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New Medina BOE president will be sworn in today

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

Chris Keller fills top spot after Heiligenthaler resigns

MEDINA – The Board of Education has a new leader after Carol Heiligenthaler resigned last month. The board last week voted to support Chris Keller as the new president.

He will be sworn in this evening at 6:30 during the BOE meeting at the district office. Keller had been vice president. He works as a teacher at Albion Central School.

Heiligenthaler led the board since July 2012. Although she resigned as BOE president, she has agreed to stay on as a board member.

Heiligenthaler has recently been hired as the business administrator for Barker Central School. She resigned as Medina BOE president due to the demands of her new job.

The BOE is expected to soon name a new vice president after Keller vacated the spot to become president.

Albion library proudly displays historic egg collection

Posted 21 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Eggs collected by Stuart John Flintham are displayed by the entrance of the Hoag Library.

Many eggs in the collection are from birds that are now much more rare because of human interference, such as the black-crowned night heron.

The emu and ostrich eggs are enormous compared to the others in the collection.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

ALBION – Stuart John Flintham may not be a familiar name, but many who have visited the old Swan Library’s downstairs children section or the new Hoag Library have seen his contribution to our community.

In two glass cases near the entrance of Hoag are dozens of bird eggs that Flintham collected throughout his teenage years at Albion High School and even into his 20s. The eggs have long been popular in the library, with visitors stopping to look at eggs that range in size from small stones to softballs.

Collecting eggs used to be a very popular pastime in the 1800s, Library Director Susan Rudnicky said. During this time there was a considerably sparser population, which meant more areas for birds to nest, she said.

When Flintham collected the eggs, he used a process called egg blowing to remove the insides of the eggs and leave them hollowed out, which leaves a small hole in the shell visible on some in the collection.

Flintham was born in Albion in 1879 and later went on to Cornell and then Yale to earn a master’s degree in forestry, moving on to become a Los Angeles County firefighter.

Changes in farming, fewer or smaller hedgerows, and even clearing land for building diminished the presence of birds over the years. When DDT used to be sprayed to cut down on mosquitos, insect-eating birds would ingest them. When the birds went to lay eggs, the DDT in their systems caused their eggs to be so fragile they would simply collapse causing many birds to become unable to produce new generations.

Rudnicky commented that people often put their own needs and wants before other animals which can cause them to be crowded out of their natural habitats or killed. “We need to have room in our lives for other species,” she said.

While nearly all of the eggs are from local species, there are a few in the collection from outside the area. The ostrich and emu eggs are not local, but are the largest eggs in the collection, each much larger than a baseball. Though the library has only a nest from hummingbirds, their eggs would be the smallest and only about the size of a Tic Tac.

The display cases were chosen specifically for the eggs so that they could be displayed in a well-trafficked area. While the number of eggs in the cases has remained the same from the old library to the new, Rudnicky said more nests are now displayed. They used to be in storage.

County Historian Bill Lattin helped Rudnicky move the eggs to the new library using lunch trays and cardboard can trays. This allowed them to leave the eggs on their individual stands with the paper labels so that nothing became mixed up during the move.

The egg collection makes an excellent teaching tool and Rudnicky offers her knowledge to tour groups that come through. It is especially important since the New York State Legislation made it illegal to collect eggs, nests, and even feathers of birds with laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

It is best to leave things as you find them because sometimes even a person trying to help can instead cause more damage than good. “Take only pictures; leave only footprints,” Rudnicky said.

If you bring a picture, you can compare it to what is on display or ask a librarian for help to find a book to learn more. The library does not accept any eggs from old collections, instead keeping the display reserved for only Flintham’s collection.

The Hoag Library is located at 134 South Main Street in Albion. The hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The egg collection is always on display by the entrance.

$45K grant from National Grid will help make 2 sites shovel ready

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

File photo by Tom Rivers – The Orleans Economic Development Agency is working for certified shovel ready status for the Medina Business Park on Bates Road.

MEDINA – National Grid will pay $45,000 towards advancing two sites in the Medina area, making them “certified shovel ready” for businesses looking to build in Orleans County.

The grant from National Grid is planned to go towards engineering, borings, wetlands identification and other permitting issues for the Medina Business Park and a 120-acre cow pasture on Route 31A.

“We’re going to cut down the time to put the shovel in the ground,” said Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The cow pasture is used by the Keppeler family. The land will give the Orleans EDA perhaps the largest site of certified shovel ready property in Western New York, EDA officials said Friday.

The Medina Business Park has 65 acres on Bates Road. Both sites have water and sewer access, and they fall within the eligibility zone for cheap hydropower electricity through the Niagara Power Project.

National Grid approved a matching grant to clear hurdles that sometimes slow down the permitting and development process.

“We’re taking it to the highest level we can take it,” Barone said about the certified shovel ready status.

Medina and Shelby have both committed $20,000 towards the costs of obtaining shovel ready status. The EDA has agreed to spend $4,367.75 from the Orleans Land Restoration Corporation.

To reach “shovel ready” status, the sites need nearly $90,000 of services, including boundary, topographical and survey work ($26,010); geotechnical information ($16,000); concept plans and traffic study ($15,000); State Historic Preservation Office application ($1,500); environmental impact report ($3,500); meetings and coordination with Empire State Development ($15,000) and an application to Empire State Development for “shovel ready” status for the site ($7,500). The costs also include a 5 percent contingency for $4,225.50.

Orleans EDA chairman steps down

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

David Lewis led the agency the past 8 years

David Lewis

ALBION – The leader of the board of directors for the Orleans Economic Development Agency is stepping down after eight years in the position.

David Lewis of Waterport has agreed to stay on the seven-member board, but he will not continue as chairman of the EDA. He has been on the board for 15 years. The EDA board is expected to pick a new chairman at its Feb. 14 meeting.

Lewis is retired from Kodak as a senior research associate. He traveled the world for the company, and chose to settle in Waterport at Oak Orchard on the Lake.

He was praised by EDA officials for a steady hand and calm demeanor leading the organization through staff restructuring early on as chairman.

“He’s been a great chairman,” said Jim Whipple, CEO of the Orleans EDA. “He’s a very easygoing, level-headed guy who doesn’t get fazed.”

With Lewis as chairman, the EDA helped facilitate one of the biggest economic development projects in the county’s history, the construction of a $90 million ethanol plant in Medina in 2007.

“That was huge,” Lewis said. “Watching that was just incredible.”

The plant uses about 20 million bushels of corn annually to produce about 55 million gallons of ethanol. It has a big ripple effect in the agricultural industry, giving farmers an insatiable buyer for corn locally. Many farmers have invested in new grain storage facilities and improved land since the ethanol plant opened.

The EDA has worked with many developers and companies with projects in the county in recent years. It also has kept up a commitment for a small business program, providing businesses with training and low-interest loans.

The agency has worked with some larger companies to access state grants and loans, and also to get a discount on property taxes.

“We need to do whatever we can to create employment,” Lewis said. “I think we’re doing the best we can.”

The agency will soon have a new chairman. It also is looking to fill one vacancy.

Orleans County legislators George Bower and Ken Rush were the legislative representatives on the board, but both didn’t seek re-election in November.

They have been replaced on the EDA board with new legislators, John DeFilipps of Clarendon and Ken DeRoller of Kendall. DeRoller was already on the board as an at-large member. That spot is now vacant. The Legislature will appoint someone to fill that spot.

Public welcome to show and tell at Medina Historical Society

Posted 20 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Medina Historical Society

MEDINA – The Medina Historical Society will hold its annual “Show and Tell” meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave.

Members and non-members are invited to bring along their treasures from the past to share at this popular program.

There are no rigid criteria. Items pertaining to Medina history are of special interest, but all older items will be welcome. Items shared at the 2013 meeting included matchbooks from local businesses, an ornate pocket watch from Hurd’s Jewelers, a metal pin curler for hair, an ash tray made at Tucker’s, and a rock proof fender protector, to name but a few.

“This is such a fun evening,” said Reinhard Rogowski, board president. “There are surprises every year and always a few mystery items.”

Weather Service issues wind chill advisory

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

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 11 a.m. Wednesday. Temperatures will plunge to the single digits both days and the wind will make it feel as cold as 20 degrees below zero.

The advisory was issued for Orleans and the following counties: Cayuga, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming.

The Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure outdoors may cause frostbite and hypothermia.

Community Action, Legion gather treats for troops

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

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Troops at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station will be receiving 184 packages from Orleans County with playing cards, candy, powdered drink mixes and some toiletries.

Four American Legion posts and Community Action of Orleans & Genesee gathered all of the items and then packed them in camoflauge pouches donated by the Salvation Army.

Larry Montello, left, is first vice commander for the Legion in Orleans County. He’s also commander of the post in Medina and a driver for Community Action. He is pictured this morning with Darien Rhodes, center, of Community Action and Andy Ebbs, maintenance supervisor for Community Action.

The trio loaded a Community Action bus with the pouches. They will be delivered to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station by veteran Becky Hucknall. Anni Skowneski, case manager for Community Action, also assisted in the effort.

The Legion and Community Action have worked together in recent years with the “Treats for Troops” program. In the past they have delivered the items to the Armory in Lockport, Fort Drum and Niagara Falls.

“We’ve been trying to spread the wealth,” Montello said.

Luncheon gives businesses a chance to share concerns with legislators

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

ALBION – There is still time to register for Friday’s Legislative Luncheon, when state and local officials will outline important issues and take questions from residents and the business community.

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce coordinates the luncheon every year at the Village Inn. State Sen. George Maziarz and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be there to provide an update from Albany and hear concerns from the businesses.

County Legislator Don Allport will represent the county at the luncheon. Ken Pokalsky, vice president of government affairs for the New York Business Council, will also share the organization’s agenda for the year, highlighting legislation the group supports and opposes.

The Chamber will take RSVPs by the end of the today’s workday. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and includes lunch at the Village Inn.

For more information, call the Chamber at 585-589-7727 or email sroskowski@orleanschamber.com.

Inmate with apparent mental health issues injures CO at Orleans prison

Posted 20 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

ALBION – A corrections officer was injured Saturday at the Orleans Correctional Facility by an inmate with apparent mental health issues, the New York Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association reported.

On Saturday at about 1:10 a.m., an inmate rushed onto a podium in a dorm that houses 60 inmates. He quickly placed an officer into a headlock, and began screaming, “They are after me, I’m gonna kill you!”

The inmate tried to grab the officer’s telephone. The officer was able to call for backup assistance. Throughout this whole incident, until responding officers could place the inmate in mechanical restraints, the inmate was screaming, “I’m God. I will kill everyone!”

The officer sustained back injuries, as well as a laceration on his arm due to his struggle with this inmate, said Mike Dildine, vice president of NYSCOPBA Western Region.

This is another incident in a medium security prison where an officer was assaulted by an inmate who belongs in a maximum security facility, Dildine said.

There were more than 100 assaults on staff in 2013 than in the previous year, although there were less inmates in the system, NYSCOPBA said.

The group said the state’s prisons are becoming more dangerous for corrections officers due to Gov. Cuomo’s policy of closing prisons, combined with State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s policy of housing some violent inmates in double-bunk situations.

Orleans real estate showed improvement in 2013

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

County has 2nd biggest percentage increase in region

The median price for Orleans County houses jumped 8.8 percent last year, and real estate agents also sold more homes than in 2012.

There were 306 sales in 2013 at a median price of $84,900, according to the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors. That median was up from the $78,000 in 2012. The 306 sales increased by 4.4 percent from the 293 in 2012.

“People are still cautious, but we definitely had a good year,” said Jeanne Whipple, owner and broker at Whipple Realty in Lyndonville.

In the 11-county Greater Rochester region, only Livingston saw a greater percentage increase in median sale prices than in Orleans. Livingston’s went up 10.4 percent from $115,000 to $127,000.

The data doesn’t break down the sales in Orleans County by municipality. Whipple said her experience shows the sales seem to be strongest in the countryside where the taxes are cheaper and there is more open land.

“The villages are tough with the taxes,” Whipple said. “People also want space.”

The Orleans market is recovering after some difficult years. The median of $84,900 in 2013, follows $78,000 in 2012. It was $79,000 in 2011 for 268 sales, and $80,500 in 2010 for 276 sales, according to the GRAR.

While the real estate market plunged in many parts of the country in recent years, Whipple said Orleans has mostly been immune to the wild price increases and decreases.

“We don’t see the huge swings like they do in other areas,” she said.

Although Orleans showed some added value last year, the county still pales to neighboring counties for value and volume. Only Allegany, with a median value at $82,900, was less than Orleans. The Allegany data only includes 24 reported sales.

Not all of the sales are accounted by the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors. Some of the real estate agents may be aligned with the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors, and some sales are handled without real estate companies.

Here is a list of other counties, their median values, number of sales and percentage of increase or decrease in value, according to the Rochester Association of Realtors:

Monroe County, $130,000 for 7,682 sales, value up 1.6 percent;

Genesee County, $91,500 for 169 sales, value up 1.7 percent;

Wyoming County, $88,500 for 46 sales, value up 2.4 percent;

Ontario County, $149,000 for 1,106 sales, value up 2.8 percent;

Livingston County, $127,000 for 411 sales, value up 10.4 percent;

Wayne County, $115,500 for 756 sales, value down 3.8 percent;

Yates County, $133,000 for 224 sales, value up 4.7 percent;

Allegany County, $82,900 for 24 sales, value up 6.3 percent;

Steuben County, $97,000 for 182 sales, value down 8.5 percent;

Seneca County, $98,000 for 201 sales, value up 1.0 percent.

The Rochester region as a whole showed a 1.8 percent increase in median value at $127,200.

Andy Burke, GRAR president, said historic low interest rates and the surprising lack of inventory of homes for sale helped push up the median price.

“Homeowners continue to delay any moves to downsize or upsize their lifestyles,” he said. “This hesitation to sell created low inventory and helped to drive up home prices, with multiple offers very common in 2013.”

Sales slowed the final three months of the year, partly due to the impact of the government shutdown in October and early periods of severe winter weather, he said.

Real estate professionals say several issues may have an impact on 2014.

“Factors such as higher mortgage interest rates, new lending rules and major federal housing legislation in the pipeline will affect the real estate industry, but how remains to be seen,” said Jim Yockel, GRAR CEO.