Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
MURRAY – A Rochester man has been hospitalized following a mishap involving fireworks in the town of Murray, the Sheriff’s Department reported.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on July 4 at a campsite on private property off the 16000 block of Ridge Road.
Brent A. Mead, 19, was holding a mortar in his hands while lighting fireworks. One particular round failed to launch but instead exploded within the mortar. Mead sustained injuries to his hands and chest. He was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Charges against Mead may be forthcoming. The remaining fireworks were confiscated by the Sheriff’s Department.
The incident was investigated by Deputy T.N. Tooley.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2013 at 12:00 am
Submitted photo by Jeff Schuner – This photo shows police officers apprehending Jeremy Rothmund in Holley not long after he allegedly robbed a bank in Albion.
ALBION – An Albion businessman pulled up to the drive-through at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, ready to deposit a check at the Bank of America.
He looked inside the bank window and saw a man wearing sunglasses with a hat on, and an ace bandage wrapped around his chin and neck. The teller indicated to the drive-through customer that the bank was being robbed.
The local merchant then hopped out of his car, leaving it running in the drive-through.
He went towards the front door of the bank and the robber said he had a bomb and thrust a box covered in wires into the merchant’s face, telling him, “I don’t care if we both die and go to Hell.”
The businessman backed off. “I’m not an Arnold Schwarzenegger, and I could tell he was under the influence of something,” said the merchant.
The resident hasn’t been named by police and asked that he stay anonymous.
Although he backed off, the businessman knew the robber was likely fleeing to a getaway car. So the merchant followed the robber behind the bank and along the railroad tracks. He watched the robber tear off his mask and get into a blue Ford Focus.
Submitted photo by Jeff Schuner – Local police descend on the robbery suspects at Woodside Court in Holley on Tuesday.
The merchant then ran back to the bank, where employees were on the phone with the police. The resident told them the getaway car was a blue Ford Focus. Ten minutes later Holley police stopped the car at Woodside Court, an apartment complex off Route 31 on the west side of the village.
Police charged two Rochester residents Jeremy J. Rothmund, 29, and Elyse A. Hoffer, 22, with first-degree robbery, third-degree grand larceny, and first-degree placing a false bomb or hazardous substance. The bomb turned out to be a fake. They’re in Orleans County Jail with each on $250,000 bail.
Rothmund was allegedly involved in two bank robberies in the town of Greece and another robbery in Monroe County in the past three weeks, Albion police said.
Police praised the Albion resident who identified the getaway car.
“I just wanted to help and be a good citizen and a Good Samaritan,” said the resident. “It all happened so fast.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – State Supreme Court Judge Richard Dollinger took off his black robe and donned a Holley football shirt during his commencement address today at Holley. Pictured in back, from left: Superintendent Robert D’Angelo, Board of Education President John Heise and Principal Susan Cory.
Sonia Mendoza accepts her diploma from John Heise, president of the Board of Education.
Caleb Diep and the Holley High School Chorus sing “A Hundred Years.”
HOLLEY – Why is Holley called Holley? State Supreme Court Justice Richard Dollinger asked 1,000 people at Holley Commencement that question this morning.
Someone shouted out that the village was named for a canal commissioner. Correct. Myron Holley was influential in seeing to the completion of the western section of the canal. The Holley community changed its name from Salt Port to Holley in honor of the canal leader.
Dollinger was keynote speaker during Holley’s graduation. The former state senator from Monroe County said Myron Holley left a legacy by committing himself to a cause bigger than himself.
Dollinger spoke about the power of names and titles. Holley seniors are now graduates. In the future they should aspire to be friends, spouses and parents. They may become firefighters, teachers, nurses, farmers and coaches.
“These are names that will define you,” he said.
The Holley grads also share a title: “Americans.” Dollinger sang part of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and he urged the 108 graduates in the Class of 2013 to use that song as a battlecry to step up and serve their community and country as Americans.
Valedictorian Josh Hatfield urges his classmates to “aim high.”
Valedictorian Josh Hatfield also challenged his classmates to “aim high” and not give up. The students owe it to their families, to their teachers and to themselves to work hard and strive for excellence.
Hatfield quoted famous lines from several popular films during his speech. He ended with a quote from Uncle Ben in Spider Man. Ben told his nephew Peter Parker: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Salutatorian Steven Dill said the Holley graduates can take some time for adventure before committing to adulthood.
Steven Dill, the salutatorian, addresses the crowd.
“Don’t stress out because you’re going to college, getting a job or have no plans whatsoever,” Dill said.
The graduates can begin the next phase of their lives knowing Holley will always be home, said Class President Michael Silvis. He said students have been nurtured by a caring community.
Class President Michael Silvis welcomes the crowd of about 1,000 people today at Holley’s soccer field.
The Class of 2013 announced several gifts for the school, including a new bench by the middle-high school and a Holley Hawks flag to fly under the American flag by the school.
Class Vice President Kassandra Sutton also said the class will pay for track flags and fence screens by the new track. She thanked the school and community for supporting extensive renovations to middle-high school. The class gifts are intended “to let everyone know the pride we feel as Holley Hawks,” Sutton said.
The Holley Women’s Quartet sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Sal DeLuca and his son Seth are all smiles on the graduation stage.
Kellie Spychalski hands her son Daniel his diploma.
HOLLEY – For 103 of the 108 Holley graduates in today’s commencement, John Heise handed them their diplomas when they walked across the stage.
Heise is the Board of Education president. He happily stepped aside five times today so other board members could present diplomas to their graduating family members.
Four members of the board handed their diplomas to sons, while Norm Knight presented the high school diploma to his granddaughter.
“It’s a very good perk,” said Sal DeLuca, a BOE member who presented the diploma to his son Seth. Last year DeLuca handed the diploma to his second son Zach. DeLuca’s oldest son Josh graduated before Sal was on the board.
“It’s a great thing,” DeLuca said about the honorary role at graduation.
Anne Winkley surprises her son Nicholas by presenting him with his diploma.
Kellie Spychalski presented her son Daniel with his diploma, while Anne Winkley handed the diploma to her son Nicholas. Robin Silvis presented the diploma to her son Michael, who also is the class president.
Winkley is completing her first year on the board. She said the opportunity to present her son with his diploma was something she relished.
“It was a big surprise to him,” Winkley said.
Norm Knight was summoned to the stage to present the diploma to his granddaughter Starlyt Knight.
Michael Silvis gave his mother a big hug in front of the crowd of about 1,000 people.
“It was really special to have my mom hand me my diploma,” he said.
The BOE did something new in today’s graduation. The board normally sits with the faculty. But this graduation it formed a receiving line and shook the graduates’ hands after they walked off stage.
DeLuca said the BOE is particularly close with this class because several members are parents of graduates.
“We’ve really got to know these kids,” DeLuca said.
Norm Knight gives his granddaughter Starlyt her diploma and a kiss on the cheek.
Robin Silvis and her Michael walk off the stage together during graduation today.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Randy Andrews won the Karen Kane and Karen Cobb wrestling award for demonstrating heart and a “never quit” attitude during the wrestling season.
Brenna DeFelice is recognized for winning a Holley Sports Booster Scholarship.
HOLLEY – They were honored for academic excellence, prowess on sports fields, compassion to others and community service.
Many Holley graduates today received scholarships from the local community, awards ranging from $25 to $500. Altogether, local organizations and benefactors shared $15,000 in scholarships with students.
It was an impressive spectacle, all the awards in memory of friends, family and community leaders.
The list grows each year. One new scholarship for $200 is in memory of Eugene “Butch” Weader. He was a popular local resident and Hulberton’s unofficial mayor. He died June 16. The scholarship is funded by the VFW Eastern Orleans Memorial Post 202 and is given to a graduate entering the armed forces.
During commencement this morning, each scholarship winner was announced and stood before the crowd of about 1,000 people. The long list of scholarships showed the strong support of the local community for the students.
Zach Clark stands and is acknowledged for winning a $50 scholarship in memory of Butch Drennen. The scholarship is funded by Drennen’s family for a graduate going into auto technology.
Deanna Sommerfeldt won a $500 scholarship in memory of Richard Martin for displaying an exceptional work ethic.
Will Barniak won a $200 scholarship in memory of Noel Lutes given by the Lutes family for a soccer player who shows the most heart.
GAINES – An 18-year-old girl from Holley is hospitalized with serious injuries this morning following a one-car crash in the town of Gaines, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department reported.
The incident occurred at about 5 a.m. in the 2300 block of Eagle Harbor-Waterport Road. A 1993 Subaru 4-door sedan, operated by Jillian Marie Troy (sole occupant), was traveling north when the operator apparently lost control of the vehicle. The car travelled across the center line and ran off the west side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a concrete bridge structure that carries the roadway over Otter Creek.
Troy was extricated from the heavily damaged vehicle by Albion and Carlton firefighters. Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance personnel were also at the scene. Troy was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where she remains in guarded condition.
The incident was investigated by Deputy M.C. Mele, Sergeant D.E. Draper Jr., Investigator C.L. Black, and Chief Deputy T. L. Drennan. The investigation is continuing.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2013 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – There is an election today in Holley with four candidates running for two trustee positions on the Village Board.
The trustee terms are for two years. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the village office, 72 Public Square.
The candidates all have experience on the Village Board. One of them, Stanley “Skip” Carpenter, has served as mayor three times and also was a trustee. Carpenter is running under the Independent Party.
Former village trustees Nancy Penna, People’s Party, and William Quaranto, Family Party, also are vying for trustee. Incumbent Brian Sorochty, Taxpayer Party, is seeking a full term. He was appointed to the board in March after Lewis Passarell resigned. Sorochty served on the Planning Board before Mayor John Kenney appointed him to be trustee.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Sorochty
HOLLEY – Village residents gave strong support today to Trustee Brian Sorochty and former Mayor Skip Carpenter. Both were elected to two-year terms on the Village Board.
Sorochty led four candidates with 129 votes, followed by 116 for Carpenter. Former trustees Bill Quaranto, 33 votes, and Nancy Penna, 31, weren’t elected.
Sorochty, 42, was appointed to the Village Board in March by Mayor John Kenney. Sorochty had served eight years on the Planning Board. He also is chairman of the village’s Brownfield Opportunity Area grant project, which is looking for ways to revitalize distressed sites in Holley, including the old high school and the Diaz Chemical property.
Sorochty works as vice president of engineering for DDS Companies. A Holley graduate, he and his wife have two children, ages 7 and 5.
“This community is important to me,” he said. “I see a lot of potential. It’s a great hidden spot.”
Carpenter
He supports the village’s continued push for grant funding. A $250,000 grant awarded in December will help improve several properties in the Public Square. Sorochty would like to see Holley go after a grant through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to add a launch for small boats and kayaks along the canal. The camp sites along the canal park could also be upgraded with grant funds, he said.
“Pursuing grants is one way to make this community more appealing to developers,” Sorochty said.
Carpenter, 65, served three terms as mayor. The retired postmaster from Holley hasn’t been on the board in several years. He said he has more time to devote to the village these days.
“I’m retired,” he said. “I have all kinds of time.”
Ultimately, the village needs to grow its tax base to help keep down the tax rate, Carpenter said. That could accomplished with more projects in the village’s business park, which has the lure of low-cost municipal electric. Carpenter would also like to see houses acquired by the Environmental Protection Agency put back on the market. Right now those eight houses are not on the tax rolls.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2013 at 12:00 am
FANCHER – In August 1949, the Fancher community gathered to dedicate a monument on the triangle along the Route 31 curve.
The memorial honored 10 soldiers from the Fancher community who died in World War II. The monument includes a plaque noting the ultimate sacrifice by John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.
I’ve driven by this monument hundreds of times. I was happy about a decade ago when the four electric clocks were repaired. This evening I stopped to find out the meaning behind the memorial.
It didn’t realize it was dedicated to WWII veterans, or that the small community of Fancher had lost so many in the war.
Click here for a link to an article in The Holley Standard from Aug. 11, 1949, previewing the dedication of the monument.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Chris VanDusen opened Trailside Bicycles on Canal Road in Hulberton on June 3.
HULBERTON – Chris VanDusen has pedaled his bike through Germany, Quebec, France, the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes. They all have great bike trails with interesting towns to explore.
VanDusen thinks the Erie Canal Towpath and the communities along the journey have tremendous potential to draw cyclists. The canal already pulls in many cyclists, but it could attract more touring riders with better promotion, including bike loops of nearby attractions.
VanDusen on June 3 opened Trailside Bicycles at 16271 Canal Rd., a stone’s throw from the Hulberton lift bridge. He has spent two years working on the 4,000-square-foot structure. Many of his friends wondered why he’d pick rural Hulberton for the business.
“People say you’re in the middle of nowhere, but I’m in a strategic spot,” VanDusen said today. “I’m the only cycle shop between Buffalo and Brockport.”
The building was constructed in 1890 as a boarding house for quarry workers. About half of the building has been mostly untouched from those early days. VanDusen wants to clean up the space and turn it into a hostel, preserving the historic integrity of the living quarters.
VanDusen sees cyclists stop and ride by the business every day. Some of them are on long-distance self-guided trips.
VanDusen can repair bikes and sell parts. He has snacks, beverages and ice cream for sale. He wants to expand the business, renting out kayaks, planning bike loops, and leading tours of local sites.
He wants to develop loops for the Kendall barn quilt trail, local cobblestone homes, and Medina sandstone structures, as well as other local historical attractions.
“This county is a diamond in the rough,” VanDusen said. “It has the history and it’s along a fantastic corridor with the Erie Canal.”
His address should be on some of the bike loops because of its history. VanDusen researched the abstract detailing the property’s past. The building was put up in 1890 by the Medina Sandstone Company. The building was originally a boarding house for immigrant Italian quarrymen. That portion of the house is largely unchanged. VanDusen wants to clean it up, preserve its historical character and turn it into a hostel for traveling cyclists.
“We’re going to keep it authentic,” he said.
The Medina Sandstone Company built the site at 16271 Canal Road as housing for the Italian immigrants who worked in local quarries. The small partitioned rooms haven’t changed much since then.
VanDusen has had a love for bikes since he was a kid, learning to repair them when he was 8. He worked at a Brockport bike shop beginning at age 16. He has stayed in the industry since then, leading guided bike tours in foreign countries and in New York.
The cycling business is on an upswing, he said.
“The Baby Boomers are putting away the golf clubs and picking up bike riding,” he said. “They want something that is more active. It’s good for their health.”
The county could better capitalize on the canal with maps, trails and more businesses close by with lodging, cafes, outdoor seating and art, VanDusen said. The travelers want an experience that includes the local flavor.
“The corridor is right here,” he said. “It’s just giving people a reason to stop.”
Trailside Bicycles is open seven days a week. For more information, visit VanDusen’s web site by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2013 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – In the 1950s, Ray Shahin started the first marching band at Holley Central School. In a few short years, he turned the band into one of the best in the state, and a source of community pride that endures today.
I was inside the Murray-Holley Historical Society’s Museum on Friday. Holley celebrated Flag Day with speeches and presentations from the museum, a former train depot. Relics from the band program’s heyday are displayed inside the museum, including a band uniform and the banner noting six state championships.
The marching band even spurred the community to start a municipal band. A drum from that band is displayed on a shelf in the museum.
Holley joined forces with Kendall this year for a school marching band. The group had a good year, and again is a source of community pride.
Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
ALBION – Two rollover crashes on opposite ends of the county kept Orleans County deputies busy Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Department reported.
The first incident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m., in the 3600 block of Horan Rd., in the town of Ridgeway. A 2012 Ford Taurus, operated by Zoltan M. Koleszar, 48, of Medina, was travelling north at a high rate of speed on Horan Road, when the operator lost control of the vehicle.
The car ran across the roadway and off the west side before striking a utility pole and a tree. The car then over-turned several times before coming to rest on its side.
Koleszar, the sole occupant, refused medical treatment at the scene but later complained of back and neck pain during the arrest process and was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital. He faces driving while intoxicated and other traffic charges and will appear in Town of Ridgeway court at a later date.
The incident was investigated by Deputies K.J. Colonna and J.J. Cole. Ridgeway firefighters and the Medina FD ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.
The second incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m., in the 16700 block of Fourth Section Rd. (Route 31A) in the town of Clarendon.
Emily A. Benson, 20, of Medina, was travelling west on 31A in a 2005 Ford Suburban, when she failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle ran off the north side of the roadway, struck a mailbox, and went down an embankment, causing it to overturn several times before coming to rest upside down.
Benson, the sole occupant, was transported by Monroe Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Her injuries were non-life threatening. Benson made an admission to falling asleep at the wheel. There were no other contributing factors in the crash.
The incident was investigated by Deputy T.N. Tooley and Inv. C.L. Black. Clarendon firefighters and ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Community celebrates the occasion – in a big way
Photos by Tom Rivers
About 600 Holley Elementary School students marched down North Main Street, through the Public Square and to the Murray-Holley Historical Society for a program honoring the flag and students with good citizenship.
HOLLEY – They wore big smiles and red-white-and-blue outfits, and they were passionate wavers of Old Glory during a Flag Day celebration in Holley today.
About 600 Holley Elementary School students marched from the school down North Main Street, working their way through the Public Square to the Murray-Holley Historical Society for a Flag Day program.
Holley, for the 56th year, put on a festive, patriotic celebration of Flag Day. The parade route was lined with many parents, grandparents and community members, there to support the students. Bleachers were brought in at the Save-A-Lot parking lot for the crowd to watch students be honored with citizenship awards. The elementary band and chorus also performed patriotic songs, including “Fifty, Nifty United States.”
Local elected officials joined students in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
“It’s amazing how the entire community embraces this event,” said Robert D’Angelo, the district superintendent. “It brings the entire community together unlike any event I’ve seen.”
Local fire departments were part of the parade. Retired Holley teachers also came back for Flag Day, and they were introduced to students and community members. One retired teacher, Virginia Robb, has been to 55 of the 56 Flag Day events.
Students, after marching in a parade, joined in singing, “Fifty, Nifty United States.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Ross Gaylord is pulling back from some village duties
Photo by Tom Rivers – Village Trustee Ross Gaylord attended his final meeting as a village trustee tonight. He was praised by his fellow board members for a half century of service to the community. Trustee David Dill is at right.
HOLLEY – He has been a volunteer in the Holley Fire Department for 52 years. He has served on the Village Planning Board for nine years and logged 13 years on the Village Board.
Ross Gaylord has been a committed community member. Tonight he attended his last meeting as a village trustee. Gaylord isn’t seeking re-election. (Four candidates are running for two positions during the June 18 election.)
“It’s been fun over the years, but it’s time to relax,” Gaylord told his fellow board members just before the meeting was adjourned.
Mayor John Kenney made a point of thanking Gaylord for a long record of community service. The mayor said Gaylord has been a mentor and a resource, with lots of knowledge about the village.
Gaylord would also attend county and state meetings “on his own dime,” to be a more effective trustee, Kenney said.
Gaylord, 76, is a retired printer. The former Holley fire chief said he is most pleased the Village Board was able to convince Jerome Pawlak to open the Save-A-Lot grocery store last year. That filled a void in the community. Jubilee closed in 2006, leaving Holley without a grocery store.
“That was major,” Gaylord said about Save-A-Lot coming to town.
Gaylord said he won’t entirely stay away from the Village Office.
“I’ll probably stop in once in a while,” he told the board.
