Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Firefighters at the Murray Joint Fire District are high on the ladder truck dousing a fire at the grain dryer at Kludt Farms this afternoon 1161 West Kendall Rd.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 5 p.m. Smoke was coming from the grain dryer and there were flames.

Firefighters first tried getting water from a hose on the grain dryer, using a lift from the farm. Then Murray arrived with its ladder truck.

Albion firefighters apply water from another side of the grain dryer.

The farm recently harvested wheat which was wet from the heavy rainfall on Thursday. Kludt was using the grain facility to dry out the wheat.

No one was injured in the fire and it is under investigation, said Sgt. Adam Hazel of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Kludt family members and employees work to get burnt and soggy wheat out of the grain dryer.

Albion firefighters get water on the hot grain dryer. Firefighters responded from Albion, Kendall, Carlton, Murray and Hamlin, as well as the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Andrew Kludt of the Kludt Farms posted this message on the Orleans Hub Facebook page: “Thank you to everyone who came to our aid. And thank you for all the well wishes and offers to help. It’s extremely appreciated. I love our small community and how everyone rallies around you in your time of need. There had to be over 100 firefighters here and everyone played a crucial role. 🙏🏻very grateful everyone is going home safe tonight.”

Provided photo: Orleans Millworks owner Karl Driesel gives Assemblyman Steve Hawley a tour of the business in Kendall.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

KENDALL – Last week, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) visited Orleans Millworks to tour the facilities and meet with owner Karl Driesel.

Orleans Millworks was founded in Kendall in 2016 and has three full-time and three part-time employees. The company uses industry-leading and cutting-edge manufacturing equipment to take on numerous projects throughout the region. These projects include the iconic East Garden Pergola at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, interior moldings at the Orleans County Courthouse and renovations to the Student Union at SUNY Geneseo.

“I was excited to visit Orleans Millworks, an unbelievably successful and innovative business that has done so much to make our community a better place to live,” Hawley said. “The owner, Karl Driesel, is a ‘homegrown boy’ and is a great example of someone who is living out the entrepreneurial spirit and the American dream. I want to congratulate Karl and the entire team at Orleans Millworks for their success and impact on the region.”

Orleans Millworks’ warehouse has stocked over 120,000 feet of lumber and has supplied over 2.5 million feet of trim since 2019. The company has experienced excellent growth over the last few years and has expanded its operations, including a new warehouse expansion in 2020.

Driesel is a 2005 graduate of Kendall High School and a 2009 graduate of Morrisville State College. He lives in Kent with his wife, Rachel, and sons, Joseph and Luke.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Grinch waves to people along the parade route Friday evening in Kendall for the Kendall Fire Department’s annual carnival. The Grinch was part of a float created by local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.

The annual carnival welcomed big crowds on Thursday and Friday. The event culminates today.

The schedule today includes:

• Corn Hole Tournament at noon
• Lawn Mower Tractor Pull at noon
• Ride Special from 1 to 5 p.m.
• Cruise-in at 4 p.m.
• Ride Special from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Band: Shotgun Pauly
• Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Clifford “C.J.” Provost, a Kendall native who now lives in Brockport, takes pictures of the parade on Friday. Provost said he doesn’t miss the carnival. He looks forward to seeing old friends and seeing the community come together.

“Every year I got to come back,” he said. “It’s a small town. I just love it.”

Nora Rasmusson, 4, of Kendall has fun on the Sky Fighter ride in the midway.

Max Martin, 5, and his sister Alice, 8, of Kendall zoom on the swing ride.

Jeff Partyka holds his granddaughter McKenna, 15 months old, on the merry-go-round.

The Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums performed in the parade. The band formed in 1998 to honor public safety and military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Dave Smith, assistant chief of the Murray Joint Fire District, marches with other firefighters in the parade. There was a big turnout from departments in Orleans and western Monroe counties.

A lineup of fire trucks joined the procession down Kendall’s main road from the elementary school to past the town hall and fire hall.

Horses and riders from Lone Oak Stables in Kendall remain a big part of the parade. This year the group welcome Before the Last Call, an equine therapy program for first responders and veterans. That program tries to help people with post traumatic stress disorder.

The crowd salutes and gives a standing ovation to the Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 20 out of Rochester. These veterans led the parade down Kendall Road.

Sparky the Firedog from Holley waves to the crowd.

State Sen. Rob Ortt greets a person along the parade route. Several local and state officials and candidates were in the parade.

Margaret Buell rides in the parade and is celebrated as Kendall’s oldest resident who was born in the town and continued to live in Kendall. Buell is 91.

“It’s a great town,” she said before the parade. “I have lived here all of my life.”

Betty Wilson rides in the parade with her great-grandchildren, Carson and Finn Carbonel in back. Wilson is Kendall’s oldest resident at age 103. Many on the parade route gave her an enthusiastic greeting.

These kids in the Kendall Rec program ride on a trailer pulled by Partyka Farms. Partyka has been pulling the trailer for more than 30 years in the parade.

Photos courtesy of Beth Nash/Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

KENDALL – Kendall’s Class of 2023 celebrated commencement in the junior-senior high school auditorium on Friday.

The top photos show Principal Carol D’Agostino congratulating Riley Robinson on his graduation. He is one of 48 graduates in the class. D’Agostino is retiring June 30 after 18 years of leading the school as principal.

The class gathers on the stage for commencement on Friday evening.

Taigan Guerrero stands to be recognized as one of the graduates. Highlights from her time at Kendall were shared.

These grads include El Chaw, left, and Liza Martinez Tinoco.

Danon O’Brien and Bruce Rasmusson are happy for the next stage of their lives after graduating from Kendall.

These Kendall friends include, from left: Gabriel Loran, Owen Hirschman and Ronald Kuhn.

These members of the Class of 2023 include Arianna Lissow, Aubreye Haskins and Tyana Burroughs.

Speakers at the graduation included, from left: salutatorian Tori Conner, valedictorian Mary Jones and keynote speaker Jim Oschmann, a 1977 Kendall graduate.

Oschmann is the co-founder and advisor of Photonect Interconnect Solutions Inc. and a retired executive from Ball Aerospace.

Provided photo

KENDALL – Firefighters kept a shed fire with huge flames and dark smoke from destroing a residence about 10 feet from the fire on Monday afternoon.

The Kendall Fire Department was dispatched to 16653 Roosevelt Highway at 1:09 p.m. on Monday for a shed fire.

Kendall, Hamlin-Morton-Walker Fire District, the Murray Joint Fire District and Hamlin Fire Department all responded to a fully involved shed fire, that was beginning to burn a tree to the west and the Tyvek wrap on the rear of the house. The fire was under control at 1:28 p.m.

“Due to the quick response the fire was contained mainly to the shed with no damage to the inside of the house and minimal damage to the exterior of the residence,” Kendall Fire Department officials posted on the department’s Facebook page. “The shed, which contained a motorcycle, miscellaneous tools and building materials, was a total loss.”

Orleans County fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

Besides the four fire departments, Orleans County Emergency Management, Monroe Ambulance and New York State Police responded to the scene.

“Kendall command would like to thank all responders for their quick response which allowed for a quick fire attack, preventing any damage to the residence itself,” Kendall fire officials said.

Provided photos: Lions Club member Helen Unterborn, left, and Kendall Lions Club President Eric Maxon, right, present Zina Cappotelli with the 2023 Lion of the Year Award.

Press Release, Kendall Lions Club

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club held its annual Officer Installation and Awards Dinner on Thursday.

At the meeting Lion Randy Unterborn installed our incoming officers for the 2023-2024 year. The following will lead the club: Eric Maxon, president; Zina Cappotelli, vice president; Steve Giverson, secretary; Julie Bunn, treasurer; Tom Minigiello, Mindy Zyra, Kurt Charland & Bill Ingham, board of directors.

In addition, several members were recognized for their service and leadership in the community and our Lions Club. Zina Cappotelli was awarded the Lion of the Year. Cappotelli has been a member of our club for four years and has actively served our club in many of our service projects and in her role as vice president. She has assumed the role of scheduler for tent rentals, our biggest fundraiser.

Lions Club member Ken DeRoller, left, and President Eric Maxon, right, present Frank Panczyszyn with a Robert J. Uplinger Award for service to the community.

The Robert J. Uplinger Award was presented to Frank Panczyszyn, who has been an active and enthusiastic member for 18 years. He organizes our twice-yearly visit to the Batavia VA hospital where we provide a bingo night for the residents and actively participates in our service, fundraising and social activities.

He is active not only in our club activities but in the community as well, even while wintering in the south. Panczyszyn is active with the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, emceeing their summer concert series and many activities supporting veterans.

Kendall Lions Club member Gary Crawford, left, and President Eric Maxon, right, present Bill Ingham with a Career Lion Award recognizing his active membership and long-term service to the club.

A Career Lion was presented to William Ingham, who has been an active member of the club for 42 years and has served in many leadership roles. He takes an active role in service projects whether it be driving tractor for the annual hayride or cooking at the BBQ, steak roast, spaghetti dinner or highway cleanup. For many years, Ingham organized and hosted the hospitality room at the State Conventions and is always present at our meetings, offering the board of directors his expertise from many years of service.

Kendall Lions Club President Eric Maxon presents June Knapp with a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award a Lion can receive. Looking on is her husband, Clarendon Lions Club member Don Knapp.

A Melvin Jones Fellowship was awarded to long time member June Knapp. When she transferred to our club, she became the first female member of the Kendall Lions Club opening the door and setting the example for many more who follow in her footsteps.

Knapp and her husband, Clarendon Lions Club member Don Knapp, have been representing the Kendall Lions at both District and State Conventions for many years and are the first to sign up to help at our activities and meetings. When they wintered in Florida, they also provided service through their participation with the Bradenton Lions Club.

Mark Driesel

KENDALL – The Board of Education has approved Mark Driesel as the next Junior/Senior High School assistant principal and athletic director. He will begin his new position on July 1.

Driesel returns to Kendall school district after serving as an assistant principal at Hilton High School this past school year. Prior to that, he served as a special education teacher and coach at Kendall for nine years.

“I am excited to be rejoining the Kendall family as the assistant principal and athletic director,” said Driesel, a Kendall graduate. “I know the students and staff we have here in Kendall are top tier, and the coming year will bring lots of great things for all. I’m looking forward to the 2023-24 school year!”

Cara Montrois

The Board of Education also approved Cara Montrois as the director of technology. She will begin her new position with the district on July 1.

Montrois comes to Kendall with 22 years of teaching experience and eight years as a Teacher on Special Assignment as the Teacher Center Director at Wheatland-Chili Central School District.

“I am thrilled to begin my journey with the Kendall Central School District,” said Montrois. “I look forward to working with the teachers and administrative team within my position as Director of Technology. There is already a dynamic team in place, and I am eager to join their efforts in supporting all students in achieving at high levels.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The driver of a delivery vehicle was taken by Monroe Ambulance this afternoon after her vehicle was knocked on its side in a collision at the intersection of routes 237 and 18.

The delivery van was headed north and failed to yield at stop sign and flashing red light at the intersection, an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy said at the scene.

The delivery van then struck a small bus that was carrying 10 workers. They are installing a new solar project on West Kendall Road. They work for LBFNY Solar which is based in Cato in central New York. None of those workers were injured, the Sheriff’s deputy said.

The accident at 12:20 p.m. kept the intersection closed to traffic for about an hour.

Kendall and Murray firefighters assisted at the scene. Two Sheriff’s deputies, a state trooper and Orleans County Emergency Management Office also responded to the call.

Press Release, Kendall Lions Club

Provided photo: Kendall Lions President Eric Maxon presents Julie Kludt with our annual “Citizen of the Year Award.”

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club honored Julie Kludt as the 2023 Citizen of the Year. The cub gives the annual award to an individual whose volunteerism and dedication have made a significant contribution to the community.

Kludt, through many years of service to both the causes and citizens of Kendall, has never sought recognition. She serves, supports and shows up. She has volunteered for a variety of community organizations over the years.

She has supported the Kendall Fire Auxiliary and Fire Department as she runs the waffle booth at the Kendall Fireman’s Carnival and volunteers at the annual Easter Egg Hunt, coloring eggs and bringing the Easter Bunny to life.

Kludt also volunteers to help our youth with the Recreation Department and Kendall Central School.

“My heart always smiles the biggest when I am with kids,” she said.

Kludt is also active in her church and helps many others through her many acts of kindness throughout the community. The Kendall Lions appreciate the many years of service and congratulate Julie Kludt on her award.

Press Release, Kendall Central School

Melissa Strelick starts July 1 as Kendall Junior/Senior High School principal, following the retirement of Carol D’Agostino.

KENDALL – The Kendall Board of Education has approved Melissa Strelick as the next Junior/Senior High School principal. She will begin her new position on July 1.

“It was apparent throughout the interview process and this past school year that Melissa’s ability to lead instructionally, make connections with staff and students, and her ‘all in’ mentality made her a wonderful fit for the position,” said Superintendent Nick Picardo. “I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

Strelick is currently the assistant principal for Grades 7-12 and athletic director for the district, and she has served in both positions since July 2022. Prior to that, Strelick served as an administrator for three years in the Fort Mill School District and as a secondary science teacher for 16 years in the Webster Central School District.

“I am extremely humbled to be introduced as the new principal of Kendall Junior/Senior High School,” Strelick said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to honor the legacy of the school and contribute to the culture of excellence and care. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to continue our strong tradition of respect, creativity and achievement at Kendall.”

Photo courtesy of Julie Bunn: Kendall Lion Club members Ed Haight, Darla Trimm, Gary Crawford and Mike Cusimano  are pictured with fourth-grade students Kaitlyn Bunn and Addison Schultz, and fourth grade teacher Justin Staebell.

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club presented each fourth-grader at Kendall with a tree on Friday. The club has been doing this for more than 10 years in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day.

Kendall Lions talk to students about community service and the importance of Earth Day. The trees are donated by Flower City Tree, which gives back to the community by purchasing from the  Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Lions Club said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nick Picardo, Kendall Central School superintendent, holds a new name plate for Board of Education member Rachel Fisken. Picardo presented new name plates for board members that were made by students using a laser engraver. Audra Keirn, the district clerk, is in back.

KENDALL – The Kendall Board of Education has adopted a $20,413,805 school budget for 2023-24 that doesn’t raise the tax levy. The budget goes before voters on May 16 with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kendall Town Hall.

Overall spending is up 2.9 percent in the budget compared to the $19,822,921 in 2022-23. The district is able to hold off on a tax increase mainly due to a big increase in Foundation Aid from the state.

The state budget is yet to be finalized, but Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a 12.95 percent in Foundation Aid or by $1,086,108 – from $8,382,316 to $9,468,424. Nick Picardo, the district superintendent, said that increase helps make the district whole on lagging Foundation Aid in previous years.

He noted during Wednesday’s BOE meeting that state aid covers 74 percent of the district overall budget. The total state aid for Kendall is proposed to increase by $1,774,288 or 12.64 percent to $15,806,286, which would be 77.4 percent of the proposed budget.

Property taxes through the tax levy would stay at $4,964,656.

Kendall voters also will be asked to approve up to $350,000 from a Transportation Bus Reserve Fund to replace two full-size buses. Those buses are currently on the market for $165,000 to $170,000 each. The $350,000 cap gives the district some wiggle room if the price is higher than expected, Picardo said.

There is one candidate on the ballot for a five-year term on the Board of Election. Rachel Fisken, the current vice president, is unopposed for re-election.

Code of Conduct Committee also recommends against hoodies covering head

KENDALL – The school district, in an annual review of its code of conduct polices, is being asked to not allow cell phones for students in grades prekindergarten to 8.

The phones would have to stay in lockers or in caddies that hold the phones for a classroom. In the high school, grades 9 to 12, cell phones in the classroom would remain at teacher discretion.

“The big discussion is about cell phones in the school and accessibility,” High School Principal Carol D’Agostino said during a public hearing on Wednesday evening about the code of conduct. “It is very distracting.”

Students are often inundated with dinging or vibrations from texts and other messages through their phones, she said.

The Code of Conduct Committee, which surveyed teachers for their input, also is urging the district to not allow hoodies to be worn in school in a way that covers a head. Those sweatshirts can be worn as long as the hood is down, according to the committee’s recommendation.

The code of conduct was revised for this school year to allow hats and hoodies to be worn, but teachers, in a survey and in staff meetings, have urged the district to not allow the hoodies, D’Agostino said.

Some students pull the hoodies over their heads and wear ear pods, listening to music during class. Or some just put on the hoodie and disengage with the class, D’Agostino said.

When students wear hats, their ears aren’t covered and students aren’t shutting themselves off from interacting with others, she said.

The committee also put in language about “sexting” including where students can not send sexually explicit messages, including where the face of a person is not included but a naked image or sexual act is shown. D’Agostino said some students send messages without an identifiable face in an image and will falsely claim it is a student, often leading to humiliation.

The district’s Code of Conduct Committee does an annual review of policies and makes recommendations of changes to the Board of Education. The board typically has the hearing in April and will vote on the changes in June.

Kevin Watson, the elementary school principal, said he expects the district will need a policy in the near future for artificial intelligence chatbots that can write essays and answer math problems. He can foresee AI being used to complete homework. The district, perhaps as soon as next year, could consider a policy stating students need to do their own work without utilizing AI for assignments.