By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2014 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – About a dozen reporters from television and newspapers attended a press conference this afternoon at City Hall about Medina’s village dissolution.
Orleans Hub had the first story about the tax impact from the proposed dissolution. We’ll have more soon on a push to create “One Medina” from Mayor Andrew Meier (left), Dissolution Chairman Don Colquhoun (back right), and One Medina Chairman Nathan Pace (at podium). They favor dissolving the village and then merging the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway, reducing three municipalities into one.
The effort is drawing interest in the region from Buffalo and Rochester media outlets.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Agency won’t let company piggyback on Waste Management’s permit from 2003
File photo by Tom Rivers – This photo from last July shows the former McKenna and Orleans Sanitary landfills next to the Erie Canal in Albion, between Densmore and Transit roads. The photo was taken from the Transit Road bridge looking west.
ALBION – In 2003, the state Department of Environmental Conservation approved a permit for Waste Management of New York to operate a new 78-acre landfill in Albion.
Waste Management completed a costly and grueling process to get approval from the DEC. However, the company never gained a permit from the town and wasn’t able to get started on the new landfill.
The state permit drew the notice of landfill operator Richard Penfold of Orchard Park. He has worked in recent years to try to take ownership of the site and have the state permit transferred to his new company, Albion Recycling & Recovery LLC.
On Wednesday, the DEC decided Penfold didn’t have “the legal capacity” to renew the permit originally approved for Waste Management, according to a letter on April 9 to town officials from Scott Sheeley, the regional permit administrator for the DEC.
Penfold can challenge the DEC’s decision within 30 days. He also can seek his own permit for the site but he would have to start from the beginning with environmental studies for the property. That would be far more costly and time-consuming than simply having the Waste Management permit transferred to his company.
Even if he secures the DEC permit, he still would need approval from the Town Board. The board has been adamant in stating its opposition to additional landfills.
A closed gate near Transit Road blocks access to the McKenna Landfil in this photo from last July. Richard Penfold wants to open a new landfill next to the site.
“I am glad they acted in this way,” Town Supervisor Matt Passarell said about the DEC decision. “We thought the application had some gaps. I hope Mr. Penfold doesn’t pursue litigation with this.”
Penfold has said he would offer the town a host community benefits package that would cut taxes, offer residents free garbage pickup, create jobs and also care for two existing landfills. Passarell and the Town Board aren’t interested in having a new landfill.
The DEC in its letter on Wednesday said Waste Management has never formally relinquished its rights for future options at the landfill. Waste Management received a 10-year permit on Nov. 20, 2003, but that permit expired on Nov. 20, 2013, Sheeley said in his letter.
The DEC said it would consider any new applications for the site. The applicant would still need to ultimately satisfy the Town Board.
Congressman Chris Collins voted today in support of the House Republican Budget, including a provision that he secured to protect Medicare Advantage from future cuts.
“I was proud to vote for a budget that makes necessary reforms and structural changes to Medicare in 2024 to strengthen the current program and sustain it for future generations,” Collins said. “To protect Medicare Advantage, I personally fought for a provision to prevent cuts to this program so many WNY seniors rely on.”
The Republican House Budget balances in 10 years, saves taxpayers $5 trillion by shrinking big government and cutting wasteful spending, and reduces the country’s historic debt.
“The House Republican Budget does what so few Washington budget proposals do – it actually balances,” said Congressman Collins. “The American people understand we cannot keep borrowing money from China to pay our bills, bankrupting our children and grandchildren’s future in the process.”
In an effort to get the economy moving and leave taxpayers with more of their hard-earned money, the House Republican Budget also includes significant tax reform including lowering the top individual and corporate tax rates to 25 percent, and eliminating special-interest tax loopholes and the Alternative Minimum Tax. The Budget also protects Americans who have been hurt by ObamaCare.
“The GOP Budget includes tax reform to bring down rates and level the playing field for small businesses and hard working families,” said Congressman Collins. “And it relieves the burdens of ObamaCare for the countless Americans who have seen their premiums skyrocket, their coverage dropped, or their hours cut.”
The House Republican Budget was passed by a vote of 219 to 205.
“Those opposed to the GOP Budget will demonize it and suggest Congress continue to kick the can down the road. The American people want Washington to get its head out of the sand and deal with our out-of-control spending and staggering debt. The House Republican Budget does just that,” Collins said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Resident tries to raise awareness of deterioration
Photos by Tom Rivers – Dave Nixon stands in front of the Canal Culvert in the town of Ridgeway. He said the structure is showing deterioration and should be repaired.
MEDINA — Dave Nixon drives through the tunnel often. The Canal Culvert, the only road that goes under the canal, carries a sense of mystery and awe.
Nixon, a retired car dealer, is amazed at the engineering and might that was used to create the culvert in the 1820s. The site has been featured on Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Nixon the past three years has been trying to get State Canal Corp. officials to take notice of the deterioration in the stone in the culvert, particularly on the south side.
Chucks of the stone have flaked off. Nixon spends his winters in North Carolina. He returned to his Culvert Road home two weeks ago and was startled to see more damage on the Culvert.
“The water freezes and it breaks up the stone,” Nixon said, pointing to the damage. “I want to save the Culvert. It’s on its way to being lost.”
Nixon has contacted other state officials about the decline and so far hasn’t seen any attention to the problem. He wants to see the stone repointed and other repairs made to preserve one of the county’s most iconic structures.
“This is important to the community not only for transportation, but for its historic value,” he said.
He also knows it’s part of the area’s charm.
“People go through and blow their horns,” Nixon said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Guin Panek, left, holds her son Grady while she and her mother-in-law Kerry Panek, right, present Kathy Jurs with a free membership to the Panek Farm’s CSA in memory of Susan Bennett.
ALBION – Susan Bennett used to stop by Panek Farms, especially in June, on her home to Barre.
“She wanted to know if they were ready yet,” Kerry Panek said about her strawberry crop. “She was always cheerful and had a good word for us.”
Bennett had many friends in the community. She was active at the Barre Presbyterian Church and as bookkeeper at Al Bennett and Sons, a feed and farm supply store in Barre. Her husband Richard was a long-time county legislator.
Bennett was also a customer for Panek Farms CSA, a program the farm started last year offering a 20-week share of berries and other fruit. When Bennett died on Jan. 11 from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the farm decided it wanted to honor Bennett by giving away a CSA share in her memory.
Panek Farms accepted nominations and received several. Sue Davis sent in one on behalf of her daughter Kathy Jurs. She was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2010 when she was 29. Bennett was a steady encourager for Jurs, sending her notes and gifts while Jurs battled the disease.
Jurs beat the disease and she committed to running a half marathon in January in honor of Bennett. Jurs raised $5,123 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the most of any participant from western and central NY.
Jurs works as herdsman for the Neal family at their dairy farm down the road from the Panek’s. Jurs is well respected for her work ethic and friendliness, Kerry Panek said. Jurs also exemplifies the warm, caring, and encouraging nature of Susan, Panek said.
“She shows kindness and respect, and she was a true friend to Susan,” Panek said.
Jurs said she appreciated the CSA share, and not only for the weekly supply of nutritious food.
“I’m very grateful they chose me for this gift to honor Susan,” Jurs said. “She was a very special friend.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – The organizers of an Ultimate Fishing Challenge trip for Vietnam War veterans discussed the initiative with the County Legislature today. The group also brought along the trophy from last year when Point Breeze won the Ultimate Fishing Town through the World Fishing Network. The group includes, from left: Eileen Banker, chief of staff for State Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Mike Waterhouse, county sportsfishing coordinator; Gayle Ashbery, Carlton town supervisor; Paul Fulcomer, director of Orleans County Veterans Service Agency; and Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle.
ALBION – The Ultimate Fishing Town will be giving Vietnam War veterans the Ultimate Fishing Experience on June 25.
On that day at least 11 charter boat captains will take Vietnam veterans who live in Orleans County out on Lake Ontario for the chance to catch a big Chinook salmon and other fish.
The Point Breeze fishing community and Orleans County Tourism Department are joining for the five-hour fishing trip, which will be free for veterans.
Mike Waterhouse, the county’s sportfishing coordinator, wants to express appreciation for the Vietnam War veterans who were often treated with disrespect when they returned home after their service.
“I can think of no other group of service men and women that were so underappreciated for their service to our country,” Waterhouse told the County Legislature today.
Point Breeze won the Ultimate Fishing Town contest last year in an on-line voting competition through the World Fishing Network. The WFN awarded the community $25,000 to promote the fishery.
Part of the that money will be used to give the charter captains a stipend for their gas and expenses for the fishing trip on June 25. The charter captains have volunteered their time to be part of the event.
Four or five veterans can fit on each charter boat. The trip is open on a first come, first served basis with a deadline set at May 30. Veterans interested should contact Waterhouse by phone at 585-589-3103 or by email at sportfishing@orleansny.com.
The local committee that is deciding how to spend the $25,000 prize includes Waterhouse, Sharon Narburgh, Joyce Harris, John Denniston, Mark Lewis and Bill Camann.
Paul Fulcomer form the Veterans Service Agency is assisting with the Ultimate Fishing Challenge. The initiative also includes support from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office, Ken DeRoller from County Legislature and Wayne Hale from the County Planning and Tourism Department.
A demolition crew is pictured around noon today at the former Pizza Hut in Medina. The building will be torn down to make room for a new women’s healthcare site on Maple Ridge Road.
United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia will operate the healthcare site out of a new 4,300-square-foot building. UMMC will be the tenant at the site with developer Chad La Civita of Buffalo the owner of the building. The new facility will be next to McDonalds.
The new building will be close to the eastern side of the property. Pizza Hut sits in the middle of the property.
Courtesy of smartDESIGN architecture PLLC – Once the Pizza Hut building is down, a new 4,300-square-foot healthcare site will be built on Maple Ridge Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Ted Broekhuizen is retiring from the board after 25 years
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Ted Broekhuizen says he has lived a charmed life in Holley.
Broekhuizen, 82, has lived in his childhood home on North Main Street his entire adult life. He worked 40 years as an engineer, including 30 years with Bausch and Lomb.
Broekhuizen has stayed involved in his hometown as a member of the Presbyterian Church and also by serving on the Village Planning Board.
He stepped down from that board after 25 years on Dec. 31. He also represented the village on the Orleans County Planning Board.
Mayor John Kenney, left, presented Broekhuizen with an award for his service during Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Broekhuizen also was presented with a certificate from the New York Conference of Mayors for his long-term commitment on the Planning Board.
He is pictured accepting the award with his with of 58 years, Rhoda. She worked as an elementary teacher in Holley for 30 years.
Broekhuizen said he met many of Holley’s entrepreneurs and other residents through the Planning Board.
“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and had many great experiences,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2014 at 12:00 am
WATERPORT – The longest county-owned bridge will shut down next month so it can be repaired, a project that could take five months, County Highway Superintendent Jerry Gray said.
The bridge on Route 279 stretches 700 feet across Lake Alice and the Oak Orchard Creek. Many of the concrete box beams that support the bridge are badly deteriorated and will need to be replaced. Gray also said the bridge will get a new surface with concrete, rubber membrane and blacktop.
The entire project is estimated to cost about $1.7 million. The county will open bids from contractors later this month and the work should start in May.
The federal government is paying 80 percent of the project with the state paying 15 percent the county covering the remaining 5 percent.
A detour will be posted as soon as construction gets started, Gray said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – The Village Board wants to encourage more downtown building owners to be like Bill and Joanne Billotti, who operate a business on the first floor and live upstairs.
But the Billottis say a new village policy, charging a parking fee to use a municipal lot, will discourage people from living in the downtown.
The fee is only $25 for the year. But Mr. Billotti told the Village Board on Tuesday it would be better to exempt building owners who live in the downtown from the fee.
The new policy went into effect on April 1. Village Trustee Brian Sorochty said the parking permit was intended to ensure spots for people who live in the downtown and to make it easy for police to see if the right people – those with permits – are using the municipal lots.
“The fee is minor at best,” he said. “It just covers our administrative cost.”
The Billottis suggested designating spots for downtown residents in owner-occupied buildings, but the board didn’t want to do that.
The village owns two municipal parking lots – one between the library and the old high school, and the other by the fire hall.
Holley used to require two parking spots for any downtown apartment, but did away with that because it seemed a challenge for building owners trying to offer downtown apartments.
Sorochty said the board may consider waiving the $25 fee for downtown residents.
In other action on Tuesday, a village resident objected to a new village policy that doesn’t allow parking by the curb near the Franklin and Ray Street intersection.
The board approved the no parking signs in February for the intersection and also at the West Union and Orchard Street intersection.
Franklin Street resident Tony Carbone said the decision was made without input from residents. He said he believes the move was made as retribution after he complained about snow plowing for his street, that too much snow ended up piled in his driveway.
“This is not fair or equitable,” he said about the no parking policy.
Mayor John Kenney said the board members would discuss the no parking area for Franklin Street.
Photo courtesy of Chris Busch – Newly inducted 2014 members of the Medina High School Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society stand with outgoing senior members Thursday evening following induction ceremonies in the Frederick E. Snyder Auditorium at MHS. The society welcomed 34 new members.
By Chris Busch
MEDINA – The Medina High School Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society held their annual ceremony for the induction of new members Thursday evening. The ceremony was held in Frederick E. Snyder Auditorium at MHS. In all, 34 new members were inducted in front of proud family members, teachers and administration.
A keynote address was delivered by James Simon, Associate Dean of Genesee Community College for the Medina and Albion campus centers. The new Honor Society members were introduced by MHS Administrators Mark Kruzynski and Michael Cavanagh.
In the 1920’s, the Arista Club was an exclusive scholarship club at Medina High School. Members were selected based on grade point average, and formal recommendations. When Medina decided to chart its own chapter of the National Honor Society in 1964, Medina administration decided to honor the spirit and traditions of the existing club, and the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society was born.
2014 students invited for membership include Bailey Allen, Emma Ambrose, Briana Bellan, Bryce Bellan, Madeline Bilicki, Anna Blount, Nicole Blount, Brian Bogan, Julia Brien, Austin Brown, Samuel Busch, Victoria Carter, Matthew Cochrane, Laura Dunham, Aaron Feltz, Jason Hellwig, Adam Hoot, Christopher Keller, Jenna Kickbush, Chantelle Kidney, Rubi Luna Mondragon, Alexandra Markle, Amanda McCauley, Krista Nellist, Alexander O’Keefe, Austin Owens, Maxwell Owens, Nathan Pace, Jacob Roeseler, Brittany Schultz, Samuel Simms, Regan Stacey, Tessa White and Addison Zavitz.
Medina High School National Honor Society faculty advisor is Mrs. Karen Jones.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Agency honors businesses and workers at banquet
File photo by Tom Rivers – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley addressed supporters of The Arc of Orleans County in June when quad-amputee John Robinson visited as part of his bike ride across the Erie Canal. Hawley was named winner of the Arc’s “Best Friend Award” on Friday.
Press release, Arc of Orleans
HOLLEY – The Arc of Orleans County named Steve Hawley the winner of the agency’s “Best Friend” award on Friday during its annual awards banquet.
Hawley, the area’s state assemblyman, fought to restore state funding for the agency after the governor’s budget proposed a 6 percent or $308,000 cut.
He has been a supporter for The Arc personally as a sponsor of the Arc’s annual golf tournament, and Hawley attends numerous Arc events. His father, R. Stephen Hawley, won the “Best Friend” award when he was assemblyman in 1982.
The Arc honored businesses and Arc consumers during the banquet on Friday. The following received awards:
Della’s Chocolates in Medina, Business Partnership Award
This honor is presented to a business that works in partnership with The Arc’s Vocational Services department to assist people with disabilities in achieving their work related goals.
Della’s owner Susan Fuller did not hesitate when asked to take part in the ETP program, and was more than willing to give Jen Haberger a chance to prove her abilities. Sue was patient and understanding as she trained Jen on many different job tasks and later made her a full-time employee.
Stanton Signs of Medina, Heritage Award
The Heritage Award was developed to honor a business or organization that consistently assists The Arc, and the people we serve, in achieving our mission.
Stanton Signs co-owners Greg and Barbara Stanton have partnered with The Arc for many years.
They have a provided their services to support the many fund-raising activities the Agency holds. They designed the shirt logo for the annual 5K for many years. They also update the corporate banner and the golf signs for our annual Golf Tournament, often on a moment’s notice. They most recently worked with Eagle Scout Matt Prawel to create and install a beautiful new sign at the entrance of Camp Rainbow.
Duane Smith, Orleans Enterprises Worker of the Year
Duane Smith began at Orleans Enterprises in 1988. He starts his day by giving staff a smile, a handshake, and a “You’re cute.” He has worked on a variety of piece-rated tasks. He is well liked by his co-workers and staff and is a great asset to Orleans Enterprises.
Brian McAvoy, Orleans Enterprises Worker of the Year
Brian McAvoy has been named the Orleans Enterprises Worker of the year due to his outstanding dedication to the workshop.
Brian comes in to work each day and displays a positive attitude and willingness to try any job that is put in front of him. His great work ethic, excellent attendance record, and optimistic outlook are qualities and values are qualities that other workers aspire to achieve.
Kurt Hoffman, Community Service Award
With a winning smile, a willing spirit and positive attitude Kurt touches many through hours of service each week. Born with Down syndrome, a heart defect, speech, physical, and visual impairments, Kurt has overcome many obstacles. Kurt works 15 hours each week performing various tasks and services for local organizations. He regularly vacuums at Della’s Chocolate, St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medina.
Joe Barchet, Self-Advocate of the Year
Joe Barchet is an active member of the Self Advocate All Stars. More importantly he is a true Self Advocate for his rights, wants, and needs, and those around him. One of Joe’s goals was to live on his own in the community. When Joe was in his early 20’s, he moved from his parents home to the original “co-ed” IRA, with 24/7 supervision. Joe then moved to another home where he had more independence and “supported” supervision and then into a supportive apartment on his own.
Joe is also a hard worker, working in the past at Orleans Enterprises and then with the mobile cleaning crew. Joe worked at Associated Brands for several years before being accepted into the internship program through Supported Employment that connected him with Fisher’s News Stand, Medina YMCA, and Albion Redemption Center. He has worked hard to advance himself to his current position of regular employee at Albion Redemption Center.
Cecelia Robison, Mobile Crew Worker of the Year
Cecelia Robison has been with The Arc of Orleans County Supported Employment Program since 1984. She works on the Medina Mobile Crew. Cece knows what is expected of her and always strives to do her job to the best of her ability and will assist her supervisor and co-workers when needed.
Jennifer Haberger, Community Worker of the Year
Jennifer Haberger worked diligently with the Job Developer on work skills that she would need to be successful in the community. Jen was placed at Della’s Chocolate, where she started out by learning to package the candy.
Sue Fuller, the owner of Della’s has been a wonderful employer, and this has been a great asset towards Jen’s success. Jen was placed there on a trial basis with hopes that she would be able to become a permanent employee. Jen worked hard to achieve this. Her productivity was great and she was always willing to learn new job duties.
Sandy Marchesoni, Enclave Worker of the Year
Sandy Marchesoni has worked at the Ford Gum enclave since June 2011. Sandy has a firm grasp of what is expected of her at work and is always willing to do any job tasks assigned to her. Sandy will assist her co-workers when needed and is an asset to new staff when they cover the enclave. She also helps out at Orleans Enterprises when they are in need of extra help. Sandy is a role model when it comes to having excellent attendance as well as her exceptional work ethic.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2014 at 12:00 am
However, residents will now pay separate fire tax
Editor’s note: This article was updated to clarify the fire district isn’t part of the village budget.
HOLLEY – Village residents would pay the same $13.94 tax rate in Holley, according to a preliminary 2014-15 budget that will be voted on 7 p.m. Friday at the Village Hall.
However, the budget doesn’t include the Holley Fire Department expenses. The fire department for the first time is part of the Joint Holley Fire District. The fire district added a $1.61 rate to the tax bill for village residents. However, that isn’t part of the village budget. The fire protection bill went out in January and was part of the tax bill for town of Murray residents.
The village budget proposal totals $1,162,680 for the general fund, which is up $36,006 or 3.2 percent from the $1,126,674 in 2013-14.
The village saw its overall assessed value jump by 4.2 percent, a change from $52.25 million to $54.43 million. That helped keep the proposed tax rate a $13.94 despite a growth in the tax levy from $728,339 to $758,473, a 4.1 percent increase or another $30,134 that will be collected in taxes.
The budget sets the salaries for the four village trustees at $4,500 each while Mayor John Kenney is paid $7,900.
The meeting Friday includes a public hearing at 7 p.m. for residents to ask questions or comment about the budget.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided photo – Kerri (McKenna) Richardson was active in 4-H and showing cattle while growing up in Barre. The Albion graduate will be working as the instructor of the Agri-Business Academy at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.
BATAVIA – An Albion native has been appointed instructor of the new Agri-Business Academy at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.
Kerri (McKenna) Richardson had most recently been working as community educator for the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
She grew up in Barre and worked with her parents, George and Iva, at Country Lane Veterinary Services. Richardson also showed animals at local, regional and state fairs. She won the grand master showman award at the Orleans County Fair and also won the Junior Miss title.
She earned a master’s degree from Cornell University in agricultural education. In her new role she will connect students in the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership to opportunities in agriculture.
“The Genesee County area has an impressive, welcoming agricultural community that provides youth with a plethora of opportunities,” Richardson said. “I am excited begin my career as an instructor of the Agri-Business Academy and provide students with the opportunity to explore and delve into the agricultural community through experiences in agri-businesses.”
The Agri-Business Academy will start this fall. It will be available to students at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. The Agri-Business Academy is a one-year partnership program between the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership and Genesee Community College. This college prep program is geared toward highly motivated high school seniors interested in investigating careers in the agri-business field.
Students will explore multidisciplinary professions through meetings with career guest speakers, in conjunction with job shadows and field trips at a variety of agricultural and business locations. Food management science, environmental science, global position systems technology, power machinery, international trade, or agri-tourism, are a few of the areas that will be studied.
At the completion of this one-year program, students will earn 12 SUNY college credits. The credit hour cost for academy students is $50, which is one third of the regular GCC tuition rate.
The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties.
Applications are now being accepted for this program. If you know of a student who might be interested in this program, please contact Richardson at krichardson3@gvboces.org or 585-344-7711 ext 2140 or Catherine Bennett at cbennett2@gvboces.org or 585-344-7773.
