foundation is a Scholarship Program that continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year.

Each year at the Class Night celebration, the Foundation presents scholarships to graduating seniors who meet the criteria of each specific scholarship. These awards provide financial assistance so that our bright young scholars may continue their educational goals and be successful in their future endeavors.

The funding for the scholarships are made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni, as well as individuals or organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during the Class Night event, along with other scholarships that are awarded that evening.

This year, the Foundation awarded 24 scholarships to 32 students, totaling $51,650.

Elizabeth Goff accepts the A.B. “Dick” Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship presented by Foundation President Chris Haines.

Here are the results of the 2016 scholarships managed and awarded by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.

Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships ($1,500 each): This year’s recipients are Daniel Beam, McKayla Hastings, Kyle Thaine, and Mikayla Yaskulski.

Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): This year’s recipient is Meredith Patterson.

Smith Foundation Challenge ($1,000): These scholarships are awarded annually by the Foundation to students entering the second year of college. This year’s recipients are Charlyne Olick and Brittany Francis.

Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Randal Eblacker.

Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Matthew DeCarlo.

Golden Performance Award ($500): This year’s recipient is Elijah VanEpps.

Jim and Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Kassidy Hastings.

Dr. Lee Minier Science Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Miranda Allen.

Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Zachary Shaffer.

Madeline Gibbs receives her award and a hug from Mrs. Karen Sodoma, retired Albion teacher and wife of Ronald Sodoma, retired Superintendant of Albion Central Schools. The Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship is one of four scholarships added to the Foundation’s Scholarship Program in 2016 and honors Sodoma, who passed away in April 2015.

Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence ($1,500): This year’s recipient is Kyle Smith.

Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship ($2,500): This year’s recipient is Miranda Allen.

A.B. “Dick” Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship ($1,250): This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Goff.

The Nancy Elaine LaGamba Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Bethany Bowman.

The Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships ($2,500 each): This year’s recipients are Cheyenna Eagle, Meghan Hurley, Chlow Weis, and Raven White.

Hoag Scholarships ($10,000 each): This year’s recipient for the Engineering Scholarship is Matthew Flanagan. The Chemical Engineering Scholarship was not awarded this year.

Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Sarah Kuehne.

The Rex and Marilyn Horton Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Allyson Irwin.

The Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship ($500 each): This year’s recipients are Meredith Patterson and Zachary Shaffer.

Glassner Family Scholarship ($1,400): This year’s recipient is Sarah Graham.

John Panek Scholarship ($2,000): This year’s recipient is Kelsee Soule.

The next four scholarships are new to the Foundation’s Scholarship Program in 2016.

Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): This year’s recipient is Madeline Gibbs.

Masonic Renovation Lodge # 97 Scholarship ($750): This year’s recipient is Jason Downs.

Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship ($1,250): This year’s recipient is Kyle Smith.

David R. Long Agricultural Scholarship ($2,500): This year’s recipient is Kelsee Soule.

To view more photos and to learn how you can be a part of making a difference for a lifetime for Albion students, visit www.AlbionAlumni.org.

Judge sets bail at $500K for Kendall man accused of sex crimes against 5 girls

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

KENDALL – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch today set bail at $500,000 for David P. Perry Sr., a Kendall resident who faces 32 counts of charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15.

Perry first appeared before Punch in court on Monday. The arraignment was completed today when the judge set bail and Perry appeared with assigned counsel, David Morabito of East Rochester.

Morabito entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Perry.

The judge assigned counsel after determining that Perry, who is on Social Security, had an income that qualified for an assigned attorney.

Perry, a resident of Norway Road, was arrested on March 9. He allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reported when he was arrested.

Perry would allegedly make them undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.

Judge Punch issued orders of protection for the five alleged victims in case. He told Perry that also means he can not have any communication through social media with the girls.

On Monday, he appeared in Orleans County Court in front of Judge James Punch. Perry was arraigned on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, 14 counts of first-degree unlawful dealing with a child, 10 counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

He also  was arrested on May 12 on child pornography charges, including 15 counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.

Approximately 15,000 images of suspected child pornography were found on Perry’s devices, District Attorney Joe Cardone said today in court.

Cardone said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo may pursue federal prosecution as well for child pornography crimes.

Hospice recognizes key volunteers, supporters

Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – Mary Ann Tillman, right, accepts the Hospice of Orleans ‘Volunteer of the Year’ from Christine Fancher, Hospice Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans
MEDINA – Hospice of Orleans recently held its annual meeting and volunteer appreciation luncheon at the United Methodist Church of Medina.

Referred to as “the backbone” of the organization by Hospice Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator Chris Fancher, the volunteers were reported to have served over 5,500 volunteer hours.

Stories of the duties carried out by the special people that give their time to fulfill them were shared. These people include a volunteer that drives in from Rochester, retired nurses that help sanitize equipment and a gentleman that does the shopping for the Martin-Linsin residence twice a week.

Of all of the amazing volunteers that serve, Mary Ann Tillman was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her service in the residence with scheduling, for her participation in every Hospice fundraiser and event, and for her time spent with patients and keeping the gardens at Hospice.

She was described as a “kind and gentle person that unassumingly gets things done.” Hospice is so grateful for Mary Ann Tillman and each of the volunteers that have deemed it a worthy cause and choose to bring joy, comfort and compassion each time that they serve.

The organization also recognized the following:

Business/Civic Award: Presented to Matt Davis and Carol Murphy on behalf of the Don Davis dealership in Albion for being an integral part of Hospice’s Golf Tournament, which is celebrating its 20th year this summer.

Mary Lou Tuohey of Medina graciously accepted the Mary Janet Sahukar award for her contribution to and advocacy of Hospice services. The award is named for Hospice’s founding director.

Kendall man accused of sex crimes against children arraigned on 32 counts

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

David P. Perry

KENDALL – A Kendall man was arraigned in Orleans County Court on Monday on 32 counts of charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15.

David P. Perry Sr., 67, of Norway Road was arrested on March 9. Perry allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reported when he was arrested.

Perry would allegedly make them undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.

On Monday, he appeared in Orleans County Court in front of Judge James Punch. Perry was arraigned on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, 14 counts of first-degree unlawful dealing with a child, 10 counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Perry is due back in Orleans County Court today at 11:30 a.m. for a full arraignment with a lawyer. Judge Punch is determining if Perry, who is on Social Security, is eligible for the public defender. Perry needed to fill out a financial form.

The judge also declined to set bail on Monday, but will during today’s court appearance. Perry is being held without bail until the judge sets the amount.

Perry was arraigned on May 12 by Murray Town Justice Ted Spada, who set bail at $250,000. Perry was arraigned on May 12 on child pornography charges, including 15 counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.

The initial allegations resulted in a search warrant that was executed in January 2016. A computer and portable hard drive were submitted to the Western New York Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Buffalo for analysis.

Approximately 15,000 images of suspected child pornography were found on Perry’s devices that were submitted for analysis. Many of the images found were children between the ages of 2 and 9 years of age, Undersheriff Chris Bourke said last month.

In addition to the charges in Orleans County, Bourke said that Sheriff’s investigators and the Orleans County District Attorney’s office will be working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo for possible federal prosecution as well.

Cutting hay in the heat

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

RIDGEWAY – Dave Tuohey of Tuohey Farms was out on in 90-degree heat on Monday harvesting this field of hay on Beals Road.

The high temperatures will fall the next few days with a high of 77 today, followed by highs of 75 on Wednesday, 72 on Thursday and 80 on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Many of the local farmers have been out the past week cutting hay. They would welcome some rain.

Fire at vacant Medina factory appears suspicious

Staff Reports Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – The fire at the former S.A. Furniture Factory on Monday is considered suspicious, Medina Fire Department officials said in a news release.

Firefighters were dispatched to the site at 525 East Ave. at 11:49 a.m. Crews on scene under the command of Chief Thomas Lupo found smoke coming from the second and third floor windows of a large vacant commercial brick building.

Crews were able simultaneously find and extinguish fires on both the second and third floors as well as search the building for any occupants. Nobody was discovered and there were no injuries to any firefighters despite multiple hazards inside the building, said Steve Cooley, a Medina firefighter and public information officer.

Damage to the building is estimated at $2,000. The cause of the fire appears to be suspicious and is under investigation by both the police and fire department. The building was turned over to and secured by Village Code Enforcement officer Martin Busch.

Firefighters from the Medina Fire Department as well as one engine crew from the Ridgeway Fire Department and a RIT crew from the Lyndonville Fire Company responded. Also assisting on scene were staff from the Medina Department of Public Works.

“The quick response of the on-duty crew was supplemented with the response of seven off-duty career firefighters and two callmen firefighters who were training at Glenwood Lake with Engine 10,” Cooley said.

Holley, Kendall school officials to meet July 18 to discuss shared services

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Rubie Maxwell, a Holley sixth grader, stands with Holley Elementary School Principal Karri Schiavone after receiving a Soaring to New Heights Award at the Holley Board of Education meeting Monday evening. Maxwell has volunteered as the Pre-K Safety Patrol Officer, helping students on and off the bus each day.  The students call her “Miss Rubie,” Schiavone said. “She takes time out of her day to help out. The Pre-K students love her.” Top Ten graduates of this year’s Senior Class were also recognized during the Soaring to New Heights portion of the meeting.

HOLLEY – School leaders from Holley and Kendall will meet July 18 to discuss shared services, including instruction, non-instruction and extra-curricular programs.

Robert D’Angelo, Holley school district superintendent, reported to the Holley Board of Education on Monday that he and School Board President Brenda Swanger met recently with Kendall School Superintendent Julie Christensen and Kendall School Board President Nadine Hanlon. They are planning the agenda for the July 18 work session between the two boards, administrations and teams.

Swanger said neither district wants to lose its identity, and D’Angelo emphasized he sees nothing but good coming from the effort.

“We want to share, not swallow each other up,” D’Angelo said.

The districts already share some programs. For example, Kendall students played on the Holley varsity baseball team this season after Kendall didn’t have enough players to field a team.

In other discussion at Monday’s meeting, Board of Education members say they have not yet made a decision regarding the number of teachers for next year’s third graders.

Several parents spoke during the public comment portion of Monday evening’s meeting, expressing concerns that the district might reduce the number of third grade teachers from four to three.

Two third grade teachers are leaving – the board accepted the resignation of one teacher and the retirement of another – but board members say they are not yet ready to make a decision about how they will proceed.

“We don’t have to decide until it’s absolutely necessary,” Board Vice President Robin Silvis said. “We have a lot to think about.”

Board member John Heise said if next year’s third grade was reduced to three teachers, it would be a way for the district to save money.

“The fund balance has gone down,” he said. “We’ve got to start saving somewhere.”

Swanger, the Board president, said she did not agree.

“We haven’t made a decision … it’s not going to be an easy decision,” she said. She and other Board members thanked parents for attending the meeting and making their feelings on the subject known.

Board members indicated they would likely make the decision in August. Incoming third graders will not have their teacher named on Fourth Quarter reports cards to be sent home on Wednesday.

Board members also approved the creation of an Interact Club, a community service club which will be sponsored by the Holley Rotary. A number of students are interested, and board member John Heise, a Holley Rotarian, said students would like to get going this summer on projects.

Heise said students have already begun looking into installing a “buddy bench” on the playground at the Elementary School as a potential first project.  The club would be open to students in grades 7-12.

Medina lacrosse raises funds for Hospice by bench pressing pounds

Staff Reports Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided Photo, Hospice of Orleans

MEDINA – Before classes ended at Medina High School, Hospice of Orleans received a generous surprise on a recent Monday morning.

Gordy Luthart, coach of the Medina High School Varsity Lacrosse team hand delivered a check for $593. Luthart explained that the members of the team had received pledges based on the amount of weight they lifted in the bench press (ex. 5 cents per pound), while others received flat rate donations.

He also shared that many of the players experienced Hospice first-hand, or had known someone that had been cared for by Hospice and were “excited to give to such a worthy organization!”

These donations are important to providing services and care for people that are facing serious illness, as well as family members/friends that find themselves in the role of caregiver.

For the pounds lifted during this fundraiser, it is the hope of those at Hospice that the team understands the weight they’ve lifted from someone else’s shoulders.

“The generosity they’ve demonstrated is inspiring and we are so thankful to have their support,” said Development Coordinator Brittany Dix.

Several arraigned in Orleans County Court

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch arraigned several people in court for crimes in the county, including burglaries, larcenies and driving while intoxicated.

The following were arraigned:

Daniel Brusie, 40, of Medina was arraigned for fourth-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing a lawn mower on March 30. He is a persistent felon with two prior felonies, four misdemeanors and three probation revocations, said Judge Punch, who set bail at $100,000.

Evan J. Vanskiver, 24, of Lawrence Road in Hilton was arraigned for felony DWI and criminal possession of a stolen property. He was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle when he was arrested for DWI in Albion on Feb. 25.

He pleaded not guilty. He has a prior felony and two misdemeanors, District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court. The judge set bail at $2,500.

Zachary A. Deville, 22, of Brown Street in Albion and Michael Borrero, 17, of Washington Street in Albion were both arraigned for third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, and two counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree.

The two both allegedly broke into The Vape Shop on East Bank Street in Albion on April 11, damaging a door and a laptop computer, and stealing several items, the DA’s Office said.

Trevor Gray, 22, of Maple Road in Corfu was arraigned on charges of third-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He allegedly broke the window of the EZ Shop in Lyndonville, while attempting to break in on May 11.

A former Medina resident pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in the fourth degree and could face a maximum of a year in jail when he is sentenced on Sept. 26. Hamzah Abdur-Rasheed, 22, formerly of East Center Street in Medina admitted in court to damaging a door on May 19, 2014.

Firefighters put out small fire at vacant Medina factory

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2016 at 1:55 pm

MEDINA – Firefighters were dispatched to a fire at 11:50 a.m. today at the former S.A. Furniture Factory, when there were reports of smoke coming from the windows. There was a small fire in the building that was quickly put out.

The site is vacant and has been up for the county’s real property tax auction. The site is 70,600 square feet.

The fire is under investigation. Firefighters from Medina, Lyndonville, Ridgeway and Shelby as well as the County’s Emergency Management Office all responded to the scene.