HOLLEY – Braden Ferranti competes in a the heating and plumbing competition as part of the Skills USA state competition in April at the State Fairgrounds.
Ferranti, who just finished his junior year at Holley, attends WeMoCo in Spencerport. He won the state competition and advanced to Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, from June 25-29, which is also a National Leadership and Skills Conference, a showcase of career and technical education students.
Ferranti placed 7th in the competition with 50-plus students from all over the country
He is enrolled in the HVAC course this coming year at Wemoco and will continue with the co-op job he has. He will be a senior in Holley this year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2018 at 2:55 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Stan Thurber, a Korean War veteran, acknowledges the crowd on Main Street while he rides in 1960 Impala owned by Cecil Livingston. The car was decorated for the Fourth of July. Thurber wanted to remind the public about veterans, including many who never came home.
The parade included about 30 floats and 15 different fire departments. It lasted more than an hour on Wednesday with temperatures in the low 90s.
Michael Tabor carries the American flag for the Lyndonville Fire Department. Morgan Gerety is next to him with the ax.
Girl Scouts in Troop 82040 wave to the crowd in the downtown.
Mark Watts drives a former Medina fire truck from 1933.
Sarah Gregori drives a mini-antique car to highlight Circle R Fruit Farms in Carlton.
Dancing Derrick Bradley is dressed as the Weed Man. He carries an American flag during the very hot parade.
Greg Dugan is dressed as Uncle Sam and Michele Grabowski is Lady Liberty in this float from the St. Joan of Arc of Orleans and Knights of Columbus.
Jean Shervin, the Hospice volunteer of the year, gets a nice ride in a car owned by Don Bishop.
TJ Heidemann, a Lyndonville firefighter, gives his daughter Savannah a ride in an all-terrain vehicle. She waves to the crowd.
Brad Ferris acknowledges the crowd while riding an old Farmall tractor down Main Street.
The Crusaders Motorcycle Club also was an enthusiastic presence in the parade.
The Lyndonville school band played several patriotic numbers during the parade.
MEDINA – Heaven Flood, a Lyndonville senior, won a $500 scholarship from Coca-Cola. Heaven was a Cosmetology student at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center and received the award at the end of the year ceremony at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES center.
She is pictured at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center with Principal Dr. Michael Weyrauch.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2018 at 8:25 am
Another heat advisory has been issued for today with another day of the high temperature forecast to hit 90.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued the heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. for Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Erie, Genesee, Livingston and Ontario counties.
The heat index will be in the upper 90s.
“Heat and humidity will bring an increased risk for heat-related illness,” the Weather Service said. “The elderly, very young, pregnant, and those with heart and respiratory conditions that don’t have access to air conditioning are especially at risk. Prolonged outdoor exposure or strenuous activity may result in heat exhaustion.”
The Weather Service urges people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check in on relatives and neighbors.
There is a chance for showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. today and some of the storms could produce heavy rain.
Photo courtesy of Medina Police Department: Firefighters kept the fire from spreading to neighboring structures on East Oak Orchard Street.
Information courtesy of Steve Cooley, public information officer for Medina Fire Department
MEDINA – Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire in Medina on Wednesday morning at 104 East Oak Orchard St.
The Village of Medina Fire Department responded along with first alarm assistance from the Shelby and Lyndonville fire companies. Third Platoon firefighters under the direction of Captain Jonathan Higgins arrived on scene with Engine 11 and Ladder 40 to find flames coming from two windows on the East side of the structure.
As the crews made entry into the structure, Captain Higgins requested a second alarm be struck due to several other buildings being in close proximity to the house fire, as well as the high heat index.
Ridgeway firefighters were sent to the scene on the second alarm and units from the East Shelby and Middleport fire companies along with COVA EMS were sent to fill in at the Medina firehouse. Crews quickly extinguished the bulk of the flames in two rooms on the first floor and performed primary and secondary searches of this two-story structure.
The fire had extended to a void area in a roof of a step down area in the rear of the structure. Extensive overhaul was required to make sure no other void areas contained fire. Severe fire damage was contained to the two rooms on the first floor with smoke and water damage to the rest of the first floor. The second floor suffered some smoke damage as well as some damage from overhaul that was necessary to access the void area in the back roof.
One minor injury was sustained by a firefighter and that firefighter remained on duty at the scene. No civilian injuries were reported. Two canines were found deceased and were recovered by firefighters.
A Medina Fire Department fire Investigator with assistance from a Fire Investigator from the Orleans County Emergency Management Office have the fire deemed accidental at this time. Friends and family of the occupant are assisting her at this time and the Red Cross was contacted.
Also assisting on scene was Deputy Fire Coordinator Hydock from the Orleans County Emergency Management Office and the Medina Police Department.
“We would like to thank all our public safety partners for assisting and that includes the multiple neighbors that came out with water and cold drinks for all responders on scene,” said Steve Cooley, Medina firefighter and public information officer.
Also worth noting, four EMS calls were dispatched during this fire, the first EMS call during the fire was handled by COVA EMS who was already on stand-by, Cooley said. Three additional EMS calls then occurred at the Lyndonville Fourth of July celebration. Those calls were handled by MFD firefighters who assisted Lyndonville Fire/EMS. After this rush of EMS calls, the Barker FD was also placed on standby per Lyndonville FD.
“These events highlight the continued cooperation and communication between multiple local agencies to ensure the highest quality EMS care and fire response happen, no matter what other emergencies are occurring,” Cooley said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2018 at 12:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – It was another spectacular fireworks show at Lyndonville to cap the Fourth of July celebration. The show by Young Explosives lit up the sky and unleashed many loud booms.
The Lyndonville show at about 40 minutes is considered one of the biggest in Western New York. The Lyndonville Lions Club, led by member Wes Bradley, raises money throughout the year for the big show.
Michael DiGivoanni of Syracuse and his daughters, Marra and Madelena, get a Chinese lantern ready for takeoff. The family is from Syracuse and camps in Waterport during the Fourth of July holiday.
DiGivoanni said he has been bringing his family to the Lyndoville fireworks for about seven years.
“This is easily the best live fireworks show I’ve ever seen,” he said.
Fireworks were sent in several directions from a spot just past the Lyndonville ballfields.
Many people brought lawn chairs and set up on the school softball and baseball fields to watch the spectacle.
Alex Doval, 14, of Medina enjoyed playing with sparklers before the fireworks show.
The fireworks draw several thousand people to Lyndonville. This was the 44th annual Independence Day celebration in Lyndonville put on by the Lions Club.
The Who Dats performed for three hours before the fireworks show. The band includes Ed Hilfiker on guitar, John Borello on guitar, Marty Hobbs on bass, lead singer Lonnie Froman and drummer Aaron Robinson.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2018 at 8:19 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Members of the American Legion and VFW posts in Medina brought a flag-draped casket in today’s Independence Day parade in Lyndonville.
The veterans debuted the display during the Memorial Day parade in Medina. The veterans wanted the parade crowd to know that “freedom isn’t free” and Independence Day wouldn’t be possible without the sacrifice of veterans.
The veterans did a 21-gun salute on Main Street.
Thomas J. Walders, a member of the Medina VFW, plays “Taps” with the Honor Guard.
Carl Boyle, a member of the American Legion in Lyndonville, pauses on Main Street to salute while “Taps” was played.
Jack Miles, left, and Earl Schmidt were in the parade promoting a veterans’ medical transportation service. They stepped outside their vehicles to salute at “Taps.”
The crowd gave the veterans an extended applause, the longest and loudest appreciation during the parade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2018 at 7:36 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – A Kendall home at 2091 Orchard Drive was engulfed with flames this afternoon and badly damaged the house. The residents in the house weren’t home at the time of the fire. Their pets were all able to get out safely.
Justin Niederhofer, an Orleans County fire investigator, is shown in this photo.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 5:30 p.m. Multiple fire departments were on scene to get the fire out.
Orleans County fire investigators are on scene to try to determine the cause. No additional information is available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2018 at 5:17 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The American flag by the entrance to Lyndonville Central School is lowered in honor of Nicholas Clark, a state trooper killed on Monday in Steuben County.
Nicholas Clark
Clark responded early in the morning on Monday to a 911 call about a domestic incident. He was shot by Steven Kiley, the principal at Bradford Central School. Kiley also died from a gunshot wound.
Clark served as a state trooper for nearly three years.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Clark until his interment.
Calling hours will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Alfred University, where Clark graduated in 2011. His funeral will be Sunday at Alfred University beginning at 11 a.m.
“To the Clark family, to his mother, his father, his brother, we hope you find peace in this senseless act of violence,” Cuomo said during a news conference on Monday. “A 29-year-old trooper, a stellar trooper with an extraordinary record, his whole life before him. Great athlete. Well accomplished. He wanted to do one thing which was help people.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2018 at 3:35 pm
Barker firefighter provides CPR to save woman
Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids spray water from the top of a Middleport fire truck to provide some relief to the crowd in the sweltering heat. The temperature rose from 90 at noon to 93 by the end of the parade more than an hour later.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville parade had to be stopped at least twice today to make room for ambulances and rescue vehicles to treat people effected by the heat.
One woman went into cardiac arrest near the end of the parade when the temperature was 93 degrees. A Barker firefighter was in the parade and saw the woman on Main Street near Johnson Creek.
The firefighter provided CPR and likely saved the woman’s life. She was taken by ambulance.
Lyndonville Fire Chief Ben Bane didn’t know the Barker firefighter’s name. Bane praised the quick action from the firefighter.
Four others were also treated after either fainting or being severely dehydrated. One of those people was taken by ambulance.
Firefighters offered water and tried to help people cool down, Bane said.
He said there have been hot parades before, but he doesn’t recall people needing emergency assistance during the event.
“This is the first time I remember stopping the parade for so many calls,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2018 at 8:15 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Barre Town Supervisor Sean Pogue gives the welcome message on Saturday during the town’s bicentennial celebration at the Barre Town Park.
Barre planned a three-day celebration for the town’s 200th birthday. The town has been throwing big parties every 25 years for milestone anniversaries. Pogue doesn’t want to wait 25 years for the next community celebration.
The town could host block party-style events at the town park, Pogue said. He welcomed volunteers from the community to help plan the events.
“We would like to have something like this more often,” he said. “We want more community involvement so maybe it could be an annual block party at the park.”
The Barre Bicentennial had a patriotic feeling on Saturday during a parade and then a celebration at the park.
Pam Farwell joined her grandchildren on an antique truck in the parade down Route 98.
The Bruning sisters – Sylvia, 5, at left, and Aubrey, 7 – sing “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood during opening ceremonies. The Kendall Community Band performed soon after.
Michael Harris, his daughter Michelle Harris and their dog Harley rode in a golf cart with an American flag from 1818. They are shown on the parade staging area on East Barre Road.
John Becker of Kendall brought a threshing machine to the Barre Bicentennial. The machine was built in the 1930s in Shortsville.
Ed Fiorino, a talented bird carver in Barre, had many of his creations on display.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) issued this statement about the Fourth of July:
“As we wade into the dog days of summer, Independence Day is a cherished reminder that the American Dream is alive and well and the right of any nation and its people to live free should not be infringed upon.
“Our founding fathers, the patriots who forged our nation through a crucible of revolution, knew that the will of men and women to live free, govern themselves and choose their own destiny was undeniable and worth any sacrifice they may endure.
“The strength and courage of our founders to break from the tyranny of Great Britain, their home country, ultimately gave rise to the greatest military, economic and social power in world history, the United States of America.
“It is a true gift to have a sense of patriotism and it will forever be our responsibility to remember the brave men and women who made our country what it is today. The fight for liberty and justice is never complete; and as Americans it is our duty to remember and cherish our independence. It is a day to celebrate our freedom, our country, our triumphs and to remember all those men and women who have served our nation and who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of those ideals.
“Although this holiday is a joyous occasion, I encourage everyone to stay safe and to celebrate responsibly with family and friends. Happy Independence Day!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2018 at 5:43 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Joslynn Bull of Barker, the Miss New York State High School Rodeo Queen for 2017-2018, was among the many parade participants on July 4, 2017 in Lyndonville.
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville is ready to host Orleans County biggest Fourth of July party.
The Lions Club is taking the lead in its 44th annual Independence Day Celebration in Lyndonville.
The club’s 35 members are involved in organizing and running the event.
“It’s so nice to see Lyndonville come to life,” said Ann Marie Holland, the Lions Club president. “It’s rather amazing. It’s really a small group of people who complete the undertaking tomorrow.”
Club members have been raising money for the big bash on Wednesday, and have been particularly busy in recent days ordering food, setting up tents and parking barriers. Tomorrow the Lions Club will be busy all day, cooking hot dogs and the chicken barbecue dinners, organizing the parade and other events. Club members also get to take out the garbage.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser,” Holland said. “We use the money for the medical loan closet, eyeglasses and other community service projects.”
Some highlights in the schedule include:
• The festival opens at 10 a.m. with a bounce house for kids from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the front lawn of the school.
• Arts & Crafts Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school front lawn with more than 50 vendors.
• Parade at noon.
• Chicken barbecues with baked beans & salt potatoes from 1 to 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
• Concert by Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums, 1:30 p.m.
• WNY Garden Tractor Pull from 1 to 4 p.m. on Housel Avenue.
• The Hospice of Orleans Duck Race starts at 3 p.m. in Johnson Creek. Only 500 tickets available and they will be sold during festival.
• The Who Dats in concert at High School Parking Lot from 7 p.m. until the fireworks.
BATAVIA – The police chief who has developed an outreach program for people fighting opioid addictions will be the featured speaker on July 18 during the next Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force.
Peter Volkmann is the police chief for the Village of Chatham in Columbia, County. He developed “Chatham Cares 4 U” initiative in which any person can request help for opioid addiction and a treatment bed will be arranged with transportation guaranteed.
The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force meets from 10 a.m. to noon on July 18 at GCC, One College Road in Batavia.
Chatham has been recognized as “the safest village” in New York State. But that hasn’t spared the community from the opioid epidemic.
Volkmann is also a faculty member for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Ellicott City, MD and has been featured as an expert on stress for Dateline (NBC), Discovery Channel, MSNBC, and Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN). He will share how one small rural community has been an agent of change when addressing the opioid crisis.
Chief Volkmann will be available after the presentation to answer individual questions.
LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonviile man was charged on June 15 with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, State Police said today.
Jason A. Dusett, 43, was arrested by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of the State Police in Albion. State Police on June 4 received a report of a possible sex crime with a juvenile. Further investigation revealed that Dusett had sexual contact with a victim under the age of 11 years old., State Police said. Dusett was arrested and processed at the Albion barracks.
He was arraigned in the Albion Town Court and remanded to the Orleans County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash/ $20,000 bond.
Anyone with information is to contact the State Police at 585-344-6200 in reference to SJS 8301609.
