Press Release, Office for the Aging in Orleans County

ALBION – The Orleans County Office for the Aging today announced it will be hosting several events for Medicare beneficiaries during the fall Annual Open Enrollment period which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review plan information and make educated decisions on what they want their coverage to be starting Jan. 1, 2025.

OFA will be hosting two Medicare Vendor Fairs at the Hoag Library.  Representatives from Medicare Advantage Plans will be present to assist people in understanding changes in current plans and discuss any new plans for 2025. They can also help those interested enroll in a plan. Health insurance counselors from OFA will be available to answer questions, screen for possible benefits and provide unbiased information unrelated to any particular plan.

The events at Hoag Library will be held on Friday, October 18 and Friday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hoag Library is located at 134 South Main St. in Albion. Attendees should bring their original Medicare Care and a list of both their prescription drugs and medical providers.

“Seniors are bombarded with information and solicitations for their healthcare insurance needs and with so many choices and potential program changes, it can get overwhelmingly very quickly,” said Melissa Blanar, Director of Orleans County OFA.  “The goal of these meetings is to really help people understand their choices and spend time answering questions so they can make the decisions that are right for them.”

In addition to the Medicare Vendor Fair, OFA will also be hosting two “comparison meetings” on October 23 and November 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Conference Room C of the Orleans County Administration Building in Albion. People can meet with an OFA health insurance counselor to review Medicare updates and get help in making their own comparisons between the different Medicare plans.

Those interested in attending any of these events are asked to register in advance by calling OFA at 585-589-3191.

ALBION – A Carlton man was sentenced this morning to a year of weekends in the county jail plus five years of probation.

Benjamin T. Hayes, 26, was sentenced for two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

He was charged by state police on Nov. 2, 2023 with numerous felony firearms charges. Hayes at the time was working in the county’s IT Department.

He was found to be in possession of numerous illegal weapons including a privately manufactured ghost gun, 3-D printed pistol receivers, pistols, unregistered SAFE Act rifles, high-capacity magazines, body armor, ammunition and electronics involved in private manufacturing of gun parts.

He was sentenced this morning by County Court Judge Sanford Church.

In other cases in court today:

• Edward Dunn, 38, of Middleport was sentenced to 2 ½ to 5 years in state prison for third-degree burglary.

Dunn, who was convicted of a previous felony of second degree assault, acknowledged in court he went to a laundromat in Lyndonville on March 13, and entered a room that is off limits to the public. Dunn said he broke into the room with the change machine to get that money, knowing it wasn’t open to the public.

As part of the sentencing today, he has to pay $980 in restitution.

Dunn  apologized for his actions and said he takes full responsibility.

Joanne Best, the public defender, said Dunn has struggled with substance abuse and would benefit from treatment.

• Anthony A. Maisano, 36, of Lockport pleaded guilty to felony driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree.

Maisano admitted to drinking alcohol on Nov. 2, 2023, when he was stopped in Orleans County and registered a 0.21 BAC.

He faces 1 to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 8.

• Joshua Ausman, 39, of Clarendon was arraigned for third-degree grand larceny for allegedly taking $4,976 without permission from another person from April 1 to May 17.

Community asked to do survey on Health Department’s lead prevention efforts

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Did you know that the only way to find out if your child has lead poisoning is by testing their blood?

“Signs of lead poisoning are often hard to see, so testing is very important,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Children should be tested for lead at ages 1 & 2, or more often if your doctor thinks it is needed.”

The Genesee County Health Department has a grant to prevent childhood lead poisoning in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties (GLOW) area. One of the main goals of the grant is to encourage parents and guardians to get their children tested for lead at ages 1 & 2.

In 2024, the GLOW Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) used different ways to teach people about the dangers of lead poisoning. They put up educational billboards, bus ads, signs, and flyers to encourage lead testing. Program staff were on the radio and went to local events to educate residents directly. At two of these events, they provided free lead testing for kids 6 years and under.

We want to know what you think about our efforts this year to help us plan for the future.  Please take a short two-minute survey. (Click here for the survey): If you complete the survey, you can choose to give your address and you will get a coupon for a free dairy product.

For questions or more information, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov.  You can also visit GOHealthNY.org.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse is being illumined in purple at night for the first half of October for domestic violence awareness month.

Orleans County Department of Social Services had 294 cases reported to the Domestic Violence Unit in 2023, and 196 from Jan. 1 to Sept. 1 in 2024. However, 90 percent of domestic violence goes unreported.

County legislators issued a proclamation about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting, “Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, perpetrated by an intimate partner over another, to establish and maintain power and control.”

Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women than auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined, legislators said.

Chamber’s Business of the Year moved to bigger location, maintains focus on customer service

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating and AC Service, stands by one of their trucks at the base at 14530 East Lee Rd. The business has been named “Business of the Year” by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. Frontier will be recognized at the awards dinner Oct. 17 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.                      

ALBION – The owner of Frontier Heating and Air Conditioning Service is honored to be named Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

“I was elated with the news,” said Tom Laine. “It’s nice to be recognized for the good work we’ve done over the years.”

Laine founded Frontier Heating and A/C Service in 1991 in his garage in Albion, after working for 11 years for other contractors, he said.

“We did business there until 1995, when my wife Lora (Lori)  and I purchased 115 East Bank St., where we did business for 27 years,” Laine said.

In March 2023, Laine moved his business to a new, bigger location at 14530 East Lee Rd. The new 12,000 square foot facility is more convenient for them to better serve their customers, he said. They have ample parking with a showroom to display the products they sell.

It’s a challenge to keep on the cutting edge of technology, Laine said.

The worst part of his business is “around the clock” service, but Laine knows it is important to his customers to have emergency service available at any time.

This facility at 14530 East Lee Rd. is the home of Frontier Heating and AC Service, the Orleans County Chamber’s Business of the Year.

They service all brands and sell Amana and Mitsubishi equipment, as well as boilers, water heaters, air conditioning units and heat pumps. In addition they install Generac and Honeywell generators, and  deal with all types of fuel, including natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and propane.

Laine, who will be 67 this year, is gradually letting his son Raymond and son-in-law Rex Harvey have more responsibility.

“I keep going, because I know the day will come when I can’t,” he said.

Frontier Heating employs 15 to 20 people at any given time, nearly all Orleans County residents. Over the years, their service area has expanded to include Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties.

Laine is proud of how his business has grown over the years.

“When I started, my wife delivered mail and would speak to her customers daily, giving out my business card,” Laine said. “That’s where I got my first lead for a furnace.”

Today Laine boasts a customer base of 7,000.

“I’m happy to say we still have that first client,” he said.

He says his job is making sure each and every customer has a good experience and is 100 percent satisfied.

“We’re looking for customers for life, and we’re not happy until you’re happy,” he said.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to fight the addictive effects of gambling. Legislation S1550/A1118 requires all advertisements for gambling and sports betting to include warnings about the potential harmful and addictive effects of gambling.

The previous law states that each advertisement must clearly and conspicuously post a problem gambling hotline number. Legislation S1550/A1118 builds off the previous bill to clarify that mobile sports wagering advertisements are subject to the same conditions that apply to other gaming-related advertisements.

“Protecting New Yorkers from the dangerous and addictive effects of problem gambling and sports betting is vitally important for the prosperity of our great State,” Governor Hochul said. “I want New Yorkers to be able to safely enjoy the activities they love, while proceeding with caution when necessary. I’m confident that with the signing of this new bill, New Yorkers will have easier access to the safety resources they need to better protect themselves from the grips of addiction.”

Legislation S1550/A1118 Requires all advertisements for gambling and sports betting to include warnings about potential harmful and addictive effects of gambling; and requires the State Gaming Commission to cooperate with the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to ensure that all advertisements for gaming activity provide a problem gambling hotline number.

New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said, “New York State recognizes the importance of responsible gaming practices and has strong safeguards in place to protect and educate bettors. While the Gaming Commission already requires sports wagering operators to include problem gambling messaging on all advertisements, we are encouraged that this common-sense measure has been codified into state law. By signing this bill, Governor Hochul continues to deliver smart and responsible gaming policies that help support our State.”

Problem gambling is often referred to as a hidden addiction since there are often no outward physical signs. It can result in financial, emotional, social, occupational and physical harm and devastating consequences for individuals, as well as their families and friends.

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “More people than ever are able to access gambling, so as these opportunities increase, it is important that we continue our efforts to educate New Yorkers about the risks associated with problem gambling and where they can find help and support. With the signing of this bill, Governor Hochul is taking further important steps to safeguard New Yorkers and ensure that they can continue to gamble responsibly, while ensuring they can also readily access vital resources if needed.”

Press Release, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc.

ALBION – Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc., is putting a call out to all members of the community to participate in a music video on Oct. 12 to help promote Bullard Park.

Anyone and everyone is invited – the more the merrier! People should meet at noon at the base of the sledding hill.

Participants are encouraged to dress in accordance with their interests and/or hobbies – jerseys, costumes, etc. are encouraged. We ask that no political or religious items be brought to the shoot.

A simple dance (the original Santa dance taught to Charles Howard for the Macy’s parade) will be taught that participants will perform, then a fun, freestyle moment will allow all to have some fun.

We ask all participants to fill out a waiver for video usage. Participants under the age of 18 must have the waiver completed by a consenting adult. Waivers are available online and will be available the day of the event.

The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc. “G-ACRE” has a mission to create and provide for recreational activities, support volunteerism, and improve the quality of life in the greater Albion community.

George Lacey is shown on the roomy deck of his new store overlooking his slips and the Oak Orchard River at The Bridges.

WATERPORT – George Lacey has always considered Captain’s Cove a hidden gem.

And now everyone else will know it, too.

Captain’s Cove was recently chosen by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as a “Hidden Gem” with an influential role in promoting local tourism. Captain’s Cove will be recognized with other winners at the awards dinner Oct. 17 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

Lacey, 62, has been in business since he was 17, said the Niagara Falls native. In 1980, he started Lacey Heavy Equipment Repair in Lockport.

In 2015, he had the opportunity to buy Captain’s Cove on the Oak Orchard River at The Bridges, and he made the decision to sell the successful business in Lockport and put all his efforts into making Captain’s Cove “what it used to be.”

“I still see potential here,” Lacey said, referring to the Point Breeze area. “People come here from all over the country. Our fishing is second to none, not even Alaska.”

He has overcome several hurdles in achieving his goal for Captain’s Cove. Three weeks after he purchased it, his wife died by suicide. In 2017 the business flooded during a year of historic high water. Lacey responded to the flood by buying new floating docks, raising the parking lot and marina five feet and putting in new utilities.

He tore the original fishing store down and moved into a rental house on the hill above. In 2019, he was flooded again.

He recently put up a new, modern building for his new store, with improved parking on the upper level. He started in 2022, and it is almost complete, Lacey said. All the wood in the new building came from the trees up on the hill. He said Mike Elam of Albion planted those trees when his family owned the property in the 1950s.

He just got his beer license for the new store, and has groceries, any fishing tackle a person would need, live bait and hunting licenses.

The property also includes a 14-unit motel and 32 slips. They rent pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes. He has refrigerators available for fisherman to store their catch.

George Lacey sits by the counter in his newly constructed building on the Oak Orchard River.

The entire west wall of the new building facing the river is getting a new look. Mural artist Michelle Cryer of Clarendon is painting the wall, showing the lake and the Oak Orchard Lighthouse.

Samantha Tillman manages the business, and Lacey said she is a top-notch business person, just like her dad Mark.

He credits his employees for the Chamber’s recognition.

“All my people are the best,” he said. “They only call me when something needs to be fixed. It’s the people who work here who want it to grow and made it what it is. It’s a fun place.”

He said they try to do as much as they can to promote the county, and he praised Lynne Menz and Dawn Borchert for their efforts in promoting the area as a tourists’ destination.

Captain’s Cove opens in the spring on April 1 and this year is staying open two weeks longer than usual, until the end of November.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds will be brimming with activity of a haunted kind when the annual Scarecrow Festival returns on Oct. 12.

For nearly 20 years, children and their families have attended the event to build their own unique scarecrow.

The Scarecrow Festival is sponsored by Medina Lions and has taken place in various locations around the village, until finding a home at the fairgrounds. Early festivals were at the YMCA, Roberts Farm Market, Forrestel Farms and the Canal Basin, but the fairgrounds has turned out to be the ideal location, said Lions president Tom Robinson.

There is ample parking and plenty of room for children to build a scarecrow or romp in the straw. The cost per child is $12.

The first step for children is to choose one of the stakes which Lions provide in two sizes. Then they pick out a face which has been painted by Medina High School art students and continue to the clothing area. Here, they choose from skirts, pants, shirts, blouses, belts, scarves and hats, donated by the MAAC Thrift Shop.

After dressing and stuffing their scarecrow with straw, they proceed to the “surgeons,” who sew up the scarecrow.

A new event this year will be pumpkin decorating contest from 9 a.m. to noon by the Master Gardeners. There will be a prize for the best pumpkin.

In addition, there will be a kids’ pumpkin painting activity and a carving demonstration.

Robinson stressed that adults will be available in all areas of the building to assist children. Students from Job Corps will also be on hand to lend a hand.

A food stand will have hotdogs, chips and beverages available.

Robinson said all money raised is used by the Lions to support non-profits in the community.

Many families return year after year, he said. Some say they save their creation each year and add it to their Halloween display the next year.

Robinson has visited Medina, Lyndonville and Albion school districts, leaving information on the event for all students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

But all children, even adults, are welcome to take part.

The Scarecrow Festival and Community Yard Sale in June are the Lions two biggest fundraisers, Robinson said.

Provided photos: These students are pictured with the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland. Pictured from left in back include Ahlyssa Miller, Jack Cecchini, Mason Eick, Adeline Castricone and Angel Mulchay. In front include Will Prest, Sawyer Kingsbury, Faith Baker-Austin, Morgan Zeiner, Liam Castricone, Nate Surdell, and Zach Lilley.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Todd Eick, the Medina Junior-Senior High School FFA advisor, had been hoping to take his students on an international trip for several years now.  “I had been really exploring possibilities and then Covid hit and I had to let it go by the wayside,” he said.

This past summer his dream for himself and 13 students came to fruition.

“My daughter had just gone on a trip with Mrs. Peracciny, one of our Spanish teachers, to London, Rome and Paris and I was looking at the photos and thought why aren’t I doing this?”

Mr. Eick looked into different tours and found one focused on agriculture in Ireland.  Ireland’s agriculture sector is a key driver of its economy and is characterized by a focus on livestock production and exports.  There are roughly 135,000 farms in Ireland.

“For our first trip it was really perfect,” he said. “It is an English-speaking country and included farm tours, horticulture tours and aquaculture tours. It all fit.”

The FFA students were joined by a group of students from northern California bringing their total to 30 for the 10-day trip that went to Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Galway, back to Dublin.

“These students came from a very rural section of the west coast and it took them three hours to get to the airport from their town,” Mr. Eick said.  “It is much more rural than where we are from. It definitely added to the learning experience for my students hearing about their day-to-day lives.”

This photo shows the Medina and California students together. They spent 10 days visiting sites in Ireland. They are shown with the tour guide and driver.

The trip involved a lot of diversity for the students; everything from a pig farm, cattle farm, sheep farm, crop farms and oyster farms. They even observed the training of sheepdogs, which they all loved.

“I was very impressed with the farmers we interacted with and it was an amazing adventure for myself and the students,” Eick said. “They really got to experience farm life over there and the farmers were very energetic and very honest with the students about not only their livelihood, but their personal lives as well. One farmer shared with them his struggle with depression and how getting professional help really saved him. It was a great conversation for the students and I think made them aware that it is okay to talk about these issues. It was very impromptu and real and I think the students appreciated his honesty.”

The farmers did a great job engaging all 30 kids and making sure they experienced different things, Mr. Eick said.

“They learned a lot about the Irish culture and traditions as well,” he said.

One of Mr. Eick’s students, Morgan Zeiner, said the trip was a gift.

“My mom really wanted me to go and I have to say it was very cool,” Morgan said. “I loved learning about the history of Ireland and going to the farms was great. It was very hands-on and we milked cows, picked strawberries and helped to harvest oysters. We loved playing with the lambs. As we were walking through the cities and towns, I felt like I was walking through a museum. It was very historical and it was cool to learn about some of their laws too.”

One of those laws was about opening hedgerows where if they did that, they had to plant three times the amount elsewhere.

“The thought is to replace it with more than what you are removing,” Mr. Eick said.  “They have a very sustainable agriculture mindset there. I wish we did things like that here.”

Mr. Eick said the trip was very successful in exposing the students to a different culture and expanding their worldview.

“In 2026, I plan on taking a group of students to Costa Rica and Panama and I am very excited about being able to offer them that experience of seeing the rainforest and volcanos and learning about the flora and fauna,” he said.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

LOCKPORT – Sportsmen will now be able to hunt big game by rifle in Niagara County with the signing of Senate Bill S.8382B by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The bill allows hunters to take deer and bear by rifle hunting throughout Niagara County except within the cities of Lockport, North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls. Any municipality that wishes to opt out has that option as well.

“Niagara County was one of only a few counties throughout the state where rifle hunting is prohibited – and I thank the Governor for signing this important bill allowing sportsmen to take big game by rifle,” said Senator Ortt. “I’d also like to thank our community partners, local electeds, and my state colleagues for working together to help bring this legislation to fruition. County residents requested their elected representatives to get this done, and I’m proud to say we delivered.”

“Despite being a largely rural county, Niagara County was excluded from the list of counties allowed to use rifles for big game hunting,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris. “As the representative of the eastern Niagara towns in the State Assembly, it was important to me this matter was addressed, and I would like to thank Senator Ortt and the governor for closing this loophole in state law in support of our local hunters and sportspersons.”

“The residents of Niagara County deserve the right to hunt big game by rifle just like many other counties in the state already do,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. “This bill will allow more hunting opportunities for the residents and attract more sport hunting and fishing tourism to the county which can spur economic growth.”

“We appreciate Governor Hochul, Senator Ortt and Assemblymen Morinello and Norris getting this legislation done. Our Niagara County Gun Owners’ Rights Advisory was a huge proponent of this bill because it expands the hunting experience in our community and brings our regulations in line with the vast majority of counties in the state, including our neighbors in Orleans and Genesee,” said Niagara County Legislator Shawn Foti.

The bill went into effect once the Governor signed it, and simply amends existing conservation laws at no cost to taxpayers.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is teaming up with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program as a part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign.

Since 1980, the program, a project of the Adelphi University School of Social Work, has provided New Yorkers with information and emotional support as they battle breast cancer.

The campaign encourages individuals to take care of their breast health in three ways: getting a mammogram, learning about breast cancer programs in their community and talking to someone who can help. This year’s motto is “When Survivors Unite, Hope Ignites.”

The hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, directs callers to resources and provides a listening ear. The program can be reached by phone at 800-877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu.

“I’m proud to be partnering with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to spread awareness and increase support,” said Hawley. “Every year, more than 2 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why it is important to know the risk factors and get regular screenings. I encourage all residents of the 139th Assembly District to take advantage of these free resources as we continue to raise awareness this month.”

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

 ALBION – Thursday, October 10th will be the 10th annual Family Game Night in Orleans County.

This event is sponsored by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and the County Legislative Office.   The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate located at 165 South Platt St. in Albion.

This event will feature pizza, games to play, displays to visit and a new board game for every family.  The booths will provide information on a wide array of services for youth and families that are available in Orleans County.

The event this year is free for all families.  We will also have a couple drawings throughout the night.  Supporters of the evening are Dubby’s Tailgate, Subway, Medina Railroad Museum, Evan’s ACE Hardware & Building Supplies and Singelyn Enterprises – McDonald’s of Albion.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Legislative Office at 585-589-7053.

ALBION – Orleans County will be debuting new voting machines in the upcoming presidential election.

The new optical-scan machines will be better able to detect markings on the ballot. Voters will be able to use a ballpoint pen, instead of a marker, said Mike Mele, one of the county’s election commissioners.

The machines will also be equipped with technology for people to vote who are blind or hard of hearing. There are 15 new machines for people without disabilities and 13 with technology to assist people with disabilities, including braille, headphones for people to hear the ballot read to them, and “sip and puff” device technology for people who are quadriplegics.

The county purchased the current optical-scan machines in 2009, replacing the old mechanical lever machines, technology that had been used for about a century.

When the county made the switch to the optical scan machines, they were expected to last about a decade, said Janice Grabowski, the county’ election commissioner. The county used them for about five additional years beyond the initial expectation.

The machines have been tested out as part of training for elections inspectors. This question asks, “What is your favorite sports team?” The ballot was flagged because there were two answers on the ballot. The voter will be given the option of a new ballot or that line won’t be counted if that happens in the actual election.

The County Legislature in March authorized spending $238,972.50 for the new machines from Clear Ballot Group of Boston, MA. The new machines are compatible with the Election Management System used by the county.

The Board of Elections has set aside money in its budget in recent years towards the replacement cost of the machines, Grabowski said. The county also is using $5,607 in HAVA (Help America Vote Act) grant monies and $11,878 in TIER (Technology Innovation and Elections Resource) grant funds towards the purchase, leaving the remaining $221,487 as the county cost.

There are 11 polling sites in the county and each site will have a regular voting machine and one for people with disabilities. The BOE also will have six more in case there are any breakdowns with the 22 at the voting sites.

The machines are much faster to program with the ballots for the county’s voting technicians, about 6 hours per voting district compared to 12-14 hours before. Voting technicians Scott Bennett and Kevin Urbanik said that programming time should be reduced further as they become more experienced with the software.

File photo by Tom Rivers: A voter casts a ballot at Hoag Library on June 23, 2020 on one of the voting machines that has been replaced after about 15 years.

The county also will be introducing ballots on demand which Mele said will significantly reduce the costs of printing ballots. The county has been printed 110 percent of the ballots for about 25,000 registered voters. Those ballots are 48 to 56 cents each.

With print on demand, the ballot cost is about 20 cents each and the county only needs t print what is needed.

The upcoming election will have another change: people will sign in to vote on an iPad rather than the printed election books with the roll of registered voters. That also means people don’t have to go to their specifics voting district to sign in because the iPad will have all the names of registered voters in that town.

That is allowing the county to reduce the total number of election inspectors from 104 to about 70. The election inspectors are paid $260 for working elections, on days that start at 5:30 a.m. and go until past 9 p.m.

The county will continue to have inspectors from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Mele and Grabowski also stressed the county’s voting machines are not hooked into the internet and there is no chance for any outside interference.

ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church ruled last week that statements made by Noah Magee to State Police are admissible as his case heads to trial.

Magee has been charged with second-degree murder in a fatal Barre crash on Feb. 8.

Police say Magee, 19, of Brockport was driving a pickup truck the wrong way on McNamar Road on Feb. 8 when he hit Roger Kingdollar who was riding a dirt bike. Kingdollar, 24, died from the collision.

Magee’s lawyer Paul Vacca Jr. asked that the statements from Magee, made over a five-hour time line, not be admissible.

Church said the statements to Investigator Steven Papponetti were made voluntarily and after Magee was given a Miranda warning that he had the right to remain silent, that any statement he makes may be used as evidence against him, and that he has a right to the presence of an attorney.

Papponetti, during a Huntley hearing last week, said Magee was cooperative at the scene, during a ride to Medina Memorial Hospital for a blood drive, and then at the interview room at the State Police barracks in Albion. (The blood draw showed no signs of alcohol or impairment from drugs, Papponetti said.)

Papponetti said Magee said told the investigator he made a wide turn from Angevine to McNamar Road at about 4:05 p.m. Magee said he tried to overcorrect and the vehicle swerved towards Kingdollar, which the handlebar catching the front fender on the driver’s side of a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.

Magee said he left the scene because he was scared someone told him they were going to kill him, Papponetti said in testimony. Kingdollar was operating a dirt bike while on a ride with two friends on four-wheelers.

Magee’s sister brought Magee back to the scene. Papponetti took him by state police vehicle to Medina Memorial and the State Police barracks. While in the police vhicle, Papponetti said he and Magee discussed “normal life stuff,” including some of Magee’s hobbies and what he likes to do in his free time.

Magee wasn’t under arrest when he went to the State Police barracks. Vacca asked Papponetti when the determination was made to charge him with a crime.

“Wouldn’t you say this was an automobile accident and not a murder?” Vacca asked Papponetti during the hearing. “I’m still puzzled how you could charge him with this horrendous crime.”

District Attorney Joe Cardone said a video from a neighboring house was a factor in the charges, which initially were reckless endangerment 1st degree (D felony), leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident (D felony) and other vehicle and traffic infractions.

The charge was elevated on June 12 to second-degree murder when Magee was arraigned in County Court.

Magee also gave police consent to search his cell phone on Feb. 8, and then recanted that permission. Papponetti said the phone was never searched by police. Papponetti said police wanted to check it to see if it would indicate why he left the scene or if he was on his phone during the collision.

A trial in the case is scheduled to start on Nov. 13 with juror selection to start that morning.