By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Only 2 of 4 teams can make it to the top
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Alex Graff is up on Nic Elliott’s shoulders as the team, Rough N Ready, tries to climb the grease pole on Thursday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
The team wasn’t able to pull off the challenge. Four teams tried it, but only two made it.
“It’s slippery up there,” Graff said.
Brad Driesel of Rough N Ready gets close to the top. Before he could get there, the bottom of the team started to give out. A nearly full moon shows in this photo.
The A Team makes it to the top of the pole as a crowd of several hundred people gather at 10 p.m. to close out the fair. The A Team completed the challenge in 1 minute, 1 second. That was good for second place on Thursday.
Lusciously Lube was the fastest team on Thursday. They climbed the pole in 38.32 seconds.
Devan Freeman of Medina is on top of the grease pole for Lusciously Lube with Ben Martin second from the top, and Mike Murphy third from the top.
Many of the team members are from Medina. Some of them tried it last year and couldn’t get to the top.
“We didn’t make it last year so this was a redemption thing,” Ben Martin said.
Lusciously Lube advances to the finals on Saturday night.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Andrew Jones of the Troll Diggers makes it to the top of the grease-slathered pole on Wednesday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
The Troll Diggers completed the climb in 26.2 seconds, the fastest of two teams on Wednesday. That qualified the Troll Diggers for Saturday’s championship, which will feature the fastest teams from qualifying rounds on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The grease pole caps off the fair at 10 p.m. each night from Wednesday through Saturday, and draws crowds of several hundred people.
The Troll Diggers were runner-ups in 2014. The team includes members mostly from Hamlin and Brockport.
“It’s a hoot,” said Sam Pak, one of the team members.
The Troll Diggers pose for a photo after conquering the grease pole. The team includes, front row, from left: Andrew Agent and Sam Pak. Back row: Nate Jenks, Andrew Jones, Neal Kruger, Jeff Ebel, Isaiah Jenks and Jonah Pak.
Taylor Soule (in white) makes her way up the grease pole. Cady Messmer is the second person up from the base. They are members of the BB Queens, a team of eight women and one man. The BB Queens debuted last year and advanced to the finals. This time they finished in 1:04 for second place.
Ricky Messmer makes it to the top of the grease pole. Taylor Soule, who recently got home from boot camp in the Air Force, was the third person up for the BB Queens.
Soule of Albion said she wanted to compete again because of the tight friendships on the team.
Messmer, 23, said he has played many sports and nothing compares to the thrill and sense of camraderie of climbing the grease pole.
The BB Queens include, front row: Brianna Dixon, Cady Messmer and Taylor Soule. Back row: Eboni Taylor, Hannah Hapeman, Ricky Messmer, Brooke Bensley, Halle Jurs, and Jessica Grimes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Camryn Eick, 9, of Albion holds two alpaccas – Stella, left, and Bella. She was getting ready to take them for a walk on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Ruthie Kuipers, 5, of Byron competes in the small fry pedal tractor pull. She finished second in the 45 pounds and under division.
Nick Sacco, 13, of Albion competes in the dairy showmanship competition on Wednesday. Nick works part-time at the Neal family dairy farm and is showing one of their cows.
Ken Strickland, an investigator with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, competes in a new doughnut-eating contest at the fair. Every contestant ate more doughnuts than Strickland. Deputy Jeff Cole also competed in one of the doughnut-eating heats.
Kylie Poynter, right, and her sister Tiffany sing “Just A Kiss” by Lady Antebellum during karaoke at the fair.
Jeremy Neal gives the instructions for the grease pole competition to the BB Queens, a team with eight women and one man. They were successful in getting to the top of the pole on Wednesday night.
Blue, a horse owned by Michela Hanlon of Kendall, relaxes in its stall after a busy Wednesday of competitions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Justin Robinson of Albion shows a cow during the dairy show on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Justin was named reserve champion for showmanship.
Daily Feature: Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building with daily presentations at 6 p.m.
Special Event: 3 – 8 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive in the Buzz Hill Education Center. Enter using back door.
Daily Feature Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building. 3-9 p.m.
8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youth Camp Day – Sponsored by the Orleans County 4-H Fair Committee
9 a.m. Western Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena
10 a.m. $5 admission per car starts
10 a.m. All Buildings Open
10 a.m. Wildlife I.D. Contest. Log Cabin
10:30 a.m. Little Britches Cattle Show (open to public) – Show Arena
12 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
Jason Clark, center, and Morgan Seielstad compete in a doughnut-eating contest on Wednesday. Contestants were challenged to eat six doughnuts.
12 to 1 p.m. Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs and Guests – Show Arena
1 p.m. Story Time by Hoag Library of Albion – Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building
1:15 p.m. Pork Chop Review – Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building
2 to 4 p.m. Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl – Center Stage
2 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building
3 p.m. Story Time by Hoag Library of Albion – Trolley Building
4-H’ers and Medina FFA members take alpaccas and llamas for a walk by the main livestock barn on Wednesday.
Natalie Mrzywka, 16, of Holley (left) and her friend Mikala Smith of Holley get a sheep cleaned and ready on Wednesday evening. The sheep show is at 6 p.m. today.
8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building
9 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germainand Judi – West end of Lartz Building
10 p.m. Buildings Close
10 p.m. Greased Pole Climbing Competition (teams must pre-register at fair office). At Greased Pole
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 30 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KNOWLESVILLE – Rebecca Semmel, a 4-H’er from Wyoming County, braved hot, sticky conditions to model this outfit she made during the WNY 4-H District Clothing Review on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
A visit to Gettysburg, Pa., inspired the historical outfit which is typical of women’s fashion, circa 1863. Rebecca will wear her outfit when she works in the Historical House at the Wyoming County Fair later this summer.
The Orleans County 4-H Fair played host to the Western New York 4-H District Clothing Review Wednesday afternoon. 4-Hers from Chautauqua, Niagara, Wyoming and Orleans counties took part, modeling garments and clothing ensembles they had made or embellished.
Melinda Waag, 14, of Fredonia models her outfit.
Orleans County’s own Emma Mathes, 14, of Barre models her lacy party dress during the WNY 4-H District Clothing Review. She is a member of the Adventurers 4-H Club.
Dana Daigler, 17, of Niagara County models a purchased skating outfit she embellished by hand with 2,300 Swarovski crystals.
Dana spent 12 hours on the project and used crystal AB and fire opal colored crystals to accent the bright red skating outfit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The 4-H horse program in Orleans County is seeing a resurgence, 4-H leaders say. There was a big group of riders competing today in the English Horse Show at the Carlos Marcello Arena.
Kelsie Johnstone of Holley, left, and the other riders wait to compete in the Hunter hack event, where horses need to complete two jumps. There were 16 participants in the senior division today.
Makenzie Ferranti of Holley is ready to compete in the English Horse Show.
Andrew Uderitz, 10, of Albion competes in the cross rails competition on his horse, Baylee. Andrew won the event for novice riders.
The riders and their horses are lined up in the show arena.
Horses and their riders aren’t the only ones being tested at the fair today. Jacques Gregoire, 12, of Murray competes in the Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship competition. Jacques is pictured with his Guinea Pig named “Bumpy.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Shady, a Siberian Husky owned by Megan Leight of Albion, waits in the show ring on Monday evening during the dog show. Another Siberian Husky is behind Shady.
Daily Feature – New for 2015 – the Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building, daily presentations at 6 p.m.
Daily Feature – Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building. 3-9 p.m.
8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens
9 a.m. English Horse Show -Carlos Marcello Arena
9:30 a.m. Dog Show (Classes 5-22 and C3) -Show Arena
10 a.m. $5 Admission per car starts
10 a.m. All Buildings Open
10 a.m. Horticulture I.D. Contest – Center Stage
12 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship – Wachob Pavilion
Five 4-H’ers compete in the junior showmanship contest with pigs on Monday evening. The group includes, from left: Jack Cecchini, Zachary Neal, Allison Mathes, Jayden Neal and Hunter Mathes. Jayden Neal of Albion was named champion junior showman of the competition.
1 p.m. Story Time with Yates Community Library of Lyndonville – Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. The Nuts and Bolts of Nutrition with Extension EFNEP
Educator Natalie. Interactive displays and demos – Trolley Building
2 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest – Wachob Pavilion
2 p.m. Story Time with Yates Community Library of Lyndonville – Trolley Building
3 to 10 p.m. Midway Rides of Utica $20 unlimited ride wristbands – Midway
5 p.m. Beef Showmanship and Show – Show Arena
6 p.m. Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office
6 p.m. Rabbit and Cavy Costume Class and Cloverbud Show – Wachob Pavilion
Sisters Janie Schutz, left, and Rylie Lear of Waterport compete in senior showman competition with pigs on Monday. Jayne Bannister came in first, with Janie in second and Rylie in third.
6 p.m. Master Gardener Presentation: Companion Plants – Lartz Building
6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building
Medina Marching Band members are handling parking for the fair. Shelby Green, left, and Kody Leno direct a driver to an open spot on Monday. The band will be assisting with parking all six days of the fair.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am
The unemployment rate in Orleans County for June fell to 6.1 percent, down a full 1.0 percent from the 7.1 in June 2014.
That drop was biggest reduction in New York State outside of New York City, according to data from the State Department of Labor.
The 6.1 percent rate is slightly above the 6.0 percent rate in Orleans for May. In June, the county had 17,400 people working, up from 16,900 in June 2014. The number of people on unemployment dropped from 1,300 to 1,100 during that time, according to the Department of Labor.
Nationally the unemployment rate dropped from 6.3 percent in June 2014 to 5.5 percent last month. In New York, the state rate fell from 6.2 percent to 5.3 percent during that year.
In Western New York, Orleans has the highest unemployment rate. Other rates for June include: Genesee, 4.5 percent; Chautauqua, 6.0; Cattaraugus, 5.8; Erie, 5.2; Niagara, 5.6; Wyoming, 4.9; Monroe, 5.1; and Livingston, 5.3.
To see more on the Department of Labor report, visit www.labor.ny.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers These goats are ready to greet the public at the Orleans County 4-H Fair this week.
Daily Feature: New for 2015 – the Orleans County Flower Show sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building, daily presentations to be at 6 p.m.
Daily Feature: Meet Micheal Keene Author of five books on hidden history of New York in the Lartz Building, 3 to 9 p.m.
8 a.m. Senior Council Stand opens
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Commercial Exhibits in Place
9 a.m. Walk/ Trot Horse Show and Cloverbud Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Orleans County Master Gardener Flower Show Entries accepted – Lartz Building
10 a.m. Market Auction Weigh-In
10 a.m. Llama and Alpaca Show (classes 1-42) – Show Arena
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plant Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods judged – Trolley Building
11 a.m. Field crops judged – Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged. Trolley Building
2:30 p.m. Goat Fitting Contest – Knights Building
3 p.m. Fair Official Meeting – Fair Office
4 p.m. Paid per car admission begins: Special Opening Day $2 price
5:45 p.m. Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans. Flag Pole Garden
6 to 10 p.m. Midway Rides of Utica $10.00 unlimited ride wristbands opening day special pricing – Midway
6 p.m. Dog Show Grooming and Handling /Showmanship, Classes 1-4 and C1 – Show Arena
6 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
6 p.m. 4-H Clothing Revue: The Design is Mine Orleanshub.com Stage
6 – 9 p.m. Live Broadcast with 89.1 The Point. Fair Office Portico.
6 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair Bucket of Junk Contest Judging – Lartz Building
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOLWESVILLE – The livestock, 4-H’ers and many vendors have arrived and are ready for a busy week at the Orleans County 4-H Fair, which starts today and runs until Saturday night.
The top photo shows Joseph Cecchini, 11, of Medina cleaning a cow this morning at a new wash rack.
The wash rack was a popular place to be this morning. The new wash rack replaces a wooden one. There is also a concrete floor and better drainage.
“It’s way better,” Nicky Farruggia, 16, of Holley said about the new wash rack. In past years, she had to stand in mud to clean her cows.
Zack Farruggia, 17, of Holley cleans a cow this morning. Zack and four of his siblings will be showing animals at the fair this week, including the Dairy Show at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Kelsey Evoy, 19, of Medina cleaned out her horse stall as part of the morning chore routine.
Owen Shaw (left), 10, of Kent had his rabbit, Raven, out to play this morning, to the delight of Aiden Gerling, 4, of Lyndonville. The rabbits are in the Wachob Building, which has a new concrete floor.
The 4-H Senior Council Stand opened at 8 a.m. and James White, a candidate for County Legislature, was inside cooking pancakes. He is pictured with Brandon Stewart, a 4-H member from Spencerport.
White is dating Kristen Marciszewski of Lyndonville. Her mother Dawn Marciszewski helps manage the morning crew of volunteers at the stand.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Adelaide Pettit, 4, of Albion (left) and Aubrey Gannon, 7, of Albion ride the Spider at the Midway at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville on opening day.
Midway Rides of Utica has turned part of the fairgrounds into an amusement park.
Jayne Bannister of Point Breeze shows a pig during the pig showmanship competition, which she won.
Kasey Neal, 5, of Albion made her debut showing a pig at the fair on Monday. Kasey competed as a Clover Bud. Her older brothers were in the junior showmanship competition.
These Orleans County 4-H’ers – Alanna Gordon, left, and Payton Walters, both of Kendall – compete in a clothing review with a dress and tuxedo they made of duct tape.
Sara Stewart, 10, of Medina (left) and Abby Allen, 12, of Medina get Sara’s dog “Licorice” ready for the dog show on Monday. Licorice is a Border Collie-Lab mix.
Megan Blackburn of Medina keeps her Dalmatian “Bella” calm during Monday’s dog show competition that tested 4-H’ers’ grooming and handling of the animals.
Liliana Goebel and Marli Thrash, both of Albion, perform a dance duet during Monday’s talent show.
Allison Mathes competes in the junior showmanship competition with a pig. She came in third place.
Provided photos – Law enforcement officers are at the scene of an alleged meth lab on East Shelby Road in the Town of Shelby on Thursday.
ALBION – Local law enforcement officers have arrested 17 people following a 7-month investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills and marijuana in Orleans County, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported this afternoon.
The arrests were made in the past several weeks. The investigation included four search warrant executions, including at two meth labs on early Thursday morning, the Task Force reported.
Police seized quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, precursors and equipment for manufacturing methamphetamine, a loaded 45-caliber pistol, more than $14,000 in cash, scales, packaging and other drug paraphernalia.
The following were arrested:
Junior Mateo
Charles Santiago
Aimee Santiago
Philip Ayala
Brooke Wenner
Delmus Tanner
Kuyanna Kuyal
Brandon Honore
Diane Gallagher
Philip Riley
Jennifer McCarthy-Conklin
Joshua Lopez
Bennie Coger
Xavier Hand
Junior Mateo, 36, of 734 Arnette Blvd., Rochester. He was charged with 5 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Additionally a search warrant was executed and Mateo is charged in Monroe County with criminal possession of marijuana in the 2nd degree and criminal possession a weapon in the 2nd degree. He is being held in Monroe County Jail on $15,000 bail and was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge James Punch, who set additional bail of $50,000.
Charles A. Santiago, 27, 0f 214 North Main St., Albion. He was charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of marijuana in the third degree (Class E felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
As a result of a search warrant, Santiago is also charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, 1 count of criminal possession of marijuana in the 4th degree, and 3 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st degree.
He was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge Punch and comitted to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Aimee L. Santiago, 28, of 214 North Main St., Albion. She was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of marijuana in the 4th degree, 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, and 3 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st degree.
She was arraigned in the Albion Town Court byTown Justice Joseph Fuller and committed to the Orleans County Jail on $1,000 bail.
Philip R. Ayala, 30, of 136 Summit St., Batavia. He was charged with 6 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in 3rd degree, and 4 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County indictment warrant.
Ayala was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and was committed to the County Jail on $200,000 bail.
Ayala is currently awaiting sentencing in Genesee County for a felony drug charge and is facing more drug charges in Genesee County as a result of a search warrant execution.
Brooke M. Wenner, 30, 0f 136 Summit St., Batavia. She was charged with 4 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
She was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $25,000 bail.
Delmus R. Tanner, 35, of 6619 Lake Rd., Bergen. He was charged with 9 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, 9 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 4th degree, and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (Class B, C and D felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
Tanner was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and was committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Kuyanna G. Kuyal, 19, of 6619 North Lake Rd., Bergen. She was charged with 1 count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
She was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $1,000 bail.
Brandon A. Honore, 30, of 247 East Park St., Albion. He was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
Honore was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and comitted to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Diane M. Gallagher, 46, 5079 East Shelby Rd., Town of Shelby. She was charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Gallagher was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Philip A. Riley, 32, of 110 West Bank St., Albion. He was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
Riley was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail. Riley is currently on state parole and a state parole warrant was filed with the Orleans County Jail.
Jennifer McCarthy-Conklin, age 39, of 1 Thomas St., Holley. She was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment.
McCarthy-Conklin was arragined in County Court by Judge Punch and was committed to the County Jail on $5,000 bail.
Joshua Lopez, 36, of 13 Adam St., Apt. B, Lockport. He was charged with 1 count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, and 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (Class B felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Lopez was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Bennie Coger, 63, of 525 West Ave,. Apt. 7, Medina. He was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degee, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in 3rd degree (Class B felonies).
Coger was arraigned in the Ridgeway Town Ccourt by Town Justice Joseph Kujawa. Coger was committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail. He is also currently on state parole and a state parole warrant was filed with the Orleans County Jail.
Xavier Hand, 18, of 329 South Ave., Medina. He was charged with 1 count of criminal sale of marijuana in the 4th degree, and 1 count of criminal sale of marijuana in the fifth degree.
Hand was arraigned in Ridgeway Town Court by Town Justice Joseph Kujawa and committed to County Jail on $5,000 bail. Hand is also currently on Probation with Orleans County Probation.
The following 3 arrests are the result of an investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine in Orleans County.
On Thursday the Major Felony Crime Task Force, the New York State PoliceS.O.R.T. (Special Operation Response Team) and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department executed two search warrants of suspected meth labs, 4706 East Shelby Rd. in Shelby and 12801 Ridge Rd., Apt. A, in Gaines, the Task Force reported.
Law enforcement determined that a camping trailer located at 4706 East Shelby Rd. did contain an active meth lab and was occupied by two individuals at the time, the Task Force said.
The East Shelby Fire Department also responded to the scene as a precaution while the lab was dismantled and processed by law enforcement.
Police seized more than 5 ounces of methamphetamine, numerous items used to produce and manufacture methamphetamine and numerous other items associated with the sale, distribution, and use of controlled substances.
The following were arrested:
Joshua Miller
Arika Grosskopf
Shane Maynard
Joshua L. Miller, 35, of 4706 East Shelby Rd., Medina. He was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (Class A II felony), 5 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (Class D felonies), 5 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (Class D felonies), 1 count of unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the 3rd degree (Class D felony), and 1 count of criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine (Class E felony).
Miller was arraigned in Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Dawn Keppler and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Arika Grosskopf, 34, of 20 State St., Middleport. She was charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (Class A II felony), 1 count of unlawful manufacture of a methamphetamine in the 3rd degree (Class D felony), and 1 count of criminal possession of precursors of methampetamine (Class E felony).
Grosskopf was arraigned in Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Dawn Keppler and committed to the County Jail on $10,000 bail.
Shane M. Maynard, 37, 0f 12801 Ridge Rd., Apt. B, in the Town of Gaines. He was charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felonies), and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felonies) as a result of an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant.
Maynard was arraigned in County Court by Judge Punch and committed to the County Jail on $100,000 bail.
The above arrests and search warrants were a culmination of several investigations by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force over the past 7 months. Several law enforcement agencies assisted the Task Force, including the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Albion Police Department, the Holley Police Department, the Medina Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the Orleans County Jail, the Genesee County Drug Task Force, the Batavia Police Department, the New York State Police Special Operation Response Team, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the City of Lockport Police Department.
This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are pending, the Task Force reported.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – For several years, Paul Lauricella has attended Orleans County Legislature meetings and often questioned legislators when they would vote to accept federal funds for Homeland Security, money for cameras by the shoreline, boats, and other equipment.
Last month Lauricella told legislators he thought Homeland Security was unconstitutional.
Bruce Schmidt attended that meeting. He was there with the Orleans County Historical Association, which is working to preserve a former cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road.
Schmidt was surprised legislators didn’t refute Lauricella’s comments, offering him “the civility of silence.”
Schmidt and Lauricella were back at the Legislature’s meeting on Wednesday. Schmidt, a Gaines town justice, spoke about the Department of Homeland Security, and its formation soon after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The department, with Congress’s approval, combined many federal organizations. Schmidt said it wasn’t formed unconstitutionally. He called Lauricella’s comments, “flippant,” and “reckless.”
Schmidt noted that his son, Scott Schmidt, left Orleans County on Sept. 11 and responded to the terrorist attacks with the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team. DMORT is a team of experts in the fields of victim identification and mortuary services. Schmidt spent 8 days at Ground Zero working to identify bodies.
Lauricella said the attacks, and the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, on that Sept. 11 weas “absolutely horrible.”
However, Lauricella said Homeland Security has grown far greater than its original purpose. He said children and senior citizens can’t go to the airport without being “fondled” by security personnel.
“I stand by my comments and I won’t retract it,” he said in response to Bruce Schmidt.
The Legislature on Wednesday voted to pursue another $50,000 federal grant through emergency management for “critical infrastructure.” Lauricella questioned if it was needed.
“With these types of grants it’s never enough,” he said. “How much security do we need?”
Lauricella was also critical of the Orleans Economic Development Agency on Wednesday, and asked the Legislature to “clean house” with staff and board members. Lauricella cited a state comptroller’s audit that said the agency needed more oversight with companies to make sure they were meeting employment and capital investment targets after receiving tax breaks.
The comptroller also said the EDA needed a recapture-of-benefits clause if companies left town without following through on their commitments to the community.
Lauricella said legislators need to “take a strap to them,” regarding the EDA board and staff.
Those comments prompted a rebuke from Legislator Lynne Johnson.
“I’m not going to allow you to disrespect us, these Chambers and our department heads,” Johnson told Lauricella.
Johnson also said Lauricella didn’t have his facts straight with his criticism of the EDA..
Lauricella is running for legislator against Johnson for a district that includes Yates, Ridgeway and a portion of Shelby. She has the Republican line and Lauricella has been endorsed by the Conservative Party.
She told Lauricella, who was wearing a campaign T-shirt for Gaines Town Supervisor Carol Culhane, that he needed to dress appropriately at the Legislature meetings.
That prompted Lauricella to say Johnson doesn’t dress appropriately.
Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner and the DMORT member, then stood. He thanked his father for his comments. Schmidt said he was humbled to be in New York City at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks and to work in profession when many people are grieving losses of loved ones.
Schmidt thanked his father for teaching him to be respectful.
Regarding Homeland Security, Schmidt urged the community to ask law enforcement officers, including wounded deputy James DeFilipps, where to draw the line in protecting the community.
“How much is too much for the safety of you and our county?” Schmidt said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency is seeking a $200,000 grant that would provide business training for small business owners and also help pay their rent if they locate a new business in downtown Albion, Holley, Lyndonville or Medina.
The EDA would offer a 10-week business training program to small business owners, and a downtown rental subsidy as part of the Community Block Grant. The EDA is seeking the funding through the state.
The EDA has run a microenterprise assistance program for about 15 years. To date, 410 residents have completed the MAP training program which gives an overview on taxes, record keeping, marketing, organizational skills, accounting and insurance, leadership and developing a business plan.
Graduates in the program also are eligible to seek low-interest loans through the EDA’s revolving loan fund.
A new MAP class will be offered in the fall.
The spring graduates include Heather LaDue (esthetics and electrology business), Alicia Dingman (interested in a marina), Alex Fig (Orleans Radio), Jessica Reigle/Lorrie Reigle Gurslin (nail salon), Stephen Kruger (Superstruct Architect), Andrea Chilton (garden nursery), Doug Ashbery (Venison Specialty Meals) and Michael Donnelly (small vintage snowmobile engine repair).
In 2009, the EDA had the rental subsidy program and offered a maximum of $3,000 a year to help small business owners with their rent if they locate in the Albion, Medina, Holley or Lyndonville business districts.
The EDA gave $20,004 to help businesses with their rent, including seven in Medina, four in Albion and two in Holley. Businesses must be start-ups or doing expansions to be eligible for the program.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A series of glitches that on some days prevented Orleans County employees from receiving and placing phone calls appears to be fixed, county officials said.
The phone system for about 200 county employees has been hit with two major problems the past three weeks with issues from Verizon, Time Warner and Windstream. Friday was particularly bad, because county employees didn’t receive incoming calls and couldn’t place outgoing calls.
The county works with Windstream, a phone service provider, and uses Verizon. One problem occurred when county employees used the Verizon network to try to talk with someone on a Time Warner network. The calls weren’t going through and neither company wanted to work on it, said Kevin Doherty, who manages the county’s phone system.
That issue was worked out, and so where the other glitches. Doherty has worked on the county’s phone system for 30 years.
He said telecommunications are much more critical to county employees now than three decades ago.
Phone companies tend to put their resources and energy in more populous areas, and that can lead to service problems in rural areas, Doherty said.
“We’re at the edge of service coverage,” Doherty said. “There’s no incentive to invest in rural areas.”
The issues the past three weeks were particularly challenging because Doherty needed to work with more than one company to pinpoint the problems and get them resolved.
The issues did not affect the county’s 9-1-1 system, he said.
