ALABAMA – The New York State Department of Transportation will host a public hearing next week for the proposed intersection improvements at Route 77 and Ledge Road in the town of Alabama, Genesee County, which include the installation of a modern roundabout and other safety enhancements.
The hearing is set to take place at the Alabama Fire Hall, located at 2230 Judge Road in Oakfield on Wednesday, May 29, at 6 p.m. DOT staff will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and directly after the hearing, for approximately 30 minutes, to discuss the project and answer questions.
Anyone interested in expressing their views concerning the project will be given the opportunity to do so in person or through written statements. A short presentation will be given at the start of the hearing, followed by comments from the public.
NYSDOT has current information posted online regarding roundabouts, as well as downloadable brochures, by clicking here. A copy of the Draft Design Report is available for review at the NYSDOT Regional Office and the Town of Alabama Clerk’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2019 at 2:03 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Crystal Gurney, right, reacts after being recognized at the Holley Board of Education on Tuesday for receiving tenure. She works as an ESL teacher in the elementary school and translates into Spanish many reports, forms and other documents from the school district.
Karri Schiavone, left, is the principal of the elementary school. She noted that Gurney is a National Board Certified Teacher. She also is a Holley graduate.
Emily Harms, an ESL teacher in the middle-high school, is congratulated for attaining tenure. Susan Cory (left) is the middle-high school principal. She said Harms, a Holley graduate, is an asset to the district.
Kristina Rich, a speech pathologist, in the elementary school also has been approved for tenure. Karri Schiavone, the school principal, said Rich has been very effective and developed a following with students.
Evinn Meadow, a middle-high school art teacher, also attained tenure, but she was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.
The tenure process used to take three years, but has been lengthened by the state to now be four years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2019 at 12:27 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: David Ricks walks out of the Orleans County courtroom today after he was arraigned for second-degree murder in the death of DeVante Boston. Ricks has been incarcerated for the past 17 years and is due to be released July 19.
ALBION – A former Medina resident was arraigned in Orleans County Court today for second-degree murder, for causing the severe injuries that led to the death of DeVante Boston.
David Ricks, currently an inmate at the Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica, appeared in court. He is represented by Public Defender Joanne Best and entered a not guilty plea.
Ricks has been incarcerated for about 17 years after being convicted of first-degree assault in 2003. He is due to have a conditional release from prison on July 19.
Matthew Murphy, a Niagara County Court judge, is handling the case and set bail this morning at $100,000 cash or $200,000 bond.
Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone pushed for the murder charge after DeVante died at age 20 on Oct. 27, 2017 and the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office said DeVante’s death was caused by his injuries when he was 4.
Ricks severely injured the boy in May 2002. Ricks was the boyfriend of DeVante’s mother. Ricks slammed DeVante’s head into the floor and caused him serious injuries after Ricks argued with DeVante’s mother. DeVante did not get immediate medical treatment. He had brain surgery but was left in a vegetative state.
DeVante was left unable to walk or talk after the assault. He stayed in a healthcare facility in Buffalo and functioned at about a 6-month-old’s level.
The delayed death provision allows for murder charges to be filed when a person assaulted dies after the perpetrator is convicted of a lesser crime. Cardone said it is used often in court, typically in cases where a death wasn’t long after a conviction for an assault charge.
“We’re in unchartered area,” he said about bringing the charge 17 years later.
Cardone said the charge is justified because Ricks’ actions clearly caused DeVante’s death and left the boy in pain the rest of his life.
DeVante Boston’s family held out this photo of DeVante when he was about 9. His great aunt Phyllis Winters made sure Ricks saw the photograph when he appeared in court today. DeVante was severely injured in 2002.
“To me this case is worse than murder,” Cardone said. “He was doomed to a life in a wheelchair and a permanent vegetative state. He suffered every day.”
If Ricks pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial, he could get 25 years to life in prison. He has already served 17 years, counting his time in the county jail before going to state prison. A murder conviction could add 8 years to life to his prison sentence.
About a dozen of DeVante’s family members attended the arraignment for Ricks. They want to see him convicted of murder.
Phyllis Winters, DeVante’s great aunt, brought a photograph of DeVante when he was about 9. She showed the photo to Ricks as he walked in handcuffs to appear before the judge.
“We want DeVante’s voice to be heard,” Winters said after the arraignment. “We feel he lived all of those years to bring out an awareness of child abuse. If we don’t stand and speak up for him and all the other children, no one will.”
Mindy Cogovan, DeVante’s aunt, said he was always in pain and in “seizure mode.” He needed a feeding tube to eat. He had trouble seeing and babbled to talk.
However, he responded when people visited and showed contentment with his family, she said.
“Ricks had more freedom that DeVante ever had,” she said.
Ricks wasn’t confined to a wheelchair, wasn’t disabled and wasn’t in pain, Cogovan said.
Joanne Best, the public defender, asked for no bail for Ricks so he can help with the defense in his case and also begin to live his life once he is on parole.
That irked Winters, the thought of Ricks being out of prison while facing a murder charge.
“I have no sympathy for him – none,” she said.
Ricks is due back in court on June 10. Motions in the case are due to be filed on July 9 and then argued in court on July 29. Judge Murphy set Oct. 21 as a tentative start date for a trial in the case.
DeVante’s aunt, Karen Boston of Medina, is urging the community to turn on blue lights in honor of DeVante on June 13, which would have been his 22nd birthday.
“It’s not just for DeVante, who fought for 17 years,” Boston said. “It’s for all the abused children.”
David Ricks walks from the courthouse to a vehicle to be transported back to the Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2019 at 9:30 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Two Holley seniors won first place in the state-wide SkillsUSA competition last month in Syracuse.
Braden Ferranti, left, and Kory Puente advance to the next level of competition.
Ferranti was on the first place, four-member “Teamworks” group with other students from WeMoCo in Spencerport. Ferranti did the plumbing and electrical work on the team, while the other students did masonry and carpentry.
The team advances to nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, from June 24-29 for the National Leadership and Skills Conference, a showcase of career and technical education students.
This is Ferranti’s second trip to nationals. He came in seventh out of more than 50 students at nationals last year in the plumbing competition. He said he is the first WeMoCo student to go to nationals in back to back years.
Puente won first in the dental assistant competition. He wants to be a dentist. The SkillsUSA competition put students through all the tasks a dental assistant needs to do, as well as answer questions about the occupation.
Puente advances to an international competition from June 19-23 at Disney in Orlando, Fla.
HOLLEY – In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Holley Central School will again offer free breakfast and lunch to all children age 18 and younger, from July 8 to Aug. 16.
Children age 18 and younger who live in the district are eligible for this summer program, regardless of income level. Pre-registration is not required. Transportation will not be provided by the district for this program.
Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Middle School/High School Dining Hall.
Adults may also purchase breakfast and lunch during this program. Breakfast is $2.60 and lunch is $4.35.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2019 at 10:16 pm
HOLLEY – The proposed school budget of $25,780,000 for 2019-20 passed in a public vote today with 355 yes votes, and 170 no’s.
The budget will increase spending by 2.2 percent or $570,000, and will raise taxes by 2.5 percent or $177,704, from $7,108,141 to $7,285,845.
Other propositions on the ballot include:
• Authorization to spend up to $178,000 for a large (72 seat) school bus and a small (30 seat) bus, passed 331 to 198.
• Authorization to collect $170,197 for the Community Free Library, passed 378 to 151.
• Two people were elected to three-year terms to the Board of Education. John Heise was re-elected with 340 votes. He was the only candidate to submit a petition and get his name on the ballot.
The other spot was filled by write-in votes. Former BOE member Anne Winkley had the most write-in votes with 132, followed by Leanna SanFilippo with 51, Dirk Lammes with 34, and Kerri Neale with 27.
After voting, residents were welcome to have a piece of cake at Holley. The cake was from the senior game for Holley’s unified basketball game. There were some extra pieces that were brought out to the foyer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2019 at 9:55 pm
KENDALL – The school district’s budget passed during a public vote today with 62.7 percent in favor, 136 yes to 81 no.
The $17,774,362 budget for the 2019-20 school year increases spending by 2.34 percent, with the tax levy going up by 2.2 percent.
Proposition 2 also passed, 156 to 62. That vote authorized the district to spend up to $250,000 from a transportation bus reserve for transportation vehicles.
Proposition 3 was for a member of the Board of Education. Chaley Swift was unopposed and received 205 votes for another five-year term on the board.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2019 at 8:51 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The sign near the back of the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion directs residents where they should go for voting in the school’s conference room.
The school budgets passed overwhelming in Albion, Lyndonville and Medina, three districts in Orleans County where voting ended at 8 p.m. The polls are open until 9 p.m. in Holley and Kendall.
ALBION – The $35,555,151 budget passed with 85. 2 percent in favor, 479 to 83.
• Voters also approved, 491 to 67, to spend $505,000 from the School Bus Purchase Reserve Fund to buy school buses during the 2020-21 school year.
• Authorization to collect $714,920 for Hoag Library passed, 434 to 127.
• Two candidates were elected to five-year terms on the Board of Education. Linda Weller received the most votes at 323, followed by incumbent David Sidari at 290. Two other candidates were close but weren’t elected. Gregg Boose Sr. received 284 votes and Joyce Riley, 221.
LYNDONVILLE – The $14,171,700 budget passed with 78.6 percent in favor, 125 to 34.
Other propositions all passed, including:
• Yates Community Library ($103,750), 114 yes and 46 no.
• Allowing one student to serve as ex-officio, not-voting member of the Board of Education, 114 yes and 44 no.
• Authorization to appropriate and expend up to $260,000 from Transportation Vehicle Reserve, 123 yes and 37 no.
• Board of Education members, 3 seats available: Vernon Fonda, 126; Kristin Nicholson, 111; and Harold Suhr, 94.
MEDINA – The $40,284,425 budget passed with 88.4 percent in favor, with 375 yes and 49 no.
• Three people were elected to the Board of Education with Kellie Schrader-Hurrell (313 votes) and Wendi Pencille (304 votes), both getting three-year terms. Lori Draper (296 votes) was elected to a two-year term. Mary Eileen Hare also received 200 votes.
ALBION – Troop 164 in Albion had car wash on Saturday at Dunkin’ Donuts and raised $418 towards a trip to Gettysburg next April. Pictured from left include Dan Grabowski, Colburn Spierdowis, Rick Merrill, Jonathan Doherty, Teigen Beiber, Tye Talbot, Ethan Merrill, Bobby Freidel, and Ken Beiber. Not in photo: Sawyer Braley and Donovan Braley.
Nesbitt also is president of the New York State Association of Counties
Press Release, NYSAC
ALBANY – Chuck Nesbitt, Orleans County’s chief administrative officer and also president of the New York State Association of Counties, has received the Public Service Excellence Award from the State Academy for Public Administration.
The award, for non-elected public officials, was presented at SAPA’s annual meeting in Albany on Monday.
“I am humbled and honored to accept this excellence in public service award,” Nesbitt said. “We face many challenges in government. We must always find ways to be more innovative, more efficient, and more effective as we deliver public services. I appreciate the opportunity serve Orleans County lawmakers and the thousands of county residents that elected them. Being a public administrator is the most rewarding challenge of my career and I am proud to be selected for this award.”
Since 2005, Nesbitt has served as the chief administrative officer for Orleans County. Prior to that, he was an economic development specialist for Empire State Development.
He also served as President of the NYS Association of County Administrators and Managers from 2008 to 2018. In September 2018, Nesbitt was elected to serve as president of NYSAC, the state-wide bipartisan municipal association representing the interests and concerns of New York’s counties and the elected and appointed leaders who serve their residents.
“It is a pleasure to see Chuck Nesbitt receive this award,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Chuck exemplifies the model attributes for public service.”
As CAO of Orleans County, Nesbitt acts on behalf of the Legislature to implement policy and oversee the county departments, serves as the budget officer, and maintains core county services and programs.
Under his leadership, Orleans County partnered with Genesee County to transform their Public Health Departments by sharing a health commissioner and a commonly appointed board of health and combining many of their public health functions and eliminating duplicative tasks. This is one of the only public health cross-jurisdictional sharing projects in the state and has saved the counties over $1 million.
Nesbitt serves as the chair of NYSAC’s statewide Raise the Age Task Force, an advisory group of county prosecutors, sheriffs, probation officers, and other local officials formed to monitor the integration of the new state law in the community.
“Time and again, Mr. Nesbitt has stepped up to assist members of the Orleans County Legislature, and his peers from across the state,” Acquario said. “It has always been clear to us that Chuck Nesbitt stands out as an esteemed public administrator. We are pleased today to see this recognition by the State Academy of Public Administration.”
“On behalf of the Orleans County Legislature, we offer our congratulations and sincere appreciation for Mr. Nesbitt’s efforts to continuously improve county operations,” said Lynne M. Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature.
The State Academy for Public Administration was formed 44 years ago, harnessing the energy and expertise of our academic and practitioner Fellows who are dedicated to continual improvement of public service. It is a unique organization that serves and is served by New York State’s Public Administration Professionals.
Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Medina Police Chief Chad Kenward helps students navigate through a course while wearing goggles to simulate being impaired.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – As prom and graduation season approaches, the students at Medina High School took part in a program about the impact on poor decision making with alcohol and drugs.
More than 100 students were at the Ridgeway Fire Hall on May 15 for a discussion on drugs and alcohol prevention was held by GCASA (Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse). The prevention educator, Elizabeth Aldaco, talked to the students about the dangers of addictive substances and making healthier choices. She also informed the students that she is at the high school one day a week and her door is open to anyone who wants to talk to her.
State Troopers urge students to not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they get behind the wheel.
The students were then brought outside where representatives from the New York State Police, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department and the Ridgeway, Shelby and Medina firefighters had demonstrations set up that the students rotated through on the dangers of distracted and inexperienced driving.
Maddie Williams tries the driving simulator with Chief Deputy Michael Mele providing some guidance.
The students went into a driving simulator booth, operated by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, and attempted to drive while texting. They saw how easy it was to have an accident or a near accident by taking their eyes off the road for just seconds.
State Troopers showed what happens in a rollover crash when someone is not wearing their seatbelts. Their simulator ejected a crash dummy out the window as it spun without it being buckled in.
Medina Police Department Lt. Todd Draper and Chief Chad Kenward led students on the simulator with the goggles.
The Medina Police Department had the students attempt to ride pedal cars wearing goggles that mimic being impaired by drugs or alcohol.
The final demonstration was given by local firefighters who showed one of their fire trucks and then showed the aftermath of a car accident using vehicles donated by Lyons Collision.
The demonstrations had a very real and meaningful impact on the high schoolers as they saw the dangers of being a distractive driver. The school district is very grateful to the first responders that spent time with the students to show them how one bad choice and can have affect their lives and the lives of others.
A Ridgeway firefighter shows students some of the extrication equipment used when someone is trapped in a vehicle.
The Assembly Minority Conference on Monday touted legislation that would allow qualifying volunteer firefighters to be exempt from the state’s income tax.
Republicans in the State Assembly were joined by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) at a news conference about the legislation.
“The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is just one example where volunteer firefighters and EMS will be working around the clock, spending precious time away from their families, to protect our community in the face of dangerous situations,” said State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia. “Sadly, more and more volunteer fire companies are being forced to close their doors, leaving their neighbors without the precious services they provide and we need to do something about it. These dedicated and brave individuals deserve our help and I implore Assembly leadership and our colleagues in the Majority to join us in getting this passed before session adjourns next month.”
To be eligible for the state income tax exemption, a volunteer must be in good standing, have a minimum year of service with the fire department, be certified by the Chief Emergency Service Coordinator of their county, and attend at least 55 percent of department activities.
“Our volunteer firefighters contribute so much to our communities,” said State Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport. “Not only do they save taxpayers billions annually, but they work tirelessly to protect our lives and property from floods and other natural disasters, support community events and organizations, and add to our overall quality of life. I am passionate about helping to increase recruitment of volunteer firefighters, and that’s why I authored a new package of bills to help.”
Besides supporting the bill offering firefighters the tax exemption, Norris also is introducing two new bills he authored that further support volunteer firefighter recruitment in our state. The first bill would create a scholarship program to help volunteer firefighters offset the cost of going to college. The second bill would create tax incentives for businesses that employ volunteer firefighters to offset time away from work for mandated trainings.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2019 at 9:02 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Bryce Pritchard, one of 39 Albion seniors with a GPA at 90 or above, is presented his honor cords from his parents Lisa and Brad Pritchard. The Albion academic honors convocation dinner was held at Hickory Ridge Country Club.
Elissa Good Smith, a 1998 Albion graduate, addresses this year’s honor grads. She has earned a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University and works as the Pre-K to 6 grade principal at Lyndonville.
ALBION – The top-ranked students in Albion’s Class of 2019 were recognized on Monday during the 11th annual academic honors convocation dinner.
The school district invites students and their families to the annual dinner for seniors with cumulative grade point averages at 90.0 or above. This year’s class has 39 students at that level. They were all presented certificates and honor cords.
The dinner’s tradition includes welcoming back a recent honors graduate who has attained professional success.
Elissa Good Smith, a 1998 Albion grad, addressed the group. She works as the PreK-6 principal at Lyndonville. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish at the University of Mount Vernon, master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from St. Bonaventure University and Communications from SUNY Brockport. She then earned her Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University.
Smith said she dabbled in many activities at Albion, from running track to cheerleading to being in the band, changing her instrument in ninth grade from flute to bassoon.
She thought she would be a minister. But Smith has a love for languages and made that her focus in college.
She told students to go from the shallow waters to a deep lake, and really immerse themselves in something they are passionate about.
She didn’t intend on a career in education, but Albion needed a Spanish teacher when she was right out of college. Ron Sodoma was the superintendent at the time and he urged her to apply.
She loved the job.
Jeff Evoy, the late Medina school district superintendent, was one of her teachers at Albion. When she was comfortable in her role as a teacher, Evoy urged her to pursue school administration.
That prompted her to “swim a little deeper” into her career as an educator.
She thanked her “Purple Eagle family” for their encouragement. That network will be there for the new Albion grads, too, Smith said.
She urged students to reach out to their Albion teachers, coaches, school counselors, even after graduation when they are at a crossroads or a time of doubt in college or their careers.
They offer buckets of water, helping the new grads to turn puddles into lakes, and wade deeper into their career and life paths, Smith said.
The Albion students graduating with a cumulative weighted GPA of 90.0 percent or higher include: Alexa Adams, Malory Adams, Evan Allen, Trinity Allen, Haylie Allis, Jocelyn Bedard, McKenna Boyer, Morgan Brower, Harrison Brown, Addison Christ, Jace Conn, Jessy Cruz, Kirk Ellison, Jacob Ettinger, Delaney Ford, Anna Geldard, Angelica Genno, Avalina Hand, Brylie Hapeman, Susan He, April Henchen, Kaylyn Holman, Arella Ives, Kate Krieger, Matthew Kovaleski, Natalie Lathrop, Enoch Martin, Emma Mathes, Madison Narburgh, Sierra Newton, Devin Olles, Emma Papponetti, Tess Pettit, Bryce Pritchard, Marie Reynolds, Jessica Schleede, Kirsten Struble, Chantel VanDeGenachte, and Hannah VanEpps.
Jacob Ettinger was among the 39 students recognized at the academic honors convocation dinner.
Trinity Allen is congratulated by the Board of Education for her academic success.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2019 at 8:08 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard Elementary School is part of Medina Central School.
Residents in Orleans County will go to the polls today to vote on school budgets, propositions and candidates for the Board of Education.
Eligible voters must be at least 18 and a legal resident of the district for at least 30 days prior to today’s vote.
• ALBION – The vote is from noon to 8 p.m. in the Elementary School, Conference Room A. The school district won’t be increasing taxes in the 2019-20 school year. The district is proposing to collect $8,449,094 in property taxes, the same as in 2018-19. This is now the 11th time in the past 13 years the school district has either kept taxes flat or reduced them.
The $35,555,151 budget increases spending less than 1 percent (0.94 percent) or by $329,885.
Other propositions on the ballot include:
• Authorization to spend $505,000 from the School Bus Purchase Reserve Fund to buy school buses during the 2020-21 school year.
• Authorization to collect $714,920 for Hoag Library, which is the same amount as 2018-19.
• Two seats with five-year terms are up for election. They are currently filled by David Sidari and Wendy Kirby. Sidari is seeking re-election. Other candidates include Joyce Riley, Gregg Boose Sr. and Linda Weller. Riley and Weller have previously served on the Board of Education.
• HOLLEY – Voting is from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the high school foyer. The school district is proposing a $25,780,000 budget for 2019-20 that increases spending by 2.2 percent or $570,000.
The budget would increase taxes by 2.5 percent or $177,704, from $7,108,141 to $7,285,845.
Other propositions on the ballot include:
• Authorization to spend up to $178,000 for a large (72 seat) school bus and a small (30 seat) bus.
• Authorization to collect $170,197 for the Community Free Library.
• Election of Board of Education members. The seats for John Heise and current president Brenda Swanger are up for election. Swanger isn’t seeking re-election. Heise has submitted petitions to run again for a three-year term. He was the only candidate to step forward.
The other position will likely be decided by write-in votes.
• KENDALL – Voting is from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be at the Kendall Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd. The district moved the polling place from the school to the Town Hall for student safety.
Kendall school budget would increase taxes 2.2%
The school district is proposing a $17,774,362 budget for the 2019-20 school year that increases spending by 2.34 percent, with the tax levy going up by 2.2 percent.
In addition to the budget, the ballot includes:
• Proposition 2: Transportation bus reserve fund to allow district to spend up to $250,000 for transportation vehicles
• Proposition 3: To elect a member to a five-year term on the Board of Election. Chaley Swift is unopposed.
• LYNDONVILLE – Voting is from noon to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.
The school district is presenting a $14,171,700 budget that increases spending by $165,000 or 1.2 percent. The tax levy would increase by 1 percent.
Other propositions in the budget include:
• Transportation purchases, not to exceed $260,000. That includes one new 64-seat passenger bus, not to exceed $125,000 (which will replace a 2007 bus with 137,000 miles); two new passenger vans, not to exceed $46,000 each (replacing one from 2010 with 167,000 miles and one from 2014 with 150,000 miles); a new vehicle with room for four or five people to transport staff and students, at a cost not to exceed $43,000.
• Allowing one student to serve as ex-officio, not-voting member of the Board of Education.
• $103,750 for Yates Community Library, up from $2,832 or 2.8 percent which is within the library’s allowable tax cap.
• Three people – incumbent Harold Suhr, Vern Fonda and Kristin Nicholson– are running for three open seats. Terry Stinson and Rick Mufford, current board members, aren’t seeking re-election to three-year terms.
• MEDINA – Voting is from noon to 8 p.m. at the board room of the district office, next to the high school.
The district is presenting a $40,284,425 budget for the 2019-20 school year which won’t increase taxes. The overall spending is up about $2.7 million from the $37,565,842, with a capital project driving some of the increase.
The tax levy will remain the same at $8,641,861. This is the eighth consecutive year Medina has either reduced taxes or held them in check, and the 11th out of the past 12 years.
• There are four people running for three open seats, including incumbents Wendi Pencille and Lori Draper. Kellie Schrader-Hurrell and Mary Eileen Hare are also running. Brenda Lindsay isn’t seeking re-election. The candidates with the two highest number of votes will receive a three-year term and the candidate with the third most votes will receive a two-year term.
There is new granite and a refurbished bronze plaque for the cannon.
MEDINA – Since 1935, a B.L. 60 Pounder British field gun has been the centerpiece of not only the World War I memorial in Medina, but also of the village’s annual Memorial Day observances.
This year’s observance will be a historic occasion as the British field gun has undergone 14 months of extensive restoration and arrived back home in Medina just a few weeks ago. The local landmark was removed in March 2018 to Seed Artillery Reproduction & Restoration in Altoona, PA, where it was completely stripped, disassembled, and rebuilt using newly repaired and remanufactured parts.
Local benefactor and businessman, George Bidleman, covered the entire cost of the work to the cannon, donating $40,000 for the job. Additional site improvements were made possible through donations to the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. Concrete for the project was donated by Orleans Ready Mix LLC. Beauman’s Garage, Inc. of Lockport donated services to hoist the huge cannon onto its new concrete pad.
The rare and historic artillery piece was manufactured by the Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in 1916 and saw extensive service on the Western Front during World War I, firing a total of 4,342 rounds in combat action. It weighs six tons and is a 5 inch/127mm caliber gun. There are few left in the world today.
Three new flagpoles have recently been installed on site – one for an American Flag, signifying the soldiers of Medina who served and gave their lives in France during the Great War; one for a British flag, signifying the gun’s heritage; and one for a French flag, signifying the theater of service for the big gun and our local soldiers.
A new granite slant was installed, featuring a refurbished bronze plaque that was originally with the monument in 1935. New lighting to up-light both the cannon and flags will also be installed before Memorial Day.
The memorial will be re-dedicated as part of special expanded Memorial Day observance at noon in State Street Park, Medina, following the conclusion of the annual parade.
