By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2019 at 7:53 am
A high wind warning went into effect at 7 a.m. today and continues until 10 a.m. Monday for Orleans and much of western and northern New York.
There will be southwest winds from 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 75 mph. The strongest winds will be this afternoon and evening, said the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
“Strong wind gusts will bring down numerous trees and power lines and result in widespread power outages,” the Weather Service said. “Power may be out for several days in some areas.”
Shallow rooted pines will be particularly vulnerable. Property damage is also likely, especially to roofs and siding. Buildings under construction and old deteriorating buildings may be damaged significantly, the Weather Service said.
“Travel in high profile vehicles will be very difficult at times, and empty tractor trailers may be in danger of being blown off the road,” the Weather Service said.
The Governor’s Office issued the safety tips in anticipation of the powerful wind storm.
To prepare for potential power outages, New Yorkers should:
• Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
• At home or at work, keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight on hand, as well as a supply of batteries. Keep an emergency supply of water, medications, and non-perishable foods handy. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem – check with your physician or pharmacist.
• Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.
• If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one – this will help keep food cold if the power goes out.
• If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the manual release level and learn how to operate it.
• Keep your car’s gas tank at least half-full; gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do not keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home – this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Plan to have an alternative cooking source, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill. Follow appropriate safety rules for its use outside the residence.
• If you are considering a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
• Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves on hand to keep warm.
• If you have a computer, back up files and operating systems regularly. Turn off all computers, monitors, and other devices when they are not being used.
• If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent such as a medical device, determine a back-up plan. For example, if you have a telephone that requires electricity to work, plan for alternate communication such as a standard telephone handset, cell phone, or radio.
• Learn about emergency plans in your area, including the location of the closest cooling and warming shelters, by visiting your state’s or local website.
If experiencing a power outage, New Yorkers should:
• Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
• Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs.
• Use only flashlights for emergency lighting – candles pose the risk of fire.
• Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed – most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
• Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat – they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
• In cold weather, stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing time spent outdoors. Be aware of cold stress symptoms (i.e., hypothermia) and seek proper medical attention if symptoms appear.
• In intense heat, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or cooling shelter. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level – cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient – there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
• Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
• Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not be working.
• If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location, such as the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility that has heat.
Utilities on standby to respond to power disruptions 24 hours a day
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Erie Canal is frozen in this sunset on Friday evening. The canal is mostly drained during the winter.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the deployment of state resources to the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions in advance of a weather system this weekend that will bring extremely strong winds that could result in property damage and power outages.
Winds are expected to gust at or above 45 mph much of Sunday night and Monday over the vast majority of the state, with gusts approaching 75 mph at times in Western New York and western portions of the North Country.
Utilities are prepared to respond 24 hours a day to power disruptions and are mandated to implement their emergency response plans when needed.
The Governor has activated 100 members of the National Guard to respond to debris clearing missions. Additionally, empty tractor trailers and empty tandems will be banned from portions of the New York State Thruway and some interstate highways in the Western New York, Central New York and Finger Lakes Regions beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, February 24.
Earlier today, Governor Cuomo issued a letter to the International Joint Commission calling on the IJC to maximize Lake Ontario outflows to prevent flooding along New York’s shoreline. Lake Ontario levels are significantly higher than average, and high winds over the weekend threaten to create significant wave action and exacerbate the threat even further.
“With dangerously strong winds expected this weekend, I urge all New Yorkers to prepare for any potential power outages and to take the necessary precautions to stay safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “Utilities will be working around-the-clock to respond to any power disruptions, and the State is deploying significant resources and assets including National Guard personnel to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.”
The system will begin moving into the state today and bring some snow and rain with it. By Sunday, all regions will be experiencing rain, and a cold front will enter the state bringing strong winds with it. Currently, Western New York and the counties along Lakes Erie and Ontario are forecasted to experience the strongest of the damaging winds.
Gusts will increase across Western New York beginning Sunday morning, before spreading throughout the Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country Regions as the day progresses. Wind gusts will rapidly increase up to 75 mph across Chautauqua County, the northern Niagara Frontier, Rochester and in Jefferson County behind the front. Strong winds over Lake Erie and Lake Ontario will also likely drive an increase in water level along the shoreline, as well as create significant blowing snow with reduced visibilities Sunday night and Monday morning.
One to three inches of snow is forecasted in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions, and six to eight inches is expected in the Tug Hill Plateau region due to Lake effect germinated snow. With wind and snow combined, there will be Blizzard Warnings for Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis Counties.
The National Weather Service has already posted High Wind Watches and Warnings for the majority of the state. Additionally, Lakeshore Flood Watches will be in effect Sunday into Monday for the counties east of Lakes Erie and Ontario as the powerful winds will create significant wave action. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.
Motorists are reminded that State Law mandates that if an intersection is “blacked out” and the traffic signal is not operational, the intersection is automatically a “four way” stop. In the event of closed or blocked roadways due to flooding, downed power lines or debris, motorists are advised to exercise caution and obey all traffic signs or barricades in place, regardless of whether a roadway looks clear.
Agency Preparations – Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will activate the State Emergency Operations Center to enhanced monitoring mode on Sunday morning to closely track the weather system and its impacts. The Division is also coordinating with state agencies and local governments to ensure resources from the State’s ten regional stockpiles are available for deployment throughout the storm.
Currently, the stockpiles are prepared to respond to requests for assistance with assets from its stockpiles, including: More than 725 generators, more than 1,250 pumps, more than 2 million sandbags, 19 sandbaggers, and more than 6,700 feet of Aquadam.
Department of Public Service
The Department of Public Service is in contact with utility senior executives to ensure that the utilities are prepared for inclement weather, and it will be closely monitoring utility storm-preparation efforts to ensure that utilities stand ready to minimize outages and expedite outage restorations. Electric and gas utilities, as well as telecommunication service providers, such as Verizon, are prepared to bring on additional personnel to minimize service disruptions, if they occur.
New York’s utilities have nearly 7,000 workers available for restoration efforts, including more than 1,700 external line and tree crews brought on for this event, to be deployed in areas most impacted. The utilities are on alert and are closely watching as the storm develops and will deploy restoration crews where needed. Department staff will continue to monitor the utilities’ efforts during the storm event. Utilities will continue to secure added resources in anticipation of prolonged outages due to sustained winds which may delay restoration efforts.
Utilities are prepared to respond 24 hours a day to power disruptions and are mandated to implement their emergency response plans, when needed, which includes contacting customers on life-support equipment and other critical customers. New Yorkers should prepare for outages that may last several days.
In light of the potential significant inclement weather, the Department has expanded its Call Center Helpline hours beginning Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., to assist consumers in storm response and restoration efforts. The Department’s Call Center Helpline can be reached by calling (800) 342-3377. Department staff will monitor and report on storm impacts and utility restoration activities throughout the event and will be present in the field, as needed.
Department staff will continue to monitor the utilities’ efforts during the restoration period. The utilities are prepared to respond to power disruptions throughout the event.
New York Power Authority
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is preparing its facilities and operations for the forecasted weather. In Niagara, NYPA is staging equipment to prepare for any necessary ice boom repairs and for any needed ice breaking activity. In addition, NYPA has taken the necessary actions for continued safe operations to support grid reliability. NYPA transmission crews are ready to respond to events that may impact the transmission system. NYPA also is in communication with municipal utility partners and investor-owned utilities to coordinate on potential mutual aid response to outages, if needed. NYPA will continue to communicate with utility and emergency management partners and will continue to monitor weather forecasts.
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation has more than 3,900 supervisors and operators statewide that are prepared to respond to this weekend’s event. The DOT currently has 78 chippers, 53 traffic signal trucks, 15 tree crew bucket trucks and 45 loaders with grapple statewide.
In addition, to support response activities in critical areas, 15 wood chippers, 4 traffic signal trucks,1 auger truck, 1 tree crew bucket truck, 1 medium duty work truck, 27 portable variable message signs and 11 personnel – including, 8 traffic signal technicians and 3 tree crew personnel – will be deployed.
Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority staff are prepared to respond to any wind related issues with 667 operators and supervisors across the state, small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, and a number of portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.
New York State Police
State Police will be ready to deploy additional Troopers to affected areas as needed, and all Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and Traffic Incident Management patrols will be actively engaged for the duration of the weather event. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles, including snowmobiles, Utility Task Vehicles, and boats are staged and ready for use.
Department of Environmental Conservation
Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation. Twenty-one saw crew teams are strategically located in key regions of the state and ready to assist with any tree clearing and response needs. In addition, all available assets, including snowmobiles and utility vehicles, are ready to assist with any emergency response.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2019 at 10:51 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday to consider proposals from the Town of Shelby for regulating solar energy and also a law for regulating mobile food vehicles.
Local municipalities submit referrals to the County Planning Board, which offers its opinion, whether or not to recommend approval. If the county recommends against the proposal, towns and villages can override that negative opinion with a super-majority vote.
Besides the proposals for laws regulating solar energy and food trucks in Shelby, the County Planning Board will look at Kendall’s application to amend its comprehensive plan to rezone Peter Smith Road. That also will require a change to the town’s zoning map for Peter Smith Road.
In addition, the Planning Board will consider an amendment to Carlton’s zoning ordinance to establish a private airport through a special use permit in RR, WR, WD and B Districts.
The meeting Thursday is in Conference Room C at the County Administration Building at 14016 Route 31 West.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2019 at 8:48 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Lee -Whedon Memorial Library was a popular place Friday night for a concert by Paul Zittel & Pure Country, a band from Collins. There were more than 200 people at the concert, which is part of the library’s “Finally Fridays” series.
Lee-Whedon hosts concerts on Fridays at 7 p.m. for 10 weeks. Paul Zittel & Pure Country was the eighth concert in the series. Crash Cadillac performs on March 1, with Ron and Nancy One Song concluding the series on March 8.
Claudette and Lynn Creasey of Medina were among the couples who enjoyed dancing during the concert.
Paul Zittel is lead singer for the band, which performed for the first time in Medina on Friday. The band has opened for some of country music’s biggest stars when they have performed in WNY, including Brad Paisley, George Jones, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Daniels and Aaron Tippin.
Friday’s crowd was one of the biggest for the concert series this year. Catherine Cooper, the library director, said country music is popular with library patrons. People also were more willing to venture out Friday evening because it wasn’t snowing with bitter cold.
Lee-Whedon has been hosting the Finally Fridays concert series for 18 years. The concerts are free, and made possible with funding from the Friends of the Library and state funds administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 23 February 2019 at 7:51 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 8
ALBION – This photograph shows John Howard’s Coal Yard, located at the “foot” of North Clinton Street on the south side of the Erie Canal around 1904/05. Born August 23, 1868 at Albion, Howard would eventually enter the business that his father William Alanson Howard started in 1870. The coal sheds in this image were likely constructed around 1873.
According to a 1903 business directory, several other coal yards were operating in Albion. Morgan & Linson and Ezra Skinner both operated yards on Clinton Street near the New York Central Railroad crossing while Charles Porter and the Shourds Brothers operated yards in the vicinity of East Bank and Platt streets.
In this particular operation, a packet boat delivered coal by way of the Erie Canal. When the boat docked on the south side of the Canal, a team of workers shoveled coal into a large bucket which was then hoisted up to a second-story opening. A man standing on the upper platform would trigger a rope that dumped the bucket into a chute, sending the coal into the shed. A group of laborers inside would then distribute coal into separate bins where it could be loaded into wagons and delivered to homes and businesses.
Coal was a popular fuel source during the 19th and early 20th centuries. When the county courthouse was constructed in 1858, a central heating system comprised of two coal stoves was installed in the basement that distributed warm air throughout the building. For homeowners, central heating systems like that were too expensive for installation in most residences but coal stoves quickly became the primary heating source for most homes by the time this photograph was taken.
According to national statistics, the United States produced 9 million tons of anthracite coal and 6 million tons of bituminous coal the year after the central heating system was installed in the courthouse. By 1899, coal production had increased to over 60 million tons of anthracite and 193 million tons on bituminous coal, or about 3.34 tons of coal per capita.
Pennsylvania led the U.S. in coal production, which would have shipped to Western New York via railroads. Illinois and Ohio produced over 21 million tons of coal in 1889, which would have shipped by way of the Great Lakes and Erie Canal. “King Coal” became the leading provider of domestic and industrial fuel by the turn of the century.
The man standing in the center of the photograph, wearing a gray felt hat and suspenders, is John Howard. Readers will notice two African American men standing on the packet boat with coal shovels on their shoulders as well as several younger men standing on deck. As a young man, Henry Austin Spencer lived with the Howard family and worked as an errand boy at the coal yard. As an adult, Spencer became the first African American student accepted into the University of Rochester. He was a pall bearer at Frederick Douglass’ funeral, and worked as a clerk in the NYS Assembly.
(Editor’s Note: This article was updated after the initial report had the the wrong date for the drill.)
ALBION – The Albion Police Department will be holding an active shooter/emergency response drill on Tuesday, March 12, at the Albion school district campus.
The drill will involve multiple local law enforcement, EMS and fire service agencies, as well as participation and assistance from state and federal agencies.
The drill will begin around 9 a.m. and is scheduled to last until approximately 2 p.m. During the drill, Route 31 will be closed from Route 98 to Clarendon Street. Residents who live in the area will be allowed to access residences on Route 31 during the drill if necessary.
School operations will be cancelled in each Albion school, however, about 200 school district staff members will be participating in the drill, simulating various roles within the school to allow for a realistic emergency response environment.
An active shooter is an individual actively engaging in life-threatening violence to persons in a confined and populated area. This drill will be one of the largest drills ever conducted in Orleans County and will allow the Albion Police Department and participating agencies to test and evaluate response times, organization and overall readiness for an emergency situation.
The Albion Police Department requests that the area of the Albion school district campuses be avoided during the drill so that it can be conducted as safely and effectively as possible.
Photos courtesy of the Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition
MEDINA – The Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition once again held a Free Family Roller Skating event on Thursday afternoon at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina. There were 267 youth and parents in attendance.
We had 12 lucky winners of gift certificates donated by local Medina businesses. Youth who brought in non-perishable food items were entered to win a gift certificate donated by local Medina businesses including Brushstrokes Studios, Avanti Pizza, Marks Pizzeria, Cusimano’s, Case-Nic Cookies, Della’s Chocolates and The Book Shoppe.
A record breaking 326 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed to the two food pantries in Medina.
Wendy Scharlau from Cornell Cooperative Extension provided a treasure chest game with prizes for youth to win. Alex Feig, a member of the Medina Skate Society, provided a table to share information about the anticipated Medina Skate Park. For more information check out Facebook Medina Skate Society.
“We always have a good turnout for this event and are overwhelmed by the continued support from the community,” said Pat Crowley, project director for the coalition. “This event would not be possible without volunteers and the continued support from Medina Area Association of Churches and the Orleans YMCA.”
Prize winners include Alex Stanton, Lexi Brazzell, Ianah Drisdom, William Tagg, Iyla Lilleby, Olivia Bessel, Keira Sidari, Natalie Russo, Lucas Jones, Ariel Avery, Trey Kinne and Elijah Doxey.
MIDDLEPORT – The Middleport Community Advisory Panel this year is seeking new, qualified members who want to be involved in their community, learn more about the FMC Middleport plant, and provide feedback to the plant.
Established more than two decades ago as a concept of the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care Program, the Middleport CAP meets five times a year to provide open and honest communication between the FMC plant and the Middleport community on the plant and its operations in such areas as safety, environmental performance, employment, community involvement, emergency preparedness and response.
Previous meeting topics have fostered discussion on health, safety, environmental concerns, emergency response, products, economy, and education.
“Members of the CAP help the plant’s leadership to better understand the community’s perspectives and concerns, and FMC Middleport in turn helps the community to better understand the facility and its operations,” said Jessica Heideman, CAP facilitator and FMC community liaison.
CAP members are all community residents from various walks of life including, but not limited to, parents, teachers, law enforcement, business professionals, students and retirees. CAP members serve a three-year term on the panel.
“These regular meetings help ensure the voice of the community is heard and provides yet another way for FMC to work directly with the community around the plant,” Heideman said. “FMC looks forward to meeting with the new and returning members of the CAP team throughout 2019 and beyond.”
To be considered for CAP membership, please contact Jessica Heideman by visiting the FMC Community Office, 8 S. Vernon St., Middleport, NY 14105, by calling (716) 735-9769, or by emailing her at jessica.heideman@fmc.com.
Press Release, Red Cross, Western and Central NY Region
BUFFALO – High wind warnings and watches have been issued for the Western and Central New York region on Sunday and through 10 a.m. Monday.
Strong wind gusts could result in downed trees and power lines, leading to potential property damage, difficult travel, and power outages. The American Red Cross urges area residents to take steps now to prepare:
Before the storm
• Prepare an emergency preparedness kit. Replenish any items missing or expired, especially medicines or other medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
• Create a household evacuation plan and practice it.
• Be prepared to evacuate quickly if directed and know your routes and destinations.
• Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio, or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
After the storm
• Stay with family or friends or go to a public shelter if you lose power during extremely cold weather.
• Use flashlights instead of candles.
• Put space heaters on a level, hard, and nonflammable service, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets at least three feet away.
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended
• Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel. Traffic lights may be out.
• If electrical lines are down, don’t touch them. Report downed power lines to the utility company.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2019 at 2:05 pm
ALBION – Two people who recently completed incarceration for driving while intoxicated felonies were arrested again on new charges of DWI.
Christopher Aldrich, 49, of Albion was recently arrested for DWI. He was to appear in Orleans County Court on Thursday for an arraignment but didn’t show up. Judge Sanford Church issued a warrant for Aldrich’s arrest.
In February 2017, Aldrich was sentenced to a year in the county jail for getting his second DWI since 2012.
Another Albion man was arraigned by Judge Church on Thursday for felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. Luis Ramos-Perez, 30, was sentenced in August 2017 to 1 to 3 years in state prison for violating his probation with a DWI.
Ramos-Perez was charged with DWI and AUO after being stopped on Dec. 14 in Albion. He registered a BAC of 0.15 percent, about double the legal limit. He has been remanded to the county jail on $10,000 bail.
In another case in County Court on Thursday, a Depew woman was sentenced to three years on probation for petit larceny.
Jenna Zagara, formerly of Lockport, in a previous court appearance admitted to using someone else’s credit card without approval to pay bills. She allegedly racked up $1,905 in unauthorized spending. She has already paid restitution.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
Today, counties across the state are urging Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature to make modifications to the Governor’s proposed expansion of the Returnable Container Act, which would add a deposit to sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit and vegetable beverages, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas.
While this “Bottle Bill” proposal is well-intentioned, it harms recycling programs that are already being threatened by global recycling market volatility. In 2017 and 2018, China implemented policy changes that resulted in a 90 percent reduction in the value of paper and a 63 percent loss in value of the traditional recycling stream.
The governor’s proposal would place an undue burden on municipal recyclers by removing as much as 50 percent of valuable plastic and aluminum containers from the recycling stream. This would result in an additional loss of revenue for local solid waste programs. The NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC) urges the governor and State Legislature to modify the expansion of the Bottle Bill to include only glass containers.
“Solid waste entities have put forth a lot of time, effort, and money to carry out state and local recycling initiatives,” said Stephen McElwain, President of the New York State Association for Solid Waste Management. “We oppose the governor’s proposal to take value out of the curbside bin at a time when global market changes have made it difficult for local entities to continue providing these environmentally-beneficial programs.”
Instead of adding more plastic and aluminum bottles to the Bottle Bill, counties urge the state to add a deposit to additional glass beverage containers, including wine and liquor bottles, hard cider bottles, and non-alcoholic glass beverage containers. Glass causes problems in the municipal recycling stream because it breaks and contaminates other recyclables. Placing a deposit on these containers would increase glass recycling, reduce municipal recycling costs, and reduce glass contamination in the curbside bin.
“Recycling glass with the proven bottle deposit program is the best way to ensure glass is clean enough to become bottles again,” said Andrew Radin, director of Waste Reduction and Recycling for Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA). “OCRRA urges the Legislature and governor to include wine, liquor and hard cider in the NYS Bottle Bill this session. More glass redeemed for deposits increases cleaner recycling and provides much needed relief for local recycling programs.”
NYSAC urges the governor and State Legislature to modify the Governor’s proposed expansion of the Bottle Bill to include only glass containers.
“It is estimated that extending the Bottle Bill to include wine and liquor bottles would divert over 150,000 tons of glass to the deposit system,” said Stephen Acquario, NYSAC executive director. “This revenue could be used to bring recycling infrastructure up to modern standards and capabilities, as well as support local recycling education and environmental initiatives.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2019 at 9:28 am
File photos by Tom Rivers – Lance Anderson, president of the Lake Plains Players, portrays Jean Valjean in the production of Les Miserables. Anderson said playing Valjean in October 2013 was a dream come true. Anderson has expanded the LPP’s number of productions, including a children’s theater camp over the summer.
MIDDLEPORT – For many years the Lake Plains Players received state arts funding through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
But GO Art! decided about three years ago that it wouldn’t include the Players for funding because the organization performs most of its shows outside Orleans County. The Players for more than three decades have performed in Middleport at the Roy-Hart High School Auditorium.
The Players were given an exception by GO Art! for many years with the rationale the community theater group includes many performers from Orleans County, and many show attendees from Orleans.
GO Art! and other arts councils are tasked with doling out decentralization grants from the state. GO Art! last year had $63,084 to support cultural programs in Genesee and Orleans counties. The Players would typically receive between $2,000 to $3,000 from Go Art!, said Lance Anderson, president of the Players.
The Players have applied for funding the past three years through the Arts Services Initiative of WNY, Inc., which serves Niagara and Erie counties. The first year the Players applied, it didn’t receive any money. In 2018, it was approved for $2,000. The community theater group was just notified it will get $1,000 in 2019.
“We appreciate the thousand dollars,” Anderson said.
However, he said he is disappointed, and the group will have to work harder to try to raise money and reduce costs.
The Players put on a full-scale musical every fall, with the show usually in late October. The Players will do Oklahoma this fall. They also do a play, two recitals and summer youth theater camp. Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina hosts the recitals.
This photo from October 2014 shows Zach Shaffer, when he was an Albion High School student, waiting for his cue to enter the stage when he played a waiter in “Follies,” a musical performed that October by the Lake Plains Players. The community theater group received $2,800 in grants from GO Art! in 2015 for two different productions. Now the Players are trying to get funding through an arts group that serves Niagara and Erie counties.
Anderson said about 150 to 200 people are involved in the productions each year. He said the community has many talented performers and others dedicated to the Lake Plains Players, including with set construction.
The sets can be expensive to build. The Players want to purchase a digital projector to help cut down on some of the set construction, Anderson said.
The rights and royalties for the shows also have been on the rise, he said.
The Players have those increased costs, as well as its goal of providing scholarships for students pursuing music and theater careers. Anderson said the group will be looking for ways to boost its budget, with a focus initially on drawing bigger crowds to its shows, especially the fall musical.
Anderson said he also believes the Players are now better known by the arts group for Niagara and Erie counties. Initially, that group wasn’t familiar with the Players and didn’t realize the quality of the productions and the large casts, Anderson said.
MEDINA – A female correction officer was injured last week when an inmate allegedly attacked and punched her multiple times inside a bathroom at Medina Memorial Hospital, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association reported today.
The incident occurred on Feb. 15 at approximately 3 p.m. The inmate, 20, is incarcerated at Albion Correctional Facility. She was in the emergency room at the local hospital. The inmate’s mechanical restraint was removed from one wrist while in the bathroom, NYSCOPBA said.
The female officer, who was in the bathroom with the inmate, went to reapply the restraint to the free wrist. The inmate used her free hand and punched the officer several times in the face. She broke her other hand free from the officer and continued the assault with both fists. The officer yelled for help and two officers and a supervisor came to the scene. When they arrived, the inmate stopped the assault and was handcuffed and returned to her room in the ER, the union said.
The officer was treated in the ER by medical personnel. She sustained an eye contusion, bloody nose and facial and scalp contusions. She was treated and released.
The inmate was released from the ER and returned to Albion Correctional Facility. She is serving a six-year sentence after being convicted in Kings County in 2017 for attempted gang assault 1st, robbery 2nd, assault 2nd and robbery 3rd.
“Quite often we forget that there are very dangerous female inmates incarcerated in our prisons,” said Joe Miano, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President. “The attack on the female officer at Medina Memorial Hospital was a vicious assault that could have resulted in more serious injuries if the officer didn’t defend herself and call for assistance. This inmate, based on her criminal record, has shown a propensity for extreme violence. It is our sincere hope that the District Attorney’s Office aggressively prosecutes this incident and sends a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2019 at 9:23 pm
Empire State Wrestling is promoting the May 4 event in Knowlesville.
KNOWLESVILLE – The professional wrestlers are returning to the fairgrounds on May 4.
Empire State Wrestling had its first event at the fairgrounds last April 28, and 350 people attended the debut. That impressed ESW, and also pleased the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, which partnered with ESW to bring the wrestlers to Orleans County.
“We’re expecting this year’s event to be even bigger than last year and interest is high,” said Ryan McPherson, a member of the fire company and the local contact for ESW.
The May 4 will include 8 to 10 matches, including one with ESW star Kate Carney and another woman wrestler.
This year’s event is titled, “Fairground Fallout: Return of The Empire.” Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the first bell at 6 p.m. with the finale around 9 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the Empire State Wrestling website (click here).
Tickets will also be available soon from any East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company member.
This year will once again feature ESW stars, including Medina native Gavin Glass. The event will be highlighted by former WWE, WCW and TNA star Shannon Moore, former CZW heavyweight champion Joe Gacy, independent wrestling standout Sean Carr, and Andy Williams, a WNY native and guitarist of the internationally acclaimed band, Every Time I Die.
McPherson said the event will have an intergalactic feel with the the theme, “May the Fourth Be With You.”
The wrestlers wowed the crowd last year. It looked very much like the body slamming shown on TV. In fact, one of those stars, Gangrel, flew in from Florida to be in the main event at Knowlesville. Gangrel is a former WWF wrestler. He defeated Gregory Iron in the finale.
The action took place in the Lartz Building, which was transformed with a ring, concessions stand, merchandise booth, and some intense lighting and sound.
Empire State Wrestling features independent pro wrestlers from the Buffalo-Niagara region and usually has its events in North Tonawanda at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall. They will be in Fairport on Saturday for an event at Village Sports.
Brett Stymus, the promoter, was pleased with the crowd, and their energy. He told the Orleans Hub after the matches last year he wanted to make Knowlesville a mainstay in the ESW schedule.
ALBION – An Albion man has been charged today following an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine from Rochester to Orleans County.
The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force along with the Albion Police Department arrested Jeffrey J. Farrell of Albion on sale and possession charges. The State Police also assisted with the arrest.
Farrell, 31, of 217 South Main St., room 14, was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies).
He also faces one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, which is a Class A misdemeanor.
Farrell was arraigned in Albion Town Court by Town Justice Joseph Fuller, who committed Farrell to the Orleans County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. He is to return to Albion Town Court at 9 a.m. on Feb. 26.
Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation, the Task Force said.
A high wind warning went into effect at 7 a.m. today and continues until 10 a.m. Monday for Orleans and much of western and northern New York.
