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Medina community has highest combined tax rate in region

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2016 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – This photo shows Brunner International on Bates Road in Ridgeway. The side of the road where Brunner is located is outside the village, while the other side is in the village with an additional tax rate of $17.30 per $1,000 of assessed property.

MEDINA – The Medina community has the highest tax rate in the region, and Holley and Albion aren’t too far behind, according to a report today from the Empire Center.

The Empire Center looked at communities with the highest combined tax rates – village, town, county, school, libraries and other special districts.

The Village of Medina in the Town of Shelby has the highest combined tax rate at $58.19 per $1,000 of assessed property. The Empire Center’s study is based on tax rates in 2014.

The Village of Medina in Ridgeway had the second highest tax rate, $57.93, in the Finger Lakes Region, which includes nine counties. Medina has been on top of the list of highest tax rates for several years in the Finger Lakes.

Orleans communities take five of the top 11 spots in the Finger Lakes. The Village of Holley (Town of Murray, Holley Central School and Orleans County taxing jurisdictions) ranked fourth with combined tax rates of $55.08. The Village of Albion in Gaines is eighth at $51.29 and the Village of Albion in the Town of Albion is 11th at $50.53.

“The ‘all-in’ property tax bill is often a key factor in locational decisions by individuals and businesses,” the Empire Center states in the report. “In addition, the tax data point to an inverse relationship between effective tax rates and property values, with high effective rates often correlating to low median home values.”

Sloan in Erie County has the distinction of the highest combined tax rate in the state at $64.46 per $1,000 of assessed property. Several villages in Allegany County top the Medina rate: Wellsville, $63.71; Alfred, $63.17; Andover, $63.09; and Bolivar, $60.79.

Most of the most tax-oppressed communities are villages. Orleans Hub has written about the big disparity in state funding for villages compared to cities. That is one driver of the higher tax rates for villages, compared to cities.

The Orleans villages also receive a small share of the local sales tax portion. About $15 million in local sales tax is generated annually in Orleans County. The county government keeps about 92 percent of that money with only about $400,000 shared among the four villages. Other counties, such as Genesee, share far more of the sales tax with villages and towns. Genesee keeps 50 percent for the county government, and shares the other half with the City of Batavia, and Genesee villages and towns.

Former Medina Mayor Andrew Meier pushed for dissolution of the village government, saying it would knock down the tax burden on village residents by about $6 per $1,000 of assessed property. Village residents rejected dissolution, 949-527, in a Jan. 20, 2015 vote.

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Fire damages garage in Medina

Staff Reports Posted 9 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – This two-story garage in Medina ta 342 South Ave. was damaged around midnight in a fire.

MEDINA – Firefighters were dispatched at 11:58 p.m. last night to a garage fire at 342 South Ave.

Medina, Shelby and Lyndonville firefighters worked to put out the fire. Damage is estimated at $2,500 to the contents and structure. There were no injuries to any residents or firefighters. The fire was determined to be accidental in nature and caused by careless disposal of smoking material, said Steve Cooley, public information officer for Medina Fire Department.

“No working smoke detectors were found in this structure,” he said. “We would like to remind all residents the importance of having multiple smoke detectors on all levels of your home, garage and any other out buildings.”

State corrections officer arrested for selling drugs

Staff Reports Posted 9 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Ronald W. Standish Jr.

ALBION – A corrections officer at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a medium-security men’s prison on Gaines Basin Road, has been charged with selling drugs, although law enforcement officials say it’s “undetermined at this time” if the corrections officer was providing drugs to inmates.

Ronald W. Standish Jr., 32, of Holley Road in Albion was arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin and cocaine in Albion.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the Albion Police Department K9 Unit executed a search warrant at Standish’s residence. As a result, investigators with the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office arrested Standish on numerous sale and possession charges.

Standish was charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies).

He was arraigned in Albion Town Court by Justice Joseph Fuller. Standish was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. He is to return back to Town Court on Friday at 9 a.m.

Standish has been a correction officer for approximately four years.

“This investigation is ongoing,” said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force. “It’s undetermined at this time if Standish was supplying drugs to inmates within the prison. The New York State Department of Correctional Services Inspector General’s Office is assisting in this investigation.”

5 have minor injuries after 2-vehicle accident on 31 in Murray

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 11:09 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Five people were taken by ambulance for minor injuries after a two-vehicle accident this morning on Route 31 between Holley and Hulberton roads.

The driver of this van was headed westbound when the van crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a pickup truck that swerved to avoid a head-on collision, a state trooper said.

Eric Smith, left, of Glenside Auto in Holley works with Holley firefighter Fran Gaylord to tow the van, which had four occupants who all had minor injuries and were taken by Monroe Ambulance for medical treatment.

The state trooper at the scene said it is unknown why the driver of the van crossed into the opposite lane. The trooper said the accident could have been far worse if it had been a head-on collision.

The trooper was working on a report of the accident and wasn’t ready to release names of those involved.

The driver of this truck swerved to avoid the van, but was hit in the back of the truck on the passenger side. The collision knocked the rear axle off the truck.

Rich Gallo, in safety vest, is fiance of the driver, Michelle Hampton of Murray. (Gallo shared her name with the Orleans Hub after texting Hampton.) Gallo said he is thankful the accident wasn’t worse. He is pictured trying to move the rear axle with Joe Morlino (center) of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company and Louie Lustumbo, owner of TLC Auto Recycling in Kuckville.

The accident at 9:32 a.m. closed Route 31 between Holley and Hulberton roads for about an hour.

Santa Hall of Fame to induct Christmas Park Santa from Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am

George Cond

ALBION – In 2010 the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame was established in Santa Claus, Ind. The inaugural class included Charles W. Howard, the Albion resident who started a Santa Claus School in 1937. He ran that school until his death in 1966.

Each year, a new class of Santas are inducted into the Hall of Fame and the 2015 group includes another Santa from Albion: George Cond. He portrayed Santa at Christmas Park, which was developed by Howard on Phipps Road by the Santa Claus School.

Cond will be formally inducted into the Santa Claus Hall of Fame next month during a Santa Convention in Branson, Missouri. The convention was in Albion last year. The event will be in Branson from July 6-10 and about 1,000 Santas from around the world are expected. (Click here for more on the Santa conference in Branson.)

A committee reviews nominations for the Santa Hall of Fame and Cond was selected. He joins a Hall of Fame class that includes Ed Asner, who played Santa on the big screen. (Click here for more on the new Hall of Fame inductees.)

Ed Asner

Cond was born in 1925 and lived until 1996. He is best known as the man who portrayed Santa Claus at Charles W. Howard’s Christmas Park in Albion, according to Cond’s Hall of Fame announcement.

“A student of Howard’s Santa Claus School, Cond assumed the role of Santa at Christmas Park in late 1950s and continued until the close of the park in 1966,” according to the Hall of Fame. “With Howard busy as the Executive Director and away on business during the Christmas Season, Cond handled most of the day-to-day Santa appearances throughout the park. He appeared in and around the Western New York State region on behalf of Christmas Park.”

Phil Wenz is spokesman for the Hall of Fame. He also was in the inaugural Hall of Fame class and portrays Santa full-time throughout the year at Santa’s Village Theme Park in Dundee, Illinois. Wenz also coordinated the convention in Albion last year.

“George Cond probably played Santa in Albion more than Charlie Howard,” Wenz said in an interview. “George was the day-to-day operational Santa. Charlie was a national star and George was more local. But to be Charlie’s hand chosen Santa that had to be a great honor.”

Cond also modeled Santa Claus suits for the Santa Claus Suit and Equipment Company owner Elizabeth W. Babcock in the 1970s and 1980s. Cond continued to make special Santa appearances to local families and events through the 1990s.

(Editor’s note: If anyone has pictures of Cond as Santa, please send them to news@orleanshub.com.)

Medina band wins several 1st place awards at Gorham

Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Seniors in the Medina Marching Band hold some of the trophies the band won during the 55th Gorham Band Pageant.

Courtesy of Medina Marching Band

MEDINA – The Marcus Whitman Central School District held its 55th Gorham Band Pageant June 3-4 with 16 schools participating, including eight in the parade.

Medina’s Middle and High School jazz bands took 1st place. Medina’s Middle School concert band and the High School Wind Ensemble also won 1st.

There was no grand champion this year, but the bands were divided into 3 classes and each had a class champion with Medina winning first from medium-sized schools. Other winners include: Small school, South Seneca; Large, Baldwinsville.

Medina also won awards for best color guard, best HS jazz soloist with Medina’s 2 trombone players, Kyla Leno and Meghan Allen; best jazz brass and rhythm and woodwinds.

The Robert Steele award was started in 1994 and named after Jim Steele’s father who was the band director in Gorham for 37 years and started this pageant. This year’s recipient was Kimberly Lyons, a Marcus Whitman booster.

The Medina Band program is under the direction of Jim Steele and assisted by Rebecca Botsford. The official end of this season is marked by the band banquet on June 11.

Lyndonville simulates DWI crash to warn students about dangers of drunk driving

Staff Reports Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

LYNDONVILLE – The school district and local firefighters worked together this morning to simulate a drunk driving accident, trying to send a strong message to students to not drink and drive at Friday’s prom or at upcoming graduation parties.

Lyndonville has put on the exercise annually in June to urge students to show good judgement and show responsibility when they get behind the wheel.

Some Lyndonville students wore makeup to look bloodied with injuries as part of the DWI simulation this morning. The students are pictured with local firefighters who extricated students from the vehicles.

Students watch firefighters work to get students out of the vehicles.

Injuries in head-on collision in Barre

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Three people were taken to the hospital after a head-on collision at about 4:30 p.m. today on Route 31A in Barre, near the Clarendon town line.

The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu LT at right crossed the center line and side-swiped one vehicle and hit the Chrysler Town and Country head-on, Deputy Tom Marano said at the scene.

Dyllan Adamo, 25, of Albion was driving the Malibu. He was taken by Mercy Flight helicopter for medical treatment as a precaution. Marano said Adamo had bruising in the abdomen.

Elizabeth Baker of Holley was driving the Town and Country and appears to have suffered a broken ankle. She was taken by Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance to Strong West.

Marano said the crash is under investigation.

This Chevrolet Impala was also hit on the side by Adamo. The driver, Preston Stone of Albion, didn’t appear to suffer any injuries but was taken by ambulance to Strong West as a precaution.

Barre firefighter James Neal watches Mercy Flight take off from a field along Route 31A.

Strawberry Fest Race will help pay for walking trail at Bullard

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Brian Krieger wears one of the T-shirts for this Saturday’s Strawberry Festival 5k/8k.

ALBION – Organizers of this Saturday’s 26th annual Strawberry Festival 5k/8k will set aside some of the proceeds from the race to help develop a walking trail at Bullard Park.

That crusher-run trail with a dust screen is planned for the perimeter of the park. It could go ½ mile to ¾ mile depending on the funds available for the project. The trail could take a wider loop close to Sandy Creek for the bigger route.

“Cost will dictate what we can and can’t do,” said Brian Krieger, race director and executive director of the Albion Running Club, which is pushing for the trail.

Krieger met with the Albion Village Board last month about the project and village officials supported working on the project. Krieger wants the walking trail to be dedicated to Judy Christopher and Wayne Burlison.

Christopher organized the first 19 Strawberry Festival races. She also owned Phoenix Fitness, and advocated for fitness in the community. Christopher died from cancer at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013.

Burlison helped start the Albion Running Club, and also promoted healthy living in the Albion area. He teamed with Krieger in a Run for God program that took people from the couch to finishing a 5K.

File photo – Sheila Lemcke of Albion was The Strawberry in the 2014 race.

The Running Club now has an annual Run for Wayne. Some of the proceeds from that race in April will go to the walking trail. Burlison died from cancer on March 26, 2014 at age 36. He was an elementary music teacher at Albion.

Krieger said there may be memorial bricks or trees available for the trail.

The Strawberry Festival Race continues to grow in popularity. Last year set a new record with about 320 runners.

This year’s race will again include a runner dressed as a strawberry, and people who beat the costumed character will win a prize (a coupon for an ice cream cone at Watt Farms).

Krieger won’t reveal who will be The Strawberry at Saturday’s race except to say it will be a new person in the role, a woman from Medina.

There will also be prizes – strawberry jam from Panek’s – for the top three finishers in age groups. The top overall finishers for men and women in the 5k will receive $50 and the 8k winners will get $100.

Race fees are free for runners 70 or older, a tribute in honor of Mrs. Christopher.

For more on the race, click here.

Holley groups donate nearly $2,500 to help buy van for vets’ medical appointments

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council is about $2,500 closer to getting a low-mileage van. The Council runs an all-volunteer van service that takes veterans to medical appointments. The van service has five vans and the council is trying to raise funds to replace a van that currently has about 133,000 miles on it.

Three Holley organizations combined to donate toward the cause. The VFW raised $1,208 during a Jamboree on May 29. The Marine Corps Attachment 1271, which meets out of the VFW in Holley, donated $1,000 and the Holley Rotary Club also gave $200 towards a low-mileage van.

Pictured include, from left: Phyllis Schrader, coordinator of the van service; Urb Bennett, president of the VFW in Holley; Ray Madigan, senior vice president of VFW in Holley; James Andre, president of the Joint Veterans Council; and Earl Schmidt, chairman of the Joint Veterans Council and the director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County.

Andre said the Council will continue to raise funds to replace one of the vans. He said it will take at least $15,000 to get a low-mileage vehicle.

18-year-old escapes injury in accident that took down telephone pole

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2016 at 12:40 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – An 18-year-old man from Albion wasn’t injured in an accident at about 11:20 this morning when he struck and took down this telephone pole.

A deputy at the scene said the driver was likely going too fast on the winding road. The driver, whose name wasn’t released, was going eastbound on West Countyhouse Road near the Wood Road intersection.

Albion firefighter Rob Conner picks up some pieces of the car that were scattered on the road and in a nearby field.

The Albion Fire Department, Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance and Orleans County deputies responded to the scene, as well as National Grid.

Orleans County administrator named VP of state-wide association

Staff Reports Posted 7 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Chuck Nesbitt, chief administrative officer for Orleans County, is pictured outside the County Clerks’ office this afternoon. He is in line to be president of the New York Association of Counties.

ALBION – Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt was elected last week to serve on the executive committee of the New York State Association of Counties as 2nd Vice President.

NYSAC is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate, advocate for, and serve member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.

“I am honored to be elected to serve on the NYSAC Executive Committee by such a distinguished group of county leaders from across the state,” Nesbitt said. “There are many common challenges that we face as we move ahead and I look forward to assuming my new role on the NYSAC board as 2nd Vice President, and to doing my part to address issues going forward.”

Nesbitt has served as the Orleans County chief administrative officer for the past decade and has been an at-large member of the NYSAC Board of Director since 2014. He was elected as the president of the NYS County Administrators’ Association in 2008 and has served in that capacity since then.

As Chief Administrative Officer, Nesbitt acts on behalf of the County Legislature and works closely with Orleans County Legislature Chairman David Callard to implement county policy and overseeing the activities of all county departments. He also serves as the county’s budget officer.

“Orleans County is extremely proud of our Chief Administrative Officer being elected to the NYSAC Executive Committee as 2nd Vice President,” Callard said. “This is a great testament to our commitment to NYSAC and our shared cause as well as Chuck Nesbitt’s dedication to bringing a new level of professionalism to the Orleans County government. NYSAC is a first class organization that does a tremendous job fighting for counties and we think Chuck will be a real asset in the fight.”

Nesbitt said he expects the association will continue to press state legislators and governor for mandate relief, easing the burden on counties to pay for state programs.

He said NYSAC has been an effective advocacy organization for counties, and the group values the opinions from counties of all sizes. He will assume presidency of NYSAC in September 2019 after serving as second vice president, first vice president and then president-elect.

“Chuck is a highly regarded county leader, and his experience will provide added value to the deliberations of the board,” said NYSAC President William E. Cherry, the Schoharie County Treasurer.

English teacher named Albion’s Educator of the Year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Chris Keller is presented the Educator of the Year award from Margy Brown, president of the Albion Board of Education. Keller was recognized on Monday during a staff recognition program.

ALBION – Before he was a teacher at Albion Middle School, Chris Keller was working in the private sector for Jamestown Container, as a shipping manager, quality manager and then in information systems for the company with sites in Medina, Lockport and Jamestown.

“I had a lucrative career in the business world, but now I have a fulfilling career,” Keller said on Monday after he was named Albion’s “Educator for the Year.”

Keller, after 6 years in the private sector, wanted a new direction. He returned to college for a master’s degree. In 1999, he did his student teaching at Holley, and was hired in 2000 to finish out half a year at Kendall as an English teacher in the middle and high school levels.

Albion hired him that fall and Keller has proven popular among students and staff. He led an enrichment program in the middle school for about five years. He is currently an English teacher for the eighth grade. He enjoys having students ask questions, searching for new ways to solve problems.

Chris Keller was praised on Monday by Albion school leaders for broadening students’ views of the world.

“English and books are a real passion of mine,” Keller said. “I enjoy when you can get the lights to turn on for a kid. Education unlocks doors.”

Keller has led the Middle School student council as advisor, and also directed the Chess Club. He also has chaired the English Department, and is currently president of the Albion Teachers Association.

He also serves on the Medina Board of Education, and was that group’s president.

Keller, a Lockport native, served four years in the Army. He praised his hard-working colleagues at Albion, including his wife Julie, who is a pre-kindergarten teacher.

“Education is a wonderful way to spend a career,” he said. “Education is life-transforming. It has transformed mine.”

The district and Board of Education also recognized retiring teachers and staff on Monday, including from left: Paul Mann, computer specialist; David Draper, cleaner; Alan Van Camp, academic intervention services teacher; Julie McGrath, first grade teacher; Annette Pearl, special education teacher; Barbara Reiss, elementary school media specialist; and Gloria Short, cleaner.

Other retiring staff not pictured include Sharon LaDue, payroll clerk; Paul Drought, custodian; Randall Kelley, custodian; and Darlene Wilting, cleaner.

Albion also recognized Brenda McQuillan for her five years as a volunteer on the Board of Education. McQuillan chose not to seek another five-year term.

Margy Brown presents Paul Mann with a book during a staff recognition program on Monday. Mann has retired after 19 years with the district. He was the lead computer specialist in district network upgrades. He was called a hard-working, problem solver for the district.

Rachel Curtin (right), elementary school principal, congratulates Julie McGrath on a successful 29-year career as a first grade teacher. Curtin said McGrath taught more than 600 first graders in her career, and was influnetial in teaching many to read and succeed in school.

Tim Mercer (right), director of facilities for Albion Central School, praises David Draper for his 31 years as a cleaner, including many years as the night leader at the elementary school. Mercer said the district has dedicated staff on buildings and grounds.

The district also awarded tenure to the following teachers and administrators: Rachel Curtin, elementary school principal; Jennifer Ashbery, elementary school assistant principal; Jennifer Lamont, elementary special education teacher; Samantha Seaman, elementary teacher; and Barbara Wesolowski, middle school teacher.

Cigarette on back porch led to Carlton fire

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2016 at 12:00 am

CARLTON – A cigarette in a pail on the back porch of a house in Carlton didn’t extinguish and caused the fire on Monday at a home on Sawyer Road, said Walter Batt, an Orleans County fire investigator.

Batt said the cigarette was put in a pail, and didn’t go out after being used. The homeowner attempted to put out the fire as it climbed up the back wall of the house, but it spread too fast, Batt said.

The house at 1523 Sawyer Rd. is owned by Lee Kruger, who built the house in 2007. Batt said the family intends to rebuild.

18 ag organizations ask governor to defend industry against NYCLU lawsuit

Staff Reports Posted 7 June 2016 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – A cow bellows at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville in this photo from July 2013. Dairy is the biggest sector of agriculture in NY.

A coalition of 18 farm organizations on Monday sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, insisting that he defend a state constitutional statute that makes it difficult for agricultural workers to collectively bargain.

The governor last month announced the state would not contest a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union. The governor’s position was cheered by advocates for farmworkers, but criticized by farmers and ag organizations who say collective bargaining could threaten the industry.

“As representatives of the approximately 35,500 family-operated farms in New York and supporting agribusinesses, we are extremely disappointed in your decision to abandon the families growing and raising food across this state by not defending the state’s labor laws against the NYCLU constitutional lawsuit,” the coalition of leaders wrote to the governor on June 6.

“Our organizations represent the vast diversity of New York’s agricultural community and have partnered with you for the better part of six years to continue to strengthen New York’s rural communities through the good jobs and opportunities provided by farms. We have worked together on reducing government red-tape that was strangling economic development and growth. Together, we have lauded new processing businesses and the emersion of new agriculture-related industries.”

The letter was signed by leaders from the following organizations: New York Farm Bureau, Agri-Mark, Inc., Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (Northeast Area), Empire State Forest Products Association, Empire State Potato Growers, Inc., Farm Credit East, Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, NY Apple Association, Inc., NY Corn and Soybean Growers Association, NY State Agribusiness Association, NY State Grange, NY State Maple Producers Association, NY State Turfgrass Association, NY State Vegetable Growers Association, NY Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, Northeast Dairy Producers Association, Inc., and Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.

“The reasons that agriculture was exempt from collective bargaining by the state in 1937 are still valid today,” the ag leaders wrote in their letter. “Agriculture is reliant on Mother Nature and not the controlled climate of a factory. Farm schedules are determined by the weather forecast, the ripening of crops, and the needs of livestock. The current law recognizes this, and the need for food to be grown right here in our state. Combined with already higher taxes, a stifling regulatory environment, and a minimum wage increase this year, collective bargaining would make the continued operation of many family farms untenable. Farmers, who we have always contended are tied to the land, are now seriously investigating moving their businesses out of state and closing their doors. Your actions this year have left them feeling abandoned by the state they call home.”

Agriculture remains a bedrock of the rural economy with $5.5 billion in sales of farm products state-wide in 2012, including $150 million in Orleans County. However, the ag leaders say the industry faces many challenges.

“We strongly urge you to reconsider your position regarding the NYCLU lawsuit and instead defend and uphold the laws of this state, which recognize the unique and very challenging circumstances that farmers in the Northeast, and in particular, New York State, must already overcome in order to produce food for our residents,” the letter concludes.