By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2024 at 8:03 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Kendyll Kidney, wearing her duchess sash from last year’s Orleans County 4-H Fair, helps promote the upcoming fair from July 22-27.
The float from 4-H’ers was among about 60 in today’s parade in Lyndonville. This was the 50th anniversary celebration put on by the Lyndonville Lions Club.
A group of 55 Lyndonville students in grades 5 to 12 marched in the parade and played “Stars and Stripes” and “Cupid Shuffle.” They wore patriotic tie-dyed shirts.
Gerald “Shorty” Nellist, a World War II veteran, served as grand marshal of the parade. He is driven in a car by his son-in-law Harold Suhr.
A plane passes over Main Street during the parade. This was the third straight year there was a ceremonial flyover carried out by the 911th Air Lift Wing of the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The plane heads north over Main Street over a caravan of floats.
Bob Eberle dressed as Uncle Sam and greeted many of the onlookers along the parade route.
Uncle Sam heads north on Main Street in front of a throng of people.
The Alexander Fire Department Band, a mainstay at the parade in recent years, was among several bands adding lots of pep to the parade.
Gordon-Fisk, Inc. on Ridge Road in Medina brought several lawn mowers and other equipment in the parade. Many local businesses participated in the parade.
The fire trucks were a little too loud for some of the people on Main Street.
These people were friendly faces from a Ridgeway fire truck.
These veterans ride in trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion.
People wave to the crowd from atop a Middleport fire truck. Main Street is lined with flags for the holiday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2024 at 7:26 pm
POINT BREEZE – Sharon Gavenda was out on the Oak Orchard River today in a kayak when she saw a giant American flag on display from a bridge on the Lake Ontario State Parkway.
Gavenda took this photo looking south at the flag and bridge.
It’s been a great day to be outside on the Fourth of July, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the 80s.
Ron Bierstine sent in this photo of the flag taken from the docks of the Orleans County Marine Park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2024 at 5:14 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Stan Powers, crew leader for Young Explosives, holds a 12-inch shell that will be sent up about 1,000 feet tonight during the finale of Lyndonville’s fireworks.
The shell is in a special package in honor of the Lyndonville Lions Club’s 50th annual Fourth of July celebration.
Lyndonville is one of Young Explosives biggest fireworks shows every year, and tonight will be a record-breaker in the company’s 75-year history. Before today, the biggest fireworks show ever for Young Explosives was $50,000. The Lyndonville show tonight will top that at $50,100. That is about double the $25,000 in recent history for the Lyndonville fireworks display.
Powers has been doing the show sin Lyndonville for the past decade. He said the setting is ideal – “5 stars out of 5 stars.”
There are no nearby structures. It’s mostly hundreds of acres of fields. That allows Young Explosives to send up bigger shells. At most other sites, Young is limited to shells that are 3 and 4 inches in width and those typically go up 375 to 425 feet. At Lyndonville, Young Explosives will send up shells that are 8, 10 and 12 inches, and those big shells explode abut 1,000 feet up high.
The Lyndonville fireworks typically goes about 38 minutes. Tonight may stretch out to 45 minutes, and there will be less time in between the fireworks.
“If we do it right there should be no dark sky,” Powers said today, taking a short lunch break before he and a crew of four others returned to setting up for tonight’s show.
The fireworks usually are set off beginning at 10 p.m. Tonight it begins at 9:55 with a special “50” ground display, followed by a display of the American flag.
Wes Bradley, the fireworks chairman the past 19 years, pulls a collection container in today’s parade. Bradley is retiring as chairman of the fireworks.
Powers said he has enjoyed working with Bradley over the years. Bradley helped raise the money to give Lyndonville such a big show. He also keeps Powers and the crew in good spirits, bringing them a chicken barbecue during the busy setup.
90 West Country Band performs on a stage behind the town hall. 7th Heaven will close out the concerts from 7 to 10 p.m. at the stage.
These three are part of a crew that cooked 800 chickens for a barbecue. They include Chris Hughes, left, and his brothers-in-law, Eric Gremli of Auburn and Ryan Demorest of Syracuse. They come to Lyndonville to help the Lions Club with the chicken barbecue. Lions Club members Mark Hughes, John Belson and Roger Wolfe recruit several family and friends for the annual task. They said they haven’t been able to see the noon parade in years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2024 at 10:20 am
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Austin Gardner took first in Electronics Technology in the state competition and then was in the national event.
Local students who won the state competitions in April for SkillsUSA last week advanced to nationals and vied against other top students around the country.
Atlanta, Ga. hosted the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships on June 26-27. More than 6,000 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education.
Austin Gardner of Lyndonville qualified for the event after taking first in Electronics Technology in the state competition. He won a “Skill Point Certificate” at the national competition.
A group of Orleans/Niagara BOCES students also won the gold award at the state competition for crime scene investigation. Gabrielle Rosenbeck (Newfane), Shianne Beauman (Royalton-Hartland) and Sahara Holland (Barker) went to Atlanta for the competition and won a Skill Point Certificate. Those three plus Gardner are students at the Orleans Career Technical Education Center in Medina.
“More than 6,000 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.”
The SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
These students won the gold award for the state competition for crime scene investigation. Pictured includes, from left: teacher Gene Newman, Gabrielle Rosenbeck (Newfane), Shianne Beauman (Royalton-Hartland) and Sahara Holland (Barker).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2024 at 9:25 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Who Dats performed from the amphitheater at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening as part of a July 3rd celebration.
Several hundred people enjoyed the music at the park.
Todd Graham of the Who Dats takes the lead in this in this song, while Lonnie Froman, the band’s lead singer, took a break for one number. John Borello is at left and Alex DeSmit is on the drums. Ed Hilfiker (not in photo) plays guitar for the popular band that has been entertaining for many years.
There were also several food vendors and four bounce houses.
Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan also performed from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. as the Ryan Klatt Duo. They are shown near the pavilion and little kids’ playground area.
These kids enjoy the spray park on a hot day with temperatures in the high 80s.
The Village of Albion Recreation program and Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events (G-ACRE) organized the event, which included 350 chicken barbecue dinners sold, face painting and pony rides. John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, said he would like to see the day capped with fireworks in the future.
Rock the Park (Albion Summer Music Festival) returns to the stage on Aug. 2-3.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 3:26 pm
ALBION – Students and a manager at the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby visited the Orleans County Legislature last week to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Job Corps program.
The local Job Corps is one of 120 across the country. Job Corps says millions of young people have been changed because of the transformative nature of the program.
Born out of the War on Poverty and signed into law as the Economic Opportunity Act on August 20, 1964, Job Corps has provided safe housing, education, career and technical training opportunities, and support services for deserving young people, Job Corps officials said.
The Iroquois campus can serve 225 students who are ages 16 to 24. They receive training in six main programs: brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant, and certified nursing assistant.
Students stay on campus and receive other education. Some of those programs include work towards an equivalency diploma, and driver’s education.
The local Job Corps is drawing more students from Western New York, including the rural GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming), Wayne, Monroe and Niagara counties, said Luke Kantor, Admissions and Career Transition Services manager for the Iroquois Job Corps.
“They can better themselves, earn their GED and a trade or skill,” Kantor told county legislators.
Two current students spoke to legislators last week and praised the program.
Infinity Hall-Caswell and Trevon Stringer are both from Rochester. Hall-Caswell is in the CNA program and will be going to GCC with a goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“It’s been a life-changing experience,” she said about Job Corps.
Stringer, 23, enrolled in Job Corps in the electrical program. He said Job Corps has built his confidence to live by himself and equipped him with more skills to be successful.
“I’ve seen a lot of violence and people on the wrong path,” Stringer said. “I didn’t want that for myself.”
Job Corps students do many projects in the community, including helping to build dog runs at the PAWS Animal Shelter, constructed benches and chairs for Medina Rotary, and painting rooms at the Shelby Town Hall.
The center also has a local community relation council and a workforce council. The workforce council includes union reps and business leaders who give insight on how Job Corps can best prepare students for careers when they graduate.
The Iroquois Job Corps will celebrate graduation on Aug. 16.
BUFFALO – The following students from Orleans County graduated from the University at Buffalo.
• Ryan Taylor of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in statistics from the School of Public Health and Health Professions. Taylor’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Brennan Lyon of Kendall graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the College of Arts and Sciences. Lyon’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Arella Biesinger of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from the College of Arts and Sciences. Biesinger’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Carly-Grace Woodworth of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability from the College of Arts and Sciences. Woodworth’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Natalie Wright of Kendall graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Wright’s conferral date was February 2024.
• Noah Pencille of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Arts and Sciences. Pencille’s conferral date was February 2024.
• Amber Salonen of Holley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Salonen’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Andrew Houseman of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Houseman’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Elle Gross of Medina graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences. Gross’s conferral date was February 2024.
• Carter Green of Medina graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in media studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Green’s conferral date was June 2024.
UB is New York State’s flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. UB celebrated over 9,400 students across 23 school-based or university-wide recognition and certificate ceremonies held April 26 through May 19.
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to increase access to State Parks, recreational facilities and historic sites, and to support the tourism industry in New York.
S.5423/A.4853 will increase access to New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation sites by prohibiting the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment for use of its facilities.
Many New Yorkers, including seniors, unbanked or underbanked individuals, minors, and others use only cash. While credit cards offer convenience, not everyone has access to them. Legislation S.5423/A.4853 removes this potential barrier, ensuring equal access to New York’s State parks, historical sites, and recreational facilities we all cherish. By still accepting cash at these state facilities, New York will continue supporting the inclusive enjoyment of our state’s treasures.
Governor Hochul also signed S.9250/A.10333 to extend the authorization for certain operators of leased personal watercrafts to be exempt from the boating safety certificate, which will support the tourism businesses that lease these vehicles to those vacationing at New York’s waterfronts.
Extending this exemption prevents detrimental impacts to the tourism industry who lease these vehicles to those vacationing in relevant waterfront areas in New York.
Today’s bill signing builds on Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to promote physical and mental health by encouraging New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.
“Our State Parks are an important driver behind our state’s economy, and my administration is committed to ensuring everyone has access to our breathtaking sites and to boosting the tourism industry,” Governor Hochul said. “These acts of legislation will make sure that New Yorkers and our visitors can see and experience all that New York has to offer.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 11:36 am
ALBION – The bail has been increased significantly for a man charged with second-degree murder in a fatal Barre crash on Feb. 8.
Noah Magee
The bail for Noah Magee was $2,500 at his initial appearance in Orleans County Court on June 12, but was raised this morning to $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $200,000 in a partially secured bond.
Judge Sanford Church said he reviewed the full grand jury minutes since the June 12 appearance and felt justified in the higher bail for Magee.
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 was initially charged with reckless endangerment 1st degree (D felony), leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident (D felony) and other vehicle and traffic infractions.
After more investigation in the incident, the charges were upgraded to second-degree murder, an “A” felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.
Church also reviewed video of the collision that was captured from a nearby residence.
“There is no doubt the collision caused the death,” Church said in court today.
While there wasn’t an intent to cause the death of Kingdollar, Church said Magee should still face a higher bail due to the reckless conduct. If he faced a lesser charge of manslaughter, where someone is killed without malice, the bail should also much higher than $2,500, Church said.
District Attorney Joe Cardone at the June 12 arraignment sought $250,000 in bail for Magee, saying he was a potential flight risk due to the serious charges.
After Church kept the bail at $2,500, the same amount set at the town court level before the second-degree murder charge was added, Cardone then filed a bail application, seeking a higher bail. Cardone said the new more serious charge warranted an increase in the bail amount.
Cardone today also asked that Magee’s driving privileges to be suspended, but the judge did not agree to that.
Magee’s attorney Paul Vacca interjected after Church announced the higher bail, with Vacca seeking it be $25,000.
The judge said no to Vacca.
“That is my ruling,” Church said.
Magee was then handcuffed and led out of the courtroom.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 9:22 am
County looking to do study for short-term, long-term options locally
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Association of Municipalities last week at the Clarendon Rec hall watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis.” The film is about an hour long and explores the world of EMTs and paramedics, and the collapse of the EMS system, while offering ways to save it.
CLARENDON – Officials in Orleans County last week watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis,” and could relate all too well to the film.
The county in 2022 experienced the end of COVA Ambulance and the volunteer ambulance through the Kendall Fire Department.
Seven towns in central and eastern Orleans County in 2023 started paying Monroe Ambulance in a contract for ambulance services. Medina Fire Department is the primary provider on the western end of the county. Medina often loses some of its paid staff to larger departments that offer bigger paychecks.
The documentary shows a profession with a high burnout rate due to low pay, the emotional toll of many traumatic and stressful calls, and danger through exposure to Covid and people overdosing on fentanyl and other drugs.
“This is a national issue, not just a New York or Orleans County issue,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county emergency’s management director.
He screened the documentary for the local officials last week and also for the community on June 20 at the Carlton Rec Hall. Niederhofer wants the local officials to keep discussing the issue, and the public to be aware of the challenges in providing the service.
EMS providers have a challenging business model, especially in poorer communities where there is a higher mix of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, where the reimbursements may only be 20 to 30 percent of the bill.
EMS providers also tend to only be paid of patients are transported, and not for responding to a scene where there isn’t a transport.
The documentary said ambulances should be able to bill for providing care, and not just for transports. If there was more revenue for the businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities providing EMS, staff could be paid a living wage, and not have to juggle two or three jobs, with some living out of their cars, the documentary said.
Orleans County may do a study of the local EMS system, and consider alternatives for how to best provide the service in the short-term and long-term. That study could look at what reimbursement rates are needed to make the service more viable, with more ambulances based locally so there is a better response time throughout the county.
The study could also look at a scenario where there are ambulances run by the county with staff who are county employees, looking to fill some gaps or augment coverage with the current system.
The county Emergency Management Office is applying for a grant to do the study, Niederhofer said.
“This is an issue that won’t go away,” County Legislator Ed Morgan said. “We can’t stick our heads in the sand.”
Medina is the only fire department with paid career firefighters in the county. They are cross-trained as both firefighters and for EMS services.
The Medina model could be looked at as an option around the county, not only for EMS, but also to shore up the firefighting response. Niederhofer said many of the departments have a shrinking base of volunteers who are getting older.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said she sees the county taking a bigger role in the challenge, with EMS and the fire service possibly becoming a county-run issue.
But Morgan said a feasibility study, looking at many options, will be an important first step to help the local officials with a plan for providing the services.
ROCHESTER – This week, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he is introducing a constitutional amendment to reverse the United States Supreme Court’s decision to provide former president Trump with immunity in Trump v. United States.
Congressman Morelle serves as the lead Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which has oversight over federal elections.
“I am introducing a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court’s catastrophic decision and ensure no president is above the law. This amendment will do what they failed to do—prioritize our democracy,” Morelle said. “The Supreme Court decision will cause a seismic shift in the powers of the presidency unless we take immediate action to ensure accountability, integrity, and justice prevail.”
On Monday, Morelle issued a statement on the Supreme Court ruling, stating the “decision by the conservative majority further erodes the public’s confidence in our institutions and poses as great a threat to our democracy as the behavior of the former president and his enablers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2024 at 6:18 pm
District attorney in Orleans County praised for strong leadership, innovative programs
Photo by Tom Rivers: Joe Cardone holds an award he was presented on Saturday by the New York Prosecutors Training Institute and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Cardone was named “Prosecutor of the Year.” The organizations cited his nearly 33 years as Orleans County district attorney, and his efforts to introduce innovative programs, restructure the local court system, and be a law enforcement leader for the community. “It’s a great honor,” Cardone said about the award. “These are fabulous and brilliant people.”
ALBION – The association of district attorneys around the state presented Orleans County DA Joe Cardone with the “Prosecutor of the Year” award on Saturday during a conference for the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York and its training arm, the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.
Cardone was picked for the award because of “his strong leadership, innovative programs, and impeccable character, enhancing the criminal justice in New York State for decades,” the group said in recognizing the Orleans DA.
Cardone is one of the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. He started the position in March 1992, when he was 34 and the job was considered part-time. It has been full-time for about three decades. Cardone has successfully prosecuted many murder cases and other serious crimes during his career.
He also has pushed to introduce a Drug Court (now known as Treatment Court) to reduce the severity of some felonies if people can successfully complete drug treatment programs. The court also imposes sanctions if people miss appointment or have lapses and use drugs.
Cardone also pushed to create a Traffic Diversion Program to reduce the severity of some traffic violations, which don’t take points off motorists’ driving records and also keeps more fine money in the local community (just over $2 million since 2011).
“It’s not all about convictions,” he said. “You have to show humility and compassion.”
He has since been elected to eight consecutive terms. He will be retiring from the position on Dec. 31, and intends to pursue some business interests and remain working as an attorney.
Cardone, a Medina resident, said being the district attorney in his home county for more than three decades has been a great privilege.
“I was bound and determined to make people’s lives better, for the both the victim of a crime and the defendant,” he said. “The goal of this office is to do justice.”
Cardone was also cited by the DAs’ Association for his efforts to restructure local justice courts. During his tenure the number of town and village justices is down from 24 to the current 12. Albion and Medina have dissolved their village courts, with the caseloads shifting to the towns in those municipalities.
Most towns have gone from two justices to one. Cardone is trying to bring a district court to a public vote, which would combine many of the court functions from multiple municipalities into a centralized location.
The County Legislature won’t put the issue to a vote this year because the State Legislature needs to first give the county permission to have a referendum. Cardone said Orleans has been a leader for the rest of the state in court efficiency through consolidation and dissolution.
Provided photos: (Left) Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone was joined by his family on Saturday when he accepted the “Prosecutor of the year” award at a ceremony in Bolton Landing. From left include Alex Eaton, Rosalind Cardone Eaton. Sophia Cardone, Jenifer Cardone, Joe Cardone, Michael Cardone and Alexis Barcena. (Right) Joe Cardone is presented with the award by Sean Smith, deputy director of the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.
Cardone will likely be succeeded in the office by Susan Howard, an assistant district attorney for the county since 2005. She defeated John Sansone in a Republican Primary last week. She also has the Conservative Party line in the November general election.
Howard has been a full-time first assistant DA since 2011. Sansone also worked as an assistant DA for Orleans since 2007. He resigned from the position last week, a day after he was defeated in the primary.
“John gave us many years of service,” Cardone said in his office during an interview on Monday.
Cardone didn’t pick a side publicly in the primary.
“I’m very appreciative of both Sue and John,” Cardone said. “They gave the county a choice at great personal and financial expense. I’m extremely sad for one and happy for the other.”
Howard has the skills and dedication to take the reins and lead the office on Jan. 1, 2025, Cardone said.
“She has been nothing but a significant force in this office,” Cardone said. “She will do a great job.”
Cardone said many attorneys and staff have contributed to the local DA’s Office during his career. He said the local law enforcement leaders and officers have been great partners, too.
“So many people have helped me along the way, great men and women of law enforcement,” he said. “From Sheriff (David) Green to Sheriff (Chris) Bourke, everyone has had the community’s best interest at heart.”
Cardone shared during the awards presentation that he is often motivated by the case of DeVante Boston, who was 4 years old when he was badly injured when his mother’s boyfriend threw him to the ground. David Ricks was convicted of first-degree assault in 2003. DeVante would live in a vegetative state for 15 ½ years, functioning at about a 6 month old level. He died at age 20 in 2017.
When DeVante died, Cardone brought a first-degree manslaughter against Ricks, who had served 17 years in prison. Ricks pleaded guilty and his sentence was extended to a maximum 25 years. (He is due to be released on Sept. 27, 2024.)
Cardone said he often found inspiration in the life of DeVante Boston, who was a cheerful presence despite his extensive injuries.
“I felt like he showed us, ‘If I can persevere, so can you,’” Cardone said.
These four are the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. From left Robert M. Carney, Schenectady County (since 1989); Joe Cardone (since March 1992); William J. Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County(since February 1992); and Joseph Fazzary, Schuyler County (since 1997).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2024 at 3:55 pm
ALBION – UConnectCare is planning a ribbon cutting and an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 20 for the new 25-bed women and children community residence at 3597 Butts Rd.
This will be the first residential program for women and their children for UConnectCare, formerly known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Contractors a year ago started clearing land, removing trees and brush. The site will allow women, 18 and older, to receive services to aid in their recovery while in a residential setting.
Five of the 25 units will accommodate women with children younger than kindergarten. Up to two children can stay in those units. The property will include walking trails and a playground.
UConnectCare awarded a $4.6 million grant from the state Department of Health for construction of the residence, which will total $5.2 million.
UConnectCare has seen more women in recovery and addiction programs during the opioid epidemic, with the prevalence of addictive painkillers, John Bennett, UConnectCare executive director, said during a public hearing about the project on Aug. 3, 2022.
