By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2024 at 4:21 pm
ALBION – Orleans County will be 200 years old next year. The county was officially “born” on April 15, 1825, when the State Legislature recognized Orleans as its own county, approving a separation from Genesee County.
The Orleans County Legislature wants to celebrate the milestone anniversary next year and named members to a Bicentennial Committee to help coordinate information and events for the bicentennial.
County Historian Catherine Cooper will serve as chairwoman of the group.
Other members include:
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
Mark Bower, mayor for Village of Holley
Doug Farley, director of Cobblestone Museum and Society
Nadine Hanlon, Orleans County Clerk
Melissa Ierlan, Town of Clarendon Historian
Lynne Menz, Orleans County Tourism coordinator
Susan Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion Historian
Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor
The committee is to be dissolved on Dec. 31, 2025, legislators stated in a resolution.
Cooper welcomes the community’s participation in the 200th anniversary next year. She would like to see many of the existing festivals around the county in 2025 include the bicentennial as part of a theme in parades and celebrations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2024 at 4:06 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature approved a new two-year agreement with the Albion school district to have a deputy from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office working as a school resource officer.
Matt Prawel from the Sheriff’s Office has been working as the SRO for Albion the past two years.
The new agreement runs from Sept. 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026. The Sheriff’s Office will be compensated $509.74 per day in the 2024 calendar year, $553.89 per day in 2025, and $601.99 per day in 2026.
Any additional hours requested by the school district for after-hours events will be an overtime hourly rate including incremental fringe expense rate of $60.73 per hour for the calendar year 2024, $66.02 per hour in 2025, and $71.81 per hour in 2026.
For the first two years of the agreement, the Sheriff’s Office was paid $502.10 per day in the 2022-2023 school year (about $91,000) and $510.26 per day in 2023-24. Overtime was $61.05 per hour the first year and $62.53 per hour the second year.
HOLLEY – Holley Central School is thrilled to introduce Mackenzie Swartz as the new assistant principal of Holley Elementary School. She will be formally appointed by the Holley Board of Education at the Aug. 19 meeting.
Before working at Holley, Swartz was a teacher on special assignment (TOSA) in the East Irondequoit School District, providing strategic instructional support for elementary teachers.
She previously taught first grade at Kendall Elementary School and second grade at Ivan Green Primary School in East Irondequoit, where she also served as Literacy Leader and Equity Facilitator. She received her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and her master’s degree in Literacy from Roberts Wesleyan University. Swartz received her School Building/District Leadership Certificate from SUNY Brockport.
She is very excited to join the Holley community and share her passion for elementary education.
“I truly believe that I am a better person today because of all the students I have worked with,” Swartz said. “Elementary school is so special because you get to see students grow so much in their time with us. I am looking forward to learning from and with students here at Holley, and seeing all the unique qualities each student contributes to the school community. I know that this is an incredible community, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be joining the team.”
The district extends a very warm welcome to Swartz as she embarks on her journey at Holley.
“Mackenzie brings valuable and unique elementary experiences to our building, and we look forward to learning from and growing with her,” said Tim Artessa, principal at Holley Elementary. “We couldn’t be more excited for Mackenzie to be joining our school community. Her enthusiasm for elementary education is going to be very well received by both our students and staff, and I truly believe that her impact will be immediate as she is ready to hit the ground running!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2024 at 12:57 pm
Provided photo: Makenzie McGrath accepts an award from Marlene Seielstad in honor of Seielstad’s parents, Marge and Jim Davis.
KNOWLESVILLE – Makenzie McGrath, 16, of Medina has received the first memorial award in honor of the late Marge and Jim Davis of Barre.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis were long-time 4-H leaders of the Moonlight Dreamers, teaching younger generations about heritage skills related to natural resources, agriculture and home economics.
The Jim and Marge Davis Memorial Award is for $100 and is presented to a 4-Her between the ages of 13 and 19 who is an Orleans County resident. The winner of the award achieves the highest overall point total in environmental education, personal development and leadership, special and unique exhibits, heritage art exhibit, sewing and textiles, and baking and recipe collections.
Makenzie McGrath donated the $100 award to the Church of the Abundant Harvest in Millville/Knowlesville, where the couple where members.
Julia Graham of Albion was the runner-up winner and received $50.
The $100 award was funded by Rebekah Green, who was a teen evaluator at the fair for Mrs. Davis as she judged fair exhibits. Marlene Seielstad and her husband Erik covered the cost for the $50 reserve award.
“She taught me a lot about how to look for quality items for both the home and kitchen,” Greene posted on the Orleans Hub Facebook page about Mrs. Davis. “It was a true privilege to visit with her and Jim many times after my 4-H years on Hemlock Ridge. They were both awesome natural teachers and good friends!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2024 at 9:39 am
ALBION – Orleans County is doing a once-every-8-year review of the county-wide agricultural district and about 7,600 additional acres will be added with nearly 6,000 to be taken out.
That is how it stands now, but the numbers could change before an Aug. 16 deadline, said Corey Winters, planner with the Orleans County Department of Planning.
The agricultural district covers about 118,000 acres or approximately 48% of the land mass of the county. The county every year gives property owners a chance to be included in the district, but parcels can only be removed every eight years. This year is that chance to pull out property.
Undeveloped land that is in the district is not allowed to hook into waterlines for non-agricultural use because of the potential adverse effects on agriculture, Winters said. Existing homes, residences, and farms within an agricultural district are not prohibited from connecting to new water lines.
Winters said some of the land being removed from the district is owned by older property owners who want to give their relatives the option to connect to waterlines in the near future.
The County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board and Department of Planning are leading the review. Winters and Barry Flansburg, chairman of the Farmland Protection Board, went over the data during a public hearing on Tuesday with the County Legislature.
The review right now would add about 1,600 acres to the district.
“We’re thrilled we’re not losing agricultural acreage,” Flansburg said.
The county tried three times to get a response from 139 parcel owners, representing 3,150.9 acres. That land will be removed from the ag district unless there is an affirmative response by an Aug. 16 deadline.
Parcels that did not respond: 139 parcels – 3,150.9 acres
Town of Albion: 6 parcels – 166.6 acres
Town of Barre: 19 parcels – 579.8 acres
Town of Carlton: 18 parcels – 451.6 acres
Town of Clarendon: 11 parcels – 632.6 acres
Town of Gaines: 5 parcels – 13.8 acres
Town of Kendall: 17 parcels – 276.9 acres
Town of Murray: 8 parcels – 98.9 acres
Town of Ridgeway: 32 parcels – 522.9 acres
Town of Shelby: 11 parcels – 201.7 acres
Town of Yates: 12 parcels – 205.9 acres
Parcels to be excluded from district: 88 parcels – 2,804.8 acres
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 9:10 pm
GAINES – Susan Pescara waited eight years to have her camera ready when a bunny appeared in front of a rabbit crossing sign by her driveway on Route 279 in Gaines.
The magic moment finally happened on Wednesday evening.
Pescara said her property is frequently visited by rabbits. She put up a bunny crossing sign because there are so many.
She wanted a photo of a rabbit in front of the sign and Wednesday she was able to sneak a photo of one before it hopped away. She happily shared the photo with the Orleans Hub.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – Registration is now open for the Orleans County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Lilypad Safe Harbour Program, according to DSS Deputy Commissioner Cyndi Stumer.
The goal of Lilypad is to educate young people on healthy relationships and building self-esteem, while also teaching how to recognize red flags that will protect them from online predators. The program is open to those 12 to 21 years of age.
“Many can remember a time when the internet first gained traction and the online world was limited to your home computer,” Stumer said. “Today’s youth have the constant presence of cellphones and access to the entire world in a few seconds, connecting with strangers through Tik Tok, Facebook, online gaming and host of other platforms. And as we know too well, this connectivity is not without its own set of problems and dangers.”
The Lilypad program is structured to help protect young people form online predators, recognizing the signs of grooming and exploitation. The program consists of three sessions that will each cover a different topic. The sessions are scheduled for Sept. 19, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street in Albion.
“We approach each session in a manner that allows young people to feel comfortable discussing these serious topics,” Stumer said. “We will also be providing snacks, holding raffles and handing out prizes throughout the evening to lighten things up.”
Advance registration is preferred for planning purposes, however, walk-in registrations are also welcome. To register your youth for Lilypad, please contact Orleans County Safe Harbour at Safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov or by telephone at (585) 589-2837.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police are now accepting applications for the Trooper Entrance Examination, and testing for candidates will start on August 15, 2024.
This recruitment period stems from a $66 million investment by Governor Hochul to fund additional State Police academy classes to increase the number of New York State Troopers dedicated to addressing the State’s most pressing crime issues, including the trafficking of illegal firearms.
“Public safety is my top priority, and we will continue to make record investments in law enforcement so that New York State is best prepared to protect New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing $66 million in additional academy classes, we hope to increase the number of potential New York State Troopers serving our great state. I encourage those interested in a rewarding career to apply now.”
Candidates can learn about the qualifications to become a New York State Trooper and sign up to take the exam at www.joinstatepolice.ny.gov. Once candidates apply, they can sign up to take the computerized exam at a Pearson VUE testing center at a location and time that is convenient for them.
The State Police is continuing efforts to increase the diversity of its ranks, which includes outreach to leaders of communities underrepresented in law enforcement. The State Police is proud to participate in the national 30×30 pledge, making a commitment to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30 percent by 2030.
Since 2021, the State Police has increased the number of female Troopers by 21.8 percent (680 from 558), Black Troopers by 45.8 percent (296 from 203), and Hispanic Troopers by 54.6 percent (450 from 291).
A career with the New York State Police offers significant opportunities for advancement and professional development, with specialized units such as Aviation, Canine, Underwater Recovery Team, Special Operations Response Team and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, just to name a few.
Minimum qualifications needed to sign up for the examination:
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Age: Candidates must be at least 20 years old and a maximum of 34 years old at the time of application.
The maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty – up to a maximum of 7 years.
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply (60 college credits are required at time of appointment, 30 for those who have qualifying military service or police training).
For complete information, including details of the revised tattoo policy, click here.
Applicants must pay a $20 fee at the time of application, and a $44 fee payable to Pearson VUE when scheduling the exam.
Salary & Benefits:
Starting salary for Academy appointees is $59,612.
After one year of service, the minimum compensation rises to $98,300.
Full health benefits and a retirement plan.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police has a reputation and tradition of excellence. A career as a State Trooper is both challenging and rewarding, providing a unique opportunity to positively impact communities across the State. It is more important than ever that we better represent the communities we serve, build better relationships, and increase our diversity to enhance the service we provide New Yorkers. We encourage anyone who is looking for a fulfilling and exciting career to sign up for the exam.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 10:30 am
MURRAY – The Christ family in Murray and a group of volunteers welcomed about 1,100 people for the Murray Tractor Pull on July 20.
The event featured powerful tractors and semi trucks that pull a 40,000-pound sled down a dirt track that is 320 feet long.
The event returned to Murray in 2023 after 4-year absence. The 2020 event was cancelled due to Covid restrictions and then the tractor pull was sidelined in 2021 and 2022.
The Christ family intends to hoist the event again in 2025. They donate the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House.
Tammy Ward took this photo of “Survivor” driven Greg Graham. The truck not only competes in the tractor pulling events, but pays tribute to cancer survivors.
Andrea Orton captured this competitor at the tractor pull. Murray hosted the Empire State Pullers and the Outlaw Pulling Series.
Julie Woodworth took this photo of “It’s Only Money,” a tractor that Lloyd Christ of Murray competes in the in Heavy Super Stock Division.
Photos by Susan Wilson: The tractors and trucks spewed dark smoke and emitted loud noise as they pulled the sled down the track.
Most of the competitors brought their tractors and semi-trucks from around Western New York.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 9:15 am
‘Rock the Park’ returns Friday and Saturday
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Frank Starowitz, left, the lead singer for Savage Cabbage and bassist Mike “Thunder” Warren give an energetic start to “TNT” by AC/DC.
Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians.
Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.
Bullard Park will host the Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9 on Friday and Saturday.
The lineup on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. includes Lonesome Road, Triple Play and Highway 31.
Then on Saturday, the longer schedule from 11 a.m., to 11 p.m. includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company to start the music, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.
The Rochester band Tryst will close out the festival on Saturday. Organizers of the event picked a new band to conclude the music on Saturday, after two years of having Nerds Gone Wild for the finale.
“We’re trying to mix it up,” said Ron Albertson, one of the committee members for Rock the Park. “We had real good turnout the past two years with Nerds.”
Albertson said about 1,200 people attended the festival last year. Proceeds go towards upgrading Bullard Park.
The event also will include food, and arts and crafts vendors.
GAINES – Susan Pescara waited eight years to have her camera ready when a bunny appeared in front of a rabbit crossing sign by her driveway on Route 279 in Gaines.
