(Editor’s Note: Governor Andrew Cuomo today confirmed 16 additional cases of novel coronavirus in New York State since his last update, bringing the statewide total to 105 confirmed cases. Of the 16 new cases identified since the Governor’s last update, 12 are in Westchester County, one in New York City in the Bronx, one in Nassau, one in Suffolk, and one in Ulster. Additionally, the Governor today called on the federal government to expedite their approval of private labs and automated and manual testing to expand New York State’s testing capacity. He also encouraged New Yorkers to work from home, telecommute and avoid densely populated spaces whenever possible to help contain the spread of the virus.)

Press Release, Public Health Departments in Orleans & Genesee counties

“With Governor Andrew Cuomo’s declaration of a state of emergency in New York in response to COVID-19, the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments are focusing on preparedness to respond to potential positive cases of COVID-19 in both counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Director, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.

New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has authorized health care providers to order testing for COVID-19. There is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the likelihood of more cases being identified in the coming days is possible. We will continue to update with local media as appropriate.

In Genesee and Orleans counties, we’ve had 12 people undergo precautionary quarantine based on travel history – 11 have been cleared, with none becoming ill, while one person remains in quarantine with no current illness and will remain under observation through the 14-day period.

“We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments,” stated Pettit. “Our social media platforms will continue to post pertinent information/trusted links and can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with GOHealthNY as our user name. You can also call the NYS Coronavirus Call Center: 1-888-364-3065 for questions and answers about travel and symptoms or visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.”

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza) which is currently widespread:

• If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Sheriff Chris Bourke, left, and Undersheriff Mike Mele, right, congratulate Jerry Bentley after the sheriff announced he had nominated Bentley as the February Employee of the Month in Orleans County for assisting in the delivery of a baby while working as a dispatcher.

BARRE – A Barre firefighter and Orleans County dispatcher has been named the county’s Employee of the Month in February for what turned out to be a historic delivery of a baby.

Jerry Bentley was on duty as an Orleans County dispatcher at the 911 emergency communications center on Feb. 28 when a call came in at 3:23 in the morning from a man who said his wife was going to have a baby.

He requested an ambulance and Bentley proceeded to get the pertinent information.

“I told him I was going to get him some help and just as I was going to hang up, the man said, ‘She’s going to have the baby right now,’” Bentley said. “I asked if her water had broken, and he said no, but he could already see the baby’s hair. I snapped my fingers to my partner, which is the signal to dispatch, and I stayed on the phone as he dispatched the ambulance and East Shelby Fire Company.”

Bentley, a past Barre fire chief, began to tell the father what to do. He instructed him how to clamp the umbilical cord and told him to wipe the baby’s nose and mouth. Then he asked if the baby was breathing. Finally, Bentley heard the baby cry, and it was pure joy, he said.

Only four minutes elapsed from the time Bentley took the call until the baby was born, he said. East Shelby was on the scene seven minutes after the call, followed right behind by COVA and Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy Dave Martek.

Responding for East Shelby was president Mike Fuller, Dave Green and Scott Barber.

“When we walked in, the father was down on his knees holding the baby,” Green said.

Green has been a volunteer firefighter with East Shelby for 59 years, served nine years as Orleans County Fire Coordinator and Emergency Management director and then spent 20 years as sheriff, and this was the first time he was involved in the delivery of a baby, he said.

Bentley added he has been in the fire service 30 years and this was his first experience in the delivery of a baby.

“I may never get an opportunity like that again,” he said.

The delivery will also go down in history as the first birth certificate which has been issued in the town of Barre in more than 30 years.

As an added note, Sheriff Bourke stated there is pending legislation currently in the works to designate dispatchers as first responders. The sheriff emphasized that this incident is a perfect example of how dispatchers can be called upon to act as a first responder.

Bentley said passing the law would provide added benefits to dispatchers, and the public is urged to contact their local legislators and tell them they are in favor of passing of the law.

350 attend wine-tasting event at downtown businesses

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These four friends enjoyed the Albion Sip N’ Stroll on Saturday. Lindsay Monacelli, Erin Conley, Cindy Ramsey and Kimberly Koia were among about 350 people who sampled wine at 15 locations for the seventh annual Sip N’ Stroll in downtown Albion.

The four ladies are shown at Laura Loxley on Main Street, trying wine from A Gust of Sun Winery in Ransomville.

Denise Hagen of Albion tries wine from Autumn Moon Farm Winery in Bergen. They are in the kitchen and party room at the Lockstone.

Ray Wendling, owner of North Ridge Distillery in Medina, offered samples of “Forbidden Apple” at Tinsel.

Jennifer Mateo and her husband Erik Mateo tried wines from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina. Sarah Geer served the wine at Red Check Rustic in the Pratt Opera House building. Geer was joined by her husband Peter in serving the wine for Leonard Oakes.

Nickie Girardo, manager at 39 Problems in Albion, serves up appetizers for the 100 people who bought VIP tickets for the Sip N’ Stroll. The Lockstone hosted the VIP party.

The Lockstone opened its doors for the VIP party. John Hernandez and his wife Natasha Wasuck have been working about two years to turn the site into a wedding and events venue. There is still a lot of work to do. The Lockstone will host two weddings in October.

The couple opened Tinsel, an ice cream shop, last June at the front of the building at 160 North Main St.

People check in at the beginning of the VIP party at the Lockstone, the former Burgio Tire just north of the Erie Canal.

Janna Stirk, Liz Groat and Natasha Wasuck took the lead in planning the seventh annual wine walk for the Albion Merchants Association.

In September, Stirk opened “Marked. by Janna.” on East Bank Street, where she does body-waxing and micro-blading. She said the Sip N’ Stroll is a chance to highlight the businesses in the downtown. She sees a lot of new energy among the business owners.

Stirk has led many painting parties in the kitchen room at the Lockstone. She said the Lockstone will be a landmark establishment for the community, at a location that serves as a gateway into the downtown.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Benjamin Davis served as the guest conductor of the elementary band during Saturday’s All-County Music Festival at Kendall. The band included 73 students from Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina school districts.

Davis is the band director at the East Aurora Union Free School District. He also is a composer and arranger of band music.

Elementary students perform at the All-County Music Festival. The band performed four selections, including “Quintus” by Larry Clark, “Maesong” by William Owens, “Drive” by Mark Williams and “Sing, Sing, Sing” arranged by Michael Story.

Jillian LeBaron of Albion plays the trombone for the elementary band. Each of the five school districts sent some of their top musicians for the festival.

Saturday’s event included 73 students for the elementary band, 93 in the junior high chorus and 75 students in the high school band. There was also an All-County Music Festival last month that featured the elementary chorus, junior high band and high school chorus.

The festivals are organized by the Orleans County Music Educators Association.

Jacqueline McLean served as guest conductor for the junior high chorus. She has taught the past 11 years at Le Roy, leading the junior and senior high choir programs.

The junior high chorus performed five songs – “Cantar! (Sing!),” “I Dream a World,” “Festival Sanctus,” “Mairi’s Wedding” and “You Will Be Found.”

Elaina Huntington of Medina sings a solo during the festival with the junior high chorus. Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Ryder Jones of Medina also were soloists.

Staff Sergeant Joshua Meyer directs the senior high band. Meyer is a trumpet player with the 198^thArmy Band. He has been a member of that band for eight years and toured with them in Alaska, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, South Carolina and Hawaii.

The senior high band performed “America, The Beautiful,” “John Williams: The Symphonic Marches,” “Children’s March” and “March: Grandioso.”

Dan Grabowski of Albion plays the trumpet in the senior high band.

Staff Sergeant Joshua Meyer addresses the crowd. He thanked the parents and school districts for supporting the students and music in the schools.

IWD and DAD, a recipe for equality

March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD). A day of recognition conceived in 1909 which has gained momentum throughout the world. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975. Some countries do little to nothing to acknowledge IWD and other countries rally around the day. A day meant to celebrate the rise of equality for women.

Fun fact, in Italy men offer women yellow mimosas to celebrate IWD. That being said, the person I would like to speak about for teaching me that being born female did not diminish my worth, is a man, not a woman

OMG What!??

Of course I recognize My Mom, Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters, Girl Friends, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton, Pink and so many other women who inspire me to rise up and hold my head high everyday. But the man who incited me to do anything a boy could do, was my Dad. Some of you may know him. His name is John Burgoon.

As a young girl I never felt less than or less capable than a boy. It never occurred to me I would be viewed as unequal. I was expected to mow the lawn, climb ladders, hit nails, sand my own car, think smart, never use female as a crutch and much more. As long as I treated people fairly, worked hard and had respect for myself, I would reach that “ceiling.” He said, “Go ahead and pat yourself on the back, because no one will do it for you.” So I try to be kind to myself, pat myself on the back, forge ahead and achieve.

The recipe taught me equality is not about being like a man, but being strong enough to stand up for myself and never allow anyone to make me feel less than. Strength is not being hard-hitting, but fair. I realize that life’s circumstances do not make this easy for everyone. So Dad taught me to count my blessings and be thankful that my life’s lessons have gifted me the tools I need to be anyone’s equal. I believe that it is not only important to have strong women in your life, of which I have many, but strong male role models teach us how to be respected and require respect. Dads teach us not to complain but believe in ourselves..do our best and persevere.

For those women who were not fed the “Recipe of DAD -“Dedication And Devotion” or came from difficult circumstances, yet still rose to the level of self respect and accomplishment, I bow to them. They prove that a past of distress does not have to define you but can give you the roots you need to grow strong and mighty.

Today I celebrate International Women’s Day and all who forge(d) the way for equality. History tells us equality has been a journey for women. So in that spirit, I will raise a glass of yellow mimosas to my Dad who helped pave the road to equality for me with his Book of Recipes. xo

Go to my blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com to see the Final Footnote and photo. Like and share your comments on who inspired you. Happy Perks to Everyone!

Truly,

Debbie Burgoon London
Your Sassy Small Town Missus from Albion

Cuomo warns businesses against price gouging for cleaning products

Photo by Darren McGee, Office of the Governor: Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor, speak during a briefing today. They confirmed additional cases of novel coronavirus including two cases upstate in Saratoga County, bringing the statewide total to 76 confirmed cases (which was later increased to 89).

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency due to the rising number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. Today, the governor announced there are 32 more confirmed cases, bringing the total statewide to 76.

UPDATED at 7:25 p.m.: Cuomo confirmed 13 additional cases of novel coronavirus in New York State, bringing the statewide total to 89 confirmed cases. The 13 new cases identified since the Governor’s last update are located in Westchester County.

“I have officially [declared a state of] emergency which gives us certain powers,” Cuomo said. “We’re going to be doing purchasing and hiring more staff, especially to help local health departments that are very stressed. We’ve said to the local health departments you have to do the monitoring on the quarantine, the mandatory quarantine. So this is labor intensive. We need the staffing, we need the purchasing. Under the declaration of emergency, we have a more expedited purchasing protocol.”

Additionally, the Governor directed the New York State Department of State’s Consumer Protection Division to launch an investigation into reports of unfair price increases of consumer products such as household cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, and launched a toll-free hotline – 1-800-697-1220 – for New Yorkers to report suspected price gouging.

“I want businesses to be aware that you could lose your license for price gouging,” Cuomo said. “This is serious. It is not just price gouging. It is price gouging in an emergency situation where you are being exploitive of the public. And there are specific legal provisions for price gouging in an emergency situation. If you are a store, you can lose your license and we are very serious about this. For the few dollars that you are going to make during this situation it is not worth your while.”

This state of emergency declaration allows, among other things:

• Expedited procurement of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and other essential resources

• Allowing qualified professionals other than doctors and nurses to conduct testing

• Expedited procurement of testing supplies and equipment

• Expedited personnel onboarding

• Expedited leasing of lab space

• Allowing EMS personnel to transport patients to quarantine locations other than just hospitals

• Providing clear basis for price gouging and enforcement investigation

The 32 new cases identified today are located in New York City and Westchester and Saratoga counties. Of the 89 total individuals in New York State who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:

Westchester: 70

New York City: 11

Nassau: 4

Rockland: 2

Saratoga: 2

ALBION – An Albion woman was killed after a head-on collision Friday evening during snowy conditions on Eagle Harbor Road.

Jill Stinson needed to be extricated from her vehicle. She was taken by COVA ambulance to Medina Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced deceased at 7:47 p.m., said Jeff Gifaldi, chief deputy for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, COVA and the Albion Fire Department were dispatched to Eagle Harbor Road near the railroad tracks at 6:34 p.m.

A 2007 Ford Econoline E350 van was being operated by Michael Dipiazza of Oakfield and was traveling south on Eagle Harbor Road. A 1989 Ford Econoline E150 van was being operated by Stinson and was traveling north on Eagle Harbor Road.

The vehicle being operated by Michael Dipiazza crossed over the center of the roadway and struck the vehicle being driven by Jill Stinson head-on, Gifaldi said.

A passenger in Jill Stinson’s vehicle and Michael Dipiazza were not injured.

It appears that weather conditions at the time of the accident were a contributing factor as to why Michael Dipiazza crossed in to the opposite lane of traffic, Gifaldi said.

The investigation is still ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The top of the Main Street clock is shown on Friday night while it was snowing.

Daylight Savings Time starts tonight and Americans will “spring forward” and set their clocks ahead one hour beginning at 2 a.m.

Losing an hour of sleep and the change in daylight hours means motorists may potentially experience drowsy driving and added distractions behind the wheel, according to AAA Western and Central New York.

“While many people are looking forward to the end of winter, few realize the added dangers that can come as a result of a time change, especially when behind the wheel,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations, AAA Western and Central New York. “This hour change can disturb sleep patterns, perhaps even resulting in drowsy driving.”

AAA warns that driving while drowsy can be dangerous.

According to AAA Foundation research:

• Drivers who have slept for less than 5 hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk.

• Drivers who miss one to two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk for a crash.

• While 96% of drivers view drowsy driving as an unacceptable behavior that is a serious threat to their safety, nearly 29% admit to driving so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the prior 30 days.

In addition to the change of daylight, children, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists will likely become more active outdoors. AAA advises motorists and pedestrians to remember the following tips to stay safe:

AAA Tips for Motorists

• Do not rely on your bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness, instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.

• In the early morning, watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible.

• Leave more following room. When the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing.

• Invest in polarized sunglasses – they can help reduce glare.

• Utilize your sun visor, which can help to block out the sun.

• Be mindful of more children and others who are outdoors in the lighter evening hours.

• Remember to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

• Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off an hour! Reset the clocks while the vehicle is safely parked, rather than in motion.

AAA Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right and left again and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk or cross between parked cars.

• Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.

• Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

• See and be seen. Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing and/or accessories.

• While walking, pocket the cell phone and avoid listening to music at a volume that prohibits you from hearing approaching danger.

The Main Street clock in Albion is on a sidewalk in front of the Albion Visitor’s Center (the former Citizens National Bank) at 121 North Main St.

“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 6, No. 10

Frances Folsom moved from Buffalo to Medina after her father’s death on July 23, 1875, when he was killed in a carriage accident. Folsom lived in Medina for three years with her mother and grandmother.

“I am waiting for my wife to grow up.” – Grover Cleveland

As a young bachelor in Buffalo, Cleveland was said to have muttered these very words to his sisters who frequently asked him about his intentions to marry. His statement, although witty, held a certain degree of truth and it is with that truth that the story of Frances Folsom is told.

In 1996 an historic roadside marker was installed at the corner of Main and Eagle Streets in Medina, denoting the structure that Folsom called home for a brief moment in her life during the 1870s. The marker reads: “Frances Folsom lived here in the mid-1870s with her grandmother and attended Medina High School. In 1886 at age 21 she wed Pres. Grover Cleveland.”

The daughter of Oscar and Emma Harmon Folsom, Frances was born July 21, 1864 at Buffalo, New York where her father practiced law with Grover Cleveland in a firm known as Lanning, Cleveland and Folsom. Folsom and Cleveland became close friends after a failed run for the office of Erie County District Attorney left Cleveland with a sense of defeat. It was said that Cleveland doted on the young girl, purchasing the first baby carriage for Frances.

On July 23, 1875, Oscar Folsom was tragically killed when he was thrown from his carriage in Buffalo’s Black Rock district. Cleveland was made administrator of Folsom’s will, but sources vary on whether Cleveland was, in fact, made the legal guardian of Frances.

Oscar’s widow and eleven-year-old daughter relocated to Medina to live with Ruth Harmon, the grandmother of Frances, while Cleveland settled the estate. During the approximately three years that she lived in Medina, “Frankie” as she was later known (a nickname much to her disliking), became a popular pupil among fellow students and teachers at the Medina high school. It was after Cleveland finalized his business partner’s estate that Emma and Frances returned to Buffalo.

Frances continued her studies at Central High School in Buffalo and eventually entered the sophomore class at Wells College where she was attending when Cleveland was inaugurated for his first term. Despite her best efforts to attend the prestigious event, she was not permitted to miss classes. After her graduation in 1885, Frances was whisked off to Europe by her mother at the urging of Cleveland so that she could experience the culture of the old world. At this time it was suspected by the public that Emma was visiting Europe to purchase her wedding dress under the assumption that Cleveland was courting the elder Folsom. Upon their return to New York on May 27, 1886, an announcement was made the following day noting Cleveland’s engagement to Frances and not Emma as previously thought.

On June 2, 1886 Grover and Frances were wed in the Blue Room, the stately parlor on the first floor of the White House, becoming the only couple to celebrate their wedding in the executive mansion. Frances became an instant celebrity, the press following her every move. As a fashionable young woman, she frequently wore gowns that were edgy for the time. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union was floored by her frequent wearing of gowns that revealed bare shoulders, claiming it negatively influenced young women. She quickly became a marketing tool for companies that used her likeness to sell goods. Others marketed goods on claims that she either purchased or used the goods herself, suggesting that Mrs. Cleveland was endorsing the products. Harper’s Magazine went as far as to feature her as a frequent cover subject, which undoubtedly assisted the periodical with the sale of issues.

While companies benefited from the marketability of the President’s wife, one Democratic Congressman attempted to pass a bill that would stop the widespread use of any woman’s image for commercial purposes without her written permission. Although the piece of legislation did not specifically address her by name, the bill was clearly aimed at alleviating the external pressures felt by the Clevelands at the hands of the corporate world.

Suffering a heart attack at the age of 71, Grover Cleveland passed away on June 24, 1908; his widow 27 years younger than he, remained at Princeton, New Jersey where she would remarry to Thomas Preston nearly five years later. She died in her sleep on October 29, 1947 and was laid to rest next to her first husband in Princeton Cemetery.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION — Two people were seriously injured after a head-on collision at about 6:30 this evening on Eagle Harbor Road.

COVA has two ambulances on site to transport the injured. Mercy Flight likely would have been called but the weather conditions kept the helicopter grounded, an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy said near the scene.

The accident occurred just north of the railroad tracks with the snow-covered roads a factor, the deputy said.

An Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy was among many first responders at the scene. There were also many Albion firefighters, COVA staff and the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

No other information is available.

(UPDATE on March 7 at 11:58 p.m.: Jill Stinson, the driver of the 1989 Ford Econoline E150 van, was taken by COVA ambulance to Medina Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced deceased at 7:47 p.m.)

Photo by Tom Rivers: This bird’s nest is shown on the Butts Road bridge in Albion today at about 5 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for Orleans County with 1 to 2 inches of snow expected between 6 and 8 p.m.

The statement also includes Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Ontario counties.

“An area of moderate snow will move across northwestern New York early this evening,” the Weather Service said. “This will reduce visibility to a half mile at times. Also, with nightfall and colder temperatures, the snow will begin to accumulate, with a slushy 1 to 2 inches expected through 8 p.m.”

Motorists should be prepared for slick spots on area roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. The snow will taper off late this evening, the Weather Service said.

Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, (front center) supports more state funding for road paving.

Many highway superintendents from Orleans County and throughout the state were in Albany on Wednesday to advocate for an increase in state funding for road paving and maintenance.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, said there have been of stagnant investment in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and the governor has proposed eliminating $65 in Extreme Winter Recovery funds.

“Millions of upstate residents, emergency services vehicles, farmers and manufacturers use our roads each day and their safety and quality of life matter just as much as a subway patron,” Hawley said. “We are seeking a $100 million increase to CHIPS and a restoration of the $65 million Extreme Winter Recovery fund – a small and reasonable step toward parity in a budget totaling over $175 billion. I will continue fighting to see that upstate gets it fair share this year.”

Hawley said the CHIPS funding has been held stagnant at $438.1 million statewide despite billions of dollars in increases to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and repair downstate bridges.

“Whenever the MTA cries broke Gov. Cuomo is right there willing to throw more tax dollars their way, yet upstate has to fight tooth and nail each year for a little bit extra to ensure we have safe travel,” Hawley said.

Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, also joined the rally for road funding. He supports a $150 million increase in CHIPS.

“Beyond repairing and rebuilding our local roads, bridges and culverts, the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) is the key difference in determining the success of hometown communities across New York State, in terms of their desirability as a place to call home, their public safety for motorists and their economic viability,” Norris said. “Without safe and well-maintained roads, our communities will struggle to compete.”

State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, also attended the rally with hundreds of highway superintendents and their employees.

“We deserve fair funding for our upstate roads and bridges,” Ortt said.

State Sen. Robert Ortt chats on Wednesday with Ed Morgan, Murray town highway superintendent, during a rally at the State Capitol for road funding. Other highway leaders pictured from Orleans County include from left: Orleans County DPW Superintendent John Papponetti, Ridgeway Highway Superintendent John Olinger and Yates Highway Superintendent Roger Wolfe.

HOLLEY – The federal Environmental Protection Agency will soon be mobilizing  crews in Holley for phase 2 of the cleanup at the former Diaz Chemical site on Jackson Street.

The EPA has already spent $12.5 million on the cleanup, using money from the Superfund. The EPA has removed buildings, pipes, drums and tanks. Only two warehouses remain from Diaz, which declared bankruptcy and abandoned the site in 2002. The company operated for about 30 years in Holley.

The next phase – thermal treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater at the site – will cost $20 million, the EPA said.

Because there are no viable responsible parties, Superfund covers the costs of the investigation and cleanup of the site, the agency said.

The EPA has been working on cleaning up the site for nearly 20 years.

“EPA has been unable to recover any funds from Diaz as a result of its filing for bankruptcy,” said Mary Gladkowski, spokeswoman for the EPA. “However, EPA has the funding for the entire phase two thermal treatment remedy in place. This phase of the cleanup will be operational by the winter of 2021 and is projected to take four to five years to complete with site restoration to follow.”

With phase 2, the EPA will tackle the contaminated soil on the 5-acre site. The soil poses a threat to the groundwater, EPA officials said.

The dirt can’t simply be carted off the premises until it has been treated to remove the contaminants. The EPA and a contractor will drill 600 wells, spaced about 13 to 15 feet apart, and install an underground system where the soil will be heated up. That will remove below-ground contaminates from soil.

Water vapors also will be collected and treated, and then filtered and discharged into the sewer.

Once the contaminant level drops in the soil, about 100 truckloads are expected to be hauled away to a landfill.

The EPA will have 100 truckloads of clean soil brought to the site. Project managers went over the work with the Holley Village Board last month.

John DiMartino, EPA remedial project manager, and Travis Young, a project manager with the Army Corps of Engineers, said some work could start this month, with contractors drilling test wells and crews starting to mobilize.

This summer soil will be excavated, with drilling and well installation. The first stage of the thermal treatment system will go in next winter through summer 2021. A second stage of drilling and well installation is planned for the spring-summer 2021 with the second stage of the thermal treatment system to be installed from winter 2021 to summer 2022.

A concrete cover is part of the project during the treatment stage. The concrete will be removed once the treatment is done.

The project will be substantially complete in the winter of 2023, according to the EPA timeline. A final layer of topsoil and grass will be added to complete the project.

Press Release, Niagara-Orleans School Boards Association

Have you ever considered running for the school board? A school board member takes on one of the most important citizen responsibilities: overseeing the education of the community’s youth.

Our local school boards are seeking men and women who find excitement and satisfaction in confronting tough challenges and working collegially to rise above them and help students in their communities succeed.

If you want to find out more about the election process and school board member responsibilities, the Niagara-Orleans School Boards Association is holding a free workshop for prospective and new school board members. You will learn about the election process, school boards and the law, Board-Superintendent relations, fiscal oversight and budget development, and perspectives on school board service from veteran board members.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Newfane Early Childhood Center at 6048 Godfrey Road, Burt, NY. The workshop is presented as a community service and is free of charge. To register, please call the Niagara County School Boards Association at 716-731-6800 ext. 2211 or e-mail dstamp@onboces.org.

Additional information can be found at the School Board Member Experience, a website provided by the New York State School Boards Association. They provide information on eligibility, deadlines, starting the campaign process, basic roles and responsibilities, training requirements, leadership skills and more. You can visit the website at https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nsbmx/.

We hope you will consider running for the school board and help us provide our students the best education possible.

Lance Dickinson

President, Niagara-Orleans School Boards Association

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – In the month of January, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department 911 Dispatch Center processed 1,833 police incidents, including 665 events for Sheriff’s Road Patrol, 150 for the New York State Police and 1,018 calls for the village police agencies of Lyndonville, Medina, Albion and Holley.

There were 530 Fire/EMS related calls dispatched countywide with 406 of those calls emergency medical in nature and 2 drug overdoses.

Road Patrol Deputies handled 44 automobile accidents, including 20 with injury and 16 car-deer collisions. Road patrol also made 97 service attempts and successfully served 46 subpoenas, civil or court papers.

The Sheriff’s Animal Control Division handled 88 incidents including 23 stray or loose animals,   2 animal bite complaints, 2 neighbor-dog problems, and several other miscellaneous animal calls. In addition, 6 animals were taken in to shelter on voluntary surrenders.

The Orleans County Jail processed in 73 inmates and handled 53 prisoner transports to court appearances, medical treatments or other correctional facilities.