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Second-graders from former Waterport school pose for picture in 1958

Posted 20 August 2014 at 12:00 am

By Bill Lattin
Orleans County Historian

WATERPORT – In June 1958, Mrs. Phoebe Beales sat with her second grade students at the Waterport School for this class picture.

Front row, from left: Jason Jeffords, Sandra Peruzzini, John Jurs, Kathleen Woolston, Susan Peruzzini, Janet Brown, Kenneth Kuhns, and Linda Garrod.

Middle row: Robert Canham, Ronald Gurrslin, Frank Gould, Karen Van Wycke, Michele Nesbitt, Ronald Marek and Graig Milliman.

Back row: Michael Budynski, Lynn Miller, Thomas Taber, Rosemary Pinson, Michael Kuhn, David Thomas, Curtis Beam, Bertha Walker, Sue Batt, John Mack and Lynn Gursslin.

BOCES receives $400K grant to reduce some student testing

Posted 20 August 2014 at 12:00 am

‘Teaching Is The Core’ to strengthen assessment practices

Press release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES has been approved for a $400,000 grant from the State Education Department for the “Teaching is the Core” initiative, said Dr. Clark Godshall, BOCES Superintendent.

The grant, funded through New York’s Federal Race to the Top grant, will support the 13 component school districts and the BOCES in their efforts to eliminate locally adopted tests that do not contribute to teaching and learning. In addition, the funds will help the districts identify and improve high-quality assessments already in use that can be included as a component of multiple measures of student learning and school and educator effectiveness.

“The recent outcry over too many school assessments belies the need for quality assessments that are an integral part of teaching and learning,” Godshall said. “While tests provide useful feedback to teachers, parents and students, they must be of high quality and informative.”

Some of the tests do not always support good instruction and sometimes even crowd out time for student learning, Godshall said.

“Testing should be the minimum necessary to inform effective decision-making in classrooms, schools and districts,” he said. “This grant will help reduce non-essential local testing in our region. And, more important, they’ll help teachers teach more and test less, which is exactly what our students need.”

The grant will also support professional development throughout the districts to maintain educational excellence. Albion, Medina and Lyndonville are part of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

The “Teaching is the Core” funding will allow the 13 districts and BOCES to:

Determine which assessments support the instructional goals of the district;

Determine an appropriate action plan that will eliminate unnecessary assessments and increase the use of diverse and quality assessment;

Support the use of diversified assessment strategies by encouraging a review of local assessments currently in use for teacher evaluations (APPR); and

Establish a professional development program that will aid teachers in identifying high-quality assessments and improving assessment practices.

Collins wants NY to allow fracking to lower energy costs, create jobs

Posted 20 August 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Congressman Chris Collins

LOCKPORT – During a press conference at the Crosby’s Gas Station in Lockport, Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, released the following remarks on Tuesday about current energy policies.

“As New Yorkers struggle with some of the highest energy rates in the country, it is clear they deserve significantly better when it comes to our energy policies,” Collins said. “Due to burdensome regulations by the Cuomo Administration, Western New York has had to sit on the sidelines and watch as states with similar resources have been able to capitalize on technologies like hydraulic fracking to provide thousands of jobs and new revenue streams. It is time for Gov. Cuomo to stop hiding behind continuously delayed studies and provide a definitive answer on when the people of New York can expect a decision on fracking.

“It is essential that going forward we pursue the many energy opportunities available. These include exploring hydraulic fracking, protecting of our state’s coal industry, and utilizing a variety of other energy production methods. I will continue to ensure that when it comes to energy, Western New Yorkers will have every opportunity available to benefit from our state’s resources.”

Medina man sentenced to prison for break-in

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 August 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Medina resident who broke into a convenience store last October was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

Michael Bauer, 28, of 730 S. Main St. pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree during a June 9 court appearance. He was sentenced to state prison on Monday by James Punch, Orleans County Court judge.

Bauer admitted he broke into The Corner Store in Medina last October and stole items from the South Main Street location. Medina police said he stole the convenience store’s cash register, an undetermined number of scratch-off lottery tickets, cigarettes and other store merchandise.

Bauer had been drinking before the crime but he wasn’t so intoxicated he didn’t know what he was doing, Punch said, based on Bauer’s recall of the crime.

Punch told Bauer he could try to use the defense that he was so drunk he didn’t know what he was doing. Bauer chose not to pursue that as a possible defense and accepted the sentence on Monday.

Murray is getting new bridge on Hulberton Road

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Crews from Crane Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport have ripped out the old bridge and are laying the groundwork for a new bridge over Sandy Creek on Hulberton Road. The total project will be $1,338,900, with the federal government paying 80 percent, the state 15 percent and the county 5 percent. The bridge is just south of Ridge Road in the Town of Murray.

Judge sets bail at $300K for man accused of firing shots in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Rochester man who allegedly fired a rifle at two fleeing people in Medina last month was arraigned in Orleans County Court on Monday.

Nathaniel Harvey, 21, of Rochester has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree. He has been in county jail since his arrest. Judge James Punch increased Harvey’s bail from $250,000 to $300,000 on Monday.

Punch said Harvey has a prior felony and twice he has failed to appear for prior court dates.

The two men who fled on foot on July 18 were not injured. A verbal altercation started on Church Street and moved near the corner of South Main and Oak Orchard streets. The gunshot missed the two men and also an elderly woman who was working in her garden along South Main Street.

Pro-business group gives 2 local Assembly members perfect scores

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2014 at 12:00 am

Hawley, Corwin rate above Maziarz in report

ALBANY – An organization that says it is “pro-taxpayer” and “pro-business” has given two local State Assembly members perfect scores for their positions in the 2013-14 legislative session.

Steve Hawley of Batavia and Jane Corwin both received 100 out of 100 from Unshackle Upstate. The organization rated legislators on their legislative and budget votes as well as sponsorships of targeted bills during the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions. (Click here to see the scorecard.)

State Sen. George Maziarz received a score of 83. He lost points from Unshackle for co-sponsoring S.3995-B Mail Order Pharmacy Limitation and S.3863 Healthy Workplaces. Unshackle said the legislation would slow or repress the growth of the state economy.

Maziarz, R-Newfane, also lost points for supporting S.3564 Job Order Contracting.

“Recent polling has shown that taxes and job creation are key issues for people across the state,” said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “Our 2013-2014 legislative scorecards accurately reflect which legislators have advanced measures that help taxpayers and job creators. As we head into the election season, we encourage voters – especially in Upstate communities – to look at how their legislators performed over the past two years before they cast their vote.”

Maziarz is not seeking re-election. Unshackle said he supported 14 of the 17 legislative actions favored by the organization.

Unshackle highlighted legislation for brownfields redevelopment, healthcare cost containment, energy costs, asbestos remediation tax credit, liquefied natural gas, rural broadband and the state budget.

Hawley represents a district that includes all of Genesee County, most of Orleans and part of western Monroe. Corwin represents the town of Shelby in Orleans and portions of Niagara and Erie counties.

Unshackle will endorse candidates this election, but the organization said a minimum score of 85 is needed for its support.

“There’s no doubt that this year’s elections will have a significant impact on the state’s ability to continue its economic progress,” Sampson said. “In order to keep our economy moving in the right direction, it’s critical to gauge a candidate’s commitment to reducing taxes and improving the business climate. Any candidate that receives our endorsement will be held to a very high standard. Taxpayers and employers deserve nothing less.”

Hitching post returns to family

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Descendants of Philip LeFrois are pictured today in the Town of Murray in the front yard of Steve Babcock after his great-grandfather Philip LeFrois’s hitching post was moved from his homestead to Babcock’s. Local contractor Jim Babcock removed the post and transported it to his brother’s property. Babcock is pictured at left, kneeling. He is joined by Phil Sargent, Sargent’s grandfather Ron Ayrault, Steve Babcock and Jerry LeFrois.

MURRAY – A hitching post that spent about a century in Eagle Harbor today was moved to Phillips Road in the Town of Murray. It is now in the front yard of Steve Babcock, just south of Route 104 near the Murray Superette.

The hitching post belonged to Babcock’s great-grandfather, Philip LeFrois. His local descendants wanted the post to stay in the family. They reached out to the property owner, Kevin and Joanie Kent, and they agreed to let the hitching post go to Babcock’s.

Mrs. Kent is a hospice nurse. She cared for Babcock’s wife, Annette, when she battled ovarian cancer. Mrs. Babcock died on Sept. 25, 2002 at age 44.

Her husband thanked the Kents for letting the hitching post go.

“I’m very family-oriented,” Babcock said. “Having a historical piece that goes back several generations is pretty awesome.”

Babcock had help moving the hitching post today. His brother Jim, a local contractor, had the hitching post, which weighs about 800 pounds, out of the ground, transported and reset in Murray in about an hour.

Steve marveled at the artistry in the hitching post. A quarryman who was a friend of his great-grandfather carved spear points on each side. Steve said he will try to get a ring for the post and would like to have the spot nicely landscaped with a plaque.

3 plead guilty to drug crimes

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Three people pleaded guilty to drug crimes in Orleans County Court on Monday, and all could be sentenced to jail or state prison.

Stacy Bryan, 23, of Medina pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. As a second felony offender, he faces a maximum of four years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 3.

Bryan was due to go to trial on Wednesday but pleaded guilty in court on Monday. He admitted he sold dextroamphetamines on three occasions. The controlled substance is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

An Albion man also pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. Christopher A. Saddler, 30, of 304 West State St. faces a maximum of 2 ½ years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 17.

He was charged on April 1 when 16 people were arrested in Albion and Carlton for multiple sale and possession charges.

Saddler admitted in court he possessed a prescription narcotic with the intent to sell it.

Jessica Saddler, 24, of the same address also pleaded guilty on Monday. She admitted she had more than 2 ounces of marijuana in her upstairs closet on April 14.

She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree. She could be sentenced to up to a year in jail on Nov. 17.

Batavia man admits burglary and could get prison time

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Batavia man who was banned from Wal-Mart but then allegedly stole from the store in Albion admitted to the crime in Orleans County Court on Monday.

Jason Lang, 33, of Liberty Street in Batavia pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree. He faces a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 24.

He stole two coffee machines and a blender from the Albion store on Nov. 20. Because he was banned from Wal-Mart, he was charged with burglary.

In other cases in County Court:

An Albion man was sentenced to 6 months in county jail for third-degree burglary. Jacob Marks, 25, of Allen’s Bridge Road could have had the charge removed if he had not committed any additional crimes since he completed Drug Court.

However, he violated terms of his conditional discharge with a new charge of petty larceny in Niagara County.

“You have no self discipline,” Judge James Punch told Marks during sentencing. “You are a danger to other people.”

A state Canal Corporation worker accused of stealing $5,700 worth of metal from the Canal Corp.’s Albion maintenance facility rejected a plea deal and will go to trial beginning Nov. 19.

Bruce Rotoli, 55, of Albion has been charged with third-degree grand larceny and third-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He was arrested in May following a four-month investigation by state police, Village of Albion police and the Thruway Authority, which runs the canal system.

Police say that Rotoli in the fall of 2012 removed bronze bushing material from the Albion maintenance facility. Rotoli is currently on disability.

He was offered a reduced charge if he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny and paid restitution.

Rodrick S. Griffin, 31, of Eagle Street in Medina was arraigned on several drug possession and sale drug charges as well as criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

He has a prior felony. Judge James Punch set bail at $200,000.

Griffin was arrested in June after a police investigation into the possession, sale and distribution of marijuana in the village of Medina. He also allegedly possessed a stolen 22-caliber handgun.