Photos by Tom Rivers: Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force, said heroin when mixed with fentanyl has proven deadly in Orleans County.

ALBION – So far in 2018, overdoses and deaths from drugs in Orleans County are outpacing the rate in 2017.

Last year there were 43 overdoses and 8 fatal drug overdoses, said Joe Sacco, the supervising investigator with the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force.

This year there have already been 8 overdoses and two fatalities. This time last year, there were two overdoses and one death from drugs, Sacco said.

“We’re off to a really bad start,” he told the Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition this morning during a meeting at the Hoag Library in Albion.

Sacco has worked 32 years as a law enforcement officers, including the past 28 years as a drug investigator.

The drugs have changed from cocaine and marijuana early in his career to prescription pills, heroin and fentanyl now.

Many of the drug users get hooked on pain pills. When the prescriptions expire, they turn to heroin to feed the opiate addiction.

The heroin is often laced with fentanyl and that has been deadly. Sacco said 95 percent of the heroin and fentanyl in Orleans County comes from Rochester. A lethal batch of drugs from Rochester is often purchased by an Orleans County resident and shared with friends, resulting in multiple deaths.

“We are actively pursuing the source and supply of the heroin and fentanyl mixture,” Sacco told the coalition members.

The Task Force and other law enforcement agencies in Orleans County work with Rochester police and other departments outside Orleans. There is a mapping system to track where drugs are purchased and where there are overdoses.

“This is everybody’s problem and we’re trying to curb the supply of heroin and fentanyl to this area,” Sacco said. “We have a real problem.”

Sacco said heroin has become a big problem in Orleans County the past two to three years. Of the 43 overdoses last year, Narcan was used 27 times to revive someone in an overdose.

Joe Sacco addresses members of the Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition this morning during a meeting at the Hoag Library in Albion.

When someone has an overdose, law enforcement will track recent numbers on cell phones to see where the drugs were likely purchased. The people who overdose often have needles hanging in their arms and bags of drugs right next to them.

Law enforcement will have those drugs analyzed at a lab, and typically it shows heroin and fentanyl.

“That’s what’s killing these folks, the mix,” Sacco said.

Some of the overdoses occur when someone gets out of jail. After being in jail and off drugs, a person’s tolerance is reduced. Sacco said some people will go back to using at levels they were before they went into jail and then they will often overdose.

Sheriff Randy Bower said he is pursuing having a portion of the jail be used as a detox center to help inmates better transition off drugs. He also wants a better system to hand off inmates to services and agencies that can help them from having a relapse.

Sacco said continued vigilance is needed by law enforcement and the community.

A new organization, Orleans Hope, is trying to break the stigma of drug addiction and urge users and their families to get help.

Orleans Hope will lead a program on March 15 at the Orleans County YMCA on Pearl Street in Medina. Orleans Hope will have professionals at the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. to discuss warning signs for drug addiction.

Orleans Hope also has trained recovery coaches to assist users.

“Everyone needs to do their part,” Sacco said. “This thing is horrible.”

Cuomo says stronger gun safety legislation needed for country

Press Release, Gov. Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff today, February 15, until sunset on Monday, February 19, in conjunction with a federal proclamation, to honor the victims of the Florida school shooting.

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo released the following statement:

“Once again, this nation sheds its tears for young lives cut short by senseless gun violence. But tears are not enough. The horrific school shooting in Florida is the deadliest since Sandy Hook, and it serves as yet another painful and infuriating reminder of the inaction in Washington.

“How many more children must die before this nation acts? How many more times must we grieve before politicians put the safety of their communities before the financial contributions of special interest groups?

“In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, New York did more than send our thoughts and prayers. We stepped up to pass the strongest gun safety legislation in the nation. The SAFE Act didn’t affect sportsmen, hunters or legal gun owners—but it reduced the risk to our children, to our families and to our communities. It banned assault weapons like AR-15s and kept guns out of the hands of dangerously mentally ill people. It’s far past time that the rest of the nation follows suit.”

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion firefighters battle a garage fire on Jan. 2, 2016 on South Clinton St.

ALBION – The Village Board wants to look into moving the fire department out of the village budget and into its own fire district that would also serve the towns of Albion and Gaines.

Many villages have recently moved to separating the fire department from a village service to being its own taxing jurisdiction with a board of commissioners.

Holley and Elba recently created fire districts and Oakfield is in the process of doing it, said Barry Flansburg, a fire commissioner for the Barre Fire District. He also works as an assessor for Barre, Byron, Elba and Oakfield.

Right now the fire department is part of the Albion village budget. The village also has contracts with the towns of Albion and Gaines to provide fire protection.

If there was a fire district, there would be a separate tax from the fire district that would be part of the tax bill that comes out in January.

It would also mean the village tax rate would likely go down because the fire department wouldn’t be included in the village budget. (However, there would be a new tax for village residents with a fire district.) Right now the fire department insurance is included in the village insurance. And village mechanics from the Department of Public Works spend time on fire trucks.

Barry Flansburg, a commissioner with the Barre Fire District, talks with the Albion Village Board about forming a fire district that would provide fire protection services in the village of Albion and towns of Albion and Gaines.

With a fire district, the village staff, in-kind services and other expenses would be clearly identified and the village would likely be reimbursed for those costs, which might include rent for the fire hall.

That is among the benefits of a fire district: knowing the clear costs of the fire department, Flansburg said. Right now some of the costs are absorbed in the village budget, such as the mechanic, fire hall, insurance and other costs.

“You could set this up with a focus on improving service,” Flansburg said. “Right now you can’t put your finger on how much it costs.”

Flansburg sees an asset in a board of commissioners that provide the oversight. That board would be focused on running the fire department as a business, he said.

The Village Board currently oversees the fire department, while also overseeing other aspects of the village government, including police, water, sewer, the cemetery, the village office and other services.

“From a village standpoint, it would be one less thing that you have to worry about,” Flansburg said.

The Village Board passed a resolution on Wednesday to pursue looking into a fire district. Village officials said they would reach out to town officials in Albion and Gaines. If a fire district is established, the three municipal boards – Albion Village Board, Albion Town Board and Gaines Town Board – all need to support it.

There will be several public informational meetings and public hearings if the issue moves forward. Flansburg also urged the village to have an attorney who specializes in creating fire districts lead a public informational meeting for the community, explaining the legal process in creating a fire district.

Harry Papponetti, the Albion fire chief, said the fire department supports pursuing a fire district. But he didn’t want the Village Board to feel slighted.

“We’re not saying we don’t like the Village Board,” he said. “You’ve been overwhelmingly to the fire department. We just want to make it easier for you.”

The fire commissioners are elected positions, and many commissioners in other fire districts are not firefighters. They are often business leaders looking to run the department as efficiently as possible, Flansburg said.

Village Trustee Pete Sidari works for the North Greece Fire District. He said many fire departments in Monroe County are going to fire districts.

“It’s the same firemen, the same trucks,” he said. “You’re just shifting the liability to the fire district.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Gary Kent, one of the directors of the Albion Betterment Committee, pumps gas this morning for Ronnie Scott of Albion.

Kent and a group of other volunteers pump gas for senior citizens and others who want the service every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Crosby’s in Albion.

Kent and the Betterment Committee volunteers offer a friendly face to the senior citizens. It’s also a chance to connect with seniors to see how they’re doing, Kent said.

Sometimes the volunteers will also check car fluids and walk the money inside the store so seniors don’t have to get out in the cold.

Kent has been pumping gas since the first week it started in 2004. Clarence Winkelmann has been doing it 13 years and Gary Westlund has been dedicated to the task for 12 years.

If someone can’t make it, Kent has backups, who today included Tim Tierney of Medina and Mike Wright of Albion. Wayne Wadhams and Phil Brady also help out some weeks.

Tim Tierney pumps gas for a senior citizen today at Crosby’s in Albion. Tierney said the seniors appreciate the effort from the volunteers. There aren’t very many gas stations around that provide the service.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I don’t mind doing it.”

Priest says Christ’s death was ultimate act of love and sacrifice

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Father Dan Fawls, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Medina and Middleport, puts ashes on a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church today during an Ash Wednesday service.

Ash Wednesday is the start of the 40-day Lenten season. It is an opportunity for Christians to sacrifice and deepen their faith.

For the first time since 1945, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, which is typically a day of indulgence.

Fawls, with ashes on his forehead, also served communion during the service at St. Mary’s. He said the ashes are a reminder that “you are dust and from dust you will return.” However, faith in Jesus Christ offers the hope of eternal life, Fawls said.

He urged the Mass attendees to confront their mortality and keep their faith at the forefront of their lives. The Lenten season offers a focus on more fasting and prayer, which Fawls said will draw people closer to God.

Valentine’s Day is associated with a celebration of romantic love, Fawls said. But the start of Lent is a chance to reflect of the sacrificial love of Jesus, who laid down his life for others, Fawls said.

‘Legalizing marijuana is a social justice issue and a moral issue that Congress needs to address.’ – Kirsten Gillibrand

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced she is cosponsoring the Marijuana Justice Act, landmark legislation that would legalize marijuana and help reverse decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately hurt communities of color and low-income communities in New York and across the country.

This legislation, introduced by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), would remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances, making it legal at the federal level. It would also expunge the records of Americans who have prior marijuana possession convictions.

“Millions of Americans’ lives have been devastated because of our broken marijuana policies, especially in communities of color and low-income communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Just one minor possession conviction could take away a lifetime of opportunities for jobs, education, and housing, tear families apart, and make people more vulnerable to serving time in jail or prison down the road. The reality that my 14-year-old son would likely be treated very differently from one of his Black or Latino peers if he was caught with marijuana is shameful. Legalizing marijuana is a social justice issue and a moral issue that Congress needs to address, and I’m proud to work with Senator Booker on this legislation to help fix decades of injustice caused by our nation’s failed drug policies.”

“Legalizing marijuana isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” Senator Booker said. “I’m thrilled Senator Gillibrand has joined me in this movement to make our justice system more fair.”

“The War on Drugs has been a war on people, especially people of color and low-income individuals,” Booker added. “The Marijuana Justice Act would reverse this trend by not only legalizing marijuana, but by also helping to address the damage the War on Drugs has inflicted on communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana enforcement.”

Specifically, this legislation would:

• make marijuana legal at the federal level

• create incentives for states to change their outdated marijuana laws

• expunge convictions related to use or possession, and

• create a fund that will reinvest in communities that have been most impacted by broken marijuana policies by investing in job training programs, educational opportunities, public libraries, community centers, and other programs to improve communities.

Gillibrand has met with families in New York to hear firsthand just how much the failed war on drugs has affected communities of color and low-income communities. According to Politico, Black and Latino New Yorkers are nearly 10 times more likely to face marijuana arrests than white New Yorkers. Nationwide, the ACLU estimates that black Americans are almost four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than their white peers, despite nearly equal rates of marijuana use.

A record number of Americans support legalizing marijuana. A Siena College poll released this week shows that a majority of New Yorkers support marijuana legalization, and a recent Fox News poll shows that support for legalizing marijuana is at an all-time high across the country, with nearly 60 percent of Americans favoring legalization.

Photo by Tom Rivers

GAINES – Bill Downey (left), chairman of the Orleans County Fishing Derby, presents a check for $1,900 to Mike Bonnewell, president of the Albion Rotary Club.

Downey presented the money last week. He is a member of the Albion Rotary Club, which has been organizing the fishing derby for more than 30 years. The event runs for about two weeks in August and gives out more than $8,000 in prizes. The high lake waters last summer kept some fishermen away, but the event still generated a profit for Rotary, which uses the funds to support community projects.

This year’s derby is scheduled for Aug. 4-19. Click here for more information.

Doherty submits petition to run as independent in Albion

File photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Village Board members have a discussion on April 4 at a board meeting. Mayor Mike Sidari, center, is joined by trustees, from left, Marguerite Sherman, Tim Elliott, Todd Bensley (in back) and Owen Toale.

The slate is set for the March 20 village elections in Orleans County after the deadline passed Tuesday for candidates to submit petitions.

In Medina, three incumbents are all unopposed, including Mayor Mike Sidari and Trustees Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott. The trio is running under “The Village Party.” The three were also unopposed when they ran for election two years ago.

In Medina, voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Albion has the most hotly contested race. Incumbent Mayor Dean London isn’t seeking re-election. There is a three-way battle to be the next mayor. Eileen Banker, the current deputy mayor, has the backing of the Republican Party while Joyce Riley is running under the Democratic Party line.

Kevin Doherty will run under the independent “Spark Some Action” party line. He needed to submit a petition signed by 100 registered voters by the deadline on Tuesday. He met that threshold, Village Clerk Linda Babcock said.

There are also two trustee positions up for election. The Republicans endorsed Gary Katsanis and incumbent Stan Farone, while Democrats picked Sandra Walter and Jason Dragon for their candidates.

The voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall.

In Lyndonville, there is one position up for election and it’s to fill one year for a trustee. Ann Marie Holland was appointed to board last year when there was a vacancy. She is running under the “Lyndonville Party.” Darren Wilson also submitted a petition to run under the “Main Street Party” in the election.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at Village Hall.

In Lyndonville and Medina, candidates run under independent parties without the official backing of either Republicans or Democrats. Holley used to have its elections in March, but now has them in June.

Photo courtesy of Jim Di Sessa

HOLLEY – A group from Holley Central School is pictured on Sunday at the Polar Plunge in Rochester, when about 2,000 people jumped into the cold water of Lake Ontario as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

The Holley students and their teacher and Student Council Advisor Jim Di Sessa (far right) raised just under $1,100.

That passed the group’s fundraising goal of $1,000. Holley has now participated in the Plunge for three years.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jalin Cooper goes in for a layup against Barker defender Nick Brandt during his big 39 point effort on Tuesday evening that made him the Mustangs all-time career scoring leader. The Mustangs bested the Raiders to maintain a share of the N-O lead.

Medina reduced its magic number for clinching at least a tie for a third straight Niagara-Orleans League title to one by defeating visiting Barker 80-38 on Tuesday evening as senior Jalin Cooper became the Mustangs all-time career scoring leader.

Improving to 9-2, Medina remains deadlocked with Newfane, a 67-29 victor over host Akron, for the N-O lead with just one game remaining. The Mustangs host Akron Wednesday and Newfane visits rival Wilson on Thursday.

Cooper poured in a career high 39 points to become the Mustangs all-time scoring leader with 1,293 points surpassing the old mark of 1,280 set by Levi Pace during the 2006-7 to 2009-10 seasons. He became the career leader when he scored on a layup with 3:43 remaining in the third period. For more on the game, click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A crowd gathers in 810 Meadworks in September 2014 during an Ale in Autumn tasting event in Medina. The village updated its zoning to allow wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies to be allowed uses in the Downtown Historic District.

The Orleans Economic Development Agency sees the success of many microbreweries and distilleries in historic buildings in other communities.

In Batavia, the Eli Fish Brewing Company will open soon in a former Newberry’s building in the downtown.

In Wilson, the Woodcock Brothers Brewing Co. has become a big attraction in Wilson, Niagara County. Other projects in Western New York are emerging, including an effort to establish a microbrewery and restaurant in an old firehouse in Buffalo.

Orleans County already has a similar success story. 810 Meadworks opened in November 2014 in part of the historic Newell building on West Center Street. Bryan and LaRissa DeGraw operate the business out of space that was most recently a barber shop.

The DeGraws produce mead on site and have a tasting room. Meads are alcoholic drinks made by fermenting honey with water and often fruits, spices, grains and hops.

The Village of Medina had to change its zoning to allow onsite production in the historic district.

The Orleans EDA wants to encourage more similar-type processing facilities. Jim Whipple, chief executive officer of the EDA, said the historic buildings have proven ideal venues for the businesses.

810 Meadworks is located in part of the first floor at 113 West Center St., the R.H. Newell building.

The EDA wants to develop an incentive package for distilleries and micro-breweries, which can attract people to the downtowns, and give other businesses a boost.

The EDA also is willing to work with local governments on adopting zoning to encourage the projects. The EDA wants to partner with local officials to identify buildings for the breweries and distilleries and help to develop a marketing plan to attract potential developers for the businesses, Whipple said.

The agency’s board of directors discussed the issue during Friday’s monthly meeting. Right now the EDA is in the beginning stages. Whipple said he is hopeful other village and town leaders will show an interest in the initiative and work with the EDA.

Medina discussed the issue for several months before revising its zoning ordinance in June 2014. Medina’s zoning now allows for wineries and microbreweries in the historic district and the ordinance gives the village more oversight on the businesses.

The revised regulations state that wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies will all be allowed uses in the Downtown Historic District. The village doesn’t limit those businesses to the downtown. They are also be allowed in the General Business District as well as the Light Industrial and Industrial Zones.

The owners of the businesses will need to secure a Special Use Permit. That gives the village more say in the operations for odor, storage, noise and other issues.

HOLLEY – School teachers will play a basketball against local law enforcement officers on March 2 at 7 p.m. in a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House.

The game will be in the high school gym. Penny Cole, the varsity cheerleading coach and high school administrative assistant, is hoping for a sellout at the game so Holley can top last year’s contribution of $2,050 to the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester.

Last year Holley sold tiles on a roof of a dollhouse. If people paid a $1, they could write a message on a tile of a large dollhouse that was also donated to Ronald McDonald House.

“The Little House That Love Built” netted $2,050 for the organization that provides housing for families with children who are hospitalized.

The Holley school community has been doing fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House for four years now.

“I’m always trying to find different ways to raise money,” Cole said. “We tried to find another doll house to re-do, but couldn’t find one that wasn’t a fortune.”

Photo from Governor’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo holds Captain, a dog that recently joined his family. Cuomo holds Captain while speaking on Monday with the New York Conference of Mayors at the Executive Mansion in Albany.

Captain is 14 weeks old. He is a mix of Siberian and Shephar.

“I want to introduce you to the newest member of the administration today, recently joined,” Cuomo said at the news conference. “We’re still in transition. This is the newest member. His name is Captain.”

Cuomo said his daughters pushed him to welcome the puppy to the family.

“I got outvoted by my daughters,” he said. “I wanted to name him Excelsior, state motto. Wouldn’t that have been a great name? Yes. See I should have it taken to a vote by the mayors, but they wanted Captain so I’ll take it. But he’s doing better, little by little. He keeps me up all night, that dog. It never fails and he has a howl that you can hear through the whole house when he has to go.”

2 motor equipment operators will now pay 20% towards health insurance

GAINES – The Town Board on Monday approved a three-year contract with the union representing two full-time motor equipment operators in the Highway Department.

The workers’ contract expired after 2016 but was extended in 2017. The new three-year agreement includes a five-step pay scale for the first time.

It also requires the workers to pay 20 percent of the costs for health insurance.

The contract also increases the probationary time for new hires from 26 weeks to 52 weeks. That will give the board more time to evaluate a new employee’s work performance, said Town Supervisor Joe Grube. Someone hired in March might not plow snow during a six-month probation. The year-long probation will give a chance to evaluate an employee on the full scale of work in the job, Grube said.

The town also is capping its maximum contribution for health insurance at $12,000 annually for full-time highway employees hired in the future. That $12,000 cap doesn’t include the two current workers.

With the new five-step pay scale, a new hire would earn 80 percent of a motor equipment operator with at least five years of experience. The employees would be paid at the same rate after five years, after all five steps are reached, according to the new contract.

Richard DeCarlo

GAINES – Richard DeCarlo on Monday resigned from the Town Board, citing personal reasons.

DeCarlo previously was on the board as town supervisor. He returned as a Gaines elected official on Jan. 1, 2016, after being elected to a four-year term as councilman in November 2015.

Town Supervisor Joe Grube said he expects the Town Board will fill the vacancy soon. He wants to check with the Board of Elections about the procedure for making an appointment.

DeCarlo leaves nearly two years on the term. The person appointed would be named for the remainder of this year. The final year will be up for election this November.

As town supervisor, DeCarlo led the town through several water district expansions. A retired industrial arts teacher from Churchville-Chili, DeCarlo also started and developed Heritage Estates, which has 163 units off Brown Road in the Village of Albion.