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Creatures – great and small – get prepped for show ring

Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Antonio Farruggia washes Lady for showing by wetting her down and then scrubbing her with a brush.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

KNOWLESVILLE – Judging at the 4-H Fair is already under way and most animals are already prepared for the week ahead.

Marilyn Munzert warms up Wild Rose Bizarre. Behind her Riley Seielstad rides Edna. Munzert is a 4-H leader for the Bits and Pieces Club.

Wild Rose Bizarre needed to be acclimated to the fair situation. Munzert explained that horses are fight-or-flight animals, but often choose flight. The movements of the people in the judging booth and the fairgrounds were startling the horse. After a little while, Wild Rose Bizarre was able to stand right next to the judging booth without getting upset.

“You can’t simulate a fair situation without going to the actual fair,” Munzert explained.

These baby rabbits belonging to 4-H Leader Barb Kurzowski cuddle up for a nap while their mother sneaks away for a bite to eat.

The white goats, Princess and Bella, stood and shouted to American Honey, the dark brown goat laying down, until she stood up and talked back to them. The goats were brought by Natalie Mrzywka of Nic-Nat Farms for the Busy Bees Club.

Emily Fearby’s hens got to be neighbors and shared a conversation with each other.

Penny gets a good brushing from Jamie Scheiber, a member of the Wrangler 4-H club. Penny and the other Wrangler llamas will participate in an obstacle course event, a pack class and general showing.

Leader Kristin Flint brought three kids with five llamas. The llamas belong to her and the kids in her club meet regularly to care for the animals and help train them. Flint says that she personally uses the llamas on hikes to hold packs. This helps offer additional training for the pack class event.

Flint also explained that spitting isn’t as common as people think. “Llamas spit at each other for dominance,” she said. Llamas can be taught that spitting at humans doesn’t work the same way.

Trevor Bentley brushes Tanto in the cow barn. Tanto is a male that will be used for showing all week and then is being sold in Saturday’s meat auction.

Owen Shaw holds his black mini rex rabbit after clipping its nails.

2 sentenced to Orleans County Jail

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Judge gives some jail time for Medina man with cancer

ALBION – Two people were sentenced to Orleans County Jail today.

A Medina man battling cancer was sentenced to four months of an intermittent sentence in jail. Kimberly C. Dillon, 57, of State Street will be allowed out of jail from Wednesday at noon to Friday at noon so we can receive weekly cancer treatments in Rochester.

Dillon admitted he sold hydrocodone from his house on Nov. 25, 2013. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. He faced a maximum of six months in jail as part of his plea offer. He told Orleans County Court Judge James Punch that time in jail “is going to kill me.”

Punch said he could have given Dillon straight time in jail.

“I have to consider the people you are going to slowly kill by the spread of drugs,” Punch said. “You’re lucky you’re not in state prison.”

The judge also sentenced an Appleton woman to six months in jail for stealing a horse trailer from Lynn-Ette and Sons farm in Kent.

Dawn Papazian pleaded guilty to grand larceny. She apologized to the Roberts family and said she was fighting depression when she committed the crime.

She has paid restitution. However, she isn’t sure what happened to some of the contents in the trailer, her attorney Nathan Pace told the court.

“I am hoping to prove I’m a better person than that,” she told the judge.

Punch gave her time in jail. Punch said being “in a dark place,” to quote Papazian, isn’t an excuse for committing a crime.

“The victims work hard for their property,” he said. “It meant a lot to them.”

4-H clubs show off crafting skills

Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – This acrylic painting “A Vase of Flowers” by Rachel Gregoire, 14, of the Rabbit Raisers Club won both a blue ribbon and was selected for the state fair.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

KNOWLESVILLE – The Trolley Building at the 4-H Fairgrounds opened today to showcase the crafts that many 4-H’ers created.

Judging took place on Saturday and Sunday to allow the kids in animal groups to focus on their animals throughout the rest of the week. Ribbons have already been awarded.

This “Summer Celebration Brunch for Two” table setting won a blue ribbon and was selected for state fair. The display was made by Maggie Gabalski, 17, of the Rabbit Raisers club.

The brunch that is meant to be served on this setting includes several items such as blueberry muffins with blueberry ginger jam and almond poundcake with peach lavender glaze. The meal is meant to feature garden-fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Instead of the more traditional crafts, the Gregoire family in Murray chose to set up a display of their own trapping-related crafts used for making pelts. The long wood pieces are stretcher boards used for stretching the hides of animals and were made by the kids in the club.

“Basically after you harvest the animal and you skin it out, you have to dry the thing before you can possibly tan it or sell it,” Rachel Gregoire said about the boards. “Depending on the animals, you have to put it on different ways.”

Her group doesn’t traditionally set up a display of this nature, but this year the Gregoire family set out the boards they made, along with examples of pelts, books and old tools used in the trade.

“My dad grew up trapping and my mom grew up on a dairy and fruit farm, so she did some hunting,” Rachel said. “Her brothers did a lot of hunting. I’ve been doing this my whole life.”

This stunning dress made by Lauren Becht, 14, of the Adventurers Club, was among the items chosen for the Court of Honor.

Claire Wachob, a 4-H Leader for the Lyndonville Mongrels, says a lot of the traditional handmade crafts associated with 4-H are not dying out or becoming unpopular. She even reuses old crafts for new groups of kids.

“We have quite a few artists in our club,” Wachob said. “They do a lot of wood crafts and ceramics, too. We choose mainly what they love doing. Not everyone likes to be a farmer and garden, but these kids like to paint.”

“We usually go back to the things that they really enjoy doing,” she continued. “I have accumulated all these records and I’ll pull one out and they’ll get excited. We can still do them; they don’t grow old. 4-H is based on the children and their needs, desires and interests.”

She added that 4-H is so popular and families find it so worthwhile that they make it a long-term family thing.

“It is a club where kids grow up to be parents, and the first thing they do is have their kids join a 4-H club,” Wachob said. “Like in mine, we have three generations.”

The Adventurers Club recycled beach towels and turned them in to fun aprons. This apron won a blue ribbon and was made by 6-year-old Matthew Mathes of the Adventurers Club.

Many of the items that won selection for state fair were grouped together on the back wall. The selection includes everything from skirts to snowman hats to plastic bag Muppet heads.

Blue Cross decision to drop Medicaid program concerns Hawley

Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) is deeply concerned with the announcement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York that it is withdrawing from Medicaid programs in six Western New York counties, including Orleans County.

The company cited $40 million in losses over the past three years as justification for the move. Hawley encourages any constituents who currently have a managed care program with Blue Cross Blue Shield to transition to another provider before their coverage ceases on October 31, 2014.

“The decision of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York to withdraw from Medicaid programs is major news to anyone who receives care from this program,” Hawley said. “Fortunately, there are other managed care plan providers in Western New York ready to enlist those who lose their coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield. My office is ready and available to help anyone affected to find a new health care provider. If you have been affected, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.”

To reach Hawley’s office in Albion, call 585-589-5780.

2 injured in ATV accident in Yates

Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, New York State Police

LYNDONVILLE – Two people were injured in an ATV accident at about 11:37 p.m. on Saturday.

Troopers from the State Police in Albion responded to an Orleans County Sheriff’s Office dispatch of an ATV accident on Lake Shore Road in the Town of Yates.

Investigation shows that the operator Derrick A. Harmer, 44, of Lyndonville was traveling westbound on Lake Shore Road at a high rate of speed and lost control of the ATV on wet roads.

The ATV overturned and came to rest right side up in the opposite lane. Both operator and passenger Laura A. Harmer, 49, of Lyndonville, were ejected from the ATV with neither wearing a helmet.

Derrick Harmer suffered head injuries and was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center and is currently listed in critical condition.

Laura Harmer was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital by Medina Ambulance and later transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC. She has been treated and released.

Derrick Harmer has been charged with ATV Violations with other charges pending.

Fair starts with lots of chores

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – The 4-H’ers have arrived at the fairgrounds in Knowlesville with a menagerie of animals: horses, rabbits, cows, poultry, pigs, goats and many other creatures.

It’s not all fun and games. This morning the animals had their cages and stalls cleaned, while bigger livestock were washed.

In the top photo, Faith Woody, 11, of Albion dumps dirty sawdust from her horse’s stall. Faith will be competing in some of the horse shows this week. “I’m happy it’s fair week because I get to hang out with my friends.”

Jenny McKenna, 19, of Barre cleans a dairy animal this morning, giving Jack Cecchini, 8, and his sister Jenna, 3, of Medina some tips. This is Jenny’s last time showing at 4-H and Jack’s debut. “It’s bittersweet, being my last year,” Jenny said. “Being able to teach them the ropes makes it fun and worthwhile.”

Amelia Sidonio, 12, of Holley cleans out a cage for one of the three rabbits she is showing at the fair this week.

Kaitlin Zwifka, 14, of Albion cleans Sundance’s stall, one of two horses she will be riding at the fair. She will be competing four days this week.

Janie Schutz, 18, of Waterport blow dries a heifer, one of three she and her sister Rylie Lear, 14, brought to the fair. They also brought a calf. The sisters slept on hay bales in the barn last night.

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 21, 2014)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – A cow bellows this morning at the wash rack at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.

Opening Day
Special Event: $2 Paid per car admission beginning 4 pm

Special Event: Midway Rides of Utica $10 unlimited ride wristband – 6 pm to 10 pm

By 12 pm: Dairy cattle received, must be in by noon – Dairy Cattle Barn

8 am: Senior Council Stand opens

8 am to 3 pm: Commercial Exhibits in Place

9:30 am: Walk/ Trot Horse Show and Cloverbud Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 am: Market Auction Weigh-In

10 am: Llama and Alpaca Show (classes 1-42) – Show Arena

10 am to 12 pm: Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plant Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods judged – Trolley Building

11 am: Field crops judged – Trolley Building

1 pm to 3 pm: Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged – Trolley Building

2:30 pm: Goat Fitting Contest – Knights Building

4 pm: Paid per car admission begins: Special Opening Day – $2 price

4 pm – 7 pm: 89.1 The Point Radio Remote – Fair Office Portico

Kaitlin Zwifka of Albion is pictured with Sundance this morning while doing her chores.

5:45 pm: Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans – County Veterans – Flag Pole Garden

6 pm: Dog Show Grooming and Handling /Showmanship, Classes 1 -4 and C1 – Show Arena

6 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

6 pm: 2014 4-H Clothing Revue: Amaze Yourself in 4-H – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Orleans County 4-H Fair Bucket of Junk Contest Judging – Lartz Building

6:30 pm: 4-H Bake Sale. Blue ribbon baked goods available for a limited time. – Trolley Building

6:30 pm: Trolley Building Youth Exhibits Open – Trolley Building

6:30 – 8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center

7 pm: Talent Show – Orleanshub.com Stage

7 pm: Swine Show – Swine Pavilion

9 pm: $1000 Karaoke Contest – Orleanshub.com Stage

9 pm: 4-H Exhibitor Only Event – Show Arena

10 pm: Buildings Close

Big fun at old-fashioned day

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – Brandon and Brylee Christiaansen of Medina peek through the cutouts of carnival characters at today’s Old Tyme Day celebration at the East Shelby Community Bible Church. The two are smiling at their parents, Brian and Lisa Christiaansen.

A big crowd turned out today for the annual celebration, when more a few thousand people are treated to pie, hot dogs, horse-drawn wagon rides and other old-fashioned fun – all for a suggested donation of a penny.

Jacob Klotzbach, 22, of Batavia aims a gum ball through a sling shot and tries to hit a giant Goliath.

Lilah Mordell, 4, of Oakfield rides a horse led by Ashley Covel of the town of Alabama.

Abby Shaw, one of Santa’s helpers, poses with the Jolly Ole’ Elf at the Old Tyme Celebration. Santa was happy to pose for photos.

Doug Fairbanks of Forestville leads two draft horses in a wagon ride.

Rylen Michaels, 8, of Batavia works with Tim Trombley at the blacksmith shop.

Sadie Pask, 9 months old, is held by her mother Heidi, who was singing with a church group. Sadie’s grandfather, Erik Olsen, is pastor of the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Another group, including Erik Olsen at left, sings during one of the musical performances during today’s celebration.

The church lined some of the roads by the festival grounds with a series of sayings, including this one. All of the quotes ended with Burma-Shave. The company was famous about a century ago for its roadside advertising.

Autistic teen who wandered from home is located, unharmed

Posted 20 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess

MEDINA – A Medina teenager who suffers from autism and a bi-polar disorder was located and returned home safely last night after being missing for close to an hour.

Deputies were called by the boy’s family after he wandered off into a wooded area that’s part of a 100-acre parcel of land in the Town of Ridgeway.

Environmental Conservation Law Enforcement joined the search as well as firefighters from Ridgeway, Albion and Lyndonville.

Deputy T.C. Marano and the boy’s father located the youth at around 6:40 p.m. He was uninjured and returned home without further incident.

Charlie Nesbitt didn’t seek State Senate seat

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

ALBION – Former State Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt didn’t actively pursue George Maziarz’s seat in the State Senate after Maziarz sudden announcement last Sunday night that he wouldn’t seek re-election.

Nesbitt served in the State Assembly for 13 years before stepping down in 2005 after being Republican leader of the minority conference. He was appointed president of the State Tax Appeals Tribunal and continues to work as one of its three commissioners.

Nesbitt’s name was tossed out to a Committee on Vacancies that met last week and backed North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt for the Republican endorsement for the 62nd Senate District.

“As long as we had a good candidate I wasn’t seeking it,” Nesbitt said.

And Ortt, a mayor for 4 ½ years, is a strong candidate, Nesbitt said.

“He has a good background and I’ve heard good things about him,” Nesbitt said. “He is a veteran and a CEO.”

Ortt, 35, served as the city’s treasurer and then clerk-treasurer before being elected mayor. Ortt enlisted in the National Guard on October 2001 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He served a tour in Afghanistan from March to December 2008. Prior to working in city hall, Ortt was a personal financial analyst with Primerica Financial Services.

Gia Arnold, 24, of Holley has forced a GOP primary for Sept. 9. She also is working to be on the November ballot under the Libertarian Party.

The Republicans have a narrow edge in the Senate, and Democrats, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, want to see the power shift to Democrats after the November election.

Maziarz’s seat represents most of Niagara, all of Orleans and the western portion of Monroe. The Democrats have endorsed Niagara Falls attorney Johnny Destino, who lost a Republican Primary to Maziarz in 2012 and has switched parties to run as a Democrat this time.

Destino could see his chances for election improved if both Arnold and Ortt are in the ballot in November, splitting some of the Republican and Conservative bases.

Maziarz in his announcement on Sunday said the job was taking a toll with all the back and forth to Albany and his Senate district. Federal investigators are also looking into his campaign fund and have identified tens of thousands of dollars in unitemized and unreported checks.

Nesbitt worked closely with Maziarz in the State Legislature and said Maziarz had a reputation as one of the hard-working legislators in Albany with his work in the state capitol and in his home district. Nesbitt said the constant commutes and demands of the positions make it hard on legislators and their families.

“He really did a fine job,” Nesbitt said. “He worked as hard as anyone in politics.”