File photo by Tom Rivers: The Tug Syracuse carries inspectors and officials from the State Canal Corporation after checking the lift bridge in Holley in August 2014. Canal inspectors will be in Orleans today to check hydraulic, mechanical and electrical on the lift bridges

The State Canal Corporation will have a team of inspectors in Orleans County today, looking over the lift bridges and other canal infrastructure.

This is a visual inspection of the canal system. The State Canal Corp. team travels by tugboat to inspect the shoreline, navigation aids, and working components of each lock and lift bridge.

“They also take a look at the cleanliness of each facility, paint and concrete surfaces, signage, etc. There is a score chart completed for each item,” said Shane Mahar, Canal Corp. spokesman. “The results are reviewed and if an item needs attention, it’s factored into our maintenance and operations plan.”

The locks, lift bridges and tugs that are in excellent shape and score well will receive an award flag the following year.

Orleans County has seven of the 16 lift bridges on the canal system, the most of any county. Canal inspectors are scheduled to be in Medina at 8 a.m., Knowlesville at 9:20, Eagle Harbor at 10:20, Albion at 11:20 (2 lift bridges in Albion), Hulberton at 1:45 p.m., Holley at 2:55, before ending the day in Brockport to look at their two lift bridges.

Return to top

No one votes in Shelby in primary for 8th Judicial Convention

MURRAY – Joe Sidonio was elected to the Murray Town Republican Committee in a rare primary today for a spot on a town GOP committee.

Sidonio received 87 votes for District 4. He was elected along with Kimberly DeFrank, who received 71 votes. Edwin Bower got 57 and won’t be on the committee.

There were also races in Gaines for spots on the committee. Chairman Guy Smith was knocked off the committee. Other candidates who were part of a group that forced primaries were unsuccessful in winning a spot on the town committee. Each district has two committee members.

Here are the results:

District 1: • Susan Heard, 64; • Lorienda Smith, 59; Ray Burke, 23; and James Hood, 22.

District 2: • Bruce Blanchard, 32; • Joseph C. Grube, 29; and Guy D. Smith, 18.

District 3: • Donald Allport, 47; • Lisa Mannella, 41; and David Alchin, 17.

While the races in Gaines and Murray were fiercely fought, in Shelby no one voted in primary to pick delegates to the 8th Judicial District Convention.

The primary was open to the 107 members of the Independence Party in Shelby. None of the delegates or delegate alternates live in the county. David Haylett Jr. and Ryan Rooney were both on the ballot for delegates, and William Rooney and Clara Haylett were choices for alternates.

Return to top

Registered Republicans in the Town of Gaines and the Town of Murray District 4 will head to the polls Tuesday to select pick members of the Republican committees.

To have a primary for a town committee is “very unusual,” said Ed Morgan, chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party and also the Murray Town Republican Committee.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Tuesday’s primary is a rare event with active public campaigns to serve as committee members on the Murray Town Republican Committee. These signs tout Kimberly DeFrank and Edwin Bower.

In Murray for District 4, Kimberly DeFrank and Edwin Bower are seeking re-election. Joseph Sidonio is hoping to become a member of the committee and forced a primary.

Morgan said the committee term is two years. Typically those interested file petitions with the Board of Elections.

“If more than two people filed with the Board of Elections, that generates a primary,” Morgan said.

The town Republican committees meet a couple of times each year, Morgan explains, to seek out candidates for elected positions in the town. The same is done at the county level by the county committee.

Members interview potential candidates and look into their background to see how they have been involved in their community. Selected candidates are given the party’s endorsement and additional support during the campaign process.

“It’s a way to be involved in the community,” Morgan said of participation on a town committee. “It’s a very meaningful position. You are involved in selecting candidates from the very beginning.”

Joe Sidonio forced a primary and has signs out urging support on Tuesday during the primary.

Each voting district in the town has two members on the town committee. The Town of Murray has six districts for a total of 12 members, Morgan said.

Orleans County Board of Elections staff members said only residents in District 4 will be able to vote in Tuesday’s primary.  District 4 covers the southeast portion of the town, outside the Village of Holley. The boundaries are Hulberton Road north to Telegraph Road, east to Hurd Road, north to Route 104, east to County Line Road and south to the town line.

The Town of Murray polling place in the Holley Jr./Sr. High School.  Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

In Gaines, there are primaries for three of the district committees.

In District 1, Republicans will elect two committee members among Ray Burke, Susan Heard, James R. Hood and Lorienda Smith. In District 2, Joseph C. Grube, Guy D. Smith and Bruce Blanchard are running for two spots. In District 3, Lisa Mannella, Donald J. Allport and David T. Alchin are vying for two positions. Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Town Hall, 14087 W. Ridge Rd.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Elks Lodge in Albion hosted a memorial service this morning on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Representatives from local police, fire department, ambulance, K-9 and other first responders laid these memorials upfront during the service.

Guy Burke, an Albion police officer, lights a memorial candle during the service. During the terrorist attacks, 72 police officers were killed in New York City.

Jeff Tuohey, left, and Guy Scribner  from Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance in Albion salute after lighting a memorial candle for paramedics killed during the terrorist attacks.

Members of the Patriot Guard stand at attention during the beginning of the service at the Elks Lodge. About 75 people attended the event.

These Patriot Guard members, Captain Pat Jordan, left, and Lee Sage with American flag carry a memorial helmet in honor of motorcyclists.

Orleans County Coroner Scott Schmidt observes a moment of silence during the service today. Schmidt served as a mortuary officer in New York City following the terrorist attacks, helping to collect and identify human remains.

Orleans County Deputy Dean Covis, left, and Sheriff Randy Bower light a memorial candle for law enforcement officers.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (right), State Sen. Rob Ortt (center) and Larry Montello, memorial organizer, prepare to raise the 9-11 memorial flag.

Hawley said the country remains “stunned by the enormity of the devastation and loss of life.” Americans rallied in the aftermath of the attack. The New York City skyline has been rebuilt and the country has taken “extraordinary measures” to fight further devastating attacks from terrorists, Hawley said.

“We are a diverse people but as long as we stand together we are strong,” he said.

Ortt said Sept. 11 is a day to put aside differences and come together as Americans. It is also a day to recognize the service and commitment of first responders, said Ortt, who served a tour in Afghanistan as a member of the National Guard.

Orleans County Legislator Don Allport also spoke during the service and the said the country needs to remain vigilant in the fight against terrorism.

Montello said the day is a time to reflect on the loss of the life that day and also to remember the sacrifice of the “hometown heroes” who sacrificed their lives going to the rescue of others.

Joshua Ames (left), the exalted leader of the Elks, and Earl Schmidt, director of the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency, raise a 9-11 memorial flag.

These firefighters, including Kendall Fire Chief Mike Schultz, salute while the flags are raised.

Thomas Walders of Medina plays Taps to conclude the memorial service, which included raising flags.

There will be another service at 6 p.m. today on the courthouse lawn in Albion.

Return to top

Photos by Tom Rivers: Visit at least 3 sites during the Heritage Festival and receive this commemorative button designed by Albion artist Kim Martillotta Muscarella. She included the four themes highlighted in the festival: historic gems, historical cemeteries, agriculture and transportation.

ALBION – A festival this weekend will give people a chance to discover and learn more about local cemeteries, “historic gems,” agriculture and transportation.

The county-wide celebration includes 29 locations of historical and cultural significance to deepen the appreciation of Orleans County today and in the past.

“This event truly illustrates how much this area has to offer,” said Derek Maxfield, GCC associate professor of history and a festival organizer. “Each location ties into one of the four themes giving community residents of all ages a chance to appreciate our history while enjoying a fun, family-friendly, end of summer outing.”

The Genesee Community College campus centers in Albion and Medina will be a showcase for local history.

Today there will be a timeline festival at the Medina center on Route 31A. There will be re-enactors, impressionists and artisans at Medina from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. President James Madison and his wife Dolley, President Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other historic personalities are expected. There will also be artisan demonstrations, antique autos, Civil War firing demos, and exhibits from the Military History Society of Rochester.

The Albion campus center will be recreated into a Victorian wake, with a beautiful glass casket. Volunteers from the Orleans County Genealogical Society will be available to help research ancestors. The campus center will also host an 11 a.m. lecture by District Attorney Joe Cardone on famous crimes and murders in Orleans County. Retired Orleans County historian Bill Lattin will give a noon lecture on “Victorian Memorials Using Human Hair.”

Derek Maxfield says Orleans County is unusual with so many historic sites and people committed to preserving them.

The Heritage Festival highlights 29 sites around the county with historic interest. There will be volunteers on hand at many of the sites for tours and to answer questions. (Click here to see brochure detailing when volunteers will be at the sites.)

• Historic Gems – These sites include the Albion Historic District, Clarendon Historical Society, Cobblestone Society & Museum (the only National Historic Landmark in Orleans County), Company F Memorial at the Medina Armory (currently Orleans County YMCA), Medina Historic District, Medina Historical Society and Robin Hill Nature Preserve in Lyndonville.

• Historical Cemeteries – Orleans County has several cemeteries on the National Register of Historic Places, and other sites that are burial grounds for pioneer residents. The festival includes Beechwood Cemetery in Kendall, Boxwood Cemetery in Medina, Greenwood Cemetery in Kendall, Hillside Cemetery in Holley, Mt. Albion Cemetery and Union Cemetery at Watt Farms in Gaines.

• Transportation – The Erie Canal cuts through Orleans County, so the festival will feature canal-related infrastructure, including the East Avenue Lift Bridge in Holley, and Canal Culvert in Ridgeway (only spot on canal where motorists can drive under the canal). There also will be railroad infrastructure included with the Medina Railroad Museum, and Murray-Holley Historical Society Depot Museum. Other stops include the Pine Hill Airport in Barre for the Vintage Aircraft Group’s breakfast on Sunday, Tillman’s Village Inn (a historic stage coach stop on Ridge Road), and the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum at Point Breeze.

• Agriculture – Some local farms will be open for tours, including Hurd Orchard on Ridge Road in Holley, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery & LynOaken Farms on Ridge Road in medina, Orleans Poverty Hill Farms on West County House Road in Albion, Partyka Farms on County Line Road in Kendall, Roberts Farm Market on Maple Ridge Road in Medina, and Watt Farms Country Market on Route 98 in Albion.

Matt Ballard, the Orleans County Historian, gives the keynote address to kick off the Heritage Festival on Friday evening at Hoag Library. Ballard discussed some pioneer residents and others from the 1800s and early 1900s whose contributions are overlooked, including a wave of Norwegian immigrants who settled in Kendall in 1825, and many residents who excelled in politics, industry and the medical profession. Ballard will be leading tours of Albion’s Courthouse Square historic district today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tours leaving every half hour from the courthouse steps.

It’s a quiet primary season in terms of elected paid positions. Republican candidates at the town, county and state level won’t face an in-party fight on Tuesday.

However, two towns have primaries for spots to serve on the Republican Committees.

Joe Sidonio forced a primary for District 4 in Murray. He faces Kimberly CL DeFrank and Edwin Bower. That primary is from noon to 9 p.m. with voting at the Holley Junior-Senior High School, 3800 North Main St. Voters can pick two candidates.

In Gaines, there are primaries for three of the district committees.

In District 1, Republicans will elect two committee members among Ray Burke, Susan Heard, James R. Hood and Lorienda Smith. In District 2, Joseph C. Grube, Guy D. Smith and Bruce Blanchard are running for two spots. In District 3, Lisa Mannella, Donald J. Allport and David T. Alchin are vying for two positions. Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Town Hall, 14087 W. Ridge Rd.

There is also a primary for the Independence Party for delegates from the 144th Assembly District. Independence Party members will pick elect one delegate – David J. Haylett Jr. or Ryan B. Rooney – for the 8th Judicial District Convention. They will also elect an alternate: either William W. Rooney or Clara K. Haylett. That election is at Shelby Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower wants to add a second full-time animal control officer. Kathy Smith, the lone full-timer, handles the job with some part-time help.

“I don’t know how one person can do it,” Bower told town and county officials during a recent meeting of the Association of Municipalities.

The county currently spends about $77,000 for animal control, with the 10 towns contributing $30,000. Animal control is technically a town responsibility, according to the State Department of Agriculture & Markets.

County officials don’t want an increase in county tax dollars going to a service that, by state law, should be run by the towns.

Bower is proposing the towns triple their current contributions towards the service to $90,000 combined to allow for additional animal control officer. Ridgeway and Albion currently pay the most among the 10 towns, about $5,000 each.

Bower said a second full-time officer would ensure weekend coverage and improved service. The county handles the bulk of the animal control calls. The Village of Medina had an animal control officer, but bowed out of the service earlier this year when Police Chief Jose Avila retired. He tended to many of the animal control calls.

The Village of Albion also keeps a part-time animal control officer with Harry Papponetti to bolster the service in Albion.

The county is limited in the tax cap and doesn’t want to use that small cushion for a service that is a town responsibility, said Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer.

Without an increase in money from the towns, Nesbitt said the county may have to scale back animal control if it’s a tight budget year.

The towns and county are all working on their budgets for 2017. Those spending plans are typically approved in November or early December.

Return to top

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature issued a proclamation declaring September as “Hunger Action Month.” Legislator Don Allport, left, reads the proclamation with, from left: Annette Finch, community service director for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; Phil Shippers, director of member programs & services for Foodlink; Morgan McKenzie, member services manager for Foodlink; and Legislator Ken DeRoller.

Shippers said Foodlink has provided 737,000 pounds of food to residents in Orleans County. Community Action has a year-round food pantry and other emergency services for residents.

County legislators also issued a proclamation for “Sheriff’s Week” from Sept. 18-24. Legislator John DeFillipps reads the proclamation while joined by Sheriff Randy Bower and Legislator Lynne Johnson. Bower said his office has several activities planned for the week.

Provided photos: State Sen. Robert Ortt, center, is pictured with Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower, left, and District Attorney Joe Cardone.

ALBION – State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) stopped in Orleans County today to deliver three checks for $40,000 in state funding to support public safety efforts and educational programs in Orleans County. He also presented a check for $15,000 for a museum in Spencerport.

During a check presentation ceremony in Orleans County, Ortt presented the Sheriff’s Office with a $10,000 check, and the District Attorney’s Office with $15,000. The funds will be used to purchase new equipment for public protection efforts, Ortt’s office said.

Additionally, Senator Ortt presented the Medina Railroad Museum with a $15,000 check to paint two railroad passenger dining cars.

The railcars will be used to educate the public about the historic 20th Century Limited express passenger train that operated on the former New York Central Railroad. The dining cars are expected to be open to the public this winter.

Ortt also announced $15,000 in Monroe County for the Spencerport Deport and Canal Museum, a site that helps tell the story of the Erie Canal.

The money can be used to assist with educational services and programming, purchasing materials, renovations, operations, or events that serve the community.

Ortt, right, is pictured at the Medina Railroad Museum with, from left: Spencerport Deport and Canal Museum President Ted Rauber; Spencerport Deport and Canal Museum Director Nora Venezky; Medina Railroad Museum Board President Rick Henn; and Medina Railroad Museum Director/Founder Martin Phelps.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Panek Coatings of Albion was up early today painting the Orleans County Clerks’ Building and the County Courthouse. The historic buildings are getting a fresh coat of paint.

Panek is painting the two buildings, both named to the National Register of Historic Places, for $106,450.

Panek has several employees working on the project which started in late July.

Panek’s painters use lifts to get the high spots on the buildings.

Provided photo – Chris Bourke is shown with K9 Cim.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is pushing to re-establish its K-9 unit following the retirement and death of Cim, a drug-detecting dog.

Cim was diagnosed with cancer last year and cancerous tumors were removed in the summer of 2015. Cim was retired from service in December after long-time handler Chris Bourke became undersheriff on Jan. 1. Bourke was a lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Office.

Cim had an additional surgery this past spring, and succumbed to cancer in June.

“Cim was an excellent working dog with a great personality,” Bourke said.

The dog was trained in patrol, drug detection, obedience, tracking and article search.

“Cim was a great liaison for the Sheriff’s Office and performed many demonstrations for groups and schools,” Bourke said.

The Sheriff’s Office is re-establishing the K-9 Unit and recently named Deputy Jeffrey Cole to be the new handler. Bourke said the Sheriff’s Office has located a canine and is in the process of evaluating the dog. The Sheriff’s Office also will be looking to upgrade the 9-year-old K-9 patrol vehicle.

Many community members and local businesses have expressed interest in contributing to this cause, Bourke said. The Orleans County Sheriff’s has established an account to facilitate the donations which will be used for purchasing and training the canine and deputy, outfitting the vehicle, training aides, and other equipment needed for the K-9 Unit.

“Any contribution for the canine unit is greatly appreciated and accepted as they minimize the impact of this great resource on the Orleans County taxpayer,” Bourke said.

Checks should be made payable to the “Orleans County Treasurer” with a notation in the memo portion “For Sheriff K-9 Fund.” Checks should be mailed to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, 13925 State Route 31,Suite 400, Albion, NY 14411.

Photos by Tom Rivers
Zachary Boos was one of three inmates to earn his high school equivalency degree while taking classes in the Orleans County Jail. The graduates were celebrated Friday during a program at the jail. “Thank you everybody for allowing us to move forward in life,” Boos said. “I really appreciate it.”

ALBION – Three inmates were praised during a graduation ceremony at the Orleans County Jail on Friday. The inmates passed the rigorous Test Assessing Secondary Completion, the much-harder replacement of the former General Educational Development (GED).

The two-day test on July-25-26 measured students’ skills in English, math, science, social studies and reading.

Ryan Adkins, Zachary Boos and Michael Borrero all showed a tremendous desire to learn and pass the test, said their teacher Jeff Smith, an adult literacy instructor with the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, which runs the program at the jail.

“They all had the ‘want to’ and the will,” Smith said. “All I had to do is point them in the right direction.”

Jeff Smith, a teacher in the county jail, congratulates his students for earning their degrees. In addition to Adkins, Boos and Borrero passing the test, two other inmates, Shawna Weis and Nancy Kertstetter, passed the test in March.

“This was not easy,” Smith told the graduates. “This is a major accomplishment. It’s not an end-all, but it’s a door of opportunity.”

Ryan Adkins was the first inmate to speak and he thanked his grandmother and others for not giving up on him.

“I want to thank everybody for giving us a chance,” Adkins said during the program at the jail. “It was really hard.”

Ryan Adkins holds a certificate showing he earned his high school equivalency degree. He is pictured with, from left: Dr. Clark Godshall, superintendent of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES; Sue Diemert, Orleans/Niagara BOCES Literacy Specialist; Jeff Smith, adult literacy teacher; Sheriff Randy Bower; and Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson.

Albion Central School ran the adult literacy program in the jail for many years before contracting with BOCES this past school year. The Orleans/Niagara BOCES also runs a similar program in Niagara County at the jail in Lockport.

Smith was working in the Niagara jail before coming to Albion to work with Orleans inmates. Godshall said Smith has a good rapport with the students, pushing them to learn and stay motivated.

Michael Borrero said he appreciates the chance to earn his degree while in jail. “I want to thank everyone for putting the hard work into it,” he said.

Scott Wilson, the jail superintendent, addressed the graduates, and said there futures are now much brighter after earning the degree.

“We hope this will be a stepping stone for you guys,” he said.

Smith, the adult literacy teacher, suggested having a graduation ceremony for the inmates, and the jail superintendent and sheriff both supported the idea.

Sheriff Randy Bower addresses the graduates and urges them to keep working to improve themselves.

“They key here is to keep it up,” Bower told them. “Don’t ever stop working.”

return to top of page