Community Action of Orleans and Genesee will receive $625,000 for its weatherization program as part of $57 million in Weatherization Assistance Program funds across New York State. The money will help cut utility costs for approximately 8,600 low-income families and seniors across the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

The $57 million will be released to a statewide network of non-profit organizations to conduct energy-efficiency work including but not limited to air sealing, insulation, upgrading heating systems, and diagnostic testing to identify hazards such as carbon monoxide and mold to ensure air quality.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program has helped thousands of low-income households across the state make their homes safer and their utility bills more affordable,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will build on this success by helping more New Yorkers save money on energy costs while creating cleaner and more sustainable communities in every corner of the state.”

The Weatherization Assistance Program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal with funds from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services. Services are available in every county of the state through a statewide network of local providers.

Priority is given to households with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those receiving Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds. The program assists all types of housing including single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and manufactured homes. Since the start of the program in 1977, more than 688,000 dwellings have been assisted.

A recent national evaluation of the WAP found that the program is extremely effective in cold climates like New York’s. Work in multi-family buildings is especially cost-effective with WAP investments saving in excess of 20 percent compared to pre-weatherization energy use.

“Low-income households spend more than 10 percent of household income, on average, for heating and other energy expenditures,” said James S. Rubin, commissioner of NYS Homes and Community Renewal. “Adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and tuning heating systems are measures that pay for themselves in energy savings. A relatively modest investment in weatherization funds can mean a world of difference to a family struggling with energy costs or a senior on a fixed income.”

Board will consider Yates moratorium, updated law on wind turbines

CARLTON – The Orleans County Planning Board is expecting a big crowd Thursday for its meeting when it will consider two proposals from the Town of Yates on wind energy conversion systems.

The town is proposing a six-month moratorium on wind energy projects, and the town also wants to update its local law for turbines. Yates and the neighboring Town of Somerset are eyed for 70 wind turbines that would peak at 620 feet. Somerset also has pushed to update its local law for wind energy facilities.

The Town of Yates on Thursday held a public hearing that lasted three hours on the proposed moratorium and changes in the local law.

The County Planning Board usually meets at the County Administration Building on Route 31 in Albion. But this Thursday’s meeting will be at the Carlton Fire Company Recreation Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

The County Planning Board makes referrals to the towns and villages, decisions that can be overridden with a one-plus-majority vote.

Other issues on the Planning Board agenda on Thursday include:

A request in Clarendon for a special use permit to operate home occupation (firearm sales) at 4257 Hindsburg Rd. in Residential/Agricultural District.

A request for an area variance and site plan review in the Village of Albion for installation of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and freestanding sign at 151 S. Main St. in General Commercial District.

A request from the Village of Albion, Village of Holley and Town of Murray for an amendment to their zoning ordinances to allow a six-month moratorium on mobile home construction outside of mobile home parks.

Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said today that he is tired of the Legislature providing a disproportionate amount of aid to New York City, and showing a blatant disregard for the needs of upstate New Yorkers.

Hawley wrote to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie asking him to bring the “Two New Yorks” legislation to the floor and allow a vote to gauge public opinion on the issue. The bipartisan, non-binding measure would be an important step toward understanding whether New Yorkers feel that the amount of aid allocated upstate and the amount sent downstate is equitable, Hawley said.

“In the eyes of the Legislature, NYC and its welfare policies take precedence over upstate businesses and taxpayers,” said Hawley. “I have introduced legislation that will simply gauge the interest of New Yorkers in a non-binding way. For instance, the battle over minimum wage and the implications it would have on farmers and upstate small businesses was completely overlooked by our downstate counterparts. Such disconnect has been present for many years, which is why this legislation is long overdue.”

Hawley’s letter includes:
April 13, 2016

Honorable Carl E. Heastie
Speaker of the Assembly
Room 932 LOB
Albany, NY 12247

Dear Speaker Heastie:

I respectfully urge you to report Assembly Bill 4167 out of the Local Governments Committee to allow a full vote on the Assembly Floor. As you may know, A.4167 would allow voters to vote yes or no in a nonbinding referendum to indicate their preferences on whether New York should be divided into two states.

I believe that upstate and downstate New York citizens have differing needs, wants, and desires regarding legislation and budgetary requirements. Upstate citizens are representative of less urban and more rural values, while downstate citizens tend to be more city oriented. There are also distinct social and political differences. Upstate citizens are more reflective of conservative to moderate traits while downstate citizens are reflective of moderate to liberal traits.

In light of the fact that there is a philosophical view of the SAFE Act dividing Upstate and Downstate, now again, we have seen a division with the two minimum wages. It is apparent that now would be the perfect opportunity to take up my legislation and allow a referendum for citizens to indicate their preferences.

Again, I urge you to assist in reporting this piece of legislation out of committee so that the people of this great State are able to indicate their views. After all, isn’t this what being a representative is all about – actually finding out what constituents’ viewpoints are on issues affecting their lives as New Yorkers? Please contact me with any questions or concerns you have regarding this bill. Let the people’s voice be heard.

Sincerely,

STEVE HAWLEY
Member of the Assembly

ALBION – The polls were busy in the first hour after voting started at noon today in the presidential primary. This photo shows Albion voters at Hoag Library.

Democrats are choosing between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for president, while Republicans can pick Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, John Kasich or Ben Carson. (Carson has suspended his campaign, but he remains on the ballot.)

Orleans County Board of Elections officials are expecting a big turn out. They have ballots available for an 80 percent turnout. That would more than double the 38.2 percent turn-out rate in this past November’s election.

Today’s primary is highly unusual in New York. Normally the front-runners have their parties’ nominations locked up by the time New Yorkers vote in the primary. This time, the Democratic and Republican nominations remain up for grabs.

Several people were guarded about who they were voting for today when asked by the Orleans Hub. One Democrat said he has been a long-time Hillary Clinton supporter but recently switched to Bernie Sanders, although the voter said he has concern about Sanders’ age at 74.

That Democratic voter said Clinton has been entrenched in politics for too many years and has lost touch with working class people.

A Republican who used to be a local elected official said he favored Trump, but switched to Cruz about two weeks ago due to the Texas senator’s commitment to the Constitution. The local Republican voter said Trump has waffled too much, especially on issues with the Constitution.

Trump has been endorsed by the Orleans County Republican Party, while the local Democratic Party is backing Clinton.

Polls will be open to 9 p.m. and sites include:

Albion: Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St.
Barre: Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Carlton: Town Hall, 14341 Waterport Carlton Rd.
Clarendon: Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
Gaines: Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
Kendall: Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
Murray: Holley Junior-Senior High School, 16848 Lynch Rd., Holley
Ridgeway: (Districts 1, 3, 6-7) Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Co., 11392 Ridge Rd.
(Districts 2, 4-5) Ridgeway Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
Shelby: Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.,
Yates: Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

Orleans County proved friendly country for Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump in today’s presidential primaries. (The top photo shows a Trump sign in Holley on Route 31.)

Sanders received 877 votes to Hillary Clinton’s 650 or 57.4 percent to 42.6 percent. Clinton is the projected statewide winner for the Democrats. She served as one of New York’s senators after being in the White House as first lady.

Trump was an overwhelming winner for the Republicans, getting 63.3 percent of the vote or 2,532 votes followed by John Kasich at 757 (18.9 percent), Ted Cruz at 654 (16.4 percent) and Ben Carson at 55 (1.4 percent).

Turnout wasn’t as high as predicted. The county Board of Elections printed enough ballots for an 80 percent turnout.

There were 1,527 Democrats who voted, or 28.7 percent of 5,320 registered Democrats. Republicans had a bigger turnout with 3,998, or 38.6 percent of 10,360 registered Republicans.

In addition, there were 399 absentees, and 293 had been returned by today. The ballots will be counted in a week as long as they have been postmarked by today. The County Board of Elections also said an unknown amount of affidavit ballots may be part of the final count.

A Medina resident on Park Avenue displays a Sanders sign.

The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday (April 19) for the much-anticipated presidential primary in New York. The leading candidates have all held campaign rallies in Western New York.

The Republican candidates on the ballot include Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Ben Carson. Carson has suspended his campaign, but he remains on the ballot.

The Democratic candidates on the ballot include Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for president. There are also 12 delegates on the ballot, and voters can choose up to six.

Poll sites include:

Albion: Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St.
Barre: Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Carlton: Town Hall, 14341 Waterport Carlton Rd.
Clarendon: Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
Gaines: Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
Kendall: Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
Murray: Holley Junior-Senior High School, 16848 Lynch Rd., Holley
Ridgeway: (Districts 1, 3, 6-7) Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Co., 11392 Ridge Rd.
(Districts 2, 4-5) Ridgeway Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
Shelby: Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.,
Yates: Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

Stepped up enforcement aims to keep teen drivers safe

This Public Service Announcement from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee urges teen to drive safely.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement throughout the state this week in stepped up enforcement of speeding in school zones, cell phone use while driving, underage drinking, not wearing seatbelts and child restraints, and passing school busses when the red lights are flashing.

The effort is part of a state-wide “No Empty Chair” campaign to keep teen drivers safe so they can graduate and not be an empty seat during commencement.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also is backing the “No Empty Chair” teen driving safety education and enforcement campaign to raise awareness of highway dangers during prom and graduation season.

State and local law enforcement will participate in the week-long, multi-agency campaign from Monday through Friday. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee also encourages school administrators, local traffic safety partners, and other community stakeholders to raise awareness to ensure there are no empty chairs at prom and graduation this season.

“Raising awareness about traffic safety can prevent senseless tragedies and save lives,” said Governor Cuomo. “By spreading the word about the Empty Chair Campaign, we can stop crashes before they occur, and ensure a bright future for all of New York’s students.”

State and local law enforcement will increase their presence in the vicinity of local high schools throughout the campaign, and officers are encouraged to be vigilant about violations of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law, which is designed to provide time for young people to gain critical experience in various traffic scenarios.

The campaign will target specific infractions throughout the week, while also enforcing all other vehicle and traffic laws. The target dates are as follows:

Monday, April 18, 2016 – Speeding in school zones
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 – Seatbelts and child restraints
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 – Cell phone use and texting
Thursday, April 21, 2016 – Operation Safe Stop/promoting school bus safety
Friday, April 22, 2016 – Underage drinking and impaired driving

“Our goal with this initiative is to keep teens safe so they can enjoy what is ahead of them – prom, graduation, and then moving on to the next step of their lives,” said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. “Please buckle up, slow down, and put away your cell phones while driving. These few actions will make the highways safer for all and help prevent tragedy this prom season.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. The Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research uncovered the following facts in New York:

Between 2012 and 2014, 11 to 13 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New York State occurred in crashes involving drivers ages 16 to 20.

Drivers ages 16 and 17 involved in fatal and personal injury crashes in New York State were more likely to be driving with passengers than drivers in all other fatal and personal injury crashes (43 percent versus 29 percent in 2014).

According to 2013 data, in police-reported fatal and personal injury crashes statewide, drivers ages 16 to 20 were much more likely than all drivers to have multiple contributing factors, which included driver inexperience, unsafe speed, following too closely, failure to yield right-of-way, and driver inattention/distraction.

Photos by Tom Rivers – This sign in support of Bernie Sanders is placed in a front yard on Park Avenue in Medina. It’s one of the few political signs out despite a heated primary season.

It may be a heated primary and a rare chance in New York for a spirited presidential race, but you wouldn’t know it driving around Orleans County. There are few signs for presidential candidates out on front lawns.

Local Republican and Democratic leaders haven’t ordered signs. The few that are out have been picked up at candidate rallies or purchased by local residents.

Ed Morgan, the Orleans County Republican Party chairman, said federal election laws require reporting by the local parties if they spend on the presidential race. He didn’t want to be committed to the lengthy paperwork if the party bought signs or placed ads.

“We’d have to file a federal campaign contribution form,” Morgan said.

He and the GOP Committee have endorsed Donald Trump for president. They made Orleans County one of the first counties in New York to endorse Trump.

Morgan said Trump has a strong following locally, even if there aren’t many signs in front lawns. He said he expects more signs will go out before the vote Tuesday as signs are distributed from Buffalo and Rochester sites trying to get out the vote for Trump.

There are also a few signs out in the county in support of John Kasich and Ted Cruz, who are seeking the Republican nomination.

A Barre resident on Route 98 has a sign out in support of John Kasich.

Morgan is traveling to New York City today for the State Republican Committee annual gala where the three presidential candidates are expected to speak. All three are making a hard push for votes in New York.

Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton also are in a tight race for the Democratic nomination. There aren’t very many signs out for them, either.

Jeanne Crane, the Democratic Party chairwoman, said a few of the Sanders and Clinton supporters have bought signs and put them out, although some of the Clinton signs appear to have been stolen. Morgan said some of the Trump signs also have been snatched.

Crane said she didn’t push to hard to get signs out when she noticed there were so few Republican ones.

“If they’re not too worried about it, then I’m not,” she said.

Crane and the Orleans County Democratic Party Committee last week voted to endorse Clinton for president. It wasn’t unanimous. Sanders has some support on the committee.

Crane said she has backed Clinton since 2000, when Clinton (then the first lady) ran successfully for the U.S. Senate, representing New York.

Crane said Clinton stands out among all of the candidates for her experience, particularly with foreign policy.

“She’s better prepared,” Crane said.

Although they won’t be pushing for yard signs for candidates, Crane said she and the Democratic Party leaders will be making phone calls, urging local Democrats to back Clinton on Tuesday.

Provided photo – Sheriff Randy Bower (right), a former Orleans County public safety dispatcher, is pictured with dispatchers Bill Oliver, left, and Mike Draper, in back.

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which shines a light on the important work of dispatchers.

“In a time of crisis, public safety dispatchers are the calming voice on the other end of the phone line, the one with answers or advice,” said Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower. “They’re the life blood of public safety, the true first responders. This is where it all starts.”

About 100,000 calls were made to dispatch in Orleans County last year, including informational calls that didn’t require police, fire service or other action.

Dispatchers assigned the following calls to local first responders:

Police calls, 23,792 total –  Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, 9,258; Albion PD, 5,146; Medina PD, 4,328; Holley PD, 3,057; New York State Police, 1,922; Lyndonville PD, 81. The Sheriff’s Department calls include 1,061 traffic stops, 888 papers served and 7,309 other police calls.

Dispatch also handled 5,930 ambulance calls, including 2,467 to Medina Fire Department, 2,082 to COVA, 681 to Monroe Ambulance, 318 to Holley Ambulance, 224 to Clarendon Ambulance and 158 to Kendall Ambulance.

Total animal control calls were 1,337 with 1,022 to Orleans County animal control and 315 for Albion animal control.

Total fire calls were 2,566 and include: Albion, 398; Barre, 201; Carlton, 262; Clarendon, 94; East Shelby, 54; Fancher-Hulberton-Murray, 192; Holley, 361; Kendall, 75; Lyndonville, 211; Medina, 249; Morton (in Orleans County), 41; Ridgeway, 261; and Shelby, 167.

Press Release, NYS Department of Taxation and Finance

To assist taxpayers who are filing their taxes during peak income tax season, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is extending the hours of its Income Tax Call Center through the April 18 filing deadline.

“As we near the end of the filing season, we’re expanding our hours of operation to assist more customers,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone. “Our Call Center stands ready to assist taxpayers. Don’t wait until the last minute, and here’s a tip: the first day of the week is typically the busiest day for call centers.”

Beginning Saturday, April 9, the call center (518-457-5181) will be open for more than 20 additional hours through the end of the filing season to help taxpayers who have last minute tax return filing questions. Representatives will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays for the remainder of the filing season.

The call center’s normal hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. So far this tax season, representatives have answered 400,000 calls from taxpayers. The Department expects to answer more than 150,000 calls in the final two weeks of the season.

For taxpayers comfortable using a home computer, many questions can be answered quickly by visiting our website, www.tax.ny.gov. Nearly 800,000 taxpayers access the Tax Department’s website each week during the income tax season.

Taxpayers who’ve already filed their returns and are looking for their refund status should use the tool available at www.tax.ny.gov. The refund tool is updated daily and provides the same information available from the automated refund telephone line (518-457-5149) and call center representatives.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Orleans County Chamber officials are pictured last April at the Home and Garden Show. The group includes former Chamber Executive Director Kathy Blackburn, left, new Director Samantha Roskowski, center, and board member Greg Piedmonte. Last year there were 30-plus vendors at the Home and Garden Show.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has canceled the Home & Garden Show planned for April 16-17 at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.

The event usually has more than 30 vendors, but participants were down this year. That prompted the Chamber to cancel the event with intentions of bringing it back next April 8-9.

“We have to make it bigger and better and we have to figure it out,” said Kathy Blackburn, a former executive director for the Chamber who is now a Chamber board member and the grants manager.

The Chamber’s Event Committee met on Monday and decided to cancel the event. The Home & Garden Show first was run at the YMCA in Medina before shifting the Fairgrounds.

“Decreased visitor attendance, along with limited staffing resources, has prompted us to regroup for the 2017 Home Show,” Samantha Rosokowski, the Chamber executive director, posted on the Chamber’s Facebook page. “We were very much hoping to make this year’s Home & Garden the best yet, but given our resources and vendor/visitor response, it is clear we need to reevaluate what a home and garden show should look like in Orleans County. Now more than ever we are interested in your feedback. What do you feel would make a better home show experience for residents and vendors? Let us know!”

The Chamber is continuing a raffle to win a $1,500 landscaping package, courtesy of Erie Way Tree Farm. The raffle was to be announced at the Home & Garden Show. The raffle has been extended until May 10 with tickets available at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, Meggie Moo’s Ice Cream Parlor and Grill, 810 Meadworks and Brushstrokes Studio.

For more on the Chamber, click here.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Four participants in this year’s 4-H Clothing Revue qualified for District Clothing Revue. They are, from left: Lauren Becht, Peggy-Jo Gabalski, Emma Mathes and Naomi Haberger. Each is wearing her entry for the Revue.

KNOWLESVILLE – Two dozen Orleans County 4-Hers gathered at the Trolley Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds for the 2016 4-H Clothing Revue. This year’s theme was “It Draws You In,” which is also the 2016 Orleans County 4-H Fair theme.

The event “gives youth an opportunity to model their textile projects while gaining confidence and poise while sharing their projects with an audience,” said 4-H educator Robert Batt.

Morning activities on Saturday included judging – which is based on construction quality as well as fit – and workshops. 4-H’ers were able to practice runway modeling, grooming and make-up, and also prepared entries for a “Paper Doll” clothing revue.

The Clothing Revue portion of the event took place Saturday evening. Participants modeled their creations on the runway for family and friends.

Four participants were selected for District Clothing Review which will be held later this year. Those participants are Lauren Becht, Emma Mathes, Naomi Haberger and Peggy-Jo Gabalski.

The mesmerizing 2016 “It Draws You In” theme for the Orleans County 4-H Clothing Revue.

Emma Mathes of the Adventurers 4-H Club on the runway in her royal blue brocade party dress. She challenged herself to complete the dress in five hours and was able to do so.

Lillian Mathes of the Adventurers 4-H Club made a sundress in a retro-bicycle print fabric. Lillian noted that the heart-shaped cut-out on the back of her dress was one of the hardest sewing jobs she has had to complete.

Earlier in the day, Makenzie McGrath got tips on runway modeling from fellow 4-Her Lauren Becht during the runway modeling workshop. Makenzie is wearing a skirt she made with a butterfly pattern fabric. She made the skirt for her first 4-H Public Presentation which was on the life cycle of the butterfly.

Cloverbud Jackson McGrath models a hat he made with a Star Wars theme fabric. He needed his hat for the Saturday evening 2016 4-H Clothing Review as the spring weather turned snowy and cold.

4-Her Baylee Strapp of the Hindsburg Hilltop and Towpath Club practices modeling her apron Saturday morning during workshops before the evening Clothing Revue. Baylee said she enjoyed making her apron and couldn’t wait to get her license to drive – the sewing machine. Workshop leader Pauline Lanning reads Baylee’s commentary from the lectern in the background.

Cindy Eibl leads a workshop in make-up and grooming for 4-H Clothing Revue participants Saturday morning in the Trolley Building at the 4-H Fairgrounds.

Participants in this year’s Orleans County 4-H Clothing Revue pose for photos following the Saturday evening show held in the Trolley Building.

Grains bins are pictured on Friday night during a blazing sunset. The grain bins are by Beals Road. This photo was taken in the corn field behind Faith Covenant Fellowship along Route 31.

ALBION – Orleans Hub went live three years ago as an online news site focused on Orleans County news.

We’re pleased the site has gained a devoted following in the county, and beyond. We average about 7,000 unique visitors each day. We’re fortunate local businesses backed us from day 1 as advertisers. Many more have joined us – about 100 advertisers now.

The Hub is run through the Lake Country Pennysaver. Karen Sawicz serves as publisher of the Pennysaver and also the Orleans Hub.

We have dedicated people working on the site, including many of the staff at the Pennysaver. Mike Wertman covers local high school and youth sports and his wife Cheryl takes great action shots at many of the games. Kristina Gabalski also has been dedicated as a correspondent covering eastern Orleans County.

I left The Daily News in Batavia on March 1, 2013, after 16 years to help start the Orleans Hub. I thought the county would benefit from a locally focused site that was also locally owned and operated. I also wanted to live and work in Orleans County.

We’re trying to make Orleans Hub better. We’re working on a mobile platform for people who get their news through Smart Phones. That should roll out this year.

In thinking about the long-term sustainability of the site, we may reach out to Orleans Hub readers for contributions to bolster staff. Although we cover many stories in the county, we don’t get nearly to everything and more staff would help us expand the news coverage. We have no plans to go to paid subscriptions to access the site, but we may make a push for contributions.

We have been able to shine a light on many of the positive attributes in the community, especially the local residents. We started the Hub partly because we felt the out-of-town media too often focused on crime stories in Orleans County, without featuring much else.

We have tried to highlight some of our challenges, from paltry state aid for villages to crumbling infrastructure.

We’re grateful so many people have been supportive of the Orleans Hub, especially in an era when many newspapers are going out of business or significantly downsizing. We seem to have found a winning formula for the Orleans Hub by sharing resources with the Pennysaver. Thanks again for helping make us a part of the Orleans County community.

Many people say they like the photos on the Orleans Hub, including the local landscape images. Here are three trees by Faith Covenant Fellowship during last night’s spectacular sunset.