Dave Ingerson shared this photo of a tree that was knocked down on Elm Street in Medina. Trees and wires have been taken down throughout the county today, resulting in numerous power outages.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2017 at 3:52 pm
National Grid says power estimated to be restored at 3 p.m. on Thursday
Nearly 10,000 National Grid customers in Orleans County are without power, among the 103,672 National Grid customers who have lost electricity due to the high winds knocking down trees and wires in Upstate NY.
Orleans County has been hit hard by the wind with 9,802 of National Grid’s 18,221 customers without power, that’s more than half of the customers in Orleans County. National Grid said it expects power to be restored in Orleans at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Other nearby counties also have extensive power outages, including Genesee, 16,016 without electricity; Niagara, 24,135; Monroe, 8,752; and Erie, 8,445.
Bruce Landis shared this photo of downed wires on Johnny Cake Lane in Barre. A big tree fell down on that road.
Photos by Tom Rivers, Susan Heard, the Orleans County treasurer for 23-plus years, announced she is retiring from the job on Dec. 31. She is pictured outside the treasurer’s office at 34 East Park St.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2017 at 6:53 pm
Susan Heard has worked in Treasurer’s Office for 40 years, intends to run for Gaines Town Clerk
ALBION – Susan Heard was 18 on a summer work program when she started in the Orleans County Treasurer’s Office. She was planning then on a career as a dental assistant.
But Heard liked the job at the Treasurer’s Office. She also decided that the job of a dental assistant, with her hand in someone’s mouth, wasn’t what she wanted to do.
She worked her way up in the Treasurer’s Office under then Treasurer Mary Basinait.
When Basinait retired, Heard was elected treasurer at age 34. She has been elected to six four-year terms.
“You’re accountable for every penny that comes into the county, everything from the federal and state governments, and the sales tax,” she said today.
Heard announced she will retire as treasurer on Dec. 31, deciding against another four-year term in the role.
However, Heard would like to continue a career in public service. She is running for Gaines town clerk. She also is backing her deputy treasurer, Kim DeFrank of Murray, to succeed Heard as treasurer.
Kim DeFrank
DeFrank has worked in the office for 23 years, starting from the bottom like Heard and working her way up.
“She knows the job,” said Heard. (The Treasurer’s Office includes 5 ½ employees.)
DeFrank has reached out to the executive committee of the Orleans County Republican Party, stating her interest in serving as the next treasurer. The GOP will meet April 27 to make its endorsement.
Heard is well regarded among the other treasurers in the state. They picked her as county treasurer of the year about a decade ago.
Heard said the treasurer is the “watchdog” of the county’s finances, an annual budget of about $65 million with hundreds of line items.
The treasurer is responsible for the investment of all funds, processes payroll, payroll tax returns and payroll deductions. The treasurer also maintains health insurance for all county employees and retirees.
A description of the treasurer’s work on the county website also states:
“The Treasurer issues and accounts for all vendor payments, with the exception of Self Insurance. Federal and State Aid are received through the County Treasurer and are reconciled against departmental claims. Bank reconciliations are performed in the Treasurer’s office for all funds.
The County Treasurer issues Certificates of Residency for enrollment at a Community College, collects and records bail deposits, fine payments, dog licensing, dog damage claims, accounts for unpaid school taxes and unpaid recycling fees.
The County Treasurer is the chief tax enforcing officer for County taxes; collecting and enforcing payment of all delinquent taxes, including tax billing, recording of tax liens, tax foreclosure and acquisition of County-owned property.”
The NYSARC chapters in Genesee and Orleans counties completed a merger on Oct. 1, 2016, and are now known as “The Arc of Genesee Orleans.”
The organization on Friday announced a new logo for the chapter and a mission statement.
The Arc of Genesee Orleans chose the March observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to announce the news.
The organization serves 1,200 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The new mission statement says: “Be a partner for people with disabilities, and a gateway to opportunities for each person to experience their desired potential.”
The vision statement: “Life-long relationships, enriched by inclusion.”
The Values: “Diversity, Respect, Integrity, Visionary, Equality, Empowerment, Excellence (DRIVE³)”
“Along with our new mission, vision and values, we are excited about our new logo,” Executive Director Donna Saskowski said. “It’s part of the national brand, uniting affiliated Arc chapters across the country. Look for the logo to be appearing on signs, buses, publications, our website, and at community events!”
The unification of the former Genesee ARC and Arc of Orleans County was a two-and-a-half-year process that was realized last fall and became effective Oct. 1.
“It has been a fairly smooth transition for families and individuals,” Saskowski said. “Administratively, some department locations had to choose a new home base, and our official, legal address is 64 Walnut Street, Batavia.”
The Finance Department and Quality Assurance Staff are among departments located at the former Orleans business office at 122 Caroline St. in Albion.
The agency will provide a variety of programs and services with renewed strength and commitment. Looking forward, The Arc of Genesee Orleans will be a partner for people with disabilities, and a gateway to opportunities for each person to experience their desired potential, Saskowski said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2017 at 12:15 pm
File photos by Tom Rivers: The fire safety training trailer from the Hilton Fire District was used by the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Volunteer Fire Company last April 24 for an open house. This photo shows FHM firefighter Ray Keffer assisting a girl in climbing down a ladder of a trailer. That trailer also has a smoke simulator.
ALBION – Fire departments in Orleans County will have a new “safety house” to help teach children about fire prevention.
State Sen. Robert Ortt approved a $75,000 State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM) grant to purchase a fire safety training trailer. The trailer will be owned by Orleans County’s Emergency Management Office, and will be available to all 12 fire departments in the county.
“I’m very excited about it,” said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management coordinator. “It will be a great tool.”
The County Legislature on Wednesday accepted the $75,000 grant which comes through the Dormitory Authority of the State of NY.
Banker said a committee of fire officials has been formed. That group will visit other fire departments with the training trailers to determine what model would be best for Orleans County. North Greece, Gates and other departments outside Orleans have the training trailers.
Some of the trailers are designed to resemble kitchens, while others have bedrooms. The trailers can simulate smoke. Fireifghters use the trailers to talk with children and community members about the dangers of unattended stoves, overloaded extension cords and other household fire hazards.
Banker said the trailer is expected to be ready in the fall. He wants it in service before the first week of October, which is fire prevention week when local fire departments visit elementary schools to discuss prevention.
Banker said the trailer could be used by about 3,000 elementary students each year. He also expects it will be at fire department open houses, community festivals and the 4-H Fair.
Kali Keffer, an FHM junior firefighter, joins children in a safety drill inside the trailer from Hilton during the April 24 open house.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2017 at 9:01 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Robert Ortt speaks against the SAFE Act during a rally in Albion on Sept. 8, 2014. About 200 people attended that event outside a gun shop on Hamilton Street.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature went on the record Wednesday in support of partially repealing the SAFE Act and limiting the gun control legislation to New York City.
The SAFE Act was passed in January 2013 and remains bitterly opposed by many in Orleans County, who see the law as an infringement on Second Amendment rights.
The law, however, has been upheld in court and remains very popular in New York City. (Courts did find the seven-round firearm magazine limit to be unconstitutional.)
State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, is sponsoring legislation that would be a partial repeal.
“This bill seeks to reestablish the rights of law abiding citizens’ in rural and suburban areas of the state by limiting the application of the SAFE Act to Kings, Queens, Richmond, New York, and the Bronx,” according to the legislation. Click here to see Senate bill S879B.
County legislators passed a resolution that was critical of the governor and the State Legislature for rushing the SAFE Act into passage in January 2013, and for approving legislation that county legislators say infringes on the right to bear arms.
The SAFE Act also has a detrimental impact on recreational benefits of gun ownership for people who enjoy hunting and target shooting, county legislators said in the resolution.
Legislators said the SAFE Act has resulted in additional costs on Sheriff Departments, County Clerk’s Offices and County Judges.
There are about 5,000 pistol permit holders in Orleans County. The law-abiding gun owners have to verify ownership of certain types of firearms every five years, in addition to registering them on permits, which is “unnecessarily burdensome,” legislators said.
County legislators also stated they support removing state funds for enforcement of the SAFE Act.
Legislators did say the SAFE Act has some good points, such as the strengthening Kendra’s Law and Marks’s Law, as well as privacy protections for lawful permit holders.
However, “we find the legislation fails to offer little meaningful solutions to gun violence and places undue burdens where they don’t belong, squarely on the backs of law-abiding citizens,” the resolution states.
County Legislator Don Allport, R-Gaines, said the partial repeal of the SAFE Act would be “a step in the right direction.”
Because New York City strongly supports the SAFE Act, Allport said that part of the state should be able to keep the legislation.
David Thom, chairman of the Orleans County Chapter of the Scope Committee On Political Education (SCOPE), told county legislators that SCOPE’s ultimate goal would be a total repeal of the SAFE Act for all of New York.
County legislators approved two other resolutions about state issues on Wednesday:
• One resolution called for the state to increase the share of revenue for county DMVs. Right now local Department of Motor Vehicles provide customer service and process many no-fee transactions for the state. The current law gives the state 87.3 percent of all fees collected by county-operated DMVs, with 12.7 percent going to the counties. That percentage hasn’t changed since 1999.
• The County Legislature also approved a resolution urging the state to fully fund the costs for probation and other county departments associated with raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18. Gov. Cuomo wants to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18. That would require more work for probation to provide diversion services. Other county departments could see an increase in juvenile detention and community support services, according to the County Legislature.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2017 at 9:48 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: County Legislator Fred Miller states his concerns about rifle hunting for deer. Sheriff Randy Bower is in back. Miller cast the lone nay vote about the issue.
ALBION – Orleans County legislators today voted to allow rifles for deer and bear hunting, a vote that wasn’t unanimous.
County Legislator Fred Miller, D-Albion, said he has heard from many in the community who don’t want rifles to be used for hunting deer. Miller owns a hardware store in downtown Albion, and he said many people have come in to share their concerns about allowing rifles in a county with such flat terrain.
Miller also said he has personal experience getting hit by another hunter’s stray shot. About 40 years ago, Miller was out with his dog on Allen Road, near the end of Clinton Street, when he was hit by pellets from pheasant hunters. Miller said he was hit in the face and leg, and his dog also was hurt.
Members of sportsmen clubs attended Legislature meetings in December and January, asking the county to support rifles for big game hunting. (Rifles have been allowed for small game, such as woodchucks, foxes, crows and coyotes.) The sportsmen presented a petition signed by about 500 people, supporting rifles.
There are 62 counties in New York State, and 41 allow rifles for deer and bear, legislators were told.
Legislator Don Allport, R-Gaines, said he was strongly in favor of rifles, noting the 41 other counties support it. Allport also said today’s hunters make safety a priority.
“It’s not like 20 years ago when it was a big party in the woods,” Allport said.
Miller said after the meeting he would have liked more time for the Legislature to consider the issue. Miller said he wasn’t swayed by so many counties backing the measure. He said nearby Monroe, Niagara and Erie counties don’t allow rifles for deer and bears.
“Let’s not rush into it just because other counties are doing it,” Miller said.
Michael Van Durme, a retired chief conservation officer for Region 8 of the DEC, told legislators last month that rifles are much safer than shotguns for hunting.
“I can tell you rifles rounds for white-tailed deer are safer than shotguns,” he told legislators. “As far as a rifle round going long range and hitting people, it just doesn’t happen.”
Sportsmen insisted rifles are safer, because hunters tend to take only one shot with a rifle because they use scope and have better accuracy.
The issue now goes to the State Legislature to enact legislation to allow rifles for big game hunting in Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2017 at 1:27 pm
Carlton sees biggest jump in taxes, while Albion town is lone municipality to reduce them
Photo by Tom Rivers: Taxes in Carlton have increased at a faster rate than any town in Orleans County since 2007.
In the past decade, taxes in local towns and villages have increased at varying rates, with Carlton seeing the biggest jump – 65 percent since 2007 – while one municipality, the Town of Albion, has actually reduced taxes from 2007 to 2016.
The 10 towns collectively have increased taxes double the rate of the increase for the four villages from 2007 to 2016, according to an Orleans Hub analysis of tax levies for towns and villages.
The 10 towns collectively saw the tax levy, what the towns collect in property taxes, increased from $6,033,325 in 2007 to $7,742,244 in 2016. That $1,708,919 increase is up 28.3 percent in the nine years.
The four villages collectively went from $5,666,865 in 2007-08 to $6,464,843 in 2016-17, which is up $797,978 or 14.1 percent.
Carlton has seen the biggest tax increase since 2007, which the levy increasing by 65.6 percent, up $357,469 – from $544,922 in 2007 to $902,391 in 2016.
Gayle Ashbery, the town supervisor, said today she was aware of recent increases. She noted the town has wrestled with a re-evaluation of 2,400 properties in Carlton. It paid GAR Associates Inc. $68,000 to compile the data, visiting every property in the town and make note of swimming pools, additions, sheds, garages and exterior property improvements. That project, begun in 2014, was done to make sure Carlton had up to date assessment records following an outcry from residents in 2013 over reassessments that many residents said were too high.
One town actually collected less in taxes in 2016 compared to 2007. Albion’s town tax levy dropped 4 percent in the nine years, down nearly $30,000 from $728,348 in 2007 to $699,551 in 2016.
“You can do it but it takes some work,” said Matt Passarell, the town supervisor.
The towns face escalating health insurance and employee benefits costs, he said, “and every one wants a raise.”
Albion has looked for efficiencies, sharing a codes officer with Gaines, for example, Passarell said.
“You have to be creative,” he said.
The town has dipped into fund balances in recent years to help stave off tax increases. Passarell said grants are also helping to tackle infrastructure projects.
The town also has seen a little boost in sales tax revenue. The county shares $1,366,671 in sales tax each year collectively with the four villages and 10 towns. The town and village total has been frozen since 2001.
However, the amounts can vary for each village and towns with villages. If the town’s assessments grow faster than the villages’, the towns will get more sales tax, taking away some of the villages. That’s what has happened in Albion. The town-wide assessments have outpaced the village assessments. That has resulted in the town sales tax share growing from $111,754 in 2013 to $124,978 in 2017. The Albion village share has fallen from $180,457 in 2013 to $164,617 in 2017.
Tax cap introduced in 2012
The governor and State Legislature approved a tax cap in 2011. That took effect in 2012 and tries to limit tax increases to 2 percent annually, although the threshold can change each year and municipalities can override the cap.
The cap seems to have slowed tax increases in the towns since 2012. Clarendon, for example, raised taxes $172,113 or 29.7 percent from 2007 to 2012, but has actually cut taxes since then. Gaines also has reduced taxes since the cap was implemented, and other towns have slowed the growth in taxes since 2012.
Ridgeway, for example, raised taxes $267,470 or by 42.3 percent from 2007 to 2013. The three years after, Ridgeway increased taxes by $46,732 or 5.2 percent.
(Three of the four villages had tiny tax increases from 2007 to 2012 – Holley actually lowered taxes during those five years. Albion and Medina both eliminated their village courts which saved some costs, with the expense passed to the towns. The villages’ taxes have increased since the tax cap, some years exceeding the 2 percent threshold.)
Villages slow tax increases, but suffer from shrinking assessments
Among the villages, none raised their taxes more than 25 percent over the nine years. Six of the 10 towns saw increases above 25 percent.
Holley had the smallest increase at 6.43 percent. However, the village separated the fire department from the village budget. The fire department is now in a separate tax.
The town tax increases may not be as noticeable each year because the towns’ assessed values are increasing, giving a bigger tax base to absorb the larger tax levies. That means the tax rates are often the same or see small increases. Many of the local elected officials judge their budgets on how the tax rate changes, and don’t fret as much about the tax levy.
However, a stable tax rate for larger assessed values still results in bigger tax bills for property owners (if their assessments go up.)
The villages are facing shrinking assessed values, so many of the Village Boards in recent years have reduced village staff and projects, preventing big increases in the tax levy. However, because the assessed values are going down, often the tax rate still goes up.
In Lyndonville, for example, the tax rate has climbed from $9.70 per $1,000 of assessed property in 2008-09 to $13.65 in 2016-17. That is a 40.7 percent increase over eight years. Village officials say it’s difficult to prevent property tax increases when sales tax and mortgage tax revenues are declining.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2017 at 1:55 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature agenda for its monthly meeting on Wednesday includes resolutions in support of allowing rifles for big game hunting in Orleans County. The Legislature also plans to support a proposal that would limit the SAFE Act to New York City.
The Legislature’s regular meeting starts at 4 :30 p.m., at the County Clerks Building, Suite 2 at 3 South Main St.
The Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen Club attended the Legislature’s December and January meetings, asking the county to allow rifles for deer and bear.
The Legislature’s proposed resolution of support states the following:
“WHEREAS, the Orleans County Legislature has listened to both sides of the argument of the use of rifles to hunt big game in Orleans County at several past Conference Sessions and Legislature Meetings; and
“WHEREAS, a special state law must be enacted and the first step in the process is for this Legislature to request the legislation; now be it
“RESOLVED, that this Orleans County Legislature requests the New York State Legislature to enact legislation that will allow the use of rifles for big game hunting in all of Orleans County.”
The Legislature also plans to approve supporting legislation to partially repeal the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2013. Excerpts of the Legislature’s proposed resolution includes:
“WHEREAS, Senate bill S879B has been introduced to the New York State Senate by Senators Michael Nozzolio and Katherine Marchione respectively, which would repeal part of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013; and
“WHEREAS, this Legislative Body has long advocated for the protection of the rights afforded our citizens under the Constitution, which has for generations guided our Nation and served as a framework to our republic and society; and
“WHEREAS, the Second Amendment of the United States provides for the “right of the people to keep and bear arms” and further states that this right “shall not be infringed”; and
“WHEREAS, the Civil Rights Law of the State of New York states in Article 2 Section 4, “Right to keep and bear arms. A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms cannot be infringed.”; and
“WHEREAS, the lawful ownership of firearms is a recreational benefit to our residents through hunting and target shooting, along with an economic and environmental benefit to our region with several locally owned and operated gun/sporting businesses; and
“WHEREAS, the New York State Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (NY SAFE Act) of 2013 which was rushed to passage by the New York State Senate, Assembly and Governor, will have a detrimental effect on hunters, sportsmen and legal gun owners, creating a hostile environment both for them and for the sale and manufacture of legal firearms; and
“WHEREAS, the legislation unconstitutionally prohibits the sale of firearm magazines with a capacity larger than seven (7) rounds and, those firearm magazines with a capacity larger than seven (7) rounds, which are authorized to be retained by existing owners, may only be loaded with seven (7) rounds and eventually must be permanently altered to only accept seven (7) rounds or be disposed of; and
“WHEREAS, few or no low capacity (seven (7) rounds or less) magazines currently exist for many of the firearms commonly possessed by law-abiding residents of New York State; and
“WHEREAS, the legislation severely impacts the possession and use of firearms now employed by the residents of Orleans County for the defense of life, liberty and property; and
“WHEREAS, the legislation severely impacts the possession and use of firearms now employed for safe forms of recreation including, but not limited to hunting and target shooting; and
“WHEREAS, while there are some areas of the legislation that the Orleans County Legislature finds encouraging, such as the strengthening of Kendra’s Law and Marks’s Law, as well as privacy protections for lawful permit holders, we find the legislation fails to offer little meaningful solutions to gun violence and places undue burdens where they don’t belong, squarely on the backs of law abiding citizens; and
“WHEREAS, there are many parts of this legislation that place an unfunded mandate on the local Sheriff Departments, County Clerk’s Office and County Judges, while tax payers are crying out relief; and
“WHEREAS, there will be significant financial impact due to the approximately 5,000 Orleans County pistol permits that will have to be renewed requiring additional manpower and computer systems; and
“WHEREAS, requiring law-abiding gun owners to verify ownership of certain types of firearms every five years, in addition to registering them on permits, which now also must be renewed every five years, does not increase the safety of the public and is unnecessarily burdensome to the residents of New York State; and
“WHEREAS, this legislation effectively treats countless New York State law abiding gun owners as criminals; and
“WHEREAS, the enactment of the NY SAFE Act has engendered significant controversy over both the process by which it was enacted and certain provisions contained within; and
“WHEREAS, the manner in which this legislation was brought forward for vote in the State Legislature is deeply disturbing to the Orleans County Legislature; and
“WHEREAS, this legislative body unanimously voted to oppose the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 for all reasons stated above in RESOLUTION NO.82-213 of the Orleans County Legislative proceedings of February 13, 2013; now be it
“RESOLVED, that the Orleans County Legislature does hereby support Senator Robert Orrt’s bill to repeal part of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013, limiting the application of the “S.A.F.E. Act” to the five boroughs of New York City; and be it
“FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Legislature supports the introduction of an Assembly bill which calls for the repeal or partial repeal of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Act of 2013; and be it
“FURTHER RESOLVED, that this legislature supports efforts by the New York State Legislature to remove funds for enforcement of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Act of 2013 from the New York State Budget.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2017 at 7:40 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Rich Nolan performs “Eight Second Ride” during the karaoke finals on July 30, 2015. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County wants to have a permanent stage at the fairgrounds, with the stage also available as an outdoor classroom for master gardeners and agricultural specialists.
KNOWLESVILLE – The Cornell Cooperative Extension has decided on the main project for a $96,000 state grant to be used to boost the fairgrounds.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month announced each county fair would receive an $89,285 grant for a capital project. That grant increased to $96,000 once the paperwork arrived, said Robert Batt, a 4-H educator.
A committee at the Extension wants to put most of the money into upgrading a performance stage at the Curtis Pavilion.
That stage could be used during the week-long 4-H Fair for dancers, bands and other activities. It also could serve as an outdoor classroom for the master gardeners and agricultural specialists at other times of the year, Batt said today.
The Extension would like to have a 40-foot-wide stage that is 30 feet deep. The project would also include a separate area that could be used as a changing room or a spot to prep materials for educational presentations, Batt said.
The new performance stage would spare the Extension from having to pay $2,000 each fair for a temporary stage with a large tent. That $2,000 could instead be put towards programming at the fair, he said.
The Extension also would like to install a sound system for the Curtis Pavilion if there is enough money in the grant.
If there is additional money left after the stage project, Batt said the Extension would also like to install a new wash rack for horses. Right now, 4-H kids wash their horses in the grass, which becomes muddy as fair week stretches on. Ideally, the horses would have a wash rack like the new one with a concrete base that was installed for cattle last year. That cost about $15,000, Batt said.
The state is making the grants available to all the county fairs in the state, hoping the capital improvements can help the local fairs better showcase local agriculture.
The performance stage met the criteria by the state because the stage will also serve as an outdoor classroom for agriculture specialists and master gardeners, Batt said.
“These investments will help these fairs attract more visitors, raise the profile of local vendors and businesses, and help spur economic growth across New York,” Cuomo said last month when he announced the grants.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2017 at 6:03 pm
Provided photo
KNOWLESVILLE – Joe Sidonio of Murray holds one of the new 4-H signs he paid for and donated to the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County.
Sidonio donated seven road signs. Five will replace existing signs – one of Route 98, and two each on Route 31 and Route 104. The Extension would like to have two signs installed on Route 31A at the entrance of Orleans County by the Monroe County line and the Niagara County line.
“Several of the signs are rusted to the point where they are barely legible,” said Robert Batt, 4-H educator.
Sidonio donated the the signs to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 4-H program. His wife Amy Machamer is a former board member for the local Extension and their daughter, Amelia, has been a 4-H member for several years.
Batt said the new signs should go up in the spring. The five that will replace existing signs should be an easy swap, but the two planned for 31A will require a permit from the state Department of Transportation. If that permit is difficult to obtain, Batt said the signs planned for 31A may be installed at the 4-H Fairgrounds at Knowlesville.
“We just think it’s a good way to showcase that there is a strong and vibrant 4-H program in Orleans County, and the signs will also give people a reason to smile,” Batt said.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 February 2017 at 3:33 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KNOWLESVILLE – Makenzie McGrath of Medina presents a demonstration on fairy gardens, showing how to plant succulents as part of the design, during 4-H Public Presentations Saturday afternoon. This was Makenzie’s second year participating.
“I liked it,” she said of giving the demonstration. “I didn’t get nervous. I got nervous last year, but not now.”
Orleans County 4-Hers are in the midst of their annual Public Presentations Program which provides an opportunity to improve public speaking skills.
Participants select a topic of their choice and present either an illustrated talk, demonstration, formal speech, recitation, or dramatic interpretation. 4-Hers who are members of a horse club or participating in a horse-related project can do presentations on horses either as an individual demonstration or a team demonstration.
The 2017 program will continue on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Education Center on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Lydia Scharlau of Medina presents an illustrated talk on giraffes.
Megan Hardner of Lyndonville describes the parts of a ukelele as part of her 4-H Public Presentation on Saturday afternoon. Megan said she has been teaching herself to play the instrument because of her affinity for all things Hawaiian.
Following their presentations, 4-Hers and their families enjoyed ice cream sundaes before being awarded their certificates of participation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2017 at 8:51 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Students are eager to get to the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion on the first day of school on Sept. 7.
Orleans County school districts would collectively see about $1.3 million in state aid in 2017-18, according to Gov. Cuomo’s budget proposal.
The five school districts – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina – received $86,780,004 in state aid in 2016-17. That would increase to $88,072,678 in 2017-18, according to the governor’s budget.
Cuomo is proposing a $1 billion increase in school aid state-wide, a 4 percent increase to $25.6 billion.
Cuomo, during a budget address on Jan. 17, said state funding for schools has increased 30 percent over six years.
“The people of this state believe that education is a priority. I agree with them, and we’ve put our proverbial money where our mouth is, the highest level of education spending in history,” Cuomo said.
The governor also wants to update the Foundation Aid formula to better reflect student poverty and consolidate prekindergarten funding streams.
Here is the breakdown for each school district in Orleans County:
• Albion would see overall aid increase by 1.7 percent or $445,327, going from $26,145,250 in 2016-17 to $26,590,577. The district’s Foundation Aid would increase from $19,586,268 to $19,909,890.
• Holley’s overall state aid would increase by 3.36 percent or $527,702, going from $15,694,417 in 2016-17 to $16,222,119. Holley’s Foundation Aid would rise from $9,772,927 to $9,952,814.
• Kendall would see overall aid jump 14.1 percent or a $1,490,671 increase, from $10,573,996 to $12,064,667. The district’s Building Aid is driving the increase with that going from $584,656 in 2016-17 to $2,154,370. Without the Building Aid, Kendall’s other state aid actually decreases by 0.79 percent or $79,043.
• Lyndonville would see an overall increase by 2.71 percent or $242,940, going from $8,964,368 to $9,207,308. Foundation Aid would see a slight increase from $5,908,151 to $6,009,994.
• Medina’s overall aid would drop by $1,413,966 or by 5.57 percent, from $25,401,973 to $23,988,007. The district’s building aid is dropping from $4,092,316 to $2,301,051. Foundation Aid, however, increases from $16,446,235 to $16,719,313. Medina’s school aid, without building aid, increases $377,299 or by 1.77 percent.
The school numbers often see an increase from the State Legislature over the governor’s proposal. The budget for the Legislature and governor to reach a budget deal is March 31.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2017 at 4:21 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: A business on Main Street in Albion has an “Open” flag, encouraging people to stop in.
Sales tax revenue in Orleans County dropped for the second straight year in 2016, according to the State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Sales tax collections were down 1.2 percent or $182,421 in 2016, a drop from $15,469,950 in 2015 to $15,287,529.
That decline followed a drop of 1.5 percent or $233,412, from $15,703,362 in 2014 to $15,469,950 in 2015.
The sales tax is a key source of revenue for the county government. It also is a measure of the local economy.
“Sales tax collections are a crucial, yet unstable source of revenue for local governments,” DiNapoli said in a report. “The impact of little to no growth is felt in several regions across the state, especially in counties and municipalities that may already be struggling financially. As the year progresses, local officials will need to closely monitor their budgets should these collections slip.”
Other counties in Western New York saw decreases including Niagara County, down 0.9 percent; Cattaraugus, down 3.9 percent; Erie, down 0.2 percent; Genesee, a drop of 2.4 percent; and Livingston, down 0.8 percent.
Most counties experienced growth in sales tax. The comptroller’s report showed 39 out of 57 counties had gains.
DiNapoli’s report showed the strongest sales tax growth in 2016 was in the Mid-Hudson Valley with a 2.9 percent increase and Long Island with a 1.9 percent increase.
Central New York was the only region in the state to suffer a decline in collections, while growth in the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier and Western New York was below one percent, according to the comptroller.
Orleans Hub wrote an editorial on Oct. 31, 2016 with ideas about growing the sales tax. Click here to see “Editorial: To lower taxes and strengthen economy in Orleans, local officials should grow sales tax.”
Provided photo: Tim Kirby (in back), board member for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, led a group in canning tomatoes.
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – As the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension rings in a new year and its 100th year anniversary celebration, another important task is at hand – finding the next leader of their organization.
The Board of Directors is actively seeking an Executive Director to lead them into the second century of extending research-based knowledge into local communities.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Cornell Cooperative Extension, as some of the core programs of our mission have seen a resurgence in popularity, as people recognize and value the relevance of agriculture, local foods, nutrition, youth development, and other strong programs traditionally offered by our organization,” said Deborah Roberts, interim executive director.
Roberts is in a unique position to see the changes. As former executive director, she has seen the changes over the years.
“Our traditional programs, such as support to the agriculture community remains, but we have become more innovative in the ways we deliver education and reach the whole population.”
One recent successful innovation has been the addition of a commercial kitchen on the fairgrounds that can be used to support large events as well as serve as a venue for teaching.
This fall, board member Tim Kirby taught a group how to can tomatoes, a skill that younger generations have not previously had a chance to hone.
In addition the Master Food Preservers, Master Gardeners, the 4-H Cooking Club, Expanded Food and Nutrition Program, and other clubs and community groups all utilize the kitchen for preservation, cooking, and other programming in new ways.
Part of the celebration of the centennial will happen during the Orleans County 4-H Fair. The occasion will be marked with two nights of fireworks, strolling acts, and special live animal performances.
This year will also introduce new contests and events for youth and adults, including a quilt show. These new elements and traditions like livestock shows, delicious foods, and connecting with friends and family will make the week a true celebration of the 100 years of successful programming and the beginning of the next 100 years.
While the community recognizes the strong alignment between CCE and the county fair, numerous other elements are needed for an executive director to be successful.
“Our leader needs to connect us to campus, continue to grow our programs, manage the facilities, and focusing on revenue generation,” states Ed Neal, chairman of the board of directors. “The next executive director will be inheriting a terrific team of staff members, an informed and dedicated board of directors, and an opportunity to facilitate community conversation about the future of Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.”
Filling the position is the agency’s top priority this year, Neal said, and several local residents have already expressed interest in the job, which carries a $58,000 salary and requires a Master’s Degree.
For more information on the Executive Director position, please visit jobs.cce.cornell.edu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 February 2017 at 1:54 pm
Wayne Litchfield
ALBION – A Medina resident has an ambitious goal: to make sure every school-aged child in Orleans County doesn’t go hungry over the weekend.
Wayne Litchfield, a retired county dispatcher who now heads the VALOR Medical Reserve Corps for the county, wants to start a backpack program, where children would have six meals in backpacks to take home for the weekend.
He is in the early stages of trying to put together a program with VALOR partnering with Foodlink, and local churches, organizations and school districts.
“We are looking for stakeholders,’ Litchfield told the Albion Rotary Club on Thursday. “It will need to be community driven.”
Litchfield is also a volunteer with the Hands 4 Hope ministry, which distributes some food on Saturday mornings, visiting Albion twice, and Medina and Holley once each month. Hands 4 Hope also takes prayer requests from people who stop by.
The experience has been an eye-opener for Litchfield, who sees a lot of desperate families with very little food to eat. Hands 4 Hope gives away a “share” which is about $20 worth of food for each family.
Litchfield would like to start “Pack 4 Hope” for kids in school to bring home meals for the weekend. Foodlink could provide six meals per child at $2.50 per kid, Litchfield said.
His ultimate goal would be to have food for each child eligible for free or reduced lunch. The breakdown per school district for children eligible for free or reduced lunch includes 777 in Albion, 402 in Holley, 348 in Kendall, 302 in Lyndonville, and 548 in Medina. The total is 2,377 in the county, Litchfield said.
Medina’s PTSA already runs a backpack program serving 60 children. That is what the group can financially afford, he said.
To feed all of the kids on free and reduced lunch over the weekends would cost over $475,000, Litchfield said.
Foundations locally and regionally, businesses, USDA programs and other funding sources will likely be pursued, he said.
He wants to try a less daunting beginning. He is looking at a pilot project with Lyndonville, the district with the fewest number of kids eligible for free or reduced lunches with 302. Lyndonville also is considered by the federal government to be a “food desert” because there isn’t a grocery store in the village.
Jason Smith, the Lyndonville Central School superintendent, said the district would like to partner with Litchfield and VALOR.
“We support an opportunity to provide meals for some of our neediest families,” Smith said today.
The number of children eligible for free and reduced lunches may need to be a starting point for looking who could be served by such a program, Smith said. If the funding isn’t there for all children on free and reduced lunch, Smith said a backpack program serving fewer children could be a possibility.
Litchfield said a backpack program could be run through VALOR, which is a non-profit with a 501c3.
He wants to pack nutritious meals for kids – fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and protein.
With better meals over the weekend, students would see improved attendance at school, and a better ability to concentrate, especially earlier in the school week, leading to higher grades, Litchfield said.
The NYSARC chapters in Genesee and Orleans counties completed a merger on Oct. 1, 2016, and are now known as “The Arc of Genesee Orleans.”
