Organization marking 50^th anniversary in New York

Photos by Tom Rivers: Motorcyclists get ready on May 7, 2023 for a 50-mile ride around Orleans County. The event started with a rally outside the Orleans County Courthouse.

ALBION – Motorcyclists want the public to know they are back on the roadways. The motorcyclists urge drivers to “look twice” and use extra caution when making a left turn or pulling out onto the roadway.

“Many collisions are caused by drivers not seeing an oncoming motorcycle, or by misjudging the speed of the motorcycle,” said Chuck Persons, president the past 17 years of the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE).

The organization will have a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 2 p.m. on May 5 outside the Orleans County Courthouse. The motorcyclists will then go on a 50-mile in the county that ends at the V.F.W. Post 1463 on East Center Street in Medina. Participants can begin to assemble outside the courthouse on East State Street at 1 p.m. on May 5.

Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, reads a proclamation on Tuesday declaring May as “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Orleans County.” He presented the proclamation to Chuck Persons (left), president of ABATE in Orleans County; and Don Sloper, the group’s vice president.

The rally and ride is held every spring to alert the public that motorcycles are back on the highway and to promote safety and rider education among motorcyclists.

“With the warm weather, motorcycles are back on the roads,” Persons said.

This year’s event holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of ABATE of New York. Founded in 1974, the organization actively promotes educating riders and motorists to safely share the road and to drive aware, Persons said.

ABATE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rights, safety, and freedoms of all motorcyclists. ABATE’s position is to support all efforts and initiatives that will lead to accident prevention and rider safety.

The local chapter meets on the second Sunday of every month at noon at the V.F.W. in Medina.

Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management

ALBION – The next meeting of the Orleans County Local Emergency Planning Committee will be held on Thursday May 16 at 1 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 S Main St. The meeting is open to the public.

The LEPC is charged with developing a Hazardous Materials Response Plan and providing information about potentially hazardous chemicals that may be stored in our community. As part of their role, the LEPC reviews this plan, and the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, annually and makes updates as needed

 The LEPC is comprised of:

• Elected state, local, and tribal officials
• Police, fire, civil defense, and public health professionals
• Environment, transportation, and hospital officials
• Facility representatives
• Representatives from community groups and the media

For more information on the meeting, please contact Orleans County Emergency Management at (585) 589-4414.

Orleans County dispatchers, which handle about 35,000 calls a year, are being recognized by Sheriff Chris Bourke during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

This week is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel across the nation who serve communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Bourke said.

“Public Safety Dispatchers are an indispensable asset in public safety,” he said. “During emergencies and times of distress, Public Safety Dispatchers quickly obtain all relevant information, assess the situation, and coordinate the appropriate public safety response, to ensure the quickest and most appropriate response.”

Dispatchers for the county are tasked with answering emergency calls, and dispatching the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Medina, Albion and Holley Police Departments, State Police, DEC Police, and all fire and EMS agencies within the county.

“Dispatchers are always heard, but rarely seen,” Bourke said. “They are the first responders to the first responders and the heroes behind the scenes.”

Press Release, Orleans County Job Development Agency

MEDINA – The Orleans County Job Development Agency reminded residents that there will be a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Orleans YMCA located at 306 Pearl St. in Medina.

“Our career fairs have a tremendous track record in matching up job seekers with employers, and the current demand of employers looking to hire remains high,” said Kelly Kiebala, director of the Orleans County Career Center.  “Anyone looking for a job or a new opportunity, regardless of skill and educational level, should attend this event.”

Kiebala said there will be businesses from across many sectors looking for people in factory settings, healthcare, food service, customer service and more.  There are job opportunities for all levels of skill and experience.

Participating companies, organizations and other institutions include:  Arc GLOW, Army National Guard, ATB Staffing Services, Brunner International, Central New York Psychiatric Center, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Education & Training Resources / Iroquois Job Corps, Elderwood at Lockport, Fidelis Care, Genesee Community College, HD Construction Services LLC, Lake Ontario Fruit, Liberty Home Care, NYS Department of Labor, NYS OPWDD, Orchard Rehab, Orleans County Job Development, Orleans County Personnel, Orleans/Niagara BOCES, Perry’s Ice Cream, Rochester Regional Health, Thrive (Freeze Dry), Six Flags Darien Lake, Grand Canyon University and Empire Coating, Inc.

To learn more about the services provided by the Orleans County Job Development Agency, click here.

Contested races include district attorney, county coroner, Carlton councilman, and GOP committees in Shelby, Yates

ALBION – There will be six Republican primaries in Orleans County in June, with races for the district attorney and county coroner highlighting the lineup.

There also will be primaries for Carlton councilman, and committee positions for Shelby District 3 and District 4, and in Yates with District 2.

The Republican primary is scheduled for June 25 with early voting from June 15 to 23.

For district attorney, John Sansone was endorsed by the Republican Party committee on Feb. 3 but Susan Howard submitted petitions during the April 1-4 deadline to force a vote among registered Republicans.

Howard and Sansone are both assistant DAs who want to succeed Joe Cardone, who is retiring after 32 years as the county’s top prosecutor.

The Republican Committee on Feb. 3 endorsed three candidates for coroner: incumbent Rocco Sidari of Albion, Kevin Dann of Holley and Dr. Julie Woodworth of Lyndonville.

Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, did not get enough backing for the endorsement, but he has submitted petitions signed by 838 registered Republicans, which he said is above the threshold of 597 needed signatures.

Schmidt of Medina has been a county coroner for 34 years, and has been the chief coroner since 1997. For the past 18 years he also has been president of the NYS Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners.

“It was a wonderful experience to get out and meet voters,” Schmidt said about circulating petitions. “I went on the country roads where people don’t normally go. Some people said I was the first person running for office to ever knock on their door.”

Charlie Smith of Ridgeway isn’t seeking re-election for another term as coroner.

In Carlton, the primary pits Jeff Gifaldi, the incumbent, against John Olles for a councilman’s seat on the Town Board.

The primaries to the Republican Committee at the town level include two districts in Shelby and one in Yates. Each district can have two representatives.

In Shelby for District 3, the primary includes Alana Koneski, Bruce Schmidt and Stephen Seitz Sr. For District 4, the candidates include Benjamin Flansburg, John Pratt III and Thomas Winans.

In Yates, there are four candidates for the two spots on District 4, including Terry Chaffee Jr., Steven Colon, Lynne Johnson and William Jurinich.

Officials at the Board of Elections in Orleans County will go through the petitions to determine if there are any valid objections to the signatures. The petitions are expected to be certified on May 2.

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced it has extended the deadline for nominations for the 42nd Annual Youth Recognition awards.

The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves. The deadline for nominations is now April 30.

Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in Orleans County and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30, 2024.

In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau also extended the deadline for nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.

All nomination forms can be found by clicking here. For information about the awards, contact the Youth Bureau at 585-589-7053 or OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleanscountyNY.gov.

Susan Howard

ALBION – Susan Howard announced she has submitted petitions signed by 1,279 registered Republicans to force a primary against John Sansone for district attorney.

Sansone secured the Republican nomination on Feb. 3. Both Sansone and Howard work as assistant district attorneys. They both want to succeed Joe Cardone, who is retiring on Dec. 31 after 32 years as the county’s top prosecutor.

Howard has the Conservative Party nomination and submitted petitions signed by 99 registered Conservatives.

“I am truly grateful and appreciative for the many people who volunteered their time to go out in challenging weather in February and March to collect signatures for me,” Howard said. “I am also incredibly grateful to the nearly 1,400 Orleans County voters who signed in support of my campaign for District Attorney. We have great momentum and will keep it going right up to the June 25th Republican Primary Election.”

Candidates for public office need signatures from at least 5 percent of a party’s registered voters in order to appear on that party’s ballot line. In Orleans County, Howard said 598 Republican signatures and 31 Conservative signatures were required.

The Republican primary is scheduled for June 25 with early voting available from June 15 to 23.

Howard, in a news release today, touted her more than 20 years working in the Orleans County Court System. As First Assistant District Attorney since 2011, she said she has been involved in nearly every significant case that has come through the D.A.’s Office.

She has been a member of the Sex Abuse Task Force, which works with the Child Advocacy Center, Rape Crisis, Department of Social Services and other local support agencies. She also works closely with D.A. investigators, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, and other law enforcement on major cases.

Additionally, for the past five years, Howard said she has served as the sole Appellate Attorney for the D.A.’s Office and has preserved every single conviction on appeal.

Susyn Tillman of Point Breeze sent in this photo taken from her backyard of the total eclipse with the moon covering the sun today.

Orleans County emergency management and law enforcement prepared for the worst today, but it ended up being quieter on the roadways than a usual Monday.

The county was braced for an influx of thousands of additional vehicles on roadways, with visitors trying to get a look at a rare solar eclipse.

But the big crowds never arrived, and emergency incidents were minimal. The forecast showing significant cloud coverage likely deterred some day-trippers from making the journey to Western New York to see the total eclipse.

“There were no real noticeable increases in traffic,” said Justin Neiderhofer, the county’s emergency management director.

The state Thruway and 81 and 87 corridor did see some backups outside of Orleans County, he said.

“All and all it was kind of a slow day on our end,” Niederhofer said.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the other local police agencies all had extra patrol cars and staff working.

Sheriff Chris Bourke said traffic actually seemed less than a typical Monday in Orleans County.

“There are no significant eclipse-related problems that I am aware of,” Bourke said.

This photo from Tracey Lewis shows Lake Alice during the eclipse today when darkness fell at about 3:20 p.m.

Tracey Lewis had eclipse glasses for her dachshund, Lucy.

Marguerite Sherman of Medina sent in these photos along Lake Ontario during the eclipse. This is on Scharping Lane in the Town of Lyndonville.

The sky got very dark on Scharping Lane during the total eclipse.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse was illumined in red on Thursday evening for a “Fire Up NY Red” campaign for firefighter recruitment and retention.

The courthouse will be lighted up in red from April 1 to April 14 for “Fire Up NY Red.”

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York said the volunteer firefighter ranks have plunged by 33 percent in the state in the past two decades.

The “Fire Up NY Red” campaign coincides with the start of RecruitNY weekend on Saturday, April 13. Many fire departments around the state will have open houses that day to try to recruit new members.

FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr. urges firehouses statewide to glow red in the week leading up to RecruitNY. He also urged firefighters to light their homes and businesses with red lights.

The red lights symbolize their commitment to a tradition of neighborly help and the need for more volunteers. Additionally, Tase called on residents to join the effort by switching on red porch lights in support of their local fire departments.

Board of Elections to replace equipment from 2009

File photo by Tom Rivers: A voter casts a ballot at Hoag Library on June 23, 2020 on one of the voting machines that is expected to be replaced in time for the general election in November.

ALBION – When voters cast ballots in the November election, they will likely be doing them on new voting machines.

The County Legislature has authorized the Board of Election to purchase 28 new machines for $238,972.50 from Clear Ballot Group of Boston, MA.

The county purchased the current optical-scan machines in 2009, replacing the old mechanical lever machines, technology that had been used for about a century.

When the county made the switch to the optical scan machines, they were expected to last about a decade, said election commissioners Mike Mele and Janice Grabowski. The county used them for about 15 years.

The machines have worked well, but the change is necessitated by new computer technology in the Election Management System or the “backbone” of the machines, Mele said.

The new machines will be compatible with the Election Management System used by the county.

The Board of Elections has been setting aside money in its budget towards the replacement cost of the machines, Grabowski said.

The county also is using $5,607 in HAVA (Help America Vote Act) grant monies and $11,878 in TIER (Technology Innovation and Elections Resource) grant funds towards the purchase, leaving the remaining $221,487 as the county cost.

There are 11 voting sites in the county and each site will have a voting machine, plus a backup. The BOE also will have six more in case there are any breakdowns with the 22 at the voting sites.

The new machines will be better able to detect markings on the ballot. Voters will be able to use a ballpoint pen, instead of a marker, Mele said.

The machines will also be equipped with technology for people to vote who are blind or hard of hearing. Click here for more information about the Clear Ballot Group machines.

The state Board of Elections will calibrate the new machines. Mele and Grabowski said they are hopeful the new ones will be ready for early voting in late October and the election on Nov. 5.

Johnson vows to keep up fight against STAMP sewer pipe leading to Oak Orchard Creek

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, shares her state of the county address last week. From left include County Legislator Bill Eick, Legislator Ed Morgan, Legislator Don Allport, County Attorney Kathy Bogan, Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, Lynne Johnson, Clerk of the Legislature Lisa Stenshorn, County Treasurer Kim DeFrank, legislator Skip Draper (not in photo), Legislator John Fitzak, and Legislator Fred Miller.

ALBION – Orleans County government officials have made strides addressing needs in the community, and will continue to that focus in a collaborative effort with local towns and villages, the County Legislature leader said.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Legislature, gave a “state of the county” address during last week’s Legislature meeting.

She noted the county is nearing completion of bringing broadband internet throughout the county, a project that has been about a decade in the making.

Johnson supports creating a district court that would consolidate town justice courts if residents pass a referendum creating the court, and then if individual towns back the effort.

Johnson said the district is a big change and faces pushback from town justices and court clerks.

“Are we as a community willing to the leave the familiar and the comfortable behind for a new and better way forward?” she said.

The county leader said she remains opposed to a sewer pipe from the STAMP manufacturing site in the Town of Alabama that would go about 10 miles to Oak Orchard Creek. A state Supreme Court judge dismissed the county’s challenge to the project, but Orleans will appeal that decision.

“The Legislature will use every tool available to us to protect Oak Orchard Creek and its importance to us as a resource for water, recreation and tourism,” Johnson said. “And second, it’s never too late for Genesee County to revisit their position on this and to do so in a manner that sees us working together.”

Johnson praised a county workforce of about 400 employees for their service to the 40,000 residents of the county. Johnson said the county will be at the bargaining table with employee unions.

“We need to reach a fair and reasonable deal that recognizes the important work of our employees while understanding the responsibility we have to taxpayers,” she said. “Retaining our current employees and being able to recruit new talent is of the utmost importance.”

Johnson said the Legislature made two building purchases last year, which avoided new construction. Probation and the District Attorney’s office will shift to the former GCC building, and the Treasurer’s Office will move to the former Bank of America site which has a drive-through.

She said building a new public safety building would have cost an estimated $55 million.

The county paid $975,000 for the GCC building at 456 West Ave. and $250,000 for the former bank site at 156 S. Main St. The county also bought 25.7 vacant acres by GCC The for $500,000.

“We invest in our people, but we also need to make wise investments in the places where they work,” Johnson said. “Indeed, meeting the demand for county space is a balancing act. We want to minimize short-term costs at a time when budgets are strained, but we do not want to be short-sighted by forgoing opportunities that better prepare us for the future.”

Highway departments from throughout the state have been concerned about cuts in state funding for road maintenance. Johnson reiterated that call during her speech, saying the state should at least maintain the funding at a time when the cost of construction materials is up about 60 percent.

The county is poised for economic growth, particularly with certified shovel-ready land at the Medina Business Park. Johnson also said the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation is focused on community development in the two counties by putting blighted or tax delinquent properties back to productive use.

The Orleans County Courthouse stands strong on a stormy day recently.

While the county has made progress on many fronts, Johnson said it faces challenges, including with a surge in homeless residents. A warming shelter opened in December at Christ Episcopal Church for when temperatures fall below 32 degrees at night. That has eased some of the demand to have temporary housing for people who are homeless. That county has been averaging about 100 placements recently.

The county has seen a 273 percent increase in placement of homeless persons since July 2022, with out-of-county placement of emergency homeless persons up 900 percent over that same period, Johnson said.

“The fact is temporary and permanent emergency housing facilities are very scarce in our county,” she said.

The county declared a state of emergency due to the lack of emergency housing.

“Much effort has been made by our generous not-for-profits, but, quite frankly, we have not been able to find a viable solution to this problem and there does not seem to be any good options on the horizon,” Johnson said.

She worries about the fiscal impacts to the county with the state taking some designated Medicaid funds from counties, and the winding down of federal Covid money.

“We are undoubtedly entering some challenging times with a cloudy horizon on the future,” she said.

That is a driving force for why she wants to see more shared services among the local governments, to reduce the overall operating costs of government.

“I think most people are aware that we are part of a shared services initiative to bring towns, villages, schools and fire departments to the table with the county to explore opportunities,” Johnson said. “Anything and everything needs to be viewed with an open mind and an honest conversation. I am hopeful that the towns and villages will really be in the driver’s seat on this effort. They have a different vantage point than the county and can bring some fresh ideas to the table.”

Legislature chairwoman says new court would offer better service at lower local expense

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone meets with officials from the Orleans County Association of Municipalities last week and discusses a possible district court in the county.

ALBION – Orleans County voters will likely be asked this November in a public referendum whether the county should create a district court that would be staffed full-time and could include multiple towns in the county.

Orleans County officials want to put the issue to a public vote. There will be public hearings about the district court at 7 p.m. on May 7 and June 4 at the Orleans County legislative chambers at the County Office Building on Route 31.

The issue almost went to a vote last year, but was withdrawn as a referendum to allow more time to complete a study on the financial implications, and other pros and cons of the court.

County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson was part of a committee that has been studying the district court. She believes the committee’s report “leaves no doubt this is the best path forward.”

She said the district court would represent collaboration and cooperation among local governments, while bringing down court costs and increasing services.

“Are significant cost savings, better use of resources, streamlined court management and making better use of law enforcement personnel’s time enough to overcome the inertia of ‘things are fine the way they are?’” Johnson said during her state of the county address last week. “We are certainly going to find out.”

She wants residents and local officials to “start the conversation” about the issue.

The Orleans County Magistrates Association has been steadfastly opposed to a district court. The town justices and court clerks at the town level have all signed a resolution last October saying they are opposed to a district court in Orleans County.

“The Magistrate Association of Orleans County is opposed to any efforts to eliminate the local and convenient access to justice by our citizens and find that the Town Courts of Orleans County provide a meaningful and necessary presence within our community for judicial resolution of conflicts, continued public safety of our citizens, and the protection of constitutional guarantees for all of our citizens,” according to the resolution signed by the justices and court clerks.

The resolution was dated Oct. 14 and signed by Albion town justices Gary Moore and Joe Fuller, Barre Town Justice Frederick Root, Carlton Town Justice Kevin Hurley, Clarendon Town Justice Thomas DiFante, Gaines Town Justice Charles Prentice, Kendall Town Justice Debra Kluth, Murray town justices Ted Spada and Gary Passarell, Ridgeway Town Justice Joseph Kujawa, Shelby Town Justice Edward Grabowski and Yates Town Justice Donald Grabowski.

The following town court clerks also signed the resolution: Denise Cornick and Jamie Allport of Albion, Maureen Beach of Barre, Kim Niehaus of Carlton, Joanne Major of Clarendon, Maureen Kline of Gaines, Jessica Maier and Laurie Koelle of Kendall, Jeanne Spada and Lindsay Fredenall of Murray, Stacy Sliker of Ridgeway and Yates, Vicki Allen and Patricia Feltz of Shelby.

District Attorney Joe Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best are co-leaders of District Court Committee. Other members include Lynne Johnson, Legislature chairwoman; county legislators Skip Draper and John Fitzak; Sheriff Chris Bourke; Rochard DeCarlo, former Barre town justice; Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller; Carlton Town Justice Kevin Hurley; First Assistant DA Susan Howard; Dean Puleo, special counsel for the 8th Judicial District who works with town justices in the eight Western New York counties; Bruce Schmidt, former Gaines town justice and former assistant DA; and Jack Welch, Orleans County chief administrative officer.

DeCarlo, Fuller and Hurley all dissented from the recommendations of the committee, while Bourke and Puleo abstained.

Cardone has been trying to build support for the case of moving away from the town justice courts to a district court that he said would be staffed full-time and offer more consistent justice throughout the county. He sees a district court as far more efficient than 10 town justice courts.

He presented highlights of a committee’s report last week during the Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting at the White Birch in Lyndonville.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Jail on Platt Street in Albion has been used as a centralized location in the county for arraignments since April 2020. If there was a district court, the jail would no longer be needed for CAP Court for the arraignments when town courts aren’t in session.

The referendum in November would give residents a vote on whether to establish a district court.

Each Town Board could then decide whether to put to a public vote whether to eliminate its town court. Cardone said a district court could exist while some towns decide to keep their own courts. If they keep the town court, the town taxpayers would pay for that cost. The district court would allow a town to remove the court from its budget with the state paying the expense for the district court, Cardone said

“If this gets approved it’s pretty much paid for by the state government,” Cardone said at the Association of Municipalities meeting.

The committee is projecting the costs of the district court at $1.2 million with revenue at $175,000 in fines and forfeitures, and $110,000 through the traffic diversion cases for $285,000 total.

The expenses includes salaries for two judges at $320,000, clerk costs at $150,000, security at $150,000, a stenographer at $50,000, office supplies at $4,000, equipment at $2,500 and interpreter at $2,500.

Employee benefits – Social Security, Medicare, disability, retirement, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance and health insurance – would be an estimated $531,661. Facility costs would cost an estimated $50,000 a year.

The court would operate at a loss of $975,661, with the state picking up the expense, according to the report.

Cardone stressed courts shouldn’t be viewed as a money-maker. Their focus should be to dispense justice fairly.

The 10 towns courts operate at an aggregate deficit of $462,160 (which doesn’t include the costs of employee benefits and facility expense), the report states.

The CAP court that does arraignments in mornings and evenings at the county jail, plus on weekends, is another $113,800. If there was a district court, the CAP court functions would shift to the district court.

Employee benefits and facility costs represent 57 percent of the costs of running a district court. If that same percentage is applied to the 10 town courts, that total “real cost” of those courts would be $1,001,935, plus the CAP court costs of $113,800, the report states.

“The citizens of Orleans County are paying approximately $1.1 million annually for a fragmented system of part-time courts consisting of lay judges,” the report states.

The report states the following as benefits of a District Court system in Orleans County

• Cost savings from consolidation of resources could save municipalities significant costs from having 10 town justice systems in close proximity to one another.

• Improved courtroom facilities and better security. “Courtroom equipment, ranging from technological needs and even basic administrative supplies, are hard to fund with limited budgets.”

• More streamlined court docket management. Some defendants have multiple cases from different neighboring towns, which are handled by different assistant district attorneys and different justices. “This makes adjudication of the cases complicated and often slows down the process as the different parties try to connect and work on a disposition to cover the various cases,” the report states.

• Staggered out appearances and extended hours. The town courts often meet just once or twice monthly, with some meeting more frequently. A district court would have more frequent court hours with some occasional evening hours to accommodate different schedules.

• Modernization of technological needs. “The Covid pandemic shed light on the need for modernization in a way that we have never seen before,” the report says. Courts were permitted to do virtual arraignments if they had the proper video conferencing equipment.

• Better planned transportation of in-custody defendants, who must be transported by law enforcement officers to court. If justice courts were consolidated with fewer locations, that would save substantial time for law enforcement officers and allow them to spend more time on their traditional law enforcement roles.

Cardone noted the towns and villages have gone from 24 local justices about 20 years ago to the current 11. Albion and Medina both have abolished their village courts during that time and most towns are down to one justice.

“Given the evolving complexity of the criminal justice in this state, the concern for the rights of victims and defendants and the involvement of recent technologies, the time for sweeping reforms in the local court system is well overdue,” the report states. “Orleans County stands out as a successful example of consolidation, and other counties should begin to follow suit.”

County Legislator Bill Eick was on the Shelby Town Board when Shelby and Ridgeway decided to share a courts facility at the Shelby Town Hall in 2006. Each town also would go from two justices to one.

“It’s not easy,” he said. “No one likes change. You have to look down the road. I believe the state will shove this down our throats.”

County legislator John Fitzak said many of the details remain to be determined, and they won’t be fully known until after a district court is approved and the office for Court Administration sets the staffing.

“There is still a ton of work to be done,” Fitzak said.

Cardone is retiring as district attorney on Dec. 31 after 32 years in the position. He is trying to bring a district court to the voters before he ends his term as DA.

“We’re keeping an open mind on this,” Cardone said. “We intend to go to the community and make them as informed as possible.”

To see the report from the committee on a district court, click here.

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch today announced that Modern Disposal, which provides a countywide solid waste program for all of our residents who participate, will delay collections by one day next week due to the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th.

Collection of solid waste and recycling for the week will begin on Tuesday, April 9th and conclude on Saturday, April 13th. The delay in collection ensures that Modern’s crews do not add to what may prove to heavy traffic volume throughout the region and prevents any unexpected delays in service.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this creates but we think it’s better to schedule service for a one-day delay now rather than wait and see what happens on Monday,” Welch said.  “The fact is we all need to use an abundance of caution as people gather to watch the total eclipse in our county. Delaying collection for one day is simply a safety precaution for both Modern personnel and our residents.”