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Orleans faces ‘serious shortage’ of firefighters, EMO leader says

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2015 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – Volunteer firefighters move hoses to get ready to battle a fire in Carlton on Route 98 on Jan. 23.

GAINES – Orleans County needs more firefighters, especially for the calls during the morning and early afternoon, when many of the firefighters are working their full-time jobs, said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director.

“There is a serious shortage of firefighters in the county,” Banker told town and county officials this evening during the Orleans County Supervisors and Legislators Association. “It’s not critical at this point.”

But he worries there won’t be enough firefighters for speedy responses for some calls. There are 12 fire departments in the county and Banker said they all could use more volunteers, and not just for fighting fires and assisting at car accidents.

The departments need people to direct traffic, serve as bookkeepers and help in other roles.

“There’s a job for everyone to do,” Banker said. “We really do need help countywide.”

Dale Banker (left), the Orleans County emergency management director, is at a fire scene in Carlton on Nov. 7. He is talking with Marty Zwifka, a deputy fire coordinator.

Banker said the training requirements have become more onerous for the volunteers. It’s now a 104-hour training commitment to become a basic firefighter. And the training books are $70 each.

Banker has served in the local fire service for 40 years, beginning as an explorer at age 15 with the Albion Fire Department. He started as EMO director in July, replacing Paul Wagner who retired after 14 years.

Banker said the firefighters and other emergency responders received a big boost last year with a new radio system.

He also is pleased with the success of a youth group for Holley students, where they learn firefighting skills under guidance of the Clarendon, Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray fire companies. The program has about a dozen teens on track to become firefighters.

Banker said Albion, Carlton and Barre would like to start a similar program, mentoring Albion students. Banker said those type of programs can help develop a new generation of firefighters.

He asked the town and county leaders to spread the word about the need, and how the local fire departments can find spots for willing community members.

County Legislator Lynne Johnson praised Banker for his work since becoming EMO director.

“He’s come into the job and he’s dove into it,” she said.

No injuries after vehicle flips over on Countyhouse Road

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A woman driving this vehicle walked away from the accident and wasn’t injured, Albion firefighters said. The woman was headed east on West Countyhouse Road, just west of Eagle Harbor Road, when she hit a patch of snow in the road and lost control of the vehicle.

Albion firefighters Greg Marston, left, and Stan Farone responded to the scene soon after the 1 p.m. dispatch call. Sheriff’s Deputy Dean Covis also responded, as well as other Albion firefighters and Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance.

Updated list of school closings, delays

Staff Reports Posted 23 February 2015 at 5:48 am

Bitterly cold temperatures today have prompted school officials to close Albion and Medina, while Lyndonville is on a 2-hour delay.

Today is forecast for a high of 3 degrees with the wind chill as low as minus 20.

Long-time drug dealer sentenced to 12 years in state prison

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am

JW Hardy

ALBION – An Albion resident with a criminal history going back four decades was sentenced to the maximum of 12 years in state prison today.

JW Hardy, 57, was convicted by a jury last month on multiple counts of criminal sale and criminal possession possession of controlled substances.

Hardy has been arrested for drug crimes going back to 1976. Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard noted that long record during Hardy’s sentencing today.

“The criminal history is undeniably extensive,” said Hardy’s attorney Thomas Burns.

He asked the judge to not give Hardy the maximum due to his age and medical issues. Burns said Hardy has struggled with drugs himself for much of his adult life. Burns also said Hardy was not violent and did not threaten witnesses with the latest crimes.

Orleans County Court Judge James Punch gave Hardy the maximum sentence. The judge said whenever Hardy has been released from jail or prison he almost immediately went back to using and selling drugs.

“If anybody fits the definition of a drug dealer it is you,” Punch told Hardy during sentencing. “I don’t think you’ve ever tried to stop using drugs and you’ve spread that poison throughout the community.”

Hardy was arrested on April 1 with 15 others following a six-month investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine, heroin, prescription narcotics and marijuana in the village of Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported at the time.

Hardy was living at 262 East Bank St. when he was arrested. He has been in jail without bail since then due to his criminal history.

Medina police chief will retire end of 2015

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – The chief of the Medina Police Department for the past 17 years will retire at the end of 2015.

Jose Avila made the announcement during tonight’s Village Board meeting. Avila is the second long-tenured village department head to announce a retirement for later this year. Todd Zinkievich, the Fire Department chief, announcedlast month that he will retire this summer.

Avila has earned the respect of village officials and the community, said Mayor Andrew Meier.

“He has been a class act the way he went about the job,” Meier said. “He has definitely served the village with dignity.”

Avila has been more than an administrator for the department. He is active in community policing, whether making arrests or directing traffic during local parades.

“He definitely gets out and engages with a lot of personal interaction with the public,” Meier said. “He is approaching a very well-deserved retirement.”

Wind chill advisory in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday

Staff Reports Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – This photo of a field of frozen corn was taken on Friday along Johnny Cake Lane in Barre.

A wind chill advisory is in effect for Orleans and Monroe counties until 7 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported this morning.

The wind chill could fall to minus 15 to 20, leading to frostbite and hypothermia for people not dressed properly.

Today is forecast for a high of 3 degrees and the overnight temperature could fall to minus 5, the Weather Service said.

ORG wants historic marker in Medina downtown for leading abolitionist

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Frederick Douglass addressed crowds in Medina

Courtesy of Chris Busch, ORG – A new historical marker, planned to be erected on Main Street in Medina, highlights abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who visited Medina to speak against slavery.

MEDINA – In 1849, Frederick Douglass delivered a speech in Medina at the former Methodist Episcopal Church on Main Street (the current Fuller block, home of Main Street Appliance).

Douglass, a leading abolitionist and editor of The North Star newspaper in Rochester, also visited Medina in 1869 and gave a celebratory address for Emancipation. That event was attended by African-Americans from throughout the state.

A new historical marker will highlight those visits by Douglass. The Orleans Renaissance Group has lined up $1,755 in contributions for the historical marker.

Chris Busch, ORG vice chairman, would like to have the marker up in time for the Civil War celebration in Medina in late April. He would like a Frederick Douglass re-enactor to also be part of the marker’s dedication.

The Village Board needs to approve the marker’s placement and accept it. The issue is on the board’s agenda for its 7 p.m. meeting today at the Shelby Town Hall.

Douglass frequently visited Orleans County and spoke at churches and meeting houses, trying to rally the community for the abolition cause.

He found an agreeable audience.

Local historian Dee Robinson found reports of a meeting in 1850 at the Orleans County Courthouse in Albion. Congress had just passed the Fugitive Slave Act, saying runaway slaves needed to be returned, but Orleans residents voted to not enforce the law locally.

“Aside from President Lincoln, Frederick Douglass stands as the most significant and consequential figure in the 19th century who routinely placed his life in danger in the cause of freedom and justice,” Busch said.

“The fact that the Village of Medina and Douglass are intertwined is a tremendous point of pride and should stand as an inspiration to current and future generations.”

Deep freeze makes for another miserable morning

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am

An Albion resident shovels a driveway on East Park Street, about a half block east of Main Street, during a flurry of cold, snow and wind this morning.

The deep freeze continues. It is yet to go above freezing this month in Orleans County and Western New York. The weekend was close, with temperatures in the 20s, but today we’re back near 0.

Albion and Medina both cancelled schools and Lyndonville is on a two-hour delay.

The landscape has turned white from all of the snow and ice. This white car can barely be seen heading south on Platt Street this morning.

Bruce Good, a real estate agent at Morrison Realty on North Main Street, cleans off the sidewalk in front of the business. Good said this is the worst winter he can recall because of so many bitterly cold days.

An impressive collection of icicles grows on the back of Treasurer’s Office.

This person walking down East State Street stands out in black against all of the white.

Hospital wants labor deal to reflect ‘challenging environment for rural healthcare providers’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – The union representing about 300 workers at Medina Memorial Hospital wants a federal mediator to help resolve a labor impasse with Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of the hospital.

A labor agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2014. Open issues in the current talks include wages, benefits, and recognition at future locations of the Medina based organization, said the employees’ union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

Orleans Community Health released this statement today, saying it wants an agreement with employees that reflects “the challenging environment for small rural healthcare providers.”

“Orleans Community Health (OCH) is currently engaged in contract negotiations with 1199 SEIU,” according to the statement. “The union has requested a Federal Mediator. A Federal Mediator is usually called in when the parties cannot reach agreement. The union told OCH at the table that they are still able to make proposals and engage in bargaining.

“With decreasing inpatient volume and changes in healthcare reimbursement, this is a challenging environment for small rural healthcare providers in Western New York. We look forward to reaching agreement with 1199 SEIU that takes into consideration the challenges we face today and over the next three years.

“Orleans Community Health is committed to continuing to provide access and quality patient care to our community.”

Crews work to fix water main break at hospital

Staff Reports Posted 22 February 2015 at 1:47 pm

(UPDATED 2:11 p.m.: The water main break has been repaired.)
MEDINA – Village crews have been working since last night to fix a water main break at Medina Memorial Hospital. A back-up system is in place, and bottled water and hand sanitizer are being used throughout the hospital.

As a result of this event the Orleans County Health Department has been called in for consultation.

“We are working closely with the local water authority, the Medina Fire Department, the Health Department and Orleans County Emergency Management Office to have this situation rectified as soon as possible,” stated Cindy Perry, marketing director for Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital. “Our first priority is to secure the safety and well-being of our patients, staff and visitors.”

If there are additional questions, please contact the hospital at 585-798-2000.

Shelby house taken down in controlled burn

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Valerie Childs
SHELBY – This house on Telegraph Road in Shelby was taken down in a controlled burn this morning by firefighters from the Western Battalion.

Valerie Childs, a Ridgeway firefighter, took the pictures.

Shelby has been using the vacant house for training drills, including bail-out exercises and interior firefighting skills.

Today, Shelby was joined by firefighters from Lyndonville, Ridgeway and East Shelby in burning down the structure, which has been vacant for several years.

About 30 to 40 firefighters were part of the controlled burn, which took about two hours.

Dangerous cold returns Monday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – These icicles hang on the building owned by GCASA in Albion at the corner of East Avenue and McKinistry Street. This picture of the former Knights of Columbus building was taken on Saturday.

The weather warmed up to the 20s this weekend, but will plummet overnight when temperatures fall to minus 4. Monday only has a high of 2 degrees with a low of minus 4, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

That has prompted the Weather Service to issue a wind chill warning for Orleans County and much of central and western New York from midnight tonight until Tuesday morning.

The wind chill values could fall as low as 25 to 35 below zero, which could lead to frostbite and hypothermia if people are not dressed properly.

Girl Scouts promote peace as part of international celebration

Contributed Story Posted 22 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Yvonne Newbould

ALBION – Local Girl Scouts in the Cobblestone Service Unit had a “World Thinking Day” celebration on Saturday. Girl Scouts participated in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries.

Pictured in the front row, from left, include Daisy Troop 82007 members: Emma Martino, Leah Pawlak, Kylie Sue Allport, Julianna Newbould, Aubrey Gannon, Peyton Nolan, Kendall Newbould, Neveya Barnes and Emma Snitzel.

The back row includes Brownie Troop 82127: Riannon Newbould, Julia Fuller, Autumn Flugel, Abrielle Shuler, Liana Flugel, Sophia Albanese, Sarah Thom and Julia Knight.

The activities through World Thinking Day we designed to promote peace through partnerships. In this photo, Brownie Abrielle Shuler helps Daisy Julianna Newbould with friendship knot pin.

Riannon Newbould shows some of the international flavors the Girl Scouts tried.

Girls work on good luck hands and international peace signs.

Roosevelt Bouie joins all-time greats at Syracuse

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2015 at 12:00 am

Kendall star honored with teammate Louis Orr

Photos by Mike Okoniewski, Syracuse University Athletics – Roosevelt Bouie, left, and Louis Orr, his teammate at Syracuse University, were both honored at the Carrier Dome this afternoon when their numbers were retired by the university and hung from the rafters.

SYRACUSE – A former Kendall basketball star was honored in a big way at Syracuse University today.

Roosevelt Bouie had his No. 50 jersey retired by Syracuse today in a ceremony when Syracuse also retired Louis Orr’s No. 55. The two were a dynamic duo for Syracuse, leading the Orange to a 100-18 record from 1977-1980.

Syracuse University retired Roosevelt Bouie’s No. 50 and Louis Orr’s No. 55 during a ceremony today at the Carrier Dome.

Bouie’s freshman season was also the start of Jim Boeheim’s career. The legendary coach has credited Bouie and Orr for getting his coaching career off to a hugely successful start. Boeheim is second on the list of all-time wins for a NCCAA Division I coach with nearly 1,000.

The Orange reached the NCAA Tournament each year of the “Louie and Bouie Show.” Bouie was a four-year starter and still ranks second in program history in blocks (327), seventh in rebounds (987) and 18th in scoring (1,560 points).

“We couldn’t have accomplished it without having each other and the rest of our teammates,” Bouie told Cuse TV after the ceremony. (Click here to see the interview.)

Roosevelt Bouie and Louis Orr shake hands after being honored at halftime in the Carrier Dome today.

Bouie was a first-team All-BIG EAST Conference selection in 1979-80. He was picked in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Bouie signed to play professionally in Europe and played overseas for 13 seasons.

He has returned to Kendall and he attends many of the Kendall basketball games and is active in other local community events. Kendall retired his jersey in June 2012, the first one picked by the school with the recognition.

Bouie said he was grateful to be honored by Syracuse and to see many of his former teammates as part of the celebration.

“It’s really special we got a chance to see all of our friends last night,” he told Cuse TV.

Bouie is congratulated after having his number retired by Syracuse University.

Orr grew up in Cincinnati and played eight years in the NBA after Syracuse. He said Bouie has been like a brother.

“I’m honored and blessed to have a great teammate and friend to share the moment,” Orr told Cuse TV. “You never accomplish anything by yourself. It’s a team effort.”

Orr said Boeheim was instrumental in Bouie’s and Orr’s success.

“Coach Boeheim believed in us and trusted us a long time ago,” Orr said. “He gave us the opportunity and without the opportunity there is nothing you can accomplish. I thank Coach Boeheim and I thank him for seeing something in Roosevelt in me and for trusting in us.”

A break from record-setting cold

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2015 at 12:00 am

However, winter weather advisory in effect until Sunday morning, more cold on Monday

Photos by Tom Rivers – A snow-covered field is pictured along Maple Street in Barre on Friday afternoon. This photo was taken from Johnny Cake Lane.

This weekend is providing a much-needed break from the brutally cold temperatures this past week. The plummeting mercury set records in the Northeast.

The minus 6 for a low in Buffalo on Thursday broke the record of minus 5 set in 1944. Rochester broke its record for lowest temperatures with minus 7 on Friday, dropping below the minus 4 set in 1934.

New York City also set new records for the deep freeze. The 9 degrees on Thursday broke the record of 11 degrees in 1959, and the 2 degrees on Friday was less than the 7-degree record in 1950, according to the National Weather Service.

Today is forecast for a high of 26 in Orleans County followed by a high of 22 on Sunday. However, the temperatures will fall to a high of 4 degrees on Monday with a low of minus 3.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County and Western New York until 10 a.m. Sunday due to snow and freezing drizzle. The area could get 2 to 5 inches of snow.

Nature has found a way to stand tall despite the punishing winter. This picture was taken along Johnny Cake Lane on Friday in Barre.