By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2019 at 11:06 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A soccer net is pictured on Friday evening at Albion Central School during a glorious sunset.
Summer is officially over with today the first day of autumn. Winter starts on Dec. 21.
Today it will be mostly cloudy with a high near 75 in Orleans County. The National Weather Service in Buffalo says there is a chance of showers before 1 p.m., and then showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., with a chance for more showers after 2 p.m.
Tuesday it will be sunny with a high near 67. Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 76, according to the Weather Service.
Thursday will be partly sunny with a high near 70, while Friday is mostly sunny with a high near 74.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2019 at 8:20 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Lancaster’s Marching Band performed, “Into the Yonder Blue,” which is a tribute to the U.S. air forces, during Saturday’s Fall Festival of Bands at Vets Park in Medina. KC Gust is the junior drum major for Lancaster.
More than 1,000 people filled the bleachers for the show, which included nine marching bands.
Lancaster competes in the National Class and came in second with a score of 75.55.
Jamestown’s show is entitled, “Journey Home,” sends a message, “There’s no place like home” while people go on a journey of discovery. Jamestown, which competes in the National Class, had the highest score of the day with 77.55.
Jamestown’s drum major Dylan Lydell lets the judges know the band is ready to perform.
A Jamestown student plays the timpani or kettledrums
Webster’s Marching Band performed “The Journey” and was second in Large School 2 with a score of 71/95.
Webster’s performance included traffic and construction signs in the program. Many of the bands brought out props to add to the presentation.
Ethan Smith is the drum major for the West Seneca Marching Band.
West Seneca’s Marching Band performed, “Along Came A Spider.” The band came in third in the Large School 2 Class with 71.55 points.
Northwestern from Albion, Pa., performed, “Stages of Life.”
The band from Northwestern was first in the Small School 3 Class with 70.45 points.
Other bands in that class included: Le Roy, with 65.55 points; and Pioneer with 64.3 points.
Le Roy performed, “Twinkle, A Dream Among the Stars.” The Pioneer High School Marching Band’s show is called “Periodic Table of Music Notation.”
The Quaker Marching Band from Orchard Park’s show is entitled, “Starry Night,” and was inspired by the famous oil painting by Vincent Van Gogh.
Orchard Park was first among the Large Schools with 74.95 points.
Destiny Jones is a member of the Color Guard for the Medina Mustang Band.
Medina’s show of “Walk the Path” is an exploration of finding your path, taking action, and walking the path forward.
Medina was first in the Small School 1 Class with 76.6 points.
Bianca Islam has a big smile while performing with Medina’s Color Guard.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 September 2019 at 6:31 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville’s Wes Hughes and his Mustang teammates will host Newfane in a key battle for the Niagara-Oleans League lead on Friday.
Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer co-leaders Medina/Lyndonville and Newfane, both at 4-1, will meet in a key contest on Friday at Vets Park.
Another key N-O boys soccer meeting will have 2-2 Albion at 3-1 Roy-Hart on Monday.
In N-O girls soccer, 2-2 Albion will visit front-running Roy-Hart (4-0) on Tuesday and runner-up Akron (4-1) on Friday.
In Genesee Region League girls soccer the two division leaders will meet on Monday as Division II front-runner Kendall (4-1) hosts Division I leader Byron-Bergen (6-1).
In N-O field hockey undefeated defending champion Barker (5-0) will host runner-up Roy-Hart (4-1) on Tuesday.
Friday’s football action will be highlighted by Holley’s first ever night game as the Hawks host Dundee in an 8 man Homecoming contest under portable lights at 7 p.m.
Also on the gridiron Medina will host Dunkirk in a B2 game at 7 p.m. Friday and Albion will visit Lackawanna in a key B3 contest at 1 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to Holley, it will also be Homecoming week at Kendall, Medina, Barker and Roy-Hart
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Soccer: Newfane at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Albion at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Byron-Bergen at Kendall, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba at Holley, 6:30 p.m.; Pembroke vs. Lyndonville/Medina, 7 p.m. at Medina Golf: Wilson at Barker, Albion at Medina, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4 p.m. Volleyball: Batavia at Albion, 6 p.m.; Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Soccer: Medina/Lyndonville at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; Kendall at Byron-Bergen, Wheatland-Chili at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Wilson at Barker, Newfane at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Albion at Roy-Hart, Holley at Attica, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Roy-Hart at Barker, Medina at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; Newfane at Kenmore, 6:30 p.m. Cross-Country: Albion and Medina at Newfane, Barker at Wilson, Akron at Roy-Hart, 5 p.m.
Wednesday Girls Soccer: Kendall at Notre Dame ,4:30 p.m.; Lyndonville/Medina at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m. Golf: Medina at Barker, Akron at Albion, Newfane at Wilson, 4 p.m. Volleyball: Kendall at Attica, 4:30 p.m.; Holley at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, Byron-Bergen at Lyndonvlle, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Boys Soccer: Albion at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Wilson at Roy-Hart, Pembroke at Kendall, Byron-Bergen at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Medina at Barker, Akron at Wilson, 4:45 p.m. Volleyball: Roy-Hart at Albion, Newfane at Akron, Wilson at Medina, 6 p.m.
Friday Football: Dunkirk at Medina, Dundee at Holley, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer: Newfane at Medina, 4:15 p.m. Girls Soccer: Albion at Akron, Barker at Newfane, 4:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Sacred Heart at Barker, 6:30 p.m. Golf: Barker at Newfane, Albion at Roy-Hart, Medina at Akron ,4 p.m.
Saturday Football: Albion at Lackawanna, 1 p.m. Boys Soccer: HAC at Kendall, 2 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: CSAT at Barker, Wilson at Roy-Hart, 10 a.m.; Newark at Kendall, 12 p.m.; Eastridge at Holley, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball: Pavilion at Holley, 11:30 a.m.; Pembroke at Kendall, 12:30 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2019 at 6:12 pm
Revamped Vets Park hosted 9 bands, 1,000 spectators for event
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band won the SSI division on Saturday night and earned the second highest score overall among nine bands at the Fall Festival of Bands at Vets Park.
The top photo shows Jada Draper, left, leading the band as the drum major. The Medina band performed to a program titled, “Walk the Path.”
This is Medina’s 53rd season competing as a marching band.
McKenna Callard is the captain of the color guard for the Medina Marching Band.
Medina’s score on Saturday of 76.6 was topped only by Jamestown, with 77.55. Jamestown competes in the larger national class while Medina is with the small schools.
The scores include:
Small Schools 3: Pioneer, 64.3; Le Roy, 65.55; and Northwestern in Albion, Pa., 70.45.
Small Schools 1: Medina, 76.6
Large Schools 2: West Seneca West, 71.55; Webster, 71.95; and Orchard Park, 74.95
National: Lancaster, 75.55; and Jamestown, 77.55
Kaylee Lacey directs the band as the backfield conductor.
A big crowd filled the stands for the nearly three-hour event. This was the first band show at Vets Park since it received new bleachers.
Jim Steele, director of the band, gives a quick walk through before the band’s performance. The staff have lollipops to make sure they don’t shout last-minute instructions.
Madeline Lewis, center right, plays the baritone for the band.
Trenton Crews, right, is the section leader for the clarinets.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2019 at 5:27 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Shirley Nigro stands on the stage of her art studio in the former Barre Grange. Nigro opened the space to the public today for the first time.
There were five artists featured in the art show – Colleen Ware, Joan Barton, Debra Wilson, Lori Laine of Albion NY Rocks and Nigro.
They were among about 20 artists featured in Orleans County today as part of an open studio tour coordinated by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
Nigro of Albion owns the Fired Up – Ready to Paint Ceramics. She makes ceramics in a style known as bisque wear. She also makes dolls, necklaces and other multi-medium artwork. She is known for her faces and has been featured in books and magazines.
Nigro is pictured in the first floor of the former Grange with many of her molds. She bought the former Grange from the Barre Presbyterian Church.
The building at 4688 Oak Orchard Rd, appealed to her because of its “big empty space,” with heat and electricity.
Debra Dale Wilson is one of the featured artists today in the open studio tour. She joined Nigro at the former Grange. She has done stained-glass painting and crafts, and has really embraced putting artwork on flat rocks.
Debra Dale Wilson works on painting a dragon on this rock.
Debra Dale Wilson had this painted rock of “Foxy Lady” on display.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 21 September 2019 at 8:04 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 36
In January of 2019, I received a request for information on the old stone store once belonging to T. O. Castle of Millville. Daniel Hurley purchased the building and pushed for the State Historic Preservation Office to consider the building for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. I was informed that the building is eligible for inclusion on the National Register and the process of researching and documenting the building’s history has commenced.
This photograph of the stone store appeared in “Bethinking of Old Orleans” volume 24, no. 1 authored by Bill Lattin. The article, entitled “Winter Gathering,” called attention to the large crowd gathered in front of the store, located at the intersection of Maple Ridge Road and East Shelby Road. Although the occasion for the photograph is a mystery, Lattin wrote, “Whatever was going on at the time must have seemed like a worthy event for taking a picture.” Several teams of horses are visible in the image, including at least one hitched to a bobsleigh.
Born at Parma, NY in 1826, Thomas Oliver Castle came to Shelby Center in 1846 where he worked for Reuben S. Castle for several years. He later worked for George Sweeney at a store in Buffalo before relocating to Millville around 1850. Although Thomas presumably owned the property in this photograph it was in fact deeded to his wife, Mary Anna Timmerman Castle, by James Potter in 1851 for the sum of $525. A parcel of land containing the Castle home was deeded to Mary from John and Harriet Knowlton around the same time for the sum of $500.
The date of construction remains a mystery but tracing the transfer of the property starting in 1830 provides some clues. That year, the property was transferred from the heirs of David Bottum to Daniel S. Root for $200. According to the history of the Frost family, Bottum was a pioneer in the silk industry. Settling at Oak Orchard in the Town of Ridgeway, he planted mulberry trees, raised worms, and spun silk, establishing a trade in sewing and knitting silk along the Ridge Road. He died in 1828 and his wife continued the business until 1831 when she remarried.
It is surmised that Bottum may have intended to use the site in Millville for his silk venture, dying before it could come to fruition. Root, an early postmaster and merchant, died unexpectedly in 1833 at the age of 33 and the property was later sold to James Potter by Root’s widow in 1849. At that point, the value of the property increased to $450 (nearly three times the original value when considering inflation) and likely contained the stone store in this picture. With all evidence considered, a date of construction sometime between 1830 and 1833 make sense.
This property also consisted of a tannery and post office, visible to the right of the store in this image. An 1860 map of Orleans and Niagara counties also confirms this, showing an adjacent building to the west. This makes sense considering both Root and Castle served as postmaster for Millville while Castle’s son George also worked as a tanner. For many years, T. O. Castle and Son operated out of the stone store at Millville, dealing in general merchandise, dry goods, and groceries. The 1903 Orleans County Directory also indicates that George Castle was a local dealer in Shropshire Sheep at Millville in addition to working in his father’s store.
On an interesting side note, the Millville Congregational Church constructed a house of worship on the south side of Maple Ridge Road in 1848. When a conflagration leveled the building, courtesy of an exploding kerosene lamp in 1870, Thomas Castle was placed on the fundraising committee responsible for securing money to rebuild. A new building was constructed from brick in 1871, which is visible in the background of this image. The congregation fell apart in 1900 when congregants discovered the minister to be of low moral character. The parcel of land was always referred to on maps as the “Presbyterian Society” even though the group adopted the congregational form of church government soon after forming.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2019 at 6:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – A house was badly damaged by fire this afternoon at 3157 Niagara-Orleans Countyline Rd.
The fire was complicated by an arcing wire on the house. Firefighters weren’t able to spray water on the blaze until electricity was turned off. That was about a 45-minute wait.
Several fire departments responded to the call, including Medina, Ridgeway, Shelby and Lyndonville. They were dispatched to the scene at 3:48 p.m.
Don Marchner of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, left, and Mike Heideman of the Lyndonville Fire Department get the hose spread out on Countyline Road.
NYS Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff Randy Bower are announcing the week of September 22 through September 28 as “Sheriff’s Week” in New York.
Activities scheduled for Sheriff’s week in Orleans County include
• Lunch with a Deputy Sheriff and students at elementary schools.
• Village and Town Park clean up detail by the inmates of the Orleans County Jail.
Today’s sheriffs are proud of the rich history of their office. It is one of the oldest institutions in America, dating back to Biblical times. The modern Office of Sheriff in the United States descends from a 1,000-year-old English tradition: a “shire-reeve” (shire-keeper) is the oldest appointment of the English crown.
Because county governments were typically the first established units of government in newly settled American territories, sheriffs were among the first elected public officials in an area and thus developed a leading role in local law enforcement.
Most sheriffs are elected every four years. It is this election process that makes the Office of Sheriff unique to all of law enforcement. These elections make most of the 3,085 county sheriffs throughout the United States directly accountable to the people they serve.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department strives …
• To Serve and Protect the citizens of Orleans County
• To provide a safe and secure jail, providing necessary treatment to better prepare inmates to reenter society
• To be visible and accessible
• To maintain peace and order in Orleans County
• To provide professional public safety dispatching
• To properly receive and execute all legal and civil processes referred to the Office of the Sheriff
• To deliver effective law enforcement services to all citizens of Orleans County
• To Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2019 at 12:42 pm
Jeremy Higgins is one of top racers at Crusaders Motorcycle Club
File photos by Tom Rivers: Jeremy Higgins accepts the trophy for rider of the year in 2015 for the Crusaders Motorcycle Club. He received the award during the club’s annual dinner on Feb. 20, 2016.
One of the top riders at the Crusaders Motorcycle Club in Ridgeway was severely injured on Labor Day during a race at the Springfield Mile in Springfield, Illinois.
Jeremy Higgins, 27, suffered a traumatic brain injury after a crash at the track on Sept. 2. He is at Illinois hospital and is making progress, breathing without a ventilator, sitting up in bed and standing by his hospital bed, his wife Amber posted on Facebook.
Higgins grew up in Bergen and lives in Batavia. He has raced at the Crusaders track on Culvert Road since he was a young boy. He was named the track’s champ in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
“He’s a really great guy,” Rhonda Waters said about Higgins. “He’s a great ambassador for the kids. The kids really look up to him.”
Higgins races with the Waters Autobody Racing team based in Albion and owned by David and Rhonda Waters.
Higgins has raced professionally for about a decade and competed on many weekends in the American Flat Rack Series, which includes races at 18 different tracks around the country. He won the race in Virginia the week before his accident.
Jeremy Higgins is congratulated for winning the $500 grand prize in the “Dash for Cash” on July 10, 2016 at the Crusaders Motorcycle Club on Culvert Road in Ridgeway. Higgins of Bergen is the reigning track champion. He is pictured with friends and family of Pat Blount and Les Washbon. The race that day served as a memorial for the two men who were mainstays at the track.
“He has been competing at the highest level in country,” said Mrs. Waters. “This is like competing at NASCAR.”
Higgins got off to a bad start in the Sept. 2 race. He rounded the first turn and was picking up speed when he was sandwiched between the wall and another rider. Higgins clipped the back tire of a racing bike and then crashed his Kawasaki twin cylinder. He was likely going more than 100 miles an hour at Springfield, which is considered one of the fastest tracks in the country where riders often reach 120 to 130 mph.
The racing and motorcycle community have rallied to support Higgins and his family, selling T-shirts and stickers for Higgins and collecting funds online.
Western New York Harley-Davidson dealers also are doing a benefit on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stan’s Harley-Davidson in Batavia. That event will include a silent auction, 50/50 drawings, and a basket raffle. (Higgins used to work as a mechanic for Harv’s Harley-Davidson in Macedon.)
The Iron Smoke Distillery in Airport also is hosting a benefit for Higgins on Nov. 3.
“This is what the bike community does, we’re a close knit family,” Waters said. “Jeremy is loved. He really is loved.”
Jeremy Higgins is a blur as he speeds around the Crusaders dirt track on July 10, 2016. He has raced at the Ridgeway track for more than 20 years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2019 at 10:26 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The True Value Family Hardware store in downtown Albion has many posters nailed to the side delivery door. Those posters highlight concerts and other performances in the community during the 1950s.
Fred Miller, owner of the store the past 33 years, has kept the posters up. They have become a little tattered over the years from the being pelted with wind and snow when Miller needs to open the door.
He never considered removing them. He likes the old posters and other metal signs and mementoes from generations ago.
Miller is closing the hardware store. He expects it will be open about two more weeks.
This poster advertises a musical “Rotary in Farce” by the Albion Rotary Club on Feb. 15-16, 1956. The Rotary Club used to do musicals as a fundraiser for the Rotary Community Fund.
This poster advertises a Christmas concert by the Albion Community Chorus on Dec. 22, 1954. The concert benefitted the Orleans County Cancer Fund.
This poster advertises the Fly-In Breakfast at Pine Hill Airport. The breakfast was $2.50 on Oct. 1, 1978. That event still continues and has been going on for more than 50 years.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 September 2019 at 8:26 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Those in attendance at the Sept. 12 meeting of Orleans County Retired Teachers Association are pictured during a break in the meeting. Seated, from left, are president Frank Berger, co-presidents of Central Zone Retired Teachers Association Robyn Ballard and Mary Ellen Morgan, Eileen Wuethrick of Kent and Joan McClure of Geneva, with the New York State Health Insurance Initiative. Standing are Gene Czajkowski of Barker, Georgia Thomas of Medina, Nancy Walker of Kent, Gail Johnson of Albion, Ann Czajkowski of Barker, Ruth Smith of Appleton, Penny Nice of Albion, Charlene Smith of Medina and Barb Dunham of Medina.
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Retired Teachers Association met Sept. 12 at Knowlesville Fellowship Hall, with 16 in attendance. The meeting also celebrated the organization’s 45th anniversary.
Frank Berger of Medina presides over the September meeting of Orleans County Retired Teachers Association.
Guests included Robyn Ballard and Mary Ellen Morgan, co-presidents of the Central Western Zone Retired Teachers Association, and Joan McClure of Geneva with New York State Health Insurance Initiative.
President Frank Berger opened the meeting and asked those in attendance to share what they had taught, how long they taught and how long they have been retired.
Berger, who taught shop at Medina High School for 30 years, first served as president of OCRTA 26 years ago.
Berger was among those who adamantly opposed the group’s decision to disband two years ago. When they discovered disbanding was not specifically spelled out in their bylaws and they must follow Robert’s Rules of Order Revised, they dropped the idea and decided to continue meeting.
They have 100 names on the roster, but average attendance at meetings is 15 to 18. Membership is open to all educators, including teachers, teachers’ assistants, principals, superintendents, counselors, therapists and their spouses who retired from or live in Orleans County.
Officers were elected for 2019/2020. They are Frank Berger, president; Georgia Thomas, vice president; Nancy Walker, recording secretary; Gail Johnson, corresponding secretary; Ann Czajkowski, treasurer; legislation, Frank Berger; membership, Gary and Grace Kent; friendly service, Eileen Wuethrich; community service, Barb Filipiak; audit and budget, Jeff Annable; health care, Ruth Smith; and bylaws and parliament, Kay VanNostrand.
Robyn Ballard, co-president of Central Western Zone Retired Teachers Association, said the new president of NYSRTA, has started an initiative to officially change the name to Retired Educators of New York State.
Gene and Ann Czajkowski of Barker, Gary and Grace Kent of Albion, Ruth Smith of Appleton and Barb Dunham of Medina look over information handed out at the meeting of Orleans County Retired Teachers Association.
Joan McClure with the New York State Health Insurance Initiative stated that health insurance for retired teachers is being cut back, piece by piece in the Ontario County school district where her husband worked. She said New York State United Teachers Union, which they are all members of, was not willing to help go after her husband’s school district for the 100 percent paid health insurance premiums promised in writing at the time of his retirement. She is surveying the 10 Central Western Zone counties to find out if others have run into the same problem.
“We’ve been paying into it and it is doing nothing for retirees,” she said.
Czajkowski said each school district negotiates its own teacher contract, and Orleans County retirees had very little health insurance after retirement.
“We were able to convert unused accumulated sick time to cover premiums for a few years, and the could opt to get the COBRA, paying lower group rate premiums,” Czajkowski said. “We never had vision or dental coverage.”
After a break for lunch, served by the ladies of the Knowlesville Abundant Harvest Methodist Church, guest speaker Don Snyder talked about Recovery Hope Begins Here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 September 2019 at 8:07 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Pictured from left include Billy Roman (seated), Sherry Wheatley, Mary Herbert, Ann McElwee, Carol Bellack and Charlene Walsh. They set up a scarecrow at Forrestel Farms, where the 12th annual Scarecrow Fest will take place Oct. 5.
MEDINA – The 12th annual Scarecrow Fest in Medina will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at Forrestel Farm and Riding Camp.
The event continues to grow in popularity and features, and this year will enjoy the honor of being celebrated along with Mary Herbert’s 40th anniversary of running the family farm camp.
The fest will have all its old features, along with some new ones, including a flea market this year. Anyone wishing to reserve a spot may call organizer Sherry Wheatley at (585) 735-5135.
The Scarecrow Fest was an idea pitched to Medina Lions 11 years ago by Wheatley. The event has become an annual fundraiser for the Lions, who turn all the profits back into programs for the community.
The Scarecrow Fest has taken place in several locations, including the Canal Basin, Roberts Farm Market, Wise Junior High School and the YMCA. But organizers say Forrestel Farm is the perfect place.
“This is the coolest place,” Wheatley said. “We’re on the farm, with horses and lots of space. This is where it needs to be. And if it rains, we can have it in the barns.”
Forrestel owner Mary Herbert is thrilled to host the event. She is also a member of Lions, and while she doesn’t have a lot of time to donate to the club, hosting the Scarecrow Fest is one way she can contribute, she said.
Recently, Wheatley and fellow Lions members Ann McElwee, Carol Bellack, Charlene Walsh and Billy Roman visited Forrestel Farms to talk about the Scarecrow Fest.
Wheatley said it is the Lions’ goal to add something new every year.
Roman said a lot of organizations are involved in making the Scarecrow Fest a success.
“Everything is donated,” Wheatley said.
First, Wheatley’s mother Pauline Lanning of Albion cuts several hundred heads out of sheets and sews them. They are taken to Medina High School’s Art Department to have faces painted on them. Lyndonville High School’s Art Department will also be asked to help this year, Wheatley said.
Wheatley visits the MAAC Thrift Shop and Lyndonville’s Thrift Shop where she collects old clothing, sheets and accessories (ties, scarves, hats, etc.).
“T” posts for bodies are donated and cut by Iroquois Job Corps’ Carpentry Class. Straw is donated by Phil Keppler of Medina and Ed Neal of Albion.
Orleans 4-H clubs are bringing animals this year.
Cost for each child is $10. After selecting a standing or sitting T post, children choose their head from the large selection clipped on baling twine. Then they go the accessories area and choose ties, scarves or hats.
Straw is dumped into a large pile, and Wheatley said a highlight of the day is watching children, moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas, aunts and uncles thrashing in the straw.
Another favorite activity is having braids added to their scarecrow. Wheatley said they take three pair of old panty hose (also donated by the thrift shops) and stretch them, one by one, over the scarecrow’s head. That gives them three legs on each side, which are then braided.
“Kids just love this,” Wheatley said.
There will be games and children can “milk” a fake cow.
Food will also be available. The Boy Scouts will have corn chowder and chili. The Lions will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers, and Kim Smith of Lyndonville will be selling cupcakes, cookies and other desserts.
Forrestel Farm and Riding Camp is located at 11380 Main St., Medina (Shelby Center).
ALBION — Inmates, staff and administrators at Albion Correctional Facility are pictured last month during the second graduation program for a canine training program.
Kathy Smith and Ariel Strickland, who are both animal control officers for Orleans County, also attended the graduation.
Two dogs from the Orleans County Animal Shelter — Maverick (a beagle) and Mateo (a hound) – were trained by inmates at the prison. The two dogs arrived at the animal shelter on May 14.
Maverick and Mateo then spent about 12 weeks at the correctional facility with two teams of three inmates. They cared for and trained the dogs, under the supervision of a community volunteer, Tom Ryan. He received his professional trainer certification through the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, Ohio.
During the 12 weeks, the two dogs learned obedience training and socialization skills, making them suitable for adoption.
Since the graduation, two more dogs arrived on Sept. 4 for handlers to work with and prepare for adoption to their forever homes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2019 at 2:52 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Court docket this morning included several cases involving charges of sex abuse against children.
An Albion man appeared in court to have his bail set by Judge Sanford Church. Jarred Hodgins, 31, faces three counts of second-degree rape and two counts of second-degree criminal sex act.
Hodgins allegedly had sexual intercourse with an underage female in Carlton. He has two prior felonies involving drug charges.
“The charges in this case are completely contrary to anything he has been arrested for in the past,” said Joanne Best, the public defender.
She asked Church to set bail at $500, so Hodgins could afford it and continue to work at his job.
Church instead set bail at $20,000.
• An Albion man faces up to 10 years in state prison as part of a plea offer from District Attorney Joe Cardone.
Herbert Sewar, 54, faces first-degree course of sexual conduct for allegedly having sex with an underage female from 2005 to 2010. Sewar was given time to consider the plea.
• An 18-year-old man from Ridgeway pleaded guilty to attempted rape in the first degree and could face up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.
The man could be eligible for youthful offender, which would seal his record. His name also shouldn’t be published.
The man today in court admitted to having sex with a 12-year-old girl. He will be sentenced on Nov. 25. He remains in jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.
• A 19-year-old man from Lyndonville pleaded guilty to attempted rape in the second degree. The man was 18 when he said he had sex with a 14-year-old girl.
The judge could give him youthful offender status and seal his record.
The man faces a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 25. He remains free on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.
• In another case, the judge set bail at $5,000 for Dennis S. Biaselli, 45, of Albion.
He was charged after a car accident on Tuesday morning, when he struck a utility pole on Zig Zag Road. He allegedly fled the scene but then returned to get his car.
Biaselli faces charges of felony driving while intoxicated, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, no license, leaving the scene of a property damage crash and using a car without a court-ordered Interlock device.
Biaselli has two prior felonies and 11 prior misdemeanors, Cardone said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2019 at 11:49 am
Provided photos
The new playground is starting to take shape at Pine Street Park.
MEDINA – Construction has started on a new playground at the Pine Street Park in Medina, with a splash and butterfly discovery garden to follow.
“This will be a beautiful addition to our village and a place for children to play and explore,” said Nicole Goyette, a member of the Pine Street Park Project Committee that also includes Tom Hungerford, Bob Sanderson and Maureen Sanderson.
Donations are covering the cost of the project. The committee is accepting funds to cover the remaining expenses with the project. Donations can be sent to the Orleans Renaissance Group, Pine Street Park Project, P.O. Box 543, Medina NY 14103.
The park improvements are costing about $200,000.
The five elements for the splash pad are about $46,750. The splash pad will be 30 feet in diameter and water will circulate out to water plants and trees.
The committee is working the Buffalo company, Parkitects, on the project. Ben Frasier, a Lyndonville native, works for Parkitects and is assisting with the initiative.
