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Orleans County GOP endorses Trump for president

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo: www.DonaldJTrump.com – Donald Trump has emerged as the leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.

ALBION – The Orleans County Republican Committee endorsed Donald Trump for president today in a unanimous vote among about 60 committee members.

The county might be the first to officially endorse Trump for president, said Ed Morgan, chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party.

“He’s a businessman who has been very successful,” Morgan said. “Government should be run as a business and not political.”

Trump, the real estate mogul and reality television star, has emerged the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Morgan asked the local committee if any members wanted to endorse another candidate. Everyone backed Trump.

Morgan said he has met Trump several times, including when Trump was weighing a run for state governor against Andrew Cuomo in 2014. Trump opted not to run. Morgan and other Republican leaders in Western New York travelled to Manhattan in January 2014 to meet with Trump.

Photo courtesy of Ed Morgan – Donald Trump, left, poses for a photo with Ed Morgan, Orleans County Republican Party chairman, at a meeting in New York City in January 2014.

Morgan said Trump in person and on the phone is different from the bombastic persona on television.

“Yes, he’s a little radical and he pulls no punches,” Morgan said. “But in person he’s a totally different person to talk to.”

Trump has surrounded himself with skilled leaders in his businesses, Morgan said, and he expects Trump would do the same as president.

“He will pick the best, whether Republican or Democrat,” Morgan said. “He will have the brightest and smartest cabinet we’ve ever had.”

The Orleans County GOP Committee follows an endorsement from Congressman Chris Collins this week. Collins was the first member of the House of Representatives to back Trump.

Collins attended today’s Orleans GOP meeting, and he stated his support for Trump.
In announcing his support for Trump on Wednesday, Collins said Trump would “end business as usual” in Washington.

“Donald Trump has clearly demonstrated that he has both the guts and the fortitude to return our nation’s jobs stolen by China, take on our enemies like ISIS, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and most importantly, reestablish the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to attain the American Dream,” Collins said. “That is why I am proud to endorse him as the next President of the United States.”

The Orleans GOP also endorsed Collins for a third term in Congress. The Clarence businessman was first elected to the 27th Congressional District in 2012.

The Orleans Republicans also endorsed State Sen. Robert Ortt of North Tonawanda, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia and State Assemblywoman Jane Corwin of Clarence for two-year terms in the State Legislature.

Orleans ready to go for broadband Internet money

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul attended the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council meeting in Rochester on Thursday. She said a $500 million push from the state to expand broadband Internet will be a big boost to students, residents and businesses in underserved areas of the state, including Orleans County. Hochul is pictured with Danny Wegman, left, and Joel Seligman, University of Rochester president, who both serve as co-chairmen of the council.

ROCHESTER – New York State will begin accepting applications next week for $500 million to expand high-speed Internet. Orleans County officials are ready to pounce on the money.

Orleans has been working on the issue for several years, determining the needs in the county and working with an engineer on how to best to best expand the service. Orleans also has teamed with Niagara County, in a two-county effort to bring high-speed Internet to areas with no service or low speeds.

“We’ve been doing our homework for years,” said Lynne Johnson, an Orleans County legislator working on the issue. “We’re two voices.”

Gov. Cuomo and the State legislature are setting aside $500 million, which needs to be matched by private industry in expanding the service. That means there is at least $1 billion directed to improving the service.

The merger of Time Warner and Charter Communications also will result in expanded coverage, said Vincent Esposito, director of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

“As part of the Time Warner and Charter Communications merger, they will have to upgrade service,” Esposito said on Thursday during a meeting of the Regional Economic Development Council at the Rochester Convention Center. “Orleans County will be part of the Time Warner upgrade.”

About a third of the geographic area in Orleans County does not have access to high-speed Internet. That is the same in Niagara County. The two counties are proposing that companies use more cable to serve those areas and also install wireless technology.

“A blended solution is the only way you will reach the last house,” said Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey.

It is too costly for companies to run cable on roads with a few houses. But wireless technology is more affordable for sparsely populated areas, he said after the meeting in Rochester on Thursday.

Orleans is part of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, and Niagara is the the Western New York council. The two counties are seeking funds through both councils, which Godfrey and Johnson said boosts the chances for more coverage in the two counties.

The applications to the state will be accepted from March 1 to April 15.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul attended the meeting at the Convention Center. She said much of upstate lacks access to high-speed Internet. That puts those areas at a major disadvantage, she said.

Many employers require prospective job applicants to fill out applications on-line, and students are required to do homework on-line. Businesses increasingly sell products by the Internet and need to fill out reports and do research on-line. Residents also enjoy streaming movies.

“If you have it, you don’t think about it,” Hochul said about high-speed Internet. “If you don’t, you’re gasping for air.”

Hochul said the upcoming investment in broadband will make New York more attractive for residents and businesses.

“We’ll be the most covered state in the nation,” she said. “It will be a big advantage for us.”

Orleans County Mental Health will offer services at Lyndonville schools

Posted 26 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Mental health issues are gaining national attention and Lyndonville Central School District is teaming up with Orleans County Mental Health to provide services to the students.

“Our district works to assure resources are available to our students and this satellite mental health office helps to achieve that,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “Allowing our students to have appropriate support provides them an opportunity for further success in the classroom.”

Services are available to Lyndonville students on a referral basis two days a week. Students are referred to the county mental health counselor by the district and parent/guardian permission is then obtained. The student then goes through an initial assessment with the counselor and regular appointments are planned thereafter.

This satellite office provides county mental health services in Lyndonville, in addition to the services offered at the county location in Albion.

“We are excited by the opportunity to bring community-based services to youth in their natural environment,” said Mark O’Brien, director of mental health and community services at Orleans County Department of Mental Health.

State Troopers, Albion teachers play basketball

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – State Trooper Engin Okdem tries to dribble the basketball past Albion teacher Mike Jones during the fourth annual basketball game between NY State Troopers and Albion Purple Eagle Faculty. The Troopers won, 67-62.

Albion teacher Michael Fahy, center, warms up with the team during the halftime intermission.

State Trooper Jay Hoy, based at the Warsaw barracks, is a K9 handler. He did a demonstration at halftime with K9 Rison. The dog is trained at detecting drugs and helping to locate people.

Doug Rich, a State Trooper who lives in Orleans County, prepares to throw the ball in bounds.

Kiera LeBeau of Houghton, niece of teacher Kathy Schmitt and State Police Lt. Kurt Schmitt, dunks the ball after getting a boost from a trooper. Kids from the crowd were invited to shoot free throws when the teachers were fouled.

Mike Jones, center, boxes out for the Albion teachers on a shot that went in by teacher Lucian Price.

The game was a fund-raiser for the Middle School FFA.

Collins has a challenger for 27th Congressional District

Staff Reports Posted 25 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Batavia businesswoman announces campaign

Diana Kastenbaum

A Batavia businesswoman announced her candidacy for the 27th Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Chris Collins.

Diana Kastenbaum, a Democrat, is the CEO of Pinnacle Manufacturing Company Inc. in Batavia.

“As a small business owner from Batavia, I am well aware of the realities that face middle class families,” Kastenbaum said. “Using my years of experience as a businesswoman, I will bring new ideas and solutions to the problems we face in Western New York. We need a member of Congress who will fight for Western New York on the issues that matter most: good paying jobs, ending income inequality, making college more affordable, and providing access to affordable healthcare. Where Congress has failed us, I will lead.”

Kastenbaum’s family has owned and operated Pinnacle, a zinc and aluminum dye casting manufacturing company, since 1972. She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She is married to actor and comedian Hiram Kasten. Their daughter, Millicent, is a senior government major at Cornell University.

New York’s 27th Congressional District includes all of Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Livingston counties and parts of Erie, Monroe, Ontario, and Niagara counties.

Collins, the former county executive in Erie County, was first elected to Congress in November 2012. He is seeking re-election to a third two-year term. He made news on Wednesday as the first member of the House of Representatives to endorse Donald Trump for president.

Calmer weather in store after rain, snow

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – A barn is pictured with hard-falling snow this afternoon on Crandall Road in Gaines. The snow fell a day after heavy rain in Orleans County.

Friday’s forecast calls for the chance of up to an inch of snow and a high of 22, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday is forecast for a high of 39 degrees while the high on Sunday will hit 46.

A tree on Crandall Road stands out with a foggy field in back.

Kendall and Holley may have combined varsity baseball team this year

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Kendall doesn’t have enough players to field own team

KENDALL – The Kendall Board of Education is considering allowing Kendall boys to try out for the Holley varsity baseball team.

The Kendall district does not have enough interested students to field a varsity baseball team this spring and board members gave an unofficial “nod” to pursue an agreement with Holley Central School.

“I’m not opposed to giving seniors the opportunity to try out at Holley,” Board President Nadine Hanlon said on Wednesday evening. Board members Chaley Swift and Vice-President Christopher Gerken also said they were “OK” with giving it a try.

Holley is willing to take on varsity players from Kendall, and Hanlon said she has had a phone call from the parents of one student at Kendall who would like the opportunity to play baseball during his senior year.

Superintendent Julie Christensen said the district would need to cover the cost of transporting players to Holley for practices and games. Parents would then pick up students following practices and games.

“The team would be known as the Holley-Kendall Hawks,” Christensen said.

She noted try-outs are scheduled for March 7 and that the Holley varsity baseball coach would have final say on who makes the team. The agreement would be on a year-by-year basis.

The opportunity would be open only to Kendall seniors and juniors who are not eligible to play JV baseball, board members decided.

Christensen said Holley would be able to field a varsity baseball team without Kendall players.

Chaley Swift noted that the district should prepare itself to make similar decisions regarding sports teams in the future or risk losing teams. “What sports are we going to put on the chopping block if we don’t (enter into agreements with other districts)?” she asked.

Kendall has been reluctant to allow students to try out for football at Holley. Hanlon said that is partly because the district needs to maintain its soccer program in the fall and football would cut into that, and partly because there is a substantial cost related to football.

State Senate recognizes Orleans/Niagara BOCES on 60th anniversary

Posted 25 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt

ALBANY – The New York State Senate today honored Orleans/Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services for 60 years of academic excellence with a resolution put forth by Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda).

An engrossed copy of the resolution will be delivered to the career and technical school based in Sanborn and Medina.

“I visited the Niagara County campus last October and was thoroughly impressed with the students’ skill levels, intelligence and eagerness about entering the work force,” Ortt said. “These young leaders of tomorrow are getting hands-on experiences that will open doors to limitless opportunities for long and fulfilling careers. I am honored to recognize Orleans/Niagara BOCES for this milestone of providing six decades of quality education and stellar programs and services to children and adults.”

Established in 1956, Orleans/Niagara BOCES provides shared services in career and technical education, special education, alternative education programs and work force development. Orleans/Niagara BOCES partners with school districts to provide students and adults with hands-on educational experiences preparing them for career opportunities in competitive fields.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES serves 13 school districts: Albion; Barker; Lewiston-Porter; Lockport; Lyndonville; Medina; Newfane; Niagara Falls; Niagara-Wheatfield; North Tonawanda; Royalton-Hartland; Starpoint; and Wilson.

This year’s tribute to Orleans/Niagara BOCES marks 10 years since former Gov. George Pataki proclaimed Jan. 6, 2006 as Orleans/Niagara BOCES Day in New York State, coinciding with its 50th anniversary. The day recognizes the value and importance of a sound, quality education, and the institutions that provide innovative and effective initiatives for the enrichment of students in school districts throughout the state.

GCC pushing for student success

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Construction starts in April on new buildings at Batavia campus

Photo by Tom Rivers – Dr. James Sunser, president of Genesee Community College, addresses the Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday. He is pictured with renderings of two new buildings that will be constructed at the Batavia campus beginning in April.

ALBION – Orleans County residents can receive a quality college education at a fraction of the cost of a university, and stay close to home, Dr. James Sunser, president of Genesee Community College.

He addressed the Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday, and shared plans for two new buildings at the Batavia campus that are focused on ensuring student success and enriching their college experience. The college also has new degree programs in nanotechnology to train a workforce for the STAMP site in the Town of Alabama and other high-tech sites in the region.

Sunser said there has been a “sea change” in colleges in working to help students be successful in the classroom, adjust to college life and connect to a successful career.

The college on March 8 will open bids for two new buildings will cost about $20 million to build. The state is contributing $10 million, Genesee County $7 million and the GCC Foundation has raised $5 million toward the capitol projects as well as scholarships.

One new building will be a 9,000-square-foot “Student Success Center.” The Student Success Center will include student support services to boost student achievement and retention. The vacated space for some of these services at the William W. Stuart Forum will be renovated for classrooms.

The Student Success Center will also help alumni with job placements and to look at job retraining possibilities.

A 43,000-square-foot “College and Community Event Center” will be next to the college’s athletic fields. The building would include classrooms, coaching facilities, food service facilities and a wellness center. The building would have public floor space that could be used for student gatherings, trade shows, community exhibitions, athletic competitions and charitable events.

The capital projects are the largest in GCC’s nearly 50-year history, Sunser said. Ground-breaking will be in April and the buildings will be complete in 2017.

“When this is done I believe GCC will be a national model for how we interface with students and make them successful,” Sunser said.

There are 900 Orleans County residents who take classes at GCC, including nearly 400 at the campus centers in Albion and Medina.

Two GCC professors, Ed Grabowski and Pam Lusk, work in Orleans and have been nominated for Chancellor’s Awards, the highest recognition for a professor. Sunser said Lusk and Grabowski exemplify the dedication of GCC staff and faculty to students.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature vice chairwoman, praised the college’s push for excellence.

“I know Orleans County is proud to be a partner county with your education system,” Johnson said.

Citizens urged to know their Constitutional rights and duties

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Meredith Patterson delivers a speech today at the Orleans County Legislature meeting, a speech that helped her win the zone competition of the American Legion Oratorical Contest on Feb. 6 in Mount Morris, qualifying her for the state competition March 5 in Albany.

Patterson, an Albion senior, said the Constitution was crafted with “fortitude and perfection” to last more than 200 years and counting. She urged people to research and understand the Constitution, calling the document a job description for citizens.

Orleans County Legislature Vice Chairwoman Lynne Johnson is pictured in back of Patterson.

Congressman Collins endorses Trump for president

Posted 24 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo: donaldjtrump.com – Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event on Jan. 12 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins

CLARENCE – Calling for an “end to business as usual” in Washington, Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that he is endorsing Donald Trump for president.

“The results of Barack Obama’s failed presidency have been devastating. America is no longer seen as the world’s leader. Our jobs are gone. Our middle class is struggling. And, the federal government has grown too large and wastes too much of our hard earned money,” added Collins. “The last thing we need is a third Obama term which we would get with either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.”

“We need a president willing to make the tough decisions necessary to restore our country to greatness. I believe Donald Trump is the man for the job, and I am proud to provide him with my support.”

Both Trump and Collins share a strong private sector background. Before entering public service, Collins was in the private sector for over 35 years where he built a successful career as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Both as an Erie Country Executive and a member of Congress, Collins has advocated running government like a business.

“If we want to get our nation’s economy growing again and deal with the daunting fiscal issues threatening America’s future, it’s time to say no to professional politicians and yes to someone who has created jobs and grown a business,” added Collins.

“America has the potential to once again become the land of opportunity,” Collins said. “Donald Trump understands the importance of American exceptionalism, and has the unique qualifications to make America great again.”

No serious injuries from rollover in Holley on Tuesday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos courtesy of Kurt Wannenwetsch

HOLLEY – Several people were transported by Monroe Ambulance to the hospital to be evaluated on Tuesday after a 2-car accident at the intersection of West Albion and South Main streets. There were no serious injuries in the accident, Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni said.

The accident happened at about 12:30 p.m. It was caused by a motorist failing to stop at a red light. That vehicle then struck the van that was traveling north through the intersection, causing the van to overturn, Nenni said.

Orleans EDA adds mobile-friendly technology to promote economic development

Posted 24 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Orleans EDA

ALBION – The Orleans County Economic Development Agency has become a local government front-runner in marketing technology by enhancing their already multilingual, all-mobile friendly marketing platforms with Augmented Reality.

A new breed of user-friendly and visually stimulating technology, AR makes two-dimensional “2D” objects appear 3D onscreen. Viewers can instantly watch short informational videos and access one-touch buttons to immediately call or email specific agency staffers, simply by scanning the agency’s business cards or local business park maps.

By downloading the free LAYAR app to any compatible Android or iPhone, mobile users are able to scan the agency’s materials from their computer screen or use AR to scan a hard copy business card or map from a mobile phone. Video and one-touch contact buttons then appear on the mobile device’s screen.

One side of the agency’s business cards features a corporate testimonial video from an international client (in Mandarin with English subtitles); video highlighting local business assistance programs and the benefits of doing business in Orleans County are also available on the agency’s dual-sided cards.

Colorized site maps used for marketing two business parks in Orleans County are now enhanced with video and AR to provide a heightened visual experience and more detailed site information about the shovel-ready Medina Business Park or Sandstone Development Site in the Medina, New York, Town of Shelby.

The Orleans EDA’s targeted business-to-business marketing video for the Medina Business Park’s 40,000 square-foot pre-permitted site includes isometric mapping elements with build-up architectural animation. This technology gives viewers a real-life interface on their digital screens to visualize, at a glance, the actual site and the many design-build options the OEDA can offer new or expanding businesses.

Reports suggest the use of augmented reality allows for more strategic marketing in far less time than traditional advertising. In 2014, 30-percent of mobile users used AR at least once a week; mobile AR app use is increasing with more than 864 million smartphone users downloading AR technology annually. Viewing site-specific content via smartphones with one touch contact access is not only convenient, it is the future of marketing and mobile communications.

Eighty percent of time spent on mobile devices is spent using apps by today’s mobile users who are always on the move. The reach of augmented reality is undeniable. Total revenue generated from AR by the end of 2013 was approximately $300 million. With AR revenue from mobile app usage expected to exceed $600 billion in 2016, the Orleans County EDA has advanced their global marketing strategies to include AR and other leading mobile connectivity platforms favored by mobile users across the United States and abroad.

For more on the EDA, click here.

Outstanding citizens recognized by Orleans Hub

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans Hub held a reception at the Hoag Library on Tuesday evening for the people and organizations we named “Outstanding Citizens” for 2015. We also recognized Randy Bower, the new Orleans County sheriff, as “Person of the Year.”

The front row, includes, from left: Joette McHugh, Randy Bower, Gail Miller and Melissa Ierlan. Back row: James DeFilipps, Marietta Schuth from Kendall Community Choir, Tony Hipes from Medina Area Association of Churches, Sue Metzo from MAAC, Lisa Stratton, and Thom Jennings (accepting on behalf of his nephew Peter Zeliff Jr.) Missing from photo includes Al Capurso and Bob Songin.

Bower was recognized as Person of the Year after being elected sheriff in one of the most competitive county elections in recent memory.

The sheriff told group of award-winners that he was honored to be recognized “with so many amazing people.”

The Outstanding Citizens were named by the Orleans Hub on Dec. 31. Editor Tom Rivers and Publisher Karen Sawicz weighed the contributions from people and organizations in 2015.

The Kendall Community Chorus has performed in numerous concerts since 2008. The group has been led by director Mary Campbell. Sixty-eight people have sung in the choir since it started, and many have become close friends through the group.

Joette McHugh has been an active volunteer with the Friends of the Orleans County Animal Shelter the past seven years, helping to adopt out 1,500 animals from the shelter. She knows all of the dogs and cats by name, and has an energetic group of volunteers looking after the animals. The Friends also raised $7,000 for the animal shelter last year, and those funds helped to have all dogs neutered at the shelter, and also paid for a new washer and dryer.

Medina Area Association of Churches has been together for nearly 50 years, running a Clothing Depot throughout the year, an annual holiday toy and food drive for about 150 children in the community, and a working together on other religious and community events. The depot generates about $30,000 to $35,000 annually that the churches give back to the community for many causes.

Bob Songin, a charter boat captain, lead a pen-rearing project from 1998 to 2014 until passing off the reins to a new group of volunteers last year. The pen-rearing volunteers helped to raise fish in the Oak Orchard River. Songin has given countless hours to improve the fishery through the pen-rearing project, where about 100,000 baby fish are nurtured each year in the Oak Orchard. The project has increased the survival rate of fish, and charter boat captains say more bigger fish return to the Oak Orchard for fall fishing runs since the pen-rearing, boosting the county’s top tourism industry.

Lisa Stratton, owner of the Hazy Jade Gift Shop in Albion, also spearheads several efforts in Albion, including the planting and watering of downtown flowers, and organizing the annual wine-tasting, Beggar’s Night the Friday before Halloween, and other projects to promote downtown businesses and the community.

Peter Zeliff Jr. turned an old farmhouse in West Shelby turned into hunting retreat for wounded warriors. Zeliff and a team of volunteers fixed up the house and connected with veterans’ groups to bring injured soldiers to the site for a few days of hunting. The property has been renamed The Warrior House. The site hosted its first hunt in September with 13 wounded veterans. Other groups have followed and The Warrior House will be made available to spouses and children of veterans as well.

Gail Miller stepped forward last year as volunteer coordinator of the new Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina in the parking lot across from the Post Office. Miller worked with vendors and lined up entertainment and exhibitors. Some Saturdays, 450 to 500 attended the market.

Al Capurso led a volunteer effort to save a cobblestone schoolhouse from 1832, a former one-room schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, just north of the Erie Canal. The schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the area. The building has been largely abandoned since 1944, until last year when it got a new roof. Boards were removed from windows and sashes restored. Junk was cleared out, and a historical marker put up.

Melissa Ierlan has given many faded historical markers a fresh coat of paint. She started that effort in 2014 when Clarendon was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Carl Akeley’s birth. Akeley grew up in Clarendon on Hinds Road and became one of the most famous taxidermists in the world. The historical marker on Hinds Road about Akeley could barely be read due to flaking paint. Ierlan took the marker down, stripped off the remaining paint and repainted it blue and gold. She has now worked on about a dozen markers around the county.

James DeFilipps was shot twice in a shootout at 3 a.m. on March 21 following a high-speed chase with James Ellis of Wyoming County. DeFilipps was the first police officer on scene when Ellis wrecked his vehicle in Clarendon on Route 31A. Police were pursuing Ellis after a 911 call when he threatened an ex-girlfriend in Shelby with a gun. Ellis had fled to a nearby wooded area in Clarendon and opened fire on DeFilipps and other deputies and police to arrive on the scene. DeFilipps, despite getting hit twice by gunfire, shot Ellis, killing him and ending his threat. For his acts of valor, DeFilipps was named Deputy of the Year for 2015 by the New York State Sheriff’s Association.

Medina asked to pursue federal grant to add firefighters

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2016 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – The Village Board was asked to pursue a federal grant that would pay the salaries for new full-time firefighters for the fire department.

The department currently has 14 full-time staff that respond to about 3,000 calls a year, with about 85 percent of the calls for ambulance services.

Medina has been providing the full-time ambulance service for western Orleans County for about a decade. Jonathan Higgins, a captain with the Fire Department, and other department leaders have pressed the Village Board in recent years to boost staffing for the department.

Higgins referred to a study of the MFD that recommended 17 full-time staff for a department handling 1,700 calls. Medina is responding to more far more than 1,700 calls with a small staff, he told the board on Monday.

The federal Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grant would pay for additional staff, covering training, salaries and benefits for two years. Higgins urged the board to request three new firefighters in the grant.

Mayor Andrew Meier said he doesn’t think the grant provides a sustainable solution for staffing and funding the department. He doesn’t want the village to be in a position two years after the grant where several people could lose their jobs.

“It’s not a good long-term plan,” Meier said during Monday’s Village Board meeting.

Higgins said added staff would reduce overtime costs and “firefighter fatigue.”

The board last year voted to pursue the grant for two positions, but wasn’t successful with the application. The board needs to decide next month how many positions it wants to pursue in the grant.

Higgins said a grantwriter will put together the application for $500.

The board acted on a different matter for the Fire Department on Monday. It approved spending up to $14,765 for a new hydraulic stretcher with batteries for an ambulance. That stretcher is helpful for moving larger patients over 300 pounds. The new stretcher from Stryker will replace one that is 12 years old.