By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2024 at 9:10 pm
Orleans County registered Republicans go to the polls on Tuesday with voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Most of the polling sites are at town halls, although Albion votes at Hoag Library, Carlton uses the Rec Hall and part of Ridgeway uses the Volunteer Fire Company.
Here is a list of the polling sites:
Albion – Districts 1 through 6: Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
Barre – Districts 1 and 2: Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Carlton – Districts 1 through 3: Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3: Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
Gaines – Districts 1 through 4: Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
Kendall – Districts 1 through 3: Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
Murray – Districts 1 through 6: Murray Town Hall/Highway Garage, 3840 Fancher Rd.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2024 at 4:14 pm
County will have new district attorney for first time in 33 years
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Republican Primary for district attorney on Tuesday is a matchup between Susan Howard and John Sansone.
ALBION – For the first time in 33 years, Orleans County will have a change in district attorney on Jan. 1. Joe Cardone has served as the county’s top prosecutor since 1992. He is retiring on Dec. 31.
On Tuesday, two of his assistant DAs will battle for the Republican line. John Sansone was endorsed by the Republican Party Committee, but Susan Howard forced a GOP primary. She has been endorsed by the Conservative Party.
Cardone has stayed out of the race on who will be his successor, opting not to pick a side.
Both candidates oppose state legislation that they said benefits criminals, such as bail reform where judges cannot set cash bail on some non-qualifying offenses. The candidates want judges to have more discretion in setting bail.
Susan Howard, 57, touts her lifelong roots in Orleans County. Sansone, also 57, recently moved to Holley. He is a native Lockport resident but has worked for more than two decades in the county as a municipal attorney. He worked as an assistant public defender beginning in 1998 and then joined the District Attorney’s Office as an assistant DA in 2007.
“When I became an assistant DA it changed my life,” Sansone said in an interview last week at Hoag Library. “As an ADA you represent the People of the State of New York.”
Sansone also has prosecuted cases in Niagara County since 2001 as an assistant county attorney doing cases with juvenile delinquents.
Sansone was on a pre-med track at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, earning a degree in biology. He was working as a reporter at the Lockport Union Sun & Journal, covering the crime beat and the Niagara County Legislature.
He was always interested in being a lawyer, and decided to follow that passion, rather than pursuing medical school. He earned his law degree at Ohio Northern University and joined a Lockport law firm as a criminal defense lawyer in 1995. He encountered Cardone in the early part of Sansone’s career, and Cardone convinced him to join the Orleans County DA’s office as an assistant.
Sansone would leave the Lockport law firm, and opened his own law office. He said he didn’t shy away from trials, and that reputation has served him well. As a prosecutor, he said defendants know he won’t accept delays or try to avoid the added time and effort in a trial.
John Sansone is shown outside Hoag Library in Albion. He has worked as an assistant DA in the county since 2007.
As a criminal defense lawyer, on the other side, prosecutors knew they had to have a very strong case if they wanted to go to trial or pursue a plea with a long sentence. His experience as a defense attorney also helps him see potential holes in the prosecutor’s case. He said it would help him present more thorough cases to the grand jury.
Sansone said the position as DA is about holding people accountable for their actions. That doesn’t always mean the longest prison sentence.
In some cases, he supports mandated anger management counseling, and drug and addiction treatment.
“You can be the hammer to get them help,” he said.
But someone who repeatedly breaks the law, putting others in danger, needs to face punishment, Sansone said.
“If people are breaking into garages and stealing others’ property, you need to send a message it won’t be taken lightly,” Sansone said. “The DA position is a very crucial position. The people need the best champion for justice. I will do what I can to hold people accountable.”
Howard didn’t go to law school until she was 33. Before that she was a paralegal and a caseworker with the Department of Social Services.
Her father, the late Richard Schult, owned the Lakeland restaurant at Point Breeze. He also worked at Kodak and flipped houses. He often reached out to a lawyer for advice.
Howard said she wanted to be that person who could help people through a problem. It wasn’t until she did an internship at the DA’s Office that she turned her attention to being a prosecutor. After that experience in 2000, she said she found her passion as a lawyer.
“I was hooked,” she said. “It was exciting. I felt every day we touched people’s lives.”
Howard said she wants to see the office continue to be welcoming to interns. Some years there are as many as three. She said the county needs more attorneys, and she wants to facilitate a great learning experience for them through the DA’s Office.
Howard became a lawyer in 2004, and wanted to work in Orleans County, but there weren’t any positions open at that time. She worked a year in the Niagara County DA’s Office before coming back to Orleans in 2005.
Susan Howard, shown inside Hoag Library, has been an assistant district attorney in the county since 2005, and the first assistant DA since 2011.
In 2011, a full-time assistant DA position was created and Howard took the job. She has been there since. She has run the traffic diversion program since it was created in 2011. It allows some drivers to resolve tickets easily without incurring a court appearance, points on a license or a hike in insurance premiums. It also keeps more of the ticket revenue locally. Howard said the program recently passed the $2 million mark for keeping revenue in the county rather than sent to the state. The traffic diversion program works with about 400 to 500 people a year.
Howard also represents the DA’s Office for misdemeanors and felonies at Town Courts in Albion (in cases with Justice Gary Moore), Carlton and Gaines. The role means she prosecutes the crimes in the state prisons, and also the welfare fraud cases.
She also has handled cases since 2011 at the County Court level, doing indictments and trials. She also does some of the family court prosecutions for juvenile delinquents, where the focus is on helping the families.
“I feel like I’ve been working at this all my law career,” she said about her experience in the DA’s Office. “This is my community. No one will work harder for them.”
Sansone, as assistant DA, is assigned to cases that originate in Barre and Shelby. He also handles some of the cases at the county court level. He also has worked as the municipal attorney for the Village of Holley, and towns of Murray, Clarendon and Kendall.
Howard is vice president of the Orleans County Bar Association and a member of the District Attorneys Association of New York. From the DA Association, she said district attorneys are pressing state legislators to change bail reform and discovery laws. The DAs want more crimes to be considered “qualifying crimes” and eligible for bail, Howard said.
With discovery laws, the association was able to successfully advocate for more time to turn over evidence to the defense lawyers. Howard said the time frames were not realistic and prosecutors and law enforcement agencies still could use more time to process body cam video and other evidence.
She said working collaboratively is the best chance for meaningful change.
“This job is all about leadership and relationships,” she said. “You have to come together and work with other people.”
Both candidates have amassed official support in their campaigns. Sansone has the backing of Sheriff Chris Bourke, the union representing deputies, and a union representing dispatchers and corrections officers. The Holley mayor and town supervisors in Clarendon, Murray and Kendall all back him, saying he has been an advocate for those communities as the municipal attorney.
Howard has the endorsement of retired County Court Judge Jim Punch, who was also a district attorney. Other law enforcement officials have sent letters to the editor in support of her, and so has current Crime Victims Advocate Michelle Werth.
Voting on Tuesday is from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the 10 towns in the county.
Pictured from left include Dr. Julie Woodworth, Kevin Dann, Rocco Sidari and Scott Schmidt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2024 at 1:36 pm
Registered Republicans go to the polls on Tuesday in a primary featuring four candidates for three county coroner positions.
Two of the candidates are incumbents – Scott Schmidt and Rocco Sidari. The other two – Dr. Julie Woodworth and Kevin Dann – are seeking to become a new coroner.
Woodworth, Dann and Sidari all have the Republican Party endorsement. Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, submitted petitions signed by registered Republicans and forced a primary.
Charlie Smith, a long-time coroner from Ridgeway, isn’t seeking re-election. He has endorsed Woodworth to succeed him. The two are co-workers as registered nurses at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Julie Woodworth works per diem as Medina Memorial, picking up more shifts during the summer when she isn’t teaching nursing full-time at SUNY Niagara (formerly called Niagara County Community College). She works in Medina Memorial’s surgery department as supervisor and in the emergency room.
Woodworth, 55, of Lyndonville has been recognized as a distinguished professor at SUNY Niagara. She is the only one in the college’s history to receive the SUNY system’s “Distinguished Teaching Professorship.”
She continues to work at Orleans Community Health in the surgery department, as supervisor and in the emergency room.
Woodworth, who has a doctorate degree in nursing, has taught at SUNY Niagara for 22 years. She has been a registered nurse for 34 years, including 24 years at Medina Memorial.
She said Charlie Smith suggested to her two years ago she consider becoming a coroner. She researched the psotiion, and even took the initial training class to be a coroner.
“I feel like it’s a calling,” she said about working part-time as a coroner. “It’s a public service and I can help those families.”
She said her extensive medical knowledge would be an asset in determining the cause and manner of death.
“As nurses we work with the highest integrity,” she said. “I can bring that and compassion. I think I can explain that well to family members and help them through the process of death of a loved one.”
Kevin Dann, 41, of Holley has 25 years of experience in the fire service, including as a past fire chief in Holley. He is currently the assistant fire chief for the Murray Fire District and works full-time as a firefighter/EMT in the Town of Greece.
He also works part-time as a public safety dispatcher for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, as a state fire instructor and an EMT.
“I know with my life and work experience, along with the close working relationship with the law enforcement and fire agencies in Orleans County, I would be an asset to the county as a part of the coroner team,” he said in a letter to the editor to the Orleans Hub.
He said his field experience as a firefighter and an EMT has prepared him to expect the unknown and overcome the challenges that come with the passing of a loved one.
“Over my years of service, I have found compassion and understanding for the challenges our community members face when they are looking for help during their darkest moments,” he said.
Rocco Sidari of Albion has been a coroner for nearly 10 years. He has been part of the volunteer fire service for almost 40 years, and served five years as fire chief in Albion.
Sidari, 52, works full-time as a general mechanic at the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion. He also has been a youth football coach the past 10 years.
He said he feels like he provides comfort to families, as well as determining the cause of why a loved one has died.
“I’ve met a lot of people,” he said about the coroner’s job and many are friends he has met through his involvement in the community. “It’s always nice to have a friendly face in a difficult time.”
Scott Schmidt, 60, of Medina has been a county coroner for the past 30 years, and has been the chief coroner for over 20 years. He also is president of a state-wide association of coroners, the NYS Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. He has led that group the past 16 years.
Schmidt works as a funeral director at Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals. He said he has worked with thousands of families in his career during the most tragic time in their lives.
Schmidt also is a member of the US Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical System Federal Mortuary Team, and spent 20 days at Ground Zero in New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He helped recover and identify human remains. That experience caused him to author the Orleans County Mass Fatality Response Plan.
Schmidt also has been an Albion firefighters and past president of the Albion Fire Department. He also currently leads Orleans Recovery, a community organization dedicated to reducing the stigma of addiction and providing Narcan training and Narcan kits along with Fentanyl test strips to the community.
“My experience and training is extensive, my commitment to my community, the county, the state and our country is unquestioned,” he said in a letter to the editor to the Orleans Hub.
Polls are open in each town in the county from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2024 at 3:38 pm
Sunday is last day for early voting before Primary on Tuesday
Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign directs people to the early voting spot at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building.
ALBION – The turnout has been light so far with early voting in the Republican primaries.
Today is the eighth day of early voting and 216 had cast ballots as of 2:30 p.m. Early voting continues until 5 p.m. today, and then there is a final day on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. before the primary on Tuesday.
The county has one early voting site and it’s in Albion at the County Office Building on Route 31.
The turnout each day so far includes: 26 on June 15, 12 on June 16, 29 on June 17, 33 on June 18, 43 on June 19, 43 on June 20, 30 in June 21, and 22 on June 22 (as of 2:30 p.m.).
There are countywide primary contests for district attorney and coroner.
For District Attorney, the election is between Susan Howard and John Sansone.
For County Coroner, voters can choose 3 candidates between Kevin Dann, Julie Woodworth, Rocco Sidari and Scott Schmidt.
There is a primary in the 24th Congressional District between Claudia Tenney and Mario Fratto.
There is also a primary for Carlton Town Board member for a one-year term to fill a vacancy between John Olles and Jeffrey Gifaldi.
The remaining elections are for members of the Republican County Committee.
In Shelby District 3, choose two between Bruce Schmidt, Alana Koneski and Stephen Seitz, Sr.
In Shelby District 4, choose for any two between John Pratt III, Benjamin Flansburg and Thomas Winans.
In Yates District 2, choose for two between Terry Chaffee, Jr., William Jurinich, Lynne Johnson and Steven Colon.
Provided photo: Staff from the Orleans County Department of Social Services and the Office for the Aging wearing purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Posted 14 June 2024 at 2:37 pm
Press Release, Orleans County DSS and Office for the Aging
ALBION – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is this Saturday, June 15. The purpose of WEAAD is to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of elder persons by raising awareness.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day uses the color purple to honor both the victims and survivors of elder abuse.
June Seager, supervisor of Adult Protective Services in the Orleans County Department of Social Services, reminds the community that elder abuse affects people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races, and can occur anywhere.
“Elder Abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and sexual abuse,” Seager said. “That’s why we stress to people, don’t stand by, stand up against elder abuse!”
Report suspected abuse or mistreatment to adult protective or to law enforcement. To contact Adult Protective Services resident can:
• Make a referral to Orleans County APS by calling 585-589-7000
• Contact the Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) Human Services Call Center for the Bureau of Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505 to leave a message for local Adult Protective Services, to obtain the phone number for local APS, or to obtain general information about APS.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2024 at 8:15 am
More oxen could be around the county to help celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2025; Creature to be named during fair next month
Photos courtesy of Robert Batt: Joan Gabalski, a summer assistant at the Cornell Cooperative extension in Orleans County, stands next to a fiberglass ox that was delivered on Thursday at the fairgrounds.
KNOWLESVILLE – An animal harking back to the Orleans County’s early days about two centuries ago is back at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds and will be given a prominent part of the upcoming fair, July 22-27.
A fiberglass ox was delivered by FedEx on Thursday afternoon, traveling from Texas. Robert Batt, the executive director of the Extension, welcomed the idea of having an oxen on display to celebrate the county’s roots.
“It’s impressive,” Batt said about the ox. “We think it’s a fantastic piece to add to the county fairgrounds.”
Joan Gabalski and the ox are shown next to the pie tin that was a world record breaker in 1977.
Orleans County officially formed on April 15, 1825. The State Legislature recognized Orleans County that day, allowing it to splinter from Genesee County. Orleans is now less than a year from its bicentennial. Batt is on the Bicentennial Committee.
The committee is considering having a public art project with fiberglass oxen around the county, and painted in different themes.
But first the committee wanted to see if the public would embrace the idea of the oxen as a public art project, and also as a symbol for the county. The ox will be painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward during the fair from July 22-27. She is planning an agricultural theme for the ox.
If there are enough sponsors for more oxen, there could be several of them around the county in 2025.
Batt is happy to have an ox at the fairgrounds. He expects it will join the giant pie tin as a fun curiosity. That pie tie celebrates the world’s largest apple pie that was baked at the fair in 1977.
“I see a lot of people stop here to get photos with the pie plate,” Batt said.
The ox is expected to draw a crowd, too. The creature will be on display and Batt thinks it will be a hit with kids and younger adults who like to get selfies for their social media pages.
He also thinks the ox is great way to remind people of the county’s pioneer days. The animal was critical for the fledgling county, pulling wagons across rough terrain, helping to clear trees, dig the Erie Canal and provide lots of muscle for taming the land. Oxen also weren’t picky eaters. They could subsist on poor grass.
Batt would like to name the ox, and wants to see ideas on the Orleans Hub social media page. He already has heard the suggestion, “Orlo,” giving the ox an Orleans-sounding name.
The Bicentennial Committee is expected to create a short list of names to present as options. People can vote during the fair. The ballot box will likely be near the ox while it is painted by Steward, who has created many murals in Albion and Holley. The ox’s name will likely be announced on Saturday, the last day of the fair.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Pastor Albert Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries gives the keynote address during the 42nd annual Youth Recognition Banquet last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 8:53 am
2024 Youth Recognition Winners in Orleans County include, front row, from left: Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Hayli Kuellertz of Holley. Second row: Lucy Rivers of Albion and Jake Jackson of Lyndonville. Third row: Samantha Dobo of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, and Aubrey Gannon of Albion. Fourth row: Gabriel Lindsay of Holley and Hannah Brundage of Kendall. Fifth row: Lucas Jones of Kendall, Evan Levett of Kendall and Noah Cudzilo. Top row: Joseph Brueckner of Medina. Missing from photo: Makaila Adams from Kendall, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 students and three adult advocates during the 42nd Youth Recognition Awards Banquet last week at the White Birch Golf Course.
The group of honorees also heard an inspirational message from Al Wilson, pastor of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion. Wilson and his church have been very busy giving back to the community.
Royal Body teams with the Masonic Lodge to serve 2,000 chicken dinners in a December event, prepares and serves about 200 Thanksgiving meals, and organizes an Easter egg hunt with 12,000 plastic eggs with treats as well as other prizes, and even free haircuts.
The church has other ministries in Albion, filling backpacks with school supplies, offering a breakfast with Santa, running Bingo for adults and giving to the summer recreation program.
The Royal Body Shop has been very active in the Albion since starting its first ministry in March 2022 with a refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s Auto Parts on West Bank Street.
“There are benefits to volunteering,” Wilson told the crowd at the banquet. “You get a sense of purpose.”
Wilson urged the group to keep serving others, even when encountering people who aren’t always nice. He said everyone has value and purpose.
The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families.
Some examples of outstanding service by youth include: Makaila Abrams, Paige Hardenbrook and Evan Levett as volunteer junior firefighter with the Kendall Fire Department; Christopher Nettles of Kendall and Joseph Brueckner of Medina for many years in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout; Jake Poler of Lyndonville for beign one of the first to help his teacher at BOCES when a windstorm knocked down his barn.
Other students are very active in their school, making music, athletic and other extracurricular programs stronger. Others take on an extraordinary role in their families, and others are active in their church.
The students recognized include: Makaila Abrams of Kendall, Joseph Brueckner of Medina, Hannah Brundage of Kendall, Noah Cudzilo of Medina, Samantha Dobo of Albion, Aubrey Gannon of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Jake Jackson of Lyndonville, Lucas Jones of Kendall, Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Hayli Kuellertz of Holley, Evan Levett of Kendall, Gabriel Lindsay of Holley, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Lucy Rivers of Albion, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville.
Hayli Kuellertz of Holley accepts congratulations from County Legislator Skip Draper, Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Baker, and County Legislator John Fitzak.
Samantha Dobo of Albion was nominated by the Youth Court Coordinator for her service on that court, and for volunteer work with the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The honorees all received certificates of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored three adults – one in a paid role and two as community volunteers – for their service to young people.
Julie Kludt, center, is pictured with Youth Board members John Grillo of Albion and Barb Flow of Kendall. Kludt received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for her active volunteerism in the Kendall community.
Kludt was called “a shining star in the Kendall community.” She steps up in many ways as a volunteer for Kendall, whether leading a benefit for a community member in need, bringing supplies to elementary students, being the Easter Bunny during Kendall’s egg hunt, or helping put on community events, most recently a celebration during the solar eclipse on April 8. She also leads religious education classes the past 10 years, and sponsors youth recreation teams with her husband.
Kludt said so many people give as volunteers in the community, whether as coaches, firefighters, serving at food pantries and in many other ways.
“Volunteers are the spices in the communities,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to be spicy.”
Susan Oschmann also received an Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. Oschmann was unable to attend the banquet. She is shown on Oct. 26 when Albion opened two full-size basketball courts at Bullard Park.
Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project. She rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete.
Oschmann had recently moved to Albion from Kendall when she was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid. The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.
Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.
Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation. Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.
Oschmann also has helped organize the Santa’s Hometown parade in Albion, and serves on Albion’s Recreation Committee, Strawberry Festival Committee, the Albion merchants Association and the Albion Summer Festival featuring “Rock the Park.”
“She has a passion for helping the youth in our community to be engaged and active and to have a purpose,” said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director. “She has many new ideas for more fun activities.”
Peter Anderson, an Employment & Training Counselor at Orleans County Job Development, was presented with the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award which goes to a youth serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations. Anderson was unable to attend the awards banquet.
The photo from August 2022 shows him in back left at Bullard Park in Albion during a celebration of the summer youth program. That summer 41 people, ages 14 to 20, were in the program, working in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
“He has a knack for creating a good personal relationship by showing love, compassion and honesty with firm reminders when needed,” said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director and a Youth Board member. “The youths respect him and look at him as mentor. I have seen Peter go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities involved in his job description.”
ALBION – Orleans County Board of Elections Commissioners Michael Mele and Janice Grabowski today announced information related to the June 25th Primary Elections in Orleans County.
There are only primaries for the Republican ballot line and as such, under New York State law, only registered Republicans can vote in these primaries.
There are countywide primary contests for District Attorney and Coroner. For District Attorney, the election is between Susan M. Howard and John S. Sansone. For County Coroner, voters can choose 3 candidates between Kevin P. Dann, Julie A. Woodworth, Rocco L. Sidari and Scott M. Schmidt.
There is a primary in the 24th Congressional District between Claudia Tenney and Mario Fratto.
There is also a primary for Carlton Council member for a one-year term to fill a vacancy between John L. Olles and Jeffrey A. Gifaldi.
The remaining elections are for members of the Republican County Committee. In Shelby District 3, choose two between Bruce R. Schmidt, Alana J. Koneski and Stephen J. Seitz, Sr. In Shelby District 4, choose for any 2 between John H. Pratt III, Benjamin D. Flansburg and Thomas J. Winans.
In Yates District 2, choose for two between Terry L. Chaffee, Jr., William C. Jurinich, Lynne M. Johnson and Steven A. Colon.
Those who are not currently registered but wish to enroll to vote in the June primary elections must do so by June 15. Early voting begins on Saturday, June 15 and runs through Sunday, June 23 at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
Dates and hours are as follows:
Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those with questions can contact the Orleans County Board of Elections at (585) 589-3274. For more election information, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2024 at 2:07 pm
Howard wants people to decide issue in referendum
Photos by Tom Rivers: John Sansone, a candidate for Orleans County district attorney, passes out candy during a parade in Carlton on Saturday.
John Sansone, an assistant district attorney, is breaking from DA Joe Cardone in a high-profile issue in Orleans County.
Cardone has been pushing in recent years for a district court that would serve multiple towns. Cardone would like to see a county-wide district court that would handle most of the cases at the town court level.
“The current district attorney is a person I respect very much,” Sansone said. “I know that we disagree on this issue. We have different points of view based upon our sincere beliefs. I am happy the will of voters will decide this issue.”
Cardone said state aid should cover most of the cost of a district court. The county provides the facility and the state is expected to cover the salaries for judges, clerks and security. Cardone said having the cases be handled by a full-time court would move matters more expeditiously through the courts system. He said it would be a savings for the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender and law enforcement by having a centralized court, rather than a patchwork of 10 town courts.
But Sansone sees a lot of negatives with the proposal.
“In addition to the potential financial burden on taxpayers, the creation of a district court eliminates local town oversight of its residents to their detriment,” Sansone said in a news release. “The current system of criminal justice ensures the vast majority of cases begin in a person’s residential locality.”
Sansone faces a June 25 Republican primary against Susan Howard for Orleans County district attorney. Cardone isn’t seeking re-election after 32 years as the county’s top prosecutor.
Sansone joins a chorus of opposition to the district court, which includes the Orleans County Magistrates Association and some of the town boards. The local town justices and many of the board members say the current system is closer to the people, operates at a low cost and the state funding in uncertain, and could ultimately lead to a higher local expense.
“Our current court system has some very important elements to safeguard fairness and one of them is that all issues are local in their nature,” Sansone said. “Our county is not like many in our state. We are a county of many differences based on where you live and what you do and I believe that for the justice system to work best, knowing, recognizing and protecting that localness is very important. Town courts do that, and I believe the structure should remain the same to the benefit of all.”
Howard was one of 13 on the District Court Committee. Three of the members – Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller, Carlton Town Justice Kevin Hurley and former Barre Town Justice Richard Decarlo – cast votes dissenting from the recommendations of the committee. Dean Puleo, a layer who works with village and town courts for the 8th Judicial District, abstained from an opinion on the report, and so did Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Howard is listed as accepting the report recommendations. Others who cast affirmative votes include DA Joe Cardone, Public Defender Joanne Best, Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, Legislator Skip Draper, Legislator John Fitzak, Susan Howard, former Gaines Town Justice Bruce Schmidt, and County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch.
Susan Howard passes out candy during Carlton’s parade.
Howard said she ultimately wants to have the issue go to a public vote where the community decides the issue.
“I don’t oppose it, but I’m not pushing for it either,” she said.
Howard believes a district court will eventually be mandated by the state and required for the county.
“It’s coming,” she said. “We know it will be shoved down our throat.”
She said the county could get ahead of a state mandate and try to implement a district court, or it could wait until there is a state decree in the future.
“I’m leaving it up to the people to decide,” she said. “I will implement whatever they decide.”
Howard, the first assistant DA, said she wanted to be an active member on the District Court Committee.
“I try to keep myself educated and informed because I feel that’s my job,” she said.
There will be a second public hearing this Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the district court. The hearing is in the second-floor legislative chambers of the Orleans County Office Building at 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.
Sansone says the county report doesn’t take the full costs of a new court into account.
“I know that the idea of a district court has been described as a cost saving measure, however, I have not seen studies of substance to substantiate that contention,” he said. “Many financial aspects related to the creation of district court are speculative and fail to account for costs such as improving the current condition of buildings to required state standards for courtrooms and costs related to transporting defendants from the jail for court appearances, to name a few.”
Sansone said the state funding isn’t guaranteed. He said there is no evidence the state will force counties to implement district courts.
“Quite to the contrary, only two downstate counties have created district courts in the 1970s,” he said. “None of the remaining 60 counties have implemented a plan for a district court in over 40 years.”
If the state mandates a district court in the future, Sansone said the county should respond then.
“At that time, issues will be clearer, such as what the state will require for courtrooms, staffing, salaries, etc., and most important, who will be paying for what,” Sansone said. “In my opinion, there is absolutely no benefit to create something of this magnitude now only to have to change to satisfy New York State later on. Proceeding under that reasoning doesn’t make sense.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, needs roof repairs and other upgrades.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2024 at 8:27 am
ALBION – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced she is seeking $2 million towards repairs and upgrades of the Orleans County Public Safety Building.
That site needs a major repair to part of the roof, especially on the western side of the building, a former furniture store with a sizable flat roof.
The county is moving the Probation Department and District Attorney’s Office out of the building and into the former Genesee Community College campus in Albion. When the roof is fixed, the DA’s Office is expected to come back to the Public Safety Building.
The county is working on a full assessment of the Public Safety Building that would include the roof, the HVAC system, drainage and other issues with the building and site, said John Papponetti, the commissioner of the Department of Public Works for the county.
Tenney announced the roof work on the Public Safety Building as one of 15 projects she has selected to submit to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding process.
Tenney said those projects will benefit New York’s 24th District by improving water infrastructure, creating essential public facilities, supporting public safety, and promoting community revitalization.
The CPF process allows localities and non-profits to submit federal funding requests for high-priority community projects. Each application is subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure that it is a sound use of taxpayer dollars and that applicants have a clear and accountable plan to spend funds on targeted projects within a year, Tenney said.
“The Orleans County Public Safety Building is a vitally important epicenter for several functions of our government, housing the Sheriff, 911 Dispatch Center, District Attorney and Probation, so we are very appreciative to Congresswomen Tenny for making our project to upgrade this facility one the priority initiatives to be sent to the House Appropriations Committee,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Our DPW team has worked closely with Sheriff Bourke and DA Cardone to design a project that addresses critical structural issues with the facility in the most cost-effective manner possible while also helping improve the overall functionality of the building. This is not just a building project, it is an investment in our community’s safety and security.”
The full list of projects submitted by Tenney through the Community Project Funding process include:
$4,528,000 for the Town of Phelps Sanitary Sewer Distribution Project
$2,500,000 for the Cayuga County Lake Protection Plan Project
$3,000,000 for the Village of Geneseo Water and Sewer Upgrades Project
$3,500,000 for the Village of Waterloo Rock Storm Sewer Replacement Project
$3,000,000 for the Town of Newfane Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Project
$1,500,000 for the Village of Mexico’s Water System Improvements Project
$10,000,000 for the Genesee County Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure Project
$2,250,000 for the Town of Torrey Water District #2 Project
$2,000,000 for the Orleans County Public Safety Building Project
$1,000,000 for the City of Oswego New Police Station Project
$800,000 for the Town of Macedon Ambulance Relocation Project
$5,000,000 for the Town of Lyons Revival and Community Empowerment Project
$3,600,000 for Phase III of the City of Lockport’s Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks Rehabilitation Project
$3,000,000 for the Wyoming County Silver Lake Dredging Project
$4,050,000 for Jefferson County Installation of Runway 10 Omni-Directional Approach Lights at Watertown International Airport Project
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 May 2024 at 7:59 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bill Larkin, left, receives a plaque and certificate from County Legislator Skip Draper and Sheriff Chris Bourke in appreciation for a 48-year career with the Sheriff’s Office.
Draper noted that Larkin gave him his first speeding ticket soon after Draper starting driving as a teen-ager. Larkin spent about 25 years on the road patrol, as well as four years as a criminal investigator and then part-time on the Marine Patrol since 2005.
“I don’t know if there is a person in Orleans County who hasn’t received a ticket from Bill Larkin,” Bourke joked while giving Larkin a plaque on Tuesday during the County legislature meeting.
Larkin for 15 years also was a part-time police officer for the Village of Lyndonville until 2021.
The plaque from Bourke included the words: “Your tireless work ethic and professionalism has set the tone for the rest of the department. You will always have a home here. We wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!”
Draper and Bourke also presented a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Larry Manning for a 48-year career with the Sheriff’s Office. Manning worked as a deputy, and then was promoted to sergeant and lieutenant. After retiring from full-time work, he started part-time with the Marine Patrol in 2002.
“I hate to say good-bye,” Manning said during the Legislature meeting.
His career actually started in 1971 as a volunteer with the auxiliary police. When he was hired as a deputy sheriff, he was paid $8,400 the first year.
Bourke said Manning and Larkin have both been mentors for him. “I learned so much from Bill and Larry,” Bourke said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2024 at 12:54 pm
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s schedule for Saturday included a day off and she chose to spend it in Orleans County.
The governor rarely gets a respite and on Saturday she spent the day relaxing in Orleans County.
She didn’t have any public appearances and there are no official photos from her being in the county, a spokesman from the governor’s office said today.
When Hochul was the lieutenant governor, she often came to Medina and Orleans County with her husband Bill Hochul. They rented a canal boat on one outing.
Orleans County may be able claim the governor’s preferred place for some R & R.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2024 at 8:34 am
The unemployment rate in Orleans County was 4.0 percent which continues a gradual decline from the start of the year, according to the state Department of Labor.
In Orleans County so far this year, the unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in January, then 5.2 percent in February, 4.9 percent in March and 4.0 percent in April.
The labor force is smaller compared to April 2023 when it was 17,100 total – 16,600 employed and 600 unemployed, according to the DOL. In April 2024, the labor force was 16,900 with 16,300 working and 700 unemployed.
Unemployment rates in WNY counties for April include 3.9 percent in Erie, 4.3 percent in Niagara, 3.8 in Livingston, 3.7 in Monroe, 4.0 in Orleans, 3.5 in Genesee, 4.2 percent in Wyoming, 4.2 in Cattaraugus, 4.2 percent in Chautauqua, and 4.1 in Allegany.
In the United States, the unemployment rate from April 2023 to April 2024 went from 3.1 percent to 3.5 percent. The U.S. has 515,000 more people working in that year for a total of 161.59 million last month.
In New York State, the unemployment rate from April 2023 to April 2024 went from 3.6 percent to 3.9 percent. The state has 19,300 fewer people working for a total of 9.28 million last month.
In New York, the unemployment rate has been trending down since the start of the year, form 4.3 percent in January, to 4.5 percent in February, 4.2 percent in March to 3.9 percent in April.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller presents a proclamation declaring May as National Foster Care Month. He presents the proclamation to Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Family & Children Services for the county Department of Social Services.
Posted 24 May 2024 at 11:16 am
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
ALBION – May is National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge the many children in foster care and honor the families that open their homes and hearts to a child in need.
The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) honored the many foster families within our community at their annual Foster Care appreciation dinner that was held on Wednesday at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion.
Kristina McAfee was honored at the Foster Care Dinner as Foster Parent of the Year. Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of DSS said, “Kristina has provided a safe haven to Orleans County youth on a continuum basis. Her dedication and willingness to serve, without judgement, makes her a worthy recipient of this award”.
The event was coordinated by Alaina Fleming, Orleans County Foster Care Homefinder Caseworker.
“Alaina has been hard at work ensuring our foster parents are supported and welcomes the opportunity to assist new families interested in providing foster care assistance,” said Stumer. For those interested in becoming a foster parent please contact Alaina at 585-589-3126 or email fostercare@orleanscountyny.gov for more information.
Provided photo: County Legislator John Fitzak is pictured with, from left: Kristina McAfee, Foster Parent of the Year; Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Family & Children Services for DSS; and Lianna Sheffer, Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor, DSS.
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today announced the county will be hosting a paint recycling event on Saturday, June 15th.
Oil-based, acrylic and latex paint, urethanes, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, primers and clear coatings are all accepted at no cost in the event which is funded by the state’s PaintCare program. Anyone is welcome to attend.
“This is an opportunity to get rid of those old paint cans that are taking up space in your basement and garage, and do so in a way that is environmentally friendly, keeping these materials out of our landfills,” Johnson said. “I want to thank our Planning and Development Department for putting this event together.”
What won’t be accepted at the event include spray paint, paint thinner, solvents, cleansing agents, adhesives, roof patch, drywall mud, auto or marine paint.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the former GCC campus in Albion at 456 West Ave.
Registration for this event is not required, but is encouraged so participants can choose their time. For more information about registration, click here.
Staff will be on hand to unload vehicles so drivers can stay in their vehicles.
The event is being done in partnership with GreenSheen, a paint company founded in 2010 with operations in the Albany area. GreenSheen has developed their own innovative process to refine recycled paint to create a premium latex paint for reuse.
Those with any questions about the event should call the Orleans County Planning and Development Department at (585) 589-3198.
