By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2017 at 9:38 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The fall 2017 class has graduated from the Orleans Microenterprise Assistance Program. About 500 people have now graduated from MAP since it started in 1999.
Pictured, front row, from left: Diane Blanchard, MAP coordinator for the Orleans Economic Development Agency; Delanda DeLucia, dog grooming business; Beth Schorer, owner of Beth’s Freshly Started Sewing Box; Patrick Dishaw, Mold and Radon Assessment Services; Joe Nelson, Alana Monska and Jason Monska, A & J’s Bakery and BBQ Catering.
Small business advisors Dick Pettine, Jon Costello and Sam Campanella; Amanda Mrzywka, co-owner of Navarra’s Farm Market; Joan Navarra-Mrzywka, “Joaney Baloney” food truck at Navarra’s Farm Market; Felicia Viloria, considering a hot dog stand; Sara Mathes, owner of Sassy Girls Sparkle; Linda Suhr, IPA beer and wine retail store; Joshua Fisher, JJ Contracting; and Ben DeGeorge, owner of the Arnold Gregory Office Complex, where the class meets and there are offices for small businesses. Not pictured: Kerry Rosenberg, dog wash business.
The 10-week gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan. The graduates are now eligible to seek low-interest financing for up to $30,000 from the Orleans EDA.
The Orleans Economic Development Agency has run the program since 1999, with classes in the spring and fall.
The class is held at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex in Albion. The graduation program was Tuesday at The Village Inn.
The EDA is preparing for the spring class which starts in April. There are spots available. Contact Diane Blanchard, MAP coordinator, at (585) 589-7060.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2017 at 5:10 pm
FEMA expected to reimburse municipalities for much of their expenses in fighting flood
File photos: Jason Hardenbrook, a Kendall Highway Department employee, picks up a sandbag on May 5. Highway workers teamed with inmates from the Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica to fill and stack sandbags. Kendall should be reimbursed any overtime, fuel and out-of-pocket costs for its response to the lake flooding this year.
WASHINGTON, DC – The decision by the Trump Administration to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for the New York State southshore counties could result in more than $2 million collectively to the lakeshore towns of Carlton, Kendall and Yates, as well as Orleans County.
The three towns and the county collectively spent about $250,000 for overtime, diesel fuel, and other expenses with filling and moving sandbags, said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director.
The flooding and erosion from the high lake waters also caused $2.5 million to 14 sites that are publicly owned in the county, Banker said. That includes infrastructure and municipal property.
The disaster declaration doesn’t include damage to residential and commercial properties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the records submitted by the municipalities and should issue reimbursement checks, Banker said today.
The FEMA declaration so far includes the southshore counties of Jefferson, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne.
The declaration releases FEMA public assistance and hazard mitigation funds to cover emergency work, repairs and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, as well as make long-term improvements to reduce the impact of future disasters, U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer said in a news release on Monday.
Sandbags are stacked by the Kendall Town Hall on May 5.
“This is a massive and well-deserved shot in the arm for many lakefront counties that we fought long and hard to secure,” Schumer said. “It will provide federal funds for many counties hit hard by the relentless lake flooding, but we will keep up the pressure until we secure the same support for both Monroe and Cayuga Counties. Residents along Lake Ontario dealt with record-high lake levels and it has caused them to close businesses, caused damage to homes and eroded shoreline protections.”
“This Major Disaster Declaration for New York State is an important step to help the communities near Lake Ontario recover from the record flooding this past year,” Gillibrand said. “This designation unlocks important FEMA funding to repair damaged infrastructure and helps ensure that the Lake Ontario shoreline is better protected against future flooding. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that the residents hurt by this severe flooding have all the resources they need to fully rebuild.”
Schumer and Gillibrand explained that, with this disaster declaration grant assistance will be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 15 November 2017 at 2:41 pm
HOLLEY – Village Board members voted Tuesday evening to authorize the village to apply for RESTORE NY funds for the proposed Holley Gardens project, which would repurpose the old Holley High School for use as a mixed-use senior housing and commercial development as well as village office space.
The village will apply for $1 million in RESTORE NY funds. The Restore NY Communities Initiative provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties.
Charlie Oster, development coordinator for Edgemere Development and Kim Russell, executive VP of Home Leasing, spoke during a public hearing on the application held immediately before the board vote.
“If this sounds like deja vu, it is,” Oster told trustees.
In July 2017, the Holley Village Board endorsed developers’ efforts to seek grant funding from NYSERDA, the NY Main St. Grant Program and the Empire State Economic Development Fund through a NYS consolidated Funding application.
“We haven’t heard back yet,” Oster said regarding the July applications, although he indicated word could come anytime now.
He said developers are re-submitting an application for funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, which was not funded last spring on the first application.
The village must apply for the RESTORE NY funds, Oster said, it cannot be a private developer.
In addition to the RESTORE NY funds, developers are seeking $7-8 million in tax incentives and $3 million in low-interest loans for the project which includes 43 units of senior housing, space for village offices and restoration of the auditorium for use as meeting space.
Developers and Mayor Brian Sorochty continue to urge residents to write letters of support for the Holley Gardens project.
Letters from seniors in the community in need of such housing are especially vital, Kim Russell said.
Sorochty said officials are not certain right now what the impact of the potential elimination of the Federal Historic Tax Credit in the Tax Reform bill might have, but the possibility exists that it could have a negative impact. The program provides a 20 percent federal income tax credit for owners of income-producing properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
He encouraged residents to contact their Congressional representatives to express their support that the tax credit remains available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2017 at 12:01 pm
Overcomes gap on Election Day with absentee ballots
Photo by Tom Rivers: Election Commissioners Kathy Case, left, and Janice Grabowski count the absentee ballots from the Town of Murray this morning. Peter Reese, an attorney for Joe Sidonio, is standing and watching the count. Bob Miller, right, won the election after the absentees were counted.
ALBION – Bob Miller has emerged as the winner in the Murray town supervisor race after a big lead in the absentee ballots today.
On Nov. 7, Miller trailed Joe Sidonio by 16 votes, 558-542. Miller had 26-vote lead in the absentees that were counted this morning, 47 to 21 for Sidonio. The final tally is 589 for Miller, 579 for Sidonio.
The count ends a hard-fought race between the two candidates. Miller won a very close Republican primary against Sidonio, when Sidonio also have a slight lead only to be overtaken with the absentees.
Sidonio stayed in the race with the Conservative and Independence lines.
Miller, a retired state trooper, is currently a town councilman. He will succeed John Morriss as town supervisor. Morriss didn’t seek re-election.
There were four additional absentee ballots that weren’t counted today. Those included tenants in a house owned by Sidonio’s mother-in-law. Miller challenged that the four weren’t living in the house at the time of the election and had moved away.
Even if those were counted and Sidonio got those votes, he would still be behind by 6. (Sidonio also questioned another ballot of someone he said was living in North Carolina, and not locally.)
Peter Reece, an attorney hired by Sidonio to oversee the count this morning, said the gap is too much for Sidonio to overcome.
Miller’s term begins Jan. 1.
This morning’s count took about 2 1/2 hours. Miller received his 47 votes under 10B (Republican), while Sidonio received 14 under 10C (Conservative) and 7 more on 10F (Independence).
ALBION – Leadership Orleans is proud to name its first Program Director: George “Skip” Helfrich.
The organization, established just this year to implement a year-long education program starting in January 2018, is excited to have Skip at the helm. Skip is currently the President/Owner of Human Energies, a human resources and organizational development consulting firm. He has personally been involved in the development of leadership programs such as Leadership Niagara and Leadership for the Youth of Niagara County as well as consultant with Leadership Genesee, Leadership Buffalo and Leadership Rochester. He also has extensive experience in the private manufacturing sector, having worked much of his professional life for General Motors.
The Leadership Orleans Steering Committee is comprised of local leaders and volunteers dedicated to the implementation of a successful program for our local area. They are delighted to have an individual like Skip, with his 33 years of experience in the creation and execution of leadership development programs, to help spearhead this new program in Orleans County.
Leadership Orleans is focused on building leadership skills while exposing participants to the necessary knowledge, experiences and people that make a community work. We believe in pride in the community, community betterment, collaboration and informed decision-making. The organization will be the seed to grow leaders for today and tomorrow, creating the nucleus for investment in the community through continuing education, volunteerism and networking to enhance leadership potential throughout our region.
Leadership Orleans is being operated under the auspices of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) human services organization. The Leadership Orleans Steering Committee appreciates Community Action’s assistance in launching the program and is sincerely thankful for the support of the County of Orleans as well as the sponsorships by many other local companies and individuals. Leadership Orleans is additionally thankful to Leadership Genesee and in particular its Director, Peggy Marone, for the tremendous guidance and support in developing the Leadership Orleans program over the past couple of years.
Applications are still being accepted for the 2018 inaugural class, the forms for which can be found on the web site www.leadershiporleans.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2017 at 5:03 pm
ALBION – Several people pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Monday.
Derrick Adams, 30, of Medina admitted to unlawfully having cocaine with the intent to sell it on April 25.
He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. The charge carries a maximum of 1 to 2 ½ years in state prison.
As part of a plea deal, Adams, who has no previous criminal history, instead will face a maximum of 6 months in jail and 5 years on probation when he is sentenced on Feb. 5. He also agreed to forfeit $5,818 that was seized by law enforcement.
• An Albion man pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree. Joseph Piedmont, 52, of South Clinton Street admitted to taking a debit card. He agreed to pay restitution of $14,321.
Piedmont told Judge Sheldon he made “bad decisions” and went back to using drugs after being clean.
The grand larceny charge normally carries a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison. But in a plea deal, Piedmont will face up to 6 months in jail plus 5 years of probation when he is sentenced on Jan. 22.
• A Waterport woman was accepted into a diversion program. If she can stay off drugs and obey the law during the program, a felony charge will be dismissed and she will avoid jail.
Mary Golding, 52, of Waterport pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary for going into a building on North Liberty Street in Albion without permission.
The judge ordered that Golding go into an inpatient drug treatment program, and then an outpatient program.
“She doesn’t get home until she is squeaky clean,” the judge said.
She told Golding she needs to do the hard work of rehab or else she will go to state prison, possibly for 3 ½ to 7 years.
• Frank Ranallo, 47, of Medina pleaded guilty to violating his probation and could be sentenced to up to a year in the county jail on Jan. 8.
Ranallo violated his probation by not attending substance abuse and mental health counseling appointments. He also was using drugs, and committed another crime, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Sara Sheldon, the acting County Court judge, told Ranallo he needs to go to his appointments.
“This is not a joke,” the judge said. “This is serious.”
• Evan J. Vanskiver, 24, of Hilton also was arraigned for violating probation. Vanskiver allegedly didn’t notify probation of a change of address.
His attorney Nathan Pace said it was “a communication error.” He asked that Vanskiver be released from jail.
Judge Sheldon set bail at $500 and set Dec. 4 for a hearing about whether Vanskiver violated terms of his probation.
• A 17-year-old boy from Medina admitted to sending a sexually explicit image to a 14-year-old girl. The boy pleaded guilty to disseminating indecent material to a minor.
The judge granted him youthful offender status. The crime won’t go on his record and he won’t have to register as a sex offender. He will serve six months in jail, plus five years of probation.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Congressman Chris Collins gets a tour of Green Harbor Campground and Marina on July 5 from co-owner Barb Anderson. The campground in Carlton was badly flooded by the high water from Lake Ontario.
Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) commended the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approving the disaster declaration for flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
This flooding has been attributable to the failed Plan 2014 that leaves the south shore of Lake Ontario in danger of historic erosion, Collins said. The congressman has been working closely with the Trump Administration to make sure this declaration was a priority amongst requests for other devastating disasters across the country.
“We have witnessed awful devastation along the shoreline and have stayed persistent in our fight to secure federal assistance,” said Collins. “My constituents desperately need this support and I thank the Trump Administration for its commitment to Western New York.”
Federal funding is available to the State and to tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Jefferson, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
“Today’s news means that those impacted will have access to the wide-ranging disaster assistance FEMA can provide, but we will continue working with the Administration to make sure new IJC commissioners will be appointed to put an end to Plan 2014,” added Collins.
Collins has met with both President Trump and Vice President Pence, sharing his concerns about Lake Ontario’s shoreline flooding, the IJC and Plan 2014. Staff from the Collins office and the White House have been working closely since the request for a disaster declaration was issued to make sure this funding was secured. Monroe County remains under review and Collins will continue to work toward a resolution. Collins has received support from state and local leaders in highlighting these needs.
“We are very pleased with the FEMA declaration being made. Hopefully, this will be the last time we need a declaration for these reasons,” said E. John DeFilipps, Chairman of Orleans County Legislature.
“This is great news for Niagara County and its lakeshore residents that have sustained serious property damage along our shoreline,” said William Keith McNall, Chairman of Niagara County Legislature. “Niagara County sincerely thanks Congressman Collins for his several trips to view lakeshore conditions and property damage through the last several months. Niagara County recognizes and appreciates Congressman Collins’ persistent and unending efforts in trying to attain this funding that is so important to lakefront communities, for which Niagara County is very grateful.”
“I know I speak for lake-shore residents, small businesses, and local governments when I thank Congressman Collins for his hard work to ensure New York gets the federal resources it desperately needs for flood recovery. As lake levels recede, we’re still fully assessing the damage. FEMA aid will be a critical step as we help devastated home and business owners and as we rebuild our communities,” said State Senator Robert Ortt.
“FEMA’s decision today is a monumental step for our communities who have been living with the damage done by Lake Ontario’s flooding since last winter. While the damage was certainly unparalleled, this funding will undoubtedly help NY State continue helping those in need. I commend FEMA for its decision and I thank Congressman Collins for all of his hard work during this time and in making this funding a reality,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
“FEMA’s approval of the disaster declaration for flooding is very welcome news to the residents and businesses that have endured the devastation of the extreme high water levels of Lake Ontario’s south shores. I applaud President Trump for his action and Congressman Chris Collins for his tireless advocacy on behalf of these communities. I will continue to work hard fighting for the necessary funding and resources to make our shoreline communities whole,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris.
“Congressman Collins has led our NORA (Niagara Orleans Regional Alliance) fight from day one for our Lakeshores, to Washington, and back through Albany. These monies are desperately needed to offset the horrendous expense incurred by this man-made disaster created by the IJC. We thank you Congressman Collins.” said David E. Godfrey, Niagara County Legislator and Lynne M. Johnson, Orleans County Legislator in a joint statement.
Press Release, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $825,000 in federal assistance for the Town of Murray in Orleans County.
The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Specifically, the Town of Murray will receive a loan of $456,000 and a grant of $369,000. This funding will finance construction of a water system that will extend public water service to 21 residential users who currently have inadequate access to safe and portable water in Water District #3 located in Orleans County.
“This federal investment is good news for the town of Murray,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds for the Town of Murray will help boost economic development, protect public health and support critical water infrastructure upgrades. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue to fight to make sure that rural communities have the tools they need to grow and prosper.”
“This is an important investment for the Town of Murray,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “These federal funds will help facilitate a critical project that will bring safe and reliable water to residents in the Town of Murray. I will continue to fight for funding in the Senate that protects the health and quality of life for residents and improve economic development opportunities in our state.”
John Morriss, Murray Town Supervisor, stated, “Water District #3 Ext #1 is the latest water district in the Town of Murray to be funded by USDA Rural Development. The Town currently owns and operates over 265,000 feet of water lines in 15 water districts. This water district extension will bring safe, reliable, potable water and fire protection to 21 households adding approximately 15,000 feet of water lines. We at the Town of Murray appreciate Rural Development’s continuing support of our infrastructure improvements.”
USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2017 at 10:25 am
MEDINA – There are 31 people with unpaid parking tickets in Medina, totaling about $3,000.
The Village Board is considering an offer from a collections company to have that business pursue the parking violators. Medina would get its full amount due, and the collections company would tack on an additional $40 or a 40 percent fee.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the village should pursue the unpaid tickets.
“It’s not fair to the people that pay them to not going after the people who don’t pay them,” he said.
Before the village approves an agreement with Lakeview Processing of Medina, the Village Board wants to know if the business will be charging Medina for bills that are sent out, but continue to not be paid. Sidari doesn’t want to have Medina be billed by Lakeview for work that doesn’t lead to paid tickets.
The Village Board discussed the issue Monday during a board meeting.
Sidari said Medina should pursue the unpaid tickets or else other people may decide they don’t need to pay the fines.
In other action at Monday’s meeting, the board:
• Approved spending $7,500 for a 4-yard sander box for the Department of Public Works. The state will cover $5,900 of the cost with CHIPS funding, with Medina using $1,600 from equipment reserve for the remainder.
The sander box will allow Medina to have three plow trucks out instead of two, which should reduce overtime and allow the DPW to clear village streets faster, DPW Superintendent Joe Perry said.
• Approved a $7,500 contract with Wendel for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which will create a database of infrastructure, trees, cemetery plots and other village assets.
• Accepted the resignation of career firefighter Ashton Lang, who is joining the Gates Fire District.
Provided photo: David Miller, Gabrielle Calandra Barone and High School Principal Michael Cavanagh are pictured at last week’s ceremony.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Gabrielle Calandra Barone (Class of 1960) and David Miller (Class of 1966) were inducted into the Medina High School’s Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame during a ceremony on Nov. 9.
The award was created to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the Medina School District and serve as an incentive for current students. Alumni must have graduated at least 10 years ago and demonstrated success in one of the following: attained excellence in their chosen career, made outstanding contributions to their community or profession, or made outstanding contributions to humanity.
After graduation from Medina High School, Mrs. Barone continued her studies at Endicott College and Medaille College. While working part-time, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. She then moved to San Francisco, California with a career in retail, but moved back to the Medina area where she married and started a family. She managed women’s ready-to-wear retail locations throughout Western New York. She later became employed by Modern Corporation in Lewiston where she worked for ten years and then in 2002 began working with the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
Mrs. Barone has been extensively involved in the Medina community with her work with the Orleans Economic Development Agency, Medina Business Association, Boxwood Cemetery and Chapel, Job Corps Advisory Council, GLOW Workforce Investment Board and the Medina Sandstone Association. She was also an active member of the former League of Women Voters chapter of Orleans County. She is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
She has been a tremendous asset to the Orleans Economic Development Agency and has been instrumental in bringing many new projects to the county in her role as Vice President. She has also assisted in upgrading established businesses such as Western New York Energy, Brunner International, Hinspergers Poly, CRFS, Cottages at Troutburg, Precision Packaging Products and Pride Pak. She helped guide both state and local support for several county projects from upgrading infrastructure to securing tax credits or grants and has proven to be invaluable in all aspects of economic development.
“I am very, very honored to be here today,” Mrs. Barone said. “I am the fourth member of the Class of 1960 to receive this award. My classmates are here and it’s a wonderful day.”
Mr. Miller went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Photographic Science from R.I.T. in 1970. He continued his education and in 1982 and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He began working for St. Regis Paper Company in 1974 and worked in the paper industry for 26 years as a manager before retiring in 2000. He was awarded the prestigious Quality Award for Excellence for a “Process Improvement Project” which he initiated. He moved back to Medina after he retired and started Nuvisit Communications, a company that designs websites for non-profit and small businesses.
Mr. Miller has definitely immersed himself in the community of Medina since returning. He has served as a volunteer, site manager, board member and president for Habitat for Humanity. Because of his passion for history and his pride in his hometown, he is involved in the Medina Sandstone Society. He was instrumental in the fundraising and erection of the beautiful clock tower in Medina’s Rotary Park, a gift from the Class of 1966.
He is also involved in the Medina Lions’ Club, Medina Sandstone’s Hall of Fame, the Parade of Lights, the Medina Historical Society and the Genesee Community College Planning Committee for historical events. He and his wife, Gail, also began the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
“I am very excited about being part of the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame,” he said. “I am very pleased. It’s a fantastic thing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2017 at 9:10 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board is considering a new name for an alley off Main Street by Mark’s Pizzeria. The alley was recently made one-way leading into a parking lot.
The Village Department of Public Works recently installed the one-way sign. It also put up a street name sign for “Proile Alley.” That name caught village officials off guard. They had never known the short street as Proile Alley. There hadn’t been a sign up for Proile, although it was in the village records by that name.
Village Trustee Todd Bensley is also the Medina historian. He said he would research how that alley was named Proile.
Mayor Mike Sidari said he is open to another name for the alley. He suggested Merchants Way in appreciation for the efforts of the many small business owners in the community.
Trustee Owen Toale suggested possibly naming the street for the late Vincent Cardone, who owned the Medina Theatre next to the alley.
Other prominent Medina residents to recognize with the street name could be the late Mayor Marcia Tuohey, former First Lady Frances Folsom, and perhaps others.
Village officials first want to know the origin of Proile and the significance of that name to the community.
The village has additional street naming opportunities soon in the future. The two new roadways by Pride Pak off Maple Ridge Road will soon be turned over to the village.
Medina will likely have a public hearing to accept those roads, which were built to public road standards as part of the Pride Pak project.
Contributed Story Posted 13 November 2017 at 6:40 pm
Contributed Photo – Members of the newly formed Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina hockey team celebrate the team’s victory in their debut game Sunday.
The fledgling Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina hockey team made a sparkling debut by defeating Iroquois/Alden 4-2 Sunday evening in a Western New York High School Club Hockey League game at West Seneca.
After a scoreless first period, Matt Saj (Medina) registered the Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina team’s historic first ever goal at the 16:42 mark off an assist from Tom Paisley (Roy-Hart).
Shortly after that, Rhett Wagner (Medina) made it 2-0 as Drew Marsh (Akron) earned the assist.
Iroquis/Alden answered with a goal but Saj got that one back with what proved to be the game winning goal. Mark Krzykowski (Akron) and Trevor Crawford (Akron) both earned an assist on that tally.
Marsh later netted the winners final goal as Michael Kuchey (Roy-Hart) picked up the assist.
Evan Birkameir played solid in goal to san the victory.
Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina next faces the City Honors/Cardinal O’Hara team on Tuesday at the Riverside Rink in Buffalo.
ALBION – Jim and Holly Klatt sent in these photos of a bald eagle they saw in their backyard along Route 31 in Albion, near Butts Road. These photos were taken about noon today.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has outlined the impacts of the GOP tax plan on New Yorkers in the Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region.
This bill, with the loss of the deduction for state taxes and a cap on the deduction for property taxes, disproportionately targets states like New York, which already sends $48 billion more to Washington than it gets back in funding – the highest of any state in the nation. In the counties represented by Rep. Collins, more than 236,000 New Yorkers will be affected by the destructive plan and see an average tax increase of more than $2,500 from the loss of these deductions.
That includes 3,063 taxpayers in Orleans County who would pay an average of $1,493 more in taxes, according to Cuomo.
“With the GOP tax plan, the Republicans in Congress are playing New Yorkers for fools and New Yorkers are not fools,” Governor Cuomo said. “This devastating plan is positioned to use New York as a piggy bank to finance the rest of the nation, crippling hardworking families across the state. I am calling on Congressman Collins to remember who put him in office and vote no on this unconscionable plan.”
The GOP tax plan also represents a massive tax cut for corporations and the wealthiest Americans paid for by the middle- and working-class people of New York. The plan lowers the tax rate for corporations by 40 percent, providing a trillion-dollar tax cut to the biggest companies in the world. Under the plan, corporations would still be able to claim state and local taxes as a regular business expense, while the ability of hardworking New York residents to deduct their state and local taxes from their federal income calculations would be capped or eliminated entirely.
The GOP tax plan would also eliminate the tax-free nature of private activity bonds, which are a critical source of infrastructure financing for projects like affordable housing, hospitals, airports, schools and college campuses. In New York, tax-exempt private activity bonds catalyze $11 billion in funding and support 84,000 jobs, annually.
By eliminating tax-exempt private activity bonds, this “job-killing plan” will prevent critical infrastructure projects from ever getting off the ground, Cuomo said. Projects that are built will be more expensive and the costs will often fall on those who are least able to afford them: For hospitals, that means patients will have to pay more for life-saving services. For colleges and universities, that means tuition will continue to sky-rocket and student debt will continue to climb. Moreover, it would cut $4.5 billion in affordable housing investment annually, which means that approximately 17,000 affordable homes will not be built every year.
In addition, Cuomo said to finance the corporate tax cuts and giveaways, middle-class taxpayers in New York and other states will lose other key deductions, including for student loan interest, tuition, and other education expenses, moving expenses, adoption, out-of-pocket classroom expenses for teachers, and out-of-pocket medical costs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2017 at 11:00 am
MURRAY – The winner of the election for Murray town supervisor should be finally determined on Wednesday morning when absentee ballots are counted.
Joe Sidonio holds a 16-vote lead over Bob Miller, 558-542. So far 70 absentee ballots have come in to the Board of Elections office in Albion.
If there are 70 valid absentees on Wednesday, Miller would need 44 to win.
Sidonio had a 7-vote lead after the Republican Primary in September, but Miller got 19 absentees to Sidonio’s 5, giving Miller the Republican line in the Nov. 7 election. Sidonio had a rematch with backing from the Conservative and Independence parties.
The absentees will be opened on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Board of Elections.
