By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – One of Marcus Miller’s Jersey cows is pictured at his farm on Thursday.
RIDGEWAY – Six weeks. That’s how long it would normally take to build a milking parlor, to put in the piping, the steel, the refrigeration system and all of the pieces.
That’s been Brent Snyder’s experience. He is the owner of Trapper Creek Enterprises in Attica, which installs milking systems.
Snyder and his team worked with Marcus Miller to put in a system in four days. Today Miller expects to milk his herd of 45 Jersey cows for the first time at his farm since a fire Jan. 6 destroyed his milking parlor.
“You’re not going to find somewhere else where there is a fire and 2 ½ weeks later you’re back milking,” Snyder said at Miller’s farm on Thursday afternoon.
Marcus Miller, left, and Brent Snyder are pictured inside the milking parlor on Thursday. The parlor needs hoses, and some finishing touches. Miller expects he’ll be milking his cows at the site today.
Miller is close to being back in business. On Thursday afternoon, he was waiting on some rubber hoses and the inflations used on the milking units.
He’s been working at a frenetic pace since his milking parlor was destroyed in the fire. Miller and the Amish community torn down that parlor on Jan. 6. Within a few days a new building was erected – the same size at 42 by 70 feet.
Miller, 34, needed milking equipment. He went to a farm in Barker that was no longer milking cows. Miller and his friends used some of that equipment and he bought some new pieces to create a working Swing 10 Paraket Stall milking parlor. Miller will be able to milk 10 cows at a time on each side of the parlor.
He is a member of the Upstate Niagara Cooperative. Officials from the cooperative will be at Miller’s farm this morning, testing his rebuilt system.
Some of Marcus Miller’s Jersey herd has remained at his farm on Fruit Avenue. His milking cows were moved down the road while Miller’s parlor was rebuilt. This picture was taken on Thursday afternoon.
Here is how the site looked on Jan. 7, a day after the fire.
Miller’s neighbor on Fruit Avenue, Jim Smith, has been milking Miller’s cows since the fire. Smith, a dairy farmer, is not Amish.
Miller said many of his neighbors have pitched in to help him get his farm going. He estimated about 60 different people have helped rebuild the milking parlor and get the farm back on-line.
“It’s not what I have done,” Miller said. “It’s what everyone else has done.”
Cows tend to be creatures of habit. Miller is looking forward to getting them back at his farm and settled into a schedule.
“They’re ready to come home,” Miller said. “They like a routine and I’m ready to get back into a routine, too.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Downtown Albion is decorated for the holidays in this file photo.
ALBION – Orleans County saw its sales tax revenue jump 6 percent in 2014, an $883,457 increase, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
State-wide, sales tax was up 3.00 percent, from $26.74 billion in 2013 to $27.54 billion in 2014. Orleans had the biggest gain among the four rural GLOW counties.
Genesee County had a slight decrease, down 0.16 percent or $62,107, from $38,057,036 to $37,994,929.
Wyoming County’s 2014 revenue was almost identical to the 2013 sales tax. The county increased by 0.13 percent or $22,255, going from $16,831,191 to $16,853,446.
Livingston County saw a sizable increase, growing 2.97 percent or by $899,100, from $30,229,388 to $31,128,489.
Orleans saw the most growth of them all, increasing 5.96 percent from $14,819,904 to $15,703,362.
While Orleans saw the biggest rate of increase, the county still lags in sales tax per capita. Wyoming County, with 42,155 residents, has almost the same population as Orleans with 42,883 residents, according to the 2010 Census.
However, Wyoming collects about $1.1 million more in sales tax than in Orleans. The sales tax is an indicator of the economic health of a community, and the money also reduces pressure on property taxes and helps pay for government services and programs.
In Wyoming County, the per capita for sales tax was $399.80 in 2014. In Orleans, the county averaged $366.19 per resident. The sales tax also includes money spent by visitors.
Livingston and Genesee do far better than Orleans and Wyoming. Livingston, population 65,393, has a sales tax per capita of $476.02, while Genesee County (population 60,079) has a per capita for sales tax at $632.42, about $266 more than in Orleans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2015 at 12:00 am
College pursues $20 million-plus expansion, adding buildings and scholarships
Photos by Tom Rivers – The clock leading to the entrance of GCC in Batavia is pictured with the Conable Technology Building at left. A new “Student Success Center” will be built in front of the clock at what is now a parking lot. GCC in May expects to start site work for the building, shifting the parking lot.
College supporters and staff, including President Jim Sunser at right, gather for the campaign kickoff Wednesday for the college’s biggest building effort since it started in 1966.
BATAVIA – In 1965, a year before Genesee Community College officially started, Carl and Bernice Yunker took up the challenge to help create the college.
They talked to neighbors and friends, and local town and county officials. The idea wasn’t popular. People worried their taxes would go up with a new community college.
The Yunkers and other GCC supporters were able to convince the public to back the effort. The Yunkers’ son, Craig, observed his parents a half century ago and their push to make GCC a reality.
He is taking a turn in the spotlight now, working to rally friends and neighbors, and the general public on behalf of GCC. The college is planning a $20 million-plus project, its most ambitious since its beginning.
Craig Yunker, managing partner at CY Farms in Elba, addresses a campaign kickoff for GCC on Wednesday at the college. About $4 million of a $5 million goal has already been raised
Yunker is the chairman of the fund-raising campaign that seeks $5 million in donations from the public. Donors have already stepped forward with $4 million.
“This campaign will change this college,” Yunker said during a campaign kickoff on Wednesday evening with about 100 GCC supporters. “It will propel it for the next 50 years.”
The college in the spring expects to start site work on two buildings – a 9,000-square-foot “Student Success Center” and 43,000-square-foot “College and Community Event Center.”
GCC also is working to raise $1 million for scholarships. That endowed fund will allow GCC to offer financial help to 80 to 100 local students each year.
Jodi Gaines, CEO and founder of Claims Recovery Financial Services in Albion, is heading the fund-raising efforts for GCC in Orleans County. She said the college is an important asset for the local business community. It gives many residents a chance to improve their skills as they pursue careers and higher education.
GCC has campus centers in Albion and Medina, and four others in the GLOW counties, in addition to the main campus in Batavia.
“GCC and Orleans County have a very good and longstanding partnership,” Gaines said.
She has assembled a campaign team for Orleans County that includes Joe Martillotta and CRFS employees Jessica Downey and Jackie Gardner. Gaines welcomes more help to raise money for the campaign. There will be a kickoff for the campaign in Orleans County next month. Those details are still being worked out.
The college has grown to 7,200 students with 398 full-time staff and 284 part-timers. GCC President James Sunser said the college needs more classrooms. Right now GCC has 56 square feet of instructional space per full-time-equivalent student, which he said is much lower than the 80 to 100 square feet ratio present at other SUNY community colleges.
“Space at Genesee is extraordinarily limited,” he said.
GCC plans to add 15 to 20 new classrooms, labs and other instructional space to house new programs, including food processing, agri-business, heath sciences, STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics) initiatives, expanded tourism and hospitality, enhanced mathematics and language arts tutoring and lab support, and on-site bachelor’s level courses in collaboration with other colleges and universities.
Rather than just add new classrooms, GCC is proposing a Student Success Center that would provide a clear, one-stop destination for students and first-time visitors to GCC, and “second-career” students.
The building would include student support services to boost student achievement and retention. The vacated space for some of these services at the William W. Stuart Forum will be renovated for classrooms.
Bob Boyce, president of the GCC Foundation, addresses the crowd at the campaign kickoff inside the William W. Stuart Forum. The Foundation has set a $5 million fund-raising goal.
The new “College and Community Event Center” would be next to the college’s athletic fields. The building would include classrooms, coaching facilities, food service facilities and a wellness center.
The building would have public floor space that could be used for student gatherings, trade shows, community exhibitions, athletic competitions and charitable events.
New York State will pay $10 million towards the $20 million-plus projects. Genesee County, the college’s host county, has committed $7 million.
The College Foundation is trying to raise $5 million, with $1 million of that going to scholarships.
Yunker urged the community to support what he called “a transformational project.”
“We have important work to do,” he told campaign supporters and volunteers. “We accept the challenge the Foundation has put to us and we will raise the $5 million and bring this vision to reality.”
To see a campaign video for the project, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the State Assembly for about two decades, was arrested today on public corruption charges and accused of using his position to obtain millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.
The speaker is accused of accepting $4 million in bribes and kickbacks.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued a statement calling on Silver to resign.
“Speaker Silver owes it to his legislative colleagues, the State of New York and his tens of thousands of constituents to step down as speaker,” Hawley said. “Speaker Silver owes the public an explanation for his actions, and it would be outrageous and irresponsible to allow him to continue his Assembly duties while he faces a possible indictment for corruption charges.
“It is time for members of the Assembly Majority to do the right thing and elect new leadership that will serve our state with a greater sense of honor and dignity. We have important business to conduct as public representatives, and the upcoming budget negotiations deserve our utmost attention. Silver’s resignation would allow us to continue the people’s business.”
Hawley made his comments after Silver turned himself in to the FBI this morning following an investigation about incomplete financial disclosures required by state law.
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, said in a statement that it’s “imperative” Silver step aside as speaker.
“His resignation as speaker is in the best interest of the Assembly, of the state and the best way for us to conduct the business that we are elected to do. We cannot afford this distraction with the important business before the Assembly and the people of New York state.”
Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, said Assembly Democrats support Silver.
“I am continuing to support the speaker and I would say that the members, overwhelmingly in the conversation that we just had, are continuing their support,” Morelle said at a news conference. “There is a strong feeling, as I think we should all reflect on, that there is a presumption of innocence and we have every confidence that the speaker is going to continue to fulfill his role with distinction.”
Assemblyman David DiPietro, R-East Aurora, also called on Silver to resign.
“Speaker Silver, D-Manhattan, is appearing in court today on bribery and fraud charges. Does this surprise anyone?” DiPietro said. “It’s more of the New York City corruption issues being brought to Albany. The people deserve better than this. You cannot expect Silver to negotiate in good faith with anyone. He must step down effective immediately. This chamber can’t afford any more embarrassment by this man.”
Common Cause of New York issued this statement with Silver’s arrest:
“The arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver by federal authorities for undisclosed income further reveals the crucial role the Moreland Commission played in bringing corruption in New York State government to light,” said Executive Director Susan Lerner. “This sad development underscores, yet again, the sorry state of ethics enforcement in New York.
“These circumstances make it particularly egregious that the statutorily mandated Review Commission which was supposed to have been appointed by the governor and legislative leaders to review and evaluate the performance of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics and the Legislative Ethics Commission was never named. Common Cause/NY supports requiring New York’s Legislature to work full-time for New Yorkers along with strict limits on outside income.
“In the meantime, New York State needs stricter disclosure laws requiring elected officials to fully open their books to public scrutiny and a wholesale overhaul of ethics laws and enforcement. New Yorkers deserve a Legislature that does not function under a persistent and permanent ethical cloud. Common Cause/New York urges the U.S. Attorney and Speaker Silver to do everything possible to facilitate an early trial to resolve these troubling charges.”
MEDINA – Two Medina residents were arrested today and jailed on drug charges, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported.
Shine
The arrests were made following a 2-month-investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the Village of Medina, the Task Force reported.
The Task Force, the Orleans County Multi-Agency SWAT Team and the Medina Police Department executed a search warrant at 125 Starr St., lower apartment.
The following were arrested:
Andre D. Shine, 31, of 125 Starr St., lower apartment. He was charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (a class B felony) and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (class B felony).
He was arraigned in the Town of Ridgeway Town Court by Justice Joseph Kujawa. Shine was committed to the county jail without bail, due to a previous criminal history, the Task Force reported.
Major
Shine is to appear in Town Court at 1 p.m. on Jan. 28.
Amanda L. Major, 24, of 125 Starr St., lower apartment. She is charged with one count of both criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are class B felonies.
Major was arraigned by Ridgeway Town Justice Joseph Kujawa and remanded to county jail on $20,000 bail.
She is due back in Town Court at 1 p.m. on Jan. 28.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Sheriff Scott Hess
ALBION – Scott Hess, Orleans County’s sheriff for nearly 12 years, intends to retire after Dec. 31, ending a 31-year career in law enforcement.
Hess said today he won’t seek re-election as leader of the Sheriff’s Department. Prior to being sheriff, Hess was police chief in Albion for five years. He worked with the Albion PD for nearly 20 years.
“I’m looking forward to my next challenges in life,” Hess said today.
He has led the Sheriff’s Department with technology upgrades, including improvements in the dispatch operations. Hess also oversees the Orleans County Jail, which recently received more than $1 million in upgrades, staving off pressure from the state for a new jail.
Law enforcement agencies in the county also created a SWAT team under his watch.
Hess praised the law enforcement officers for their commitment to the community. He also said the county has made the resources possible for upgrades in the department.
“It’s been a collaboration with others,” Hess said. “I really can’t take any of the credit. We’ve accomplished many things working with the legislators and staff.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A pastor accused of incest and sexual abuse against three of is grandchildren denied the criminal activity today during his trial.
Roy Harriger, 71, took the stand a day after three of grandchildren detailed abuse by their grandfather. Harriger’s son Robert also testified on Wednesday that his father abused him from when he was a young boy into his teen-age years.
Two of Harriger’s other grown children also say their father was sexually abusive when they were children, District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court today.
“You deny all of this?” Cardone asked Harriger.
“Absolutely,” Harriger responded.
Harriger, a former pastor of the Ashwood Wesleyan Church in Lyndonville, denied all of the allegations, including accusations from Cardone that Harriger had sexual relationships with several other women, including one who he allegedly had a child with.
Harriger said he has been faithful for his entire marriage to his wife Darlene. They have been married for more than 50 years.
Harriger said his son George orchestrated the accusations.
“Is it your position they are saying these things because of problems with your son George?” Cardone asked Harriger.
“Absolutely,” he responded.
Harriger’s daughter Joy Fanale spoke in defense of her father, saying he was never abusive to her. Fanale was 24 when she was in a near-fatal car accident on May 1, 2001. She and her daughter, then age 4, moved in with her parents during her recovery.
One of Harriger’s grandsons alleged the grandfather abused him and Fanale’s daughter. But Fanale’s daughter, now 18, testified this morning she was never abused by her grandfather.
“He lied,” she said about her cousin.
She said she was never left alone with her grandfather back in 2001. Harriger is accused of abuse in 2000 and 2001. The granddaughter said her mother was always home when they moved in while Fanale recovering from her injuries, except when she went to a doctor’s appointment. When she went to an appointment, she took her daughter with her or the daughter was in school, the granddaughter said.
Fanale said she sometimes left her daughter alone with Harriger or Mrs. Harriger.
George Harriger, one of the pastor’s sons, has alleged abuse by his father, and he also says Fanale told him their father abused her. But Fanale said she never said that to George.
The case shows a divided family, with Harriger’s wife and one daughter supporting him, while his three other children are estranged from Harriger. Cardone pointed that out in court.
“Is Joy the only child you talk with?” Cardone asked Harriger.
“Yes,” he responded.
Testimony resumes Friday morning at 9:30 with closing arguments expected later in the day.
Orleans County Court Judge James Punch said on Wednesday he was dismissing three misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child due to statue of limitations.
However, the felony charges – course of sexual conduct and incest – remain. Harriger could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
ALBANY – The New York State Corrections Officers Benevolent Association is pleased to announce that the website, paladium.net, has been deactivated.
This case made headlines just last week. The lawsuit, which was filed earlier month, alleged that a website hosted by Host Europe GmBH and maintained by Alan Munn of New York and Germany published the names and addresses of New York State pistol permit holders in violation of the New York State Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (NY SAFE) Act.
The case sought the removal of the website, paladium.net. The site, more specifically the section entitled “New York State Pistol Permit 2010 Database” listed the names and address of pistol permit holders. The suit cited that the publication of such details constituted an unwarranted invasion of privacy, and seemingly targeted corrections officers, by stating “many male C.O.’s, security officers employed by security businesses, former police officers and parole officers seem to have a permit.”
The attorney for the case, Lawrence H. Schaefer, of Sheehan Greene Golderman and Jacques, was notified on Tuesday morning by counsel for Host Europe GmBH that site has been deactivated on the server. The webpage paladium.net should not be available on the Internet any more. Host Europe GmBH will monitor the account for the coming weeks to see if Mr. Munn attempts to bypass their measures.
“We are very pleased with the quick resolution and would like to thank Host Europe GmbH for their responsiveness and cooperation in this matter,” Schaefer said.
NYSCOPBA is still proceeding in its suit against Alan Munn.
“We are extremely pleased that this website has been deactivated,” stated Michael Powers, NYSCOPBA president. “It served no worthwhile purpose and in fact it caused a serious concern for the safety of our members. Our members are dedicated to keeping all New Yorkers safe and they should be afforded the same courtesy.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli talks with reporters after dissolution was defetated on Tuesday. Napoli said the town can find cost savings for the village through shared services
MEDINA – With residents casting a decisive blow against dissolving the village, Medina Mayor Andrew Meier and town leaders from Shelby and Ridgeway say they will work towards cooperation to reduce the costs of government in the community.
Meier pushed dissolution, seeing it as a way for a more efficient government for the Medina area, while also bringing in much-needed state aid.
The dissolution plan was fiercely opposed by the leaders from the two town governments, as well as village employees and many village residents. The referendum – “Shall the Village of Medina, New York be dissolved?” – was defeated, 949-527. By law, the issue can’t be voted on again for at least four more years.
Meier said the village faces the same challenges after the vote as it did to start the day.
“We still have a declining tax base, a shrinking population and climbing costs,” he said shortly after the results were announced. “Our sustainability predicament remains.”
Medina Mayor Andrew Meier said he looks forward to seeing proposals from the two towns on how to reduce government costs in the Medina community.
Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli said he wants to have serious talks with the village and Shelby town officials about shared services. He believes that cooperation among the municipalities can reduce taxes for village residents.
“The residents (through this vote) told us they want us to look at shared services,” Napoli said in the Senior Center, where many village and town officials, and other residents were gathered to hear the results of the vote.
David Stalker is a member of the Ridgeway Town Board who lives in the village. He sees the village is struggling and needs some help.
“We’ve been ready and willing to talk,” Stalker said about the Ridgeway officials.
He was among the group that waited for nearly 1,500 ballots to be counted, by far the most of an village vote in at least a generation.
Election Inspector Judy Szulis announced the results at 10:35 p.m. The polls closed at 9 p.m.
Stalker was like many of the residents who worried about the fate of the Fire Department and Police Department if dissolution had passed.
“I like having them and knowing they can be there in 3 minutes,” he said.
That was a common refrain from voters interviewed by the media on Tuesday. Residents said they don’t like their high taxes, but they said they didn’t want to lose a responsive police force and fire department.
“Taxes you can deal with, but the proper time for emergencies can’t be compromised,” said resident Peter Kaiser, 31.
He was one of several residents who wasn’t able to vote because he wasn’t registered. He said he assumed he could vote as a village resident, but he wasn’t recorded as registered by the Orleans County Board of Elections.
Tracy Cody had the same situation. She lives in the village, but unbeknownst to her, she wasn’t registered to vote.
She also owns land outside the village in Ridgeway. She went to the polls on Tuesday, concerned her town taxes would go up if dissolution went through. She also didn’t like the uncertainty with the police and fire department.
She supports the idea of one government for the community, with the two towns merged and a village dissolution to follow. She thinks consolidating the two towns is the first step.
“Combine everything into one,” she said.
It was a busy day for election inspectors with nearly 1,500 people voting at the Senior Center. Election inspector Norma Huth is at left wth inspector Judy Szulis at right.
Mayor Meier and supporters of OneMedina see merger of the two towns and elimination of the village as an ultimate goal for the community, providing a streamlined government, more state aid and a stronger political voice.
OneMedina saw dissolution of the village as a first step, but folding the village services into the towns, different taxing districts and an LDC for sewer services proved confusing to many people.
One woman, a life-long Medina resident at age 74, said there were too many unknowns if dissolution had passed.
“Everything is so unclear to everybody,” said the woman, who declined to give her name. “It’s been back and forth with the facts and there’s been too much fighting.”
Crystal Petry, 22, is a Shelby volunteer firefighter who lives in the village. She voted against dissolution. She said the Medina Fire Department, which includes paid firefighters, is critical to western Orleans County. She also thought it was unfair to residents in Shelby and Ridgeway outside the village who faced tax increases if the referendum had passed.
“There’s other ways of going about doing it,” Petry said. “Give the towns a chance.”
Steve Seitz, a Shelby town councilman, said Shelby welcomes the village officials for ongoing dialogue about sharing services.
“Hopefully we can get back to the table,” Seitz said.
Meier said he was encouraged by the 527 “yes” votes, 36 percent of the total. The 527 tops the number of people who voted in the last village election. Only about 400 voted last March.
He said dissolution could loom again because of the difficult situation the village faces. It has limited options for boosting revenue to pay for the services the community values so much. Meier said the village shouldn’t just raise property taxes. The $54 rate per $1,000 of assessed property (village, town, county and school taxes) is one of the highest in the state.
Election inspectors Mary Ann Arder, left, and Norma Huth count ballots. It took about an hour and half to record all of the votes.
Residents and businesses can save significant money in taxes just by moving outside the village and avoiding the village’s $16.44 tax rate. Dissolution would have chopped the overall rate by about $6 per $1,000, saving $420 for a village property owner with a house assessed at $70,000.
“Sometimes it takes time for people to warm up to this kind of transformational change,” Meier said. “We voted tonight. I can’t say if this will be the last vote on the issue. This is a conversation that will continue for years to come.”
He noted a vote to abolish the village court failed in its first vote but sailed through the second time in 2010.
Village Trustee Mark Irwin supported dissolution and was disappointed to see it be rejected. He noted a strong push from the dissolution foes – “They preyed on peoples’ misunderstanding.”
A dissolution plan would have preserved existing village services, realized $277,000 in efficiency saving and $541,000 in additional state aid.
“Right now the ball is in the towns’ court,” Irwin said.
Meier said he looks forward to seeing the ideas and plans from the two towns.
“I think we really need to figure out what the towns’ proposal are,” he said. “They have said, ‘There are better ways, there are better ways.’ All eyes are on them to follow through with what they said.”
The 1,476 who went to the polls on Tuesday is about half of the people who were eligible to vote. The village has 6,065 residents, according to the 2010 Census. Judy Szulis, an election inspector, was pleased by the big turnout.
“We’ve had people come out who had never voted before in a village election,” Szulis said. “There have been a lot of new faces in here today, which is a good thing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Governor Andrew Cuomo delivered his State of State address this afternoon, as well as a $141.6 billion budget proposal.
The governor wants to direct billions to the upstate economy, and overhaul the education system including teacher evaluations.
He wants high-speed Internet available state-wide, and significant investments in roads, bridges and infrastructure.
Some reactions include:
New York Farm Bureau:
“If we want to have a growing agricultural sector in New York, it’s important for the State of New York to partner with the industry and invest in growing our farm economy,” said Dean Norton, NYFB president. “Governor Cuomo’s State of the State offered some worthwhile plans to continue supporting family farms. We appreciate the funding for conservation easements in both the Southern Tier and the Hudson Valley. The money will help eligible farms reinvest into their operations in these two regions, but the focus on boosting agriculture in New York must be a statewide approach, committing resources to better infrastructure, greater market access and critical research and development.
“New York Farm Bureau is also supportive of the additional money for the Environmental Protection Fund. This will assist farms in achieving environmental stewardship goals, as greater assistance is needed across the board for water quality programs, soil and water conservation, controlling invasive species, and statewide farmland protection projects.
“An additional $50 million to transform the Great New York State Fairgrounds is also welcome news. Upgrading the facilities will reflect modern day agriculture in the state and will invite even more people to walk through the turnstiles to see the great things happening on our diverse farms across New York.
“However, New York Farm Bureau has serious concerns about attempts to raise the minimum wage to $10.50. The financial impacts of the current scheduled increase to $9 has yet to play out and already the Governor looks to raise it even higher. This proposal comes at a time when the prices farmers receive for many of their commodities are dropping. It will be a drag on the farm economy should this additional hike become a reality.”
New York State School Boards Association:
“Governor Cuomo today delivered a broad, sweeping vision for reforming the public education system,” said NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer.
“We admire the governor’s willingness to take on such bold initiatives as reforming the cumbersome teacher disciplinary process, repairing the state’s broken teacher and principal evaluation system, and rewarding exemplary teachers.
“But state aid to school districts should not be held hostage to education reforms. Without knowing how much state funding they will receive, school boards will not be able to properly develop their budgets and estimate their tax levies.
“We are concerned that the governor’s speech made little mention of anything positive about public education. Schools need relief from the Gap Elimination Adjustment and a greater investment in Foundation Aid, not an expansion of charter schools or adoption of education tax credits.
“Even the governor’s $1.1 billion funding proposal – which is only available if lawmakers adopt his package of reforms falls way short of the amount schools need to sustain current programs.
“While we support efforts to improve student achievement in chronically underperforming schools, we would oppose those solutions that unduly place blame on elected school board members for issues that may be beyond their control.
“The governor’s proposals represent a starting point. We look forward to working with lawmakers to support New York’s public schools.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia:
“A plan to expand broadband Internet access will be beneficial to the more rural parts of my district, and I look forward to hearing more about the proposal. I am concerned that Gov. Cuomo’s small-business tax cut plan is not structured in a manner that allows business owners to expand and hire more employees.
“The proposed cut is less than one-tenth of what the legislature gave to Hollywood film executives to entice them to produce movies in New York State. We need to get our priorities straight and protect family-owned businesses that have been in New York for generations.
“Furthermore, I am concerned that the governor’s plan does not properly fund agriculture in a way that will protect our farmers and allow their businesses to stay in New York and be passed down from generation to generation.”
New York State Bar Association on raising the age of criminal responsibility:
“The New York State Bar Association has long supported raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18,” said President Glenn Lau-Kee. “We look forward to studying Governor Cuomo’s proposal.
“Every child accused of a nonviolent felony deserves a second chance. Research demonstrates-what parents intuitively know-that 16- and 17-year-old kids lack the maturity and judgment to understand the legal consequences of their actions. A criminal record at a young age can shadow a lifetime, affecting an individual’s future education and employment.
“Raising the age of criminal responsibility will help all children to embark a more positive path to adulthood. Providing troubled teenagers with support and guidance can help them turn around their lives.”
New York State Public Employees Federation:
“We have some concerns with the budget plan unveiled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo today,” said PEF President Susan M. Kent. “First, the proposed 2015-16 budget proposal includes no funding increases for state agencies. With agency budgets remaining flat, understaffing will continue and needed public services in communities will decline. Yet, the governor emphasized how he believes in community and that ‘the New York way is one for all, and all for one.’
“The governor spoke about the billions of dollars in settlement funds the state has received and how he has earmarked the money. PEF members were directly responsible for bringing that $5.4 billion into New York. We believe the governor and the Legislature should recognize the value of the work done by the professional workers represented by PEF in securing the settlement by ensuring funds from the windfall are reinvested, in part, to state agencies to maintain and improve public services in all New York communities.”
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network on proposal toregulate of e-Cigarettes:
“Governor Cuomo listened to a recommendation that we and other groups made to his staff in December and we are encouraged by his comments regarding a proposal to make electronic cigarettes be subject to New York State’s Clean Indoor Air Act in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, and other places that do not allow smoking,” said Michael Burgess, NY government relations director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action.
“If enacted, this would protect against second hand exposure to nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals found in these products. It will also help ensure that enforcement of existing smoke-free laws is not compromised, and that the public health benefits of smoke-free laws are not undermined.
“Governor Cuomo’s proposal also includes prohibiting the use of flavored nicotine in e-cigarettes. This measure, in addition to including electronic cigarettes in the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, would help protect young people from the potentially harmful effects of these products.
“In the last year, there has been a significant increase in the sale of electronic cigarettes nationally and usage among high school students nationally has doubled within a recent one-year period. ACS CAN applauds the governor’s proposed regulations and will continue to work with the governor and state legislators to protect New York residents with the potential risks associated with electronic cigarettes.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2015 at 12:00 am
Roy Harriger
ALBION – A trial against a pastor who used to lead a Lyndonville church has started in Orleans County Court.
The Rev. Roy Harriger, 71, faces charges of course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with three alleged victims.
He also faces three counts of incest because three of his alleged victims are family members. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 25 years in state prison.
Harriger’s son Robert Harriger took the stand this morning and said he was sexually abused by his father when Robert was 5 or 6 until he was 15 or 16. That abuse allegedly started about 40 years ago.
Harriger is accused of abusing Robert’s children about 15 years ago when the children visited the church parsonage.
A 12-person jury was picked on Tuesday and testimony began this morning.
Harriger is represented by Larry Koss. District Attorney Joseph Cardone is leading the prosecution.
Koss asked Robert Harriger why he would let his children be around their grandfather if Robert had been sexually abused by the same man.
Robert said he thought he was his father’s only victim. He said his father apologized for the crimes, saying he was “demon possessed and had got forgiveness from God.”
“I still believed my father wouldn’t hurt my children,” Robert Harriger said. “I believed he had been forgiven.”
Roy Harriger was arraigned on three counts of coarse sexual contact in the first degree and three counts of incest on Nov. 27, 2013 after being charged by the state police. He has been free on $250,000 bail.
The alleged crimes by Harriger occurred against three family members between September 2000 and September 2001, when he was pastor of the Ashwood Wesleyan Church in Lyndonville.
Harriger was the pastor at Ashwood Wesleyan for 12 years before he was terminated by the church in 2009 after a falling out with denomination leaders. Harriger then started a new church, Community Fellowship Church in Middleport.
BATAVIA, NY – Responding to the concerns of part-time, high achieving students Genesee Community College has created a new Provost’s List recognizing their outstanding academic performance. The first Provost’s List honors 233 students enrolled part-time in Fall Semester 2014 classes. These students have earned a grade point average of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Previously the College recognized these students on its Dean’s List, which honors part-time and full-time students with a Grade Point Average of 3.50 to 3.74. Some part-time students who had earned a higher GPA had expressed disappointment that their stellar performance was going unrecognized.
‘Part-time students often are juggling myriad responsibilities and often work that much harder to earn top scores,’ said Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen, GCC provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. ‘We felt it made sense to recognize their achievements separately and applaud the outstanding contributions they make in our classrooms every day.’
This year’s Genesee Community College Fall 2014 Provost’s List honorees, with their hometowns, include:
Orleans Hub file photos – The Dady Brothers kicked off a new concert series in Albion last June 18. The brothers performed a set list of mostly Irish music. John Dady is in front with Joe behind him. The village hosted the series last year on Thursdays on a closed-off East Bank Street.
BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced funding for several cultural programs in Orleans and Genesee counties for 2015.
GO ART! approved $41,600 in state decentralization grants for 26 projects in the two counties. The agency also approved $5,000 in Ripple Grants to support local artists who wish to involve the community in their creative process.
GO ART! approved $2,500 in Ripple Grants to Alex Feig of Orleans Radio for a “Remembers Medina” music recording and video, and $2,500 to Bill McDonald of Batavia for the Travelling Towpath Troubadors, a concert series along the Erie Canal.
“Wild” Bill McDonald, center, performs with the Ghost Riders last summer during a concert series in Holley. McDonald will play a series of concerts this summer along the Erie Canal.
Albion native Stacey (Kirby) Steward was approved for a $2,000 Spark Grant for an arts project with Holley Central School students. Steward’s project is sponsored by the Orleans County Adult Learning Services.
“Seeing Like an Artist” will encourage students to see the world as an artist sees it – noticing details that many miss. Students will be introduced to observational drawing and encouraged to practice developing skills such as focus, patience and attention. Inspiration will be drawn from nature.
Third graders will have several sessions with Steward, including drawing sessions, scientific observations and sharing sessions. The project will culminate in a mural created by the students and Steward.
The decentralization grants for projects in Orleans County include:
Village of Albion, Concerts by the Canal, $2,530;
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Finally Fridays concert series, $2,300;
World Life Institute in Waterport, Voice from the Earth, $3,440;
Bill Lattin, sponsored by Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, for Halloween Pictures and Pranks Show, $1,515;
Lake Plains Players, $2,000 for fall production and $800 for spring production;
The Cobblestone Society Museum for “The Lost Generation,” $2,300;
Yates Community Library, “More Than Just Books,” $2,800;
Lyndonville Lions Club for Concert Fun for the Summer, $1,500.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, and Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, both issued statements following President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
U.S. Rep. Chris Collins:
“Once again, President Obama used his annual national address to double down on divisive political rhetoric and unrealistic ideas. Rather than focus on policies that brighten the future of the middle class in a sustainable manner, the President has instead, sabotaged success and pitted Americans against one another. The President continues to advocate class warfare, and divide our country. He has repeatedly demonstrated that his idea of a bipartisan solution is his way or the high way.
“What the President failed to address was that this past election, the country spoke loud and clear about the direction we need to take. The result was the strongest Republican House majority since the 1920s, a Republican Senate majority, and Republican control of 68 out of 98 state legislative chambers. Americans recognize that Republicans are focused on creating an environment friendly to job creation through comprehensive tax reform, energy independence, entitlement reform and a patient centered health care system. The President needs to accept this new reality, and find a way to unify the country as we move forward.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand:
“Tonight President Obama presented a plan to ensure a fair shot at the American dream for anyone willing to earn it. As I travel throughout the state, New Yorkers tell me they are still struggling even as the economy begins to show signs of recovery. They want action from Congress to ease the burden of the basic costs of living so they can provide for their families, afford to send their kids to college, work good paying jobs, and retire with dignity. Now, Congress must do its part to work together, Democrats and Republicans, to expand economic opportunity for hard working families.
“I had hoped the President would use this opportunity to demand that we also make college campuses safe. Last week I personally urged the President to shine a national spotlight on the need to flip the incentives that currently reward colleges for sweeping sexual assaults under the rug. I was honored to have Emma Sulkowicz as my guest tonight who represents the grassroots movement of young women holding Congress and the system accountable. I will continue to fight to pass the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, a bipartisan bill that will finally force colleges and universities across the country to face this problem head-on with the goal of making safe campuses for America’s students a reality.
“The President’s goals for an expanded middle class, a fairer tax system and a better shot for hardworking families should rise above political party, and I am hopeful Congress will use his ideas as a starting point for real action.”
