MEDINA – Three incumbents for the Village Board will run without opposition on the March 18 ballot.

Current Mayor Andrew Meier and trustees Patricia Crowley and David Barhite are running under the independent Village Party. The terms are for two years.

Meier works as an attorney and entrepreneur in Medina. He has been leading the push to explore dissolution of the village. Meier expects a dissolution would save village taxpayers significant money. A committee is working with a consultant to determine the savings and how to best fold current village services into the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby, or in other special taxing districts.

Barhite is retired from a career with the Orleans County Department of Social Services. Crowley works as a program coordinator for the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse in Orleans County.

Village Clerk Debbie Padoleski said other residents picked up petitions to run for the Village Board, but none returned them by the Feb. 11 deadline.

The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on March 18 with voting at the senior center, 615 West Ave.

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess

MEDINA – A one-vehicle rollover crash Thursday afternoon has resulted in the arrest of a Medina man.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m., in the 3100 block of North Gravel Road (State Route 63). Aaron L. Kepner, 25, was operating a 2006 Chevrolet sedan travelling south when he lost control of the vehicle.

The car ran off the west side of the roadway and overturned. Kepner was not injured and refused medical attention at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Kepner is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with blood alcohol content at .08 percent or more, speed not reasonable or prudent, and unsafe lane change.  He is scheduled to appear in Town of Ridgeway Court on March 10.

The incident was investigated by Deputy K.J. Colonna, assisted by Investigator D.E. Foeller Jr. and Sergeant G.T. Gunkler.

Provided photo – Local law enforcement seized cash, drugs and a semi-automatic rifle after a drug bust in Medina on Wednesday.

MEDINA – Three Medina residents face numerous charges following a year-long investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine and marijuana in the villages of Medina and Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

Local law enforcement agencies arrested three people from Medina and seized more than 3 ounces of cocaine, 2 pounds of marijuana, a quantity of heroin, ecstasy pills, a variety of prescription narcotic pills, a variety of “bath salts,” a designer drug, more than $3,000 in cash, a semi-automatic rifle, scales, packaging and other drug paraphernalia.

Police searched the “Biz Nest” at 525 Main St. in Medina and seized more than 1,000 pirated DVD movies that were being sold from the store as well as numerous items of counterfeit clothing and merchandise, the Task Force reported.

The following were arrested:

Brenton Poole

Erika Poole

Norman Bloom

Brenton O. Poole, 28, of 746 Church St., Medina, who was charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and one count of criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree.

Erika H. Poole, 34, of 746 Church St., who was charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and one count of criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree.

Both Brenton and Erika Poole were arraigned in Town of Albion Court by Town Justice Gary Moore. They were jailed on $75,000 cash bail or bond. They are to appear in Shelby Town Court at 3 p.m. on Feb. 19.

Norman M. Bloom Jr., 26  of 704 Church St. who was charged with one count of reckless endangerment in the second degree, one count of obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, and one count of resisting arrest.

Bloom was arraigned in Albion by Town Justice Gary Moore. Bloom was committed to the county jail on $5,000 cash bail. Bloom is currently on parole with the state Department of Corrections and is being held on a parole detainer as well.

The Task Force worked with the Medina Police Department, Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to execute search warrants in Medina at 746 Church St., 751 Church St., 525 Main St., and also on a vehicle on West Avenue in the village of Albion.

This investigation is still ongoing and further charges and arrests are pending, the Task Force reported.

MEDINA – Orchard Manor employees, who voted to join the CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) union last September, have seen several positive developments in recent weeks.

First, the local office of the National Labor Relations Board dismissed all objections to the election filed by management at the nursing home. Management had alleged an array of improper activities, which the Board determined to be unfounded.

Second, the local office of the NLRB rejected additional claims by management that CSEA and workers supporting the union had committed unfair labor practices. As a delaying tactic, Orchard Manor management has appealed both decisions.

The NLRB did, however, issue official complaints against Orchard Manor management for illegally harassing, terminating and suspending union supporters during the campaign. CSEA had filed charges with the Labor Board alleging gross violations of worker rights by Orchard Manor management. The NLRB issued formal complaints after investigating the charges and finding management misconduct.

Now, in the latest development, management at the nursing home has decided to pay thousands in back pay to workers illegally terminated or suspended during the union organizing campaign.

Workers reacted with optimism and a commitment to move forward and try to improve conditions.

“We started our union to have a voice on the job and to be partners in improving care for the residents,” said Pam Frasier, CNA.“Despite management’s decision to spend valuable resources to fight our union we have won every time.It is time for management to come to the table rather than waste more resources on intimidation and litigation.”

“Management could have avoided this expensive settlement by simply following the law and respecting our rights,” said Gloria Graham, CNA.

CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi commented, “I congratulate the workers at Orchard Manor for sticking together, holding management accountable, and proving their case. Clearly, Orchard Manor management knew they were going to lose the trial. Now, we urge them to join these fine employees in forming a partnership to improve care by recognizing the union and bargaining a fair contract.”

Photo by Tom Rivers – Ellen J. Goods recently put up a sign on Main Street that includes a chair. The Village Planning Board hasn’t approved the sign, but could during its meeting next month.

MEDINA – The Village Planning Board and Code Enforcement Officer Marty Busch may update guidelines for signs that includes colors, façade changes and other information about the looks of the buildings.

The board and Busch said some building owners are putting up signs without first getting village approval. The board doesn’t want businesses to incur added costs by re-doing signs, but board members said they should be consulted on signs.

The issue was raised last week when the board reviewed an application for a sign at 433 Main St. The sign for Ellen J. Goods, a business with vintage furniture and antiques, already has been installed and includes a chair attached to the sign.

Planning Board members tabled the application because they wanted to see what the sign looks like during the daylight. Signs need a certificate of appropriateness from the Planning Board when the signs are in the historic downtown business district.

Board members said they aren’t necessarily opposed to the sign. A few other sites have projecting elements as part of their signs, including one with a sewing machine and a barber pole. Some historic photos of Medina show businesses with horse shoes and a giant sneakers attached to signs.

Planning Board member Todd Bensley said the board should work to develop a booklet with design guidelines. The board has talked about that initiative for about three or four years.

Medina has connected with National Main Street Center about becoming an official “Main Street” program. Albion, Lockport and Lyons currently have adopted the Main Street initiatives. Busch said the National Main Street Center could work with Medina to update design and preservation standards for the downtown.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated from a previous version that implied Medina does not have sign standards.

MEDINA – Village planning officials want to update the zoning for the downtown business district to allow for wineries, breweries and micro-breweries.

The village zoning currently doesn’t state that wineries and breweries are an allowed use in the downtown. That doesn’t mean they are currently prohibited. A project would require a special use permit and extra scrutiny under the current code.

The Planning Board has been discussing the zoning change since December. Planning Board members and Code Enforcement Office Marty Busch have reached out to other communities with wineries and breweries in their business districts.

“We’re gathering information and we have some good information coming in,” Busch said at last week’s Planning Board meeting.

He wants to get a sense of sales volume and parking needs at wineries and breweries in downtown business districts.

Planning Board member Todd Bensley said he wants any zoning changes to include provisions against odor and noise that could be a deterrent to other businesses.

“We need to protect the integrity of the downtown business district,” Bensley said. “It can be a positive if it’s done right.”

Busch said the village has been approached about a winery and brewery in the downtown. He also thinks the village should look at allowing wineries and breweries on the Maple Ridge Road corridor.

The state Legislature and Gov. Cuomo last year approved an expansion of the Niagara Wine Trail through Orleans County to Rochester.

“Medina is a in a good place with the expansion of the wine trail,” Busch said.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Students from Oak Orchard Elementary School helped plant trees along West Avenue in Medina during an Arbor Day celebration last April 26.

MEDINA – The village’s Tree Board has a plan for 62 new trees along Gwinn Street this spring, part of the village’s ongoing effort to plant new trees on the major arteries in Medina.

The new trees will go north of the driveway leading to the middle school to James Street.

“This will really be a nice impact on that street,” said Chris Busch, the Tree Board chairman.

He is talking with a possible donor about planting a lot of trees on Park Avenue as well.

The National Arbor Day Foundation has given Medina a “Tree City Growth Award” and has designated the community a “Tree City USA” for its commitment to planting trees every year.

Medina last year planted 60 trees, with most of those on Main Street, West Avenue and Park Avenue.

The village made a commitment about a decade ago to add trees after many mature trees were removed in infrastructure projects or fell down due to storms.

Medina is first focusing on the heavily trafficked streets and will then move to the side streets for the tree planting program, Busch said. After this year, Gwinn Street will be nearly done with tree plantings.

“We’ve made incredible progress the last 10 years,” he said during Tuesday’s Planning Board meeting, when that board endorsed the tree planting plan for 2014.

Busch is also the Planning Board chairman. He was praised by Planning Board member Marguerite Sherman for the impact the new trees are having in the community.

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Kwik Fill gas station on Pearl Street in Medina will be upgraded, including a new canopy.

MEDINA – The Kwik Fill gas station at 118 Pearl St. will get a new canopy and the gas pumps will be upgraded, according to a proposal by the site’s owner, Petroleum Services Inc. of Hilton.

“We are proposing to upgrade the existing facilities at this location to provide a better experience for our customers and the residents of the village of Medina,” George Marek, Petroleum Services owner, said in a Dec. 17 letter to village officials.

The Village Planning Board discussed the application on Tuesday. It was referred to the Orleans County Planning Board for its Feb. 27 meeting. The Village Planning Board could give a final vote of approval for the project on March 4.

Residents can comment on the project during a 7:05 p.m. public hearing on March 4 at City Hall.

The site currently does not have a canopy to provide protection from the weather for customers. The new canopy will also have lights to improve the safety for customers, Marek said.

Petroleum Services will reduce the gas dispensers from four to two. With four dispensers, “you’re jamming too much on the lot,” Marek told the Planning Board.

The concrete pads and gas piping also will be upgraded as part of the project.

Courtesy of Village Planning Board – Petroleum Services submitted this rendering on how the new canopy will look at the Kwik Fill gas station.

Photos by Sue Cook – Rock Paper Salon moved in August 2013 from Pearl Street to its new space at 409 Main St.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – Downtown Medina has evolved into a place where new businesses strive to be considered cool and unique. Fitting in comfortably among these shops is Rock Paper Salon.

Owner Yvonne Flores opened three years ago in Medina and moved into the downtown in August. Rock Paper offers more than hair cuts. Besides a full-service salon, her shop is home to a clothing and accessory boutique called [resurrection] that sells repurposed clothing for both men and women. Flores refers to it as “buy.sell.trade.”

“The shop symbolizes a place of rejuvenation and transformation,” she said.

A Buffalo native, she says her love of styling hair comes from her mother, but her choice to open in Medina came because of her husband. He was a Medina native and she fell in love with the area and wanted to bring in a touch of Buffalo. Fashion is also a passion of hers, which prompted her to open the boutique portion of the business.

“I was a sales rep for many years for a dentistry company,” she said. “I wasn’t happy with my job though, so when dentistry sales began to move online, I went back to school for hair. It was the perfect opportunity. Knowing the foundation of what business is about from my former job helped.”

Casey Coleman is one of Flores’ customers. Coleman first went to Flores for help fixing a botched highlighting job from another salon. Ever since, she returns to Rock Paper for all her hair appointments.

“She’s an artist,” Coleman said. “I come from Rochester to visit my family here in Medina and at the same time I make an appointment to come see Yvonne.”

The accessories in the boutique receive a unique display to showcase each item.

The [resurrection] boutique offers specially selected clothing that focuses on trendy current fashion.

The salon captures a hipster aesthetic through the use of furniture being given a second life.

Flores offers coffee and tea to clients during their services as well. She is the sole stylist for the salon, ensuring quality, consistent service to all her customers.

“I just drop off the kids at my mom’s, come do some shopping, get my hair done, and leave looking fabulous,” Williamsville resident Megan Hungerford said. “This is such a fresh spot for this area.”

The [resurrection] boutique in the back portion of the space offers sophisticated clothing purchased by three professional shoppers. The clothing runs up to a size 14 with some exceptions if something particularly awesome is found. The items are unlike anything sold in stores and fit the fashion-forward, trendy vibe that many associate with upscale city looks.

“You have to grab it or it’s gone,” said employee Megan Fuller.

Besides being individually purchased, the merchandise is sometimes changed out for other reasons.

“We change the clothing out to remain seasonal and on trend,” Fuller said. “This is not a thrift store. This is much more sophisticated.”

Rock Paper Salon was one of the stops on Saturday’s Wine About Winter event in Medina, which was a sell-out with 750 patrons. Many of them told Flores her shop felt like a super chic space found in a city.

“This is an urban sanctuary,” Flores said. “The space caters to a lifestyle that craves creativity, edginess, and a progressive attitude.”

Rock Paper also thinks green by repurposing as much as possible. A significant portion of the shop includes restored furniture, antiques such as counter trays for salon products, and even upcycled crates and palettes for displays and storage. The salon itself uses mostly Davines hair products, which are sustainable and natural and also come in sustainable packaging.

On top of that Rock Paper participates in a program in California that takes hair clippings from the floors of salons nationwide and creates carpet-like material out of them to use for cleaning up oil spills.

“It’s just another way to repurpose and get use out of something that would normally go to the trash,” Flores said.

The shop is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (716) 553-0900 or check the business’ facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-Paper/210920982273409.

Courtesy of smartDESIGN architecture PLLC – United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia is proposing to tear down the former Pizza Hut in Medina and construct a 4,300-square-foot building on Maple Ridge Road.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board tonight approved the site plan for a new women’s healthcare site on Maple Ridge Road, a project that will tear down the former Pizza Hut and replace it with a new 4,300-square-foot building.

Construction could start between March 15 to April 1, Todd Audsley, project manager for smartDesign architecture in Batavia, told village Planning Board members.

“The hospital and the building owner want to get rolling,” Audsley said at the meeting.

United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia will be the tenant at the site with developer Chad La Civita of Buffalo the owner of the site. The new building will be next to McDonalds.

The Batavia hospital has been providing women’s health services at 100 Ohio St., space owned by Medina Memorial Hospital. Medina closed its birthing wing in July 2011. UMMC now delivers more than 100 babies a year to Orleans County women.

The site at 100 Ohio St. is cramped for space, said Colleen Flynn, UMMC’s director of community relations. The new site will have more space for doctors, patients and staff. UMMC provides obstetrics, gynecological care and other health services. The project includes 28 parking spaces.

The new building will be close to the eastern side of the property. Pizza Hut was in the middle of the property.

The village code requires a 20-foot side setback for the parking area. UMMC is proposing a 12-foot side setback. The project will go before the village Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday.

The building is planned to have a dark blue metal roof.  The more prominent exterior sides of the building will be brick, while the eastern and northern sides are a split-faced block. Those walls will have varied colors and textures.

The Planning Board would like to see colors for the bricks and blocks before construction begins. The board also wants to know if there will be a pylon sign or a monument sign in front. The board didn’t want to hold up the project and gave conditional approval.

UMMC and La Civita were eyeing the former K & K site owned by Reid Petroleum for the project. But environmental tests showed some concerns with that property, prompting them to look at the former Pizza Hut.

Planning Board members said the Pizza Hut site is a better fit for the health care site.

“It will be a nice addition,” Planning Board Chairman Chris Busch said.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Issac Robinson, a former combat medic who now owns Robinson’s Redemption in Albion and Medina, holds a container of tickets while Paul Fulcomer, director of the Joint Veterans Council, pulls the winning ticket today.

ALBION A former combat medic who served in Afghanistan and Iraq with the U.S. Army is trying to raise money for the Joint Veterans Council in Orleans County.

Issac Robinson, owner of Robinson’s Redemption in Albion and Medina, welcomes customers to donate returned cans and bottles for the Veterans Council. He has a bin for those cans.

Robinson also is selling tickets for monthly prize raffles. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Vets Council to help them purchase an upgraded van. The Council runs a transportation service, with volunteer drivers and office staff working with veterans to get them to their medical appointments.

The Council has six vans for the service and some of them have topped 100,000 miles. Paul Fulcomer, director of the Joints Veteran Council, said the group has raised about $10,000 towards a low-mileage van. He expects that will cost $16,000 to $17,000.

He thanked Robinson for agreeing to ongoing fund-raisers for the council.

“It’s veterans taking care of veterans,” Fulcomer said about Robinson, who served two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

Robinson expects he will be able to raise $1,000 or more this year for the council. He also promotes the cause inside his business, which Fulcomer said provides a consistent reminder to Robinson’s customers about veterans.

Robinson, who was stationed out of Fort Drum, wants people to be more mindful of the sacrifices by veterans and their families.

“This will help people think about that we have service men and women who have sacrificed their quality of life,” he said.

Robinson said other businesses or residents are welcome to donate raffle prizes to help generate ticket sales. For more information, stop by his business on Route 31 near Wal-Mart or in Medina at 306 East Center St.

For more information about donating towards a newer van for the Vets Council, contact Fulcomer at (585) 589-3219.