By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Students the Albion AP Biology class this morning helped plant and water flowers in 17 planters that soon will be set in downtown Albion.
The students in Sandy Climenhaga’s class include Caitlin Malanowski in front, and from left: Meredith Patterson, Meghan Hurley, Madeline Gibbs, Sarah Kuehne, Alyce Miller, Sandy Climenhaga (behind Alyce) and Jared Fearby.
The students worked with three volunteers – Lisa and Skip Stratton, and Paul Brooks – from the Albion Merchants Association. Lisa Stratton coordinated the flower effort, which also includes 16 hanging baskets. Donations include $1,000 for the Town of Albion, $500 from the Village of Albion and 17 other sponsors that gave $25 each.
Alyce Miller waters some of the flowers in one of the planters this morning behind the DPW garage on Washington Street.
The bio students learn about flowers as part of their class. They study photosynthesis and dissect flowers to learn about plants.
Photo by Tom Rivers – A farmer works a field by an orchard on Route 31 in Ridgeway last week.
New York has created a new $3 million revolving loan fund to assist the agricultural industry in the Finger Lakes region. The “Growing the Agriculture Industry Now” Revolving Loan Program includes $280,000 for farms in Orleans County.
That is not a huge amount, considering the multi-million-dollar capital projects at many farms. But it could help farmers pursue some initiatives, including energy projects such as solar installations and more efficient refrigeration systems, said Jim Whipple, CEO of the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
The state funds for the Growing the Agriculture Industry Now initiative will provide loans to capitalize on local agricultural businesses utilizing new technologies and expanding operations.
This new program fills a gap where new businesses who do not meet traditional financing organizations’ underwriting standards will be now be able to get started, according to a news release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office.
The first advance of $1.2 million has been released to the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, which in coordination with local development corporations, represents the nine county regions managing the loan program.
“Farming in the Finger Lakes region is an important industry and a key driver of the regional economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “By encouraging the use of innovative technologies and creating more opportunities for farmers, this new loan program will help shape the future of the region’s agricultural industry and ensure its vitality for years to come.”
GAIN is a Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council priority project. The $3 million in state support provided by Empire State Development, the state’s economic development agency, will leverage an additional $300,000 plus in local investment. The total investment fund of more than $3,300,000 million will provide loans to qualifying businesses in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties, all of which are in the top ten agricultural counties in New York State. It is anticipated that the fund will create 150 direct jobs and 450 indirect jobs in the agriculture and good processing industry.
“Growing our agriculture and food processing industry is one of the utmost priorities of the FLREDC as it represents a crucial part of the region’s economy,” said Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs, Monroe Community College President Anne Kress and Wegmans Food Markets CEO Danny Wegman. “GAIN’s revolving loan pool to support the capital needs of agriculture and food processing companies, including new technology, diversification and expansion, will further advance the needs of the industry.”
The GAIN revolving loan program will give priority to agricultural and related business projects, including food processing and operating farms, which support job creation and job retention, as well as farm diversification (i.e., participate in farm-based retail and wholesale markets).
The program will also support businesses that invest in new technology, including renewable energy projects and new processing equipment, as well as ones that demonstrate growth in net revenue for agriculture enterprises; leverage other sources of funding; and provide secondary economic multipliers such as business expansions.
Loans can be up to $200,000 at an interest rate of one percent.
Those interested in learning more about the application process and the program can contact David Zorn at Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, 50 West Main Street, Suite 8107, Rochester, NY 14614; 585-454-0190 x14; or at dave.zorn@gflrpc.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Five people were arraigned in Orleans County Court on Monday after being arrested last month for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine in downtown Albion.The five people were arrested on April 19 after police searched an apartment and discovered methamphetamine was allegedly being produced at the site, 28A East Bank St.
Albion police officers executed a search warrant at the apartment. The warrant was related to a police investigation from a burglary that occurred on April 11 at the Vape Shop, 15 East Bank St.
As a result of the search warrant, the Police Department recovered stolen property from a burglary. The search warrant also resulted in the seizure of over 4 ounces of methamphetamine and the volatile chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, Police Chief Roland Nenni said last month.
The methamphetamine was being produced in the apartment and was in production when the search warrant was executed, the police chief said.
Judge James Punch arraigned the five all on felony charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine in the third degree, and criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine.
The following were arraigned in County Court:
Tara A. Ryan, 19 of 28A East Bank St., Albion; Nicholas D. Barrett, 19, of 28A East Bank St., Albion; Ryan J. Adkins, 22, of 80 Genesee St., Apt. 6, Lockport; Maja L. Pugh, 19, of 80 Genesee St., Apt. 6, Lockport; and Bridgette A.M. Fronczak-Reilly, 19, of 80 Genesee St., Apt. 6, Lockport.
Four of the five remain in the county jail on $30,000 bail. Pugh has posted bail. All entered not guilty pleas.
In another case in County Court, a Batavia man made his first appearance in County Court after being arrested on April 18 by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office on multiple charges related to the sexual abuse and rape of a 5-year-old child.
Nicholas L. McKague, 24, of West Main Street Road in Batavia faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child and course of sexual conduct against a child.
His arraignment was not complete on Monday because the court wants to see if he is eligible for the public defender. He will be arraigned with counsel on Friday at 11 a.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2016 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – Aleka Schmidt, pastor of First Baptist Church in Albion, is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer. She is keynote speaker during this evening’s For Women Only event to benefit the Community Partners outreach program of Orleans Community Health.
LYNDONVILLE – The 20th annual For Women Only this evening not only celebrates a milestone anniversary for the event, but also will mark 10 years of being cancer-free for the keynote speaker.
Aleka Schmidt was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when she was 28, shortly after her daughter’s second birthday.
In the fog of bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, hospitalization, and strong medication, life as a cancer patient soon became the new norm in her household.
Schmidt will share her story during the For Women Only event today at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The event is already sold out with nearly 300 tickets sold.
Schmidt said everyone should get to know their body and be on the lookout for anything unusual that could be cancer.
“Speak up if you have a concern,” she said.
Cancer patients in Orleans County are fortunate to have quality healthcare options close to home, especially with cancer specialists in Rochester and Buffalo, she said.
She said people should maintain a positive outlook, even while fighting a potentially life-threatening disease.
“Choose to be better, not bitter,” she said.
Schmidt was working full-time as a music therapist when she was diagnosed. She has switched careers and now is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion. She is a semester away from earning her master of divinity at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. She continues to work part-time as a music therapist.
As part of the evening today, Jenifer Maynard, director of Imaging Services at Orleans Community Health, will present the new 4D ultrasound machine. The machine provides superior image quality for more accurate diagnoses. Orleans Community Health started using the new ultrasound on Jan. 1.
The new ultrasound machine has high frequency, wide field-of-view probes and improved software for advanced breast imaging, improved sensitivity and powerful enough to scan all body types, and portability to accommodate patients and staff.
This year’s event will include wine and chocolate tastings, appetizers and desserts, basket raffle, survivor recognition and a celebration of women. All funds raised from the event will benefit the Cancer Services program which provides free screenings to individuals with little to no health insurance.
The event raises about $5,000 that helps Community Partners, the outreach program Orleans Community Health, offer cancer screenings and also complete blood work.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson, left, and Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, leaders with the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance, update the Albion Rotary Club on the efforts bring more high-speed Internet to rural areas in the two counties. Rotary member Bruce Landis is at right.
GAINES – Officials from Orleans and Niagara counties continue to work to expand high-speed Internet access in the two counties.
The two counties have formed the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance, with the push for more broadband Internet a top priority for the two-county alliance.
However, the effort is “in a holding pattern” due to the merger of Time Warner and Charter Communications, Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson told the Albion Rotary Club last week.
As part of the merger, Charter needs to expand service to 145,000 homes that don’t already have high-speed access. The FCC on May 6 approved Charter Communications’ $79 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks.
Charter has 45 days from May 6 to provide addresses for the 145,000 homes where it plans to extend service. Once those addresses are known, Orleans and Niagara officials can see how it effects service coverage locally.
The state has made $500 million in funds available to expand high-speed Internet. New York is seeking at least a matching commitment from private industry to extend broadband to underserved areas.
Orleans and Niagara have identified 4,300 homes without high-speed Internet access. The lack of service is a major deterrent to attracting and keeping residents and businesses, Johnson said.
“Our message is we haven’t given up,” she said. “As two counties we stand ready for what is so desperately needed on our rural roads for schools, residents and farms.”
The two counties last year approved a Memorandum of Understanding with vendors to develop a rural broadband network with the goal of making high-speed internet access available in every household.
The two counties, working together as the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance, have entered into an MOU with the team of Seneca Solutions and Resolute Partners. The companies developed a network on the Cattaraugus Indian Territory.
They are ready to pursue grant funding and to design, install, operate and maintain the rural broadband network for Orleans and Niagara, Johnson said.
Godfrey, the Niagara County legislator, expects the network will be mostly wireless. That is the wave of the future, and it is cheaper and more practical than installing cable, especially in rural pockets of the two counties with few homes, he said.
“We’ve been shovel-ready for two years,” he said about the broadband push. “We’ve done our homework, we’re just waiting for the money.”
Godfrey lives in rural Wilson. He said two families recently built new homes in that Niagara town, but moved out because there wasn’t broadband Internet. The families moved because their children couldn’t do homework without high-speed Internet, Godfrey said. Fast Internet also is needed for businesses to submit reports and residents to search for jobs and fill out applications.
“We’re more than disadvantaged,” Godfrey said. “We’re discriminated against.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, also is pushing for rural broadband money. Upstate New York could lose more than $170 million in federal aid for expanding high-speed Internet because Verizon has turned down the money.
Schumer and Gov. Andrew Cuomo want the federal aid to be available for other companies that would expand coverage in New York.
“We have a lot of very loud voices speaking on behalf of Orleans County,” Johnson said.
Provided photo – Three State Assembly members attended a task force meeting last Thursday at GCC in Batavia. They include, from left: Clifford Crouch, Steve Hawley and Bill Nojay.
Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) hosted a forum in Batavia focused on supporting the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Invitees included people with developmental disabilities and their families, non-profit organizations, mental health experts and community leaders.
Last Thursday’s forum, held at Genesee Community College, was the ninth in a series of forums being conducted around the state in response to concerns from families, non-profits, community organizations and individuals with developmental disabilities about the impact of the Olmstead Decision.
Discussions focused on identifying better ways to support the rights of people with developmental disabilities; expansion of community-based care programs; the effectiveness of current transition plans for individuals in sheltered workshops; and identifying whether the input and desires of people with disabilities are being considered.
“Information gathered at the forum will help us to better serve the needs and choices of people with developmental disabilities,” Hawley said. “For many, the transition process to a more integrated work setting has resulted in frustration and disappointing changes in services and care programs. New York must do a better job of assessing and meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.”
Participants included representatives from Genesee ARC, Arc of Orleans, ARC of Monroe, New York State School for the Blind, Western New York Independent Living and local families.
“As legislators and residents of this state, it is our obligation and goal to provide services and address the needs of every New Yorker, regardless of age, religion, creed or disability,” said Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge), task force chairman. “These forums provide us with the opportunity to hear from families, caregivers and individuals with developmental disabilities to offer another layer of support when it comes to aiding those with disabilities in communities across our state.”
The next Assembly Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities forum will be held May 26 in Buffalo. For more information on the task force, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.
MEDINA – Two Medina men face drug charges following an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine and Suboxone in the Village of Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.
The arrests were made after a pair of sealed indictments were handed up from the Orleans County Grand Jury. On May 17 and May 18, the two men were arrested by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
The following were charged:
Jones
Michael D. Thompson, 49, of 525 West Ave., Apt. 7. He was charged with three counts each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are Class B felonies.
Robert D. Jones, 25, of 515 West Ave., Apt. 1A. He was charged with one count each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, which are Class D felonies.
Both Thompson and Jones were arraigned in Orleans County Curt by Judge James Punch. Thompson was committed to Orleans County Jail on $15,000 bail. Jones was remanded to jail on $5,000 bail. Both are due back in County Court today at 2 p.m.
Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation, the Task Force reported.
Provided photo – Albion seventh-graderslast week donated food to Community Action of Genesee & Orleans. Pictured, from left, includes seventh-grade math teacher Mrs. Wesolowski, Community Action Case Manager Michelle Figueroa, Max Hapeman, Aisha Drisdom, Claire Squicciarini, Bryne Dysard and Gavin Reid.
Press Release, Community Action
ALBION – Mrs. Wesolowski and her 7th grade math classes found a creative way to incorporate math skills into helping others, and donating to Community Action’s food pantry.
They began the project by brainstorming ideas of products that would both fill the need of our community and fit the 3-D shapes that they will be studying. There were 90 seventh-graders who collected canned goods or as they would call them “cylinder items and rectangular prisms.”
They brought them to math class and found the volume and surface area in each object. They were able to collect 125 cylinder items and 42 rectangular prisms! They concluded with a reflective entry in their Math Journals about the item(s) the student donated, why they chose that item, and how that item could directly help someone in need.
This is the first year that Mrs. Wesolowski’s class has taken on such a project, but she plans to continue this in the future. Gavin Reid said that the best part about this project was “knowing that people will be able to eat dinner.”
ALBION – A Gaines resident has been arrested for conspiracy and weapons charges after an investigation regarding the illegal purchase of a gun by a third party, also known as a “Straw Purchase,” at a local gun shop in the Village of Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting.
John P. Klotzbach, 66, of 13563 Ridge Rd., was charged on May 20 following an investigation by the Task Force, the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Klotzbach allegedly attempted to purchase a shotgun and refused to complete the required ATF form 4473 for the federal background check and was subsequently denied the purchase.
Several days later, a female acquaintance allegedly went into the gun store and wanted to purchase the same gun that Mr. Klotzbach attempted to buy. The gun store owner became suspicious when he noticed the woman was riding in the same vehicle as Klotzbach, as well as attempting to purchase the same gun that Klotzbach wanted. The store owner then contacted law enforcement authorities.
While taking Klotzbach into custody at his Ridge Road home, deputies found him to be in possession of a loaded sawed-off shotgun, the Task Force reported.
Klotzbach was charged with one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and one count of conspiracy in the fifth degree, a misdemeanor.
He was arraigned in the Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Dawn Keppler, who remanded him to the county jail on $10,000 bail. He is to appear in Gaines Town Court on May 25 at 3 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges are pending, the Task Force reported. Klotzbach could also face federal charges.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Medina man was sentenced to six months in Orleans County Jail today after he pleaded guilty on March 14 to attempted burglary in the second degree.
Michael Santoro, 23, of Gwinn Street could have faced a state prison sentence. Santoro has been off drugs for 9 ½ months, been committed to a drug treatment program and has a full-time job. He has turned his life around, he told Judge James Punch during sentencing this afternoon.
“I’m not the same boy who committed the crime,” Santoro said.
He admitted in March to breaking into a house in Ridgeway between April 26 and May 1, 2015, and taking jewelry and other items. He was ordered today to pay $5,018 in restitution to the victims in the crime, and $2,500 to State Farm Insurance. He is to begin paying over three years when he gets out of jail.
Santoro’s attorney, Nathan Pace, asked for no jail time for Santoro, given his recovery and new direction, as well as no prior felonies.
“He was in such a mess, but he has gotten himself clean,” Pace told the judge.
But Punch said some jail time was necessary given the severity of the crime as a home invasion.
Punch told Santoro he needs to be vigilant in staying away from drugs.
“Nine and half months is a good start, but that’s all it is,” Punch told Santoro. “These are powerful addictions that you will have to work on for years and years to come.”
4 animals – 2 dogs, a hedgehog and a goat – are on the ballot in fundraiser for cemetery chapel
HOLLEY – There is no mudslinging in this campaign. For animals are vying for the title of honorary “Chancellor of the Chapel” at Hillside Cemetery. The “candidates” will be available to meet the public at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Holley Elementary School.
The public can vote for a candidate by spending $1 per vote. The election is a fundraiser for the cemetery. The competition is sponsored by the Holley Elementary Student Council. Each vote supports the restoration of the historic chapel in Hillside Cemetery.
The race for chancellor started last week and continues until June 10. The winner will be announced on Flag Day, June 14. Updates on the race are available by clicking here.
“Despite a lot of back biting, some braying and occasional grunting, the Honorary Chancellor race is good-natured and offers both the community and friends an opportunity to support the restoration of the chapel,” according to a press release from the Clarendon Historical Society announcing the event. “The candidates have a variety of qualities to offer.”
Samson
Samson is managed and supported by Craig Lane. This dog started life on the streets of Las Vegas. He happily left “Sin City” to reside in peaceful Clarendon with Mr. Lane where he enjoys making new friends and frequently disperses slobbery kisses to most anyone.
Slogans for Samson include “Keep Calm- Vote for Samson!”, “Pawsitivity the Best!” and “It’s not a RUFF choice, vote for Samson!”
Scarlett
Scarlett, the hedgehog, is managed and supported by Corrinda Shepherd. Scarlett is a loving mother who occasionally resides at the Elementary School with her array of four adorable hoglets. Always patient with the students, she is often sought out as a confidant.
Slogans for Scarlett include “Stop Hedging, vote for Scarlett!” and “Hogs N Kisses, vote for Scarlett!”
Gamma
Gamma is managed and supported by Samantha Zelent along with John and Sandy Heise. This dog narrowly escaped death in Georgia, finding a second chance at happiness in Holley. He is loving, very active and particularly fond of a certain 7-year-old.
Slogans for Gamma include “Doggone it! Vote for Gamma” and “Leave no Dog behind, vote for Gamma!”
M&M
M&M is managed and supported by Fran Gaylord and Karen Clark. Observant, curious and opinionated, this goat prides herself on always being on top of the situation.
Slogans for M & M include “Whatever floats your goat, vote for M&M!” and “Don’t be a stubborn old goat, vote for M&M!”
With such excellent candidates, it will be a tight race as the voters decide who best will fill the role of Chancellor of the Chapel. The Elementary Student Council urges everyone to vote early and vote often!
Votes are $1 each and are unlimited. Local polling places include Clarendon’s Town Hall, the Holley Village Office, the Holley Library and the offices of Dr. Schiavone and Dr. Wiley in Holley or by contacting the manager of any candidate. Alternately, votes may be made online via Paypal at https://www.paypal.me/clarendonhistorical.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Nick Pifer, ‘greatest kid in the world,’ wears the badge for a day
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Nick Pifer, a Holley student, is congratulated after being sworn in this morning as a honorary police officer in the Gates Police Department. Nick is pictured with Police Chief James VanBrederode (in white) with Officer Shawn O’Mara and Mark Assini, Gates town supervisor.
Nick, 18, was named the honorary officer this morning during a surprise announcement as part of the school assembly. Nick will spend the day in ride-a-longs with O’Mara, who also works part-time in security at Holley Central School.
Nick Pifer is called up to the stage during an assembly this morning. Nick has Down Syndrome. He graduated from Holley last year but has continued at Holley in a post-graduate program.
Pifer is very popular at the school. His classmates picked him as prom king last year.
“He always puts a smile on everyone’s face,” said Tyler Singer, a junior at the school. “He comes in everyday happy and joyful. He is a bundle of joy all the time.”
Nick takes the oath of office to serve the Town of Gates as police officer today. Nick enjoys watching TV shows with police officers. He also has known the Holley police officers for many years. His father, Bill Pifer, works for the Department of Public Works in the village.
“He has always been close to the police officers,” Mr. Pifer said.
He praised Officer O’Mara for working out the honorary police role today for Nick. Mr. Pifer said the community, especially at the school district, have shown Nick lots of love over the years.
“The entire school and students have been phenomenal with Nick over the years,” Pifer said.
He isn’t surprised his son is so well-liked. Nick received a standing ovation from the students after being sworn in as honorary police officer.
“He is the greatest kid in the world,” his father said. “He is so warm and loving.”
A contingent of law enforcement officials, many of them Holley graduates, were part of the celebration today for Nick Pifer. This photo shows, from left: Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower, Gates PD Lt. John Ballard, Gates police officer Ed Bower, Orleans County Deputy James DeFilipps, Chief Deputy Michael Mele and Holley police officer Miguel Bermudez.
Nick Pifer heads to the Gates police car to join officer Shawn O’Mara for a ride-along today. O’Mara of Holley said Nick is interested in police work and asks security officers at Holley many questions.
“He always has a smile,” O’Mara said. “If you’re having a bad day, he will cheer you up.”
Nick Pifer waves to a gauntlet of reporters and Holley school staff as he heads out to spend the day with Shawn O’Mara, a Gates police officer.
“Officer Nick make us proud,” one teacher called out to Nick.
Provided photos – The Medina Sandstone Society has recognized the first group of students to be named to the John Ryan School of Historical Excellence. They include, from left: Zachary Harris, Alyssa Shortridge, Allison Bensley, Amanda Lunden, Caitlyn Davies, Gregory Husung and Tyler Waldriff.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Seven students from Medina High School are the first class to belong to the John Ryan School of Historical Excellence that was started by the Medina Sandstone Society this year.
Allison Bensley, Caitlyn Davies, Zachary Harris, Gregory Husung, Amanda Lunden, Alyssa Shortridge and Tyler Waldriff are honor level students who are being recognized by Sandstone Society. The goal of the John Ryan School is to instill in the minds of Medina’s youth a heightened pride in the local community and encourage an understanding of their hometown history and heritage.
John Ryan was a pioneer stonemason who traveled hundreds of miles on foot and spent the rest of his life as a builder and quarry operator, using world-famous Medina sandstone. Ryan opened the first commercial sandstone quarry in Medina. The Sandstone Society started the school to encourage the students to become future leaders of Medina.
At a recent ceremony, students saw their names unveiled on a plaque at the High School.
Allison Bensley also received a $500 scholarship from the Sandstone Society. She is pictured with Jim Hancock, president of the group and chairman of the selection committee.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Four people were arraigned in Orleans County Court today for second-degree attempted gang assault.The four allegedly attacked a person on April 5 on Beaver Street in Albion, kicking and punching the victim.
Christopher Rivers, 19, of Sandy Creek Apartments was among the alleged perpetrators. He was to be sentenced today for criminal possession of a firearm and could have faced up to a year in jail. But that sentencing was put off because of the latest charge.
Judge James Punch also increased the bail for Rivers from $100,000 to $150,000. Matthew Parrinello, attorney for Rivers, asked that the bail be reduced to $20,000, which is where it was before the latest charge, which was initially disorderly conduct but was upgraded to attempted gang assault. Parrinello said Rivers had very little criminal activity prior to the two recent charges.
District Attorney Joe Cardone said the latest alleged crime happened while Rivers was out of jail awaiting sentencing on the weapons charge. Cardone asked that bail not be reduced.
“Things are getting worse, not better,” Punch said in raising the bail.
Three other Albion men were arraigned today for second-degree attempted gang assault. They include:
Ashay S. Gaffney, 22, of Crimson Heights. The judge set bail at $20,000.
Sharoz R. Haywood, 19, of Lyndun Drive Extension. The judge set bail at $20,000.
Jasper D. Lloyd, 22, of Lydun Drive Extension. He said he is hiring a private attorney and will be fully arraigned on Friday with his lawyer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
GAINES – May is being celebrated as Preservation Month with a “This Place Matters” campaign by the National Trust for Historic Preservation .
The Cobblestone Museum, the only site in Orleans County deemed by the federal government as a National Historic Landmark, is joining the effort. The top photo shows Museum Director Taylor Daughton, left, and Volunteer Coordinator Sue Bonafini by the Ward House.
The Ward House was built in 1840 under the direction of John Proctor, a prominent early Gaines resident. The building was constructed in the Federal style. The interior of the house is decorated to reflect the 1880s.
Following Proctor’s ownership, the house was sold to Benjamin and Mary Ann Woodburn Dwinnell. Mary Anne was the aunt of New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley, who held the mortgage until 1863. The home functioned as a private residence until 1975, when the property was purchased by the museum from Mrs. Inez Martyn Ward.
The Ward House needs repairs to the front steps and other restoration work. The Cobblestone Museum welcomes donations for that project and other museum upkeep, as well as volunteers to help lead tours, and with other museum efforts.
For more on the Cobblestone Museum, click here or call (585) 589-9013.
