Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced on Thursday that Eusebio Chavez-Islas, 58, of Mexico, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. The defendant was then sentenced to time served and turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Murray, who is handling the case, stated that on March 26, 2019, ICE officers received a request for assistance from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at 3282 Transit Road in Albion. Once they arrived, ICE officers encountered Chavez-Islas, and determined through record checks that he was a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States.

Subsequent investigation determined that the defendant was working at Nesbitt Brothers, LLC. On April 18, 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents obtained a Form I-9 from Nesbitt Fruit Farms, the owner of Nesbitt Brothers, LLC. The Form I-9 had a photocopy of a fraudulent social security card which was provided by Chavez-Islas for purposes of his employment.

On April 30, 2019, the fraudulent social security card that the defendant used for his employment was seized by agents during the execution of a search warrant at 3282 Transit Road in Albion. The card depicted the name “Eusebio Chavez.”  A check of Social Security Administration records revealed that the social security card that Chavez-Islas possessed contained a valid social security number which was not assigned to the defendant.

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Randy Bower; and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Grasso.

Provided photo: Bill and Gail Allen, Mary Jo Syck, Dele Theodorakos, and Leslie Allen attended the second annual Toast to Hospice Reverse Benefit last Friday at the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. Mary Jo, Dele and Gail all have husbands in the band Crandall, Wood & Main, which performed at the event.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

MEDINA —The 2nd Toast to Hospice Reverse Raffle, held June 21 at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, raised more than $7,000 that will directly support services that Hospice provides in the community.

More than 200 attendees enjoyed live music by Crandall, Wood & Main, perfect weather, delicious wine, and incredible food by Zambistro catering. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to participate in a basket raffle, 50/50 and silent auction. The raffle itself included the chance to win 10 prizes, including the grand prize of $5,000.

Hospice of Orleans would like to extend sincere thanks to all sponsors & contributors, staff and volunteers that helped the evening run smoothly. Also, a big thank you to Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for hosting the event and Jarred Saj for volunteering and once again selling the most presale tickets.

Hospice of Orleans, Inc. offers a comprehensive continuum of care to those in the community diagnosed with serious illness as well as provides supports to their families and caregivers.  Offering Transitions, Supportive Care, and hospice services at home, in the Martin-Linsin Residence, in a skilled nursing facility or hospital, Hospice of Orleans helps patients make informed choices about their care, supports those who are caring for them, educates the community, and offers support to those who are grieving.

Other upcoming opportunities to support Hospice include the 23rd Annual Hospice of Orleans Golf Tournament at Shelridge Country Club on July 31 and the 7th Annual Car Show at Bullard Park in Albion on Sept. 7.

ALBION – Two people from Orleans County were arraigned in County Court today for crimes against children.

Eric Warren, 30, of Ridge Road in Medina is facing charges of reckless assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a children.

Warren allegedly shook a month-old baby and threw the baby against the floor in February, causing brain damage.

Warren entered a not guilty plea in court today. Judge Sanford Church issued an order of protection for the baby in the case.

He remains free on $10,000 bail.

Andrew Campbell, 32, formerly of Albion was arraigned on two counts of unlawful surveillance in the second degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Campbell is currently living in North Carolina. He also is facing federal charges for possession of child pornography.

Campbell allegedly secretly videotaped minors, including children 13 and 14 years of age. Campbell allegedly did this unlawful surveillance for several years, according to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

He pleaded not guilty in court today. He is free on $10,000 bail but is wearing an electronic ankle bracelet to track his location.

Judge Church issued an order of protection for the children in the case, as well as their mother.

In another case, a Medina man was arraigned for criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, as well as grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Joseph Newton, 33, of Medina was charged in April as part of an investigation into crack cocaine sales distribution in Orleans County. Seven others were charged in that investigation by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.

Newton is facing the larceny charge for allegedly taking a boat motor from the Town of Shelby in August 2018.

Judge Church issued an order of protection for the person whose boat was stolen and also set bail at $20,000 for Newton.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York residents can fish for free without a license in one of the 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams across the state this weekend.

New York’s Free Fishing Weekends help encourage more people – whether skilled or new to the sport – to get outdoors and enjoy the many world-class fishing opportunities available.

“New York State is home to thousands of lakes and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams that offer exceptional fishing opportunities,” Governor Cuomo said. “Free Fishing Days provide both amateur and seasoned anglers with the chance to try the sport out for themselves or introduce others to the world-class fishing and scenic destinations across the Empire State.”

The Free Fishing Days program is administered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation as part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative. The upcoming Free Fishing Days are among six planned for 2019, including September 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).

The free fishing days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license. Legislation signed by the Governor in 2014 increased the number of authorized statewide free fishing days from two each year.

“School is officially out, and what better way to kick off summer with your family than to take your kids fishing,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Finding a place to fish doesn’t require you to travel far. New York is blessed with abundant fisheries resources and there are many great opportunities close to home, no matter where you live. Catching fish is a lot of fun, but the time spent experiencing everything nature has to offer with your family is the biggest reward.”

In addition to the Free Fishing Days program, NY Open for Fishing and Hunting allows organizations and groups to host free fishing clinics. People who want to learn how to fish can take advantage of the various fishing education programs conducted by DEC and other groups throughout the state.

Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days or free fishing clinics, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

ALBION – Three people were sentenced to state prison in Orleans County Court this morning by Judge Sanford Church.

• A Rochester man was sentenced to 3 years in state prison after admitting to selling fentanyl in Orleans County in June 2018.

Oscar Rivera, 24, is a first-time drug offender. He pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Rivera also needs to pay $100 in restitution to the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, which was the buy money for the fentanyl.

“I made mistakes in my life and I’m sorry,” Rivera said in court today.

• Jeremy Hodge, 33, of Albion was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison for felony driving while intoxicated. Hodge was charged in Clarendon on Jan. 1 and registered a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.30 percent, nearly four times the legal limit. He has a previous DWI in 2012 in Clarendon and also has a pending DWI in Pennsylvania from December 2018.

Hodge said in court he drank a 12-pack of beer during the day before his arrest on Jan. 1.

His attorney asked that he not go to prison because he is a dedicated employee for a painting company and has made strides with alcohol treatment.

Church, however, said he needed to protect the community from Hodge, especially given the high BAC level.

Hodge faces about $2,000 in fines and surcharges and will need to use an inter-lock ignition device on any vehicle he drives for the first year when he is released from prison.

• Devon Cappucci, 25, a former inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility, was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in prison after pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate.

Cappucci spit blood at a corrections officer in September 2018.

His attorney asked for leniency because Cappucci lost both of his parents at a young age. He is trying to address some mental health issues, his attorney said.

‘Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s bravery, complete disregard for his own safety, and unselfish and courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.’ – President Donald J. Trump

(Editor’s Note: The following is the transcript from the Medal of Honor presentation for David Bellavia. The award was presented in the East Room of the White House with the ceremony beginning at 3:36 p.m. on June 25. The transcript was released by the White House.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Please.  Thank you, Chaplain, very much.  It’s really beautiful.

Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia is seen Tuesday in the East Room of the White House.

Today, it’s my privilege to award the highest military honor to an American soldier who demonstrated exceptional courage to protect his men and defend our nation.  Will you please join me in welcoming Staff Sergeant David Bellavia?  David, thank you.  (Applause.)

David is the first living recipient to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Iraq War.  (Applause.)

We are honored to have with us distinguished leaders of our military.  I want to recognize Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist.  David, thank you very much.  And congratulations.  Acting Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy.  Come here, Ryan.  Let me just say hello to you.  (Laughter.)  Congratulations.  Just happened yesterday, so I have to congratulate.  Congratulations.  Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Paul Selva.  Thank you, Paul.  Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley.  Hi, Mark.  And Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey.  Thank you, Daniel, very much.

Thanks as well to members of Congress who join us: Representative Liz Cheney.  Thanks, Liz.  Chris Collins.  Thanks, Chris.  Dan Crenshaw.  Tom Reed.  Thank you.  Thank you, Tom.  I see you over there, Tom.

REPRESENTATIVE REED:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.

Joining David for this special ceremony is his wife Deanna and three children, Evan, Ayden, and Vivienne, along with his mother Marilyn, and his brothers Daniel and Rand.  I want to thank you all for being here.  A very special day for you and for all of us.  For the nation, actually.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at the Medal of Honor ceremony for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia on June 25, 2019, in the East Room of the White House.

David’s father William passed away in 2017.  And though he’s no longer with us, we know that today he must be one of those proud dads.  He’s looking down upon us from Heaven, and he’s very proud of his son and his son’s family.  I have to say that.  Thank you, David.

Finally, we are gratified to be joined by eight previous Medal of Honor recipients.  And, I have to tell you, I’ve got to know just about all of them.  You are forever with us.  You inspire us.  You are truly brave, great people.  Thank you very much for being here.  (Applause.)  Brave people.  Thank you.

A Gold Star Family member is recognized by President Donald J. Trump during his remarks at the Medal of Honor ceremony for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia.

David grew up in Western New York.  He was the youngest of four children.  As a boy, he would listen to stories from his grandfather, a World War Two veteran, and hero in his own right, who earned a Bronze Star in the Normandy campaign.  I just came back from Normandy.  That was something.

As David remembers, his grandfather’s stories were always “vivid with a source of pride.”  And they were delivered very beautifully.  There was a nobility and purpose in the infantry.  And David saw that a very young age.  “I wanted to be what my grandfather was,” David would often say.  “I wanted to be part of this noble adventure.”  Is that right?  That’s a pretty good quote, would you say?  Better say “yes,” otherwise I have a problem.  (Laughter.)

In 1999, David followed the example of his grandfather, and joined the United States Army Infantry.  Several months after the September 11th attack on our nation, David deployed, saying goodbye to his wife and his son, Evan.  He served in Germany, Kosovo, and then in Iraq.

In November of 2004, after nearly a year of intense enemy combat in Iraq, David led his squad into battle to liberate the city of Fallujah and anti-Iraqi forces.  That was a tough place.  This operation was the bloodiest battle of the Iraq War.

For three days straight, David and his men kicked down doors, searched houses, and destroyed enemy weapons, never knowing where they would find a terrorist lurking next.  And there were plenty of them.

President Donald J. Trump congratulates Medal of Honor winner David Bellavia.

The third day of battle was November 10th, David’s 29th birthday.  That night, his squad was tasked with clearing 12 houses occupied by insurgents.  A very dangerous operation.  They entered house after house, and secured nine of the buildings.

Then came the 10th.  That was a tough one.  It was a three-story building surrounded by a nine-foot wall.  As they entered the house and moved into the living room, two men were behind concrete barricades.  They opened fire on David and everybody.

In the dark of night, shards of glass, brick, and plaster flew into the air, wounding multiple soldiers.  The rounds of fire ripped holes into the wall separating the Americans from the terrorists.  The wall was ripped to shreds.  David knew they had to get out.  David thought that they had had it.  He leapt into the torrent of bullets, and fired back at the enemy without even thinking.  The insurgents — he just took cover.  David took over.

He provided suppressive fire while his men evacuated, rescuing his entire squad at the risk of his own life.  Only when his men were all out did David exit the building.  But the fighting was far from over.  Militants on the roof fired down at them with round after deadly round.  A Bradley Fighting Vehicle came to the scene to suppress the enemy and drove them further into the building.

Knowing that he would face almost certain death, David decided to go back inside the house and make sure that not a single terrorist escaped alive, or escaped in any way.  He quickly encountered an insurgent who was about to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at his squad.  David once again jumped into danger and killed him before he had a chance to launch that grenade.

Next, two more insurgents came out of hiding and fired at David.  He returned fire, killing them both.  Then, a third assailant burst out of a wardrobe — wearing a wardrobe — and opened fire.  David shot and wounded the man, but he escaped up the stairs.  Racing after him, David engaged in hand-to-hand combat and killed him too.

Bleeding and badly wounded, David had single-handedly defeated the forces who had attacked.  Just then, yet another combatant jumped down from the third-story roof and attacked.  David shot him, and the assailant fell off the balcony.

Alone, in the dark, David killed four insurgents and seriously wounded the fifth, saving his soldiers and facing down the enemies of civilization.

Here with us today are 32 American service members who fought with David in Iraq, including 12 who were with David on that very, very horrible and dangerous November night.  Please stand.  Please.  (Applause.)

Did he do a good job?

PARTICIPANTS:  Yes.

President Donald J. Trump applauds Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia and his family on Tuesday in the East Room of the White House.

THE PRESIDENT:  If not, you know, it’s not too late.  (Laughter.)

Thank you very much for being here.  We appreciate it very much.

Also with us are five families of David’s brothers-in-arms who made the supreme sacrifice.  To the Gold Star families of Sean Sims, Steven Faulkenberg, Scott Lawson, JC Matteson, and Michael Carlson: Our entire nation expresses our love, loyalty, and everlasting gratitude.  Please, stand.  Please.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much for being here.  Appreciate it.  Thank you.

David often tells young people, “Americans don’t want to fight, but if someone picks a fight with us, we will always win.  Because we don’t fight for awards or recognition.  We fight for love of our country, our homeland, our family, and our unit — and that’s stronger than anything the enemy has.”  So, thank you.  And thank you to his family very much.  Great family, David.  Thank you.

David exemplifies the same warrior ethos that gave his grandfather and all the heroes of Normandy the strength to defeat evil exactly 75 years ago.  I hear that his grandfather Joseph is now 99 years old and that today he’s watching this ceremony at his home in Jamestown, New York.  A lot of people are watching, David.

America is blessed with the heroes and great people like Staff Sergeant Bellavia whose intrepid spirit and unwavering resolve defeats our enemies, protects our freedoms, and defends our great American flag.

Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia is seen in the East Room of the White House.

David, today we honor your extraordinary courage, we salute your selfless service, and we thank you for carrying on the legacy of American valor that has always made our blessed nation the strongest and mightiest anywhere in the world.  And we’re doing better today than we’ve ever done.  Our country is stronger now, and we’re doing better economically than ever before.  We’re setting records, and you fought for something that’s really good, and we appreciate it, David.  We really appreciate it.  Thank you.

And now I’m very pleased to ask the military aide to come forward while I present the Congressional Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant David Bellavia.  Please.

MILITARY AIDE:  The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3rd, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on November 10, 2004, while serving as squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq.

While clearing a house, a squad from Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s platoon became trapped within a room by intense enemy fire coming from a fortified position under the stairs leading to the second floor.  Recognizing the immediate severity of the situation, and with disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Bellavia retrieved an automatic weapon and entered the doorway of the house to engage the insurgents.

With enemy rounds impacting around him, Staff Sergeant Bellavia fired at the enemy position at a cyclic rate, providing covering fire that allowed the squad to break contact and exit the house.

President Donald J. Trump speaks of Bellavia’s heroics on Nov. 10, 2004 in Iraq.

A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was brought forward to suppress the enemy; however, due to high walls surrounding the house, it could not fire directly at the enemy position.  Staff Sergeant Bellavia then re-entered the house and again came under intense enemy fire.  He observed an enemy insurgent preparing to launch a rocket-propelled grenade at his platoon.  Recognizing the grave danger the grenade posed to his fellow soldiers, Staff Sergeant Bellavia assaulted the enemy position, killing one insurgent and wounding another who ran to a different part of the house.

Staff Sergeant Bellavia, realizing he had an un-cleared, darkened room to his back, moved to clear it.  As he entered, an insurgent came down the stairs firing at him.  Simultaneously, the previously wounded insurgent reemerged and engaged Staff Sergeant Bellavia.  Staff Sergeant Bellavia, entering further into the darkened room, returned fire and eliminated both insurgents.  Staff Sergeant Bellavia then received enemy fire from another insurgent emerging from a closet in the darkened room.

Exchanging gunfire, Staff Sergeant Bellavia pursued the enemy up the stairs and eliminated him.  Now on the second floor, Staff Sergeant Bellavia moved to a door that opened onto the roof.  At this point, a fifth insurgent leapt from the third floor roof onto the second floor roof.  Staff Sergeant Bellavia engaged the insurgent through a window, wounding him in the back and legs, and caused him to fall off the roof.

Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent threat, Staff Sergeant Bellavia ultimately cleared an entire enemy-filled house, destroyed four insurgents, and badly wounded a fifth.  Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s bravery, complete disregard for his own safety, and unselfish and courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

(The Medal of Honor is presented.)  (Applause.)

Press Release, Catholic Charities

Provided photo: Kelly Grimaldi (left), Catholic Charities Tri-County district director, and Nyla Gaylord, Ministry of Concern executive director, right, pose with a new sign before its installation at Catholic Charities’ Batavia office.

BATAVIA – Following a year of increased collaboration, Catholic Charities installed a sign for the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern in the waiting area of its 25 Liberty Street office on Wednesday. The occasion formally marked the agencies’ partnership and to stand as a visible reminder to the community that Ministry of Concern services are available at that site.

Both Catholic Charities and the Ministry of Concern help individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis through various services. And though the Ministry of Concern serves both Orleans and Genesee counties, the agency is based in Albion, which is not always accessible to residents in Genesee County. That’s where Catholic Charities steps in.

Kelly Grimaldi, Catholic Charities Tri-County district director, explained, “What we do is collaboratively assist folks in emergency financial need. Sometimes people call Ministry of Concern and they can help, but the individual or family can’t get to their office in Albion. We have intake forms for Ministry of Concern in our office. We give them to the client who then completes them and provides us with proof of the financial situation, such as a utility bill, and then we send everything to Ministry of Concern. Sometimes the bills are large, so we help with what we can and call Ministry of Concern to see if they can pick up the remainder of the bill.”

Nyla Gaylord, Ministry of Concern executive director, said the burgeoning partnership has been a creative way to serve more people in Genesee County, an area in which the agency cannot afford to maintain a full-time office and staff.

“Reductions in funding require even more creative collaboration and innovation,” Gaylord said. “Innovation is not about chasing after dollars. It’s about taking existing services and doing them in different ways, in different places. We are thrilled to collaborate with Catholic Charities and look forward to developing new approaches to help people in need.”

ALBION – Without Murray, Chris Bourke would be trailing Brett Sobieraski in votes for the Republican line for sheriff in the November election.

After Tuesday night, Bourke holds 99-vote lead over Sobieraski, 1,793-1,694. There are more votes to be counted on Monday morning.

Chris Bourke

There are 10 towns in Orleans County, and Bourke has the most votes in five of them, while Sobieraski leads in four and they are tied in one, Barre.

Most of the town votes were fairly close, but Bourke had a nearly 2-to-1 advantage in Murray, 337 for Bourke to 175 for Sobieraski. That 162-vote lead was huge for Bourke, the current undersheriff.

Brett Sobieraski

Murray is the home of current sheriff, Randy Bower, who isn’t seeking re-election and backed Bourke. Michael Mele, the chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Office, will serve as undersheriff with Bourke. Mele lives in Murray and is on the Town Board. He is also vice chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party.

Bourke and Sobieraski both live in Carlton, where Bourke has 183 votes to 166 for Sobieraski.

While Bourke had a strong showing in Murray, with 65 percent of the vote, Sobieraski had the most dominant performance in any town with the results in Kendall, where his two sons graduated from high school and where Sobieraski was a youth sports coach. He had 73 percent of the vote, 182 to 66 for Bourke.

This chart shows a town by town breakdown of the votes (not including absentees and affidavits).

Source: Orleans County Board of Elections

There is still a small chance Sobieraski could emerge the Republican victor when the absentees are opened on Monday morning at the Orleans County Board of Elections. There were 139 absentees taken out. They needed to be postmarked by Monday to be counted for the primary. There are some affidavit ballots for people who went to the polls but weren’t in the voter registration book. The BOE will determine which of those ballots will be counted.

Bourke already has secured the Independence and Conservative party lines in the Nov. 5 election.

HOLLEY – A Holley man with Alzheimer’s disease has been found in Sodus after being missing since about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Carl Zava is safe and has been reunited with his family, said Chief Deputy Michael Mele.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Preston Flugel, one of the summer park supervisors for the Village of Albion, pushes a kid in a swing this afternoon at Veteran’s Park at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street.

Today was opening day of the village’s summer parks program, which is free to children in the Albion school district. The program will have paid park supervisors on duty from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, until July 26.

Kaitlyn Van Skiver manages to push two young children in the kiddie swings at the park today. There were 40 kids for opening day, which is a big turnout for the first day.

The program includes recreational games and activities. There are arts and crafts, water games, obstacle courses, bowling trips at Oak Orchard Lanes and many other activities.

Kiara Smith offers some pointers to Evan Kirby, 7, in a game of badminton.

The summer parks program is usually based at Bullard Park, but that site on Route 31 is under construction with a new splash pad, amphitheater, bathrooms and other improvements.

The parks program also holds several weekly camps, including next week when there will be wrestling for grades 6-12 at the Albion High School gym from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and volleyball for grades 6-12 at Albion HS gym from 10 a.m. to noon.

Caitlynn Snook was busy pushing kids in swings.

The volleyball camp is led by the High School volleyball coaching staff. Students will learn the basics of volleyball along with skills, drills, match situations, scrimmages and matches. There is no pre-registration and no additional fees required.

The wresting camp is led by Andrew Grillo, a Holley-Kendall wrestling coach, a state wrestling champion and former Brockport State College wrestler. Grillo will be joined at the camp by instructors who are college wrestlers and former high school standouts.

Students will be able to drill techniques, wrestle live and conclude each day with wrestling related games. Inexperienced wrestlers will have an opportunity learn the basics skills in wrestling while the experienced wrestler will expand on what they already know.

There is no pre-registration or no additional costs.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Nadine Hanlon, a “runner” for the Town of Kendall, delivers ballots to the Board of Elections in Albion on Tuesday at about 9:45 p.m.

Tuesday’s primary was a historic election, and not just for the results at the polls. It was the last time the Orleans County Board of Elections will be running an election based out of a wing in a nursing home. BOE workers have been packing up the office and getting rid of some materials as they get ready for a move.

The Board of Elections next month will settle into a new space just up the hill at the County Administration Building.

Janice Grabowski, an election commissioner for the county, waits for the ballots and results at the Board of Elections. She currently works out of a section in the nursing home built in the 1960s. She said she is looking forward to going to the new space.

Scott Bennett, left, and Richard Nenni work as election technicians. They put a card from the voting machines into a computer at the Board of Elections to give a tally for each of the candidates.

They had a full report with the vote totals complete at about 10 p.m., an hour after the polls closed.

A board tracks when the ballots are dropped off from each of the towns.

Beth Wood was one of the runners from Barre, tasked with delivering the ballots to the Board of Elections. She walks down the hallway at the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is the former county nursing home.

‘America is blessed with the heroes and great people, like Staff Sgt. Bellavia, whose intrepid spirit and unwavering resolve defeats our enemies, protects our freedoms and defends our great American flag.’ – President Donald Trump

Photos courtesy of Ed Morgan: President Donald Trump applauds David Bellavia after presenting him with the Medal of Honor on Tuesday afternoon during a ceremony at the White House. Bellavia is a Lyndonville graduate and continues to live locally.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Nov. 10, 2004, David Bellavia was in Fallujah, Iraq. It was his 29^th birthday. The Lyndonville native was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army.

His unit was going house to house, checking buildings to see if insurgents were hiding. The first nine houses were empty.

Bellavia checked his 10^th house and encountered five insurgents, all hiding in different spots. Bellavia killed four and wounded a fifth.

He fought them by himself, risking his own life, and saving members of his unit who were trapped. Bellavia on Tuesday was presented the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military recognition, during a ceremony at the White House.

“In the dark of night, shards of glass, brick and plaster flew into the air, wounding multiple soldiers,” Trump said during a 25-minute ceremony. “The wall was ripped to shreds. David knew they had to get out. David thought they had had it. He leapt into the torrent of bullets and fired back at the enemy without even thinking. He just took over. David took over. He provided suppressive fire while his men evacuated, rescuing his entire squad at the risk of his own life. Only when his men were all out did David exit the building, but the fighting was far from over. Militants on the roof fired down at them with round after deadly round.”

The president continued, “Knowing that he would face almost certain death, David decided to go back inside the house and make sure that not a single terrorist escaped alive or escaped in any way. He quickly encountered an insurgent who was about to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at his squad. David once again jumped into danger and killed him before he had a chance to launch that grenade.

“Next, two more insurgents came out of hiding and fired at David. He returned fire, killing them both. Then, a third assailant burst out … wearing a wardrobe, and opened fire. David shot and wounded the man, but he escaped up the stairs. Racing after him, David engaged in hand-to-hand combat and killed him, too. Bleeding and badly wounded, David had single-handedly defeated the forces who had attacked his unit and would have killed them all, had it not been for the bravery of David.”

It wasn’t over. Another insurgent jumped down from the third-story roof. Bellavia shot him and the assailant fell off the balcony.

“Alone in the dark, David killed four insurgents and seriously wounded the fifth, saving the soldiers and facing down the enemies of civilization,” Trump said in his speech.

He draped the medal around Bellavia’s neck. The presentation was made in front of 32 service members who served with Bellavia in Iraq, including 12 soldiers who were with him on Nov. 10, 2004.

The president also mentioned that Bellavia’s 99-year-old grandfather in Jamestown served in World War II in Normandy and inspired Bellavia to join the infantry.

“David exemplifies the same warrior ethos that gave his grandfather and all the heroes of Normandy the strength to defeat evil exactly 75 years ago,” Trump said.

Bellavia is the first living veteran from the Iraq War to be presented with the Medal of Honor.

“America is blessed with the heroes and great people, like Staff Sgt. Bellavia, whose intrepid spirit and unwavering resolve defeats our enemies, protects our freedoms and defends our great American flag,” the president said.

“David, today we honor your extraordinary courage. We salute your selfless service and we thank you for carrying on the legacy of American valor that has always made our blessed nation the strongest and mightiest anywhere in the world.”

David Bellavia is pictured with his mother Marilyn Bellavia and his friend Charlie Nesbitt at the White House on Tuesday, when Bellavia received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor. Nesbitt of Albion was a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and previously was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Chris Bourke waves to people last Thursday during the parade at the Kendall Fireman’s Carnival.

ALBION – Chris Bourke, the undersheriff of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, is the likely winner of the Republican primary for sheriff. He has a 99-vote lead over Brett Sobieraski.

There are 139 absentees ballots out and they will be counted on Monday beginning at 8:45 a.m. at the Board of Elections.

After the votes were counted today from the 10 towns in Orleans County, Bourke had 1,793 votes to 1,694 for Sobieraski.

Both were seeking to succeed Randy Bower as sheriff, who decided against running after one four-year term in office.

Bourke, 57, of Carlton has a 35-year career in the Sheriff’s Office, starting as a part-time corrections officer in the jail and working his way up as a deputy and lieutenant.

Sobieraski, a Kent resident, is a sergeant in the Rochester Police Department. He started his career in Lockport and has worked the past 26 years with the Rochester Police Department. He supervises the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and is a team leader on the SWAT Team.

Bourke also has the Conservative and Independence in the Nov. 5 election.

Town races: Another nail-biter in Murray between Sidonio and Miller, while Root wins in Shelby, Napoli victorious in Ridgeway and Chalker tops in Clarendon

Here are the results for the town races in Orleans County.

Republican Party

• Clarendon: Highway Superintendent — Tracy Bruce Chalker, 202 votes, and Robert Freida, 132.

• Murray: Town Supervisor — Robert Miller, 254 votes, and Joseph Sidonio, 255.

• Murray: Town Councilman (2 positions) — Neil Valentine, 343 votes; Lloyd Christ Jr., 279 votes; and Dirk Lammes, 223.

• Ridgeway: Town Supervisor — Brian Napoli, 399 votes; and David Stalker, 85.

• Ridgeway: Town Councilman (2 positions) — Mary Woodruff, 317 votes; Duane Payne, 273; and Sarah Fisher, 201.

• Shelby: Highway Superintendent — Dale Root, 222 votes; and Michael Fuller, 181.

Independence Party

• Murray: Town Supervisor — Robert Miller, 5; and 6 write-in votes to be counted in the coming days.

• Murray: Town Councilman (2 positions) — Neil Valentine, 7 votes; Lloyd Christ Jr., 3; and 5 write-in votes to be counted in the coming days.

• Delegates to the 8th Judicial District, 144th Assembly District (Shelby in Orleans County) — Darla Schultz Bubar, 3 votes; and Ciara Haylett, 3.

• Alternate Delegates to the 8th Judicial District, 144th Assembly District (Shelby in Orleans County) — Brian Michel, 3 votes; and David Haylett Jr., 3 votes.

‘He lived and breathed public safety in Orleans County. That was all he thought about.’

Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Wagner, the former county emergency management director, is shown on May 28, 2014 when the county celebrated a $7.1 million overhaul to its emergency radio communications system. Wagner is pointing to a rack that transmits signals from the radio towers to the consoles and the radios.

CLARENDON – Paul Wagner handled many emergency situations in his career, from major weather events to massive fires.

Wagner did it all in a laid-back manner. He didn’t get ruffled and his calm demeanor helped other people keep their cool in some difficult circumstances.

Wagner, 73, died on June 21. He served as director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office for 14 years, until retiring on July 18, 2014.

“He didn’t get all bent out of shape,” said Pat Eick, who worked as secretary for Wagner in the two-person office on County House Road. “Paul was very calm and easygoing. He was a great man to work for. He was very much respected.”

Wagner spent more than 50 years in the fire service. He started working for the county as a deputy fire coordinator in 1979. He became EMO-1 on July 3, 2000.

The initially was focused on coordinating services and training with fire departments and EMS providers, but grew to emergency preparedness with big weather events and the possibilities of terrorist attacks.

The office also administers the emergency radio communications system. Wagner pushed through a $7.1 million upgrade.

“He was essential with the new emergency communications system,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Public safety was his number one concern. He lived and breathed public safety in Orleans County. That was all he thought about.”

Wagner was highly regarded by firefighters, EMTs and all the first responders in the county, she said.

“He’ll be missed throughout the ranks,” she said. “He had a leadership quality that spanned all the ranks.”

Wagner retired as a chemist from Kodak and then worked full-time as the director of the Emergency Management Office. He joined the Shelby Fire Department when he was 18. When he moved to Clarendon, he joined that department and eventually became Clarendon’s fire chief.

Dale Banker followed Wagner as EMO-1 for the county and has worked in the job for nearly 5 years. Banker said it is a demanding position, with lots of coordinating among local, state and federal agencies.

He praised Wagner for pushing through the $7.1 million upgrade of the radio system.

“That was a monumental task,” Banker said.

The county is working on another $6 million upgrade of the system to improve coverage in the county and have interoperability with neighboring counties.

Wagner also was successful in advancing the county’s fire investigation unit and he established the firefighter accountability system at a fire scene, Banker said. Firefighters’ tags are kept at a fire scene when a firefighter goes inside a structure. Fire officials keep track of who goes in and comes out.

“He was a people-person,” Banker said. “He was very easygoing and he got along with everybody.”

Wagner’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on July 6 at the Clarendon Fire Department Recreation Building, 16169 E. Lee Road, Holley.

‘Together we did some fantastic things and now Medina seems at the brink of a wonderful future and I believe the best is yet to come.’ – Martin Busch

MEDINA – Marty Busch, Medina’s code enforcement officer, is retiring on Sept. 28 with his last day in the office on Aug. 13.

Busch has been the village’s code enforcement officer for 24 years, during a time of renaissance in the downtown business district and expansion in Medina’s Business Park.

In a letter to the Village Board on June 24, Busch thanked the village officials and community for the opportunity to work in Medina.

“The job introduced me to people, took me places and showed me things I never could have imagined,” Busch wrote in his letter. “Most of all I am extremely grateful to have worked with and for the most dedicated, hard working and in some cases brave people I have ever known. Medina is truly blessed to have such public employees and officials.”

Busch said it has been a team effort as Medina has enjoyed significant recent investment in many building projects.

“Together we did some fantastic things and now Medina seems at the brink of a wonderful future and I believe the best is yet to come,” Busch said in his letter.

He attended Monday’s Village Board meeting and updated the board on the new 58-room Cobblestone Suites hotel that is under construction on Maple Ridge Road next to Pride Pak. Busch said the foundation is done and the building will start to take shape soon.

The company wants to open the new hotel in March 2020.

Mayor Michael Sidari praised Busch for his service to the village.

In other action at Monday’s meeting, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Don Marchner as a callman in the Medina Fire Department. Marchner has been responding to fire calls for 52 years. He is a former career firefighter and then police officer for Medina.

In his retirement, he has remained active with the Fire Department. He also stops by every morning to have coffee with the firefighters, said Fire Chief Tom Lupo.

“He has served us well and we wish him well in his future,” Lupo said.

Marcher sent a June 12 letter to the village, announcing he was stepping down as a callman on June 30.

“I wish to thank the residents of the village for giving me the opportunity to serve them,” Marchner wrote. “I also wish my fellow brother firefighters the best of luck in the future and stay safe. I appreciate what each and every one of you have done for me. Keep up the good work, and remember, Protect and Serve.”

• Approved spending $2,000 to dispose of old court records from 1880 to 2011. The village and towns of Ridgeway and Shelby are each paying $2,000 to dispose of 252 boxes of old court records.