Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A giant American flag is held high over Main Street in Albion from the ladder trucks of the Albion Fire Department and the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

The county held a remembrance memorial service of the 19^th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.

David Wells, a Marine Corps veteran from Medina, was part of the Honor Guard during the service at the Courthouse Square.

Several law enforcement officers attended the service, including, from left: Sgt. Dave Foeller, Deputy Jeff Cole and Investigator Shannon Brett of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said that in the hours and days after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, “America came together like never before.”

She recalled seeing American flags out on “house after house, street after street.”

The country was united in mourning the loss of life and in its response to terrorist attacks.

“There will be no forgetting September 11^th,” Johnson said. “It is burned into our souls – those graphic pictures, the smoldering ash, and the endless funerals. We must hold on to our remarkable capacity to mourn those we have lost, be they friends, family or total strangers. Honor the value of all lives. They mattered on September 11^th, so must all lives matter today.”

The service was held by the Sept. 11 monument at the Courthouse Square.

There were about 200 people who attended the service, including this group of local firefighters. During the terrorist attacks 19 years ago, 343 New York City firefighters were killed. There were also 60 police officers and eight paramedics who died in the attacks.

Scott Schmidt

Scott Schmidt was the keynote speaker and one of the organizers of the observance. Schmidt spent three weeks with a federal team – U.S. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team – and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones. He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero.

Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner and a local funeral director, urged people to not let the daily stresses distract them from remembering the loss of life on Sept. 11 and the response that followed. He recalled how the community came together to prayer and in person with friends and family. The community and country was “one” in its mourning.

“Today on the 19^th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in the history of our nation, we will never forget the attacks on our freedom,” Schmidt said. “We will never forget those who have fought for our freedom in years past and in present day.”

Dale Banker., the county’s emergency management director, shared a timeline from 19 years earlier. On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the North Tower was struck in New York City. At 9:03, a plane hit the South Tower. At 9:37, the Pentagon was struck. At 9:59 p.m., the South Tower fell. At 10:07 a.m., Flight 93 crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.

Three local pastors – Aleka Schmidt of the Albion First Baptist Church, Susan Boring of the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church and Susan Thaine of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion – sing “We Will Be a Shelter for Each Other.”

Al Pulcino of Holley plays Taps from the steps of the Orleans County Clerks’ Building. In front of his are members of the Honor Guard, Randolph Wells at left and Steve Johnson.

Dan Anderson and Eric Delano fire their guns during a rifle volley during the service. They are both from Medina.

Don Snyder, a chaplain with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, said he is thankful for first responders and other volunteers who serve the community.

This group of law enforcement officers attended the service. Sheriff Chris Bourke is at far left.

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Businesses seeking to fill job openings totaling 1,000 in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Job Development will have two drive-through job fairs this month at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The job fairs will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 22 and Sept. 29. Each 10 businesses are expected to be available.

Orleans County currently has 1,009 job openings, said Kelly Kiebala, the Job Development director.

People interested in learning about or applying for local jobs will be directed to drive through a barn where the businesses will be stationed. Potential applicants should have resumes ready to provide to business representatives as they drive through, Kiebala said.

For those wishing to find out more details about a particular job or for those who businesses would like to interview on the spot, an additional barn will be designated for cars to be able to park so that further conversation and exchange of information can take place while remaining in the vehicle.

Masks and sanitizer will be available for any individuals attending who may not have their own, as masks will be required at all times.

Participating businesses will be posted on the Orleans County Job Development Facebook page as soon as they are confirmed. Pride Pak, Imagine Staffing and H.H. Dobbins have committed so far.

The first 10 businesses to request participation will be provided space. There is no cost to participate, but businesses will have to provide their own tables, chairs, etc., as well as enough staffing for both locations (so a minimum of two representatives).

All questions may be directed to Orleans County Job Development by calling 585-589-2772 or emailing ocjda@orleansny.com.

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The latest data from the State Department of Labor shows the unemployment rate in Orleans County increased from 10.8 percent in June to 12.8 percent in July.

The unemployment rate in the county had been trending down from a pandemic high of 15.9 percent in April to 11.5 percent in May and then the 10.8 percent in June.

The state data shows the number of employed in Orleans County has dropped from 16,900 in July 2019 to 15,400, a decline of 1,500 people working.

The number unemployed  increased from 900 to 2,300 during that year. In July 2019, Orleans had an unemployment rate of 5.0 percent.

Orleans is doing better than the statewide unemployment rate, which was 16.0 percent in July, the DOL reported. The state rate was 4.2 percent in July 2019.

From July 2019 to July 2020, the state’s private sector employment count decreased by 1,184,500.

The highest unemployment rates in the state include: Bronx, 24.9 percent; Queens, 20.5 percent; Kings, 20.4 percent; and New York, 15.9 percent.

The lowest rates include Hamilton, 7.4 percent; Yates, 9.5 percent; Lewis, 9.7 percent; Tompkins, 9.9 percent; Chenango, 9.9 percent; and Columbia, 9.9 percent.

The rates in WNY include:

• Allegany, 12.1 percent
• Cattaraugus, 13.1 percent
• Chautauqua, 12.4 percent
• Erie, 14.1 percent
• Genesee, 10.6 percent
• Livingston, 10.4 percent
• Monroe, 13.7 percent
• Niagara, 14.6 percent
• Orleans, 12.8 percent
• Wyoming, 10.1 percent

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Chris Jacobs says Congress should authorize infrastructure funding to jump-start economy

Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs speaks with Orleans County legislators on Wednesday.

ALBION – Chris Jacobs, the area’s newly elected congressman, told Orleans County legislators he supports a federal stimulus package that includes funding for local governments.

Jacobs, who started in Congress last month, also wants to see Congress approve a major infrastructure bill that would include high-speed internet in rural areas.

Jacobs, speaking to county legislators on Wednesday, said broadband access has become a bigger issue for families during the Covid-19 pandemic, with students forced to do remote learning at home. Many don’t have internet access or strong enough internet to do the work online. He also said broadband is needed in the rural communities with the emphasis on more telehealth services.

Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, said the county already has submitted a list of infrastructure projects totaling about $40 million if federal funding is approved. Broadband expansion accounts for $10 million of the total, with roads, bridges, culverts and waterlines representing most of the work. (Click here to see the projects.)

Johnson told Jacobs the projects aren’t a “wish list.”

“This is a mandatory list for us,” she told Jacobs.

The congressman told the legislators he wants “to be a proactive partner” with the local government.

Jacobs told the group he is in a position to help the county’s strongest industry – agriculture. He was appointed to serve on the Agriculture Committee in the House of Representatives and looks to establish an Agriculture Advisory Committee in the 27^th Congressional District, which includes eight counties.

He also is on the Budget Committee and would like to be on the Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure.

Chris Jacobs addresses county officials, and takes questions from the group during a meeting on Wednesday at the Legislature chambers in the County Office Building.

The county officials said Congress and the President so far have failed to deliver funding for local governments, which have seen tax revenues drop and delayed or shrinking reimbursements from the state. Johnson said the funding wouldn’t be a “bailout” but a “stimulus” so the local governments can maintain services without a big tax increase.

Jacobs said he supports stimulus funding for the local governments. He is concerned the money would be allocated to the states, which would then hold onto the funding. He wants to see if the money can be sent directly to the local municipalities.

“We need to be partners with the local government,” Jacobs said. “We need to see if we can send it directly or force the state to release it.”

Jacobs also said he supports federal aid to hospitals, more funding for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, and continuing the federal unemployment bonus but not at the $600 weekly level. Jacobs said that amount discouraged people from going back to work, making it difficult for many businesses to find employees as they have reopened during the pandemic.

County Legislator Ken DeRoller told Jacobs that the U.S. Postal Service is critical in the rural areas. Jacobs voted against $25 billion in federal funding for the Postal Service, but then said he meant to vote in support of the funding.

DeRoller also said broadband internet is crucial to help the county offset a population loss. Younger families demand high-speed internet or they won’t consider moving to the country or a rural area. DeRoller said the county is in demand, and there is actually a housing shortage. The Covid-19 pandemic has allowed more people to work from home, rather than drive to the city, and that has more people looking to small towns with big backyards, DeRoller said.

County Legislator John DeFilipps also said the county is concerned about flooding from Lake Ontario. The lakeshore towns of Yates, Carlton and Kendall all suffered significant property damage from flooding in 2017 and 2019.

Jacobs said a bi-national plan for managing lake levels needs attention. Since Plan 2014 was adopted, there have been two years of extensive flooding. This year, with near drought-like conditions, has mostly spared the southshore from damage.

“We got lucky this year but it’s still not resolved,” Jacobs said.

The congressman has reopened district offices in Clarence and Geneseo and he said his staff is working on a backlog on constituent cases. Jacobs succeeds Chris Collins in Congress. Collins resigned on Sept. 30 and later pleaded guilty to an insider trading scheme. His seat was vacant for about 10 months.

Jacobs is up for election in November for a full two-year term, and again faces Nate McMurray, a Democrat.

“It is truly an honor to represent you,” Jacobs told county legislators. “I want to do it with vigor and use every means possible.”

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ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has lifted a five-month hiring freeze and ban on out-of-county travel for employees.

County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said several employees have opportunities for important training or conferences to help them do their jobs and better serve the public.

The county also has several vacancies among the workforce. The county on Wednesday voted to appoint a new county historian, and fill other vacancies in the Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, Computer Services, Mental Health Department, Department of Social Services and Department of Public Works.

In other action at Wednesday’s Legislature, the county:

• Set a public hearing for 4:25 p.m. on Sept. 23 to continue a 4 percent Hotel and Motel Room Occupancy Tax.

• Agreed to raise the compensation for members of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board from $30 a meeting to $50. County legislators who are on the board don’t receive a stipend for attending those meetings. The higher pay will be effective Sept. 1.

• Authorized the Orleans County Health Department to apply for a $50,000 grant through The Kresge Foundation for proposed focus areas related to the Chief Health Strategist role/Community Health Strategies and also Covid response activities.

• Agreed to increase the work week of the public health director to 37.5 hours a week and increase the salary to $97,739.

• Authorized the Orleans County Sheriff to accept a $71,028 grant and participate in an agreement between NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for Operation Stonegarden.

• Approved purchase of automotive parts for $25,578 to repair the M1 and M2 Mercury safe boats through Bow & Stern Marine in North Tonawanda.

• Renewed an agreement where the county will provide court cleaning and minor repairs at the Orleans County Courthouse for $107,218, with the agreement between the NYS Unified Court System and the county running from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.

• Approved an agreement with Lake Country Media in Albion to provide printed material including letterhead, stationary, envelopes, business cards and appointment cards for all county departments from Sept. 14, 2020 through Sept. 13, 2021.

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Catherine Cooper has been serving as Ridgeway town historian

Photo by Tom Rivers: Catherine Cooper speaks during an event in 2016 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, where she worked for 33 years, including 10 years as director, until her retirement in June.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature appointed Catherine Cooper as county historian on Wednesday. She succeeds Matt Ballard, who served in the post for more than five years.

Ballard took a position in North Carolina as assistant director of Collection Strategies at Davidson College.

Cooper is well versed in local history. She has been the Ridgeway town historian and retired in June after 33 years at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina. She was the director for 10 years, and hosted many historical programs and displays.

The historian position pays $11,500 annually. Cooper’s first day on the job is Sept. 14.

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Lynne Johnson says pandemic has highlighted other challenges in community, including access to childcare and nutritious food

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lynne Johnson said there are many needs facing the community during the pandemic.

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson praised county residents for their efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19, especially with only a few cases in most recent weeks.

“Orleans County’s resilience has been nothing short of incredible in the face of Covid-19,” she said on Tuesday during the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. “In these past six months we’ve risen to the moment by staying home, staying apart, and staying vigilant.”

The county has had 287 people test positive for Covid-19, and suffered 55 deaths, with 54 of those at nursing homes in Albion and Medina.

The rate of new cases has significantly slowed, even as the county and region have reopened the economy.

“I know these months have both been unpredictable and unsettling, but because of your vigilance we’re on the right path in managing this disease,” Johnson said.

She praised the local village, town and county officials who have been working more hours to help protect the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. She urged the local officials and residents to continue to take precautions and guard against the spread of the virus, especially with predictions from public health officials that there could be a surge or second wave this fall or winter.

Johnson said she worries about other negative impacts on the community, due to the impact of Covid-19.

“Our community’s needs for access to mental health, nutritious food and other social supports are rising and present challenges that we must respond to with sustained vigilance parallel to our Covid response,” she said.

There are greater needs for childcare as people try to return to work in person. Johnson also said there are increased calls about domestic violence and stress on other health conditions during this pandemic.

“We must all ask ourselves what role we play in caring for those around us, whether they be a friend, family member, neighbor or stranger,” Johnson told the local officials during their meeting on Tuesday evening. “We are asking everyone to join us in investing our energy into caring for one another and leveraging our resources to help meet the needs of the community.”

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Photo by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Hugh Gabalski, left, and his brother John were among the volunteers who helped distribute 1,900 boxes of food today at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

This was the seventh food distribution event at the fairgrounds during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today’s boxes included 1,450 of produce and 450 of dairy.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County works with James Desiderio Inc., a Buffalo food distributor, and Foodlink in Rochester on the events.

Today’s 20-pound boxes of produce included 8 ears of corn, 3 pounds of apples, 2 green squash, 1 pint of grape tomatoes, 3 green peppers, 3 pounds of onions and 5 pounds of potatoes.

There have been food distributions at the Fairgrounds the second and fourth Wednesdays, and on Fridays at either Albion, Medina or Holley. This Friday morning at the Holley Junior-Senior High School parking is the last distribution on the schedule. That event will likely start around 8:30 and lasts until the food runs out.

Organizers have been waiting to hear from Foodlink and the other distributors if the government-funded program will continue.

Annette Finch, community service director for Community Action, and Melissa Blanar, Office for the Aging director in the county, are leading the distribution on Friday in Holley.

Robert Batt of the Extension has been organizing the efforts at the Fairgrounds. He commended the Kendall Lions Club for taking 69 boxes to people in Kendall, while the Albion Lions Club distributed 15 to Albion community members. The Hands 4 Hope ministry also picked up 10 to be given out to people who may not have cars or were unable to get a ride to the Fairgrounds.

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Orleans County has a backlog of pistol permit applications that will likely take months to get caught up on.

There are currently 218 applications that need to be processed. Sheriff Chris Bourke said the county has been receiving about two or three a day.

There used to be a monthly pistol permit class at Hoag Library in Albion. But the library has closed its meeting rooms to the public since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office last month was able to offer the 4-hour pistol permit class for the first time during the pandemic. The Clarendon Rec Hall on Route 31A is being used for the classes, which are being offered twice a month with the maximum capacity of each class at 25 people.

That would allow the Sheriff’s Office to accommodate 50 people a month for the pistol permit applications. With 218 applications – and more expected – it will take several months to get caught up, said Mike Mele, the undersheriff.

The Sheriff’s Office has already received 58 pistol permit applications since Aug. 1, Bourke said.

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