By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2019 at 10:20 pm
HOLLEY – Two incumbent village trustees, Jim DeFilipps and Rochelle Moroz, were re-elected to two-year terms as village trustees today, while three write-in candidates also had a good showing at the polls.
DeFilipps led all candidates with 98 votes, followed by 81 for Moroz.
Shawn O’Mara, who ran for mayor a year ago, had 56 write-in votes, followed by 40 for Alexa Downey, who was on the ballot for village trustee a year ago.
Kerri Neale also received 23 write-in votes for village trustee.
State Sen. Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) and his colleagues on Monday passed Senate Bill 1930, which would permanently authorize big game rifle hunting in Orleans County.
Previously, the Orleans County Legislature would have to request for big game rifle hunting through state legislation, which would require authorization from the State Legislature and Gov. Cuomo. In 2017, Sen. Ortt and the Senate passed a law temporarily authorizing big game rifle hunting thru October 1, 2019.
“I was proud to sponsor this bill and assist in permanently extending big game rifle hunting for the sportsmen of Orleans County,” said Sen Ortt. “For many, hunting is not only a way to feed a family, but it is also an important way to connect generations and teach our youth about nature and the value of life. No longer will the prospect of big game rifle hunting in Orleans County hang in the balance, and the hunters of our county can rest assured that their love of rifle hunting is protected.”
The bill will now move to Gov. Cuomo for his signature.
BATAVIA – Three long-serving members of Genesee Community College’s Board of Trustees have completed their term of service and were recognized at the board meeting on June 10 with an official Resolution of Appreciation.
Collectively, the three trustees served GCC for more than 25 years working on ten standing committees and numerous task forces.
“It is a bittersweet moment in the life of Genesee Community College to bid these distinguished members of our board farewell after their many years of dedicated service,” said Dr. James M. Sunser, president of GCC. “As Trustee Emeriti, we look forward to seeing these devoted members of our college community at future events, but on behalf of the entire GCC family we thank them for their leadership and friendship through the many years. They each have played an essential role in shaping the success and future of Genesee Community College.”
Robert Boyce
The following Trustees were honored with the Resolution of Appreciation recognizing their service:
• Robert L. Boyce of Le Roy joined GCC’s Board of Trustees in 2014, and served on the Policy Committee, chaired the Nominating Committee, was also a trustee representative on the GCC Foundation and also was the president of the Foundation Board of Directors for three years.
Boyce is a retired independent insurance broker for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and was president and CEO of Ernest Townsend and Son, Inc. from 1972 through 2000 until he sold his interest in the firm to the Tompkins Holding Company. Boyce is a veteran of the U.S. Army and earned his business degree from the University of Buffalo. He has also served on the board of United Memorial Medical Center, is past president of the Le Roy International Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and has served nearly 20 years with the Le Roy Ambulance Service. He was a member of the Town of LeRoy Board of Assessment and Review for 15 years and a trustee of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in LeRoy. He was recently named the LeRoyan of the Year in 2018.
Peter Call
• Peter R. Call of Batavia joined GCC’s Board of Trustees in 2012, most recently serving as vice chair. He also chaired the Buildings and Grounds Committee and served on the Finance Committee. As president of My-T Acres, Inc., a diversified family farm business, he is active in the agricultural community serving on several boards of directors including Seneca Foods, Pro Fac Cooperative and Farm Fresh First.
Call also serves on the New York State Agriculture Experiment Station advisory council in Geneva and is active on the Cornell University Council, the Town of Batavia Zoning Board of Appeals, the Genesee County Farm Bureau and the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board. He earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics and Business from Cornell University, is also a graduate of the Empire State Food and Agriculture Leadership Institute, the Executive Program for Agricultural Producers at Texas A&M, and a member of the Association of Agricultural Producers.
Diane D. Torcello
• Diane D. Torcello of Pavilion joined GCC’s Board of Trustees in 2005. During her GCC tenure, she completed two terms in each officer position for the board while also serving on numerous committees including chairing the Finance Committee and the Presidential Search Committee. She served on the Personnel and Nominating Committees, the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium Committee and the College’s 50th Anniversary Steering Committee.
Torcello is senior vice president of Community Banking for Tompkins Bank of Castile. Her community service also includes chairing Genesee County United Way campaign and serving on their executive board. She is active on the Mary Immaculate Church Finance Committee and is a member of the Town of Pavilion Republican Committee. She served several years as the treasurer for the Children’s Home Board and she was named to the Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40. Torcello is a 2014 recipient of the New York Community College Trustees’ Donald M. Mawhinney Trustee Leadership Award.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2019 at 4:34 pm
ALBION – Brennan Moody’s friends sought comfort in the chorus and band rooms today. Brennan, 17, was killed in a car accident just after midnight last night.
Many of his friends woke up to the sad news today.
Brennan Moody plays the trumpet with the Albion marching band during the Memorial Day parade on May 27.
Brennan was to graduate next Friday. Three of his classmates were also injured in the accident, including one with very serious injuries.
Brennan attended the high school band awards program on Monday evening. Last Friday he won the “Golden Performance Award” at Class Night for a senior heavily involved in the music program.
Brennan has been one of the biggest stars on the stage in the school musicals the past two years.
It wasn’t long ago when he was reluctant to sing solos or draw any attention to himself.
“He didn’t realize what a good musician he was until he got brave and put himself out there,” said Mike Thaine, the high school band director.
Brennan developed confidence and made many friends through the music program.
“He found his niche in music and really blossomed,” Thaine said.
Today was the first day of Regents in the high school. There was no band or chorus, but Thaine welcomed about 80 students in the band room to share their grief.
Gary Simboli, the chorus director, encouraged Brennan’s friends to sign Brennan’s chorus robe and write a message to Brennan.
The loss has been devastating, Thaine said.
Brennan played the trumpet in the marching band, and was section leader in the brass ensemble. He played in the jazz band, and sang in the chorus, including in the men’s select and mixed choirs.
He sang solos at the Senior Tea, at Baccalaureate and in talent shows. Last month he sang with his father, Erin Moody, in the talent show, performing, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.”
Many of Brennan’s classmates have opened their homes this afternoon so the Class of 2019 and Brennan’s other friends can be together during this difficult time.
“He was very laid back with a gentle personality,” Thaine said. “He had a lot of friends. He was one of those kids who fit into every social group.”
Brennan just earned a spot in this summer’s production of Oklahoma by the Lake Plains Players. Lance Anderson is the Players president. He also teaches voice lessons to Brennan.
“I am devastated by the death of one of my voice students, Brennan Moody,” Anderson said on Facebook today. “I watched him grow as a singer and as a person over the last two years. An amazing talent and a genuinely great guy who really loved theater and singing. I will miss our weekly lessons and talks of his future and dreams. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Today, Western New York lawmakers honored the military service of Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia in the New York State Capitol. Bellavia, who will be awarded the Medal of Honor next week by President Trump, was recognized for his accomplishments while serving in the U.S. Army.
Senators Rob Ortt, Patrick Gallivan, Mike Ranzenhofer, Chris Jacobs, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley adopted a resolution that was read on the chamber floors, recognizing Albion’s David Bellavia and his military service.
Bellavia will become the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the nation’s highest military decoration. While serving as a squad leader in Operation Phantom Fury, a 2004 American offensive on the western Iraqi City of Fallujah, Staff Sgt. Bellavia saved his entire squad when he cleared a housing block of enemy combatants who had pinned down his unit. Once Staff Sgt. Bellavia secured the safety of his squad, he re-engaged with the enemy combatants, re-entered the house where enemy fire was located, proceeded to kill four enemy insurgents, and wounded a fifth.
Sen. Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) said, “There’s no one more deserving of our nation’s highest military honor than David Bellavia – a true American hero. Because of the utmost bravery and heroism David displayed while leading his unit in Iraq, he saved the lives of those he was tasked with protecting. As Western New Yorkers, we couldn’t be more proud to have him as one of our own. And as Americans, we couldn’t be more grateful for his service.”
Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R,C,I-Elma) said, “Staff Sgt. Bellavia represents the very best of the brave men and women who serve and protect our country. His courageous and heroic actions in the midst of a fierce firefight not only saved the lives of his comrades but make him worthy of our nation’s highest military honor. We thank him for his service and for his steadfast commitment to our veterans and those who serve in the military today.”
Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer (R,C,I-Amherst) said, “It is truly an honor to recognize David Bellavia for receiving the nation’s highest military decoration – the Medal of Honor. David’s courage and selfless actions are an example of true heroism. We are truly grateful for his service.”
Sen. Chris Jacobs (SD-60) said, “David Bellavia’s exploits in the streets of Fallujah are truly awe-inspiring and remind all of us why the American soldier is the strongest in military history and revered by the people he serves. He is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Medal of Honor and I share in the pride his hometown community of Western New York feels.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said, “Staff Sgt. David Bellavia is a true example of the American courage, bravery and heroics that have forged our great nation and he is beyond deserving of this tremendous honor. His willingness to put the lives and protection of others above himself during the Iraq War’s most intense battle is a priceless act of selflessness to which we should all emulate and, for that, he is an American hero. I am honored to recognize Staff Sgt. Bellavia for his service to our nation and thank him for his sacrifices in protecting our country and its citizens.”
David Bellavia will be awarded the Medal of Honor on June 25 at the White House.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department arrested a Genesee County man on Monday in connection with two incidents involving Medina Central School.
The first incident involved a situation at Medina High School which resulted in a lockdown of students and staff on June 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and lasting approximately one hour.
Eric Mcgill, 36, of Batavia is being charged with disorderly conduct after he allegedly called school officials and threatened a disturbance would take place at the school when he arrived there.
Law enforcement officers from the Medina Police Department, the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department were immediately contacted by the school administration and numerous officers were present when Mcgill arrived at the school parking lot, the District Attorney’s Office stated in a news release.
There was no further incident at that time and Mcgill complied with the request by officials to leave the school grounds.
Mcgill is also being charged by felony complaint with making a terroristic threat as a result of calls by him on Monday to the Medina School system during which he allegedly threatened various school officials that he would do physical harm to them and other individuals associated with Medina Central School.
Mcgill was taken into custody on Monday afternoon and arraigned by Town Justice Dawn Keppler in the Town of Shelby. Bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
An order of protection has been issued by the Town of Shelby Justice Court prohibiting Mcgill from having any further contact with school officials or returning to the school premises.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2019 at 11:07 am
HOLLEY – Village residents will go to the polls today from noon to 9 p.m. to elect two trustees to the Village Board.
Jim DeFilipps and Rochelle Moroz are the incumbents. They are the only names on the ballot, although resident Kerri Neale has been running a write-in campaign.
Candidates don’t run under a major political party. They can pick an independent party. DeFilipps chose the “People Party” and Moroz picked the “Rochelle Moroz Party.”
Voting is at the Village Office at 72 Public Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2019 at 9:40 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Brennan Moody performs as Cinderella’s Prince in March during Albion’s production of Into the Woods.
ALBION – The Albion High School senior killed in a car accident last night has been a prominent performer in school musicals and other concerts.
Brennan Moody was killed in a one-car rollover accident at about 12:15 a.m. on Eagle Harbor Road. There were three other students in the vehicle and one sustained serious injuries. All are at hospitals, according to a message to parents from the school district.
Counselors, staff and clergy are at the school today for classmates and parents to drop in.
Moody, 17, of Kent was a passenger in the vehicle. A 2008 Chevrolet Impala had four males in the vehicle. The Impala left the east shoulder going into the ditch and becoming airborne, striking a utility pole with the roof, State Police said.
The 18-year-old operator and front passenger were treated for injuries at Strong Memorial Hospital. Mercy Flight took the other 17-year-old rear passenger to Erie County Medical Center for serious injuries. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in this collision, State Police said.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation, which is ongoing.
Provided photo: An Albion High School senior was killed and three of his classmates injured during a rollover accident last night on Eagle Harbor Road, between the railroad tracks and Erie Canal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2019 at 8:39 am
ALBION – An Albion High School senior was killed in a car accident just after midnight last night on Eagle Harbor Road.
The senior was killed in a one-car rollover accident at about 12:15 a.m. There were three other students in the vehicle and one sustained serious injuries.
State Police are expected to issue a press release soon.
Monday was the last regular day of school for the Class of 2019. Graduation is next Friday.
The State Senate followed the Assembly and has approved driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.
The Senate narrowly approved the legislation today, 33-29, following the Assembly’s vote last week. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign the “Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act” tonight. The legislation is known as Green Light NY.
It restores the right to obtain a license, regardless of immigration status, that existed prior to 2001.
“Today, we passed legislation restoring the right for all qualified drivers to obtain drivers’ licenses regardless of immigration status,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “By passing this needed legislation, we are growing our economy while at the same time making our roads safer. This is the right step forward for New York State as we continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform on the federal level.”
The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act will allow non-commercial driver license or learner’s permit applicants to be able to submit additional proofs of identity to be eligible for a non-federal license. It also waives the social security number requirement if the applicant signs an affidavit that they have not been issued a social security number and provides the DMV with discretion to approve additional proofs of identity and age. Further, this legislation will protect the data of the applicants from unwarranted release.
State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, opposed the legislation.
“While middle-class New Yorkers struggle to pay their bills, put food on the table for their families, and send their kids to college, Albany Democrats have once again chosen to prioritize illegal aliens and those who have broken our laws by passing the most radical, pro-illegal legislation in the nation,” Ortt said in a statement this evening. “Against the overwhelming objections of our police, our county clerks, and our taxpayers, Senate Democrats have once again illustrated that they do not serve the people of New York. A majority of New Yorkers don’t want this legislation because it raises serious safety and voting fraud concerns, but mostly because it – at its basic core – undermines federal law and the sanctity of our borders.”
This legislation provides additional government revenue, supports New York businesses and increases road safety, proponents of the bill said.
Statewide, the Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that this legislation will result in $83.9 million in government revenues over the first three years and $6.4 million in recurring revenue thereafter. In a statement of support, the Business Council of New York State said that this legislation is “an opportunity to increase these New Yorkers’ ability to support local employers and businesses.”
In Connecticut, where a similar policy was implemented four years ago, there have been almost 4,000 fewer unlicensed driving convictions and hit-and-run crashes have dropped 9 percent between 2016 and 2018,according to the NY Senate majority.
“We are pleased to see that State and private companies stand to benefit from increased economic activity as those who want to obtain a license and drive can do so by paying the same fees and insurance costs as all other New Yorkers,” said Heather Briccetti, President/CEO of The Business Council of New York State. “We still believe comprehensive immigration reform is a crucial federal issue that lawmakers in Washington must address.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2019 at 9:29 pm
HOLLEY – State officials have approved about $540,000 in the first phase of Holley’s technology upgrades through the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014.
Holley has $1,311,463 in state funds through Smart Schools. The district was notified today that the state approved Holley’s plan to offer touch-screen laptop computers to about 225 students in grades 1, 5 and 9.
Holley also will replace SMART boards with 33 touch-screen flat panels that are “Smart TVs.”
The district will also upgrade existing security cameras and add more of them, as well as updating software for the cameras.
The district is working on its plans for phase 2 and 3 of Smart Schools, and wants to eventually make laptops available for students in grade 1 through 12. For now, Holley is focusing on grade 1, 5 and 9. Those computers will be available in 2019-20. The students will be assigned computers for four school years.
The plan is to offer laptops to students in grades 1, 5, and 9 each of the following three years. That way, after four years, all students in grades 1 to 12 will be covered, said Karri Schiavone, the elementary school principal.
The schedule could go faster if the state approves the Smart Schools plans in a timely manner or if other funding becomes available. Holley had to wait more than a year for phase 1 to be approved.
The district will provide training for teachers in grades 1, 5, and 9 over the summer, and the district will develop a plan and policy for student use of the laptops.
Schiavone said she would like to see the laptops stay at school for the elementary students, while Susan Cory, the high school principal, backs 9th-graders having the option of bringing the laptops home.
One issue for some students is a lack of high-speed internet access at home, Schiavone said.
The district will likely try to determine how many students don’t have internet access at home, and see how that issue can be addressed.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2019 at 3:37 pm
MEDINA – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced approval of 96 Smart Schools Investment Plans aimed at improving school security and reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st century.
The approved plans, totaling $85 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, and includes $235,256 for Medina in high-tech security.
The Smart Schools projects can include school connectivity, classroom technology or high-tech security.
The money will come from the $2,000,222 approved for Medina in November 2014 in a state-wide referendum as part of the Smart Schools Bond Act.
The school district last year submitted the plan to the state to upgrade security cameras at the school campus. The district wants to replace existing security cameras and add more cameras. The new cameras are higher resolution.
The project includes new cables and wires, and server upgrades for the cameras.
Medina has also submitted a plan to have laptops available for every student in grades 4 through 12 in the next three years. The district is leasing Chromebook laptops and students will be assigned one, pending state approval.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2019 at 3:15 pm
ALBION – A Bronx resident was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison for attempted promoting prison contraband, a class D felony.
Edwin King, 59, admitted to sending Suboxone to an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison. Suboxone can reduce opiate addiction and withdrawal.
King has said in court he has been getting treatment for colon and prostrate cancer, with chemotherapy every three weeks on New York City. But that treatment ended a while ago.
County Court Judge Sanford Church postponed sentencing last month because he wanted to see a medical report for King’s treatment before making a decision on the sentence.
In other cases in County Court on June 6:
• A former resident Albion resident who now lives in Monroe County was congratulated for completing a diversion program, where he stayed away from drugs for more than a year and completed a treatment program.
Tyriek Johnson, 31, had a felony drug charge of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance reduced to an E felony of attempted CPCS in the fifth degree.
He will be on probation and must pay a $1,000 fine.
• A Medina woman admitted to violating probation and could face up to nine months in jail when she is sentenced on July 18.
Kayla A. Spry, 24, had contact with someone she was to avoid, and also drank alcohol and used drugs, the District Attorney’s Office said. She also didn’t complete substance abuse program.
• An 18-year-old girl from Albion 18 pleaded guilty to grand larceny for taking a credit card and buying about $3,500 worth of items. The girl was granted youthful offender status so her record will be sealed and her name shouldn’t be published.
She needs to pay restitution and will be on probation for five years. She will serve four weekends in the county jail, and also needs to have “no offensive contact” with the victim.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2019 at 2:51 pm
ALBION – An Albion man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court to first-degree sexual abuse for crimes involving children.
However, Richard Hering Jr., 46, maintained his innocence. On June 6, he entered an Alford plea, where he pleads guilty while insisting on his innocence.
He will face up to two years in state prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 22, plus three years of post-release supervision.
Hering faced charges of rape and incest against a child and sexual abuse against three children.
Hering and his girlfriend Renee Koch, 55, were charged on Feb. 27, 2018 with forcible touching, sex abuse and act in manner injurious to a child less than 17 years of age. There were allegedly three victims.
The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2008 and 2010 in the Village of Albion.
The Alford plea means Hering won’t go to trial where he could have been found guilty and faced a much longer prison term. It also spares the children from testifying in a trial.
Koch also entered an Alford plea on June 6 and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. She could face up to a year in the county jail when she is sentenced on Aug. 22.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors approved the selection of the Design-Build team who will complete the installation of cashless tolling on the Thruway system-wide by the end of 2020.
The $355.3 million investment will transform the Thruway system for the approximately 267 million motorists that travel the superhighway each year.
“New York State is making historic investments building a modern transportation network worthy of the 21st century and beyond,” Cuomo said. “By investing in technology like cashless tolling, we are creating a safer, greener and less congested Thruway system and ensuring our transportation infrastructure is capable of supporting New York’s growing economy.”
Cashless Tolling Constructors, LLC submitted the Best Value proposal, which will be submitted to the New York State Comptroller’s Office for approval.
In his 2018 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo announced cashless tolling will be implemented on the entire NYS Thruway system by the end of 2020. Cashless tolling is already operational at the Thruway’s fixed-price barriers in the lower Hudson Valley region and the Grand Island Bridges in Western New York.
In this final phase, crews with Cashless Tolling Constructors, LLC, will convert the Thruway’s ticketed system to cashless tolling. The ticketed system consists of approximately 450 miles of roadway between exits 15 (Woodbury) and exit 61 (Ripley – PA Line) as well as exits B1 – B3 (Berkshire Spur). In 2018, more than 158 million vehicles traveled on the ticketed system, accounting for more than 6.2 billion miles traveled.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the Thruway Authority remains committed to investing in a transportation system that is safe, reliable and modern. When completed, the millions of people who travel the Thruway each day will benefit by never again having to stop at a toll booth which will ease congestion, enhance safety, and lower emissions from idling.”
Construction is scheduled to begin across the Thruway system in late summer/early fall with the installation of gantries and cashless tolling equipment. When it is operational on the Thruway’s ticketed system, motorists will drive seamlessly under gantries with state-of-the-art sensors and cameras that read E-ZPass tags and take license plate images so vehicles no longer have to stop to pay tolls.
Vehicles with E-ZPass tags are automatically charged and vehicles without E-ZPass tags will have their license plate image captured and a toll bill mailed to the registered owner. Customers who pay using Tolls By Mail will pay the same toll rate previously paid by cash customers, and E-ZPass customers with New York accounts will continue to receive a five percent discount.
As part of the Design Build project requirements, the switchover to cashless tolling will take place by the end of 2020 at 52 Thruway interchanges and toll barriers.
Following the switchover, the existing toll plazas and barriers will be removed in phases. During the construction phase, drivers will continue to travel through existing toll lanes at reduced speeds without stopping until the booths are removed and road reconfigurations are complete. Drivers must use caution around the toll plazas during this time, as it will be an active construction zone. The posted speed limit when traveling through the toll lanes will be 20 MPH.
In preparation for cashless tolling system-wide by the end of 2020, the New York State Thruway Authority reminds all drivers that New York State law requires residents to keep their address current with the Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure bills are mailed to the proper owner. Drivers must update their address with the DMV within 10 days of moving. Drivers can update their address with the DMV by going to dmv.ny.gov.
