By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2016 at 8:20 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Firefighters put out a fire in an abandoned building along the railroad tracks and behind the Olde Pickle Factory in Medina this evening.
The former boiler house is believed to have been used for a former greenhouse operation, White Brothers Rose, next door.
Firefighters were dispatched at 6:07 p.m. with reports of smoke and fire coming out of the building.
Medina and Shelby firefighters responded, along with the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.
The interior of the building included lots of graffiti. Two fires needed to be put out. Jonathan Higgins, a captain for the Medina Fire Department, said investigators are looking for the cause of the fire, but he said they appear “suspicious.” The building didn’t have working electricity or natural gas.
It was difficult to get fire trucks close to the building. Medina firefighter Steve Cooley used a plow on a pickup truck to clear a lane in an alleyway.
Firefighters carry hoses and equipment through the snow to reach the building.
Smoke comes out of the building after the fires were put out inside.
Photos courtesy of Peggy Barringer – Peggy Barringer went out looking for a Snowy Owl on Sunday. She has taken photos before of a Snowy Owl at the Genesee County Airport in Batavia. The Albion resident headed to airport Sunday afternoon and was pleased when she saw an owl perched on a fence.
More snow is on the way. The National Weather Service is warning that 8 to 15 inches of heavy snow could accumulate in Orleans County, the Niagara Frontier and Western Southern Tier from 7 p.m. today until 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Weather Service says 4 to 8 inches are expected this evening and tonight, with another 4 to 7 inches on Tuesday.
The visibility could be less than a quarter of a mile at times. The worst travel conditions will occur around the time of the Tuesday morning commute, the Weather Service said.
Barringer also took this photo of snow-covered berries in front of the entrance of Orchard Manor in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2016 at 12:00 am
YATES – The Town Board has formed a task force to review and amend the local law for wind energy facilities, which was passed in 2008.
The Town Board named the task force last Thursday. Town Supervisor Jim Simon said the task force will look at setbacks, noise, property value guarantees and other issues with wind turbines.
The town approved its local law for wind energy facilities in 2008, after about two years of work from the town on the local law. Simon expects the update of the local law could be complete in six weeks to two months. The town will review how Somerset has proposed to change its local law for turbines.
“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” he said today.
Simon set March 7 as a deadline for the task force to propose changes in the local law to the Town Board.
The updated law will be subject to review by the Orleans County Planning Board and residents in a hearing.
John Riggi, a newly elected Yates Town Board member, was part of Somerset’s committee to update its wind energy law. Riggi served in the role as president of Save Ontario Shores, a citizens group opposed to the turbine. He and Simon will both serve on the Yates task force for the turbine law.
Other members include Paul Chatfield, Town Engineer; Gary Daum, Zoning Board chairman and County Planning Board member; Keith McKinney, Zoning Board member; Russ Martino, former town supervisor who oversaw 2008 Wind Law development; and at-large resident members, Carol Neal, Cindy Hellert and Andrew Cousins.
“Let’s look at it with a fresh set of eyes,” Simon said about the local law.
Hodgson Russ LLP of Buffalo will act as legal adviser to the task force. Dan Spitzer, an attorney from Hodgson Russ, advised the town a decade ago in developing its wind turbine law and will continue as an advisor, Simon said.
Apex Clean Energy has proposed up to 71 wind turbines in Yates and Somerset, with about two-thirds of the structures, peaking at 620 feet high, expected in Somerset. The company hasn’t submitted a formal application for the project.
In November, it submitted a preliminary scoping statement. More than 300 respondents with 1,000 comments were submitted to the NY Public Service Commission. Apex had a Feb. 11 deadline to respond to the comments but sought an extension until Feb. 29. The PSC agreed to the additional time.
James Muscato, Apex attorney, told the PSC in a letter that the company will give responses that are “meaningful and robust, and will demonstrate to the parties that their comments have been heard and considered.”
A seven-member Siting Board will review the final application by Apex. That board include five agency leaders for the state, and two residents from the project area. State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie were both to appoint a member from the local project area based on nominations from local elected officials.
Randy Atwater was previously reported to be Flanagan’s choice. But Atwater, as president of the Barker Board of Education, is an elected official, and elected representatives are now viewed as ineligible to serve on the committee.
Flanagan instead on Feb. 4 appointed Cathi Orr, a vocal critic of the project, to serve on the Siting Board. She used to live in Orangeville in Wyoming County but moved to Somerset after wind turbines were constructed in Orangeville.
“She is well-read on this issue,” Simon said. “She knows her stuff.”
Heastie didn’t name a local representative for the Siting Board. The issue has been left with Gov. Cuomo, and Simon said the governor is expected to name a resident from Yates soon.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Robert Ortt sent joint letter on Feb. 3 asking Audrey Zibelman, commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission, to work on the appointment of a Yates resident to the board.
The two state legislators noted Somerset had a representative from that town and Yates should also have a voice in the process.
“We firmly believe that equal representation from both Counties as enumerated in Article 10 should be appointed from Orleans County,” they said in a Feb. 3 letter.
Yates and Orleans County officials have submitted the names of four people to be considered for the board: Russ Martino, Jeff Oakes, Cindy Hellert and Glenn Maid.
Provided photo, Community Action – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee was awarded a $3,200 grant from the Kelly for Kids Foundation for 2016. Bonnie Malakie, director of Children and Youth Services at Community Action, receives the check last month from Jim Kelly, the Hall of Fame quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
The Kelly For Kids Foundation awarded 34 grants to Western New York not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations to help fund their initiatives. Kelly for Kids was founded in 1987 by Jim Kelly to assist children in need in the Western New York area.
Community Action was nominated for this grant by Danielle Rotundo, of Terry Hill’s Golf Course, Restaurant and Banquet Facility.
This grant, specifically for the Batavia Head Start Program, will allow for partnering with parents to support them in being their child’s first and most important teacher. With this grant, Community Action will offer classes/workshops and materials for parents of Head Start children to assist them in working with children at home. The classes will focus on increasing children’s literacy and math skills.
The Kelly for Kids grant will also be used to conduct two Head Start family events (children, parents, and siblings) that focuses on making literacy and math fun through interactive games, stories, refreshments, and materials/resources that can be taken home for future use.
Helping parents understand that learning about literacy and mathematics can be “fun for the family” will also engage them in a meaningful way. A similar program is being funded through the Albion Rotary Club in the 2015-16 year for Head Start and Albion Central School District.
The Batavia Head Start program serves children and families age birth-5 throughout Genesee County, who meet the eligibility requirements. This is a highly regulated program with an emphasis on preparing children for school and future life experiences. Parent engagement in the education of their child is vital.
Photo by Tom Rivers – A tree stands next to Allen’s Bridge Road in Albion on Thursday when temperatures and snow started to fall.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Cuomo warned New Yorkers that artic temperatures and severe winter weather are expected to continue through the long weekend. The National Weather Service has issued Wind Chill Warnings for counties across the state as a polar air mass coupled with gusty winds has produced hazardous wind chills well below zero.
Temperatures could plummet as low as 30 degrees below zero, and wind chill temperatures are forecasted to reach -25 degrees to -60 degrees, especially in the Southern Adirondacks. The lower Hudson Valley, New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties will also continue to experience wind chills as low as 30 degrees below zero. The temperature in New York has not been this low since February 2015.
New York has established a cold weather hotline at 1-866-881-2809 to provide New Yorkers with important safety tips during extreme cold weather. Many counties have established warming stations in their communities. For a current list of open warming stations, callers should select option 1 to speak with a NYS representative.
Cuomo reminds New Yorkers to make sure they are prepared by keeping ample emergency supplies in their home and vehicles. If you are heading outdoors, dress in layers and keep your hands and head covered to protect against frostbite. Other safety tips include:
Frostbite
To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severely cold weather. If you must go out, try to cover all parts of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc. Mittens are better than gloves. Keep your skin dry. Stay out of the wind when possible. Drink plenty of fluids as hydration increases the blood’s volume, which helps prevent frostbite. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, preventing warming of your extremities. Alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm. Cigarette use shuts off the blood flow to your hands.
First Aid – Until You Can Get Indoors
Don’t rub or massage cold body parts.
Put your hands in your armpits.
Drink warm liquids.
Put on extra layers of clothes, blankets, etc.
Remove rings, watches, and anything tight.
First Aid – Once Indoors
Don’t walk on a frostbitten foot. You could cause more damage.
Get in a warm, NOT hot, bath and wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm, NOT hot, towel.
Don’t get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.
Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it’s on fire. You may develop blisters. Don’t break the blisters. It could cause scarring.
If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital immediately.
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children and the elderly. Watch for the following symptoms: inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering. If a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately. Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
Frozen Pipes
Prevent pipes from freezing by turning on both hot and cold water faucets slightly, preferably in a basement sink – running water will not freeze as quickly. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to non-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall. If you plan to leave your residence, drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).
If your pipes burst, make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water. Stopping water flow minimizes damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Fire Safety
Alternate sources of home heating are a major cause of winter residential fires. Make sure all levels of your home have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm and check it on a monthly basis.
Always keep a screen around an open flame.
Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
Never burn charcoal indoors.
Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup — and then clean it.
Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
Kerosene Heaters
If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 February 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – It may have been cold out, but sledders couldn’t resist the hill at Bullard Park. Nicky Mandigo, 12, of Holley got a running start and dove on his sled at dusk today.
It may have only been 12 degrees out, but the wind was calm and the setting sun added to the fun for sledders.
Braydon Blair, 5, of Albion makes his way up the hill which was reconfigured last year with fill from the former Clarendon Street bridge.
Braydon heads down the hill which has a nice snow pack after the snow since Thursday.
Emma Tower, 13, of Albion runs and gets ready to dive on her slide. The sledders had a friendly competition to see who could make it the farthest down the hill.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 February 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The wintry blast continues today with temperatures below freezing in the morning. It is forecast to reach a high of 10 degrees with another half inch of snow.
Saturday the area was gripped in a deep freeze with temperatures at about 0 degrees most of the day. These photos were taken on Saturday. The top photo shows a car heading south on Route 98 in the Town of Gaines, south of Route 104.
This picture shows the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in Albion.
One of the canal vessels has icicles hanging on it after the deep freeze hit the area.
Icicles hang from the top of the big boat on the canal between the two lift bridges in Albion.
It will warm up on Monday with a high of 32, followed by a high of 36 on Tuesday and 33 on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 13 February 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Kim Hazel (left), Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension agriculture and horticulture senior adminsitrative assistant, and Nutrition Educator Natalie Heller sign the Nutritious Gatherings Pledge at the OCCCE offices in Knowlesville.
KNOWLSEVILLE – Hitting the drive-through to pick up donuts for sharing at the office can be a very easy thing to do, said Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educator Robert Batt. But it only takes a few more minutes to stop at the grocery store and select healthier choices like fruit, fresh veggies and cheese.
Extension staff in Orleans County are signing a Nutritious Gatherings Pledge – which will hang in their office at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. The Extension staff members commit themselves to have “healthy foods for staff gatherings including breaks and meetings.”
Those healthy food options include cheeses, apples, nuts, hummus, yogurts, carrots, other fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy baked goods.
Batt said staff members realized they were frequently snacking on donuts and pastries at the office with some unpleasant results. The habit was making them feel sluggish in the middle of the workday and even packed on pounds.
Horticulture Educator Katie Oakes, for example, noticed she gained weight after starting at Extension last spring, Batt said. The staff recently decided things needed to change and the idea for a nutritious eating pledge surfaced.
Nutrition information and help in making healthy choices is available from Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program.
Natalie Heller, Nutrition Educator for the Extension’s Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), says she is excited about the change. “We all want to eat healthy and feel good,” she explained.
Physical activity and movement also play a part in living a healthy lifestyle at work, Heller said.
“We take a 15-minute break every day and walk on the Fitness Trail (located on the fairgrounds),” she said. “It helps with mental clarity and gives you more energy.”
Sweet treats are not completely banned under the pledge, but limited to special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, awards, holidays, new hires and retires.
“That’s what we’re trying to teach our 4-H’ers,” Robert Batt said. “Treats are for special occasions.”
He said the Nutritious Gatherings Pledge helps staff members to be role models for 4-H’ers and also for other agency workers.
“We are challenging other agencies in Orleans County (to take the Nutritious Gatherings Pledge), to see if they are up to the challenge,” Heller said.
She noted that there are lots of possibilities for healthy snacks including salsa, pitas, whole grain chips, “options that are satisfying but healthier than having brownies,” Heller said.
A Healthy & Homemade 2016 Nutrition and Fitness Calendar is one of the many helpful sources of nutrition/healthy eating information available from the Extension.
Healthy baked goods fit under the pledge as well. The staff recently tried pumpkin muffins and also enjoyed healthy dips like fruit and peanut butter dip to go with fresh fruits and vegetables.
“You can use applesauce instead of oil in recipes and whole grain flour – or a mix of while and whole grain flour,” Heller said.
She is available to visit agencies and offices to make presentations on nutrition and healthy eating and can be contacted at 585-798-4265 ext. 24/ email: nah93@cornell.edu.
The Extension, through the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program, is offering a free nutrition programs at various locations around the county.
Each location will run for eight sessions:
Salvation Army – Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – this session began Feb. 10;
Clarendon Town Hall – Fridays 11 a.m. to noon – starting Feb. 19;
Eastern Orleans Community Center (diabetes classes) – Mondays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – starting Feb. 22;
Hoag Library: Thursdays 11 a.m. to noon, starting Feb. 25;
Yates Community Library: Tuesdays 11 a.m. to noon, starting March 1;
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library: Tuesdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., starting March 1.
March is National Nutrition Month and Heller encourages everyone to chose nutritious food, fun and fitness. The Free Nutrition Program can provide help in making nutritious choices. The sessions will include food tastings, recipes and give-aways.
In continuing the year-long effort to provide dynamic programs focused on the theme “Education Around the World,” the Global Education Committee of Genesee Community College will present a free viewing of the internationally acclaimed film, “He Named Me Malala” at the Albion Campus on Tuesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. and at the Medina Campus on Wednesday, March 30 at 6 p.m.
After the moving and heart-rending ‘read-out’ forum this past fall where GCC students and faculty shared excerpts from Malala Yousafzai’s book, “I am Malala,” members of the Global Education Committee decided to expand the offering on this contemporary topic to include the full, 88-minute movie about Malala.
The film looks at the events leading up to the Taliban’s attack on the young Pakistani schoolgirl for her speaking out in support of girls’ education. After surviving the assassination attempt in 2012, her activism then took the global stage. She founded the Malala Fund to empower girls through education, was invited to speak before the United Nations, and she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. The film about her life is rated PG13.
“Riveting, and at times overwhelming, ‘He Named Me Malala’ is a highly inspirational and a delight to watch,” according to recent reviews. It is part-documentary, part animation and part live action and is wholly narrated by Malala and her father. It is directed by Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim.
Both Albion and Medina events will feature light refreshments and include a facilitated informal discussion following the showing of the film. The events will run from 6 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Seating is first come – first served.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 13 February 2016 at 12:00 am
Volume 2, Issue 7
This picture, taken sometime around 1920, shows Weston Wetherbee standing with his homemade telescope behind his home on Ingersoll Street in Albion. Also pictured is Wilbur Phillips (left) and John Gilmore (center).
Weston Wetherbee was born January 24, 1857 at Barre, to Weston and Mary Ann Wetherbee. In his earliest years, Weston was employed as a carpenter and became proficient in the construction of windmills. During the later portion of the 19th century, Wetherbee continued his work as a windmill salesman and mechanic.
It was during this period of time that he served as a Justice of the Peace and Barre Town Supervisor. During his time in Barre politics he served as Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. He was elected to the position of Orleans County Sheriff in 1904, a position which he held for three terms. It was around this time that Weston and his wife, Julia Goff, moved to the Village of Albion to their home on Ingersoll Street.
Wetherbee was particularly fond of astronomy, a hobby that he was heavily engaged in. Starting in 1897 he became a frequent contributor to the magazine Popular Astronomy where he took an initial interest in fireballs. The following year, Weston began charting Leonid meteors eventually leading to his efforts in 1905 to chart the path of August’s Perseid meteors with assistance from his wife.
To accomplish these feats of amateur astronomy, Wetherbee relied on his 8.5 inch reflecting telescope manufactured by Brashear. It was later in his career that he constructed a custom telescope using a 5 inch refracting lens, which he placed in a homemade observatory in his back yard. The small shed was constructed so that a rope could retract the ceiling, giving the telescope full range of view across the horizon.
When the Society for Practical Astronomy was formed, Wetherbee volunteered to lead the section dedicated to comets. It was this interest that led him to independently discover two comets previously unnamed. Unfortunately, before he could receive proper credit, other astronomers had submitted notice of the discoveries and received the recognition.
Weston Wetherbee was a rather eccentric individual at times. After the passing of his faithful horse, he dug a grave and held a funeral in honor of the animal. Delivering a beautiful oration on behalf of his dearly departed friend, he concluded the service by covering the grave with flowers. Whether he carried through with purchasing a monument for the horse, no one knows. He was also known locally for fitting light trucks with tables, folding chairs, cots, and other devices for camping trips.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2016 at 12:00 am
James Tuk, John Belson vie for Lyndonville mayor
The slate of candidates is set for village elections next month in Orleans County.
Lyndonville has the only contest featuring a race for mayor with James Tuk and John Belson running for the village’s top elected official. Tuk is the current deputy mayor and has been leading the village since Steve McAvoy resigned as mayor on Oct. 31 due to the demands of his full-time job.
Belson lost a close re-election for Yates town supervisor in November to Jim Simon. 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.
The election will be on March 15 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall.
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. Current Mayor Andrew Meier isn’t seeking re-election.
Voting in Medina is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center.
In Lyndonville and Medina, candidates run under independent parties without the official backing of either Republicans or Democrats.
In Albion, the Republican and Democratic parties still hold caucuses to pick candidates. Albion has two four-year seats open on the Village Board. The Republican Party is backing incumbent Gary Katsanis, and Democrats are backing Mattea Navarra-Molisani and incumbent Peter Sidari.
Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. on March 15 at the Village Hall.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos courtesy of Kurt Wannenwetsch
MURRAY – There have been numerous accidents today in Orleans County due to slick roads and treacherous winter weather at times.
The top photo shows a vehicle on fire off Hindsburg Road in Murray at about 11:30 a.m. There was another vehicle on fire later in the afternoon in Clarendon on Route 31A between Manning and Hibbard roads.
Dispatchers said there weren’t any injuries in those incidents. There were accidents without serious injuries reported today on Kendrick Road in Carlton, 31A in Albion between Lewis and Culver roads, Roosevelt Road (Route 18) in Kendall, and on 31A in Barre near Eagle Harbor Road (involving two tractor trailers).
Firefighters respond to the scene of a car on fire late this morning off Hindsburg Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Samantha Roskowski, executive director for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, is pictured inside the Chamber office at 102 North Main St., Suite 1. Today was the last day the office will be open full-time. It will be open 9 to 11 on weekday mornings until closing March 31.
ALBION – The organization that promotes businesses and events in Orleans County will do so without an office. The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is closing its office on Main Street in Albion.
Today was the last full-time day for the office. It will be open 9 to 11 on weekday mornings until closing on March 31.
The Chamber will maintain an on-line presence, and its director and volunteer board members will continue to work hard promoting businesses in the county, said Samantha Roskowski, the executive director.
She will work remotely, either from home or at other locations in the county. She is the Chamber’s lone employee. Not being committed to office hours at a building will allow her to be out more in the community, working with businesses.
She said few people stopped by the Chamber office anyway. The office is next to Five Star Bank at 102 North Main St. The Chamber has many brochures spread out on tables, highlighting museums, attractions and events in Orleans County.
But Roskowski said only 30 to 40 people a year would come into the office looking for information. She instead wants to build a more robust on-line presence for the Chamber, with an easy-to-navigate directory of members in the county.
“We’re trying to adapt and stay relevant,” Roskowski said this afternoon. “We’re trying to provide the best service for our members.”
The Chamber will save on rent by going without an office. She said other Chambers have made the same decision to function without an office and redirect energy into the on-line presence and other services for members and the community.
The Chamber had considered a shared office with the County Tourism Department, but county officials opted instead to have Tourism in the Orleans County Administration Building on Route 31, the building that includes the DMV and Department of Social Services.
Roskowski said the Chamber may revisit an office again someday. If it goes that route she would prefer to share space with another organization.
The Chamber will work to clear out its materials and files by March 31, the end of its lease with Five Star. The Chamber also is planning one of its biggest events, the Home and Garden Show on April 16-17.
Roskowski said the community can expect the Chamber to be active and visible in the community, even without an office.
“We’ll be just as available as before,” she said today from the office. “I just won’t be here physically.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 February 2016 at 12:00 am
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Board of Education have approved $3.03 million in construction bids in the second phase of an upgrade at the school campus, a $25 million overall capital project ongoing since 2014.
The following bids were approved on Wednesday evening:
General trades – Holdsworth Klimowski Construction, Victor, NY for $1,903,000.
Plumbing – Thurston Dudek, LLC, Ontario, NY, for $284,400.
HVAC – Nairy Mechanical, LLC, Webster, NY, for $425,700.
Electrical – Suburban Electric of Albion, Inc., for $417,200.
Phase II of the project is much smaller than Phase I which included a new cafeteria at the Jr./Sr. High School and extensive improvements to school libraries, hallways, classrooms and the fitness room at the Jr./Sr. High School.
Phase II includes work on both the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School and Kendall Elementary School and will involve upgrades to elementary classroom bathrooms, the Jr./Sr High School Science wing and site work.
Remaining work from Phase I including the Jr./Sr. High School main office, main entrance and counseling area is expected to begin in June with completion of all Phase I and Phase II work expected by September 2016.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning and lake effect snow warning for Orleans County.
The lake effect warning continues until 10 p.m. today when up to 7 to 13 inches could fall in Orleans and Niagara counties.
The wind chill warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday.
Today will have a high of 23 degrees but temperatures will fall to 3-below tonight, according to the Weather Service. Saturday there will only be a high of 0 with temperatures falling to 7-below. Sunday is forecast for a high of 10 degrees and a low of 7.
A wind chill warning is issued when a strong wind combines with cold temperatures to create dangerously cold conditions for exposed skin. The wind will make it feel like it is 25 degrees below 0 or colder for several hours.
