Shelby

$45K grant from National Grid will help make 2 sites shovel ready

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2014 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – The Orleans Economic Development Agency is working for certified shovel ready status for the Medina Business Park on Bates Road.

MEDINA – National Grid will pay $45,000 towards advancing two sites in the Medina area, making them “certified shovel ready” for businesses looking to build in Orleans County.

The grant from National Grid is planned to go towards engineering, borings, wetlands identification and other permitting issues for the Medina Business Park and a 120-acre cow pasture on Route 31A.

“We’re going to cut down the time to put the shovel in the ground,” said Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The cow pasture is used by the Keppeler family. The land will give the Orleans EDA perhaps the largest site of certified shovel ready property in Western New York, EDA officials said Friday.

The Medina Business Park has 65 acres on Bates Road. Both sites have water and sewer access, and they fall within the eligibility zone for cheap hydropower electricity through the Niagara Power Project.

National Grid approved a matching grant to clear hurdles that sometimes slow down the permitting and development process.

“We’re taking it to the highest level we can take it,” Barone said about the certified shovel ready status.

Medina and Shelby have both committed $20,000 towards the costs of obtaining shovel ready status. The EDA has agreed to spend $4,367.75 from the Orleans Land Restoration Corporation.

To reach “shovel ready” status, the sites need nearly $90,000 of services, including boundary, topographical and survey work ($26,010); geotechnical information ($16,000); concept plans and traffic study ($15,000); State Historic Preservation Office application ($1,500); environmental impact report ($3,500); meetings and coordination with Empire State Development ($15,000) and an application to Empire State Development for “shovel ready” status for the site ($7,500). The costs also include a 5 percent contingency for $4,225.50.

Swallow Hollow loop partially closed

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2014 at 12:00 am

SHELBY – A popular nature trail is partially shut down after a tree fell, crushing a portion of the boardwalk at Swallow Hollow. The Iroquois Wildlife Refuge has closed a section of the 1.3-mile trail until the tree is removed and the boardwalk is repaired.

“Until the trail is cleared, visitors should stay away from the area and use the north side of the trail as an in and out walk,” said Paul Hess of the refuge. “We will try to have the entire trail back open as soon as possible.”

Albion woman escapes serious injury after struck by truck in Shelby

Posted 1 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith

SHELBY – An Albion woman escaped serious injury last night after being struck by a pick-up truck in the town of Shelby.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 in the 11800 block of Maple Ridge Road (State Route 31-A).

Amber S. Holloway, 22, was crossing the road when she was struck by a westbound pick-up operated by David C. Erway, 27, of Albion.

Holloway was transported by Medina Fire Department ambulance to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo where she was treated, and released shortly before 2 this morning. Erway was not injured.

The incident occurred in a section of highway where there is no artificial lighting. Holloway told deputies that she was walking home after consuming alcohol at a private residence. Neither alcohol nor unsafe speed on the part of Erway were contributing factors.

The incident was investigated by Deputy D.S. Klips, assisted by Lieutenant R.E. Perry.

Driver in fatal accident identified

Posted 26 December 2013 at 5:31 pm

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

SHELBY – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the names of the individuals involved in a one-vehicle crash earlier today in the town of Shelby.

The driver of the 1998 Pontiac sedan is identified as David M. Russo, 43, of Stafford in Genesee County. Russo was pronounced dead at Medina Memorial Hospital at 12:31 p.m.

A female passenger in Russo’s car is identified as Lisa A. Stanley, 40, of Le Roy in Genesee County. Ms. Stanley was treated at MMH and was then transferred to Highland Hospital in Rochester.

While the incident remains under investigation, it’s apparent that weather and slippery road conditions were contributing factors.

Man dies in Route 63 accident in refuge

Posted 26 December 2013 at 2:15 pm

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

SHELBY – A man is dead and his female passenger hospitalized following a one-vehicle crash in the town of Shelby at about 11:35 a.m. today.

The incident occurred on South Gravel Road (State Route 63) between Oak Orchard Ridge Road and the Genesee-Orleans County Line in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The vehicle was travelling south on Rt. 63 when the driver apparently lost control. The vehicle crossed the center line, ran off the east side of the roadway, and overturned before coming to rest upside down in flooded swampland.

A Shelby Fire Department pumper was utilized to drag the vehicle out of the water and back onto the roadway. Both occupants were extricated by firefighters and transported by ground ambulances to Medina Memorial Hospital.

The man was pronounced dead at 12:31 p.m. The female passenger is currently being treated. Names are being withheld pending next-of-kin notifications.

Deputy J.W. Halstead responded to the incident. He was assisted by Sergeants D.W. Covis and G.T. Gunkler, and Investigator C.L. Black. State Troopers stationed at both Albion and Batavia also assisted at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

Shelby, Ridgeway officials provide scenarios to Medina dissolution

Posted 26 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Prepared by the Town Boards of Ridgeway and Shelby

(Editor’s Note: Brian Napoli is Ridgeway town supervisor and Skip Draper is Shelby town supervisor.)

MEDINA – In an effort to dispel rumors, misunderstandings, and misconceptions concerning the possible dissolution of the Village of Medina, the following article is offered by the Town Boards of Ridgeway and Shelby to provide effected residents with factual information.

There are many issues that must be taken into account should the village dissolve. Many of them will be guided by state law. Should anyone have questions and wish to verify any of this information, they may contact the New York Department of State, New York State Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of the New York State Comptroller. They are the main sources of information and answers for questions.

The decision of whether or not to dissolve is a matter for village residents. Should this issue be brought to a referendum, only the village residents are allowed to vote. Ridgeway and Shelby residents living outside the village are not eligible. Should the village residents decide not to dissolve, this issue may not be brought up again for at least four years.

Should the voters decide to dissolve the Village of Medina, the boards of the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby have 18 months to decide what additional resources are needed to provide town services.

Also, decisions would be made regarding separation of village assets, as well as absorbing them into the respective towns. The Village Board must submit a dissolution plan to the towns. However, the towns are under no obligation to follow it.

Below is an explanation of how different departments and services will be affected should the village decide to dissolve.

Police Department – If the village dissolves, there would no longer be a Police Department. Also, any contracts dealing with the department would be dissolved along with any collective bargaining unit. The reason for this is that, according to the Attorney General’s Office, there are no longer two parties to the contract.

If the residents wish to keep the Police Department, a solution for this would be to establish a Special Police District in what was the former village. This would be paid for by the residents of the former village as a separate tax levy. Another solution would be to ask the Sheriff’s Department to expand and establish a sub-station in the former village.

Fire Department – Because the Fire Department serves only the village, it will not be taken over by the towns. Also, any contracts for services, such as union contracts, are voided and the union bargaining unit is dissolved. The reason for this is because if the village dissolves there are no longer two parties to the contract.

Should village residents wish to keep the Fire Department, a Special Fire District must be established, much like in the towns. Also, to pay for and support this service, only residents of the former village will be charged for it as a separate tax levy.

Ambulance Service – The towns would have to determine how to provide this service. This service could remain a part of the current fire department or a separate ambulance corporation could be established.

Water/Sewer Service – This is a difficult area and one in which even the State does not know how to answer. The reason is that when the dissolution law was passed, it never foresaw a situation where a village straddles two towns. As an example, how do you divide water and sewer infrastructure? How do you divide assets (trucks, equipment)?

Again, in order to do this, a Special District would have to be established and only residents of the former village will be charged maintenance and support. Any contracts, such as union contracts, will be dissolved as there are no longer two parties to the contract.

Another possible solution for this would be to establish a Water/Sewer Authority for the former village. However, according to the Attorney General and Comptroller’s offices, special legislation would be necessary from the State. Historically, this option would take a long time and have very little chance of succeeding.

Public Works & Village Administration – These departments would dissolve with the village. The town boards would have to determine how to provide any services necessary to residents.

Debt – This is a question that was raised when dissolution was first discussed and continues to be asked. What happens to any village debt should the village dissolve?

According to the New York State Attorney General’s Office, all debt created by the village, stays with the village. What this means is any and all debt created by the village will stay in the former village and will be paid by the former village residents. It will not be dispersed throughout the towns. This will be calculated and billed to former village residents as a separate tax levy.

New York State’s Role in this Process – New York created the process by which municipalities can dissolve, however, the final decision is up to the municipalities’ residents.

A Question Continuously Asked – Where do we go from here? The answer: stay informed, ask questions, attend meetings AND, if this comes to a referendum and you are eligible to vote – PLEASE VOTE!!!

Lastly, we value your questions and welcome your comments. You may contact your Town/Village representatives as follows:

Town of Ridgeway – meets the 3rd Monday at 7p.m. at the Ridgeway Town Hall, 410 West Ave, Medina (Phone 585-798-0730)

Town of Shelby – meets the 2^nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall, 4062 Salt Rd, Medina (Phone 585-798-3120)

Village of Medina – meets the 2^nd & 4^th Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd. Medina (Phone 585-798-0710)

Car drives into flooded swamp

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Provided Photo

SHELBY – A Holley woman drove into the flooded Alabama swamp on Christmas eve, when Route 63 was slippery at about 4 a.m.

Kelly Ross, 41, was the lone occupant in the vehicle. She wasn’t injured, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department reported.

She lost control of the car while headed south on 63. She was driving too fast for the conditions, Undersheriff Steve Smith said today. The vehicle was towed out of the swamp by Lyons Collision of Medina.

East Shelby church welcomes public to celebrate a less frantic Christmas

Posted 8 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Gingerbread, caroling and carriage rides are part of the day

Press release, East Shelby Community Bible Church

EAST SHELBY – Have you ever wished you could celebrate Christmas the way your grandparents did – simple, no commercialism, with the emphasis on the birth of Jesus Christ?

The congregation of the East Shelby Community Bible Church would like to invite everyone to be able to do just that by joining them as they celebrate the real meaning of Christmas in West Jackson Corners. Come experience “The Smells and Tastes of Christmas Past” today from noon to 5 p.m.

Begin your afternoon in the church listening to the church’s “Band of Renown,” which will begin playing at noon. The band has been practicing for weeks to provide you with a wonderful concert of Christmas hymns and carols.

Afterwards walk across the road to West Jackson Corners and experience the true meaning of Christmas in a restored 19th century village. West Jackson Corners was the original name of East Shelby in the early 1800s.

While visiting West Jackson Corners take a sleigh ride. There will also be a special team of horses this year called “Norsk Heist.” They are Norwegian horses that are small and powerful. Come and enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by these specialty horses.

Listen to a tale of long ago, hear the Dickinson style Christmas carolers, view the two 20-foot Christmas trees in the village square, see the lights, taste a pioneer Christmas dinner cooked over an open hearth, or sing your favorite Christmas songs along with the church choir.

Check out an old fashion toy display in the local country store, view a living manager scene in the barn at the edge of town, make an old fashioned garland with pine cones, nuts, berries and cinnamon, taste homemade hot chocolate, or just visit with the folks from West Jackson Corners.

Be sure to come back to the church and view the 16-foot Christmas tree in the church sanctuary, the candelabra ready for lighting on Christmas Eve and the traditional holiday greens decorations. While in the church sample traditional holiday snacks and desserts prepared and served by the ladies of West Jackson Corners.

As you enjoy the holiday foods, have a cup of coffee or a special Christmas punch and watch the folk dancing by some of the teens of the church.

Stop in at the 19^th century parsonage next door to the church. The parsonage, restored to its 19^th century splendor, will be decked out for an old fashion Christmas.

While there visitors will also have a chance to decorate a homemade gingerbread man in the kitchen, watch heritage craft demonstrations in the living room and visit the children’s craft corner. Upstairs in the parsonage is Santa’s workshop where youngsters can make their own wooden toy.

Be on hand at 4:30 p.m. when the children greet Santa Claus as he arrives by horse drawn sleigh at West Jackson Corners.

Albion man hospitalized after Shelby accident

Posted 16 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

SHELBY – An Albion man was hospitalized on Tuesday evening following a head-on crash with an 18-wheel tractor-tanker truck.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. in the 5000 block of South Gravel Road (Route 63) in the town of Shelby. Stephen G. Thomas II, 24, was driving a 1998 Buick sedan north when he crossed the center line and collided with a 2013 International tractor that was hauling a tanker trailer with refrigerated liquid oxygen.

After the collision, Thomas’s car ran off the east side of the roadway and came to a rest in a residential yard. Thomas was trapped in the car for about 45 minutes before being extricated by Shelby firefighters. He was then air-lifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Mercy Flight helicopter.

Shawn W. Scott, 32, of Derby was driving the truck. He was not injured but was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital by the Medina Fire Department ambulance as a precautionary measure.

The truck and tanker is owned by the Linde Group LLC, based in Germany with a local terminal in Buffalo. The tractor sustained heavy damage, however the tank was not compromised, nor was the approximate 800 to 1,000 gallons of liquid oxygen on board.

Representatives of the Linde Group were on scene. There was minimal spillage of diesel fuel and the hydraulic fluid was quickly contained by the fire department.

Route 63 was re-opened to traffic at 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Deputy D.S. Klips, who is assisted by Sergeant G.T. Gunkler, Lt. R.E. Perry and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan. State troopers from the Albion barracks also assisted at the scene.

250 walk and run to support Orleans cancer patients

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Big crowd for Knights-Kaderli won’t be stopped by rain

Photos by Tom Rivers

Robert Patterson of Akron pulls Colten Cleveland, 7, in a wagon up Barber Road in today’s walk/run to benefit the Knights-Kaderli Fund.

EAST SHELBY – A big crowd gathered today at the East Shelby Fire Hall, undeterred by damp weather, and then proceeded to walk and run with purpose on a 3.5-mile loop. This group is walking up Barber Road before making a turn on Townline Road.

The 25^th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run drew 250 participants. The event raises money for Orleans County residents battling cancer. The Knights-Kaderli Fund distributes about $50,000 a year to residents fighting cancer who need help with their bills. Rhonda Kaderli Sloper and her brother John Kaderli are among the volunteers who help organize events and manage the fund. Their mother Sue Scharping Kaderli died from cancer in 1989. The family of Richard Knights, who died from cancer in 1984, also are active organizers for the fund.

Sarah Flower of Medina walks with her dog Lilah during today’s Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run in East Shelby.

Nicole Goyette of Medina pushes her 2-year-old son Bradley on the 3.5 mile course. They are joined by Mia Hobbs, 8, at right and Evie Schultz, 10, both of Medina. They are pictured on Townline Road.