LYNDONVILLE – Apex Clean Energy will have a meeting today from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lyndonville school auditorium, 25 Housel Ave.
“This information session will introduce the turbine array for Lighthouse Wind’s proposed project for the Towns of Yates and Somerset in Orleans and Niagara counties,” Apex officials said in a news release. “Project information will be on display in the lobby prior to the start of the program, and an agenda for the forum will be provided for all in attendance.”
Doors for the meeting open at 6:30 p.m.
The program will be conducted by a moderator and include a panel of professionals, comprised of Apex project manager Paul Williamson and credentialed experts speaking on the topics of wildlife, sound, infrastructure and the permitting process, Apex said.
A Q&A session will be led by the moderator after the panel presentation. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit their questions before and during the program for the moderator to pose to panel members about the project. Questions that may go unanswered due to time constraints will be answered and posted to lighthousewind.com after November 2.
“We would like our panel to be able to communicate about Lighthouse Wind in a professional manner to enable everyone in attendance to peacefully and respectfully learn more about the project specifics,” Apex officials said. “Signs, banners or disruptive behavior will not be permitted. Security will be present.”
Nate McMurray, the Democratic and Working Families candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, released the following statement in response to President Trump announcing a deal with Canada and Mexico to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.
“I think President Trump deserves praise for renegotiating trade deals that have hurt people of this region for decades,” McMurray said. “I believe in fair trade. My own life experience helping open markets to U.S. farmers and manufacturers shows me that trade creates opportunities. But I’m opposed to trade deals that only help the most powerful, where the true benefits of trade don’t come to the laborers and farmers who do the work. Remember that NAFTA was hailed when it was signed but ended up hurting people of this region.
“I don’t want to celebrate this deal until we see the full details, but I’m encouraged by President Trump’s commitment to dairy farmers. As we learn more details, I will evaluate its effectiveness based on what this means for workers in Lockport and farmers in Livingston County.”
In 2003, Nate was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study the development of democracy in the Constitutional Court of Korea. He worked to represent U.S. farmers and U.S. manufactures ensuring that they had an opportunity to feature their products in Korean stories helping create jobs back here at home.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
The New York Association of Counties released the following statement from Chuck Nesbitt, NYSAC president and chief administrative officer of Orleans County, about the first day of the state’s new “Raise the Age” law.
“Today, counties across the state are required to implement the latest state mandate on counties and local taxpayers.
“Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility was enacted by the New York State Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in 2017. In 2018, the enacted state budget appropriated $100 million to reimburse counties for implementing this new program.
“Under the terms of this law, 16-year-old’s charged with a crime will no longer be held in county correctional facilities. Instead, these adolescents will be released and given an appearance ticket or detained in a newly created specialized secure detention facility.
“To date, 25 of 57 counties outside of New York City have submitted plans for reimbursement which are still under review by the state. At this time, none of these plans have been approved.
“The remaining counties are still reviewing state guidance, seeking answers to local concerns, and submitting comments on state regulations that have not yet been made final.
“While the intent of this new law is constructive, and in the best interests of the child and his/her family, this mandate is extremely complicated due to the number of public and private agencies involved in this process.
“NYSAC and our member counties remain vigilant in watching how this new mandate will impact our county operations and the potential costs to local taxpayers. Counties need more flexibility to properly place these youth in need of services or identify proper facilities to house them. Given the early stages of this process and lack of approved county plans, we strongly encourage the state to consider a waiver process during this transition.
“The state must ensure that adequate services and an adequate service delivery system is in place to treat these youth.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2018 at 3:27 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Menzo Case (center), president and CEO of Generations Bank, helps cut the ribbon this morning on the first day of the merger of Medina Savings & Loan Association with Generations Bank, which is based in Seneca Falls.
Medina S & L started in Medina in 1888. Case said Generations was looking to grow and was attracted to the Medina community, which is a similar size small town as Seneca Falls.
Medina S & L’s existing branch offices – Maple Ridge Road in Medina and inside the Wal-Mart on Route 31 in Albion – will become branch offices of Generations Bank. The Medina branch offices will operate under the name “MSL, a division of Generations Bank” for at least two years.
All of the current 12 Medina employees will remain, Case said.
Menzo Case, president and CEO of Generations Bank, said the bank looks forward to serving the Medina, Albion and Orleans County community. “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Medina Savings and Loan,” Case said. “We are very familiar with Medina, its conservative approach to banking and its deep roots in the communities it serves. We are very excited about the future of our combined company.”
Two members of Medina’s board of directors will become members of the boards of directors of Generations Bank, Seneca-Cayuga and The Seneca Falls Savings Bank, MHC, the mutual holding company of Generations Bank.
The Medina board members include Tim Moriarty, who has retired as the president of the Medina Savings and Loan, and Howie Gardner, who was on the board for the Medina S & L.
“We couldn’t have picked a better merger partner,” said Don Colquhoun, who was the chairman of the Medina S & L. “Their emphasis on their customers and community reminded us of ourselves. The cultures are very similar.”
The Medina S & L sites will soon new technology implemented that would have been costly for the small town bank, Colquhoun said.
The sign for the Medina Savings and Loan on Maple Ridge Road in Medina is scheduled to be removed tomorrow with a new sign going up to reflect Generations Bank.
Brad Jones, chairman of the board for Generations Bank, said Medina and Orleans County are similar to Seneca Falls and Seneca County, which have a rich history with a renewed focus on economic development.
“This is more than a merger,” Jones said. “This is a marriage made in Heaven.”
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, was among the local officials who welcomed Generations Bank to the county. Johnson said the bank can be a partner in promoting economic development in the community. She called Orleans, “an up and coming county.”
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari and Assemblyman Michael Norris also attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning and welcomed Generations to Orleans County.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) praised President Trump and his administration for reaching a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada to be called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
USMCA will make significant changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that will put the United States on more equal footing with the other nations. Specifically with regard to the dairy industry, Canada’s pricing program has created an unfair playing field and has essentially eliminated U.S. exports of certain dairy products, harming Western New York’s dairy industry.
“Today’s announcement is proof that House Republicans under President Trump’s leadership are getting our nation back on track and standing up for American interests,” Collins said. “President Trump has stood with Western New York’s dairy farmers to protect this industry and make sure American farmers are being treated fairly. The USMCA is a big win for Western New York and I applaud the President’s hard work.”
Collins has fought to end Canada’s unfair Class 7 pricing program, which has severely impacted New York dairy farmers. Under the USMCA, Canada has agreed to eliminate this program in order to level the playing field between the U.S. and Canada while allowing our dairy producers the ability to expand sales overseas.
Outside of the dairy industry, this trade agreement will increase the production of American goods and services. The agreement requires that 75 percent of auto content be produced in North America and makes critical reforms that will boost autoworkers’ wages. Additionally, the USMCA includes strong labor provisions that prioritize and protect American manufacturing jobs.
Furthermore, the agreement provides strong protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. This includes 10 years of data protection for biologic drugs and a large scope of products eligible for protection. These reforms are critical to driving innovation, creating economic growth, and supporting American jobs.
“President Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises and Republicans in Congress are eager to keep working with the White House to Make America Great Again,” Collins said.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Raise the Age law is now in effect. The law removes 16-year-olds who have committed a criminal act as of midnight today from the adult criminal justice system and places them in age-appropriate settings where they can receive needed services and treatment to avoid recidivism.
Those 16-year-olds who are arrested for non-violent offenses will have the same opportunities for diversion and community-based services as youth 15 and under. Meanwhile, 16-year-olds charged with serious offenses will be processed as adolescent offenders in a Youth Part of criminal court and placed in specialized secure detention facilities for adolescents instead of adult jails. The law will extend to 17-year-olds on October 1, 2019.
“At a time when President Trump and this federal government are taking us backward, New York is moving forward with bold criminal justice reform,” Governor Cuomo said. “By raising the age of criminal responsibility, New York is putting an end to an injustice that falls disproportionately on people of color and once again proving that we are the progressive beacon for the nation. In New York, we will never stop fighting for a more equal and more just society for all.”
The legislation was passed as part of the FY 2018 Budget, and marks a major accomplishment in the Governor’s efforts to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system.
The implementation results from the work of a multi-agency team including the Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Criminal Justice Services, state Commission of Correction, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the Division of the Budget. The team also worked closely with the state Office of Court Administration and has provided guidance to local counties for their planning and reimbursement, undertaken capital projects, increased staffing, provided training, and finalized regulations for local detention facilities. OCFS partnered with the State Education Department to develop an educational approach for detention and placement.
To implement Raise the Age, OCFS and SCOC developed regulations that address the minimum requirements needed to construct, staff, operate and certify specialized secure detention facilities, taking into account comments from stakeholders.
Distribution of Local Fiscal Guidance and Planning Tools
Since Governor Cuomo signed the law, the state implementation team has blanketed the state with information, support and guidance. The team developed planning and fiscal guides, visited counties, met with community-based organizations, shared data projections, and guided counties in developing regional options for youth entering the system. The agencies trained probation officers and made presentations to county executives, administrators, social services commissioners, attorneys, mental health administrators, law enforcement, district attorneys, judges, dispute resolution professionals and public welfare officials and trade associations representing counties and public welfare workers.
Governor Cuomo pledged $100 million to support Raise the Age in his 2018 State of the State address and secured the funding in the state budget. New York State will reimburse counties for 100 percent of costs if overall spending remains under the 2 percent tax cap. Counties that exceed the cap can receive full reimbursement upon demonstrating financial hardship. The funding will support comprehensive diversion, probation, and programming services for youth.
All forms necessary for each county to attest to its compliance with the tax cap, demonstrate financial hardship and complete local fiscal plans for reimbursement are available online.
Eight Years of Juvenile Justice Reform
Raise the Age builds upon eight years of juvenile justice reform in New York State, where diversion programs and community-based alternatives are making our communities and our state safer. Juvenile arrests are down 22 percent this year. Since 2010, arrests of 16- and 17-year-olds are down by 62 percent; detention has dropped by 56 percent; and juvenile placements have decreased by more than half. Juvenile probation intakes have declined by 36 percent since 2013 and the number of juvenile probation cases opened has dropped by 44 percent since that year.
The Raise the Age law also includes a provision that took effect last year allowing allows individuals convicted of certain non-violent, non-sex-crimes as juvenile to have their records sealed if they maintain a clean record for 10 years. Individuals who were incarcerated may apply to have records sealed10 years from their release date if they have had no arrests. As of Aug. 31, 2018, a total of 549 individuals have had records sealed statewide.
New York State also established the Youth Justice Institute, a partnership with University at Albany and overseen by an executive committee co-chaired by the commissioners of DCJS and OCFS. The Institute provides training to public and private youth service providers so they can better serve children, teens and young adults up to age 24 who are involved in the state’s criminal justice system. The Institute will also conduct research to advance prevention and intervention initiatives that will ultimately help reduce reliance on incarceration and break cycles of recidivism.
Sheila J. Poole, acting commissioner of Office of Children and Family Services, said, “Raise the Age is a much-needed answer to the problem of treating children like adults and exposing them to adult correctional facilities. In our residential treatment centers, youth will receive case management, counseling, clinical medical and mental health services, vocational and employment training and education. All services will be provided on-site under a therapeutic model of care designed to rehabilitate the youth and set them on a path to success.”
Anthony J. Annucci, acting commissioner of Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, said, “The Department is building on the Governor’s vision to Raise the Age of criminal responsibility in New York State and to provide a better environment for the state’s adolescent offenders. DOCCS is now operating two adolescent offender facilities and continuing to update a third to appropriately house these teenagers, as well as provide evidence-based programs and services to assist in the development of their social skills while preparing them for a future transition back to their communities.”
The state’s multi-agency team will continue to engage county and local officials to provide guidance and support to make the enactment of this landmark legislation a success for state and local governments. Most importantly, Raise the Age will allow youth to receive needed interventions and treatment in settings that are appropriate for their age and development, leading them on a path to becoming contributing citizens of their communities.
Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said, “The New York State Courts have worked tirelessly to prepare for this groundbreaking law. We’ve created and staffed new Youth Parts, expanded capacity for Family Court proceedings, especially in New York City, for the older adolescents that court will now address, and expanded access to court for youth arrested after hours to ensure they go before specially trained criminal court “accessible magistrate” judges to be promptly heard on detention status. In addition, we’ve created a new case management system to carefully track and provide statewide data regarding all raise the age impacted youth. Our Judges and non-judicial staff are well-trained and prepared.”
Joint Press Release from James Simon – Yates Town Supervisor, and Daniel Engert – Somerset Town Supervisor
LYNDONVILLE – Apex Clean Energy, a Virginia-based company and the developer of the proposed Lighthouse Wind Project, recently advertised it will host an event on October 2 to provide a preliminary project layout to the general public.
Apex has also indicated a “panel of experts” will provide information about four topic areas – wildlife, sound, infrastructure and the permitting process.
Apex issued a media advisory last week stating the “community forum” will be conducted by a moderator and will include a panel of Apex “experts” who will allow only written questions to be submitted. Only the Apex moderator will ask questions of Apex’s panelists. The last line of the media advisory warns: “Signs, banners or disruptive behavior will not be permitted. Security will be present.”
According to Daniel Engert, Somerset Town Supervisor: “Apex is calling this a ‘community forum,’ which is totally misleading. This is a 100 percent Apex-sponsored propaganda event designed to suppress any public opposition to their ill-conceived project. Apex is not going to let the community ask questions. Instead, Apex is going to have their hired guns just lecture our community. That is not a ‘community forum’ in any sense of the term. By not allowing signs or banners or even interactive spoken questions, Apex is stifling free speech, stifling debate, stifling dissent and it is a total sham.”
Jim Simon, Yates Town Supervisor, agrees with Mr. Engert’s comments and also adds: “Apex is going to have uniformed Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies and New York State Troopers present as security. We have outstanding law enforcement officers in our area who certainly have more important criminal justice activities to accomplish. There should be no need for security at a community forum to discuss a proposed project. The only reason for such a large security detail is to intimidate members of this community who have a different view than Apex.”
Mr. Simon is also asking, “Who is paying for this armed security detail? It ought not be the taxpayers of Orleans County.”
The two towns and other parties, including state regulatory agencies, have requested a facility layout multiple times for almost four years.
Mr. Engert and Mr. Simon stated, “We are extremely frustrated that Apex chose to not provide the towns a facility layout showing exactly where this project will be located even though they did so in their two other proposed projects in New York. This information should have been provided years ago and not under the cover of a tightly scripted lecture event with uniformed police officers standing guard. As frustrated as we are, our communities have given absolutely no reason for this heavy-handed treatment by Apex.”
The Towns of Somerset and Yates made a motion to the New York State Department of Public Service requesting that Apex be required to provide the location of the turbines to the Towns before their upcoming event. The motion, filed on September 28, 2018, also raises the concern that if Apex decides to provide comments and distribute information to the general public related to the stipulations process, Apex will violate the confidentiality requirements repeatedly requested by Apex and imposed by state regulations.
Mr. Engert and Mr. Simon state, “Apex’s recent actions demonstrate their lack of commitment to any meaningful public participation. Based on survey data, a majority of this community does not support Lighthouse Wind and does not want Apex in our towns. Almost all, if not all, of Apex’s supporters are leaseholders who want to profit off the project or people who live outside our community. As a result, we formally call upon the Public Service Commission to come to our towns and see firsthand the depth of division caused by Apex’s divisive, dismissive and unethical behavior, and we once again request Apex to abandon Lighthouse Wind in Somerset and Yates.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2018 at 10:54 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion student Nia Rodriguez portrays Nehemiah Ingersoll (1788 – February 28, 1868), who played a major role in the development of Albion, donating land for the county courthouse and jail, and parceling out 100 acres of land in the downtown for development. He was one of about 15 interesting people from Albion’s past who were highlighted during a Ghost Walk on Saturday at Mount Albion Cemetery.
About 400 people attended the 10th annual Ghost Walk put on by high school students. There were nearly 70 students involved in the production.
Ryan Krenning is Hiram Curtis (April 1804 – May 17, 1871). He owned a foundry along the Erie Canal currently occupied by the Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub. Hiram manufactured agricultural implements including plows, cultivators and reapers. His company made 1,000 plows annually in a variety of patterns. The Erie Canal was a perfect place for his business allowing him to receive raw materials and ship finished product throughout the state and beyond.
Emma Tower portrays Jennie Curtis (1837 – October 23, 1921). She was the daughter of Hiram Curtis. Jennie was a spirited young woman who is considered to be the first female prisoner of the Civil War. She was thought to be a Yankee spy, but was eventually released and the charges were dropped.
In addition to portraying ghosts, students provided music at stops along the cemetery. Here students are shown singing, “Amazing Grace.” The trio includes, from left: Brie Haines, Lily Zambito and Alison Mathes.
Molly Wadhams portrays Laura Ward, wife of Judge Alexis Ward (1802 – November 28, 1854). Alexis Ward was Orleans County Judge from 1830-1840. He was instrumental in coordinating the Rochester-Lockport-Niagara Falls Railroad and the suspension bridge across Niagara Falls River. He was a supporter of public schools. In 1854 he was elected to the Assembly, representing Orleans County, but he died before he could take office.
Chase Froman impersonates Governor Rufus Bullock (1834- April 27, 1907). Bullock graduated from the old Albion Academy in 1850. His background in telegraphy helped him to invent a combination printing telegraph system that was used in many large cities. He moved to Augusta, Ga. and became assistant superintendent of the Adams Telegraph Company and formed the Southern Express Co. When the Civil War broke out, he worked with the Confederate Government and was in charge of the railroads and telegraph lines. After the war he helped organize the First National Bank of Georgia and the Republican Party. He was a key player at the Constitutional Convention and was unanimously nominated for governor. He was elected governor in 1868 and was instrumental in the reconstruction of Georgia with over 600 miles of new railroad built during his tenure.
Olivia Morrison represents Hannah Avery at the only “tabletop grave” at the historic Albion cemetery.
This year’s tour included the singing of a song by the late Albion Mayor Donna Rodden. Hannah Brewer sings Rodden’s song, “Top of the Tower,” at the Civil War Memorial.
Hannah Van Epps is Caroline Phipps Achilles (March 21, 1812 – January 26, 1881). Caroline taught in a log school house at Gaines Basin at the age of 14. She later taught in a classical school located at the Courthouse Square in Albion. She felt girls and boys should be taught separately and chose to teach girls. Her idea was very successful. She built a larger school to accommodate her students and in 1837 the Phipps Union Female Seminary opened its doors to girls from all over New York State.
Students also portrayed Elizabeth Harriet Denio, Judge Noah Davis, David Hardie, Judge Arad Thomas, Starr Chester, James Lewis and Emily Caroline Minton Pullman, and Elizabeth Josephine Vaile, MD.
Press Release, 340th Flying Training Group Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Scott A. Goetze
JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – Chief Master Sgt. Scott A. Goetze has been selected as the group superintendent for the 340th Flying Training Group. As the superintendent, he will advise the commander on all issues pertaining to the group enlisted force, including health, morale, welfare and personal and professional development.
The 340th Flying Training Group supports Air Education and Training Command’s specialized undergraduate pilot training, joint primary pilot training, pilot instructor training, introduction to fighter fundamentals, Euro-NATO joint jet pilot training, basic military training and the United States Air Force Academy airmanship programs.
The 340th is the largest flying group in the Air Force, consisting of 425 instructor pilots and 125 enlisted members assigned to six squadrons at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and JBSA-Lackland, Texas; Columbus AFB, Mississippi; Laughlin AFB and Sheppard AFB, Texas; and USAF Academy in Colorado.
Goetze is a native of Lyndonville, New York. He entered the Air Force in July 1986, serving as an aircraft technician on the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-117 Nighthawk, C-141B Starlifter, C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules aircraft.
He separated from active duty in June 1997, transferring to the Air Force Reserve, serving as a traditional Reserve, while working as a NASA product support engineer in Seattle, Washington. He accepted an Air Reserve Technician program position in 2004.
He has served in various operational and strategic level leadership roles, and deployed multiple times to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and Djibouti, Africa, in support of the war on terrorism. Previous assignments include bases in Germany, Korea, Nevada, Washington, New York and Texas. Most recently, the chief was the Reserve Military Training Leader Liaison Superintendent at Sheppard AFB.
Goetze and his wife, Jeanne (also from Lyndonville), have two sons: Justin, employed by Mid-Western State University, and Thomas, a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will participate in National Coffee with a Cop Day on Wednesday.
Deputies will be available to chat with the public at three locations on Wednesday: Christos Diner on Route 104 in Murray from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Tim Hortons on Main Street in Albion from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; and Millers Bakery on Route 104 in Medina from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
“The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Medina police officers will be at the McDonald’s in Medina from 8 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. if anyone wants to stop by and join them for a coffee.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 September 2018 at 6:07 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Rivals Holley and Kendall will meet in boys soccer at Holley on Tuesday. Here Holley’s John Mounts works against Kendall defenders Brian Gonzalez and Nick Richardson during the earlier season meeting.
Rivals Holley and Kendall will meet in boys soccer competition for the second time this season at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Holley in a Genesee Region League game. Holley won the earlier meeting 4-2 at Kendall.
Rivals Akron and Barker will meet in a key Niagara-Orleans League field hockey matchup of defending co-champions at 4:45 p.m. Thursday at Barker. Akron won the earlier season meeting over Barker 2-1 in overtime . The 6-1 Raiders and 6-2 Lady Tigers are both chasing 7-1 Roy-Hart in the tight three-way race for the N-O title.
Also in boys soccer, Albion (4-2-1) visits Newfane (4-2-1) at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in a key matchup of two teams currently tied for second place and looking for a win to stay in the N-O title hunt. The Purple Eagles and Panthers trail front-running Wilson (5-1-1) by a game.
In girls volleyball, Medina will visit Lyndonville on Monday in a non league match and then visit Roy-Hart in an N-O contest on Thursday.
The N-O golf championship will be decided at the annual All-League Tournament on Tuesday at Willowbrook.
On the football field, Medina/Lyndonville/Barker faces a must win B2 Division game at Lackawanna at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Mustangs are currently locked in a tight four-way battle for the B2 Division title. Undefeated Albion is currently leading the division at 4-0 while Olean is 3-1 and Lackawanna and Medina/Lyndonville./Barker both at 2-1. Therefore, a loss at Lackawanna would drop the Mustangs out of the title chase.
Albion will host Iroquois in a non league game at 7 p.m. Friday. At that same time Roy-Hart will host JFK in a C North game and Holley will visit Marcus Whitman in an 8 man contest.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Soccer: Global Concepts vs. Medina/Lyndonville, 5 p.m. at Lyndonville; Roy-Hart at Holley, Marion at Kendall, CCA at Albion, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Holley at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Medina at Lyndonville, Albion at Notre Dame, Alexander at Holley, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Soccer: Kendall at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Roy-Hart at Barker, Wilson at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Newfane at Albion, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Newfane at Medina, Barker at Wilson, Roy-Hart at Sacred Heart, 4:45 p.m.; Kenmore at Akron, 5 p.m. Golf: N-O all-League Tournament at Willowbrook Cross-Country: Roy-Hart and Wilson at Albion, Barker at Newfane, Medina at Akron, 4:45 p.m. Boys Volleyball: SOTA at Lyndonville/Medina, 5 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Soccer: Albion at Newfane, Wilson at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina/Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer: Lyndonville/Medina at Wheatland-Chili, Kendall at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Newfane at Medina, Akron at Albion, Roy-Hart at Wilson, Lyndonville at Holley, Pembroke at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Boys Soccer: Medina/Lyndonville at LeRoy, Holley at Wheatland-Chili, Kendall at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Roy-Hart at Medina, Wheatland-Chili at Lyndonville, Byron-Bergen at Holley, Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Medina at Kenmore, Roy-Hart at Newfane, Akron at Barker, 4:45 p.m.
Friday Football: Iroquois at Albion, JFK at Roy-Hart, Holley at Marcus Whitman, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer: Lyndonville/Medina at Holley, Kendall at Alexander, 6:30 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Albion at Newfane, Wilson at Akron, 6:30 p.m. Boys Volleyball: Sodus at Lyndonville/Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Football: Medina/Lyndonville/Barker at Lackawanna, 1 p.m. Boys Soccer: Byron-Bergen at Albion, 10 a.m. Girls Soccer: Albion at Wilson, Newfane at Roy-Hart, Barker at Akron, 10 a.m.
CAMILLIS – The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to West Genesee High School in Camillus on Saturday for the band’s third competition this season.
Nine bands competed in four classifications while West Genesee performed in exhibition. In SS1, Medina took first place with a score of 80.85 followed by Central Square in second with 78.95, New Hartford in third with 77.0 and Mohonasen in fourth with 75.80.
In LS3, Rome Free Academy won first with 71.5 and Phoenix had the high score in SS2 with 70.50. In the National Class, Cicero North Syracuse earned first place with a score of 86.40 followed by Baldwinsville in second with 84.90 and Liverpool in third with 81.90.
The band continues to tweak the show each week in preparation for the state championships at Syracuse on Oct. 28. There are three competitions before the state championship. The next shows are Oct. 6 in Webster, Oct. 13 in Victor and Oct. 20 at Orchard Park.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 September 2018 at 9:42 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Saturday’s annual Homecoming celebration at Kendall was a special one for members of the Eagles Class of 1988 as they donated three picnic tables to the school in memory of a trio of their deceased classmates – Pat Regan, Mike Hart and Kevin Banker. Their names are engraved on the tables. Shown here seated at the table at the left are the family of Kevin Banker including Heather Banker, Sharon Bennett, Urb Bennett, Meghan Snyder, Libby Snyder, Laura Snyder, Rebecca Banker and Bradley Snyder along with members of the Class of 1988 including Connie Herring, Patricia Urguhart, Doug Urguhart, Chris Stock, Michelle Barrett and Mark Porter. Seated at the table at the right are the family of Pat Regan including Rosanne Regan, Heather Regan, Jenna Regan, Britney Regan, Kailie Regan and Marie Tisack along with the following members of the Class of 1988 Members of the class of 1988 Connie Herring, Patricia Urquhart, Doug Urguhart, Chris Stock, Michelle Barrett and Mark Porter. Editor’s Note: This article was updated to correct the last names for four of people in the photo.
A closeup view of the plaques honoring the deceased members of the Kendall Class of 1988.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 September 2018 at 9:06 am
MEDINA – Jennifer Clark Paige never knew her great-great-uncle Cpl. James P. Clark.
But on Saturday, she and her second cousin Chere Bougard of North Tonawanda had a hard time choking back the tears during a special ceremony honoring Clark at the American Legion Post on North Main Street .
“Although I never met him, he’s a hero and I would not be here without his sacrifice,” Paige said.
An honor guard from the Butts-Clark American Legion and Medina VFW offer a three-gun salute during ceremonies to honor Cpl. James P. Clark, who died 100 years ago Saturday while serving in World War I. In the background is bugler Russell Young, and standing at attention are Jim Freas and chaplain Dave Kusmierczak.
Cpl. James P. Clark was a Medina resident and member of Company F, who trained at the Medina Armory, along with his brothers Leslie and Seth.
All three were at the Hindenburg Line in France on Sept. 27, 1918, when James was shot and died.
“I had it in my mind we could go to France and visit the American section of Bony Cemetery, where Uncle James is buried,” said Chere Bougard, great-niece. “When it became apparent we weren’t going to get there, we started making other plans to memorialize him.”
About five years ago Bougard visited the Butts-Clark American Legion, which is named for Lt. John Butts and Clark.
She suggested to her second cousin, Jennifer Clark Page of Buffalo, about doing a ceremony in Medina, and Paige said, “Yes, yes.”
“We contacted the Post and they were more than welcoming,” Bougard said.
Glenn Whitmore, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post in Medina, presents a coin given at military funerals to Chere Bougard of North Tonawanda, great-niece of Cpl. James P. Clark, who was killed in action 100 years ago and for whom the Post was named.
Saturday’s ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance and reading of the circumstances surrounding Cpl. Clark’s death by Cathy Fox.
“Today, Sept. 29, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of Cpl. James P. Clark’s death,” Fox said. “It is appropriate we gather to pay our respects to this young soldier.
“One-hundred years ago, Company F, 108th Infantry, which was made up of infantrymen from Medina and New York City, was part of one of the great offensive movements launched by American forces during World War I – to break through the German defenses at the Hindenburg Line. The object was Bony, France. That day, the attack began in the early morning hours and as the day progressed, they suffered heavy casualties. But, by 11 a.m. they had reached their goal.
“As the offensive progressed, the commanding officers of the unit were also lost. Cpl. James P. Clark of Medina assumed command of his unit at a moment when confusion could have overcome the men. For nearly 20 minutes, he urged his friends forward before receiving a gunshot wound to the chest. He died in the arms of his comrades. Of the 239 in Company F who had started the long march across the shell- and bullet-racked field, only 54 answered roll call after the engagement.”
Cathy Fox with the American Legion reads the story of Cpl. James P. Clark’s death during World War I during a ceremony honoring him Saturday at the Butts-Clark American Legion. At right is Legion commander Glenn Whitmore.
Cpl. Clark was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for “leading his men into effective action after all superior officers had been killed, and directing that action coolly and courageously.”
Fox explained that following the war, in early 1919 as the American Legion was becoming an official veterans’ organization, posts were being organized across the country. In Medina, the first step was deciding on a name for the new post, and it was a policy to name a post after a resident who had given his life for his country in the Great War.
This picture of the Clark brothers shows Leslie, 6; Seth, 4; and James, 2. It was provided by the family, who visited the American Legion Post in Medina Saturday on the 100th anniversary of James’ death in World War I. All three brothers were serving at the Hindenburg Line when James was killed.
Cpl. Clark was one of Medina’s first to die in France. The decision to name the post after him also honored his family, whose two other sons were wounded and able to return home.
Saturday’s ceremony then moved outside, where an Honor Guard from the American Legion and VFW gave a three-gun salute, followed by the playing of Taps by bugler Russell Young.
Legion commander Glenn Whitmore said it was a pleasure and an honor to have Clark ’s family there, as he presented Bougard with a coin which is given to a family at a military funeral. He also held up the Company F flag, under which Clark had served.
“We feel so honored to have the cooperation of these great people in Medina,” Bougard said.
“This has been very special,” Fox said.
Chere Bougard of North Tonawanda is solemn as the story of her great-uncle Cpl. James P. Clark’s death is read at the Butts-Clark American Legion Post on Saturday. Saturday marked the 100th anniversary of the soldier’s death at the Hindenburg Line.
From left, Glenn Whitmore, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post; Jennifer Clark Page, great-great-niece of James P. Clark; Chere Bougard, great-niece of Clark’s; and Cathy Fox with the American Legion cut the cake during a ceremony Saturday to honor Clark, who died 100 years ago at the Hindenburg Line during World War I.
The Honor Guard from the VFW and American Legion in Medina pose with the family of Cpl. James P. Clark, who was killed 100 years ago Saturday during World War I, and for whom the American Legion is named.
