ALBION – The Albion Police Department conducted an investigation on Dec. 30 involving an allegation that an woman killed her pet cat and dog by suffocating them.
The investigation revealed that on October 31, Suzanne K. Fredenburg, while at her residence located at 10 Lydun Drive, placed a plastic bag over her dog’s head until it was deceased and that she also placed a plastic bag over her cat’s head until it was also deceased. Fredenburg advised that she killed the animals because of an infestation of bird mites.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at 10 Lydun Drive where both animals were found deceased and buried in the backyard of the residence.
Fredenburg was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to an animal. She was issued appearance tickets for the Town of Gaines Court.
The Humane Law Enforcement Department at Lollypop Farm is assisting in the investigation and will be conducting a necropsy on the animals. Orleans County Animal Control also assisting in the investigation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2018 at 11:54 am
The National Weather Service in Buffalo is warning motorists of a flash freeze expected this afternoon and evening in Orleans County.
“Temperatures will rapidly fall below freezing across the region this afternoon and evening,” The Weather Service said. “Widespread rain across the region will transition to freezing rain and sleet this afternoon as temperatures plummet.”
The Weather Service said much of the salt on roadways has likely been washed away given the rain in the past 24 hours.
“Therefore, as temperatures dive below freezing, bridges and overpasses will likely ice up first, followed by main roadways, sidewalks and parking lots,” the Weather Service said. “Water will also begin to freeze up in areas that have experienced flooding from the rainfall and snowmelt today. Please use extra caution for the evening commute as roadways will become very slick, and adjust travel plans accordingly.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2018 at 11:27 am
Some schools are cancelling after-school activities including sporting events with threats of a winter storm Friday evening.
Albion, Lyndonville and Medina school districts have both cancelled after-school activities and sporting events.
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina also was a Finally Fridays concert this evening, featuring “A Tribute to the First Ladies of Song.” That has been cancelled due to the weather.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 January 2018 at 11:16 am
Of late Friday has certainly not been the day to schedule high school sports contests.
For the second Friday in a row inclement weather, or the threat of it, has caused games to be postponed.
Those postponements include the Barker at Albion, Roy-Hart at Akron, Medina at Newfane and Alexander at Lyndonville boys basketball games and the Wilson at Barker girls basketball contest.
Saturday’s Rochester Prep at Kendall boys basketball game has also been postponed.
The Barker at Albion boys game has been rescheduled for January 17, the Alexander at Lyndonville contest for February 12 and the Wilson at Barker girls game for February 7.
The annual Niagara-Orleans All-League wrestling tournament will be held on Saturday at Albion but the start time has been pushed back to 1 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2018 at 8:36 am
A winter storm warning is in effect for Orleans County from 4 p.m. today until 4 p.m. on Saturday when 9 to 17 inches of snow is forecast, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Heavy snow and mixed precipitation will make travel very difficult to impossible, the Weather Service said.
“Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow,” the Weather Service said. “Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times.”
Today the temperature will take a dramatic drop, from a high of 56 to a low of 20 degrees.
Orleans County also remains under a flood watch until 4 a.m. Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2018 at 10:30 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Morgan Bedford of Newfane rolls in a pitch for the Toe Jammers, which won last year’s Kick Cancer’s Ballz tournament.
ALBION – A kickball tournament will be back at Bullard Park this year. The date is set for July 14.
Last year there were seven teams in the debut “Kicking Cancer’s Ballz” tournament. The event raised just over $1,000 and was given to two families with children fighting leukemia.
The local FLED Foundation planned the tournament last year in less than five weeks. Beth Webb, one of the FLED leaders and organizers for the tournament, expects more teams and a more festive atmosphere this year.
She discussed the tournament on Wednesday with the Village Board, which said it supports the tournament.
FLED – Fight Like Elaina Dixie – is a non-profit organization established by Beth and Kyle Webb, and other close friends and supporters.
Beth and Kyle Webb lost their daughter, Elaina, to leukemia on Feb. 7. She fought the disease for nine months before passing away at age 2 ½.
FLED aims to help families with out-of-pocket expenses, offering gas cards, and funds for babysitters, meals and help with household expenses. They want to connect families with counseling services, and support research into fighting childhood leukemia.
The Webbs wanted a kickball tournament to highlight one of Elaina’s favorite games.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2018 at 6:16 pm
ALBION – The man accused of burglarizing a former county legislator’s home and causing about $60,000 of damage appeared in Orleans County Court today.
Charles Zambito, the judge from Genensee County, set bail at $25,000 Zachary S. Natale, 24, of Medina.
District Attorney Joe Cardone asked that bail be set at $100,000. He said Natale has been charged with burglaries on Dec. 19 and Dec. 25 in Niagara County.
Those charges aren’t related to the second-degree burglary charge he faces in Orleans County for allegedly breaking into the home of former County Legislature Chairman David Callard’s home on Fruit Avenue in Ridgeway.
Natale allegedly broke into the house on May 14 and flooded the home by plugging drains. He also is accused of breaking other household items and stealing about $5,000 worth of items, including a television, computer and jewelry. In addition to the burglary charge, he faces third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal mischief.
Natale’s attorney Justin White said Natale already had posted bail of $20,000 from Niagara County. White asked that bail stay at that level.
“Our position is the circumstances have changed substantially,” Cardone told the judge in court today. Cardone said Natale “has a pretty bad heroin problem he is dealing with.”
Natale would have appeared in court voluntarily today, White said, but a detainer warrant kept him in jail.
Zambito, the judge, decided against raising the bail to $100,000. Instead, he upped it to $25,000, cash or bond. He also issued an order of protection for Callard.
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans is thrilled to announce that the Medina Sandstone Trust recently awarded $700 for Hospice.
While Hospice’s Martin-Linsin Residence has served nearly 200 patients and their families since opening its doors in 2012, the staff continuously noticed that there was a glaring absence of an item that would be perfect to appeal to the Foundation – a “courtesy cart.”
The cart will be kept continuously well-stocked with snacks and beverages and will be provided to families encountering some of the most difficult hours of their lives.
“Families often do not want to leave the patient’s side and most definitely aren’t concerned with taking care of themselves,” noted Brittany Dix, Development Manager. “A cornerstone of the Hospice philosophy though is that we are concerned with taking care of these family members, and by doing so, the patients are comforted as well.”
The grant from the Medina Sandstone Trust will help Hospice of Orleans to provide care for patients as well as the family and friends that love them.
For more information on Hospice of Orleans, Inc. services and supports, call the office at 585-589-0809 or visit the website at www.hospiceoforleans.org.
Photo by Tom Rivers: John Bailey, an elementary music teacher, accepts the award last June for Educator of the Year. That was the first time the school district awarded the honor. Lyndonville seeks nominations for the second annual award.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Central School District is currently accepting applications for the 2nd Annual Educator of the Year Award, to be named in June 2018.
Parents, students, and community members are eligible to nominate a Lyndonville educator for this special honor. Applications need to be submitted by February 9, 2018.
The Educator of the Year will also receive a $1,000 grant to be used for special programming in their department or grade level.
John Bailey, an elementary music teacher, was the first recipient of the award last school year.
Nominees for the award must have completed 4 years of teaching at Lyndonville.
Nominees should also:
• Be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher;
• Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
• Have a strong sense of values, integrity and professional ethics;
• Actively collaborate with colleagues, administration, parents and families;
• Demonstrate innovative 21st century skills and continuing professional growth;
• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 11 January 2018 at 10:49 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Kendall School District Superintendent Julie Christensen describes projects that might be included in the district’s next capital improvement project during a public forum on Wednesday evening.
KENDALL – A public forum at Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Wednesday evening gave residents and district staff and officials a first look at a proposed $14.5 million capital improvement project.
The cost of the project would be covered by a voter approved reserve fund and New York State Building Aid.
“There would be no impact on local taxes,” said District Superintendent Julie Christensen.
The project would be “a continuation of work we began years ago,” she said. The proposed project would include work that wasn’t covered during the last capital project, as well as, “things we noticed as we went through that work.”
The project would include addressing health, safety and code issues as well as preservation of infrastructure and enhancement of the instructional environment.
• Proposed improvements to the Elementary School include improving ventilation on the second floor of the quad and auditorium; renovation of the multi-purpose room for technology, agriculture and consumer science programs; replacement of the original gym bleachers and the gym floor, renovation of locker rooms, and a re-design of the cafeteria and serving line.
• Improvements proposed for the Jr./Sr. High School include renovation of the art, technology and music rooms which would address accessibility, storage and ventilation; replacement of gym floors and bleachers; renovation of the girls’ locker room; renovation of music practice rooms; renovation o the lavatory in the arts hall; update of the public access system; ventilation in the office and gym; improving light and sound and providing fly space for set productions in the auditorium; addition of a vestibule at the entrance to the art and music wing.
• Site improvements might include improving lighting and traffic flow at the Elementary School front loop; improvement of traffic flow at the Jr./Sr. High School bus loop; drainage in the athletic fields, addition of bathrooms and storage by the track and sidewalks from the High School cafe to the tennis courts.
• The bus garage is in need of roof repairs, an update to the fuel system and outside lighting as well as improvements to the water line. The old bus garage behind the Elementary School is in need of replacement windows and doors, Christensen said.
She provided a timetable for the project which includes adoption by the Board of Education in February and a community vote referendum in May. If approved by district voters, the construction could begin in 2019 and be completed by 2020.
Detailed plans and design work will not begin until after the project is approved, Christensen said. She welcomed additional suggestions from faculty, staff and community members.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2018 at 10:32 am
ALBION – An Albion Boy Scout working on his Eagle project has proposed building a flag retirement pit at Mount Albion Cemetery.
Harrison Brown, a member of Troop 164, said the stone pit would have masonry and be permanent. He would like it to be in the veterans’ section of the historic cemetery.
Harrison has attended flag retirement ceremonies and often the flags are burned in a 55-gallon barrel.
“I don’t think that is the best way to honor the flag,” he told Village Board members on Wednesday.
Mayor Dean London said the Village Board is open to the idea and wants to consult with Jason Zicari, the cemetery superintendent. Zicari may have a location in mind for the flag retirement pit.
Harrison said the pit would be available for use by Scouts, veterans’ organizations and others in the community.
Freeman Lattin completed an Eagle Scout project at the cemetery last year, repainting all of the street signs and replacing some of nuts and bolts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2018 at 9:29 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – David Mogle was sworn in as a lieutenant for the Albion Police Department on Wednesday evening. His mother Karen holds the Bible and his father David joins them at the Village Board meeting.
Mogle’s wife Amber and their three children also attended the swearing-in on Wednesday. Village Trustee Stan Farone is in back left and Mayor Dean London is in back center.
Mogle has been an Albion police officer for about 10 years. He was promoted to sergeant and took the oath on July 9, 2014.
He has been lieutenant on a provisional basis following the retirement of Tom O’Hearn in June 2016.
Mogle no longer is in a provisional role as the department’s number two in command.
Mogle was working as a mechanic with his father at D & K Autobody when he decided to make a career change. In addition to working with the Albion Police Department, Mogle has been assigned to the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $9.7 million through the Citizen Empowerment Tax Credit has been delivered to 19 local governments across New York where voters approved a village dissolution within their boundaries. An additional three municipalities that completed a village dissolution at the end of 2017 will also begin to receive this annual tax credit benefit.
“I commend these local governments for working together with their communities to increase efficiency and decrease layers of bureaucracy in order to lower costs and tackle property taxes, which are still the most onerous tax in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will continue to work with any locality that seeks to explore ways to modernize and streamline their operations in order to deliver tax relief for their residents.”
In 2011, Governor Cuomo created the Citizen Empowerment Tax Credit to provide annual aid to local governments moving forward with consolidations or dissolutions. The annual aid is equal to 15 percent of the combined amount of real property taxes levied by all the municipalities involved in the consolidation or dissolution, not exceeding $1 million. At least 70 percent of the aid must be returned to the residents of the local government in the form of direct property tax relief.
New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “The Department of State continues to assist municipalities across New York with reducing duplicative local government services. These credits empower communities to work smarter and more efficiently for their residents.”
Municipalities currently benefiting from the annual CETC, totaling $9,718,411, include:
Capital Region:
$133,047 to the Town of Salem for the dissolution of the Village of Salem (total $266,094 since 2016).
Mohawk Valley:
$78,960 to the Town of Bridgewater for the dissolution of the Village of Bridgewater (total $236,880 since 2015).
$47,749 to the Town of Trenton for the dissolution of the Village of Prospect (total $95,498 since 2016).
North Country:
$124,762 to the Town of Au Sable for the dissolution of the Village of Keeseville (total $374,287 since 2015).
$104,897 to the Town of Chesterfield for the dissolution of the Village of Keeseville (total $314,690 since 2015).
$90,199 to the Town of Edwards for the dissolution of the Village of Edwards (total $450,995 since 2013).
$85,223 to the Town of Hermon for the dissolution of the Village of Hermon (since 2017).
$350,609 to the Town of Moriah for the dissolution of the Village of Port Henry (since 2017).
$139,703 to the Town of Wilna for the dissolution of the Village of Herrings (since 2017).
Finger Lakes:
$58,698 to the Town of Albion in Oswego County for the dissolution of the Village of Altmar (total $234,792 since 2014).
$428,160 to the Town of Lyons for the dissolution of the Village of Lyons (total $856,320 since 2016).
$364,925 to the Town of Macedon for the dissolution of the Village of Macedon (since 2017).
$57,133 to the Town of Pike for the dissolution of the Village of Pike (total $457,064 since 2010).
$538,557 to the Town of Seneca Falls for the dissolution of the Village of Seneca Falls (total $3,231,340 since 2012).
Western New York:
$40,652 to the Town of Carrollton for the dissolution of the Village of Limestone (total $284,566 since 2011).
$27,974 to the Town of Conewango for the dissolution of the Village of East Randolph (total $167,845 since 2012).
$185,643 to the Town of Hanover for the dissolution of the Village of Forestville (since 2017).
$75,477 to the Town of Perrysburg for the dissolution of the Village of Perrysburg (total $452,864 since 2012).
$53,453 to the Town of Randolph for the dissolution of the Village of East Randolph (total $320,718 since 2012).
$141,393 to the Town of Randolph for the dissolution of the Village of Randolph (total $848,356 since 2012).
As of the end of 2017, an additional three municipalities will benefit from the CETC starting this year (annual amounts to be determined):
Long Island:
The Town of Brookhaven will receive benefit from the CETC for the dissolution of Mastic Beach.
Western New York:
The Town of Cherry Creek will receive the benefit for the dissolution of the Village of Cherry Creek.
Mohawk Valley:
The Town of Trenton will receive another benefit for the dissolution of the Village of Barneveld.
In addition to the CETC, the Department of State offers planning and implementation incentives for municipalities considering either consolidation or dissolution, and for the establishment of new partnerships between all levels of local governments, including school districts. New York residents and community leaders seeking to learn more about community consolidation or dissolution should visit the New York Department of State’s Division of Local Government Services (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 January 2018 at 9:04 pm
Dean London
ALBION – Dean London said he won’t be seeking re-election to another four-year term as Albion mayor during the March 20 village election.
London, the retired Albion police chief, said he doesn’t have enough time to commit to the position. He works at Baxter Healthcare in Medina as a supervisor in the service department. The job keeps him busier than he expected.
London, 52, told the Village Board members today he wouldn’t be pursuing another term. Trustees Eileen Banker and Stan Farone, who are Republicans – like London, have been trying to get him to run for another term.
The Republican and Democratic parties will hold caucuses later this month to nominate candidates for the March 20 election.
Besides the mayor’s position, two trustees are up for election. Farone and Banker want to run again for four-year terms.
When London ran four years ago, he had the backing of both the Republicans and Democrats.
One project London has worked on over several years is expected to become a reality this year. Bullard Park will get a major upgrade.
The state two years ago approved a $499,605 grant for Bullard improvements with the village providing $166,370 with in-kind services or funding.
The overall $665,975 project includes a spray park, an amphitheater/performance stage, a walking/hiking trail with signage, infrastructure (water and sewer) for the spray park, a utility building, and parking lot and lighting improvements.
Tops Friendly Markets is pleased to announce that it is expanding its Instacart services yet again, bringing 27 more stores online bringing the overall number of Tops stores with the Instacart program to 111.
The same-day home-delivery service is now offered at the Albion and Medina stores.
“We’re excited to bring the service to thousands of our valued customers,” said Edward Rick, director, consumer marketing & digital for Tops Friendly Markets. “We’ve had such a positive response from customers on our initial launch that we are working diligently to bring the other communities we serve onto the program as quickly as possible.”
Customers can visit TopsMarkets.com/Instacart and enter their zip code to determine if they are within the current TOPS delivery area.
To help celebrate the partnership of Instacart and Tops, Tops is offering free delivery until Jan. 31 when customers shop Instacart at Tops. Complete details on this offer will be available at TopsMarkets.com/Instacart.
Tops announced the same-day home delivery service being available across the chain’s footprint in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, as well as Erie, Pa., in the last quarter of 2017. Tops anticipates rolling out the service into most of its remaining stores by the end of first quarter of 2018.
As one of the region’s largest supermarket chains, Tops customers throughout the geographic footprint, whether residing in a larger city or a rural community, now have access to same-day home delivery from Instacart.
Thousands of items including fresh meat, seafood, and produce literally are right at shoppers fingertips and delivered to their doors in as little as one hour. Customers will not only find a vast majority of Tops in store deals online, but will still find the brands they love, all while earning the gas points they value that they can redeem when they visit Tops fuel stations.
