By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2015 at 12:00 am
2 others plead guilty and could be sentenced to prison
ALBION – An Oakfield man was sentenced to 2 1/3 to 7 years in state prison today for a burglary in Barre last year.
Jeremy Lyons of Pearl Street pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. Lyons, 30, admitted he broke into a house on Eagle Harbor Road in Barre on Aug. 10, 2014.
He said in a previous court appearance he was retrieving items that belonged to him. He took those items and also stole copper piping, he told County Court Judge James Punch.
As part of the sentencing today, Lyons will be required to pay $500 in restitution to the victim of the crime, plus another $18,695.25 to New York Mutual, an insurance company. That is to be paid in three years.
In other cases in County Court today:
A Rochester man admitted he sold cocaine from his car in Holley on March 6, 2015.
Roy L. Carter, 39, made the sale to an undercover officer, Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard told Judge Punch.
Carter pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. As part of a plea deal, he will face no more than 5 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 1.
An 18-year-old from Holley pleaded guilty to first-degree rape for having sex with his 10-year-old sister when he was 16. The man is eligible for youthful offender status, so Orleans Hub won’t list his name. If he is granted youthful offender, he also won’t be included on sex offender lists.
The man faces a maximum of 1 ½ to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 30. He is in jail on $25,000 bail.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Medina man was arraigned in Orleans County Court today on second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.
Michael B. Collier Jr., 23, of East Oak Orchard Street allegedly stabbed Lucas Porter, 16, of Albion 10 times, Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard said. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 24.
One of the wounds was close to Porter’s heart. He is recovering from the attack, Howard said.
Porter showed up bleeding at the Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina, and then received medical treatment.
Collier has a lengthy criminal history despite being only 23, Howard said in court today. He has two prior felonies, three misdemeanors, two parole revocations and a prior failure to appear in court.
Judge James Punch set bail at $100,000 for Collier, who is in Orleans County Jail.
ALBION – A Rochester man was driving a stolen 2010 Mercedes-Benz in Albion on Halloween when the plate reader system in an Albion patrol vehicle detected the stolen car on North Main Street, Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni said.
Officers originally lost sight of the vehicle because of heavy traffic conditions. The Mercedes-Benz was later located at 7:30 p.m. and stopped in the Crosby’s convenient store parking lot located at 204 South Main St.
The driver, Xavier A. Lowry, 24, of 104 Hobart St., Rochester was the sole occupant of the vehicle and taken into custody.
The vehicle was found to have been stolen from the City of Rochester several days before, Nenni said. The vehicle had a suspended registration and a quantity of marijuana was found inside the vehicle. Lowry is also suspected of operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs, Nenni said.
Lowry was charged with the following offenses: Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree (E Felony), Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs (Misdemeanor), Operating a Motor Vehicle with Suspended Registration (Misdemeanor), and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (Violation).
Lowry was arraigned in the Town of Murray Court and committed to the Orleans County Jail on $5,000 bail. He is to return to court on Nov. 4 at 9 a.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2015 at 12:00 am
The Warrior House in West Shelby on Salt Works Road hosted six veterans from Thursday through Sunday for hunting and fellowship. These three include, from left: Albert Gonzalez from Theresa, near Fort Drum in northern New York; Shannon Girard from Lafayette, La.; and Shane Weyant from Holidaysburg, Pa.
SHELBY – Shannon Girard, 40, says he “slept like a baby” over the weekend on a hunting retreat for wounded veterans.
That is a big deal for Girard and the other veterans, who may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and constant physical pain.
Girard was deployed as a medic to Iraq in 2004-05. The Lafayette, Louisiana resident said the hunting getaway is a perfect way for veterans to calm their nerves and bodies, while connecting with others in the military.
“The best therapy is bringing people together,” Girard said on Saturday after a morning of bow-hunting.
He arrived on Thursday to the Warrior House on Salt Works Road in West Shelby. The house is owned by Peter Zeliff Jr. He has opened the house and his property for veterans to go hunting. Zeliff has assembled a team of volunteers to provide the veterans with food, and also to serve as guides while they pursue geese, pheasants and deer.
“You can decompress when you come out here and be in nature and see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets,” Girard said.
He was on the first hunting trip through the Warrior House in September, when 13 soldiers came together to hunt, with five referred through Chappy’s Outdoors and eight from Operation Injured Soldier. Girard heard about the Warrior House through Chappy’s Outdoors.
Provided photo – Brian Crane of Lancaster holds a goose he shot while hunting on Saturday morning.
Girard was flown up from Louisiana, with his expenses all covered. Girard said being in rural West Shelby was a stark contrast from what he expected when he boarded the plane to head to New York.
“Just being here it’s a whole different world,” he said. “Everyone thinks New York is a city, but there is a countryside. It’s beautiful.”
Brian Crane, 35, of Lancaster didn’t have to go to far to get to the Warrior House. Crane arrived to the site on Thursday night with his father, Rodney Crane of Conesus in Livingston County.
The younger Crane has a lower-back injury from his military service. He enjoys hunting, especially with his father. The two say it is increasingly difficult to find land to hunt as fields are posted or bought for development.
On Saturday morning, Crane shot his first goose.
“It gets you away from the stresses of life,” he said.
Crane heard about the Warrior House through Ed Spence. They were in the same unit together. Spence, 45, of the Town of Alabama in Genesee County was injured while training in 2007. He suffered four herniated discs in his back.
Ed Spence of Genesee County has become a leader with Operation Injured Soldier.
He was in bed and a wheelchair after the accident. An invitation to go fishing and then hunting in Michigan helped get him out of a funk.
“It gave me my life back,” Spence said.
He used to work full-time as a firefighter in paramedic for the City of Batavia. He is now the volunteer director for Operation Injured Soldier in the Northeast Region.
He has the connections to wounded veterans and will refer them to the Warrior House. Spence said there are so many wounded veterans that the Warrior House could be busy every weekend. He knows of only one other place like the Warrior House in the country: Brave Heart Estates in Michigan. The sites welcome veterans to come hunt.
Tim Wolcott of Albion volunteered as a guide for the hunters this past weekend. Wolcott, 48, served in the Army from 1987 to 1991. He enjoyed meeting the veterans at the Warrior House, staying up late telling stories and getting up at 4 a.m.
“We’ve had a lot of laughs,” Wolcott said. “It’s about making new friends. It’s not about killing animals. It’s about bringing people together.”
Photo courtesy of Thom Jennings – Tim Wolcott serves as a hunting guide for veterans through the Warrior House.
Wolcott said the Warrior House “will definitely grow.” He said there are plans for a rifle range and hunting trips for kids who lost a parent to war.
“These are kids who don’t have someone to take them hunting,” Wolcott said.
Sue Zeliff said she her husband Pete Jr. are thankful for the support in developing the Warrior House. She was busy Saturday preparing lunch and serving the veterans their meals.
“We’re very fortunate we can give back to the people who have given so much,” she said.
Provided photo – Medina students are recognized at Sunday’s state championships. The group includes, from left: Alexis Neuman (Guard captain), Andrea Toussaint (assistant drum major), Amanda Lunden (drum major), Tristan Sanders (assistant drum major) and Brittanie Goodin (Guard captain).
SYRACUSE – The New York State Field Band Conference held its 42nd Annual Championship Show on Sunday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, and the Medina Mustang Band finished second in its class.
Medina competed with six schools in the SS1 class. Medina’s score of 91.20 only trailed East Syracuse Minoa, which took first with 91.65, a mere .45 difference.
Band Director Jim Steele commented that regardless of the outcome, they all hold their heads high having given a great performance to remember this season. There are 52 bands competing and only six bands go home as State Champions. All of the students are champions in the eyes of the staff and boosters as we have all become better people, musicians/guard members, friends and family through this process, Steele said.
Throughout this process starting with band camp, the band has had many highs as well as a few lows, but the bottom line is that the band is a family and family sticks together through thick and thin, Steele said.
The New York State Field Band Conference was formed on Feb. 6, 1972 and while competitions were held since then, the first championship show was held Nov. 2, 1974. The championships have been at the Carrier Dome since 1980.
There are six classifications of schools based on school population, history of past placement in competitions, number of staff members, their experience and past success, along with the age and experience of the band members.
While Medina has 130 students in the marching band in grades 7-12, 35 of the band members are rookies.
Medina has been competing in this conference since 1976 and over the years the school has won the championship 13 times.
Other first place winners on Sunday include: LS3-West Seneca; LS2-Jamestown; SS3-Roslyn; SS2-Central Square; National-Victor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A new farmers’ market that started on July 11 proved a popular spot, with 14 different vendors spending time at the site, the parking lot across the Post Office in Medina.
The Orleans Renaissance Group managed the market this year, and moved it from the Canal Basin to a more visible spot in the downtown hub.
Dennis Stymus of Stymus Farms in Barre (pictured above) said the change in location was much more visible. He said he more than doubled his business at the market this year.
“In the Canal Basin it was kind of hidden,” he said.
The Canal Village Farmers’ Market also changed from a Thursday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many of the market days included music and cooking or art demonstrations.
Gail Miller, left, served as coordinator of the market on a volunteer basis. She is pictured with Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group.
In the summer, there were often 450 to 500 people at the market. Gail’s husband Dave Miller kept track of visitors, and he said the weekly average was 366 since July 11.
“It’s been a great group effort,” said Mrs. Miller, who dressed as an Angry Bird character on Saturday, which was Halloween.
Next year the market will start in June, and Miller said there will be more entertainment and demonstrations.
Other vendors were urged to dress up, and Dawn Keppler from SK Herefords in Shelby wore a witch’s outfit. She is pictured with her daughter Alana. The market gave SK a chance to introduce many people to the beef raised in the Town of Shelby.
Jesus Molina, left, and Bob Renko are pictured at Renko’s Meat Processing. With the farmers’ market season coming to a close, Renko said he will soon be busy with deer processing.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Nearly 700,000 pageviews for news site during month
Photo by Tom Rivers – A fire broke out at a farmhouse for six year-round employees at Watt farms on Oct. 24. The damage was extensive and the building will have to be knocked down.
Orleans Hub had one of its biggest months for traffic in October with 682,735 pageviews, a daily average of 22,074. We also averaged 6,906 daily unique visitors, which was also one of our best months since the Orleans Hub started in April 2013.
The election has sparked reader interest, particularly with letters to the editor. We had 33,219 pageviews for the letters last month, or just over 1,000 each day.
Crime and a big fire at a historic farmhouse were among the top stories of the month. However, an article about a gravestone donated to Hillside Cemetery in Holley for Lillian Bentham, a survivor of The Titanic, proved very popular with readers.
Photo by Tom Rivers – Brigden Memorials in Albion donated this garve marker for Lillian Bentham, who survived The Titanic. Two men form Holley perished when the ship sank in April 1912.
Here are the five most popular stories from October (the ones with the most “clicks”).
Sports had its second-biggest month ever with 37,204 pageviews, with coverage highlighted by the playoffs. However, the top sports story of the month was a feature on a new Wall of Fame for Medina varsity football players. (Click here to see “‘Pinky’ Loughlin Memorial Wall of Fame to induct first members Friday.”)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Sun rays break through the clouds this morning in this scene of a barn on Fletcher Chapel Road in Shelby.
Here is another look of the scene showing the site in Shelby, just off Route 63.
The weather will be nice to start off November. Monday is forecast for sunny with a high of 60 followed by sunny and a high of 68 on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will hit 70 with lots of sun, followed by a high of 67 on Thursday, according to the Weather Service.
Here is a field of harvested corn on West County House Road at the west end of Albion.
This is looking east on West County House Road this afternoon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – It was Beggar’s Night in downtown Medina this evening and hundreds of children turned out for treats, stopping by many of the local businesses including Herbalty Cottage, which is owned by Bonnie Heck.
Heck dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and her husband Tom was agood sport as “Thing 1” from the popular book by Dr. Seuss. Their daughter Lindsay was Thing 2.
Ethan Brown, 6, of Medina is dressed as Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean. He is in Medina outside Main Street TV & Appliance Sales, one of the stops on Beggar’s Night.
Kylee Howard is dressed as a bumblebee while handing out candy at A Kut Above.
Debbie Woodroe, owner of Woodroe Realty, is dressed as a ghost and tries to get the attention of some of the kids on Beggar’s Night. Many of the business owners were in costume for the event.
Ashley Woodroe (left), granddaughter of Debbie Woodroe, and Ashley’s friend Jessie Fox are dressed as rockers while giving out candy at Woodroe Realty.
Leah Pritchard, left, and her cousin Hailey Bader dole out goodies at a lily and a sparrow.
These friends – Torry Dames, left, and Julian Tavor – are dressed a Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles while getting some candy from Jaye Sullivan, owner of Blissett’s.
Medina Police Chief Jose Avila directs traffic at the Main Street and East Center Street intersection. Avila is retiring by the end of the year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Lubna Zaidi is opening the Medina Language Center at 511 West Ave., a former dental office. She will have an open house with demonstrations on Sunday beginning at 12:30 p.m.
MEDINA – Lubna Zaidi has a vision for Medina as a draw for international students. She and her team would teach English and foreign languages, and offer other services to help prepare students for American universities.
She thinks some students would stay for up to a year, improving their education and enjoying small-town American life.
Zaidi is taking the first step with that vision by opening the Medina Language Center.
“I think things grow in small places, sometimes faster than in big cities where you can get lost,” Zaidi said at the language center, which is located at 511 West Ave., a former dental office.
The school’s first focus will be high school students from the local community. The center will also gladly serve younger students and adults who need help to improve their skills and understanding in English and foreign languages, as well as other school subjects.
Zaidi and her team of teachers will have an open house on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to about 5 p.m. Medina Mayor Andrew Meier, who owns the building, will give opening remarks at the celebration.
Zaidi will give an overview of the center’s programs at 1:30 p.m. and there will be free trial classes, registration and information sessions from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Zaidi currently runs the World Life Education Centre outside Toronto. The Medina center will be modeled after that school, helping students bolster language skills and prepare for college entrance exams and other important tests.
The smaller class setting has proven to help those students, Zaidi said. The school also has a youth leadership program, The Gavel Club, and Zaidi wants to bring that program with its public speaking competitions to Medina.
“The focus is on public speaking and leadership, and to first try to be a humanitarian leader before you move on to something else,” she said.
She grew up in Hong Kong and was involved in a Gavel Club, when the program was first starting. She has taught and learned at schools in Toronto, London and Dubai, before establishing her school in Toronto three years ago, working with about 40 to 60 students each year.
Zaidi also has been a volunteer with the World Life Institute Project Life program, where war orphans from Afghanistan, Kosovo and Chechnya spend the summer in Orleans County, learning English, art and enjoying the rural countryside with host families.
Zaidi has been a chaperone for children on the flights from Afghanistan to the United States. She said she was so inspired by the program she named her school in Toronto after World Life.
Her parents recently moved from New York City to Medina so Zaidi is often in town visiting them and her friends in the World Life Institute. She has a team of teachers ready to serve in the Medina Language Center.
Classes will be available in the mornings, afternoons and evenings if there is demand from the students. She would like to connect with local school districts to make the center available to help local students.
If the program grows, she thinks the center could be popular with international students spending several months in Medina, honing their language skills before college.
Zaidi thinks Medina has lots of small-town appeal that would be attractive to international students. Many are from smaller towns in other countries and they would feel more comfortable staying in Medina than a big city.
They would also be close to Niagara Falls and nearby cities.
For more information about the Medina Language Center, call (585) 765-5480.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bill Lattin signs a copy of his new book, “Halloween Pictures and Pranks,” for Albion resident Kim Pritt during a book launch party and photo exhibit this evening at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church.
Lattin retired last Dec. 31 as Orleans County historian. He has been working on the book about Halloween, and includes submitted photos and essays of recollections and pranks from local residents.
Lattin also shares some personal photos, including one of him dressed as Tootsie for Halloween. He also divulges some of his own tricks during Halloween.
Lattin and organizers of the event at Pullman encouraged people to attend in costume, and Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon town historian, dressed as a historical marker, noting that Lattin had written another book about local history.
The book launch party included a presentation by Joe Struble, retired archivist from the George Eastman House. He shared some historic photos about Halloween from the Eastman House collection.
The book is available for $10. It can be purchased from Bindings Bookstore and the Pullman church in Albion. Proceeds from sales of the book go the Pullman Memorial Repair and Restoration Building Fund.
A grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and additional support from businesses and sponsors helped make the book possible.
One of the images in the book shows this group at a Halloween party in 1943. Front row: Cary Lattin (standing), John Larwood, Avis Lattin, Robert Brown, Katherine Church, Fred Miller, William Phillips. Seated on floor: Ward Wilson. 2nd row: Jean Jackson, Geraldine Larwood, Doris Phillips, Dorothy Miller, Agnes Wilson, Angie Brown, Grace Phillips. 3rd row: Albert Mason, Ruth Mason, Marcus Phillips, John Jackson, Sanford B. Church.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – The Main Street clock in Albion is pictured after dusk on Friday.
ALBION – Tonight is the end of Daylight Savings Time and people should turn their clocks back an hour.
The American Red Cross also reminds people to take simple steps to make sure their household is prepared for emergencies.
“It’s important for everyone to make sure their household is ready,” said Chuck Marra, executive director of the Western New York Chapter. “A disaster like a home fire can happen anywhere, at any time. We urge people to take these steps now and know what they should do if an emergency occurs.”
Check smoke alarm batteries. When turning the clocks ahead, take a few minutes to replace the smoke alarm batteries and push the test button to make sure the alarms are working. It’s also a great time to check carbon monoxide detectors.
Install smoke alarms. If someone doesn’t have smoke alarms, install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.
Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.
Get a kit. Keep disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry bag to use at home or carry in case ordered to evacuate.
Make a plan. Have all household members plan what steps they should take if an emergency occurs.
Be informed. Learn what emergencies can occur in the area and how officials notify residents should a disaster occur.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Merchants Association put on its biggest Beggar’s Night to date on Friday with 30 businesses and organizations treating nearly 500 kids to candy.
The top photo shows Amanda Wolford, a Bindings Bookstore employee, dressed as Elsa from the movie, Frozen.
Lisa Stratton, owner of the Hazy Jade Gift Shop on Main Street, hands out treats to the kids in costume.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley is dressed as a gorilla while handing out candy. His district office is located at 121 North Main St.
Kids line up for candy from Marsha Rivers, director of the Orleans County United Way. She is dressed as a swan. The United Way office is located in the former Swan Library.
Members of the Albion Teachers Association also set up a table and handed out candy in front of the First Presbyterian Church. The teachers include, from right to left: Janet Husung, Stephanie Schepis, Mary Jane Klips, Juie Keller and Dawn Squicciarini (in purple). Lee Sheehan also helped with the effort.
Ken Bieber, owner of the Weed Man in Albion, dressed up as a pirate.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian
ALBION – This image shows Mrs. Jennie McGuire Leonard standing in front of her millinery located on North Main Street in Albion. The beautiful building constructed of brick was designed in the Federal style, often referred to as the Classical Revival style.
This type of architecture pre-dates the Greek Revival style that is often seen throughout Orleans County and structures of this type would have appeared as late as 1840.
Prior to serving as a place of business for Mrs. Leonard, the building acted as the law office of the Hon. Gideon Hard. Born April 29, 1797 to Philo Hard and Currence Hawley, Gideon was one of 15 children who descended from prominent lineage in Arlington, VT. Although his maternal great uncle, Seth Warner, was a respected captain with the Green Mountain Boys during the American Revolution, his father’s family were hardened Loyalists.
Attending Union College in Schenectady, Hard graduated in 1822 and immediately began the study of law. After his admittance to the bar in 1825 he traveled to Orleans County where he would establish himself as an attorney prior to moving his wife to the area the following year.
Although lost within our local history books, Gideon Hard should be regarded as one of our more notable founders. Hard became Orleans County Treasurer in 1827 and was said to have motioned to change the name of the village from Newport to Albion.
It was in 1833 that Hard was elected to the United States House of Representative for the 23rd Congress running on the Anti-Masonic ticket and serving as the 1st representative from the newly established 33rd District. He was again elected to the 24th Congress, this time running on the Anti-Jackson ticket.
Hard’s days as a politician were far from over and within five years of ending his career as a U.S. Representative, he was elected to the New York Senate, the last from the 1st District Class 3. After his term concluded in 1847 he was appointed to the position of Canal Appraiser in 1849 and later served as First Judge and Surrogate for Orleans County.
The late 1850s proved difficult for the Hard family. Gideon suffered from personal illness, making his engagement in political and community fairs extremely difficult.
Around 1861, Gideon’s wife Adeline became gravely ill and suffered for nearly three years before she passed. Her illness and subsequent death caused great grief within the family and Gideon was destined to live out the remainder of his life with his children and later his sister before his own passing on April 27, 1885 at Albion.
Contributed Story Posted 30 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Submitted photos
ALBION – Many of the employees at The Villages of Orleans dressed up today. These four were winners of the costme contest at the nursing home on Route 31.
The group includes, from left: Dylan Miller with Eleanore; winner of “Just Plain Awesome” Costume; Rachael Steen; winner of “Ugliest” Costume; Morgan Haak; winner of “Cutest” Costume; and Dee Marks; winner of “Scariest” Costume.
Many of the staff members dressed up today for Halloween. The judges are pictured in front, from left: Lucille Bloom, Virginia McMurray and Mary Driesel, who are all residents of The Villages.
Staff members include, from left: Dylan Miller with Eleanore, Tanya Adams, Kay Sheffer, Rachael Steen, Betsey Wheeler, Kim Brueckner, Annette Barone, Matthew Blanar, Dee Marks, Sue Williams, Elissa Hyde, Sandy Money, Morgan Haak, Michelle Neal, and Deb Donnelly with Buddy.
Some CRFS employees dressed up with a “Price is Right” theme. They include, front row: Inda MacFarland, Allie Morris, Pam Allen and Judy Kennedy. Back row: Felicia Cunningham, Jose Strussenberg, Kristin Gross, Ashleigh Soule and Monica Seniuk.
Five Star Bank in Albion continued its tradition of dressing up for Halloween. The group this year had a “Spice Girls” theme. Pictured include, from left: Dean Marconi, Deb Yockel, Jamie Bennett, Becky Dillenbeck, Susan Plummer, Bethany Hodgins and Amy Bigley.
