By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2015 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – Firefighters work to put out a fire in a garage on Fancher Road in Clarendon on March 23.
Some local fire departments will participate in open houses on April 25-26, part of the fifth annual Recruit NY state-wide initiative to draw more volunteers to fire departments.
“There is a great demand for firefighters and EMS personnel throughout the state, but even more so in our local area,” said Gary S. Sicurella, president of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company. “This event is to help bring this issue to the public as well as possibly increase our recruiting base.”
FHM, Carlton and Kendall departments have committed to the events.
Sicurella said local departments need more active members to provide the optimum level of protection for residents.
At the open houses, community members can tour the fire houses and apparatus, and learn about the commitment needed to help the fire department. Visitors also can try on firefighter gear and see demonstrations. FHM will have a children’s corner with kids’ activities.
FHM has set its open house for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 25 and noon to 4 p.m. on April 26 at the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company, located at 3353 Hulberton Rd., Holley. FHM may also have Mercy Flight visit on Sunday.
Carlton will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 25 at the Fire Hall at 13504 Waterport/Carlton Rd.
Kendall will have its open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 25 at its fire hall on Kendall Road. That will include a child seat inspection by Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion High School Alumni Foundation will offer a new scholarship this year in memory of Wayne Burlison, the district’s elementary band teacher who died at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.
Burlison also served as assistant marching band director, assistant jazz band director and was active in many community musical groups. He also was co-founder of the Albion Running Club and spearheaded a fitness program through the Albion Free Methodist Church that helped many people run their first 5-kilometer race.
A concert on Jan. 30 included 20 musical acts and raised about $7,000. A “Run for Wayne” on March 28 raised another $3,000 towards the scholarship. The proceeds from the events met the $10,000 goal for an endowed scholarship in honor of Burlison.
Some of the leaders of the Albion Running Club met with Burlison’s family and Chris Haines, president of the Alumni Foundation, for a check presentation today.
The group includes, from left: Thom Jennings, Running Club communications director; Brian Krieger, Running Club executive director, Adam Burlison; Lisa Burlison; Mark Moore, Run for Wayne race director; Chris Haines from the Alumni Foundation; and Shannon Brett, board member for Running Club.
The first scholarship for $500 will be awarded in June at Class Night. It will be presented to a graduate with a passion for the arts, who demonstrates perseverance and overcame challenges, said Mrs. Burlison. She and her son Adam will be on the selection committee with members of the Alumni Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.
The scholarship winner doesn’t have to be majoring in music or the performing arts, but needs to participate in the fine arts in college.
“Wayne believed anyone could be a life-long musician,” his wife said.
She is grateful the community responded to the concert and the “Run for Wayne” and raised the money for the scholarship. She thanked the Running Club for organizing the run and walk on March 28 and Mike Thaine, the high school band teacher, for taking the lead in the concert on Jan. 30.
“I’m very grateful for how it all came together,” Mrs. Burlison said. “I couldn’t have done it by myself. They’ve turned into beautiful community events.”
Sen. Ortt also introduces legislation to extend hydropower to hospitals, housing authorities
MEDINA – More incentives are being offered to a Canadian company, trying to make Medina the best option for a new vegetable processing, packaging and distribution facility.
Pride Pak Canada Ltd. has been offered 1 megawatt of hydropower, deeply discounted electricity from the New York Power Authority.
Pride Pak is considering acquiring and renovating the former BernzOmatic plant in Medina, a site vacated last year by Worthington Cylinders. Pride Pak’s investment in Orleans County and the property would be $18 million and would create 163 new jobs, according to the New York Power Authority.
“These low-cost hydropower allocations from the Niagara Power Project demonstrate the Power Authority’s commitment to invest in the people and businesses of New York State,” said John R. Koelmel, NYPA chairman.
Low-cost Niagara hydropower is currently priced more than 40 percent less than wholesale market electricity in the Buffalo-Niagara region and is linked to tens of thousands of existing jobs, NYPA officials said.
Pride Pak, based in Mississauga, Ontario, is currently Canada’s largest fresh fruit and vegetable processor.
The power allocation follows a move by the Orleans Economic Development Agency last month that would save Pride Pak $1 million in property taxes over 20 years at the site, plus $280,000 in sales tax for materials and equipment in the renovation and expansion.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, praised the news from NYPA.
“As a small-business owner, I know the resources that are necessary to flourish in New York’s economy,” Hawley said. “I am excited to see public-sector entities actively supporting private-sector businesses in my district. For the private-sector businesses to thrive, we need initiatives such as these that will create jobs and grow Western New York’s economy.”
State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, also said the NYPA decision is good for Medina and the regional agricultural economy.
“This proposed project is a great example of how low-cost hydropower can be used to help grow our local economy while meeting the demand for locally grown food,” Ortt said. “Working with our partners across the border to deliver fresh, healthy food from a home base in Medina is a start to strengthening our region’s and state’s leading industry, in hopes of one day, distributing these local products around the world.”
Ortt also announced on Tuesday an effort to make the hydropower available to hospitals and housing authorities in Niagara and Orleans counties.
Ortt has introduced a bill (S4414-A) that would make low-cost hydropower easily available to hospitals and municipal housing authorities located in the two counties.
These types of institutions in the two counties would not be required to go through the eligibility process that’s currently in place for allotments of power through the Niagara Power Project, Ortt said.
“Niagara Falls is a powerful resource in our very own backyard, and certain facilities should be able to take advantage of its ability to produce cost-effective electricity provided by the Niagara Power Project,” Ortt said. “Making hydroelectricity easily accessible to housing authorities and hospitals in Niagara and Orleans counties will help those in need while spurring economic development.”
The idea to implement this bill came after Senator Ortt realized how many entities, including the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, are not currently eligible to take advantage of low-cost hydropower.
A hydropower allocation would reduce the operating costs at Medina Memorial Hospital, said Wendy Jacobson, interim chief executive officer for Orleans Community Health, the hospital’s parent organization.
“Cost containment is essential to smaller hospitals,” she said. “Reducing operating expenses through lower cost hydropower will help us to continue serving health care needs in our community. Along with physician alignment and affiliation with larger institutions to share resources, cost containment measures such as lower cost hydropower will assist Medina Memorial Hospital in achieving a healthy future.”
Eligible facilities that do not fall under the category of a housing authority or hospital would still need to apply for low-cost hydropower as long as they are within a 30-mile radius of the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston, Ortt said.
LYNDONVILLE – This mouse took up residence under the Lyndonville baseball dugout and was trying to have its dinner during Tuesday’s game between Lyndonville and Kendall.
It’s going to be rainy the next three days with highs of 42 for today, followed by 62 on Thursday and 64 on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
It will be sunny on the weekend with highs of 48 on Saturday and 58 on Sunday.
Photo by Tom Rivers – A pedestrian walks south on King Street on Tuesday in Albion while a motorist heads north on the street after crossing the railroad tracks. King Street doesn’t have sidewalks.
ALBION – The Village of Albion is hosting one of 10 “walkability audits” happening across the Finger Lakes region. Community members are welcome to be part of the discussion and audit on April 13 to make the village more pedestrian-friendly.
The project is funded by the Genesee Transportation Council through its Unified Planning Work Program. The purpose of the audit is to get local perspectives on the problems and opportunities faced by pedestrians, and develop solutions for improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, convenience and comfort.
The intent of the effort is to help increase foot traffic and encourage alternatives to automobiles as a means of transportation. As a result, the Council hopes to increase the vibrancy and appeal of the Village of Albion as a place to shop, socialize and recreate.
The walkability audit will succeed best if it includes a range of community stakeholders from all perspectives working together to understand the issues and opportunities and make sure the plan is responsive to locally identified needs.
Participants in the “walkability audit” should RSVP with Dale Brooks, Albion DPW superintendent, by calling 585-589-7061.
The tentative schedule for the day includes:
11:30 a.m. – Stakeholders to join at Village of Albion board room, 35-37 East bank St., with lunch to be provided
Noon to 1 p.m. – Presentation to stakeholders
1 p.m. – Audit Start (tentatively planned to meet at the Village DPW)
2:30/3 p.m. – Working Group Sessions at Village Hall
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2015 at 12:00 am
KNOWLESVILLE – Now that winter is in the rearview mirror, residents may be looking to work on their houses and properties. This weekend they can connect with professionals at the annual Home & Garden Show.
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the event at the 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $1.
Several new vendors have already signed up for the event. There will be more vendors specializing in home décor for this Home & Garden Show, said Samantha Roskowski, administrative assistant for the Chamber.
There will also be a wine-tasting on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and a chance to win a $1,500 landscaping package.
“It’s a nice opportunity to see what’s available in the area and the surrounding area,” Roskowski said.
There is still time for additional vendors to be a part of the Home & Garden Show. For more information, call the Chamber at (585) 589-7727 or click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2015 at 12:00 am
New art show, fall festival join wine tasting, other events
File photo by Tom Rivers – Scott Sackett of Batavia, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery, pours Blanc d’Orleans from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Aug. 9 during the a wine-tasting event in downtown Albion. About 200 people tried wines at several spots on Main Street and in the downtown.
ALBION – Last year the Albion Merchants Association and village government worked together to add a concert series and wine-tasting event.
Both the concert series and wine-tasting will be back this year, and the Merchants are planning more activities as well, including an art show and a fall festival.
The events are intended to draw people to the downtown and support the local businesses, said Debbie Grimm, vice president of the Merchants Association and a vendor at the Hazy Jade Gift Shop.
Some of the events for 2015 include:
Stained-glass window tour on April 18, starting at 11 a.m. at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church. The tour will highlight the seven historic churches in the Courthouse Square. Many businesses will also offer sales for the day.
The new “Art in Bloom” features art submissions from the community, from children to senior citizens. Their artwork will be featured on 5-by-7-inch canvasses that will be displayed inside the Hoag Library.
File photo – The Dady Brothers, shown performing last June 19 in Albion, will be back again this year to kick off the second season of Albion’s “Concerts on the Canal.” In this photo, Joe Dady pops the penny whistle in his brother John Dady’s mouth during the performance while John continues playing guitar.
“It can be of anything you want as long as it’s on a 5 by 7 canvas,” Grimm said at this morning’s Merchants Association meeting.
The canvasses are available at Hazy Jade Gift Shop, Bindings Bookstore and the library. The submissions should be returned by May 11. The show will run from May 16 to June 13. An opening reception is planned for 5 p.m. on May 16.
The artwork can be purchased for $10. The proceeds will be used to fund flowers and other events in the downtown.
The “Concerts on the Canal” will be on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. from June 18 to Aug. 13. The series kicks off with the Dady Brothers.
The village is managing the concerts, which have been moved from Bank Street to a park on the canal at the end of Platt Street. A grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is helping to pay for the series.
The 400 to 500 cyclists who ride the Erie Canal are expected to pass through Albion on July 13 between 8 and 10 a.m. The Merchants Association urges the community to welcome the participants for the annual “Cycling the Erie Canal.”
The second annual “Sip & Stroll Through History” will feature wine tastings at many local businesses and stops in the downtown from 3 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 15. Grimm reported that 11 wineries have already committed, as well as farm vendors, BAD-AsH-BBQ and the local musical group, the Sophisticats.
The Merchants will continue a shopping tour on Oct. 9-10 that will include deals and raffles at local businesses.
File photo – Gary Deiboldt of Albion plays the keyboards for the Sophisticats during a performance in downtown Albion last July. The group will play during a wine-tasting in Albion on Aug. 15.
The shopping tour will include a Fall Festival on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will includes many children’s activities and games, a quilt display, baking contest, scarecrow auction, entertainment and a beer-tasting or beer tent.
Beggar’s Night will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 when kids in costume visit local businesses for treats.
Nov. 28 will be Small-Business Saturday when residents are urged to shop at local businesses.
The 4th Annual Hometown Holiday is planned for Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include games, raffles, pictures with Santa and other activities.
The Merchants welcome community support in helping to plan and fund the events.
For more information on the Merchants, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There has been a whole lot of shaking on Clarendon Street this afternoon with heavy equipment taking apart the Clarendon Street bridge.
Wargo Enterprises in Akron was hired as a subcontractor to rip apart the concrete structure. Keeler Construction in Barre is the main contractor on the project.
Wargo used a shear attachment to chop into the concrete.
The bridge will be removed and the street will be blocked off at the railroad tracks.
Eventually, Village of Albion officials are hopeful the state and federal governments will allow an at-grade crossing at the site.
Wargo started the demolition on the south side of the bridge.
The demolition unleashed lots of dust.
Mark Fite, a collision technician for DK Autobody, stopped by for a photo. DK is on Childs Street, next to the bridge.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Gaines resident was sentenced to 1 ½ years in state prison on Monday for drug and grand larceny crimes.
Lee Q. Tisdale, 43, of 2822 Lattin Rd. was arrested last March following a six-month investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine, ecstasy and methylone “bath salts” in Orleans County.
Tisdale admitted in County Court on Jan. 5 to stealing a Chevy van and selling the drug known as MDMA or ecstasy. He pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Judge James Punch sentenced Tisdale to a year in county jail for the grand larceny charge and 1 ½ years in state prison for the drug crime. He will serve the longer of the two sentences.
In two other cases in County Court, a man and woman from Medina both pleaded guilty to related drug crimes.
Both Steven J. Johnson, 35, and Tamara L. Butler, 37, have been accused of selling drugs between June and July.
Johnson pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and could face up to five years in state prison when he is sentenced on June 29.
Butler pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and could be sentenced up to two years in state prison on June 29.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Clarendon Street bridge dismantled after 40 years
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A bridge that was built 40 years ago came down today after being ripped apart from the shears on heavy equipment from Wargo Enterprises, an Akron company specializing in demolition.
Wargo is a subcontractor for the bridge removal. This photo was taken at about 7:40 p.m.
Keeler Construction is the main contractor and removed the pavement and road base on the bridge and its approaches.
Keeler will take away the bridge debris and the embankments and level off the street, which will be blocked off at the railroad tracks.
The project will allow for the proper turning radius for Crimson Drive and Childs Street. The blocked off areas will be landscaped.
This photo was taken at about 4:30 p.m., when Wargo started tearing into the top of the bridge.
An employee at Genesee Valley Transportation, owner of the railroad, watches the demolition. A platform was placed over the railroad tracks by the bridge so the tracks wouldn’t be damaged from the heavy equipment and falling debris.
A platform is set up over the tracks for the equipment to maneuver without damaging the rails. (The GVT employees weren’t eaten by the machinery.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Although church closed, congregation will still serve coffee, snacks
Photo by Tom Rivers
Provided photo – Andrews last month received an award from the United Methodist Women for her volunteerism in the church. Andrews, center, is pictured with Marie Follett (left), the president of the UMW at the Albion church, and Elli Lockwood, secretary of the UMW.
ALBION – Sandy Andrews shovels the steps in front of the First United Methodist Church in this photo from Jan. 16, 2014. Andrews is part of the church’s hospitality ministry for people taking the road test through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
For years the church has opened its building so friends and family of the drivers could have a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, a snack and use the bathroom. The road test starts in front of the church.
The church is no longer holding services at the location at the corner of Platt and East State streets following a deconsecration service on Friday. The congregation held its first service this Sunday at Christ Episcopal Church, where it is now sharing the building with the Episcopalians.
Andrews said the United Methodists plan to continue to offer the hospitality ministry “as long as we are in possession of the building.” The church will likely sell the historic church building, but a time frame hasn’t been established.
The church typically offers the hospitality ministry once a week during the winter for people taking road tests. As the weather warms up, there are road tests two or three days a week. Andrews said the congregation will try to be available each time there is a test-taker.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Roy Harriger gets in a vehicle after leaving the courthouse on Jan. 26 when he was found guilty of child molestation.
ALBION – A pastor who was convicted of molesting his grandchildren will be sentenced today at 2 p.m. and could face 25 years or more in state prison.
Roy Harriger, 71, was pastor at Ashwood Wesleyan Church in Lyndonville in 2000 and 2001 when he allegedly abused three of his grandchildren. A jury gave a unanimous verdict on Jan. 26, finding Harriger guilty on two out of three counts of course of sexual conduct, meaning the abuse lasted more than 3 months. Harriger could be sentenced to up to 25 years on each of the two counts.
Harriger’s sons, Robert and George, both testified against their father, saying he abused them when they were children. Their sister, Joy Fanale, testified in defense of her father, saying he never abused her or her children. She was at her parents’ house during some of the time frame when her father is accused of abusing the grandchildren.
Harriger insisted on his innocence during the trial.
Harriger has been in jail since his $250,000 bond was rescinded on Jan. 27. He was most recently the pastor of the Community Fellowship Church in Hartland, which had to have a separate service without children present for him. Judge James Punch on Feb. 10, 2014, said Harriger could go to church as long as there weren’t children there.
District Attorney Joe Cardone said during the trial that Harriger has committed sex crimes going back generations.
Harriger’s sister Nona attended the trial and she addressed reporters after the guilty verdict was announced. She said her brother abused her.
“It all started with me,” she said.
Cardone praised the three grandchildren for their courage in testifying against their grandfather.
“The dysfunction has been going on in this family for generations,” Cardone told the jury during his closing arguments.
“Thank God they’ve had the strength to come to you to put an end to it and it ends right here.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There was another accident at about 11:30 a.m. today at the intersection of Route 31 and Eagle Harbor Road.
No one was seriously injured. Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance responded to the scene, but no one needed to be transported.
Albion firefighters also responded and cleaned up debris on the roadways. This intersection has been the scene of many accidents, including fatal collisions, in recent years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Roy Harriger maintains innocence at sentencing
Photos by Tom Rivers – Roy Harriger is led through the basement of the Orleans County Courthouse by corrections officer Christopher Shabazz on the way to the elevator and the main courtroom for Harriger’s sentencing at 2 p.m. today.
ALBION – The former pastor of a church in Lyndonville was sentenced to 15 years in state prison today for child molestation.
Roy Harriger, 71, was called “a wolf in shepherd’s clothing,” by Orleans County Court Judge James Punch during sentencing today.
Harriger denied he had sexually abused three of his grandchildren, who testified during his trial in January that he had molested them.
During his sentencing today, Harriger again denied the charges.
“I did nothing of this sort,” Harriger said.
Harriger was pastor of the Ashwood Wesleyan Church in 2000 and 2001, when he is accused of abusing his grandchildren. Many of members at his current church, Community Fellowship Church in Hartland, attended the sentencing in support of their pastor.
Judge Punch and District Attorney Joe Cardone acknowledged numerous letters of support for Harriger.
“There’s no question he has helped a lot of people over the years,” Cardone said in court.
But he also said a jury of Harriger’s peers heard the testimony and evidence against Harriger and found, with a unanimous vote, he had molested two of his grandchildren. (Harriger wasn’t convicted of molesting a third grandchild, who testified against his grandfather.)
“He’s had a tremendous impact on the people he has victimized,” Cardone said. “It’s made this entire family dysfunctional.”
Harriger’s attorney Larry Koss highlighted the many letters on behalf of Harriger. Koss said there was no evidence to support the claims of abuse.
He asked for the minimum sentence for Harriger, who walks slowly and uses a cane.
“He is 71 years old and even with the minimum sentence it is questionable if he would survive,” Koss told the judge. “We recognize that.”
Harriger was convicted of two out of three counts of course of sexual conduct, meaning the abuse lasted more than 3 months. He could have been sentenced to up to 25 years on each of the two counts. Judge Punch gave him 7.5 years for each one – 15 years total in prison plus another 10 years of post release supervision.
After hearing Harriger deny the abuse today, Punch said he didn’t disagree with the jury’s decision.
“I have no quarrel with the verdict of the jury,” Punch said. “Twelve people in a jury of your peers unanimously found you guilty of very disturbing and depraved acts to very young victims who were your grandchildren.”
There were many letters extolling Harriger, but Punch said there were also letters from victims and a presentencing investigation that says Harriger has been sexually abusing people for generations.
Punch said Harriger used his position as a pastor, as a leader in his family and the community, to try to silence the victims.
“The bullying, the use of charisma, the power of your personality were all brought forward to victimize these children and keep them quiet,” Punch said.
He said it was a breach of trust to Harriger’s family, friends, the church and the grandchildren.
“One could say you were a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but you are a wolf in shepherd’s clothing and that’s much worse,” Punch said.
George Harriger and his aunt Nona Blackchief (Roy Harriger’s sister) address the media after today’s sentencing. Both say they were sexually abused by Harriger when they were children.
After the sentencing, Harriger’s oldest son George addressed reporters outside the courthouse. George says he was also abused by his father.
He is thankful his father was sent to state prison, but George wanted a longer sentence to send a message to the victims that speaking out against the perpetrators will put them behind bars for life.
“Justice was definitely served but I feel he got a light sentencing,” George Harriger said. “But he is finally behind bars.”
George said he didn’t speak out when he was being abused.
“He said who’s word do you think they will believe? Yours or mine?” George said about his father.
Harriger’s sister Nona Blackchief also said her brother abused her when she was a girl.
“This has been going on for over 60 years,” Blackchief said.
George wasn’t surprised his father again denied the crimes.
“I wish he would have admitted it, and said he was sorry,” George said. “My kids deserve it, my nieces and nephews deserve it, my aunt and everybody deserves an apology. He needs to own up to it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Polish culture was celebrated today with Dyngus Day parties throughout Western New York, including one at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina. In the top photo, Sharon and Frank Gurzynski of Holley dance to music by Brass Magic, a polka band from Rochester.
The Sacred Heart Club served up Polish food, while about 150 people enjoyed the polka music and the crowning of Dyngus Day royalty.
Bill Wymyczak of Lyndonville was named king for 2015. He gets pinned by last year’s queen, Tessa Hartway.
Wymyczak, a construction worker, joined the Sacred Heart Club in the late 1990s. He has helped with many projects at the club, from redoing the back stairs to other concrete work.
“It’s a place to come and hang put and have some fun,” he said.
