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Gia Arnold believes she has earned an interview from GOP committee

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Gia Arnold of Holley, a candidate for State Senate, speaks from the Orleans County Courthouse front steps with some of her supporters this afternoon. Arnold wants a five-person committee to interview her as the committee looks for another endorsed Republican candidate.

ALBION – Gia Arnold is only asking for an interview from a five-person committee that will fill a vacancy for the 62nd Senate District’s endorsed Republican candidate.

George Maziarz had the party’s endorsement but he has declined the nomination. Today was the deadline to accept or decline.

Arnold had already worked to force a Republican primary after she submitted petitions signed by about 1,500 registered voters last week. But she hasn’t been interviewed by key Republican Party leaders in the 62nd Senate District, which includes most of Niagara, all of Orleans and a western portion of Monroe.

She said today during news conferences in Albion and North Tonawanda that she doesn’t want the party leaders to use “backroom politics” to select a candidate.

Arnold, 24, is a mother of three young children. She and her husband Jeremy own a tree trimming business.

She became active in politics last year after the SAFE Act was passed by the State Legislature and Gov. Cuomo. Although Maziarz opposed the SAFE Act, Arnold says the senator could have done more to work towards its repeal.

She fully expected to square off against him in a September Primary.

“I was shocked because he has been out campaigning,” Arnold said about Maziarz’s announcement. The two both attended and spoke at a rally Saturday in Albion about Second Amendment rights.

Arnold said she sought an interview with Republican Party leaders in the three counties in the spring, but they told her they had already picked Maziarz back in February.

She was interviewed by Orleans County Conservative Party leaders and they endorsed her. However, State Conservative Party leaders gave the endorsement to Maziarz. She is now trying to get that endorsement. She fears the five-person Republican committee to fill vacancies will pick someone in “the club” and the Conservatives will then rubber stamp that endorsement.

“I believe I deserve a chance based on all the work I’ve been doing in the district,” she said today.

She would like to see the committee, which will include three people from Niagara, interview candidates from Orleans and Monroe counties, and not just “anoint” someone from Niagara County. (Many media outlets have listed North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt as the likely Republican favorite.)

“Isn’t it time we break-up the good ole boys club?” Arnold said at her stop in Albion this afternoon.

Ed Morgan, chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party, told the Orleans Hub on Sunday night that a Niagara County candidate would likely get the committee’s endorsement because Niagara has three of the five votes.

“Would a candidate from one county with a lesser population not effectively serve a constituency from another with a greater population?” Arnold said. “How about endorsing a home-grown not hand-picked candidate that has been working hard to gain support the past several months in his own backyard.”

If Arnold isn’t the choice of the committee, she believes she has enough signatures to be on the ballot for primaries in September. She also is working to run under the Libertarian line in November.

The Republican candidate will likely face Johnny Destino, a Niagara Falls attorney. He has the Democratic Party line. He ran as a Republican in a primary against Maziarz in 2012. He switched parties this election.

Arnold said she wasn’t impressed by Destino for changing and running as a Democrat this time.

“That says a lot about his morals that he’ll do anything to get elected,” she said.

Arnold was joined in Albion by Paul Lauricella, vice chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Committee. He said the group is in strong support of Arnold, who said she wouldn’t serve more than 8 years. Maziarz has been in office as a state senator since 1995.

She has shown a willingness to speak out on issues and fight, Lauricella said.

“She could handle those boys downstate,” Lauricella said. “She’s an independent thinker and she wouldn’t sell out on Day 1 like all of the others once they are elected.”

Lauricella said Maziarz leaves with a lot of fans in Orleans County.

“I like George,” Lauricella said. “He’s a very personable man. He’s just been there too long.”

Arnold wants consideration from GOP, Conservative brass

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am

State Senate candidate Gia Arnold wants Republican Party bosses to give her a shot as the party’s endorsed candidate.

She submitted petitions last week to run as both a Conservative and Republican candidate. With news that George Maziarz is retiring and not seeking re-election, Arnold believes that both parties’ leaders should give her consideration as the endorsed candidate.

Arnold, 24, of Holley will be having news conferences on the steps of North Tonawanda City Hall at 11 a.m. today and then at 2 p.m. in front of the Orleans County Courthouse in Albion.

Media reports have said that Robert Ortt, North Tonawanda mayor, is the likely Republican nominee. Arnold wants the party leaders to not overlook her. Thus far, she said she hasn’t been interviewed.

On Facebook this morning, she criticized Ortt for heaping praise on Maziarz and not acknowledging the district’s economic struggles.

“I fear that Robert Ortt is just another pawn willing to play the corrupt games that Maziarz has been involved with all along,” Arnold said on Facebook. “We need a new, fresh replacement in Albany.”

Man arrested after manhunt in Holley

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – A man who was on the loose for nearly six hours was finally arrested after he was discovered hiding in a hollowed out couch in an abandoned house this evening.

David Diaz, 31, of 25 Mechanic St. was the subject of a manhunt from about 12:30 p.m. until he was located at 6:30 p.m. at a house next door at 27 Mechanic St.

Diaz was charged with resisting arrest and escape in the third degree, Holley police officer David Nenni said.

Diaz will be turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. He is wanted on a probation violation and could face additional charges.

Holley police knocked on Diaz’s door at 10 a.m. when police were investigating a fraud case through the Department of Social Services, Nenni said. Diaz took off through the back door and was caught after a foot chase, Nenni said.

Diaz was taken to the Holley police station but was released. However, the Monroe County Probation Department then called to say Diaz was wanted on the Probation violation.

He was brought back to the station and told Holley police officers he had to go to the bathroom, Nenni said. Diaz claimed the water wasn’t working in the bathroom. While a Holley police officer checked, Diaz then fled the police station at about 12:30 p.m.

Holley police officers, the State Police, Albion Police, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Niagara County K-9 were all in the village, trying to locate Diaz. A police helicopter also were brought in, Nenni said.

At about 6:30 p.m. Diaz was located by three Holley police officers – Nenni, Robert Barton and Skip Christ. Diaz was hiding inside a couch.

Judge sentences 2 to state prison

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Two people were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge James Punch.

Jackie L. Sponaugle Jr., 22, of Ashwood Road in Waterport could spend up to 5 years in prison after he was sentenced for third-degree burglary and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

He faced a maximum of seven years in prison. He was given 1 2/3 to 5 years behind bars for the burglary and 2 years for the drug charge, which will run the same time as the burglary sentence. Sponaugle is a first-time felony offender. He has two prior arrests.

Sponaugle admitted he broke into a Carlton home on Gaines Road and stole items on Aug. 19, 2013. He also said he had morphine and intended to sell it on Oct. 3.

He was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution for the burglary and another $140 in restitution for the drug charge. That represents the money spent by an undercover officer for the drugs.

Sponaugle apologized in court to victims of the burglary, saying he betrayed their trust. He also apologized for the drug crime.

“I shouldn’t have been selling this garbage,” he told Judge Punch.

The judge said Sponaugle had graduated beyond Probation and deserved state prison.

Sponaugle admitted he has a drug problem. He said he was taking responsibility for his crimes.

“They are the scourge of this community and you’re helping to spread it,” Punch said about illegal drugs. “I can’t look the other way.”

A Brockport man also was sentenced to state prison for driving while intoxicated. Sean Hubler, 43, has multiple DWIs, the District Attorney’s Office said.

He was arrested on Nov. 24 in Gaines and registered a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.16 percent, twice the legal limit.

He was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

“You need to be taken off the streets,” Punch said during sentencing. “I’m surprised you haven’t killed someone yet.”

Albion summer park program offers lots of activities for children

Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am

From the Parks:

By John Grillo, Albion recreation director

ALBION – In the third week of the Summer Parks Program in the Village of Albion, July 7-11, we had very nice weather for the parks.

The attendance was very good and the children had a great time. Arts and crafts are an important part of the summer program as our Arts and Crafts specialist Caitlin Francis was busy preparing crafts for the upcoming weeks. Caitlin did a wonderful job last week with all parks doing arts and crafts relating to the July 4th celebration.

The baseball camp was a success as over 20 youngsters each day enjoyed learning the fundamentals of baseball along with baseball lead-up games and activities.

On Monday the children enjoyed team games and activities. Tuesday was the same along with recreational games and activities. On Wednesday and Thursday the Orleans Health Department visited Bullard Park and Veterans Park to talk about friendship and proper nutrition. The Health Department conducted group games that brought out that message.

On Friday the ever popular Children’s Carnival took place at Bullard Park. Several hundred youngsters gathered at Bullard Park and were on hand to enjoy all the activities, food, games and prizes. Orleans Community Action and their staff did a great job of preparing a wonderful day for the children.

Each day the children arrive at their chosen park for a fun-filled day. Many activities such as kickball, dodge ball, whiffleball, table tennis, rubber quoits, carom pool, capture the flag, tag games, card and board games, playground apparatus, football, soccer, four square, parachute games, and many others take place during the week.
This will be full of several scheduled activities. GCASA will visit each park with fun activities and sending a great message to the children concerning making good choices.

On Tuesday the parks will be transported to the Albion Sportsman’s Club for a picnic, games, rowing, hiking and other activities. Arts and crafts will be offered all week as well.

On Friday, the parks will be transported to Brown’s Berry Patch to enjoy the many activities that they have to offer. Of course the children will have a chance to purchase their favorite ice cream.

We had several new registrations this week. There is still time to sign up. Just visit one of the three area parks and ask for the park supervisors in attendance for a registration sheet. Come and register your child so they will not miss out on the fun activities planned, including sports camps.

Orleans rolls out red carpet for cyclists

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – After a big welcome reception in Medina on Sunday night, about 500 cyclists on the Erie Canal are being treated today to refreshments and greetings in Albion and Holley. The top photo shows a group of cyclists by two welcome tents in Albion.

The cyclists come from 34 states and four foreign countries. They are riding about 400 miles along the Erie Canal in the 16th annual “Cycling the Erie Canal” ride organized by the Parks and Trails Network.

Wendy Hinkley, the branch manager for Five Star Bank in Albion, gives directions to cyclists this morning in Albion. She volunteered in a welcome tent organized by the Albion Main Street Alliance. Carolyn Ricker, left, and the Albion Merchants Association also had local merchandise and brochures available.

Many of the cyclists stop for a snack and to stretch their legs in Albion.

The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church also opened for tours and the Cobblestone Society Museum offered a shuttle bus to the museum complex in Gaines.

Karie Deegan and Debbie Karas try to make the cyclists feel welcome this morning in Albion.

Some of the cyclists who approached the Main Street lift bridge in Albion pulled out their cameras to get a photo.

The cyclists are also being welcomed in Holley. Mayor John Kenney will be part of a welcoming committee at the village’s canal park. Kenney and members of the Murray-Holley Historical Society will be serving coffee, pastries and refreshments.

Maziarz won’t seek re-election

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2014 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – State Sen. George Maziarz speaks during a legislative luncheon organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce in January. He is joined by County Legislator Don Allport, left, and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

George Maziarz, one of the most powerful state senators in Albany, won’t be seeking re-election. Maziarz called Republican Party leaders in his three-county district today to share the news he will decline the party’s nomination for another two-year term.

“It’s terrible news, terrible news,” said Ed Morgan, chairman of the Republican Party in Orleans County. “He’s been a great senator.”

Channel 4 in Buffalo first broke the news about Maziarz opting against re-election.

Morgan said Maziarz, who has represented the area in Albany since 1995, didn’t want the hectic schedule anymore.

“He’s very tired of the pace of going back and forth to Albany,” Morgan said. “He doesn’t have any health issues right now, but he doesn’t want to get any, either.”

Maziarz was first elected to the State Senate in 1995. His district includes all of Orleans County, most of Niagara and a western portion of Monroe County.

Channel 4 reports that Republican Party leaders are likely to endorse North Tonawanda Mayor Bob Ortt as the Republican nominee.

Morgan said a committee of five – himself, Bill Reilich from Monroe County, and three from Niagara – will soon meet to talk about a candidate. Niagara will have the majority of the votes so Morgan said he expects the candidate will likely come from that county.

Maziarz has handily won every election since 1995. A Republican challenger from two years ago, Johnny Destino of Niagara Falls, is switching to run as Democrat this election. Gia Arnold of Holley also filed a petition to run as a Republican.

3 artists make debut at Marti’s on Main

Posted 13 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Diana Dudley stands with her drawings. She focuses mostly on human faces.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

ALBION – Three new artists are featured at Marti’s on Main art gallery at 229 North Main St. For all three, it is their debut show as artists.

Brandon Blount-Carpenter is a local photographer and sculptor that Kim Martillotta approached to ask about having space in the gallery.

“I saw some of his photography through a friend on Facebook, and I told him that I liked his stuff,” Martillotta said. She kept an eye on his creations.

“Last fall, I said to him ‘Perhaps you should sign up and have a show,'” said Martillotta.

Blount-Carpenter’s works focus on detail that people often overlook in nature. Brandon spends five or six hours in the woods at a time. He sets out looking for mostly fungi, but captures other photographs as he goes along.

A lot of his art stems from his time in the woods with his grandfather, the late Don Cook. His grandfather, a wildlife photographer, taught him patience and to look for the subtle. Blount-Carpenter captures things that he wants to share with the world.

“My photos are capturing not just the big picture, but also the little small-scale macro pictures, stuff that people overlook,” he said. “Within each of the images are tiny details that sneak out at you. It gives people an idea of what they can see if they just go for a walk, relax, enjoy themselves and really open their eyes and look.”

Brandon Blount-Carpenter stands with his photograph of fungi inside a rusted-out can. Fungi are his main focus, but he finds several other subjects to photograph on his trips into the woods.

Brandon uses items found in nature, such as wood, skulls or feathers, and incorporates them into sculptures.

“I reclaim a lot from nature,” he said. “Whatever I find I tend to use in my sculpture work. It’s sort of an ironic satirical take on how man treats nature and nature’s resilience and it’s ability to bounce back to kind of become something else that man didn’t think it really was.”

Diana Dudley brought Martillotta drawings to look at before. Dudley had been coming to the shows at Marti’s for six years, and it was suggested that she make a premiere show at the gallery. Dudley then suggested that her son Mark Robinson should also have his first show at the same time. Martillotta thought it was a great idea.

Dudley draws mostly people and faces, though she also has a select number of still-life pieces displayed as well.

“I was born with the ability to sketch people. I reproduce what I see. I have to be looking at something. I don’t do anything out of my head,” she said.

She added,” If you really take a look at faces, you notice how very different they are.”

Mark Robinson explains that this painting, “Monacelli’s Quarry” is located right here in Albion. He sees it when he walks his dog and enjoys the way the elements of light and water come together in the setting.

Mark Robinson draws and paints with a wide variety of subjects, both real and surreal. Most of his paintings are of landscapes.

“When you have a live figure to work from, it kind of juices you up,” he said.

“Landscapes can be the same way. Another thing that keeps people happy and alive is just to be in nature. If you go for a walk in the park, you get an immune boost that’s way above what you get walking on a treadmill. If you have a painting of an outdoor scene, it helps give you just a little of that boost.”

Robinson continued, “I draw my inspiration from people who are very competent like Albrecht Durer or M.C. Escher. Everybody alive today has the opportunity to learn from all these teachers of the past. You don’t have to limit it to your teacher or your class. The world is your class. Take your lessons there.”

Marti’s on Main does not have set hours. Instead, the public is invited to stop by during the day throughout the month to view the works.

‘All Right’ Millville used to include a church parsonage

Posted 13 July 2014 at 12:00 am

By Bill Lattin, Orleans County Historian

MILLVILLE – This clever post card was mailed in 1914 from Medina.

The tipped-on photograph shows a scene in Millville at the time. Here are we looking west onto Maple Ridge Road from the intersection of West Countyhouse Road and West Lee Road.

The tower of the Millville Methodist Church shows above the trees. Next to this is the Methodist parsonage, which was removed many years ago with the site now a parking lot.

Waterport woman seriously injured in accident on 279

Posted 13 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith

GAINES – A Waterport woman is in serious condition at a Buffalo hospital after crashing her vehicle early this morning in the Town of Gaines.

The incident occurred at about 2 a.m. in the 2200 block of Gaines-Waterport Road (State Route 279). Felicia A. Gaddis, 45, was the sole occupant of the 2000 Buick sedan she was driving southbound. She apparently lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line and ran off the east side of the roadway before striking a utility pole.

Gaddis was ejected from the car as it overturned, coming to rest on its side. She was flown to Erie County Medical Center by Mercy Flight helicopter.

The collision resulted in downed power lines when the utility pole was snapped in half, which brought a response from National Grid.

While the incident remains under investigation, it appears that both alcohol & excessive speed were contributing factors. Charges against Gaddis are pending her recovery and blood test results.

The incident was investigated by Deputy T.C. Marano, assisted by Deputy J.W. Halstead and Investigators K.M. Strickland Jr., and D.E. Foeller Jr.

Albion and Carlton firefighters and Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance personnel were also at the scene.

Parade draws big crowd to Kendall

Posted 12 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – The Kendall Foremen’s Carnival continued Friday with a parade drawing many community groups. The Lawn Chair Ladies were among the performers. The carnival continues today.

The White Sabres drumline marches in the setting sun. The bugle and drum corps is from Dansville.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

KENDALL – Kendall was a popular place Friday evening as crowds lined the street from the elementary school to the fire department on Kendall Road. The parade started as the sun was getting low in the sky.

The annual carnival is held by the Kendall Fire Department and each year there is a much-anticipated parade on Friday evening accompany the festivities.

The East Battalion consists of Clarendon, Holley, Fancher Hulberton-Murray, Kendall and Morton.

Vietnam veterans led the parade. The crowd stood and clapped or saluted as the men walked by.

Cars were a part of the parade. Seen here is a Chevy Chevelle.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley connects with a future voter.

State Senate hopeful Gia Arnold also walked in the parade handing children sweets.

The White Sabres color guards show off their moves.

A young woman rides her horse at the head of the group from Lone Oak Stables in Kendall.

Kendall Marching Band entertains the crowd as they move toward the judges.

Head Over Heels Acrobatics and Dance wore their costumes to pass out candy. Many of the girls also did acrobatic acts of handstands and cartwheels.

Holley kicks off summer concerts by canal

Posted 12 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Kay and “Wild” Bill McDonald sing together while “Mild” Bill Pitcher plays guitar in the background during “Sweet Caroline.”

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

HOLLEY – The Holley Canal Park concert series kicked off last night to the country music of The Ghost Riders. They played hit numbers such as “Goodnight, Irene” and “Folsome Prison Blues.”

The band played near the water’s edge along the Erie Canal near the lift bridge. The audience of almost 100 stretched back along the canal bank.

The free concerts will take place every Friday night at 7 p.m. at the park gazebo on East Avenue until Aug. 15. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Fireman’s Field on North Main Street.

A few people got up to dance during some numbers. The event is hosted by the Village of Holley. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Concessions will be sold during the event.

The full moon rose in the sky over the concert.

The upcoming schedule includes:

July 18: Don Newcomb Band (classic rock)
July 25: The Who Dats (classic rock)
Aug. 1: Justin Crossett Band (blues)
Aug. 8: Triple Play (various)
Aug. 15: Wayward Wynd (country)

For more information, contact the Village of Holley office at 585-638-6367.

SCOPE registers voters and educates at rally

Posted 12 July 2014 at 12:00 am

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

ALBION – A rally today pushed Second Amendment advocates to register to vote and urge their friends and neighbors to also be more active in the political process.

“We need to stand up and use the power of the ballot box to enhance our freedom,” said Bob Lonsberry, a talk show host for WHAM 1180 in Rochester.

He was the lead-off speaker today for a rally organized by SCOPE. More than 100 people attended the “Our Constitution & Voter Registration” rally at St. Mary’s Athletic Club in Albion.

The band Dr. Moxy started the day with music while those attending the rally explored the stands. They played patriotic and American music including some music by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Lonsberry said that many states, including neighboring Pennsylvania, have more rights and freedoms than what New York allows.

Lonsberry encouraged those in attendance to go to their neighbors and say, “I don’t know if you vote, or if you’re registered to vote, but I hope you’d think about it. We’ve got to get people to care. We need to stand up and use the power of the ballot box to enhance our freedom.”

Chris Moss also addressed the crowd. He is running for lieutenant governor alongside Republican Gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino.

“You guys are doing what we need you to do: register the voters and spread the message. The Safe Act and getting it repealed is one of our number one priorities,” said Moss.

Moss also said there were other issues that needed to be addressed. Property taxes, the ability to attract new businesses, cutting off pensions for people convicted of crimes, term limits and he also wants to address corruption in Albany. Fresh views are needed in Albany, he said.

Several groups were set up with displays including the NRA, SCOPE and Repeal NY Safe Act, Gia Arnold and the New York Revolution, Register & Vote, Shooters Committee on Political Education and Stop Common Core.

Moss says that as his time as sheriff, the changes to the laws that limit things such as clip capacity are not, in his view, making things safer. He says that in his experience criminals are not abiding by the laws. He wants everyone to hear the message about what the gun laws are and are not doing.

“We don’t talk to Republicans as Republicans or Democrats to Democrats. We give our message to New Yorkers. We can make this state a better place to live,” said Moss.

Other speakers for the day also echoed the message of how important voting is to have your opinion heard. They encourage everyone to get educated on the issue and to vote accordingly.

Albany radio host Melody Burns also spoke. She passed out stars from a retired flag to veterans later in the day.

Rotary gives to Knights-Kaderli Fund

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club donated $1,000 to the Knights-Kaderli Fund, which for the past 26 years has provided financial assistance to families in Orleans County that are battling cancer.

Rhonda Kaderli Sloper, left, accepts a $1,000 check on Thursday from Cindy Perry, a past Rotary president.

Two families have pushed to raise money for the fund after Richard Knights died from cancer in 1984. Five years later Sue Scharping Kaderli died from the disease.

Knights-Kaderli distributes about $50,000 annually to help families with expenses while battling cancer.

Sons make another donation towards van for vets

Staff Reports Posted 11 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided photo

MEDINA – The Sons of the American Legion in Medina donated $500 recently towards a replacement van for veterans. The Sons have given about $2,000 towards vans that are used to transport veterans to appointments at VA health care sites.

The latest replacement van was recently put into service by the Joint Veterans Council Medical Transport service. Pictured, from left, include: Greg Stanton of Stanton Signs, who designed and installed the graphics for the van; and Sons of the American Legion members Treasurer Wayne Hale, Commander Chuck Eaton and First Vice Commander Guy Eaton.

The Sons of the American Legion group is associated with the Butts-Clark Post 204 in Medina. The Sons are not Legion members because they have not served in the military. However, they have had a relative that has served in the military and who has been a member of the American Legion.

“We help the Legion anyway we can,” said Sons Commander Chuck Eaton.

That includes helping with the Legion’s fundraisers and donating to the many causes that the Legion embraces.

“This is the third time that we have donated to the Joint Veterans’ Council for the van service,” Eaton said. “We do all we can.”