news

New Business of the Year: 810 Meadworks

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Chamber of Commerce award winner

Photos by Tom Rivers – Bryan DeGraw, co-owner of 810 Meadworks with his wife LaRissa, is pictured in the tasting room of the business at 113 West Center St., Medina.”It’s a relaxing atmosphere, a lounge atmosphere,” he said about the tasting room. “It’s not a loud bar.”

MEDINA – A business that serves “Bee Vomit” opened last Nov. 30, and it has proven a draw to downtown Medina for mead, music and relaxation.

Bryan and LaRissa DeGraw opened 810 Meadworks in a former barbershop in the historic R.H. Newell Building at 113 West Center St. They produce meads, which are alcoholic drinks made by fermenting honey with water and often fruits, spices, grains and hops.

They have about a dozen flavors of mead, with dry, semi-sweet and sweet. The Bee Vomit is a dry mead made with cascade hops.

The DeGraws are from New Jersey. Mr. DeGraw was working as a physical education and health teacher at a residential facility for at-risk youth. He was also a home brewer and mead maker for five years.

LaRissa DeGraw makes a variety of chocolates at 810 Meadworks. She is pictured in the production area of the business.

LaRissa’s parents, Tina and Ray Gunder, retired to Kent. The DeGraws visited the area and liked downtown Medina, the historic charm of the downtown and the cluster of many small business owners.

“I don’t have any business regrets,” Mr. DeGraw said about starting 810 Meadworks. “I’m happy with where we’re at. We doubled our sales projections for the first year.”

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has named 810 Meadowrks as the “New Business of the Year.” The DeGraws and other award winners will be recognized on Friday during an awards banquet at Tillman’s Village Inn.

810 Meadworks is a unique draw among wineries. It is the only meadery between Albany and Ohio. The meadery also is located in a historic downtown building in a small town, rather than in a country setting.

810 Meadworks opened last Nov. 30, but gave customers the first taste of the local mead during the Ale in Autumn event last September. Bryan DeGraw, back left, discusses mead with the crowd.

The Niagara Wine Trail about two years ago was officially extended past Niagara County, through Orleans and all the way to Route 390 in Rochester. Medina finds itself ideally situated in the middle of the expanded Niagara Wine Trail. That was another reason why the DeGraws wanted to open 810 Meadworks in downtown Medina.

810 Meadworks uses “810” in its name from the Bible verse Nehemiah 8:10: “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The DeGraws also ran a concert series at the the “beegarten” in the back of the building. Preach Freedom (center), a former member of the acclaimed band Rusted Root, performed in Medina on June 20 at the space formerly known as Boiler 54. Freedom was joined by Marla Harris and Steve Davis at the concert in Medina.

The DeGraws were also drawn to the historic Newell building because of other businesses that shared the building, including the Shirt Factory Cafe and the Boiler 54 performing venue.

However, Boiler 54 wasn’t able to continue the concert series in an open air venue in the back of the buidling this year. With the series sidelined for 2015, the DeGraws decided to step forward and run the series, rebranding the space as the “beegarten.”

“I didn’t want to see the space sit empty,” DeGraw said. “It’s such an amazing spot.”

810 Meadworks decorated a float for the Parade of Lights in Medina last year.

DeGraw said he is grateful for the encouragement from the community.

“People around here are to happy to support a local business and people doing something they love,” he said.

Car show moved to Sept. 27

Staff Reports Posted 12 September 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – After a wet Saturday with more rain expected on Sunday, a car show has been moved to Sept. 27 at Bullard Park.

The third annual Albion car show was planned for 1 to 5 p.m. at Bullard Park on Sunday. Becky Karls, the event organizer, decided to move it to Sept. 27.

Registration for the show will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the park on Route 31.

DEC says plenty of ways to dispose of e-waste

Posted 11 September 2015 at 12:00 am

State responds to Orleans Hub article about county reaching deal to collect TV’s and other e-waste

Statement from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

ALBANY – The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation would like to provide information and address the inaccuracies regarding the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act (Act) which appeared in the Orleans Hub article entitled “County approves deal to collect TV’s and other e-waste” dated August 27, 2015. (Click here to see that article.)

Since the Act was implemented in 2011, NYS consumers have the opportunity to recycle a wide variety of electronic waste (e-waste), such as computers, computer peripherals, televisions, small scale servers and other small electronic equipment in an environmentally responsible manner, through the use of manufacturers’ e-waste acceptance programs.

In fact, from 2011 through 2014 over 350,000 pounds of e-waste has been collected across the state for recycling/reuse.

Under the Act, manufacturers of covered electronic equipment (CEE) are required to provide free and convenient recycling of e-waste to consumers across the state. The Act allows manufacturers to utilize a variety of methods to accept e-waste from consumers (i.e. collection sites, events, mail back programs, etc.), which means there may not be a physical e-waste drop-off location available to all consumers.

In accordance with the Act, manufacturers are required to run a year-round, continuous e-waste acceptance program and are required to collect a minimum weight of e-waste based upon their market share. There is no limit to the amount of e-waste a manufacturer or their affiliated recycling partners may accept. The state has not “capped the amount of discarded material companies have to accept each year” as stated in the article.

Consumers wanting further information on how to properly recycle their e-waste should visit DEC’s webpage for consumers by clicking here.

Also available on DEC’s website is a listing of registered electronic waste collection site locations sorted by county. Click here to see the list.

Illegal dumping of e-waste should be reported to local authorities. The Department will pursue enforcement action when necessary. Any questions regarding the Act or how to properly recycle e-waste should be directed to DEC’s E-waste Team at: ewaste@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-8706.

Giant flag hangs on closed Main Street during 9-11 service

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The ladder trucks from the Albion and Medina fire departments hold up a giant American flag during a Sept. 11 memorial service this evening in Albion.

The fire trucks were parked on Main Street in front of the Courthouse Square. That section of Main, between Park and State streets, was closed for about an hour. There was an observance service at 6 p.m. to reflect on the terrorist attacks 14 years ago that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Veterans formed an Honor Guard in front of the Sept. 11 memorial by the Orleans County Courthouse. The veterans include, from left: Gary Befus, Joe Gehl and Mike Donahue.

Larry Montello served as chief organizer of two memorial services today, with a 10 a.m. observance at the Elks Lodge in Albion and this evening’s event by the courthouse.

Albion firefighter Tim Irwin sings the national anthem.

Firefighters from Albion and Medina attend the service by the memorial at Courthouse Square. There were 343 firefighters who died in New York City when the World Trade Center towers collapsed after being struck by airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001.

The big flag flies high on Main Street during the service.

Firefighters put the flag away following the memorial observance.

Before kickoff, a moment of silence

Staff Reports Posted 11 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman

ALDEN – The New York State Correctional Officers Honor Guard presented the colors during a moment of silence before the Albion-Alden varsity football game this evening on the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. To see highlights from the game and other local sports, click here.

25 years after heart transplant, Shelby man counts his blessings

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Michael Hodgins is grateful for chance to raise family

Photos by Tom Rivers – Michael Hodgins, 53, had a heart transplant when he was 28. He is pictured at the Shelby waterfalls near his home on Thursday. He is wearing the “Cardiac Rehabilitation” T-shirt from Medina Memorial Hospital, a shirt he has had for a quarter century.

SHELBY – Michael Hodgins was 28, married with three young children when he got a new heart.

The Shelby resident was waiting for a transplant for 15 months when he was rushed to Buffalo General on Sept. 13, 1990. The transplant has been a tremendous success, giving Hodgins newfound energy and a longer lease on life.

“I’m very grateful to God for bringing me through it,” Hodgins said at his home in Shelby on Thursday. “I just thank God for life and being able to see my kids grow up and spend time with my grandkids.”

Hodgins and his wife Kathy have three grown children: Alisha Duffina, 32; Greg, 31; and Ryan, 28. The three grown children all live in the Medina area and all have their own children – six grandkids in all for Michael and Kathy.

Hodgins had a failing heart at age 27. He was born a preemie, just over 2 pounds and had a a hole in his heart. He had heart surgery at age 9, and seemed to be doing OK until he was 27.

His enlarged heart struggled to pump blood. He was sluggish and short of breath.

Doctors made him a candidate for a heart transplant. Three times he hurried to the hospital for the surgery, only to have it called off, until Sept. 13, 1990.

Hodgins said he remembers feeling so much better after the surgery, with newfound energy.

“Once it was done, it was like night and day,” he said. “It was like being a new person.”

Michael and Kathy Hodgins hold a heart-shaped pillow given to them 25 years ago after Michael had a heart transplant.

Hodgins started working in bakeries when he was a teen-ager. After a brief recovery after the transplant, he felt well enough to return to work, including the physically demanding tasks of lugging heavy bags of ingredients.

Hodgins hasn’t slowed down on the job. After more than 20 years with the Jubilee in Medina, he needed to get a new job when the store closed in 2006. Hodgins joined Medina Memorial Hospital nine years ago and supervises the dietary department at the hospital.

“God’s given me the hands to work and the life to work,” he said. “So I’m going to keep working.”

He frequently takes walks, and used to play a lot of racquetball before he had a hip replaced in 2004. He also battled Non-Hodgin Lymphoma in 2007.

His wife of 33 years marvels at her husband’s strength through the physical challenges.

“Our faith has helped get us through,” said Mrs. Hodgins, who works as director of treatment services for GCASA in Albion.

Now that their children are grown, the couple has been taking more time together. They have visited Aruba and the Dominican Republic.

“We’re taking vacations and enjoying life,” Mrs. Hodgins said.

The couple attends the Oak Orchard Assembly of God at 12111 Ridge Rd., Medina. This Sunday, on the 25th anniversary of the transplant, the Hodgins family and their church will celebrate during the 10:30 a.m. service at Oak Orchard.

The Rev. Dan Thurber, the church pastor, will preach about the successful transplant. Hodgins also will sing during the service with some of his friends.

“It’s going to be a huge celebration of life,” Mrs. Hodgins said.

Bower, Drennan received big support in hometowns

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2015 at 12:00 am

The county-wide vote totals for Randy Bower and Tom Drennan were nearly the same out of 3,149 votes, with Bower holding a slight 27-vote edge in the race to be the next Orleans County sheriff.

However, some towns strongly favored Drennan while Bower collected an overwhelming majority in others. Some towns were almost a 50-50 split in the Republican vote.

Here is the voter breakdown in each of the 10 towns:

Town	Bower	Drennan
Albion	257	261
Barre	98	94
Carlton	160	144
Clarendon	201	119
Gaines	109	127
Kendall	58	168
Murray	251	105
Ridgeway	140	154
Shelby	173	258
Yates	141	131
Total	1,588	1,561

Source: Orleans County Board of Elections

Bower is a public safety dispatcher who lives just outside the Village of Holley in Murray. His 146-vote lead in Murray was the biggest difference in any of the 10 towns.

However, Drennan was the most dominant in any town with his showing in Kendall, his hometown. Drennan, the chief deputy in the Sheriff’s Office, won 74.3 percent or 168 of the 226 votes in Kendall.

In Murray, Bower won 70.5 percent of the vote. Bower had his second strongest showing in Clarendon, where he won 62.8 percent of the vote.

Both Bower and Drennan are from the eastern end of Orleans County. Drennan dominated Kendall, and Bower had big leads in Murray and Clarendon.

The central towns of Albion, Barre, Gaines and Carlton were all close.

Drennan was stronger than Bower in the west end, mainly due to a big showing in Shelby, where he got 60 percent of the vote. Yates and Ridgeway were almost evenly split.

The county Board of Elections has 233 absentee ballots out in the race and had received 157 by Thursday. The ballots will be counted Tuesday at 9 a.m., although more could come in by a Thursday deadline. The final results need to be certified on Friday, Sept. 18.

If you’re wondering about voter turnout for the Primary, it was 31.4 percent or 3,157 votes out of the 10,037 registered Republicans. That vote total includes eight write-ins.

Community remembers Sept. 11, when nearly 3,000 died in terrorist attacks

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jodi Genno, a member of the Albion Fire Department, salutes the American flag during a memorial ceremony today outside the Elks Lodge on the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when nearly 3,000 people were killed.

About 100 people attended a 10 a.m. memorial service today at the Elks. There will also be a 6 p.m. candlelight vigil by the Orleans County Courthouse.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley carries the American flag during the ceremony at the Elks. State Sen. Robert Ortt, back right, also attended and spoke at the service.

Hawley said the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks would unite Americans in grief and also in resolve. He praised the many first responders who heeded the call when the buildings were struck and the hijacked airplanes crashed.

Soldiers and their families continue to sacrifice as the war on terror continues, now longer than World War I, World War II and the Korean War, combined, Hawley said.

Albion firefighter Tim Irwin placed this helmet and lighted this candle during today’s service.

State Sen. Robert Ortt said he was 22 and a senior at Canisius College when the U.S. was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.

Ortt would join the National Guard and would be deployed to Afghanistan. He said the terrorists may have knocked down two skyscrapers but they haven’t dented the courage and character of the country.

“We have a generation of Americans who are willing to raise their hand and charge into a burning building and wear the uniform,” Ortt said.

County Legislator Lynne Johnson speaks about the response from Americans following the Sept. 11 attacks, when first responders rushed to the scene of the attacks and other Americans throughout the country lined up to give blood. (Larry Montello, the memorial service organizer, is in back of Johnson.)

“The lessons of this event is not the mystery of evil, but about our need for each other and a never-ending reminder to our future generations who must stand firm against terrorism,” Johnson said.

She recalled the many American flags hanging from nearly every house.

“A tragedy like this could have torn our country apart but instead it has made us stronger,” she said.

Larry Montello addressed the crowd at the Elks. Today’s service honored firefighters, police officers, paramedics, soldiers, K-9s and citizens who died in the attacks.

Montello organizes the event to honor the memory of those lost, and to also recognize the service of first responders.

The service today included raising a memorial flag in honor of the victims in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Legislator Don Allport helped raise the flag. He said the country needs to stay strong in fighting terrorists.

“We need the patriotism shown after 9-11,” Allport said. “We need to put aside our petty differences.”

Allport also read a proclamation from Gov. Cuomo, who declared today “A Day of Remembrance and Reflection.” Cuomo, in the proclamation, said Americans rushed the need to New York City after Trade Center towers were taken down.

“All New Yorkers remain indebted to our fellow citizens and people worldwide who exemplified the limitless capacity of the human heart to give through extraordinary displays of comfort and support, and through countless acts of compassion and kindness during one of the most trying times in our state and nation’s history,” the governor wrote in the proclamation.

Several firefighters and police officers attended the service today in Albion.

Sheriff’s race is too close to call

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2015 at 10:03 pm

Bower has slight lead; Absentees will be counted Tuesday

Too close to call. After more than 3,000 Republicans voted in a primary today for sheriff, neither Randy Bower or Tom Drennan can claim victory.

Bower received 1,588 votes for a slight lead over Drennan with 1,561.

The Board of Elections reported it sent out 233 absentee ballots, with 157 returned. Election Commissioner Dennis Piedimonte said he expects some more will come in the next few days. The absentees will be opened at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Regardless who wins the primary, both candidates will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. Bower, a dispatcher the past 29 years, has been endorsed by the Conservative Party. Drennan, the chief deputy in the Sheriff’s Office, has the Independence and Reform Party lines.

Former Medina police investigator Don Organisciak has the Democratic Party backing, making it a three-man race to succeed Scott Hess, who is retiring as sheriff on Dec. 31.

State Ed Commissioner visits Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Posted 10 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES – Building Trades teacher Anthony Molinaro, left, speaks with NYS Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, as part of a tour that also included Niagara Career and Technical Education Center Principal Anedda Trautman and Orleans/Niagara BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

SANBORN – After visiting schools in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Sweet Home school districts, New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia made her final stop on Wednesday at Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.

Dr. Clark Godshall, superintendent of Orleans/Niagara BOCES, invited Elia and representatives from the component districts in Orleans and Niagara counties to visit the center to give the commissioner a chance to address issues facing administrators and teachers in education.

She talked to the audience about teacher evaluations, the Common Core, state standardized testing and then answered questions from the audience members.

Dr. Clark Godshall is pictured with Commissioner Elia and Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education member Edward Grabowski, who represents the Medina school district.

Elia also had a chance to tour the career and technical education center and talk to teachers and students about the benefits of career and technical education.

One Building Trades students shared that even though she was planning on going to college, she wanted the skills so that she could work construction in the summer months to make money to help her pay for tuition. Commissioner Elia told her it was a wise choice to learn a skill and shared with the teachers her own experiences as an educator.

Dr. Godshall said that the commissioner shared with him how impressed she was with the programs and the success rate of the students.

“She was invigorated with her discussions with the staff, students and the component districts and enjoyed her interaction with them,” Godshall said. “We appreciate the time she spent with us.”

Computer Technology teacher Joe DeMerle, next to Niagara Career and Technical Education Principal Anedda Trautman, talks to Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, as part of a tour with Director of Career and Technical Education Joseph Steinmetz and Orleans/Niagara BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall.

Governor announces push to raise minimum wage to $15

Posted 10 September 2015 at 12:00 am

NY would be first state in US with $15 minimum

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by Vice President Joseph Biden, today rallied for fair pay for New York’s workers and announced a push to make New York the first state in the nation to adopt a $15 per hour minimum wage.

This announcement comes on the same day that Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino signed an order designating a $15 per hour statewide minimum wage for fast food workers – the level recommended by a State Department of Labor wage board earlier this summer.

The governor’s proposed all-industry minimum wage increase should be phased in to mirror the fast food wage order, taking full effect by December 31, 2018 in New York City and July 1, 2021 for the rest of New York State.

“If you work full time, you shouldn’t have to live in poverty – plain and simple,” Cuomo said. “Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will add fairness to our economy and bring dignity and respect to 2.2 million people, many of whom have been forced to live in poverty for too long.”

The Governor and Vice President were joined by more than 1,200 workers, community members and advocates at the Javits Center in New York City to celebrate the success of the fast food wage board and continue that momentum.

In the coming months, the Governor’s administration, with elected officials, business leaders and community members, will bring the push for a $15 minimum wage across the state to build support for a bill to be introduced in the next legislation session.

Governor Cuomo has consistently fought to increase the minimum wage in New York State. In 2013, the Governor signed legislation that raised the minimum wage from $7.25 to its current level of $8.75. That legislation included another incremental increase to $9.00 that will take effect by the end of 2015. Additionally, the State Department of Labor empaneled a wage board last July, which led to an increase in wages for tipped workers from $4.90, $5.00 and $5.65 to $7.50 per hour on December 31, 2015.

Fast Food Minimum Wage Order Signed

On May 7, 2015, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo instructed Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino to empanel a Wage Board to investigate and make recommendations on an increase in the minimum wage in the fast food industry. The Fast Food Wage Board members were: Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, representing the public; Kevin Ryan, Chairman and Founder of Gilt, representing businesses; and Mike Fishman, Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, representing labor.

The Fast Food Wage Board filed its report on July 31 that in part recommends the State raises the minimum wage to $15 for employees of fast food chains. Today the Commissioner signed the wage order, which per statute must be issued within 45 days once the report is filed. The order is now subject to the regulatory process.

“To grow the middle class, we need to set a livable wage that lets families pay their bills and save for their future,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “This is a smart investment in our workforce and our economy, and I’m proud New York is leading the nation to pull workers from a low-wage cycle of poverty.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said: “No one who works full time should have to live in poverty. Let New York – the proud Empire State – lead the way for the rest of the country and finally pass a real minimum wage that will lift people out of poverty and help them realize the American dream.”

Area gets relief from the heat

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – It was another glorious sunset last evening. The top photo shows the grain facility along the railroad tracks on West Academy Street in Albion.

After several days with highs in the 80s, Western New York will get some relief from the heat.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 74 today, followed by a high of 76 on Friday. On Saturday, rain is likely with a high of 69, followed by a 50 percent chance of rain and a high of 67 on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is another look along the railroad tracks in Albion last night.

2 challengers defeat endorsed highway superintendent candidates

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2015 at 12:00 am

In Yates, town supervisor race will go to absentees

Some candidates who forced primaries today were able to pull off upsets, defeating the endorsed Republicans.

In Albion, highway department employee Michael Neidert won the primary over incumbent Highway Superintendent Jed Standish and another challenger, Chris Kinter. Neidert received 256 votes, to 168 for Standish and 94 for Kinter.

In Barre, the Republican Committee endorsed Bert Mathes for highway superintendent to succeed the retiring Dale Ostroski. But Dale Brooks, the current DPW superintendent for the Village of Albion, won the primary with 118 votes compared to 74 for Mathes.

Two other incumbent highway superintendents claimed victories today.

Mike Fuller won in Shelby over Ed Houseknecht, the former Medina DPW superintendent and Orleans County highway chief. Fuller was backed by 243 voters, compared to 172 for Houseknecht.

In Clarendon, incumbent Larry Swanger faced three challengers. He received 153 votes, compared to 88 for Tracy Bruce Chalker, 46 for Craig Nicosia, and 39 for Frederick Seeman III.

In Yates, the race for town supervisor will go to the absentee ballots, which will be counted on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Incumbent John Belson holds a slim lead over challenger Jim Simon, 145-139.

In a three-person battle for two Yates Town Board seats, incumbent Wes Bradley received the most votes with 177 while another endorsed candidate, John Riggi, received 163. Political newcomer Valerie Pratt, who forced a primary, came in third with 122 votes.

Simon, Riggi and Pratt campaigned together in opposition to a proposed wind turbine project in Yates and Somerset.

The other primary race included three people running for two spots on the Carlton Town Board. John Fitzak and incumbent Dana Woolston were the winners. Fitzak had the most votes, 192, followed by Woolston with 165 and Frank Lauta with 118.

Holley still trying to iron out agreement with EPA to sell 8 houses

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 9 September 2015 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Village Board on Tuesday evening discussed the status of the agreement to finally get eight homes owned by the federal government back on the tax rolls.

The Village, the Village of Holley Development Corporation, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency are trying to work out a deal for the eight “Diaz homes,” sites that were affected by a chemical leak from the former Diaz Chemical plant in January 2002.

All three parties had signed an agreement which would turn over ownership of the homes from the EPA to the VHDC to be sold. However, the EPA then sent another agreement which included new wording calling for lead abatement in the homes to be completed by a certified lead abatement contractor.

“You don’t expect somebody to sneak something in there,” Village Attorney John Sansone told village trustees on Tuesday.

He said he had reviewed some minor expected changes when, “Something in my head said to read it all.” That is when he discovered the new wording regarding lead abatement. Sansone said he has spoken with an EPA attorney who said the new wording was added because of “safety concerns.”

Sansone said he worries that adding stipulations to the agreement will make it difficult to sell the properties.

VHDC Chairman Dan Schiavone has contacted the EPA with a list of options the village is willing to consider regarding the lead abatement issue, Sansone said.

Holley officials are now awaiting the EPA’s response before moving forward. Neither the Village nor the VHDC has signed the new agreement.

In other business, Village Board members accepted with regrets and best wishes the resignation of William Murphy as Police Chief. Murphy, who is retired from the Greece Police Department, served as police chief in Holley for 7 1/2 years and resigned earlier this month after the Village Board decided not to seek a pay waiver for his retirement.

Thunderstorms today could produce heavy rains

Staff Reports Posted 9 September 2015 at 12:00 am

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Orleans County and western and northern New York for today.

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to break out along and ahead of a cold front as it slowly crosses the region today,” the Weather Service stated. “Some of these thunderstorms may produce very heavy rains along with strong gusty winds.”

Widespread flash flooding isn’t expected due to the recent dry conditions. However, localized flooding may be possible in urban and poorly drained areas.