By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Brad Fisher drives ‘Back N Black’ in the Heavy Super Stock class, juiced-up tractors with multiple engines. About 50 competitors vied in today’s Murray Tractor Pull on Groth Road, pulling a 40,000-pound sled along a dirt track. About 1,000 people attended the event, which is sanctioned by Empire State Pullers.
One of the spectators plugs his ears during the modified class, which had very loud tractors.
Lloyd Christ drives his Heavy Super Stock tractor, ‘It’s Only Money,’ into a trailer after competing today. Christ built the course for the tractor pulling event on Groth Road about 15 years ago.
His son Scott and grandson Travis both compete in tractor pulling.
Roy Metz and ‘Mid-Life Crisis’ roar down the track in Murray. This picture was taken through the window in the announcer’s stand.
John Duggan competes with ‘Road Runner’ in the modified class. He won the class on Sunday.
A spectator gets close to action to get a picture of the modified tractor.
Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company members Terry Miller, left, and Fire Chief Joe Morlino work in the concessions stand. Proceeds from the event are shared with FHM, the Holley Ambulance Squad and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holley.
Henry Everman of Avon helps his wife Sharon line up a modified tractor in today’s competition. Mrs. Everman finished second in the class. Her husband won the Heavy Super Stock class.
Dave Witkowski and ‘Smokin’ Joe’ get ready to race down the track, while leaving a trail of dark smoke.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Albion Rotary Club held its annual golf tournament at Hickory Ridge in Holley today. The event is expected to raise about $4,000 with the money to be given to Orleans County Joint Veterans Council. The organization will use it to help pay for a van to transport veterans to medical appointments.
Teams played in a best-ball format. The winning men’s team (pictured above) shot a 60 for 18 holes. That group includes, from left: Dan Krisher, Gary Hill, Wayne Barry Jr. and Paul Burgess.
The winning women’s team shot a 70 and includes, from left: Barb Budde, Sherry Palmeri, Kelly Froman and Mary Guzik.
The winning mixed team hit a 62 and includes, from left: Richard Schechter, Cindy Perry, Bill Gajewski and Marc Shurtz (not pictured).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – A man who was on the loose for nearly six hours was finally arrested after he was discovered hiding in a hollowed out couch in an abandoned house this evening.
David Diaz, 31, of 25 Mechanic St. was the subject of a manhunt from about 12:30 p.m. until he was located at 6:30 p.m. at a house next door at 27 Mechanic St.
Diaz was charged with resisting arrest and escape in the third degree, Holley police officer David Nenni said.
Diaz will be turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. He is wanted on a probation violation and could face additional charges.
Holley police knocked on Diaz’s door at 10 a.m. when police were investigating a fraud case through the Department of Social Services, Nenni said. Diaz took off through the back door and was caught after a foot chase, Nenni said.
Diaz was taken to the Holley police station but was released. However, the Monroe County Probation Department then called to say Diaz was wanted on the Probation violation.
He was brought back to the station and told Holley police officers he had to go to the bathroom, Nenni said. Diaz claimed the water wasn’t working in the bathroom. While a Holley police officer checked, Diaz then fled the police station at about 12:30 p.m.
Holley police officers, the State Police, Albion Police, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Niagara County K-9 were all in the village, trying to locate Diaz. A police helicopter also were brought in, Nenni said.
At about 6:30 p.m. Diaz was located by three Holley police officers – Nenni, Robert Barton and Skip Christ. Diaz was hiding inside a couch.
Photos by Sue Cook – Kay and “Wild” Bill McDonald sing together while “Mild” Bill Pitcher plays guitar in the background during “Sweet Caroline.”
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
HOLLEY – The Holley Canal Park concert series kicked off last night to the country music of The Ghost Riders. They played hit numbers such as “Goodnight, Irene” and “Folsome Prison Blues.”
The band played near the water’s edge along the Erie Canal near the lift bridge. The audience of almost 100 stretched back along the canal bank.
The free concerts will take place every Friday night at 7 p.m. at the park gazebo on East Avenue until Aug. 15. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Fireman’s Field on North Main Street.
A few people got up to dance during some numbers. The event is hosted by the Village of Holley. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Concessions will be sold during the event.
The full moon rose in the sky over the concert.
The upcoming schedule includes:
July 18: Don Newcomb Band (classic rock)
July 25: The Who Dats (classic rock)
Aug. 1: Justin Crossett Band (blues)
Aug. 8: Triple Play (various)
Aug. 15: Wayward Wynd (country)
For more information, contact the Village of Holley office at 585-638-6367.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – The seven-member Board of Education in Holley re-elected Brenda Swanger as its president. She first took the reins as president a year ago, the first change in the board’s leadership in a decade after John Heise served as president.
Heise took a year break from the board and was elected to a new term in May. He took office last week, replacing Norm Knight, who didn’t seek re-election.
Swanger has served 10 years on the board. She works as a real estate agent and for the town of Clarendon in accounts payable, water billing and with the budget.
The board also re-elected Kellie Spychalski as vice president.
The board in recent years has been busy working on a $27 million capitol project that revamped the junior-senior high school, athletic fields, the bus garage and made other improvements. The project is now complete.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo/13 WHAM – Carmelo Rivera
BROCKPORT – About 500 people attended calling hours and a funeral service for Carmela Rivera on Wednesday, with many people driving out of state to express their sympathy to Rivera’s family.
That support, including a Sunday night vigil on the football field, has comforted the family while they grieve the loss of a beloved son, brother and uncle, said Carmelo’s mother Rosa Rivera.
“I have no words to express our gratitude for the love everyone has showed to his family and friends,” she said this afternoon.
Carmelo, 22, was a team captain and all-star on the Holley football team when he played varsity about five years ago. He was working three jobs to help pay for his college education. He was an exercise science major at Brockport State College.
He was on his way home to Holley after working a late shift at a restaurant in Le Roy when he struck a pea harvester on Route 19 in Bergen. He was killed on Sunday morning at about 2:30 a.m.
“He was very loving and very charismatic,” his mother said. “He had a lot of laughter in him.”
Carmelo’s service was held at the Fowler Funeral Home in Brockport. He is survived by his mother and father Carmelo (Veronica Rangel) Rivera, and seven siblings: Isrrael Obregon, Ivane Obregon, Maria Rivera, Leonardo Rivera, Cassandra Rivera, Cuauhtemoc Paz and Xochitl Paz.
Carmelo always worked hard in the classroom, at work and in athletics, his mother said.
“He was always humble and noble,” she said. “He knew he would have to work extra hard to accomplish his goals. We’re very proud of him and honored he was our son.”
Carmelo was a highly respected member of the Holley football teams that turned around winless seasons and won 8 games, turning into a Genesee Region powerhouse.
He played linebacker and offensive line for the Holley Hawks. After he graduated from Holley, he returned to volunteer as a coach for Holley’s youth football teams.
“We lost the type of young man we need in today’s society,” said Rivera’s coach Chad DeRock. “He was selfless and charismatic. He was a very good player who paved his way with hard work and sweat.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2014 at 12:00 am
22-year-old was killed Sunday in accident with pea combine
Photo/13 WHAM – Carmelo Rivera
HOLLEY – The 22-year-old Holley man who died Sunday after an accident with a pea combine in Bergen was a highly respected member of the Holley football program, a former all star who volunteered as a coach for Holley’s youth football teams.
Carmelo Rivera’s loss is hitting hard for many of his classmates and community members. They gathered on the Holley football field for a vigil on Sunday night, with teammates driving from New York City and Pennsylvania and across New York to share their grief.
“We lost the type of young man we need in today’s society,” said Rivera’s coach Chad DeRock. “He was selfless and charismatic.”
Rivera was a captain on Holley football teams that advanced into the playoffs, teams that turned 0-8 seasons into 8-win powerhouses. Rivera played on the offensive line and was a linebacker.
He worked hard in the weight room, lead the linemen in drills and won the respect of his teammates and opponents, DeRock said. Rivera was named a Genesee Region All Star.
“He was a very good player who paved his way with hard work and sweat,” DeRock said.
“Carmelo was the type of kid where you have more than his athletic ability. He was a kid of character. He was a man of virtue.” – Chad DeRock, football coach
Rivera was studying exercise science at Brockport State College. He juggled three jobs to help pay for college. He still found time to come back as a volunteer coach in the youth football program.
“I’ve always preached to the kids to come back and give back,” said John Grillo, who leads Holley’s wrestling program and pushed for the district to add football.
Not many recent graduates take up that charge and return to the sidelines, helping a new generation of players. But Rivera would help the varsity and youth football teams.
“He had the respect of the players because of his determination and his motivation to excel as a player,” Grillo said. “He had a hard work ethic and a motivation for self improvement.”
DeRock is now a coach and teacher at Letchworth. He was teaching global studies at Holley when he mentioned to Rivera he should give football a shot. Rivera was a sophomore then and had limited experience with the game.
He hit the weight room, studied football and connected with his teammates. He emerged as one of the best players on a team that was one of the best in the Genesee Region.
“Carmelo was the type of kid where you have more than his athletic ability,” DeRock said. “He was a kid of character. He was a man of virtue.”
Brockport State College issued a statement about the “great sadness” in the college community over Rivera’s death.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carmelo’s family and friends,” according to the statement. “Our counselors are available at the Hazen Hall Counseling Center (395-2207) for those who would like to talk to someone during this difficult time.”
Provided photos – Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard volunteer to organize the costumes and props for Holley’s theater program.
Press release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Each month, the Holley Board of Education honors people who have donated their time and abilities to benefit Holley schools. At last month’s Board of Education meeting, the board honored three people with Soaring to New Heights Awards.
The first award was presented to Holley residents Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard for the time they spent organizing the high school’s theater props and costumes. Thanks to their efforts, theater resources are now arranged, stored and ready for use next year.
The second Soaring to New Heights Award was presented to high school sophomore Cameron Benage for the work he provides to the district in running the lights and sound system in the Middle School/High School auditorium. Cameron provides this service as a volunteer and he offers his time and skill for events that take place during the day and at night.
Cameron Benage was recognized for his efforts running the lights and sound system at the Holley Middle/High School.
HOLLEY – Four members of the Holley Class of 2014 were each awarded $500 scholarships by the Holley Rotary Club. The scholarship winners attended Monday’s Rotary Club meeting to meet the Rotarians.
Pictured in the photo, from left, include: Claudia Passarell, Jeff Martin (Rotary Club’s President Elect), Nicole Blackburn, Teresa Nicoletti, John Pedley (Club President) and Nicole Mauro.
Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith
KENDALL – A Holley teen-ager is hospitalized in satisfactory condition after crashing her car this morning in the Town of Kendall.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. in the 1000 block of Monroe-Orleans County Line Rd., just north of Kenmore Rd.
Lauren A. Hennekey, 18, was traveling north when she lost control of the 1997 Honda sedan she was operating. The vehicle crossed the center line and ran off the west side of the roadway at which point it struck a ditch and became airborne.
Upon re-impacting the ground, the vehicle overturned several times, ejecting Hennekey, who was the sole occupant. The car came to rest on its roof.
Hennekey was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Hamlin Ambulance Corps. Kendall Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance personnel assisted at the scene as well as Morton firefighters. A Monroe County Sheriff’s K-9 team also assisted Orleans deputies in checking the area for any other potential victims.
The incident was investigated by Deputy J.J. Cole, assisted by Deputy M.C. Mele. While that investigation is continuing, it does appear that excessive speed was a contributing factor. Charge(s) against Hennekey are pending her recovery.
Photos by Sue Cook – Zackery Alan Kates throws his arms up as teacher Michael Crissman announces him across the stage.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
HOLLEY – This morning 81 Holley graduates walked the stage in the Woodlands Soccer Field behind the high school. It was the school’s 65th annual commencement.
The graduates have already completed 500 college credit hours and earned $17,000 in local and community scholarships. They are eligible for up to $380,000 in specific college scholarships.
Of the 81 grads, 47 will be going on to higher education. Nine will be entering the military. Seventeen will be going into the workforce. One foreign exchange student will be returning to Thailand and seven graduates remain undecided about their future.
Monica Rose Merlau shakes hands with members of the Board of Education. Savanna Marie Merriam stands on stage getting her diploma from Brenda Swanger, President of the Board of Education, Principal Susan Cory and Superintendent Robert D’Angelo. Toni Meyers waits to be called on stage.
Corey Patrick Winter sings the beginning of “No Day But Today” from the musical “Rent” to lead the Holley High School Women’s Choir into the song.
Salutatorian Daniel Flanagan recommended the current class of juniors cherish the memories they will be creating at Holley in the next year.
“What will really be remembered are the memories that you make and the people that you bond with,” Flanagan said. “Those are the moments that a person lives for in high school and we’ll tell our kids about later down the road. Be proud to say you graduated a Holley Hawk.”
Shelby Lynn Kunker delivers her valedictory address to her classmates.
Shelby Kunker, the valedictorian, said, “Your choices and how you act are going to make a difference throughout the rest of your time on this planet. Whether your decisions are good, or not so good, they matter. Make the most of your life. Through our actions, we impact many untold people. Never think you aren’t significant.”
John Heise spends a few moments delivering pieces of wisdom he has learned throughout his life. Heise is a former Holley principal and president of the Board of Education.
Retired Holley Administrator John Heise offered advice through his address to the graduates.
“No matter what your path, you have an opportunity to reinvent yourself,” Heise said. “Keep what is good, get rid of what is not, and move forward. There will always be new skills to learn. Listen to others. Choose your friends wisely. Anything you achieve will come from hard work.”
Heise also said to recognize the importance of family and community. He explained that he moved to Holley from Rochester because it was a great thing to know your neighbors and have people around you who will support you.
Paul Michael Pfeiffer pumps his fist in the air as he hops onto the stage to receive his diploma.
Lauren Ann Hennekey stands as she is recognized for a scholarship for her vocational excellence through BOCES for cosmetology.
Lauren Ann Hennekey needs to earn 200 more instructional hours to gain her cosmetology license.
Hennekey explained her plans after graduation. “I’m going to the Empire School of Beauty in Greece, I’ve always been interested in hair and makeup. I will miss everyone. I’ll especially miss Penny Cole, my cheerleading coach. I will definitely miss all my friends.”
Hennekey’s mother, Mary Beth, added, “I’m very excited. She’ll do wonderful things no matter what.”
As is tradition during their outdoor commencement, the graduates gather in the corner of the soccer field and throw their caps in the air surrounded by family and friends.
CLARENDON – William O. Kuyal, 54, was arrested Wednesday for driving while intoxicated, failure to yield and failure to stop at a stop sign after a car accident on Route 237 and Powerline Road. Additional charges are pending.
Kuyal, with passenger Dudley C. Kuyal, was westbound on Powerline Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Route 237 in the Town of Clarendon. A vehicle driven by Julie M. Smith, with passenger Sofia M. Smith, was northbound on Route 237 when it was struck by Kuyal.
Julie M. Smith suffered a broken left wrist and Sofia M. Smith suffered a possible broken left ankle. Both were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Dudley C. Kuyal suffered multiple fractures and extensive injuries to his abdomen and is currently in guarded condition at Strong.
William O. Kuyal, who refused to submit to a chemical test, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and treated for broken ribs.
The Orleans County District Attorney’s office requested a court order chemical test (blood drawn) that was granted by the Clarendon Town Court. Kuyal is scheduled to appear in court on July 14.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – Village residents voted Tuesday to keep John Kenney as mayor. Kenney topped challenger, former mayor and current trustee Skip Carpenter, in the village election with 174 votes to Carpenter’s 142.
Kenney gets another two-year term, but two incumbent trustees, David Dill and Donald Penna, weren’t re-elected.
Former village clerk Connie Nenni led all five candidates with 165 votes. She was elected along with Kevin Lynch, 126 votes. Penna received 101 votes, followed by Shawn O’Mara with 95, and Dill with 90.
Tuesday’s election was not disrupted by the power outage, Village Clerk Jane Murray said.
“The village does not use electronic voting machines,” she said. “Even with the loss of power last evening at 8:15 p.m., we were still able to light the office with kerosene lanterns and emergency backup generated lighting. Voting continued without a hiccup.”
The results were tabulated by 10:30 p.m. and announced to the crowd standing outside the Village Office.
“The polls never closed last evening due to the weather and the doors remained open throughout the storm,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – Village residents will elect a mayor and two trustees to the Village Board today. The election is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Office, 72 Public Square.
Skip Carpenter, a former Holley mayor and current village trustee, is challenging John Kenney, the incumbent, for a two-year term as mayor. Carpenter is running under the Independent Party and Kenney is on the ballot under the Family Party.
There are also five candidates seeking two trustee positions. The incumbents – David Dill under Citizens Party and Don Penna under Justice Party – face challengers Connie Nenni (Peoples Party), Kevin Lynch (Happy Party) and Shawn O’Mara (Taxpayer Party).
HOLLEY – Students filled tins with whipped cream and paid $1 for the chance to throw the pies at teachers this afternoon.
Fifteen teachers administrators agreed to be targets in the pie-throwing contest that raised for Camp Good Days and Special Times. The Camp’s Branchport location on Keuka Lake was damaged by heavy flooding and costly repairs threatened to delay its season opening.
Holley 8th graders organized the pie-throwing as part of the school’s annual, end-of-the-year Academic Field Day celebration. Here they line up and get ready to throw the pies.
