Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The second class of Leadership Orleans met Thursday for their monthly session with a focus this time on local government.

The top photo shows a panel at lunch who discussed the local courts system. They include from left: Joanne Best, Orleans County public defender; Kathy Bogan, Orleans County attorney; Dawn Keppler, Shelby town justice; and Sanford Church, Orleans County judge.

The day included a visit to the Orleans County legislative chambers at the County Clerks Building, where the group was welcomed by Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer.

Leadership Orleans then heard presentations and a panel discussion by State Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman; Brian Sorochty, Village of Holley mayor; and Dick Moy, Town of Clarendon supervisor.

Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church discusses his job during a lunch presentation hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Albion. After lunch, Judge Church gave a tour of the County Courthouse to the class, which includes 26 people.

Leadership Orleans spent the afternoon making site visits to the Albion Academy, which hosts the Meals on Wheels program and also has 30 apartments for senior citizens; the Orleans County Administrative Building, which includes many county offices; the Orleans County Public Safety Building; Holley Village Office; Village of Albion Water Treatment Plant; and the Orleans County Highway Department & Buildings and Grounds.

The class listens to the lunchtime panel which discussed the local court system.

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Courtesy of the Orleans County 4-H Program

Provided photo: Maria, an intern from Honduras at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Joan Gabalski during training at the Lab in January. Maria helped the Orleans County 4-H team practice using the Garmin eTrex 10 GPS (held by Joan) which is part of a High Tech Nature Kit available to Orleans County through Cornell.

Orleans County 4-Hers are joining with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca as part of Cornell’s Citizen-Science Investigators program.

Orleans County 4-Her Joan Gabalski traveled to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with 4-H Program Coordinator Kristina Gabalski in late January for a two day in-person training to deepen course learning and discuss project implementation.

Orleans County CCE has received a $1,250 grant to cover training and implementation of the project which will include participation in a citizen-science program and implementation of an inquiry-based project developed by local 4-Hers and inspired by their participation in citizen-science.

Local participants will be able to determine the citizen-science project and inquiry project parameters themselves and will showcase their efforts in the 4-H Youth Building during the 2019 New York State Fair in August.

“The Cornell Lab of Ornithology funds the Citizen-Science Investigators program to get youth actively involved in citizen-science and to get a better understanding of how youth think about science,” Kristina Gabalski said. “Our training at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in January include an introduction to High Tech Nature Kits available to us through Cornell, a hands-on feeder design challenge, and a mini inquiry project which included planning, data collection, graphing and presentation of results. We will now work at implementing our own inquiry project here in Orleans County with 4-H youth, hopefully through one of our 4-H Clubs.”

“I really enjoyed meeting with other 4-H youth from around New York State,” Joan Gabalski sayid. “I learned how being a citizen-scientist can lead to inquiry-based projects that I can design and implement myself and which will broaden my knowledge of science.  I’m looking forward to implementing the program with fellow 4-Hers here in Orleans County.”

Orleans 4-Hers are still working to determine exactly which citizen-science project they will participate in.

“There is a wide range of possibilities,” Kristina said. “There are citizen-science projects that focus on observations of the weather, monarch butterflies, native bees, invasive species and birds – such as E-Bird and NestWatch. My hope is that the project will eventually lead to educational enhancement of the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. It will also be exciting to present our work at the New York State Fair with youth from around the state in August.”

Contributed Photos – The history making state championship earned by the  Kendall High girls soccer team last fall was saluted this evening with the raising of a banner honoring the achievement. Coach Pam Barchet, right, and members of the Lady Eagles championship team are shown here with the banner behind them on the wall. The Lady Eagles won seven straight playoff games to capture the school’s first state championship. That run included defeating Fillmore 2-1 in the Section V Class D1 final, Hinsdale 2-0 in the Section V Class D state qualifier, North Collins 1-0 in the Far West Regional, Cincinnatus 2-0 in the state semifinal and finally Fort Ann 1-0 in the Clas D state championship game. In all the Lady Eagles compiled a 18-5 record. A closeup of the banner is shown at the right.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced work is now complete on the second and final phase of the $14 million Route 531 Terminus Project in the towns of Ogden and Sweden, Monroe County.

The redesigned highway will ease traffic flow and enhance safety along the Route 531 corridor, a critical transportation link that serves thousands of motorists traveling between Rochester’s interstates and Orleans County. The highway is also a major access point for the SUNY Brockport campus, the Rochester Tech Park and westside communities in Monroe County.

“The Route 531 Terminus Project is one of many infrastructure investments we’re making in this region and across the state to improve travel and promote expanded access to businesses, schools and local neighborhoods,” Governor Cuomo said. “These projects help to revitalize upstate communities and continue to support our goal of moving the Finger Lakes Forward.”

Under construction since 2017, the project was intended to create a more efficient and easier-to-navigate junction of Route 531, Route 36 and Route 31 (Brockport-Spencerport Road).

Phase two of the project, which began in May 2018, created a direct connection between Route 531 and Route 31 through a newly constructed roadway west of Route 36, which transitions from a four-lane highway to a two-lane arterial road. The new roadway was first opened to traffic in August of 2018.

Additional safety enhancements made as part of the project include:

• Widening of Route 31 from the Route 531 intersection west to Gallup Road and adding a center median to separate eastbound and westbound travel lanes;

• Transforming the previous stretch of Route 31 into a cul-de-sac to provide access to residences north of the newly constructed Route 31; and

• Constructing continuous two-way left turn lanes on Route 31 between Gallup Road in the Town of Ogden and Salmon Creek Road in the Town of Sweden.

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said, “Enhancing safety and improving access for the thousands of motorists in the region that rely on this expressway is vital to not only the local economy, but our goals in modernizing our aging infrastructure. This project will benefit both Monroe and Orleans counties for years to come.”

Senator Robert G. Ortt said, “The completion of the Route 531 Terminus Project upgrades is welcome news for those New Yorkers who use this expressway on a daily basis, whether it be for transport to work or use in everyday life. Throughout the Western New York region, transit problems are continuing to be identified and successfully resolved, allowing for easier mobility across the region. Although upgrades to state roads and highways are not glamorous projects, they are responsible for some of the largest impacts on the daily lives of our state’s residents. This Terminus project is no different.”

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Nate Sherman tries to put up a shot against Wilson defenders Jon Littere and Luke Bradley during the Mustangs narrow win over the host Lakemen this evening.

In a tight defensive battle, Medina trimmed host Wilson 49-43 this evening to complete a perfect 12-0 Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball championship season.

Izaiah Rhim took game high scoring honors with 18 and Nate Sherman added 14 to lead the offense for Medina which has now won the N-O title four years in a row. Tyler Chinn and Brian Fry both chipped in with 6, Vincent Montague 3 and Joe Cecchini 2 for the Mustangs.

Steve Frerichs led Wilson with 10 as Luke Bradley and Ian Evans each added 8, Jake Miller 7, Jon Littere 6 and Declan Feary and Julian Andreola 2.

Medina jumped out to a 13-8 first quarter lead as Rhim had two threes and a layup. Bradley answered with two threes to help keep Wilson close.

Medina’s Izaiah Rhim drives toward the basket as Ian Evans defends for Wilson.

Three baskets by Sherman and another three by Rhim helped keep the Mustangs up by four, 24-20, at the half. Evans had a two and a three and Frerichs a three to pace the Lakemen in the period.

Medina maintained a slender five point, 35-30, lead at the three-quarter mark as Rhim and Sherman both had a pair of baskets in the third period.

The Mustangs finally pulled away to a 12 point, 44-32, advantage by opening the decisive final period with a 9-2 run including a jumper and a three by Sherman and a layup off a turnover by Rhim.

However, the Lakemen came battling back.

Wilson put together a 7-0 run including baskets by Bradley and Frerichs and a three by Evans to cut the deficit to five, 44-39 with less than two minutes to go.

Sherman finally ended Medina’s three plus minute field goal drought with a clutch layup to make it 47-39 with 1:03 to go.

The Lakemen again pulled to within five at 46-41 on  layup by Frerichs with 47 seconds to go but could get no closer.

Medina finally put a lock on the hard fought win on two free throws by Fry and one by Chinn in the final 23 seconds for a 49-41 lead.

With the loss runner-up Wilson finishes the N-O season at 9-3.

Newfane 68, Albion 59

Newfane bested host Albion 68-59 to earn a share of second place in the final N-O standings with rival Wilson at 9-3.

Jarrett Gilson scored a season high 24 points, including 9 in the final stanza, to spark the attack for Newfane as Deuce Capen added 15 and Sam Capen and Garrett Srock 6 each.

Deyonci Farley scored 17, Kevin Hillman 11, Dylan Fox 9 and Bryce Pritchard 6 to lead Albion which finishes the N-O season at 5-7.

Newfane held leads of 19-17 after one period, 33-27 at the half and 45-37 at the three-quarter mark.

Notre Dame 69, Kendall 46

Breaking away from a 32-32 halftime deadlock, Notre Dame exploded for a 19-2 third period scoring surge to key a 69-46 victory host Kendall in the Genesee Region League season finale.

Gage MacDonald scored 17, including 15 in the second half, and Spencer Misiti tallied 15 on five threes to lead the way for Notre Dame.

Nate Warters scored 17, Derek Edick 9 and Hunter Menze 7 for Kendall.

Roy-Hart 58, Barker 47

Charlie Brigham scored 14, Charlie Bruning 10, Lance Krieger 8, Hunter Pratt 7 and Quinten Koch 5 to spark Roy-Hart (2-10) to a 58-47 win over Barker (0-12).

Preston Harris scored 16, Hunter Callen 11 and Nick Brandt 10 for Barker which trailed 24-17 at the half..

Final N-O Standings: Medina 12-0, Newfane 9-3, Wilson 9-3, Akron 5-7, Albion 5-7, Roy-Hart 2-10, Barker 0-12.

Photos courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – A group of fourth-graders participated in an after-school Art History Club with Mrs. Pritchard and Mrs. Prince. The club was sponsored by the Community Schools grant, which provides extended day and week programs and opportunities for students and families.

The top photo includes, from left: Abigail Kipler, Brown’s Berry Patch; Drayson Shonerd, Hoag Library, Alyssa Adkins, Carl I. Bergerson Middle School, and Drew Pritchard, Santa Claus School.

The Art History Club was a fun way to learn about local history and create an art piece. The students researched various local landmarks. Each student then had an opportunity to choose a favorite landmark and design his/her own 16″ x 20″ rendition of their landmark.

Several different mediums were offered (markers, paint, pastels, oils, etc.) that allowed each student to create unique and creative pieces. Mrs. Prince framed each landmark piece.  The artwork will soon be displayed in the elementary school hallway. The pieces are very colorful and a beautiful representation of our historic landmarks.

Brianna Lewis, Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School; Gloria Cabic, Charles C. D’Amico High School, and Makayla Fidanza, Swan Library.

Erika Hess, Cobblestone School House; Gracie Tardibone, Erie Canal; Rilee Taylor, Cone Zone; and Aliyah Pollock, Downtown Albion Main Street View.

Melia Prince, Cobblestone Church; and Kailyn Smith Holder, Civil War Memorial at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Dulce Sanchez, Oak Orchard River; Analiah Figueroa-Fuentes, Orleans County Courthouse; and Yaritza Fernandez-Perez, Oak Orchard Lighthouse.

Property owners in the Orleans County towns of Barre and Murray have been given three extra weeks to pay their property taxes, due to the rough winter weather that closed government buildings and slowed the Postal Service leading up to the Jan. 31 deadline.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an executive order extending the property tax payment due date in municipalities impacted by recent winter storms. This extension allows residents to pay their taxes without interest or penalty for an additional 21 days past the final date taxes are due.

The executive order is in direct response to requests by several municipalities whose property tax due dates fell during or shortly after recent storms, but whose residents were unable to make the payments on time due to the disruption of public transportation, utility service and postal operations.

“With several recent winter storms impeding the ability of residents across the state to pay their property taxes on time, I am extending the due date for these payments to ensure New Yorkers are not penalized as a result of Mother Nature’s unpredictability,” Cuomo said. “Dealing with winter weather events is stressful enough, and residents in communities especially hard hit can rest assured they will not be further impacted by these storms.”

The extension was granted to Cayuga, Chautauqua, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as towns in 40 other counties. In addition to Barre and Murray in Orleans, other towns in nearby counties in the extension include: Darien in Genesee, Hartland, Niagara and Pendleton in Niagara County; and Arcade and Covington in Wyoming County.

Amazon announced today it is canceling its plans for NYC headquarters, citing opposition from some state and local politicians as a deterrent.

Amazon, after a year-long search, announced in November it would split its second headquarters between New York City and Northern Virginia, with each community expected to have more than 25,000 workers over time.

Governor faults State Senate, small group of politicians for killing deal

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:

“Amazon chose to come to New York because we are the capital of the world and the best place to do business. We competed in and won the most hotly contested national economic development competition in the United States, resulting in at least 25,000-40,000 good paying jobs for our state and nearly $30 billion dollars in new revenue to fund transit improvements, new housing, schools and countless other quality of life improvements.

“Bringing Amazon to New York diversified our economy away from real estate and Wall Street, further cementing our status as an emerging center for tech and was an extraordinary economic win not just for Queens and New York City, but for the entire region, from Long Island to Albany’s nanotech center.

“However, a small group politicians put their own narrow political interests above their community – which poll after poll showed overwhelmingly supported bringing Amazon to Long Island City – the state’s economic future and the best interests of the people of this state. The New York State Senate has done tremendous damage. They should be held accountable for this lost economic opportunity.

“The fundamentals of New York’s business climate and community that attracted amazon to be here – our talent pool, world-class education system, commitment to diversity and progressivism – remain and we won’t be deterred as we continue to attract world class business to communities across New York State.”

Hawley: Amazon should consider STAMP site for headquarters

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“Talk about making ‘Open for Business’ a punchline – the governor and New York City politicians have failed to close the deal with Amazon but there is hope for Mr. Bezos, Western New York is truly open for business and we would gladly accept Amazon’s headquarters to be located at our STAMP site.

“I have already been in contact with the Orleans County IDA and Economic Development Center in Genesee County to make this a reality and I’m confident our 57 local colleges and universities educating more than 300,000 students could easily accommodate their labor needs.”

Ortt blames ‘regressive Democrat leaders of New York’

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement:

“Even with $3 billion in tax giveaways, Amazon looked at the radical, anti-business and prohibitively-regulated nature of our state and said ‘no thanks.’ This shows a complete lack of leadership and sanity among the regressive Democrat leaders of New York.”

ALBION – Two people were sentenced in Orleans County Court, including an inmate who had suboxone mailed to her with the intention she would sell it to other inmates at Albion Correctional Facility.

Maijia Scott, an inmate at the women’s prison, has been in prison for 19 years for second-degree murder. She is due to be released in May, but will now have to serve an addition 1 ½ to 3 years for attempted promoting prison contraband in the first degree.

Scott acknowledged in court she knew having the suboxone was against prison rules.

“It’s dangerous,” said Sanford Church, the County Court judge. “It’s creates all sorts of problems for the facility.”

The judge also sentenced a Lyndonville to six months in jail and five years of probation for felony driving while intoxicated. Kenneth Lonnen, 44, faced a maximum of 1 to 3 years in state prison.

Church gave Lonnen a break in the sentence, but told him if he has another DWI he will be going to state prison.

Lonnen was arrested on Aug. 2 in Yates and registered a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.24 percent, which is three times the legal limit.

Lonnen has a previous DWI conviction within five years – Feb. 6, 2014.

Lonnen said he hasn’t had a drink since his arrest.

“I just apologize,” he said. “I relapsed. I will use this opportunity to better myself.”

Lonnen also needs to pay $570 in various court surcharges and fees.

In other cases in court today:

• Andrew Klaver, 18, of Clarendon pleaded guilty to attempted menacing a police officer and faces a maximum sentence of 6 months in jail and 5 years on probation.

On Sept. 27, deputies and a sergeant had Klaver’s sister and mother in handcuffs at their home on Bennetts Corners Road after a family dispute.

Klaver ran into the house and came out with a loaded rifle and allegedly pointed it at the sergeant. He was told by law enforcement to drop the gun. Klaver said he paused for about a second before setting down the rifle. He allegedly refused to comply with further orders and was taken into custody following deployment of a Taser.

He will be sentenced on April 11 and could be granted youthful offender statue, which would seal the crime from his record.

• Freddy Rosario, 23, a former inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion, pleaded guilty to attempted assault in the second degree. The charge normally has a maximum of 2 to 4 years in prison. As part of a plea deal, Rosario will face a maximum of 1 ½ to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 18.

He said he was in the visiting area at the prison on Jan. 21, 2018 and “one thing led to another” and he punched an officer in the face and caused other injuries.

“You know he was doing his job, right?” Judge Church asked Rosario about the correction officer.

“Yes,” Rosario said.

• Valerie Allen, 31, a former inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate. She admitted to throwing urine and toilet water at corrections officers on Oct. 13, 2016.

She faces up to 1 ½ to 3 years of additional time in prison when she is sentenced on April 11.

• The judge assessed an Albion man as a level 3 sex offender during a hearing. Robert Tetrault, 37, pleaded guilty on Oct. 15 to two counts of sexual misconduct, which involved children. He is serving a year of weekends in jail.

Tetrault entered an Alford plea, which is a guilty plea without admitting to the criminal act. He allegedly had sexual intercourse and committed another sex act against a child. Tetrault has proclaimed his innocence in Orleans County Court.

His attorney, public defender Joanne Best, asked Church to assess Tetrault as a level 2 offender, given he has insisted he was innocent and entered the Alford plea.

If he is a level 2 offender, he would be on the sex offender registry for 30 years. Level 3 offenders are on the registry for their lifetimes.

Judge Church said the point system for determining the risk puts Tetrault as a level 3, given his extensive criminal history, use of alcohol, numbers of victims and alleged continuing conduct with the victims, who Church said were under age 10.

Photo courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Adam Burlison, an Albion sixth-grader, is congratulated by Middle School Principal Brad Pritchard after Adam won the Albion Middle School spelling bee on Wednesday.

Adam topped 20 students in grades 6 through 8 in the Albion competition. He correctly spelled the word “writhing” for his final word to win the spelling bee.

He advances to the regional contest on March 23 at 10 a.m. at Batavia High School.

Adam in 2017 won the Western New York spelling bee in Grand Island, which featured 46 of the top spellers in WNY from grades 4 and 5.

Katie Sommerfeldt leads agency that works with farmers, highway departments and local residents

ALBION – Katie Sommerfeldt has a found a career combining her love for the outdoors, agriculture and science, while working in her home community.

Sommerfeldt, 30, has worked the past 7 ½ years for the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District. On Jan. 1, she took over as manager, following the retirement of Dennis Kirby, who remains with the agency in a part-time role.

Provided photos: Sommerfeldt looks over a culvert that Soil & Water helped replace.

Soil & Water works to solve drainage issues, and protect water quality and valuable farming soil.

“I like the interactions with the community and the problem solving,” Sommerfeldt said during an interview at her office at 446 West Ave. Soil & Water shares a building with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Soil & Water’s staff of three full-time employees work with other government agencies, including the state Department of Environmental Conservation, for permits for  many of the projects.

Sommerfeldt spent her first 7 ½ years with Soil & Water as a water quality technician. She surveyed and designed many of the projects. She also worked on many of the grant projects, where the state government helps pay for stream crossings, manure lagoon, agrichemical handling and mixing facilities, covered feedlots and other projects that help keep nutrients and chemicals out of the waterways.

Soil & Water currently is working on about $2 million of grant projects. The landowners are paying $1,201,837 towards the work with the state government kicking in $859,513 for the projects.

Sommerfeldt has proven she can juggle the many demands of the position, said John Kast, a member of the board of directors.

“She has impressed us,” Kast said. “She has is good self motivator and she is very personable. She gets along with all of the farmers. She has good relationships with the highway superintendents and landowners.”

Sommerfeldt uses a hydroseeder with Warren Kruger, the Kendall town highway superintendent.

Kast praised Dennis Kirby for being a good mentor to Sommerfeldt and helping to prepare her to lead the agency.

Kast Farms has worked with Sommerfeldt and Soil & Water to design and install drainage tile, and to replace a culvert for a stream crossing in Carlton.

Sommerfeldt does some of the preliminary engineering work, which speeds up the timeline for projects, which often need a final stamp of approval from an engineer.

Sommerfeldt is the granddaughter of Fred Sommerfeldt, a beef farmer and owner of Honest Hill Farms on Route 237 in Clarendon.

After she graduated from Albion, she earned a debree in environmental science from Brockport State College. She worked at Intergrow Greenhouses in Gaines during high school and college. She also had a summer job maintaining trail and running the weedwhacker at Hamlin Bach State Park.

Other jobs included working with the state Department of Agriculture and Markets doing a plum pox survey and also for Ag & Markets as an apple quality inspector.

She feels like she has found her calling at Soil & Water, brainstorming ways to clean ditches, design manure storage systems and divert runoff.

Soil & Water is available for free consultation and design for landowners, who have drainage problems. Sometimes that means Sommerfeldt has to negotiate solutions among several neighbors to keep water moving through ditches and culverts.

She also works closely with NRCS and the other agencies, to try to get funding for projects.

Some of the grants Soil & Water currently are working on include:

• NYS Ag Non Point Source, Round 22 Cover Crop grant (for the installation of cover crops on multiple farms throughout the county)

• NYS Ag Non Point Source, Round 23 Covered Feedlot grant (for the installation of a covered feedlot on a beef farm to reduce nutrient runoff when animals are feeding)

• NYS Ag Non Point Source, Round 24 Agrichemical Handling Facilities grant (for the installation of 3 agrichemical handling and mixing facilities, so the farmers have a safe place to mix pesticides and if a spill happens it is contained in the building not running off into the environment)

• NYS Ag Non Point Source, Round 24 Waste Storage grant (for the installation of an earthen manure lagoon at a dairy farm)

• Ten grants through NYS Grown and Certified that will help fund 5 variable tower rate sprayers with sensors, which spray where fruit trees are and not in lanes and open space; 4 micro-irrigation drip lines for apple orchards; and one agrichemical handling facility.

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Dr. John Stockton, a dentist with the Medina Dental Group, uses a monkey puppet to demonstrate the proper way to brush teeth.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. To raise awareness about the importance of oral health and preventing tooth decay, Oak Orchard Elementary invited in a special guest.

Dr. John Stockton, from the Medina Dental Group, talked to third-graders about their teeth and good dental hygiene practices. Dr. Stockton talked about how to keep their mouths healthy and what foods are good for their teeth. He gives healthy foods like fruits and vegetables the green light and sugary foods get a red light. He also discussed protecting their teeth from sports injuries by using a mouth guard.

The students certainly found his message entertaining when he did a demonstration on a monkey puppet on the proper way to brush their teeth. The classes enjoyed the goody bags he brought them with a toothbrush and supplies to help keep their teeth in tiptop shape.  They especially liked the rubber gloves he gave them that he uses in his practice. It brought a big smile to their faces!

A big thank you to Dr. Stockton for helping the students develop good habits and getting a head start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Press Release, United States Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Western District of New York

MEDINA – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bruno J. Haney, II, 29; Marissa L. DeCarlo, 26; and James O. White, 27, all of Lockport were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, butyryl fentanyl, and fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and death. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of March 25, 2017, officers from the Medina Police Department found an individual identified as W.S. unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. W.S. later died.

Officers recovered three small, clear, zip lock baggies containing a powder residue and a hypodermic needle in W.S.’s pant pockets. A subsequent analysis determined the substance contained heroin and fentanyl. The coroner ruled that the cause of death was the combined effects of fentanyl and alcohol.

Text messages retrieved from the cellular telephone of W.S. show that on the evening of March 24, 2017, W.S. ordered a half of a “bun,” which is street slang for half of a bundle of heroin from a contact saved on W.S.’s cellular phone as “James,” which was determined to be defendant James White.

Subsequent to W.S.’s death, law enforcement officers, in June 2017 conducted two controlled buys of half a bundle of heroin from White. During each of those purchases, White left his Caledonia Street residence and went to Haney’s Prospect Street residence.  Additionally, in April and June 2017, law enforcement officers conducted three controlled purchases from Haney at his Prospect Street residence that he shared with DeCarlo.

On June 16, 2017, members of the Niagara County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Haney and DeCarlo’s residence. Officers recovered a quantity of butyryl fentanyl, $515.00 in U.S. currency, and drug packaging paraphernalia.  In June and July of 2018, law enforcement officers made three additional controlled buys of heroin and fentanyl from Haney.

On Oct. 9, 2018, the Lockport Police Department responded to a report of an overdose. Officers located an individual, identified as J.B., who was unresponsive with shallow breathing. Patrol officers administered two doses of Narcan and J.B. began making attempts to breathe. J.B. was transported by ambulance to the hospital for further medical treatment. J.B. later told officers that she overdosed on what she thought and was told was heroin, which she purchased from Haney. DeCarlo was present during that purchase.

On Jan. 14, 2019, Haney was indicted in Niagara County Court for three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd and three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd. He was arrested on January 18, 2019. During a search of a residence on East Avenue in Lockport, officers recovered a quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of fentanyl, a quantity of marijuana, $978 in U.S. currency, and drug packaging paraphernalia.

While in custody in the Niagara County Jail, Haney made several phone calls to DeCarlo directing her to collect money owed to Haney for drug transactions. The two also discussed Haney’s source of supply and how to proceed with their narcotics activity.

On Jan. 24, 2019, the Niagara County Drug Task Force received an online complaint that Haney was out on bail and was again selling narcotics at his residence on East Avenue.

White was arrested on Jan. 22, 2019, by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and charged with felony manslaughter in the second degree. While incarcerated at the Orleans County Jail, White made a phone call to an unknown individual, during which he stated, “they are trying to say that back in 2017 I caught a body.” White further stated that he got “him” (W.S.) half a bundle from Bruno.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department; the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office; the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force; the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Field Division; and the Lockport Police Department.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Kim Scott praised for vision in strengthening center’s mission

Provided photo: Kim Scott is shown in late November with a Christmas tree in the hallway of Care Net Center of Greater Orleans in Albion. She passed away from cancer on Jan. 18.

ALBION – The Care Net Center of Greater Orleans is seeking a new director to lead the organization which has a pro-life mission.

Kim Scott, the center’s director, passed away on Jan. 18 after twice battling cancer. She was praised by staff for her vision in moving the center to a more prominent and accessible location in the community, the KFC and Family Dollar plaza at 168 South Main St.

“She was a people-person who just loved people,” said Sharon Sugar, the office manager. “She was also very detail-oriented and that allowed her to do many things at once.”

Scott was also a fun person to work with, and very passionate about Care Net’s ministry, said Jocelyn Wilson, the client advocate at the center.

“She loved working here and loved the mission of it,” Wilson said about Scott.

The center is in its 28th year. Last year it served 133 clients who made 585 visits to the site.

Care Net provides limited ultrasounds to confirm a baby’s heartbeat. Care Net did nine ultrasounds last month. The center also provides free pregnancy tests, STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, peer counseling, parenting and healthy relationship education, and post-abortion support.

The center also has two “blessing boutique rooms” with supplies for families, including clothing, diapers, wipes, formula and toys. When parents complete classes, they earn “blessing bucks” for some of the items in the boutique rooms.

Scott organized several successful fundraising programs, including the annual banquet. Last year’s event in April was attended by about 400 people and raised $50,000.

Care Net staff Sharon Sugar, left, and Jocelyn Wilson are pictured at the center’s suite at 168 South Main Street. Other staff include nurse manager Kathy Baker and Sally Grout, who does limited ultrasounds.

Scott already worked out most of the details for this year’s banquet on April 4 at Hickory Ridge Country Club, including lining up the speaker, Christian musician Matt Hammitt. He is also an author and launched the “Lead Me Live” marriage and family program with his wife, Sarah.

Scott also worked on a new fundraiser for Care Net, a March 9 shopping extravaganza and basket auction from noon to 6 p.m. at Care Net. The event includes several local vendors and businesses.

The center has seen an increase in volunteers and supporters since Gov. Cuomo and the State Legislature last month approved the “Reproductive Health Act” which makes Roe Vs. Wade law in state, affirming abortion rights.

The executive director position is part-time, 24 to 30 hours a week. For more information call the center at (585) 589-7505, send a cover letter and resume to carenetorleans@gmail.com or click here.

The Orleans County Heritage Festival will return on Sept. 6-15 with some changes.

The festival in its first three years was led by Genesee Community College. GCC won’t be leading the charge this time, but may be involved with an event.

It’s still early in the planning process. Organizers welcome participation from the community, including churches, businesses, civic organization and residents who would be willing to host a tour or historical display. A business or organization celebrating a milestone anniversary this year might want to showcase its facility, said Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum. He is one of the coordinators of the Heritage Festival along with Erin Anheier of the Clarendon Historical Society, Dawn Borchet and Lynne Menz of the Orleans County Tourism Department, and Matt Ballard of the Orleans County Municipal Historians Association.

“This is a chance for the entire to work together on a history-related project,” Farley said. “We see the value of the heritage Festival. It’s something we shouldn’t give up on.

GCC hosted a Civil War Encampment in Medina for three years before hosting some of the events for the Orleans County Heritage Festival. This photo shows re-enactors mounting a charge during a mock battle in April 2015 outside the Medina campus center. Some re-enactors returned for the Heritage Festival in 2016.

Farley said the county has many historic sites and heritage-minded residents and organizations, as well as other interesting sites.

He and the organizers want to feature an activity at least daily during the 10-day festival.

“We are hoping that the festival will be a way to highlight many individual events under one banner,” he said.

Businesses, organizations and churches could participate simply by creating a display in their foyer, offering a tour of their facilities, or hosting an organ or historic instrument demonstration. Historian are welcome to put together an exhibit in their town hall.

People and organizations interested in participating can send information to Farley at director@cobblestonemuseum.org. He would like a brief description of the event by March 1.

This year’s event won’t include printed brochures, commemorative buttons, and a big kickoff celebration.

“Our goal is to keep it simple and attract as many willing participants as we can from Orleans County,” Farley said. “Really, the possibility is endless.”

There is no fee to submit an event, and each organization is completely in charge of their own event.

“We ask that they work together with us to try to fill up the festival with different events throughout the period,” Farley said.