The New York State Police in Troop A and Amtrak on Tuesday will be participating in “Operation Clear Track” – the largest single day railroad safety law enforcement initiative in the U.S.
This year’s deployment will require Troopers for three hours to monitor railroad crossings and enforce state laws that apply when operators disregard the safety equipment at railroad crossings.
Raising public awareness about the dangers of failing to comply with railroad safety laws is a critical step in preventing railroad-related deaths and injuries in the community.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S8987A/A 11011-B) that adds acute pain management to the list of conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended as an alternative to opioid use.
The bill will also allow for substance use disorder treatment providers to recommend medical marijuana to help patients manage underlying pain that contributes to the abuse of substances such as opioids.
“In this battle against the opioid epidemic, it is critical that we use every means at our disposal to prevent the unnecessary prescription of these dangerous and addictive painkillers,” Governor Cuomo said. “Adding these conditions to the list of those approved for management with medical marijuana will help reduce the risk of addiction and provide suffering New Yorkers the relief they need.”
The bill will formalize into law the regulatory change that was implemented by the Department of Health earlier this year that added opioid replacement and opioid use disorder to the existing list of conditions for which a patient can qualify for medical marijuana.
In order to recommend medical marijuana for pain management, a registered practitioner must determine that the patient’s pain degrades health and functional capability, along with certain other requirements.
“As the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction travelled the state, this was a big gap that we heard about over and over,” said Senator George Amedore, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “When we look at solutions to help us combat the heroin and opioid epidemic, we must ensure prescribers and patients have every resource and option at their disposal. I’m glad the Governor has signed this legislation that will help patients and provide an alternative to highly addictive opioids.”
Assembly Health Committee chairman and bill sponsor Richard N. Gottfried said, “Opioid addiction does not discriminate, impacting New Yorkers of all ages, genders, and races. Evidence from across the country shows that access to medical marijuana for pain treatment reduces the use of far more dangerous opioids. Medical marijuana is a safe and effective alternative for treating pain. I commend the Governor for signing the bill and will continue working to expand access to medical marijuana for patients in need.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.7415C/A.10082B) to prohibit the leasing of companion animals in New York.
The practice of leasing companion animals has resulted in balloon payments and predatory interest rates that lower-income pet owners cannot afford. As a result, pets are repossessed, traumatizing both owners and their pets. The amended law will prohibit the use of a dog or a cat as security for payments in contracts and financing agreements with pet dealers.
“As I’ve learned firsthand, pets quickly become members of your family, and it is unconscionable that there are unscrupulous sellers who would use pets as collateral,” Governor Cuomo said. “I’m proud to sign this legislation that will end this predatory practice once and for all.”
Bill Ketzer, Senior Director of State Legislation for the ASPCA, Northeast Region, said, “The ASPCA has long warned consumers to be skeptical of pet stores and online sellers who may deceive them about the sources and health of the dogs they sell, and pet leasing is yet another example of the disregard retail pet sellers can have for the well-being of their animals. These deceptive, predatory financing arrangements benefit only the lending company and the pet seller – not the consumer, and certainly not the animal involved. We are grateful to Governor Cuomo for his continued leadership in animal welfare and protection by prohibiting this practice once and for all.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2018 at 2:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Crews are working to clean up paint that spilled on the westbound lane of Route 31A in Albion at about 11 a.m. today.
The state Department of Transportation’s striping truck was in a collision with another motorist, causing the spill. The striping truck was damaged and isn’t working right now, a state trooper said.
(UPDATED 2:44 p.m.) The driver of a truck in the accident said he was behind the striping truck when it stopped and then backed into him. The driver said he honked his horn to get the driver of the striping truck’s attention but that vehicle kept backing up. The driver of the truck said there wasn’t a “do not follow” vehicle close by.
Lyons Collision hauled away the striping truck and is working with the DOT and Albion firefighters to clean up the paint on the road, which is near the Lewis Road intersection, east of Route 98.
The accident is under investigation. No additional information is available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2018 at 11:03 am
27th Congressional District, a Republican stronghold, could flip to Democratic candidate, DiNapoli says
Tom DiNapoli
ALBION – It’s not easy being a Democrat in Orleans County, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli told party leaders on Friday afternoon.
Republicans in Orleans County outnumber Democrats 2-to-1 and the Republicans fill nearly all of the elected positions.
That can be discouraging for a Democrat who wants to run for elected office, DiNapoli said.
He told the Democrats he is inspired by their push to serve their community, despite the odds against them.
This election the Democrats are energized, he said. There was a big turnout statewide during the primary on Sept. 13. In Orleans County, the turnout doubled what it was four years earlier for the statewide primaries.
“As Democrats don’tbe afraid of who we are,” DiNapoli said during an hour visit at Hoag Library. “It’s important for people to see and hear who we are.”
The comptroller is seeking a third four-year term on Nov. 6. Jonathan Trichter, an investment banker, is running on the Republican line against DiNapoli.
The comptroller said the local Democrats can play a big role on Nov. 6. Generally there isn’t too much drama with state and national races for Orleans County Democrats. Democrats tend to win handily for statewide positions. The state Legislature and Congressional races in Orleans County, however, tend to be runaway victories for the Republicans, who enjoy a big enrollment advantage in rural areas.
Tom DiNapoli greets Joyce Riley, who is running for the Gaines Town Board in November.
DiNapoli said a “blue wave” may ripple through Orleans County with the 27th Congressional District, the most Republican-leaning district in the state. The district was thought to be solidly Republican, but incumbent Chris Collins has been indicted on insider trading charges. Nate McMurray, the Democrat, is mounting an aggressive challenge and Collins is staying on the ballot.
“The election in 2018 is a moment in time and an opportunity to change the direction of the country,” DiNapoli told local Democratic Party leaders. “Orleans County could be part of the blue wave. Every vote for Nate will make a difference and will resonant nationally.”
He blamed the Trump Administration and Republican Congress for pushing through tax cuts that favor the wealthy and for changes in healthcare that will drive up New York’s state costs while reducing coverage for residents.
“I think there is some buyer’s remorse,” he said about the president. “There is a scandal a day that drives everybody crazy.”
Tom DiNapoli met with Orleans County Democratic Party leaders for about an hour on Friday. He said their active participation is critical and much appreciated in a rural county where they are vastly outnumbered and outspent by the Republican Party.
If the House of Representatives switches to a Democratic majority, DiNapoli said Trump would get a much-needed check on his power.
There also is a chance the Senate could also tip to the Democrats and Chuck Schumer, one of New York’s senators, could become majority leader, which DiNapoli said would be good for local residents.
“He knows where Orleans County is,” he said.
The midterm elections are generating lots of interest, and DiNapoli said Orleans County could be in the limelight with the 27th Congressional District.
“I really think this will be a good year for Democrats,” he said. “In Orleans County, with that Congressional race, you could be part of taking back the House of Representatives. Democrats would bring balance back to Washington.”
DiNapoli also said in his decade as comptroller the pension fund has nearly doubled while his office since 2011 has investigated 180 people who were arrested for stealing from taxpayers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2018 at 9:32 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church is pictured recently in Albion. The church was inducted into the first class of the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame in 2013.
MEDINA – A new class of magnificent Medina Sandstone buildings will be inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 18.
This will be the sixth class to go into the Hall of Fame, which is located inside City Hall in Medina. The Medina Sandstone Society is planning an induction ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18.
The new class includes three inductees.
Since the Hall of Fame was established in 2013, 24 buildings have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame with sites across New York State and one in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The Hall of Fame Committee – Jim Hancock, David Miller and Don Colquhoun – makes road trips to all of the nominees and does research on the buildings. Hancock, the Sandstone Society president, said he has developed a far deeper appreciation for the local quarried stone.
Collin Capurso sent in this photo of the sunset on Zig Zag Road in Gaines on Saturday. “The bike trip was most definitely worthwhile,” Capurso said.
Today is forecast to be sunny with a high of 72. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a beach hazards statement until 4 p.m. today for Orleans, Niagara and Monroe counties. The Weather Service said there is a high swim risk with life-threatening waves and currents.
“Stay out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls,” the Weather Service said.
The high temperatures for the rest of the week include 76 with a ¼ to ½ inch of rain possible on Tuesday, 74 on Wednesday with chance of rain, 66 and partly sunny on Thursday, 69 and a chance of showers on Friday, and 67 and mostly sunny on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2018 at 8:37 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The color guard for the Medina Mustang Marching Band makes its way on to the field on Saturday. The Mustangs hosted the Fall Festival of Bands at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Medina’s score of 79.30 was the highest score among the top bands, which also included Falconer/Frewsburg, Marcus Whitman, Girard, Le Roy, Pioneer, Webster, Orchard Park, Jamestown and Lancaster.
Maisie Griffin is the drum major for Medina. She is ready to lead the band in its performance of “Together As One.” This is Medina’s 52nd year as a marching ensemble.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2018 at 6:50 pm
Mustangs have highest score on the night
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Anna Halpa, the drum major for the Webster High School Marching Band, practices with the band at halftime during Saturday’s fall Festival of Bands at Medina.
A spectacular sunset appeared in the sky about 7:15.
Webster was one of 10 bands that performed at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Medina. The bands performed for about three hours. Medina had the highest score on the night, although four of the bands were from larger schools.
The color guard performs with the Webster band. Webster’s show this year is called “Heart Strings.”
The Medina Mustang Band performs for the home crowd. Medina’s show is called “Together As One.” Medina had the top score at 79.30.
Here are the scores from Saturday:
Small School 3: 5th place – 60.40 – Falconer/Frewsburg; 4th place – 62.35 – Marcus Whitman; 3rd place – 63.80 – Girard; 2nd – 63.85 – Le Roy; 1st place – 65.00 – Pioneer.
Small School 1: 1st place – 79.30 – Medina.
Large School 2: 3rd place – 74.60 – Webster; 2nd place – 76.40 – Orchard Park; 1st place – 77.80 – Jamestown.
National: 1st place – 79.30 – Lancaster.
The color guard performs with the Medina Mustang Band.
Abigail Brudz, drum major for the Lancaster High School Marching Band, leads the 102 members of the group in their performance of “Path of Totality.”
Lancaster and many of the bands had elaborate sets and choreography as part of their performance.
Orchard Park performed “Mother Nature” and with a message: “That all living organisms are connected on this Earth. We must take care before it is too late!”
Orchard Park performs at Medina.
Jamestown’s band performed “Canon” and won first place among the large schools.
The color guard is a big part of the Jamestown band.
Each band had souvenir buttons for sale with the theme of the year’s show.
The Medina Band Booster Club sold refreshments by the field.
This is Medina’s 52nd year as a marching ensemble. The season concludes with the state championships at Syracuse on Oct. 28.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 September 2018 at 5:42 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Sarah Cochrane battles for control of the ball with Roy-Hart’s Holly DiMayo during an earlier season contest. The Mustangs face key field hockey tests this week against both co-leaders Roy-Hart and Barker.
Off to their best start in a decade, the Medina Mustangs face a pair of key contests this week in their quest to stay in the thick of the Niagara-Orleans League field hockey title race.
Medina is currently tied for second place with Akron at 4-2 just a game behind co-leaders Barker and Roy-Hart both at 5-1 and the Mustangs face both this week. The Mustangs host Barker on Tuesday and then visit Roy-Hart on Thursday, both at 4:45 p.m.
Rivals Holley and Kendall will meet this week in girls volleyball on Wednesday and in girls soccer on Thursday, both at Holley.
In N-O girls soccer, undefeated (6-0) front-runner Albion hosts Akron in a key game at 6:45 p.m. Friday. Akron is currently tied for second place with Wilson just a game off the pace at 4-1.
On the gridiron, Albion will travel to Springville on Friday evening in a B2 Division game while Medina/Lyndonville/Barker visits Maritime/Health Sciences for a non league contest on Saturday. Roy-Hart will also visit Akron in a C North Division game on Friday while Holley hosts Oakfield-Alabama/Elba on Saturday in an 8 man contest.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Soccer: Newfane at Albion, Pembroke at Holley, Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Albion at Alexander, Holley at Lima Christian, 4:30 p.m. Golf: Barker at Medina ,4 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Albion at Batavia, Lyndonville at Pembroke, Wheatland-Chili at Holley, Attica at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Girls Soccer: Lyndonville/Medina at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.; Kendall at Byron-Bergen, Holley at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Barker at Medina, Wilson at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Kenmore at Roy-Hart, 5 p.m. Cross-Country: Albion and Barker at Akron, Medina at Wilson, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m. Golf: Medina at Albion, Newfane at Roy-Hart, Barker at Wilson, 4 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Medina at Akron, Cheektowaga at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Soccer: Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m. Golf: Barker at Albion, Medina at Wilson, 4 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Kendall at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Boys Volleyball: SOTA at Lyndonville/Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Boys Soccer: Newfane at Medina/Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Wilson, 6:30 p.m.; Akron at Albion, 6:45 p.m. Girls Soccer: Lyndonville/Medina at Alexander, Kendall at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Medina at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Kendall, Akron at Newfane, 4:45 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Medina at Wilson, Albion at Roy-Hart, Akron at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Friday Football: Roy-Hart at Akron, Albion at Springville, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer: Roy-Hart at Wilson, Newfane at Barker, 4:30 p.m.; Akron at Albion, 6:45 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Northstar at Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m. Boys Volleyball: O’Hara at Lyndonville, 6 p.m.
Saturday Football: Oakfield-Alabama/Elba at Holley, 1:30 p.m.; Medina/Lyndonville/Barker at Maritime/Health Sciences, 2 p.m. Boys Soccer: Rochester Academy at Medina/Lyndonville, 12:30 p.m. at Lyndonville; Pavilion/York at Kendall, 1 p.m.; Warsaw/Letchworth at Holley, 3:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Byron-Bergen at Lyndonville/Medina, 10 a.m. at Lyndonville; Notre Dame at Kendall, 11 a.m. Attica at Holley, 5:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Northstar at Holley, 11 a.m.; Notre Dame at Kendall, 12:30 p.m. Boys Soccer: Lyndonville/Medina at Sodus, 1 p.m.
ALBION – It was Super Soccer Saturday at Albion yesterday for homecoming. The Albion varsity boys and girls teams both defeated Roy-Hart. The JV boys and girls, and girls modified teams also played on Saturday.
The fence was lined with signs for Albion players in the games.
Albion girls coach Maggie Orbaker talks to the team at halftime.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2018 at 8:19 am
A 15-year-old girl formerly from Albion has been charged with two counts of capital murder following the deaths of her sister and mother.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama announced the charges on Friday. Because the teen is being charged as a juvenile her name is not being released.
She is accused of fatally stabbing her mother, 44-year-old Rosa Aminta Maldonado, and older sister, 19-year-old Rosa Lee Maldonado, who graduated from Albion in 2017. The Maldonados moved to Alabama about a year ago.
Many of the family’s friends in the Albion community had a vigil of remembrance on Friday evening at Bullard Park in Albion.
Rosa Lee Maldonado and her mother were found deceased by deputies at about 1 a.m. Wednesday, after someone in the house made a 911 call.
The 15-year-old had stabbed herself in the head and neck, the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said. She was treated at a hospital in Huntsville and released on Friday.
The family has established a fundraiser on Facebook. (Click here for more information)
“We’d appreciate any help that we can receive,” according to the post. “We are trying to bury two loved ones who recently passed away. We’d appreciate anything, even the small is big.”
Rosa Aminta Maldonado was the mother of Katie Sanchez, who was 15 in January 2011 when she strangled to death by her brother-in-law, Carlos Cardenas. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Rosa Lee Maldonado was Katie’s younger sister at the time.
Staff Reports Posted 22 September 2018 at 10:52 pm
Photos contributed by Nicole Goyette
MEDINA – Medina held a pep rally and parade on Friday afternoon. The homecoming court includes, from left: Ray Paull & Erin Dunham, Kody Leno & Jessica Granchelli, Jonathan Peitrafasa & Libby Cook, Dawson Brown & Ashton Laird, and King Isaiah Rhim and & Queen Rebecca Lunden.
Homecoming King Isaiah Rhim is joined by his football teammates during the parade of athletes.
The girls volleyball team is all smiles during the parade.
Cheerleaders from left include Meadow, Bobbie-Sue Fearby, Ashton Laird and Alexis Maron.
A musical chairs competition during the pep rally included Christopher Goyette, Alissa Blount, Caiden Class, Isabella Gray, Payton Denniston and Jackson McGrath.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2018 at 6:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Angie Wolfe is pictured with her 6-year-old son, Caleb, during a spaghetti dinner benefit and basket raffle today at the Albion Elks Club. Her friends, family and co-workers at Albion Central School organized the event to help her while she battles breast cancer.
Wolfe, a kindergarten teacher at Albion, was diagnosed with cancer in March. She had surgery in April and went through chemotherapy from May until her last treatment on Sept. 4.
She is hopeful she can return to the classroom in October or November. She also will be undergoing immunotherapy which she said shouldn’t be as taxing as chemo.
“I am absolutely amazed by the love and support from the community,” Wolfe said at a packed Elks Club. “I had a lot of happy tears today.”
Angie Wolfe, 42, gets a hug from third grader Julia Graham. Wolfe grew up in Albion and has taught at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School for 18 years, the first five as a first grade teacher and the last 13 in kindergarten.
Many of her former students and their families attended today’s benefit.
“I love my job,” Wolfe said. “I love the kids and they are giving back today.”
The community donated about 200 baskets that were raffled off.
Lisa Wilson, Myleigh Miller and Damian Wilson (Lisa’s son) volunteered at the front table. Lisa has known Angie Wolfe since they were in second grade. Lisa considers Angie an aunt to her children. Lisa helped organize today’s benefit and she said people were eager to donate to the effort.
“So many kids love her,” Wilson said. “She makes learning fun for them. She makes all of the kids feel special.”
Cindy Newlands, left, and Joyce Allport were among the many volunteers in the kitchen. They served 400 spaghetti dinners by 5 p.m., with an hour still to go.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2018 at 3:58 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The old Medina High School on Catherine Street will host 29 artists next month as part of the “PLAY/GROUND” initiative.
MEDINA – The former Medina High School on Catherine Street, which most recently was used as a church, will host 29 artists next month as part of a new “PLAY/GROUND” initiative on Oct. 12-14.
“This a very exciting project,” said Anna Kaplan of Anna Kaplan Contemporary, a Buffalo gallery. “It’s basically a raw canvas. We’re letting the artists come in and basically play around, to be free and experiment.”
The artists are from Western New York, New York City and Toronto. Kaplan is helping to manage the show. Click here for more on PLAY/GROUND.
The 90,000 square foot school was built in 1924. Kaplan said the school will be radically transformed for the weekend by the artists.
“It will not feel like an old school,” she said. “It will be fun.”
The show is run by RESOURCE:ART, a fine art consultancy group that includes three independent WNY gallerists: Kaplan, Elisabeth Samuels (Indigo Art) and Emily Tucker (Benjaman Contemporary). Kaplan, Samuels, and Tucker each have extensive curatorial experience and professional relationships with artists working in a wide range of media.
RESOURCE:ART also manages the execution of site-specific fine art and considers every project as a unique collaboration between the artist and the site, navigating aesthetic, formal and functional concerns. RESOURCE:ART’s most recent project is “The Corridors Gallery at Hotel Henry,” a rotating exhibition program in partnership with Hotel Henry in Buffalo. Click here for more on RESOURCE:ART.
Friday on Oct. 12 will be a big party with food and the options for alcohol. Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 13-14) there are ticket options for $10. A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc.
The participating artists include Adam David Brown, Allen C. Topolski, Amanda Besl, Amanda Browder, Bethany Krull, Buffalo Institute for Contemporary Art (Emily Ebba Reynolds/Nando Alvarez-Perez), Catherine Heard, Chambliss Giobbi, Colleen Toledano, Coryn Kempster and Julia Jamrozik, Elizabeth Cooper, Ginny O’Brien, Jim Morris, John C. Santomieri, Jonathan Casey, Julian Montague, Katherine McMahon, Kyla Kegler, Kyle Butler, Lyla Rye, Melanie Fisher, Michael Bosworth, NC Miller, Reinhard Reitzenstein, Roberley Bell, Steven Pestana, Virginia Melynk, Virocode (Peter D’Auria and Andrea Mancuso), and Yvette Granata.
The event has been made possible by all of PLAY/GROUND’s generous sponsors including Agency 15, Bootleg Bucha, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, Hotel Henry, Imagine Staffing, Raclette’s, Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), and WNYBAC.
The school is planned to be redeveloped into unique loft apartments. That project is named “Mustang City” after the Medina High School mascot.
