news

County brings mental health services to schools

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Medina school counselors Sarah Ha, left, and Linda Knipe, right, are pictured with Kelsey Wolcott, a mental health clinic therapist.

MEDINA – Medina has three school counselors working with 635 students in grades 8 through 12. They focus on academic and career preparation, but the counselors for years have juggled helping students with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

That changed in early February when a mental health clinic therapist from the Orleans County Department of Mental Health started working out of the school.

Kelsey Wolcott spends two days at Medina Central School, splitting time in the high school and elementary school. Middle schoolers also go to appointments at either school building.

Wolcott said some students feel the pressure of family life, with parents going through divorces or blending families, while others may also feel the strain of poverty, and social and academic pressures. She helps students develop coping skills for some of the challenges.

Wolcott’s presence has allowed the school district’s guidance counselors to stay focused on providing career and college guidance for students.

“We were spending an inordinate amount of time on personal counseling,” said Linda Knipe, one of Medina’s guidance counselors. “We try to clear the obstacles so they can get an education.”

Medina, Lyndonville, Kendall and Holley have all teamed in recent months with the Mental Health Department to allow a therapist to work out of the school. That way students miss less class time by not having to travel to Albion at the Mental Health clinic on Route 31. Some of the students also have transportation issues, making it difficult to get to Albion.

Marc O’Brien, the director of the county’s Mental Health Department, has been part of joint meetings with the five school district superintendents the past two years. He said other counties have tried satellite offices at schools.

“It makes it more accessible for the kids,” O’Brien said. “The superintendents have been super cooperative to work with.”

All of the new satellite sites needed approval by the state Office of Mental Health. Students still need to travel to Albion if they need to see a psychiatrist.

The satellite sites are funded just like the county’s main clinic in Albion. Insurance companies are billed for the services, O’Brien said.

“We’ve been able to broaden the footprint of the department and get out into the community,” he said. “So far it’s working great.”

Seventh-graders use empty bowls to raise awareness about hunger

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Anya Groth, an Albion seventh-grader, holds a bowl of pottery she created in her art class led by Kamie Feder. The bowl was created and sold for $5 Tuesday evening as part of the seventh annual Empty Bowls project by Albion seventh-graders.

About 140 students created bowls that were sold on Tuesday evening. The project was expected to raise $700 to $800, which will be donated to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

The funding will help the agency stock its food pantry during a season when donations are down, said Annette Finch, community services director for Community Action.

Some of the bowls created by students are displayed on a table in the middle school cafeteria.

Students were also invited to write a message about local hunger. Finch bought this bowl. She liked the robin eggs

Students learned about hunger locally and in the world. Locally, one in four people struggle to have enough food to eat. World-wide, about 3 billion people go hungry.

“I would hate to be in that situation,” said Anya Groth, one of the students who worked on the project.

A student named Mason created this bowl and message.

Leeanna Montanarella, a seventh-grader, shared information about hunger with people who attended the event at the middle school. Leeanna said the community should step up awareness and fund-raising to fight hunger.

“I think it’s important that people in the community are fed,” she said.

Village election day arrives for Albion, Lyndonville and Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Village residents will go to the polls today and will elect new mayors in Medina and Lyndonville.

In Medina, incumbent Andrew Meier isn’t seeking re-election. In Lyndonville, Steve McAvoy resigned as mayor on Oct. 31 due to the demands of his full-time job.

James Tuk, the current deputy mayor, has been leading the village government since McAvoy stepped down. Tuk faces an election today from John Belson, the Yates town supervisor until he lost an election to James Simon last November.

Belson wants to continue in public service. He is running under the Lyndonville Party while Tuk picked “The Lake Party.” The mayor’s post is a four-year term.

Three people are running for two seats on the Village Board, including incumbents Ellen Tuohey (Independent Party) and Danny Woodward (Peoples Party). Andrew Cousins (Sustainable Futures) also is running for village trustee.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 2 South Main St.

In Medina, Michael Sidari, a current village trustee, is the only candidate for a two-year term as mayor. Sidari is running under The Village Party, along with incumbent Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott, who are seeking two-year terms on the Village Board.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave.

In Lyndonville and Medina, candidates run under independent parties without the official backing of either Republicans or Democrats.

In Albion, three candidates are running for two four-year seats on the Village Board. The Republican Party is backing incumbent Gary Katsanis, and the Democrats endorsed Mattea Navarra-Molisani and incumbent Peter Sidari.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 35-37 East Bank St.

DEC bans open burning until mid-May

Staff Reports Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Barre firefighters Richard Barnard, right, and Amanda Dixon work to put out a brush fire last May 3 in Barre. The fire in a brush pile on Route 98 quickly spread to a nearby hedgerow and scorched about a quarter acre of land.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a burn ban beginning on Wednesday through May 14 for towns with fewer than 20,000 people.

Without snow cover, the state is at a high risk for wild fires in the coming weeks.

The DEC has advised that all open burning is prohibited in New York with several exceptions including the following:

Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.

Small cooking fires are allowed.

Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

Only charcoal or clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.

Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.

For more on the open burning ban, click here.

Carlton firefighters Tom Niehaus, left, and Chyenne Tackley man the hose while knocking down a brush fire on Route 98 on Aug. 29 near the Ricci Meadows Golf Course.

Lyndonville, Medina stage ‘Anything Goes’

Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Lyndonville Medina Musical "Anything Goes"

Photo courtesy of Lyndonville Central School – Lyndonville’s Rebekah Hoffee and Medina’s Cameron Morgan perform “De-Lovely” together as Hope Harcourt and Billy Crocker.

Press release: Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Medina and Lyndonville students worked together for their second school musical with the production of “Anything Goes” at the Stroyan Auditorium on March 22-24.

Students collaborated in the 1962 off-Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s popular comedy featuring dancing, singing, romancing and mistaken identities. The show is set on board the S.S. American, a 1930s luxury liner en route to London from New York.

On board are a lovesick stowaway, a brassy nightclub evangelist, a beautiful young debutante and her doting mother, a boozy and lecherous old tycoon, a bumbling gangster disguised as a priest, an ‘English Lord’ with a mysterious past and a ship full of dancing sailors and high-kicking chorus girls. Last year the districts performed “Legally Blonde.”

Moonface Martin (Thomas Follman), Billy Crocker (Cameron Morgan) and Reno Sweeny (Heather Mufford) sing “Friendship” during a rehearsal for “Anything Goes.”

Farm community throws a party before busy spring season

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Dennis Kirby, manager of the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, addresses about 160 people on Saturday at the 18th annual Farmer to Neighbor Night at Tillman’s Village Inn.

Kirby urged farmers to sign up for soil health programs. Soil & Water sponsors the annual Farmer to Neighbor Night along with Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Albion FFA Alumni.

Proceeds from the event are used to send FFA students to state convention, camps and help with other costs in the ag program.

Albion student Alexis Bentley recites the FFA Creed before the crowd at The Village Inn.

Jennifer Wagester, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, said it will be a busy 2016 for the agency as it celebrates its 70th year. The annual fair, scheduled for July 25 through July 30, will be the highlight of a busy year at the fairgrounds in Knowlesville.

Barry Flansburg served as emcee of Saturday’s event. Albion FFA students, from left, include Clara Stilwell, Katie Mann, Allyson Graham and Garrett Derisley.

The FFA students praise the support from the farm community, especially with donations in an annual food drive that topped 30,000 pound sof produce in December.

Orleans County Farm Bureau board member Anna Smith urges the group to go online (NYFB.org) to lobby state legislators to oppose raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. A report by Farm Credit East says the higher wage will increase costs to the farm community by $622 million a year.

The annual Farmer to Neighbor Night is light on speeches and focused more on sharing conversation and good meal together before the busy planting season starts.

Medina man admits burglary, could be sentenced to prison

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Medina man admitted in Orleans County Court today that he entered a home without permission last year and took money and jewelry.

Michael Santoro, 22, of Gwinn Street admitted he entered a North Gravel Road house in Ridgeway between April 26 and May 1 last year. The house was unlocked, but Santoro said in County Court today that he didn’t have permission to be inside.

He pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the second degree, a charge that carries a maximum of 2 to 7 years in state prison. However, as part of a plea deal today, he won’t be sentenced to more than 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison on May 23.

If Judge James Punch gives Santoro a longer sentence, Santoro can withdraw the plea and go to trial.

In another case today, a Carlton woman declined a plea deal and will go to trial on June 1.

Stacy Hamilton, 31, is accused of taking about $15,000 from her elderly grandmother. She was offered a plea deal reducing a grand larceny charge to petit larceny. Hamilton has insisted on her innocence.

Hamilton was managing the finances for the elderly woman with dementia. District Attorney Joe Cardone has said Hamilton had her grandmother sign checks and give her the money while not paying the grandmother’s taxes and other bills.

Hamilton said she never took money from her grandmother, who instead gave her money on occasion.

Punch set June 1 as the start for Hamilton’s trial.

A Holley woman was arraigned on counts of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Roxanne M. Thomas, 40, of 17 Jay Drive, Holley, is accused of selling suboxone to an undercover Task Force agent. She pleaded not guilty to the crimes today. She is free on $10,000 bail.

Kendall farmer honored for one of top corn yields in country

Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo/National Corn Growers Association – Matt Kludt (center) of Kendall placed third nationally in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated Category of the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. Trophies were presented at the annual Commodity Classic held in New Orleans in early March. From left, are Martin Barbre, Carmi, IL, chairman of the NCGA Corn Board; Kludt; and Wesley Spurlock, Stafford, TX, first vice president of the Corn Board.

Press Release, National Corn Growers Association

NEW ORLEANS – A local corn grower has been honored as one of 18 national winners in the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association.

Matt Kludt of Kendall placed third in the nation in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated
Class with a yield of 322.9722 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was DEKALB DKC52-84RIB.

The 2015 competition included 7,729 entries from 45 states. The contest consists of six classes. In the national competition, three placings are awarded within each class. The 18 national winners represented nine states.

The average yield among national winners was 386.4 bushels per acre – greater than the 2015 U.S. average of 169.3 bushels per acre. Six of the national winners recorded yields of 400 bushels or more per acre.

“This harvest, the world witnessed the incredible bounty U.S. corn farmers can provide to meet the growing need for food, fuel and fiber both in our nation and around the world,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a corn grower from Newburg, MD.

Agronomic data gleaned from the contest reveal the following:

Average planting population for the national winners was 40,861 seeds per acre, compared to 34,123 for all entrants.

National winners applied an average of 364.06 pounds of nitrogen, 116.39 pounds of
phosphorus and 231.78 pounds of potassium per acre.

Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.94 pounds for the national winners and 0.89 pounds for all entrants.

27.78 percent of the national winners applied trace minerals, compared to 38.74 percent of all entrants.

Use of manure as a fertilizer was consistent. 38.89 percent of national winners applied manure, compared to 16.06 percent of all entrants.

The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from 3 states. The highest overall yield was 218.9 bushels per acre, while the national yield average was in the mid-60 bushel-per-acre range.

The winners were recognized March 4 at the 2016 Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the U.S. corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and equipment industries, held this year in New Orleans, LA.

The National Corn Growers Association represents more than 41,000 members, 48 affiliated state corn grower and checkoff organizations, and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.

For more on the Corn Growers, click here.

Albion students’ artwork displayed by BOCES superintendent

Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Albion student Brooklyn Moore and Dr. Clark Godshall, superintendent of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, show off the display that features her photography.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Dr. Clark Godshall, superintendent of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, has decided to use the walls of his office waiting room as a gallery for students’ artwork in the BOCES program.

He recently put out a call to his administrators that he wants to show off the creativity of the various classes at both the career and technical education centers and the special education sites.

For the next couple of months a student in Crystal Hall-Cirillo’s Graphic Arts class at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center will submit photography to grace the walls.

Brooklyn Moore, a senior from Albion, said she was proud that her artwork was chosen.

“Photography is a real passion of mine and something I would like to have as a sideline business as I work my way through college,” she said.

Brooklyn will be going to Genesee Community College for general studies then complete her bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Robert Wesleyan College in Rochester.

Lily Strickland, a former student, also contributed a photo to balance out the display.

3 are sentenced to jail/prison

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Three people were sentenced to either county jail or state prison today, including two people for sex crimes.

A Cheektowaga man, 21, who allegedly had sex four times with a 16-year-old girl in Shelby was sentenced to 1 ½ years in state prison, plus five years of post-release supervision.

Carson Cavers also is facing rape charges in Ontario County and an unrelated charge of second-degree assault in Erie County.

He apologized to his victim and his family for the crime, third-degree rape, in Shelby. Orleans County Court Judge James Punch said the crime was too serious for probation.

“You seem to have a growing problem,” Punch told Cavers during sentencing this afternoon. “You need to get control of this right away.”

The judge also issued an order of protection for the victim. He told Cavers to change his trajectory in life, because he is harming others.

“You’re leaving a trail of disturbed people,” Punch told Cavers.

A Holley man was sentenced to six months in county jail, plus 10 years probation for second-degree attempted rape. Anthony Roe was 20 when he allegedly had sex with a 14-year-old girl in July.

“I just want to apologize for my actions, sir,” Roe told Punch in court today.

The judge said Roe has been too arrogant and should express humility.

“Arrogance will stop you from getting over this problem,” the judge said.

A Lockport man was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison for attempted assault in the second degree.

Markel Hill, 25, admitted in a previous court appearance he punched a woman in the face on Oct. 9, 2014. He was arrested by the Medina Police Department and charged with second-degree assault.

The woman who was punched in the face suffered a broken jaw and needed surgery. Her mouth was wired shut. She continues to suffer pain from the injury.

“It was unreasonable and unnecessary force that caused some pretty serious injury,” Punch said.

Albion wants to add flagpole, sandstone for new war memorial

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – This metal sculpture of a battlefield cross was added in front of the Albion Town Hall last May. It is pictured at about 8 p.m. today after the Town Board meeting on Clarendon Road.

ALBION – Town officials are looking to add a small wall of Medina sandstone by a war memorial, along with a new flagpole with a POW/MIA flag.

The Town Board this evening authorized spending up to $400 for a new 25-foot-high flagpole with a POW/MIA flag. The memorial – a metal sculpture of a battlefield cross – was added last May.

Jeff Benfer, a local welder and artist, created the sculpture as a donation to the community. The pieces were all cut and shaped by hand.

Town Board member Jake Olles and other board members want to add to the site. The town has secured sandstone blocks for the wall that should be added this summer.

The Town Highway Department will put in the foundation for the wall.

Estimates for the flagpole are $315, with a flag costing $35. The POW/MIA flag will be lower in height than an existing flag pole with an American flag.

Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said the second pole will “tie the memorial together.”

The American flag by the Town Hall is pictured at 7 p.m. this evening.

Carlton firefighters celebrate 75 years of service to community

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2016 at 8:00 am

CARLTON – Chyenne Tackley accepts the Chief’s Award from Andrew Niederhofer, fire chief of the Carlton Volunteer Volunteer Company, on Saturday during an annual banquet that also included recognition of the fire company’s 75th anniversary.

Tackley serves as the fire company’s chief mechanic. He fixes many of the fire trucks and keeps other equipment working. He also organizes the equipment and keeps it inspected.

“He is a real asset,” Niederhofer said.

Dwayne Tinkous, left, receives the President’s Award. He is pictured with Andrew Niederhofer, fire chief.

Tinkous was praised for helping the fire company secure about $100,000 in grants for a new hurst tool, and equipment to fight brush fires. He also helped organize the 75th annual banquet on Saturday.

The Carlton Fire Company officially formed on Oct. 21, 1940 in Waterport by founding members George Banker, Norman Barry and Lyman Clark.

“During the fire company’s 75-year career, it has saved countless lives, protected the general welfare of the community, and strengthened the bond between Orleans County residents through numerous fundraisers, local events and charitable endeavors,” according to a proclamation from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

James E. Keller, center, was recognized for 50 years of service to the fire company. He is pictured with his grandson Thomas Niehous, left, and son-in-law Dale Niehous.

Glenn Woolston also was recognized as a 50-year member. He is pictured with his grandson, Ryan Woolston, who is a second lieutenant with the fire company.

Howard Watts, right, from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company presented a plaque in honor of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company’s 75 years. Kevin Dann, in back, is the Holley fire chief and he also presented a plaque in honor of Carlton’s milestone anniversary.

Jon DeYoung, the Clarendon fire chief, presents a plaque to Niederhofer in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.

Richard Brackenbury, left, and Ben Diltz, right, were recognized with jackets for responding to the most calls in 2015. They both responded to 151 calls, or 57.9 percent of the 261 total. They are pictured with 1st Assistant Chief Dwayne Tinkous and Fire Chief Andrew Niederhofer.

The fire company also recognized Les Tabor for selling the most chicken barbecue tickets. Tabor sold about 250 tickets. He has led the fire company in chicken barbecue ticket sales for the past 35 years.

Kurt Van Wycke also was recognized for selling the most gun raffle tickets with 109. Dale Niehous was close in second place with 98 tickets sold.

Niederhofer said the gun raffle raises about $11,000 for the fire company, and other fundraisers bring the total to about $20,000. That’s money the fire company doesn’t have to seek in additional property taxes, Niederhofer said.

Niederhofer also recognized four firefighters for 25 years of service, including Gary Van Wycke, left, and David Bertsch. Don Cooper and Greg Juhrs also have 25 years of service.

The banquet included a memorial display of helmets worn by past firefighters.

Holley library opens World of Discovery center for children

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 13 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – The impressive and inviting entrance to the new “World of Discovery” at the library in Holley was created by Laurence Dabney, a local artist and retired Holley Central art teacher.

Young patrons of the Community Free Library in Holley now officially have their own “World of Discovery” children’s section that expands opportunities for play. Those opportunities assist with the development of reading and learning skills, Library Director Sandra Shaw said during a ribbon cutting held Saturday morning to celebrate the changes.

“They learn how to play and from that they learn how to read,” she noted of young children.

Former State Sen. George Maziarz and Assemblyman Steve Hawley get lots of help in cutting the ribbon for the new World of Discovery for young patrons at the Community Free Library in Holley. Before the ribbon cutting, the young lady in the turquoise leggings sitting on the floor remarked: “This place is perfect for a princess like me!”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and former State Senator George Maziarz join Holley Community Free Library Director Sandra Shaw for this morning’s grand opening of the library’s new World of Discovery for children.

The World of Discovery includes a castle entrance to the children’s section and a special play room area that now includes a large puppet theater, family and community helper puppets, children’s kitchen, Doc McStuffin’s Veterinary Clinic, Black & Decker building center and a costume cabinet.

Maziarz secured state grant funding of $6,300 about 18 months ago, Shaw explained.

“After we scraped our jaws off the floor, we thought about using the funds to improve the children’s section,” Shaw said. She noted Maziarz is a “proponent of children’s education and welfare.”

Maziarz attended the ribbon cutting. Maziarz noted it is important to reach out to children, “while they are young,” and explained that he and his eight brothers spent much time while growing up at their local library in North Tonawanda. “I have a long-time affinity for libraries,” he said. “I recently became a grandfather for the first time, so I’m all for enhancing programs for children.”

State Senator Robert Ortt was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.

Assemblyman Hawley said he was happy to be re-united with Maziarz for the event, and explained that the former state senator is staying very active in retirement.

“I see home all the time, all over the State of New York,” Hawley said. He acknowledged the work done by Maziarz to obtain the grant funds. “We need to thank him for the money he got a number of years ago,” Hawley said.

The celebration included refreshments and activities throughout the library, including face-painting, balloons, and crown-making. Many of the young patrons came dressed in costumes as knights, princesses and dragons – befitting the castle theme of the World of Discovery.

Michelle Vroblefski brought her family from Brockport. “This is great,” she said. “We will visit more often.”

Families enjoy crafts and activities Saturday morning at the Community Free Library. The festivities were part of a ribbon cutting celebration for the new children’s World of Discovery.

Four-year old Helen Schofield works to complete a crown during activities Saturday morning at the Community Free Library.

Medina hosts big Winterguard competition

Staff Reports Posted 13 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band hosted a Winterguard show on Saturday with 20 guard units from Western NY and Canada competing. Approximately 350-375 people were in attendance.

The top photo shows the Varsity Guard, which is comprised of 20 students in grades 7-12. Their show is “A-Maze-Zing”. In the Scholastic A class, the Medina Varsity guard came in 2nd with a score of 78.72. Victor took 1st place with a score of 83.01.

In the Cadet Class, Medina competed against six other units and came in 4th with a score of 61.08. The Cadet Guard is comprised of 12 students in grades 1-9 and their show is “Descendants”.

The next and last performance for these groups will be Saturday, March 26, at the NECGC Championships held at Brockport College, the SERC, 350 New Campus Drive.

Fire causes heavy damage to Ridgeway home on Marshall Road

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

RIDGEWAY – Several fire companies were on scene this afternoon at a fire on Marshall Road.

The fire caused significant damage to a home owned by William and Jennifer Ribbeck at 3245 Marshall Rd.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 12:46 p.m. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Firefighters use the Medina ladder truck to get high and aim water down on the fire.

Shelby firefighters head inside the house.