By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Adelaide Pettit, 4, of Albion (left) and Aubrey Gannon, 7, of Albion ride the Spider at the Midway at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville on opening day.
Midway Rides of Utica has turned part of the fairgrounds into an amusement park.
Jayne Bannister of Point Breeze shows a pig during the pig showmanship competition, which she won.
Kasey Neal, 5, of Albion made her debut showing a pig at the fair on Monday. Kasey competed as a Clover Bud. Her older brothers were in the junior showmanship competition.
These Orleans County 4-H’ers – Alanna Gordon, left, and Payton Walters, both of Kendall – compete in a clothing review with a dress and tuxedo they made of duct tape.
Sara Stewart, 10, of Medina (left) and Abby Allen, 12, of Medina get Sara’s dog “Licorice” ready for the dog show on Monday. Licorice is a Border Collie-Lab mix.
Megan Blackburn of Medina keeps her Dalmatian “Bella” calm during Monday’s dog show competition that tested 4-H’ers’ grooming and handling of the animals.
Liliana Goebel and Marli Thrash, both of Albion, perform a dance duet during Monday’s talent show.
Allison Mathes competes in the junior showmanship competition with a pig. She came in third place.
NY also commits $250M to initiative expected to have ripple effect in Upstate economy
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was joined today by Vice President Joe Biden to announce that New York has been selected by the Department of Defense to lead a prestigious, multi-state Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation.
The selection is part of a White House initiative to secure the United States’ global leadership in emerging technology research, development, and manufacturing.
Photonics harnesses the power of light to move data at great speeds, and the research done at the new Institute will integrate photonics components to revolutionize computer chips, making them faster, smaller, and more reliable with a wide range of applications, including medical technology, defense, telecommunications, the Internet, and information technology.
A $110 million federal grant awarded to the SUNY Polytechnic-led “American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics” will support a high-tech consortium with business operations, a company incubator and accelerator, workforce training, and board of directors headquartered in Rochester.
Total public and private investment in the Photonic Institute will exceed $600 million, including more than $250 million by New York State to equip, install, and make operational a state-of-the-art photonics prototyping operation. The institute’s work will create and support thousands of advanced research and manufacturing jobs across Upstate and the United States and lead to major advances within a wide range of practical applications.
“New York has always been a leader when it comes to thinking big about what tomorrow holds – and today in Rochester, we’re seeing an even brighter vision for what the future will be,” Cuomo said. “This announcement is proof that the best is yet to come for New York’s high-tech industries. We’ve turned our economy around, we’re making the investments to keep it going, and this new Institute is another example of how Rochester is the vision for the economy of the future. I thank President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Ash Carter for recognizing New York’s potential and joining us to make this announcement possible.”
Establishing this first-ever photonics consortium will create a New York-led national infrastructure that is widely accessible and financially self-sustaining. It is designed to scale into the future; ensuring innovation is based on new technology developed in the United States.
Additional operations will be headquartered at the SUNY Polytechnic Albany NanoTech Campus in addition to the business headquarters in Rochester, leading to the attraction of thousands of high tech jobs to the Rochester area and across Upstate.
“A new tech era officially begins in Rochester today. By combining the academic and research resources of the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, with the hundreds of New York photonics companies; Rochester is now well-positioned to lead the way in this cutting-edge industry,” said U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer.
The Photonics Institute consists of more than 50 companies, 20 universities, 33 community colleges, and 16 non-profit organizations across 20 states including California and Massachusetts.
Advanced photonics research will be centered at the SUNY Poly nanotechnology megaplex in Albany, SUNY Poly’s Canal Ponds and Smart Technology and Commercialization facilities in Rochester and Canandaigua, the University of Rochester, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to the Department of Defense, the Institute will work closely with government partners, including the Departments of Energy and Commerce, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.
In order to maximize job creation and economic growth there was a strong focus on recruiting small and medium sized businesses, as well as start-ups. Resources will also be used for workforce training initiatives with the consortium’s community college partners and other programs including K-12 to help meet the growing demand in photonics and STEM-enabled careers.
“Headquartering a multi-state photonics center in the city of Rochester is a once-in-a-generation win for New York State and a testament to SUNY’s capacity to advance cutting-edge technologies and foster innovation,” said State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “We look forward to partnering with our colleagues in higher education, government, and the private sector on this initiative, which will ensure that our students and faculty remain at the forefront of innovation in New York and across the country.”
Provided photo – Capt. Garret Farman relieves Capt. Michael Ballou as 28th commanding officer of the U.S. Navy repair facility in Japan. The Ship Repair Facility Japan Regional Maintenance Center provides ship maintenance and modernization to Pacific Fleet Type Commanders using advanced industrial techniques to keep the Seventh Fleet operationally ready. Photo by Michelle Bridges, Ship Repair Facility Japan Regional Maintenance Center Public Affairs.
By Alicia Akashi, SRF-JRMC Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Captain Garrett Farman relieved Captain Michael Ballou as U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) Yokosuka’s commanding officer at a change of command ceremony on July 10.
SRF-JRMC is a full-service ship repair facility providing maintenance, modernization, docking, fly-away and emergency repairs for U.S. Navy vessels. The SRF-JRMC mission is to “Keep the Seventh Fleet Operationally Ready.”
Captain Farman is the son of Robert and Patricia Farman of Medina. A 1986 graduate of Medina High School, Captain Farman attended the University of Rochester, earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
He was commissioned through the University of Rochester Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1990. He was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School in 2000.
Captain Farman is an Engineering Duty Officer involved with the design, acquisition, construction, repair, maintenance, conversion, overhaul and disposal of ships, submarines, aircraft carriers and the systems on those platforms.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOLWESVILLE – The livestock, 4-H’ers and many vendors have arrived and are ready for a busy week at the Orleans County 4-H Fair, which starts today and runs until Saturday night.
The top photo shows Joseph Cecchini, 11, of Medina cleaning a cow this morning at a new wash rack.
The wash rack was a popular place to be this morning. The new wash rack replaces a wooden one. There is also a concrete floor and better drainage.
“It’s way better,” Nicky Farruggia, 16, of Holley said about the new wash rack. In past years, she had to stand in mud to clean her cows.
Zack Farruggia, 17, of Holley cleans a cow this morning. Zack and four of his siblings will be showing animals at the fair this week, including the Dairy Show at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Kelsey Evoy, 19, of Medina cleaned out her horse stall as part of the morning chore routine.
Owen Shaw (left), 10, of Kent had his rabbit, Raven, out to play this morning, to the delight of Aiden Gerling, 4, of Lyndonville. The rabbits are in the Wachob Building, which has a new concrete floor.
The 4-H Senior Council Stand opened at 8 a.m. and James White, a candidate for County Legislature, was inside cooking pancakes. He is pictured with Brandon Stewart, a 4-H member from Spencerport.
White is dating Kristen Marciszewski of Lyndonville. Her mother Dawn Marciszewski helps manage the morning crew of volunteers at the stand.
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Nine bands performed in the second annual “Rock the Park” fund-raiser for Bullard Park on Saturday, including the band driVen. Mike “Thunder” Warren, right, and Dylan DeSmit are pictured performing with that band under the main pavilion at Bullard.
DeSmit and Zach Burgess helped line up the bands for Saturday. The event also included 53 vendors and a festival-like atmosphere.
Tyler Dixon, 5, of Barre Center has fun with a bubble gun.
Two bounce houses and a big slide were popular with kids.
Jonathan Judd, 11, gets ready to hit the target at the dunk tank. His mother, Tracy Judd-LaGalbo, was among the many volunteers who took a turn in the tank with all proceeds going to the park.
Kara Pitcher of Middleport was one of 53 vendors at the park on Saturday. She owns Legendary Dog Treats. Besides selling dog treats, she also sold dog feeders designed by her father, Danny Pitcher.
Annette Tamul of Albion organized the vendors. She has many contacts among vendors because she sells wickless waxes and warmers.
Tamul was living in South Carolina and moved back to Albion about three years ago. She noticed how much of the old playground equipment had been removed due to safety issues, without new equipment being added.
“We have all of this space to utilize,” Tamul said about the park.
The village has twice tried for state grants and been denied. It is trying again this year for park upgrades, including a new splash pad. In the meantime, Tamul said the community needs to try to raise funds to improve the popular spot on Route 31.
The band Zero closed out the music festival on Saturday with Zack Burgess, center, as the lead singer. Dylan DeSmit, left, is on lead guitar and vocals, and Brad Maxon on bass. Dan Ryan plays the drums.
The first “Rock the Park” was at the Elks Club last year. Organizers wanted to move the event to Bullard this time and add more activities.
Zero performs under the main pavilion.
Dylan DeSmit played with three bands at Rock the Park on Saturday: Delano Steele, driVen, and Zero.
Legislation, passed on 25th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act, is first for Sen. Ortt
ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo today signed two pieces of legislation that strengthen the state’s support of people with disabilities.
The legislation was sponsored by State Sen. Rob Ortt and is his first legislation to become law since he replaced George Maziarz in th Senate on Jan. 1. Ortt serves as chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.
He said the legislation is important to military members, and important to those in the disabled community.
“It ensures that the state’s laws and programs for people with developmental disabilities are better equipped to support those individuals in military families,” Ortt said in a message posted on his Facebook page. “This legislation shows our members of the Armed Forces that they are not forgotten. This signing coincides with today’s 25th anniversary of the ADA, which makes it all the more special. I am honored to be able to help give back to those who protect and serve our nation, as well as support individuals with developmental disabilities.”
The two pieces of legislation signed into law today by the governor are: A.136-A/S.1405 – This law codifies protections for people with disabilities who are refused access to places of public accommodation (such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, recreation or entertainment venues and hospitals).
The law clarifies that it is discriminatory for an operator – public or private – to refuse to remove certain architectural or communication barriers in these spaces. It also eliminates an exception for the barrier removal requirement for public libraries.
S.5630-A/A.7766-A – This law directs the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to examine state laws and regulations pertaining to military family members and suggest any necessary improvements to make those laws and regulations better serve the families of people with developmental disabilities.
The law also directs OPWDD to study this issue in consultation with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the State Education Department.
Cuomo today also signed a proclamation marking the 25th anniversary of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Today, New York is continuing to protect the rights and liberties of people with disabilities,” Cuomo saids. “These two pieces of legislation build on our administration’s support for people with disabilities and make New York a better place to live and work for communities across the state. I am proud to honor the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and look forward to furthering the cause of equality for all people.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2015 at 12:00 am
50 vendors are also selling food, crafts and merchandise
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Gregg Albertson kicks off the “Rock the Park” music festival at Bullard Park today. Albertson, a solo musician, sings “Billie Jean.”
Albertson performed under the main pavilion at the park on Route 31 from 11 to 11:50 a.m.
Albertson and the other musicians are all performing for free today, hoping to draw a crowd and donations to upgrade Bullard with new playground equipment. The village is also seeking a grant for a spray park and other amenities for Bullard.
The lineup of musicians today includes:
Delano Steele, noon to 12:50 p.m.
Fuze, 1:05 to 1:55 p.m.
DriVen, 2:10 to 3 p.m.
Break with beer tent setup from 3 to 4 p.m.
Whiskey Rebellion, 4 to 5 p.m.
Bobby Skrzypek and the Pedestrians, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Flipside, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Justin Crossett Band, 7:45 to 9:15 p.m.
Zero, 9:30 to 11 p.m.
There are about vendors at the park selling merchandise, food and produce. There are also two bounce houses.
Ron Albertson wears a Rock the Park 2 shirt for today’s event. Albertson helped organize the event, along with other members of the Albion Lions Club and Bullard Park supporters.
Sarah Brigham, left, has plenty of baked goods and sweets available. She is the owner of S-n-L Sweet Escapes in Albion. Lisa Stratton (right), owner of the Hazy Jade Gift Shop, also has merchandise for sale at Bullard Park today.
Danielle Schmidt, left, is pictured with a llama and Alexis Bentley holds an alpacca. WARM-B Acres in Albion also brought along a miniature donkey and goats for kids to see.
John Keding works the grill for the Albion Lions Club.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A rainbow stretches long on the horizon after a morning rain today. This photo is looking down State Street in Albion and shows the Presbyterian Church.
The sandstone spire of the church reaches 175 feet high, making it the tallest building in Orleans County.
The columns at the courthouse are pictured with the rainbow.
Today is forecast for a high of 83. There shouldn’t be too much rain after 10 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Sunday should be mostly sunny with a high of 83, followed a by a high of 86 on Monday, 88 on Tuesday and 88 on Wednesday.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 25 July 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Taken in 1932, this image shows a procession at St. Mary’s Assumption Parish in the Village of Albion.
Located at the intersection of Brown and Moore Streets, we see a number of men lining up in the street with a number of parishioners exiting the front of the church. Considering the clothing worn by those exiting the church, this is likely an image of a First Holy Eucharist celebration.
At the time, the parish had several societies for men and women. The banner, front and center, depicts the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus and reads, “Queen Confessors, Pray for Us.” On the obverse side is an image of St. Joseph, which reads, “Society of St. Joseph, February 1, 1903, Albion, New York.”
The beautiful handmade banner was constructed of green cloth with gold braiding and accents. The banner carried behind represented the Sacred Heart Society.
The buildings located along the left side of the street were torn down in the 1950s. The space is currently used as a parking lot. The Cobblestone Museum received the 1903 Society of St. Joseph banner as part of a generous donation in December of 2014.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – This house was built in 1893 at the corner of East State and Platt streets as the manse for the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.
ALBION – I have admired Phil and Harriette Greaser’s house in Albion for many years. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s part of the Courthouse Square District, which includes 34 sites on the National Register, including seven churches.
The Greasers were often out on the front porch together. I would wave, and compliment them on their house. They told me I could get a tour sometime.
I didn’t pursue a tour until Thursday. I wish I had tried harder sooner. Mr. Greaser passed away at age 88 on June 30.
The house has several oval-shaped windows that face the Courthouse and other historic sites in Albion. Mrs. Greaser says this is the half-moon window.
The Greasers bought the house from the Presbyterian Church in 1987. It had been the church manse, the home for the pastor, since the house was built in 1893.
The Greasers were downsizing after restoring a 22-room house in Eagle Harbor that they called “The Four Chimneys.”
The house in Albion was designed by acclaimed Rochester architect Andrew Jackson Warner. It was constructed in the Queen Anne style.
“To have this architecture – an Andrew Jackson Warner house in Albion – was a great privilege to take on,” Mrs. Greaser said.
Harriette Greaser is pictured with the staircase made of golden oak.
The Greasers would transform the house, scraping away paint and bringing back woodwork. They planted trees, hedges and a big garden of flowers and vegetables.
The Landmark Society of Western New York took notice and gave the couple a Historic Home award in 2002. In 2007, their house was featured in a Rochester magazine.
The reception room in the Greaser home puts the woodwork on display. The house includes red birch, golden oak and cucumber wood.
Mr. Greaser grew up in Pennsylvania, the son of a Baptist minister. He moved to Holley when he was 20 after serving in the Navy. His father was leading the Baptist church there at the time.
Phil Greaser would work 37 years for Kodak. He and his wife were married for 51 years and they raised four children.
He loved architecture, music and literature. One of the rooms in the house includes his library. He liked to read by a window while birds fluttered nearby outside.
The library at the Greaser home lets in lots of natural light from the windows.
Phil Greaser enjoyed the many birds that were in the backyard at the Greaser property in Albion. His children gave him the stained-glass artwork for his 80th birthday.
The house in the village, across from the Courthouse and next to the Presbyterian Church, proved convenient. Mrs. Greaser is the organist at the Holy Family Catholic Parish. Her husband was the organist for more than 50 years at the First Baptist Church.
They each have a piano in the house. Mr. Greaser played a Steinway and his wife a Knabe. She continues to teach piano lessons from her home.
After years in the country, the couple enjoyed the easy access to the library, Post Office, grocery store and other amenities in the village.
But the Greasers weren’t used to such a public location, especially when they were out weeding and doing other yard work.
Harriette Greaser is pictured in the backyard of the property at 31 East State St., where she and her husband created a garden with numerous types of flowers, as well as a sandstone walkway. The yard used to be all grass.
Many pedestrians pass by each day on Platt and East State streets. Mrs. Greaser is aware of the location’s prominent spot in a historic district and busy part of the community.
“This is a very public place and the grounds need to showcase the house,” Mrs. Greaser said. “It’s wrong to have a house like this and not invest it.”
She and her husband preferred to spend money on bushes, flowers and the landscape, rather than go out for dinner.
Mr. Greaser loved Daylilies, his wife said. They have Daylilies in several different colors.
About 20 years ago a man stopped by the Greasers and offered them this sandstone bench, thinking it would go nicely with their backyard. The couple gratefully accepted.
Mr. Greaser took on many of the building projects at the house himself. He and his wife did lots of scraping, and Mr. Greaser liked to pick reproduction wallpaper to give the interior a feel from a century ago.
His wife said the community is fortunate to have contractors who can skillfully work on historic houses. They hired Panek Coatings to paint the house on three different occasions. Steve Ernst has helped them with some of the bigger projects, especially with the chimneys.
The front room has windows with refracted glass that send bursts of light in different directions throughout the day.
“The light comes in and just sparkles,” Mrs. Greaser said.
Mrs. Greaser said she and her husband enjoyed the house, tending to details inside and outside.
They enjoyed sitting in the patio, chatting with their friends and family.
She was asked why she and her husband tried so hard to decorate the house and keep it up.
“It’s your home,” she replied. “It’s want you want to live in and be surrounded by.”
The Greasers preserved many of the historical features of the house, including this communication system within the home. People could talk to each other from the top to bottom floors with these phones mounted on the walls.
Builders of the house didn’t cut corners with the woodwood. The Greasers also kept many plants inside the house, including one that hangs from the top staircase.
This plaque notes the house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Provided photos – Law enforcement officers are at the scene of an alleged meth lab on East Shelby Road in the Town of Shelby on Thursday.
ALBION – Local law enforcement officers have arrested 17 people following a 7-month investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills and marijuana in Orleans County, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported this afternoon.
The arrests were made in the past several weeks. The investigation included four search warrant executions, including at two meth labs on early Thursday morning, the Task Force reported.
Police seized quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, precursors and equipment for manufacturing methamphetamine, a loaded 45-caliber pistol, more than $14,000 in cash, scales, packaging and other drug paraphernalia.
The following were arrested:
Junior Mateo
Charles Santiago
Aimee Santiago
Philip Ayala
Brooke Wenner
Delmus Tanner
Kuyanna Kuyal
Brandon Honore
Diane Gallagher
Philip Riley
Jennifer McCarthy-Conklin
Joshua Lopez
Bennie Coger
Xavier Hand
Junior Mateo, 36, of 734 Arnette Blvd., Rochester. He was charged with 5 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Additionally a search warrant was executed and Mateo is charged in Monroe County with criminal possession of marijuana in the 2nd degree and criminal possession a weapon in the 2nd degree. He is being held in Monroe County Jail on $15,000 bail and was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge James Punch, who set additional bail of $50,000.
Charles A. Santiago, 27, 0f 214 North Main St., Albion. He was charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of marijuana in the third degree (Class E felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
As a result of a search warrant, Santiago is also charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, 1 count of criminal possession of marijuana in the 4th degree, and 3 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st degree.
He was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge Punch and comitted to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Aimee L. Santiago, 28, of 214 North Main St., Albion. She was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of marijuana in the 4th degree, 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, and 3 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st degree.
She was arraigned in the Albion Town Court byTown Justice Joseph Fuller and committed to the Orleans County Jail on $1,000 bail.
Philip R. Ayala, 30, of 136 Summit St., Batavia. He was charged with 6 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in 3rd degree, and 4 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County indictment warrant.
Ayala was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and was committed to the County Jail on $200,000 bail.
Ayala is currently awaiting sentencing in Genesee County for a felony drug charge and is facing more drug charges in Genesee County as a result of a search warrant execution.
Brooke M. Wenner, 30, 0f 136 Summit St., Batavia. She was charged with 4 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 (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
She was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $25,000 bail.
Delmus R. Tanner, 35, of 6619 Lake Rd., Bergen. He was charged with 9 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, 9 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 4th degree, and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (Class B, C and D felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
Tanner was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and was committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Kuyanna G. Kuyal, 19, of 6619 North Lake Rd., Bergen. She was charged with 1 count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
She was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $1,000 bail.
Brandon A. Honore, 30, of 247 East Park St., Albion. He was 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 the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
Honore was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and comitted to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Diane M. Gallagher, 46, 5079 East Shelby Rd., Town of Shelby. She was 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 (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Gallagher was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Philip A. Riley, 32, of 110 West Bank St., Albion. He was 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 the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
Riley was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail. Riley is currently on state parole and a state parole warrant was filed with the Orleans County Jail.
Jennifer McCarthy-Conklin, age 39, of 1 Thomas St., Holley. She was 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 the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
McCarthy-Conklin was arragined in County Court by Judge Punch and was committed to the County Jail on $5,000 bail.
Joshua Lopez, 36, of 13 Adam St., Apt. B, Lockport. He was charged with 1 count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Lopez was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Bennie Coger, 63, of 525 West Ave,. Apt. 7, Medina. He was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degee, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in 3rd degree (Class B felonies).
Coger was arraigned in the Ridgeway Town Ccourt by Town Justice Joseph Kujawa. Coger was committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail. He is also currently on state parole and a state parole warrant was filed with the Orleans County Jail.
Xavier Hand, 18, of 329 South Ave., Medina. He was charged with 1 count of criminal sale of marijuana in the 4th degree, and 1 count of criminal sale of marijuana in the fifth degree.
Hand was arraigned in Ridgeway Town Court by Town Justice Joseph Kujawa and committed to County Jail on $5,000 bail. Hand is also currently on Probation with Orleans County Probation.
The following 3 arrests are the result of an investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine in Orleans County.
On Thursday the Major Felony Crime Task Force, the New York State PoliceS.O.R.T. (Special Operation Response Team) and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department executed two search warrants of suspected meth labs, 4706 East Shelby Rd. in Shelby and 12801 Ridge Rd., Apt. A, in Gaines, the Task Force reported.
Law enforcement determined that a camping trailer located at 4706 East Shelby Rd. did contain an active meth lab and was occupied by two individuals at the time, the Task Force said.
The East Shelby Fire Department also responded to the scene as a precaution while the lab was dismantled and processed by law enforcement.
Police seized more than 5 ounces of methamphetamine, numerous items used to produce and manufacture methamphetamine and numerous other items associated with the sale, distribution, and use of controlled substances.
The following were arrested:
Joshua Miller
Arika Grosskopf
Shane Maynard
Joshua L. Miller, 35, of 4706 East Shelby Rd., Medina. He was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (Class A II felony), 5 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (Class D felonies), 5 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (Class D felonies), 1 count of unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the 3rd degree (Class D felony), and 1 count of criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine (Class E felony).
Miller was arraigned in Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Dawn Keppler and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Arika Grosskopf, 34, of 20 State St., Middleport. She was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (Class A II felony), 1 count of unlawful manufacture of a methamphetamine in the 3rd degree (Class D felony), and 1 count of criminal possession of precursors of methampetamine (Class E felony).
Grosskopf was arraigned in Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Dawn Keppler and committed to the County Jail on $10,000 bail.
Shane M. Maynard, 37, 0f 12801 Ridge Rd., Apt. B, in the Town of Gaines. He was charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felonies), and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Maynard was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
The above arrests and search warrants were a culmination of several investigations by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force over the past 7 months. Several law enforcement agencies assisted the Task Force, including the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Albion Police Department, the Holley Police Department, the Medina Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the Orleans County Jail, the Genesee County Drug Task Force, the Batavia Police Department, the New York State Police Special Operation Response Team, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the City of Lockport Police Department.
This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are pending, the Task Force reported.
RIDGEWAY – The Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education donated $852 on Thursday to Camp Rainbow.
Pattie Kepner, left, oversees the camp for The Arc of Orleans County, where she is director of quality and family services. Theresa Price presented the check on behalf of ABATE, which raised the funds from a recent golf tournament. The money will likely be used for a new solar cover for the pool at the camp.
Camp Rainbow serves about 100 children with and without disabilities in a 5-week summer program. The camp is located on Townline Road in Ridgeway.
ABATE has been a regular donor to The Arc since 1999, Arc officials said.
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrest of Michael W. Conlon, 36, of Holley in connection with the theft of several All-Terrain Vehicles and motorized dirt bikes.
Conlon’s arrest comes as a result of a lengthy investigation that dates back to April of this year. These thefts were the proceeds of burglaries committed at different locations in the towns of Albion, Barre and Gaines.
The approximate total value of these machines easily exceeds $10,000. In all but one instance, the vehicles were taken out of the county and sold for cash.
Conlon is facing three counts of Burglary 3rd Degree, two counts of Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, and one count of Grand Larceny 4th Degree. He is currently being held in the Orleans County Jail, in lieu of bail.
A second arrest was made in connection with one of these incidents. Brittnie Engle, 28, of Albion is facing one count of Burglary 3rd Degree and one count of Grand Larceny 3rd Degree. She is also being held at the county jail in lieu of bail.
This investigation is on-going and additional charge(s) may be forthcoming. The investigation is being conducted by Investigators S.E. Brett & K.M. Strickland Jr.
