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Today’s Fair Schedule (July 30, 2015)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Justin Robinson of Albion shows a cow during the dairy show on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Justin was named reserve champion for showmanship.

Daily Feature: Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building with daily presentations at 6 p.m.

Special Event: 3 – 8 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive in the Buzz Hill Education Center. Enter using back door.

Daily Feature Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building. 3-9 p.m.

8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youth Camp Day – Sponsored by the Orleans County 4-H Fair Committee

9 a.m. Western Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 a.m. $5 admission per car starts

10 a.m. All Buildings Open

10 a.m. Wildlife I.D. Contest. Log Cabin

10:30 a.m. Little Britches Cattle Show (open to public) – Show Arena

12 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

Jason Clark, center, and Morgan Seielstad compete in a doughnut-eating contest on Wednesday. Contestants were challenged to eat six doughnuts.

12 to 1 p.m. Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs and Guests – Show Arena

1 p.m. Story Time by Hoag Library of Albion – Trolley Building

1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

1:15 p.m. Pork Chop Review – Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

2 to 4 p.m. Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl – Center Stage

2 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

3 p.m. Story Time by Hoag Library of Albion – Trolley Building

4-H’ers and Medina FFA members take alpaccas and llamas for a walk by the main livestock barn on Wednesday.

3 p.m. Llama/Alpaca Costume, Leaping Llama/Alpaca, Llama/Alpaca Limbo – Show Arena

3 p.m. Little Britches Llama/Alpaca – Open to Public – Show Arena

3 to 10 p.m. Midway of Utica $20 unlimited ride wristband – Midway

4 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

4:30 p.m. Chicken BBQ Sponsored by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension – No Presale. Curtis Pavilion

4:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

4:30 p.m. “Madhouse!: A Hidden History of Insane Asylums in the 19th Century.” Presentation by author Michael Keene – OrleansHub.com stage

5 to 7 p.m. Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs
and Guests – Show Arena

Lee Germain and Judi perform a routine with a rabbit as part of their magic show.

5:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

6 p.m. Sheep Show (Costume class at end) – Knight’s Building

6 p.m. Small Animal Grand Master Information Session – Wachob Pavilion

6 p.m. Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends – Fair Office

6 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

6 p.m. Master Gardener Presentation: Edible Flowers – Lartz Building

6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

Sophie Kroning, 5, of Knowlesville competes in the small fry pedal tractor pull on Wednesday.

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Pedal Tractor Course – Fair Office

6:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

7 p.m. Spanish/English Story Time by Agribusiness Child Development – Trolley Building

7 to 8:30 p.m. Local Entertainment Variety Acts – Orleanshub.com Stage

7:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

8 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals – Orleanshub.com Stage

8 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

Natalie Mrzywka, 16, of Holley (left) and her friend Mikala Smith of Holley get a sheep cleaned and ready on Wednesday evening. The sheep show is at 6 p.m. today.

8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

9 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germainand Judi – West end of Lartz Building

10 p.m. Buildings Close

10 p.m. Greased Pole Climbing Competition (teams must pre-register at fair office). At Greased Pole

4-Hers model clothes they created

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

KNOWLESVILLE – Rebecca Semmel, a 4-H’er from Wyoming County, braved hot, sticky conditions to model this outfit she made during the WNY 4-H District Clothing Review on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

A visit to Gettysburg, Pa., inspired the historical outfit which is typical of women’s fashion, circa 1863. Rebecca will wear her outfit when she works in the Historical House at the Wyoming County Fair later this summer.

The Orleans County 4-H Fair played host to the Western New York 4-H District Clothing Review Wednesday afternoon. 4-Hers from Chautauqua, Niagara, Wyoming and Orleans counties took part, modeling garments and clothing ensembles they had made or embellished.

Melinda Waag, 14, of Fredonia models her outfit.

Orleans County’s own Emma Mathes, 14, of Barre models her lacy party dress during the WNY 4-H District Clothing Review. She is a member of the Adventurers 4-H Club.

Dana Daigler, 17, of Niagara County models a purchased skating outfit she embellished by hand with 2,300 Swarovski crystals.

Dana spent 12 hours on the project and used crystal AB and fire opal colored crystals to accent the bright red skating outfit.

Medina hospital says infections have been greatly reduced

Staff Reports Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital officials say they have reduced MRSA and C. Diff infections by 71.4 percent this year compared to data in 2013-14, when Consumer Reports says Medina Memorial had the highest rate of infections for Western New York hospitals.

Officials at Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of Medina Memorial, say they believe in the transparency of reporting of quality measures.

“However, we are concerned with the Consumer Reports methodology, which according to their technical specifications states that ‘although extremely serious, these infections are relatively infrequent, which makes the infection rates volatile, as the occurrence of one or two infections can have a large impact on reported rates …'” according to a statement from the hospital today.

Medina Memorial staff have made changes to cleaning processes, skin preparation prior to certain procedures and education for staff ordering and obtaining blood cultures to accurately reflect a community acquired or a hospital acquired infection, hospital officials said in a statement.

“We will continue to implement best practice measures in our hospital to continue to provide quality care close to home,” Medina Memorial officials said.

Miss Amy debuts a one-woman comedy show on Friday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Amy Sidari has been performing dance and occasionally singing for the community for more than four decades.

Two years ago she opened a cabaret at her dance studio and has welcomed many singers, musicians, comedians and other performers to the venue at 28 West Bank St.

This Friday the site will feature a familiar face in a new role. Sidari is doing a one-person comedy show. She said the show is a bit of a family roast, with some teasing of her parents, husband and five children. She is pictured above on Monday during a rehearsal for the show.

She said her family has provided her with lots of material for her show, “Did I Say That Out Loud?”

She directs plenty of her material at her mother and father, Sandy and Ace Caldwell, and some of their struggles as they get older and wrestle with forgetfulness and have a hard time hearing.

“Aging can be fun,” Sidari said.

Amy Sidari is pictured with her parents, Ace and Sandy Caldwell, who have been married for 49 years.

Sidari may poke fun, but she said she wants to let her family know how much she loves them, and appreciates some of their quirks. She wants to share some of those family follies with the community.

“God has given me so many moments of laughter I have to share it,” Sidari said.

She has been dancing since she was a toddler, first taking classes at Christ Church and learning ballet, tap, jazz, point and other styles.

Sidari opened her own studio, Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, in 1997 and she and her staff teach dance and creative arts.

For more information on her show Friday, click here.

19th person arrested in drug bust

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Kaylee M. Loiacono, 27, of Brockport was arrested on drug charges on Tuesday, bringing the number of people arrested in a recent drug bust to 19.

Loiacono, of 87 Willow Brook Apartments, was arraigned in Orleans County Court this afternoon. Judge James Punch set bail at $5,000.

She was charged with three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree, which are both Class B felonies.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force worked with law enforcement agencies in four counties in a 7-month investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills and marijuana in Orleans County.

The Task Force announced 17 arrests on Friday, with another person being arraigned on Monday.

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 29, 2015)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Lydia Scharlau, 9, of of Medina tries to answer a question from Bill Gerling, judge at the rabbit and cavy show on Tuesday. Lydia’s rabbit is named “Thomas O’Malley.”

Special Events
Senior Citizen Coffee, free coffee for senior citizens from 1-4 p.m., compliments of the Orleans County – 4-H Senior Council.

Daily Feature
New for 2015! The Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building, daily presentations at 6 p.m.

Daily Feature
Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building. 3-9 p.m.

8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens

9 a.m. Dressage Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 a.m. $5 Admission per car starts

10 a.m. All Buildings Open

10 a.m. Goat Show (Dairy, Companion, and Pack) – Knights Building

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with Al Howe (Food will be served at 12 pm) – Curtis Pavilion

12 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

1 p.m. Story Time by Community Free Library of Holley – Trolley Building

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Emily Cebula, Library Director at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville, reads the book Scrabble Creek during Story Time on Tuesday at the 2015 Orleans County 4-H Fair. Story Time is held at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. through Friday in the Trolley Building.

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – This year’s theme features a “Story Campsite” with a tent and forest scene. A child-sized picnic table setting that is part of the display is a 4-H fair entry. Members of the Adventurers 4-H club worked to decorate the area and made “sit-apons” for participants.

1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

1 to 3 p.m. The Nuts and Bolts of Nutrition with Extension EFNEP Educator Natalie. Interactive displays and demos – Trolley Building

1:30 to 3 p.m. Bread & Butter Making Demo and tasting – Trolley Building

1 p.m. Western NY 4-H District Clothing Revue – Orleanshub.com Stage

2 p.m. Poultry Knowledge Bowl – Wachob Pavilion

2 p.m. Meat Goat Show. Knight’s Building

2 p.m. Story Time by Community Free Library of Holley – Trolley Building

3 to 10 p.m. Midway Rides of Utica $20 unlimited rides wristband – Midway

3 p.m. Dog Knowledge Bowl – Orleanshub.com Stage

3 p.m. Fair Official Meeting – Fair Office

Photo by Tom Rivers – Some goats enjoy a meal at the fair on Tuesday.

4 p.m. Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Show Arena

4 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

4:30 p.m. “Question of Sanity: Hidden History of Women Serial Killers
in New York” Presentation by author Michael Keene.

5 p.m. BBQ Pulled Pork Dinner, Sponsored by Dance Theater.
Cost: $8 – Curtis Pavilion

5 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

5:30 to 8 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Watermelon Carving Contest Curtis Pavilion

5:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

6 p.m. Donut Eating Contest sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 p.m. Mounted Games Competition – Carlos Marcello Arena

6 p.m. Registration Ends for the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

6 p.m. Master Gardener Floral Design Contest (open to public) – Lartz Building

6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

6:30 p.m. Dairy Cattle Show – Show Arena

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Tractor Pull Course – Fair Office

Photo by Tom Rivers – Emma Ambrose of Medina and other riders in the hunter hack event wait for their turns to compete on Tuesday at the fair.

6:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

7 p.m. Rooster Crowing Contest – register at event – Wachob Pavilion

7 p.m. Spanish/English Story Time by Agribusiness Child Development – Trolley Building

7 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

8 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

9 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge – Orleanshub.com Stage

9 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

10 p.m. Buildings Close

10 p.m. Greased Pole Climbing Contest (teams must pre-register at the fair office) – Greased Pole

Hawley wants details on $4 billion airport project in NYC

Posted 29 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) is criticizing Gov. Cuomo’s intention to overhaul La Guardia Airport in Queens.

The project, announced Monday in New York City by Gov. Cuomo and Vice President Joe Biden, is estimated to cost roughly $4 billion and no details have been released on how New York will finance the major project.

“Infrastructure spending of this magnitude should better serve New York State as a whole, not just downstate and New York City residents,” Hawley said. “My district alone contains fifty-six percent of the Erie Canal system’s lift bridges and any discussion of infrastructure spending should include repair of upstate roads, bridges and highways.

“Many of my constituents rarely use La Guardia Airport, but they are being asked to help foot the bill so downstate residents can have more convenience when they travel. This is an exclusive and alienating way of governing, further opens the divide between upstate and downstate, and breeds resentment among upstate residents who continue to see their infrastructure crumble. I am calling on Gov. Cuomo to release a financial plan detailing this project and its financial burden on taxpayers.”

Governor urges precautions in extreme heat

Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The sun sets on Saturday night in this photo taken from the vineyard at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Route 104 in Medina.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to take precautions as high temperatures and humidity are being predicted throughout New York State this week. Temperatures are expected to top 90 degrees over the next few days in communities across the state.

“Temperatures are expected to climb significantly across the state this week, and it’s important for New Yorkers to take appropriate precautions,” Cuomo said. “I encourage everyone to remain indoors when possible, stay hydrated, and check on any neighbors who may need assistance. Together, we can make sure that everyone stays safe during the period of extreme heat.”

Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 650 preventable deaths in the United States each year.

In most years, excessive heat causes more deaths than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service statistics, there have been more than 80 deaths directly attributable to heat in New York State since 2006.

The expected high temperatures are prompting the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to offer New Yorkers tips to help them stay safe.

“Although excessive heat and humidity may seem like a normal part of summer, it needs to be taken very seriously, particularly for older individuals, infants and young children, and those participating in outdoor activities,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses so you know what to do if you or someone you know experiences heat-related health issues.”

To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, DOH and DHSES offer this advice:

Minimize, if possible, strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Exercise during early morning hours or in the evening, when the temperatures tend to be lower.

Drink at least 2-4 glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

If possible, stay out of the sun and seek air-conditioned settings. The sun heats the inner core of your body, which may result in dehydration. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a building with air conditioning (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, or friends’homes).

If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating of at least 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.

Never leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or other vehicles during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes.

Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially the elderly, infants and young children, or others with special needs.

Make sure there is enough water and food for pets and limit their exercise during periods of extreme temperatures.

Individuals who are often at greatest risk during periods of excessive heat include elderly persons, infants and small children; persons with weight or alcohol problems; and persons on certain medications or drugs.

Heat Health Hazards

Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke can be life threatening. Body temperature can rise and cause brain damage; death may result if the individual is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse, and shallow breathing. A cold bath or sponge can provide relief and lower body temperature.

Heat Exhaustion: While less dangerous than heat stroke, heat exhaustion poses health concerns and it most often occurs when people exercise too heavily or work in warm, humid places where body fluids are lost. Signals include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion. If symptoms occur, move the victim out of sun, and apply cool, wet cloths.

Sunburn: Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Signals include redness and pain; in severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, and headaches can occur. Ointments can be a relief for pain in mild cases. A physician should see serious cases. To protect yourself, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating of at least 15. Always re-apply sunscreen after periods of heavy sweating or swimming.

Heat Cramps: Muscular pains and spasms are often caused by heavy exertion. Loss of water and salt from sweating causes cramping. Signals are abdominal and leg muscle pain. Relief can be firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massages to relieve cramping. Remember to hydrate often while exercising or working outdoors.

Heat Rash: Skin irritation that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Try to move the person to a cool place, keep the affected area dry, and have the person use talcum powder to increase comfort.

Be Energy Smart

Power outages are more likely to occur during warm weather, when utility usage is at its peak. To avoid putting a strain on the power grid, conserve energy to help prevent power disruptions.

Set your air conditioner thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

Only use the air conditioner when you are home.

Turn non-essential appliances off. Only use appliances that have heavy electrical loads early in the morning or very late at night.

Drug bust grows to 18 people after Medina man arrested

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Medina man faces drug charges, and brings the total number of people arrested in a big drug bust to 18.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, working with law enforcement agencies in four counties, on Friday announced 17 people had been arrested following a 7-month investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills and marijuana in Orleans County. (Click here to see that initial report.)

The Task Force said on Friday more arrests were pending.

Henry Lattimer, 34, of West Center Street in Medina has been arrested since the drug bust announcement on Friday by the Task Force. Lattimer is charged with criminal possession and criminal sale of a controlled substance, both in the fifth degree, as well as criminal sale of marijuana in the fourth degree.

He was arraigned in Orleans County Court on Monday afternoon and Judge James Punch set bail at $50,000. (Lattimer will be fully arraigned on Thursday with assigned counsel.)

Some of the other defendants in the drug arrests also were arraigned in court on Monday, including:

Shane M. Maynard, 37, of 12801 Ridge Rd., Apt. B, in the Town of Gaines. He was arraigned on 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Maynard pleaded not guilty. He is in the county jail on $100,000 bail.

Diane M. Gallagher, 46, East Shelby Rd., Town of Shelby. She has been charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Gallagher pleaded not guilty on Monday during an arraignment. Judge Punch set her bail at $100,000.

Philip A. Riley, 32, of 110 West Bank St., Albion. He was arraigned on 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

He pleaded not guilty. He is in the county jail on $100,000 bail. Riley is currently on state parole.

Jennifer McCarthy-Conklin, 39, of 1 Thomas St., Holley. She was arraigned on 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

McCarthy-Conklin pleaded not guilty. She has posted $5,000 bail.

Bennie Coger, 63, of 525 West Ave,. Apt. 7, Medina. He has been charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in 3rd degree.

Coger is in the county jail on $100,000 bail. He is also currently on state parole.

Holley readies to take ownership of 8 houses in EPA possession

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – “The wheels are turning slowly,” Village of Holley Development Corporation Board President Daniel Schiavone told board members Monday evening.

He said changes made in an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency have been given a “blessing” by the village’s attorney – meaning village leaders should now be ready to sign the agreement allowing the eight “Diaz homes” in the village to become the property of the VHDC and then sold.

The EPA has owned the houses for about a decade. The houses were vacated by residents following a chemical leak from the former Diaz Chemical in January 2002. They have been cleaned and tested by the EPA and deemed safe, with the exception of high lead levels. Village officials want them back on the tax rolls.

“The agreement (to which minor changes were made) just came through today,” Schiavone noted during the board meeting.

“It is an involved process, don’t expect things to happen overnight,” Schiavone warned.

“It will happen,” he said, regarding the transition in ownership of the properties, “We’re just going to have to be patient.”

Schiavone also announced that the village has agreed to mow the lawns of the homes while the VHDC is in possession of them.

“That takes a great burden off our shoulders,” he said.

Questions were raised regarding any possible tax liens on the properties which might date to before the EPA purchased the homes. Additionally, board members briefly discussed options for selling the properties, including listing them with a realtor or selling them at auction and whether or not the properties need to be insured.

Board members hope to have answers to their questions in time for their next meeting, which they set for Aug. 31.

“This is gonna happen, they’re gonna be ours,” Schiavone said regarding the properties. “The wheels of the EPA will turn slowly, but they will turn. We need to be prepared to keep the ball rolling.”

Horses are popular at the fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – The 4-H horse program in Orleans County is seeing a resurgence, 4-H leaders say. There was a big group of riders competing today in the English Horse Show at the Carlos Marcello Arena.

Kelsie Johnstone of Holley, left, and the other riders wait to compete in the Hunter hack event, where horses need to complete two jumps. There were 16 participants in the senior division today.

Makenzie Ferranti of Holley is ready to compete in the English Horse Show.

Andrew Uderitz, 10, of Albion competes in the cross rails competition on his horse, Baylee. Andrew won the event for novice riders.

The riders and their horses are lined up in the show arena.

Horses and their riders aren’t the only ones being tested at the fair today. Jacques Gregoire, 12, of Murray competes in the Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship competition. Jacques is pictured with his Guinea Pig named “Bumpy.”

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 28, 2015)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Shady, a Siberian Husky owned by Megan Leight of Albion, waits in the show ring on Monday evening during the dog show. Another Siberian Husky is behind Shady.

Daily Feature – New for 2015 – the Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building, daily presentations at 6 p.m.

Daily Feature – Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building. 3-9 p.m.

8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens

9 a.m. English Horse Show -Carlos Marcello Arena

9:30 a.m. Dog Show (Classes 5-22 and C3) -Show Arena

10 a.m. $5 Admission per car starts

10 a.m. All Buildings Open

10 a.m. Horticulture I.D. Contest – Center Stage

12 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship – Wachob Pavilion

Five 4-H’ers compete in the junior showmanship contest with pigs on Monday evening. The group includes, from left: Jack Cecchini, Zachary Neal, Allison Mathes, Jayden Neal and Hunter Mathes. Jayden Neal of Albion was named champion junior showman of the competition.

1 p.m. Story Time with Yates Community Library of Lyndonville – Trolley Building

1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

1 to 3 p.m. The Nuts and Bolts of Nutrition with Extension EFNEP
Educator Natalie. Interactive displays and demos – Trolley Building

2 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest – Wachob Pavilion

2 p.m. Story Time with Yates Community Library of Lyndonville – Trolley Building

3 to 10 p.m. Midway Rides of Utica $20 unlimited ride wristbands – Midway

5 p.m. Beef Showmanship and Show – Show Arena

6 p.m. Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office

6 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Costume Class and Cloverbud Show – Wachob Pavilion

Sisters Janie Schutz, left, and Rylie Lear of Waterport compete in senior showman competition with pigs on Monday. Jayne Bannister came in first, with Janie in second and Rylie in third.

6 p.m. Master Gardener Presentation: Companion Plants – Lartz Building

6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

6:15 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Show – Wachob Pavilion

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Pedal Tractor Course – Fair Office

6:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile. Lawn South of the Knights Building

7 to 8:30 p.m. Local Entertainment Variety Acts. Orleanshub.com Stage

7 p.m. Spanish/English Story Time by Agribusiness Child Development – Trolley Building

8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile. Lawn South of the Knights Building

9 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge – Orleanshub.com Stage

10 p.m. Buildings Close

Medina Marching Band members are handling parking for the fair. Shelby Green, left, and Kody Leno direct a driver to an open spot on Monday. The band will be assisting with parking all six days of the fair.

Weather Channel warns of extreme heat today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The giant inflatable doughboy is pictured on Monday evening as the sun sets at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.

It’s going to be another hot day today, and the Weather Channel has issued an extreme heat alert for the area with temperatures forecast to reach 92 degrees with 0 chance of precipitation.

Wednesday is also forecast for a high of 92 degrees. The Weather Channel urges people to stay hydrated and to protect themselves from the blistering sun.

Patriot Guard remembers fallen soldier from Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Rob Podlaski, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, presents of a portrait of the Jason Johnston to his mother, Jenny Johnston, during opening ceremonies at the Orleans County 4-H Fair this evening.

Specialist Jason Johnston was 24 when he was killed in Afghanistan in the War on Terror on Dec. 26, 2009. Johnston was on his second deployment. He was also a paratrooper.

He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009. He was killed by a roadside bomb the day after Christmas.

Jenny Johnston holds the portrait of her son, Jason Johnston.

He was the first soldier from Albion killed in combat since Rick Engle was killed in Vietnam on Feb. 2, 1968.

The Patriot Guard Riders wanted Johnston’s family to know his sacrifice – their sacrifice – hasn’t been forgotten, Podlaski said.

The Patriot Guard presented a remembrance portrait to Johnston’s mother and sister, Heather Johnston, this evening. Heather accepted the portrait on behalf of Brad Johnston, her and Jason’s father.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, meets Jenny and Heather Johnston after the Patriot Guard presentation. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, also greets the family.

Ortt said “Gold Star” families deserve the community’s utmost respect.

“We owe a debt of gratitude for what he sacrificed,” Hawley said about Johnston.

The Patriot Guard joined local veterans during opening ceremonies for the fair.

About 30 members of the Patriot Guard attended the presentation in honor of Jason Johnston.

The Patriot Guard salutes during the opening ceremony.

Orleans sees biggest unemployment drop outside NYC in past year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am

The unemployment rate in Orleans County for June fell to 6.1 percent, down a full 1.0 percent from the 7.1 in June 2014.

That drop was biggest reduction in New York State outside of New York City, according to data from the State Department of Labor.

The 6.1 percent rate is slightly above the 6.0 percent rate in Orleans for May. In June, the county had 17,400 people working, up from 16,900 in June 2014. The number of people on unemployment dropped from 1,300 to 1,100 during that time, according to the Department of Labor.

Nationally the unemployment rate dropped from 6.3 percent in June 2014 to 5.5 percent last month. In New York, the state rate fell from 6.2 percent to 5.3 percent during that year.

In Western New York, Orleans has the highest unemployment rate. Other rates for June include: Genesee, 4.5 percent; Chautauqua, 6.0; Cattaraugus, 5.8; Erie, 5.2; Niagara, 5.6; Wyoming, 4.9; Monroe, 5.1; and Livingston, 5.3.

To see more on the Department of Labor report, visit www.labor.ny.gov.