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Ortt says he will introduce legislation to allow duck derbies in canal

Posted 11 July 2016 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – Toy turtles float down the Erie Canal in June 2015 during “The Amazing Turtle Race,” a fund-raiser that benefits the Albion Strawberry Festival.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt

State Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) today announced legislation he is introducing that would allow games of chance to be conducted on state-owned property. Games of chance include raffles like the popular duck derby races that many times are held on the state-owned canal – a violation of current state law.

“Some of the laws in New York State are antiquated and illogical; this general municipal law (189) is one of them,” said Senator Ortt. “Events like the duck derbies are raising money for good causes, not malice, and organizations should not be penalized for that just because those events are being held on state property. This law has been on the books for a long time, yet it’s scarcely enforced.”

Albion also has a popular fund-raiser on the Erie Canal, using turtles instead of ducks. Volunteers get ready to corral the turles in this photo from last month’s race. Nearly 1,000 of the turtles “race” every June in the fund-raiser that helps pay for the Strawberry Festival.

This legislation is in response to the cancellation of a duck derby fundraiser in Brockport after state Gaming Commission officials said it violated gaming laws and regulations. The derby, which has been a summer staple for the Brockport Arts Festival for years, consists of raffled toy ducks floating down the Erie Canal, which is state property.

Under current state law, organizations can only hold games of chance or raffle events on their own property or on municipal-owned property. Organizations conducting charitable gaming on state property can be charged with a misdemeanor.

2 officers injured at Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion

Posted 11 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

ALBION – Two officers were injured at Orleans Correctional Facility when they fought with an inmate in the recreation yard who had drugs on him.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 6, at approximately 7:15 p.m., according to a news release from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.

The officers observed what they believed was a drug transaction near the softball field. The officers approached the inmate, Javaun Jackson, and attempted to frisk him for drugs. Before they were able to search Jackson, he reached into his front pocket and placed an unknown substance in his mouth and swallowed it. Jackson then took off running with both officers in pursuit.

The officers caught Jackson after a short foot chase and struggled with him on the ground. After a brief struggle, the officers were able to get the inmate restrained.

The officers searched the inmate and found K2, synthetic marijuana, in his pocket. The inmate was transported to an outside hospital for treatment of a drug overdose.

He is serving a two to four-year sentence for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd degree. He was convicted in 2016 in Montgomery County after being arrested for using cloned credit cards in Amsterdam, NY.

Both officers sustained injuries during the struggle. One officer sustained a fractured left tibia. She was transported to an outside hospital and was treated and released.

The second officer sustained minor scratches and abrasions. He remained on duty.

“Contraband making its way into our state prisons continues to be a problem that needs to be addressed,” said Joe Miano, Western Region Vice President for NYSCOPBA. “Specifically, K2, which has become the drug of choice for inmates. Inmates that use K2 become violent towards staff and we have had several instances in which officers were attacked by inmates that consumed the drug. DOCCS needs to address this epidemic as our officers continually get injured by inmates high on K2.”

1,000-plus attend motorcycle races in Ridgeway

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2016 at 11:00 am

Crusaders Motorcycle Club ‘Day at the Races’ honors the late Les Washbon and Pat Blount

RIDGEWAY – Jeremy Higgins is congratulated for winning the $500 grand prize in the “Dash for Cash” today at the Crusaders Motorcycle Club on Culvert Road in Ridgeway.

Higgins of Bergen is the reigning track champion. He is pictured with friends and family of Pat Blount and Les Washbon. Today’s race day served as a memorial for the two men who were mainstays at the track.

Blount helped many riders in the pits. He was killed in a motorcycle accident on his way to work in April 1998. Washbon was a nationally ranked dirt track race. He worked at Dunlap as a racing tire technician. He died last Oct. 30, 2015, at age 54. He raced at the Crusaders track for many years.

Jeremy Higgins is a blur as he speeds around the dirt track.

This pack of racers in the 50 cc class competes in the finals. The trio includes, from left: Kyle Brett, No. 4, of Albion, age 8; Alexis Van Ameron, No. 16, of Holley, age 8; and Brody Hazel, No. 41, of Lyndonville, age 6.

Jackson McGrath of Medina races on the top straightaway of the track next to a cornfield. The Crusaders have been racing at the site since 1957. Next Sunday is the last race of the year with a rain date scheduled for July 31. Today was the biggest racing event of the season, drawing more than 1,000 spectators.

These racing buddies chat during intermission in the pits before the finals start this afternoon. The group includes, from left: Landen Kawczak from near Albany, Josh Shear from near Albany and Kyle Lonnen of Albion.

The Van Ameron brothers, Evan (left), 16; and Kyle, 11, pose for a quick picture before the finals started. The brothers from Albion have been racing since they were 5.


These racers are lined for the start of the finals in the 85 cc class. They include, from left: Kyle Van Ameron of Albion, age 11; Christian Silversmith of Medina, age 14; and Theo Storrs of Penfield, age 12.

Andy Morrison waves the checkered flag as a racer crosses the finish line.

Some young racers take their positions in one of the finals today.

Spencer Burley of Spencerport, age 9, takes first place in the 65 cc class.

Jeff Hartrich from Harley-Davidson in North Tonawanda addresses the crowd during intermission today. Harley-Davidson was one of Les Washbon’s sponsors when he raced.

“He got my boys involved in dirt track racing,” Hartrich said. “He was a wonderful, wonderful guy. We all miss him.”

Les Washbon’s racing bike was parked in the field by the track during today’s races. Washbon was a long-time competitor at the Crusaders.

For more on the Crusaders, click here.

Parade adds lots of pep to Kendall Firemen’s Carnival

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2016 at 10:00 am

KENDALL – Members of the Fancher-Huberton-Murray Volunteer Fire Company march and salute during Friday’s parade in Kendall during the Firemen’s Carnival. There were about 20 fire departments represented in the parade, a big turnout.

Several fire departments in the region have recently decided to close their firemen’s carnivals. That may be why fire companies from as far away as East Rochester and Byron wanted to be part of the Kendall parade.

There were several marching bands in the parade, including the Mark Time Marchers based in Churchville. The front three members include Ryan Pastecki, TJ Jones (with flag), and Grant Pastecki.

Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade on Kendall Road. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.

Kendall Fire Department was well represented in the parade.

The Boy Scouts in the Kendall area put together a patriotic float.

The White Sabres Drum and Bugle Corps from Dansville gave a high-energy performance.

The Kendall Lawnchair Ladies continue to be crowd favorites.

The Lawnchair Ladies smile near the end of their routine. This group includes Kendall High School Principal Carol D’Agostino, second from right.

Brightly’s Farm Market in Hamlin was among many local businesses in the parade.

Jeff Partyka from Partyka Farms tosses treats to kids along the parade route. Partyka Farms used a tractor to pull a trailer with children in the Kendall Recreation Program.

The Kendall Lions sang patriotic songs from this vintage vehicle driven by Gary Kludt.

The Elba Fire Department rode in the parade with a flag attached high on the fire truck.

Members of Prime Time Brass in Rochester make their presence felt.

Head Over Heels Acrobatics and Dance pass out candy while walking in the parade.

Lone Oak Stables on Norway Road in Kendall has been a regular participant in the parade for several years.

Ellen Robinson, owner of Lone Oak Stables, saw many friends along the parade route.

John Becker serves as parade emcee. He thanked the participants, including Fancher-Huberton-Murray, for being part of the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival.

Weapons ban no longer part of Murray workplace violence prevention policy

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 9 July 2016 at 12:00 am

MURRAY – Members of the Murray Town Board on Tuesday evening have a public hearing scheduled on Local Law No. 2 of 2016 which would enact a workplace violence prevention policy for the town.

When the first public hearing on the law was held in March, a group of residents demonstrated against it, saying the the section which banned firearms from town property, buildings and vehicles was unconstitutional.

“The law is belligerent to the Constitution,” resident Kerri Neale told the board at that time.

The board decided to table its decision and has since decided to remove any references to weapons in the law.

Town attorney Jeff Martin says the reason the weapons ban was initially part of the law was that the town’s insurance carrier, New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) had recommended the town adopt a workplace violence policy which included the firearms ban.

NYMIR has since “backed off” regarding the ban, Martin said.

“There will be no repercussion for dropping it from the policy,” Martin said. “They will not be dropping us as a carrier nor increasing our premiums.”

Martin said those who had concerns over the initial version of the law should be pleased with the modifications.

He explained that he spoke with Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower regarding eliminating provisions in the policy pertaining to weapons on town property, and the sheriff was in agreement with the town. Both town leaders and the sheriff questioned, “How, as a practical matter, do you enforce the ban?” Martin said.

He noted that if at some time in the future, the town wishes to revisit the issue, it can do so.

Tuesday’s public hearing on the amended law is scheduled for 7 p.m. The regular Town Board meeting will follow.

Hall of Fame Santa was friend to many, including Big Bird

Staff Reports Posted 9 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

ALBION – Debbie Mirrione of Batavia sent in these photos of her grandfather, George Cond of Holley. Cond was a Santa at Christmas Park in Albion, hand-picked to play the role by Charles Howard, who developed Christmas Park and also a Santa Claus School.

The late Mr. Cond is being inducted in the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame on Sunday during a Santa Claus convention in Branson, Missouri (click here for more on the convention). The convention was in Albion last year.

The top photo shows Cond with Big Bird in Garden Plaza, Parmer, N.J.

In this photo, Cond (Santa) is pictured with Mrs. Claus (Cond’s wife, Elaine).

Cond was born in 1925 and lived until 1996.  The Holley resident in the mid-1950s enrolled in the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Albion.

Cond was so good at portraying Santa that Charles Howard embraced Cond as the Santa at Christmas Park in Albion, Howard’s entertainment venue at Route 31 on Phipps Road. Howard was inducted in the Santa Hall of Fame in 2010, a member of the inaugural class.

Cond is pictured with some of the key ladies at Christmas Park, including front row, from left: Elaine Cond, Santa, and Ruth Hayward. Back row: Elizabeth Babcock, Mae Wolfe, Margaret Alloway, and Sophie Bischer. Babcock made many of the Santa suits that were sold at Christmas Park.

For more on Cond from the Santa Hall of Fame, click here.

Sheriff’s Office adds speed radar trailer

Posted 8 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office  – Sheriff Randy Bower, left, and Undersheriff Chris Bourke are pictured with a new radar speed sign.

Press Release, Sheriff Randy Bower

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has a new radar speed sign. Sheriff Randy Bower issued this statement today about the sign:

“In our continuing attempt to provide for the safety of Orleans County residents, the Sheriff’s Department has recently purchased a new radar speed sign using grant money secured by State Senator Robert Ortt. Using radar technology, the sign detects and displays the speed of oncoming vehicles, thus alerting drivers to check their current speed to the posted speed limit and adjust accordingly.

“These traffic control devices have been proven very effective in improving traffic safety, especially in transitional speed zones, work and school zones, residential neighborhoods, and on roadways adjacent to special events such as concerts, carnivals, festivals, and fairs. Researchers believe that a majority of speeding occurs when drivers become complacent or distracted.

“While motorists may overlook ordinary speed limit signs, they are more likely to see and pay attention to these traffic-calming innovations. The device’s electrical system is supplemented with solar energy and the entire unit is very mobile and can be easily moved to different locations as needed.”

To promote downtown Medina and local ag bounty, dinner will be served on Main Street

Staff Reports Posted 8 July 2016 at 12:00 am
Downtown Medina

Photo courtesy of Chris Busch – Medina’s historic Main Street and Downtown Historic District will be the site of the 2016 Farm-to-Table Community Dinner on Aug. 4.

Farm-to-table meal will be fund-raiser for farmers’ market

MEDINA – Farm-to-table community dinners are growing in popularity across the country. Soon, Medina will welcome one of its own.

The first farm-to-table community dinner will be held Aug. 4, with a rain date of Aug. 11. The event is sponsored by Zambistro along with Pride Pak, Inc., which is building a vegetable processing plant on Maple Ridge Road.

According to organizers, Medina’s event will deliver a locally-sourced meal in the middle of Medina’s Main Street Historic District. Proceeds will support the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

The meal itself will be a full five-course dinner, prepared by chef Michael Zambito, owner of Zambistro. Each course will feature pairings from local Niagara Wine Trail wineries, 810 Meadworks and a WNY brewery.

Farm-to-table dinners often take place on the farm in an intimate field or orchard setting, but many have developed into larger community events.

One such gathering inspired a small group in Medina to formulate plans for their own dinner. Their inspiration came from a captivating photograph published in “Grit” magazine depicting a farm to table dinner in Jonesborough, Tennessee: a long table, white linens, fresh flowers, and soft summer evening light, right down the center of a 19th century historic Main Street with dozens of Jonesborough locals enjoying a fabulous chef prepared meal.

Farm to Table dinner in Jonesborough, Tennessee

Provided photo – This photograph in “Grit” magazine inspired Medina’s dinner event. It shows the farm-to-table dinner in Jonesborough, Tenn.

The Medina group formed with farm market manager Gail Miller, including Medina Business Association President Cindy Robinson, Orleans Renaissance Group President Chris Busch, and Zambito, who has become a well-known WNY chef.

“Medina has the setting, the chef and the farm-fresh ingredients to make such an event happen locally,” said Cindy Robinson. “Medina is the perfect place for a farm-to-table dinner and Chef Zambito is going to create an epic dinner.”

Additionally, organizers expressed their excitement to have Zambistro and Pride Pak, Inc. as corporate sponsors of the event.

“We are extremely pleased with Pride Pak’s comittment, not only to Medina but to this extraordinary community event.” said Chris Busch, ORG President. “And it goes without saying that we are thrilled that Chef Zambito is comitted as well. Pride Pak and Zambistro are perfect partners for Medina and this farm-to-table dinner.”

Pride Pak’s will soon open a state-of-the-art 64,000 square foot facility, across from the GCC campus in Medina. The company is spending about $15 million for the new fresh vegetable processing facility and expects to hire 85 to 100 people in 2016.

Zambistro has received numerous celebrated reviews from both Buffalo and Rochester publications and a devoted clientele from around the region.

Aside from providing a historic dining experience in the heart of WNY ag country, the farm-to- table dinner will raise operating capital for the Canal Village Farmers’ Market and showcase the markets’ location in the heart of Historic Downtown Medina.

Medina’s event will not only deliver a sensational meal in a historic and memorable setting, but also a chance to see and learn firsthand how farmers and local chefs capitalize on Orleans County’s number one industry: agriculture. Medina is literally surrounded by fields and orchards brimming with agricultural bounty.

The Orleans Renaissance Group operates the market under its auspices.

“We all felt a farm-to-table dinner in the heart of downtown would be a great way to showcase Medina, the market, and at the same time, raise funds for the market,” said Busch, the ORG president. “ORG would like to further develop both the market and the market site, with the end goal of having a more permanent and legitimate market presence year-round in downtown.”

The market is located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue. Throughout its first season in 2015, the market drew an average of 500 people every Saturday morning to downtown Medina.

The farm-to-table event will be located on the north end of Medina’s historic Main Street, between Pearl and West Center Streets. Guests will arrive at 6:30 with the first course scheduled to be served at 7 p.m.

Tickets are limited to 100 at $100 each. They are available online at bentshall.org/tickets, by calling 585-210-9674, or at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, 527 Main St., Medina and at Zambistro, 408 Main St., Medina.

Dady Brothers play Albion concert series

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Dady brothers were back in Albion during a concert by the canal on Thursday. Albion has hosted the concert series for three years now, and the Dady Brothers have performed each year, including the debut concert in June 2014.

This photo shows John Dady at left with his brother Joe at right. The brothers perform a set list of mostly Irish music.

The Thursday concert series continues until Aug. 4. Bands plays from 6 to 8 p.m. Upcoming performers include: July 14, The Lonely Ones; July 21, Triple Play Band; July 28, Don Newcomb Band; and Aug. 4, The Legendary Jonesie & the Cruisers.

The Dady Brothers perform between the two lift bridges by the Albion firehall.

Pickup truck takes out utility pole by Rocking R Ranch

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2016 at 3:10 pm

GAINES – The driver of a Dodge pickup truck ran into a utility pole on Route 104 this afternoon by the Rocking R Ranch. The pole was knocked down at about 1:37 p.m. and damaged a trailer that belonged to a customer of the Rocking R Ranch.

The driver was responsive and didn’t appear seriously injured, but he was trapped inside due to live wires from the utility pole. National Grid was on scene at about 2 p.m.

Albion firefighter David Nayman directs traffic near the scene of the accident at Rocking R Ranch, 14877 Ridge Road West, Kent.

A Sheriff’s Office deputy on scene said the driver was distracted and drove off the road.

Jennifer Alchin, owner of the Rocking R Ranch, was making a milkshake when the truck crashed into the pole, knocking out power for the business.

She said the utility pole has been hit several times before by motorists.

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Carnival fun returns to Kendall

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2016 at 12:00 am

KENDALL – These Kendall kids ride the Twist this evening during the opening day of the Kendall Carnival, an annual gala organized by the Kendall Fire Department. This group includes, from left: Emma O’Neill, CJ D’Agostino, and Brady Werth. They will all be in second grade this fall.

Olivia Bruski of Albion makes her way through an obstacle course on one of the rides at the carnival. American Amusements Rentals of Machias is the ride provider.

The swing ride was popular.

Mike Sanders of Barre heads down the Rapid Slide with his granddaughter, Payson.

These Kendall kids head down the big slide.

It wouldn’t be a carnival if there weren’t goldfish as prizes at some of the games.

A young carnival-goer waves to family on one of the kiddie rides.

The carnival continues until Saturday. There will be a 7 .m. parade on Friday and Saturday will be capped with fireworks at 10:20 p.m. To see the full schedule, click here.

National Night Out turns into county-wide event on Aug. 2 at Bullard

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2016 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – Rex, the K9 for the Albion Police Department, retrieves his favorite toy, a black rubber ball, during an demonstration at Bullard Park last August during the first National Night Out.

ALBION – The second annual National Night Out at Bullard Park is expanding into a county-wide event on Aug. 2 at Bullard Park. Residents will be welcome to try games and activities, as well as free food while meeting law enforcement officers and representatives from many local agencies.

“We want to entertain families in a setting where there are no drugs, tobacco or violence,” said Roland Nenni, Albion police chief and co-chairman of the event along with Patricia Crowley, project director for the Orleans County United Against Substance Abuse Coalition.

The first National Night Out last Aug. 4 attracted 200 people despite a downpour. More agencies, fire departments and other community members have stepped forward since then, wanting to help with the event, Nenni said.

The 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. event will include an inflatable obstacle course, canine demonstrations, face painting, fire trucks, car seat inspections, Mercy Flight aircraft tours, a bike rodeo and other displays.

Nenni said more community groups are welcome to be part of National Night Out. For more information, groups should contact Sarah May at GCASA by calling (585) 331-8740 or by email at SMay@gcasa.org.

Nenni said organizers of National Night Out want community groups to participate if they can provide a game, activity or another way to enhance the event.

The armored vehicle used by the Albion Police Department and the Orleans County SWAT team was on display during National Night Out last August.

One goal of “National Night Out” is to connect police with their communities and promote crime prevention and drug-free activities.

The event will include free hot dogs and hamburgers provided by Fidelis Care and served by a local church. There will also be a bike helmet and school supply giveaway while supplies last.

There will also be a Battle of the Belts competition where each team has four participants who have to run to a vehicle, buckle their seat belts and then throw their hands in the air. A referee will yell rotate and the four team members have to buckle belts at four different seats in the vehicle.

There will be prizes in a youth division (ages 10 to 18); adult division (ages 19 and up); education division featuring teachers and school staff; and a business/organization division.

Nenni said the competition should be fun and also will promote the importance of wearing seatbelts, especially for children in back seats.

3 face drug charges in Medina

Staff Reports Posted 7 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Another man charged with reckless endangerment for firing shotgun

MEDINA – Four people were arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department, and the New York State Division of Parole stopped a vehicle in the Village of Medina. As a result, investigators seized a quantity of crack cocaine and arrested the driver and passenger on drug charges and parole warrants, the Task Force said in a news release.

The investigation then led investigators to an apartment house located at 4335 Salt Works Road in the Town of Shelby, where investigators seized a quantity of crack cocaine from an individual at that location.

During the course of the investigation at 4335 Salt Works Road, an additional person who lives in an adjoining apartment fired a shotgun out a second-story window towards the back of the residence. The individual who fired the shot was subsequently placed into custody by deputies and appeared to be highly intoxicated at the time, the Task Force said.

Law enforcement, as part of the investigation, seized more than 20 grams of crack cocaine, cash, two shotguns and other drug paraphernalia.

The following were arrested:

Erika Poole

Erika H. Poole

Erika H. Poole, 36, of 4335 Salt Works Rd., Medina. She was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony) and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felony).

Calvin Carver

Calvin S. Carver

Calvin S. Carver, 27, of 4335 Salt Works Rd., Medina. He was charged with one count of CPCS in the third degree and CPCS in the fifth degree.

Harold Hill

Harold D. Hill Jr.

Harold D. Hill Jr., 38, of 198 Pine St., Lockport. He was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Bradley Bentley

Bradley J. Bentley

Bradley J. Bentley, 50, of 4335 Salt Works Rd., Medina. He was charged with one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree for firing the shotgun (Class D felony).

All four were arraigned in the Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Joseph Kujawa. Both Poole and Hill were committed to the Orleans County Jail and held without bail due to their previous criminal histories. Both are to return back to Shelby Town Court on today at 6 p.m.

Carver was committed to the County Jail on $50,000 bail and is to return back to the Shelby Town Court on July 11 at 9 a.m.

Bentley was committed to the County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond and is to return to the Shelby Town Court today at 6 p.m.

Poole and Carver are also being held on parole warrants issued by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

State Police also assisted at 4335 Salt Works Rd.

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NY paving funds include nearly $600K for Orleans municipalities

Staff Reports Posted 6 July 2016 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – In this photo from last October, Jay Pahura, a motor equipment operator for the Albion Department of Public Works, runs a roller over fresh pavement on Hamilton Street. The village will receive $22,775.05 in state paving funds, part of the $100 million fund state-wide.

New York State is making $100 million available to almost 1,600 municipalities throughout the state to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of local highways and roads.

This funding, provided under Governor Cuomo’s PAVE NY initiative, is being administered by the New York State Department of Transportation as part of its $21.1 billion five-year Capital Plan.The PAVE NY program emphasizes projects that improve the physical condition of local roadways, create jobs and enhance local economic competitiveness.

“From replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge to the transformative redesign of LaGuardia Airport, New York has been leading the way in reshaping our infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Cuomo said. “PAVE NY funds strategic investments in local roadways, helping ensure roadways across the state are in good repair, remain reliable for motorists and able to help foster regional economic growth for years to come.”

PAVE NY funds are awarded to New York City and cities, counties, towns and villages for activities such as roadway resurfacing, widening and realignment; construction of turning lanes at intersections; and new drainage to mitigate the harmful effects of flooding.

In Orleans County, the funds add up to $573,186.38. That includes the following: County of Orleans, $294,362.76; Town of Albion, $13,926.46; Town of Barre, $35,103.49; Town of Carlton, $28,017.44; Town of Clarendon, $24,172.92; Town of Gaines, $9,150.03; Town of Kendall, $15,135.70; Town of Murray, $16,431.93; Town of Ridgeway, $26,726.17; Town of Shelby, $25,454.18; and Town of Yates, $20,231.67.

The shares to the four villages include: Village of Albion, $22,775.05; Village of Holley, $6,145.02; Village of Lyndonville, $3,963.36; and Village of Medina, $31,590.21.

Hot and muggy for today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers  – A chair is pictured by the shore of Lake Ontario last week at Oak Orchard on the Lake.

It’s going to be hot and humid today for Orleans County and Western New York. The Weather Channel has issued an extreme heat alert for Orleans County today when the heat index is forecast to reach 91 and the high temperature will be 88 degrees.

Thursday is forecast for a high of 87, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9 a.m.

On Friday the high will reach 88 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 a.m., according to the Weather Service. There is a chance for showers and thunderstorms on Friday night.

Saturday there is also a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 79.

The National Weather Service says there is a chance for numerous thunderstorms to develop in the area beginning on Friday as low pressure moves into the Great Lakes Region.

“There remains a good deal of uncertainty with respect to the exact timing and intensity of these storms,” the Weather Service said. “But there is some potential for at least a few strong to severe thunderstorms. The primary risk would be isolated damaging winds and large hail. These storms may also produce very heavy rainfall which could lead to localized flooding.”