By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Orleans County is a tough place for children to break out of the cycle of poverty, according to a study that looks at upward mobility of kids in counties throughout the United States.
“Orleans County is pretty bad for income mobility for children in poor families,” states a May 4 article in the New York Times. (Click here to see “The Best and Worst Places to Grow Up: How Your Area Compares.”
Orleans County is in the 35th percentile, 871 out of 2,478, for best places to grow up for income mobility for poor children. About 65 percent of other counties have higher income mobility for the poor.
Orleans and several other Western New York counties are difficult places for poor children to change that economic outcome when they are adults.
The study says poor children in Orleans County can expect to earn $120 less at age 26, compared to working in the average county. Wyoming County offers the best economic prospects for poor kids in Western New York. In that county, poor children will make $3,320 more annually at age 26, compared to being in the average county.
(Monroe County fares the worst of 11 WNY counties. Poor children who grow up in Monroe earn $2,380 less annually at age 26 compared to the average county.)
The study reported in The New York Times was compiled by Harvard economists Raj Chetty and Nathaniel Hendren.
The say location is a big factor in a child’s economic prospects. Chetty, Hendren and other researchers identify five factors with strong upward mobility: less segregation by income and race, lower levels of income inequality, better schools, lower rates of violent crime, and a larger share of two-parent households, according to The New York Times.
“The broader lesson of our analysis,” Chetty and Hendren say in their report, “is that social mobility should be tackled at a local level.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has added two new members to its board of directors and the organization is planning to raffle off a new 4-wheeler this year.
The Chamber had its annual meeting this morning. Brooke Pontillo, a senior account executive for Toshiba Business Solutions, remains president.
Linda Kludt from Kludt Farms in Kendall is the new vice president. Greg Piedmonte from Precision Packaging Products in Holley is the Chamber’s new treasurer.
Other new board members include Albion Town Councilman Jake Olles and Patrick Pollard from Hinspergers Poly Industries in Medina.
The Chamber will be selling tickets for the 4-wheeler at its office, 102 N. Main St., and also during the Orleans County 4-H Fair in July, the Metro 10 race in Albion on Aug. 22 and during the Chamber’s annual awards dinner on Sept. 18. The 4-wheeler is a 2015 Polaris Sportsman ETX ATV.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Randy Bower has received another key endorsement in his campaign to be Orleans County’s next sheriff.
Bower today was endorsed by the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The 23-member group “overwhelmingly supported” Bower to succeed Scott Hess as sheriff, said Erin Fuller, the association president. Hess is retiring Dec. 31.
Bower, a dispatcher for the county for more than 20 years, is vying with Chief Deputy Tom Drennan to be sheriff. The Orleans County Conservative Party endorsed Bower on Monday to be sheriff.
“The membership feels Randy would do a superior job,” said Deputy Fuller. “He has a plan for how he wants the department to progress.”
Bower works closely with deputies and other emergency services personnel in his job as dispatcher, Fuller said.
“Certainly Tom Drennan as chief deputy is qualified enough,” Fuller said. “But the membership endorsed Randy for a multitude of reasons. Randy being who he is we know he will do a great job.”
Both Drennan and Bower have spent months courting Republican leaders. The Republican Party Committee meets 7 p.m. Thursday at Tillman’s Village Inn to make its endorsement.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Conservative Party has endorsed a long-time dispatcher to replace Scott Hess as sheriff. Hess is retiring after Dec. 31 and isn’t seeking re-election.
The Conservative Party endorsed Bower on Monday, choosing him over Tom Drennan, the chief deputy at the Sheriff’s Department.
Al Lofthouse, Conservative Party chairman, said Bower impressed party leaders during an interview. He wants to run a lean department with its budget and also step up efforts to pursue welfare fraud, Lofthouse said.
“He came across a little better in the interview,” Lofthouse said about Bower, a Holley resident. “People felt Randy was more attuned to Conservative values.”
The Orleans County Republican Party Committee meets on Thursday to make its endorsements, and the sheriff choice may be the most anticipated selection.
The nine-member Conservative Party Committee did not endorse any incumbent county legislators for re-election. Lofthouse said the county leaders haven’t done enough to bring down property taxes in the community.
The Conservatives did endorse Paul Lauricella Jr. of Lyndonville to run against incumbent Lynne Johnson. Lauricella is vice chairman of the Conservative Party. He recused himself from the legislator endorsement discussions, Lofthouse said.
“The county is not headed in the right direction,” Lofthouse said this morning. “We have the highest taxes for home assessments in the country. The legislators don’t seem to be willing to take the bull by the horns and cut expenses.”
In addition to Bower and Lauricella, the Conservative Party endorsed the following candidates:
Rocco L. Sidari for county coroner, Joseph R. Kujawa for Ridgeway town justice, Ronald Mannella for Gaines highway superintendent, Edward Houseknecht for Shelby highway superintendent, Tracy Bruce Chalker for Clarendon highway superintendent, Carol Culhane for Gaines town supervisor, Mary R. Neilans for Gaines town councilwoman, and Matthew Passarell for Albion town supervisor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Orleans Hub posted many stories on the 200-plus Santas in Albion from April 16-19 for the Charles W. Howard Legendary Santa Claus Conference. The group gathered for a photo on the courthouse steps on April 18.
April proved a photo-friendly month for Orleans Hub with 200-plus Santas in Albion for a Santa Claus conference, a Civil War Encampment in Medina and arrival of spring following a brutal winter.
It was also a controversial month with parents and students “opting out” of standardized tests, residents fighting against a wind energy project in Yates and Somerset, and local villages wrestling with budgets that raised taxes.
Orleans Hub continued a strong 2015 with our fourth straight month with over 600,000 pageviews. We had 636,842 in April, an average of 21,228 each day. We set a new record in April for pageviews for obituaries with 113,722.
We also averaged 6,552 unique daily visitors for the month, our fourth straight month topping 6,000.
Here are the top five most viewed stories for April:
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Shane Freeman slides into home as Lyndonville catcher James Ianni tries to dig out the ball during the Mustangs 10-4 win over the visiting Tigers on April 3 at Vets Park in Medina.
Mike and Cheryl Wertman have also been busy covering spring sports, offering a complete daily report on high school baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and lacrosse.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – About 150 motorcyclists joined at the Orleans County Courthouse today for a safety and awareness rally. After speeches from the Courthouse steps, the bikers rode about 50 miles throughout the county, ending at the Vets Club in Medina.
The rally began with the pledge of allegiance. Pictured, from left, include Matt Tracy, vice president of the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education; Chuck Persons, president of the local ABATE; and Stefan Worthington, a member of the Barnabas Bikers, a Christian motorcycle group in Genesee County. Worthington shared a prayer, asking for a safe riding season for the motorcyclists.
Fran Abrams listens to Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller read a proclamation, declaring May to be “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Albion can be seen in this reflection on one of the motorcycles.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the recently approved state budget keeps $438 million in CHIPS funding for local road work. The budget also added $10 million to help municipalities pay for extra work with potholes and road deterioration from the harsh winter.
Hawley said he wants to see state resources directed to help keep roads safe for motorists, cyclists, runners and motorcyclists.
Tim Seibert and his son Pom, 9, of Albion attended the rally and then went on the 50-mile ride.
The Presbyterian Church can be seen in this mirror.
Tim Lindsay, left, listens at the rally. He is pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
Dale Graff, front, gets ready to lead the group of motorcyclists on a ride through the county. They are pictured on East State Street in front of the courthouse.
These bikers get ready to ride.
The local ABATE chapter uses the rally and ride through the county to remind the public bikers are back on the roads with the return of warmer weather.
Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on the road so drivers in other vehicles should take extra care to look out for them and to safely ‘Share the Road,’ ABATE officials said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2015 at 12:00 am
The slates are set for the May 19 elections for the Board of Education at five local school districts.In addition to voting on proposed school budgets and propositions, residents will elect volunteer members of the Board of Education.
Medina is the only district with a surplus of candidates for the Board of Education. The district has five candidates seeking three terms that are three years each.
Ann Bunch, Carol Heiligenthaler and Renee Paser-Paull all have terms up for election. Bunch and Paser-Paull are seeking re-election while Heiligenthaler, a former board president, has decided against another term.
Three other candidates – Danielle Class, Brian Koch and former board member Virginia Nicholson – will be on the ballot.
Albion, Kendall and Lyndonville all have as many candidates as they have positions on the ballot. Holley has three spots open, but only two candidates.
Here is the breakdown of candidates for the school districts:
ALBION – There are two five-year positions up for election in Albion. Marie Snyder is seeking re-election while John King is not. Chantelle Sacco is seeking the other position and is unopposed.
HOLLEY – In Holley, three positions are open that have three-year terms and two incumbents, Anne Winkley and Mark Porter, are seeking re-election. The other incumbent, Jack Welch, isn’t running again. No one submitted petitions to fill that position. That spot will be filled by the person with the most write-in votes.
KENDALL – Nadine Hanlon, the president of the Board of Education, is unopposed in seeking another five-year on the board.
LYNDONVILLE – The district has three positions open that are three-year terms. Incumbents Michelle Dillenbeck and Theodore Lewis, the current president, are both seeking re-election. Richard Mufford has decided against re-election. Kelly Cousins will be the other candidate on the ballot.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, left, is pictured with Jeanne Crane on Thursday evening at dinner in Hochul’s honor at Tillman’s Village Inn.
GAINES – Kathy Hochul was a long-shot candidate in 2011 when she ran for Congress in a overwhelmingly Republican district. She pulled off the upset win versus Jane Corwin in that special election.
Hochul said Democrats in rural areas such as Orleans County were essential in that victory.
“Representing you was one of the highest honors of my life,” said Thursday during a dinner at Tillman’s Village Inn.
The Orleans County Democratic Party put on the dinner for Hochul. She was knocked out of Congress in November 2012 by Chris Collins. The district was redrawn through redistricting, stacking more Republicans in the 27th District.
Hochul, after working as vice president of governmental relations for M&T Bank Corp., was picked as lieutenant governor by Andrew Cuomo. That team was elected state-wide this past November. Hochul said she is thankful for the chance to return to public service.
Hochul addresses about 100 people at the dinner on Thursday, including Helen Zelazny, left, and Jesse Green, right.
Thursday was Hochul’s second time in Orleans County since the election. She also was in Albion on Feb. 18 to discuss the governor’s “Opportunity Agenda” and to meet with local officials, including the County Legislature.
“I know we have some challenges here,” Hochul told about 100 people at Thursday’s dinner.
She said the governor is devoting state resources to rural communities, particularly with $500 million in a broadband initiative to bring high-speed Internet throughout the state by 2018, including the rural pockets of New York.
“That will be a game changer for Orleans County,” Hochul said. “It is coming. It will be ready in New York as we compete with other states.”
The governor also wants to work with local governments to improve roads and bridges, and continue support for the state’s agricultural industry, Hochul said.
Hochul has also been busy around the state pushing a policy to combat sexual assaults on college campuses. She and Gov. Cuomo also have been advocating for equal pay for equal work, an effort to boost the pay for women who do the same jobs as men.
Local Democrats turned out for the dinner with Kathy Hochul.
Orleans County is solid Republican territory, with Republicans holding a 2 to 1 advantage in enrollment over Democrats.
In the governor’s election, Orleans County voters gave Rob Astorino the strongest support for governor of any county in the state except for one. The 73.4 percent support for Astorino among Orleans County voters was only topped by Wyoming County, which gave him 76.0 percent of the vote for governor.
Jeanne Crane, the Orleans County Democratic Party chairwoman, admitted it is difficult for a Democrat to win in Orleans County. Hochul has proven a Democrat can enjoy success in the rural county.
“It’s important that we as Democrats have to reach out to all of Orleans County, including the Republicans and Conservatives, because we need everyone if we are going to win,” Crane said.
Hochul is a “personable person” with a work ethic, Crane said.
Hochul said she enjoys being away from the state capital and connecting with people outside of Albany.
The lieutenant governor’s presence in Orleans, and other rural counties, shows Democratic Party leaders care about those communities, Crane said.
“We don’t have the finances or the big number of voters, but they are showing that someone does care,” Crane said. “Usually people don’t come out to see the rural counties.”
Hochul said she enjoys meeting with people. When she was campaigning, it was often at diners and community events.
“I know what is in their hearts and minds because they told me,” she said.
Hochul said she intends to be an advocate for Orleans and she won’t be a stranger.
“I will always treasure our friendships,” Hochul told the group of Democrats.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 April 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The firm hired for $60,000 to help Orleans County have better success with state grants has already helped the county begin developing a game plan for advancing its interests in Albany, Legislature Chairman David Callard said.
He was asked by Al Lofthouse, chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, about the lobbyist and how the firm will help the county.
Callard said county officials have already been meeting with a representative from Park Strategies, LCC, an Albany-based lobbying firm founded and chaired by Al D’Amato, the former U.S. senator who represented New York. The Legislature voted March 25 to hire the firm.
“We’re approaching this very positively,” Callard told Lofthouse during last week’s Legislature meeting. “We have outlined a plan of action we intend to take to Albany.”
Among the county priorities:
State funding to expand broadband Internet access in rural pockets in both Orleans and Niagara counties without the service.
State funding for upgrades to the county’s emergency radio communication system to include better coverage in large buildings, including the five school districts, the Orleans-Niagara BOCES site in Shelby and Medina Memorial Hospital.
A plan for the state to better maintain its canal bridges and other infrastructure in Orleans County, including the Lake Ontario State Parkway.
A collaborative proposal for the county to team with the state on some infrastructure projects. Callard said a team approach may be the best long-term answer for keeping bridges and roads in good shape.
The Park Strategies representative is working with the county to develop a five-year plan of priorities and projects to bring to the attention of state officials.
A delegation from the county intends to go to Albany before the legislative session ends in June to meet with state legislators and agency leaders to discuss the plan. Callard said the county will be reaching out to more than the local legislators – State Sen. Robert Ortt of North Tonawanda and Assembly members Steve Hawley of Batavia and Jane Corwin of Clarence.
Callard said the Legislature in about a year will assess the contract with Park Strategies and gauge if the $60,000 expense has been fruitful.
“So far they have been very helpful and broadened our thinking,” Callard said. “Other counties do this as a regular course of business.”
ALBION – Orleans County residents turned in more than 300 pounds of unused household pharmaceuticals during a collection on Saturday at the Holley Fire Department, Orleans County Public Safety Building and Medina Fire Department, Sheriff Scott Hess said.
The photo shows Chief Deputy Tom Drennan, left, with Scott Wilson, the jail superintendent.
Residents were able to turn in unwanted or expired medications, as well as drug paraphernalia. The items will be destroyed.
The local agencies work on the collections in a collaborative effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.
Hess said he expects there will be another collection in the fall.
Press Release, Sheriff Scott Hess
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will once again sponsor a Household Pharmaceuticals Collection Event on Saturday.
Sheriff Scott Hess and Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson are pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office will again participate in this semi-annual undertaking, which will takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Orleans County Public Safety Building, 13925 State Route 31, Albion
Holley Fire Department, 7 Thomas St., Holley
Medina Fire Department, 600 Main St., Medina
This is a collaborative effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.
This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and drug paraphernalia for safe and proper disposal. Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.
Similar collection events held in the past have been touted by all involved as having been very successful.
Special thanks to the Holley and Medina fire departments for providing space in their facilities for this event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The county is moving forward with several infrastructure and capital projects, including the replacement of the roof on the Public Safety Building.
The County Legislature approved a bid on Wednesday to replace the roof at a cost not to exceed $476,820. The Public Safety Building has a large flat roof. It is prone to leaks and the project should not be delayed, said Legislator Bill Eick.
“It’s at the point where we have to do something and we will do it,” Eick said during Wednesday’s Legislature meeting.
The Legislature last October approved an $8 million bond to work on replacing bridges, culverts, roofs and other infrastructure work.
Most of that money, about $5 million, will go towards replacing six bridges from 2015 to 2017. The county is moving forward with some of the projects after getting little state and federal dollars for bridges. Another state and federal funding cycle doesn’t come up until 2017.
The bond will also provide funding for projects at the county buildings, including the roof replacement at the Public Safety Building. That contract was approved for Garland/DBS, a company from Cleveland, Ohio.
Legislators also approved spending $48,814 from the Capital Project Infrastructure Account on Wednesday for a natural gas emergency generator from Southworth-Milton CAT, Inc. in Boston, Ma.
The Legislature also approved engineering agreements for culvert and bridge projects. Labella Associates in Rochester will be paid up to $96,000 for engineering and design work for the Oak Orchard Road Bridge over Manning Muckland Creek in Barre, up to $80,000 for work on Waterport Carlton Road Bridge over Beardsly Creek in Carlton, and up to $40,000 for work on two culverts in Ridgeway on Knowlesville Road over an Oak Orchard River tributary.
The county also approved an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for replacing the Hulberton Road Bridge over the west branch of Sandy Creek in the Town of Murray. That project will be $1,338,900. The county share will be $66,945 with the state and federal governments paying the rest. This is one of the few bridge projects in the county with the federal and state contributions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Crime Victim Rights’ Week, Motorcycle Awareness and Safety, Older Americans among several recognized
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday issued several formal proclamations to highlight citizens and programs in the county.
The top photo shows legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson reading a proclamation in honor of Crime Victim Rights’ Week, which is April 19-25. Terri Drennan, second from left, is the Crime Victim’s Services Coordinator for the county. Christi Waldron, left, works with Restore, providing services for sexual assault victims.
May is also “Foster Care Month.” Legislator Bill Eick, right, presents the proclamation to Jeannine Larkin, supervisor of the foster care program in the county. Holli Nenni, left, is the deputy commissioner of Department of Social Services.
Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Month will be observed in May. Legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson presented a proclamation to Chuck Persons, president of the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE of New York. There will be a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 1 p.m. on May 3 at the courthouse steps. Motoryclists will then go on a ride throughout the county.
Legislators also issued a proclamation for “Western New York Armed Forces Week” with a special appreciation for Gold Star Mothers. Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, presents the proclamation to David Kusmierczak, a veteran from Medina.
Legislators also declared May to be “Older Americans Month.” Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, is pictured with legislators Bill Eick, center, and Fred Miller.
The Legislature also issued a “Special Recognition” award to Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, who is retiring after this year. He has been an elected official in Niagara County for 30 years.
He supported the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance with the two counties working together to fight a plan changing the way Lake Ontario water levels are managed.
The two counties are also working together on a Broadband initiative to bring high-speed Internet to underserved areas in the two counties.
“We can share the problems and solve the problems,” Ross said. “I can’t see a better partnership than with Orleans County.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
County Legislature honors first responders, dispatchers in March 21 shoot-out
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Deputy James DeFilipps (right), who was wounded in a March 21 shoot-out in Clarendon, made a public appearance today at the Orleans County Legislature, joining other law enforcement officers, first responders and dispatchers in accepting “Special Recognition” awards from the Legislature.
DeFilipps is pictured with deputies Brian Larkin, left, and Kevin Colonna.
DeFilipps was shot twice in the abdomen. A bullet proof vest blocked the bullets, but DeFilipps sustained deep bruising in his torso. He is recovering from those injuries.
He was shot twice by James Ellis, 44, of Wyoming County. Ellis allegedly pulled a handgun on an ex-girlfriend in Shelby on March 21. Ellis was then chased by law enforcement before crashing his vehicle into a telephone pole on Route 31A in Clarendon.
DeFilipps was working the east end of the county and responded to the scene in Clarendon. Police say Ellis open fired on responding officers, including DeFilipps. After DeFilipps was shot twice, he fired at Ellis, killing him.
Evidence from the incident will be presented to a grand jury to review the actions by DeFilipps and law enforcement. DeFilipps declined to speak extensively about the incident until the grand jury is done reviewing the case.
He said he looks forward to offering “a huge thank to the community” for its support.
The Legislature honored police, firefighters and dispatchers involved the incident, including from left: Deputy Kevin Colonna, State Police Trooper Kevin Bentley, Deputy Brian Larkin, State Police Trooper Scott Gregson, Holley Police Officer Guy Burke, County Legislator Lynne Johnson, Deputy James DeFilipps, County Legislator Ken DeRoller, Albion Police Sergeant William Scribner, Orleans County Dispatcher Julie Vendetti, Dispatcher Michael Schultz, and Jon DeYoung, fire chief for the Clarendon Fire Company.
Orleans County Sheriff Deputy Josh Narburgh also was recognized, but he was not present at the meeting today.
The “Special Recognition Award” stated the following: “At a moments notice, First Responders risk their own safety in the execution of their duties to protect others. Courageous men and women are the first to arrive and assist at an emergency scene and are our first line of defense against all public safety threats.
“On the 22nd of April 2015, we do hereby recognize your devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to our fellow citizens, specifically in the early morning hours of March 21, 2015. Orleans County is fortunate to have such excellent and distinguished Responders who are ready to quickly react and assist in times of emergency and crisis.”
The certificates were signed by all seven county legislators: David Callard, Lynne Johnson, John DeFilipps, Don Allport, Bill Eick, Fred Miller and Ken DeRoller.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Dr. Clark Godshall
MEDINA – The 13 school districts in the Orleans-Niagara BOCES have shrunk from about 44,000 students eight years ago to 36,000 today, a result of a low birth rates locally and an out migration of residents, Dr. Clark Godshall, BOCES superintendent, told the Medina Board of Education on Tuesday.
However, the BOCES program has grown during that time from 1,400 students to 1,600 currently.
BOCES has career and technical centers in Medina and Sanborn with a 99 percent graduation rate, Godshall said.
“We have a 100 percent job placement in some of our programs,” he said. “You have a set of skills in your back pocket.”
BOCES continues to assess its programs to make sure students are learning skills that are needed in the local workplace. That has resulted in expanded welding and culinary programs, and a push for more STEM (science technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Godshall said some of shrinking school districts are sharing programs and staff to maintain programs for students.
“It has implications on how small can we get,” he said about the shrinking schools.
The rate of reduction has slowed and Godshall believes school districts will soon see their enrollments level off without more significant decline.
