Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

HOLLEY/ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will visit two local businesses in Orleans County on Thursday.

At 1 p.m., he will visit TeacherGeek in Holley and at 2:30 p.m. he will visit Marti’s on Main Art Gallery in Albion. Hawley is proud to see the success these local businesses have had and is looking forward to visiting their facilities.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to visit these two businesses, which have shown immense ingenuity and creativity as they’ve built their respective brands,” Hawley said. “Local businesses like TeacherGeek and Marti’s on Main are vital parts of the local economy and continue to help our community and state grow.”

ALBION – The concert scheduled for this evening at Bullard Park has been cancelled due to the chance of rain and thunderstorms.

John Grillo, the recreation director, said the concert with Highway 31 has been rescheduled for Aug. 21.

By Drs. Kelsey Izzo and Sarah Smith, Pediatricians, Oak Orchard Health

In upstate New York, we wait for months for beautiful summer weather. It’s finally here but with the sunshine comes new tips for families to stay safe as they enjoy it this time around.

Sun safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Adults and children need protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors. How can you avoid this?

• Hats and sunglasses with UV protection protect everyone from the sun.
• Kids need to wear sunscreen. Wearing 30 -50 SPF sunscreen is important for kids and reapply every two hours. If they are wet or swimming, you should put it on again after they dry off. Children under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all. They should always be protected from the sun.
• On very hot days, be sure children are hydrated by offering them water as often as possible. The exception is with babies under 6 months. They do not need any additional water; breast milk or formula are enough for infants.
• UV rays are the strongest and most harmful during midday.
• Heat and babies. Summer is a great time to take your children out for a stroll but be mindful of how hot it’s getting inside the stroller, especially if you’re using a sunshade or blanket to shield the sun. Children can overheat. How can you tell? If they are turning red or are sweaty, those are two signs. Also, feel their chest to see if it’s hot. Shorter walks are preferred.
• Babies do not need to wear too much clothing on hot days. The rule of thumb is one more layer that you.

During the hot summer, it’s never a good idea to leave kids in cars for any amount of time. And be sure to check the backseat so that no child is left behind.

Water Safety

Naturally, no child should be left alone in or near water. Drowning is a very real risk. According to the CDC, drowning is the #1 cause of death in children ages 1 to 4.  Stay within arm’s reach of the child even if they’re wearing a flotation device.

Be sure to have a fence around your backyard pool with locked gates. Home doors should be locked so kids can’t get out to the pool area.  Sensors on gates and doors offer added protection and safety.  Remember, even small kiddy pools with 6 inches of water, are still a hazard. Kids still need to be supervised.

Bike riding

• Bike helmets for kids of all ages are recommended. Of course, adults should also wear helmets.
• Limit distractions. No bike rider should be listening to music, they should be aware of their surroundings and hear the vehicles and other bikes that may be in the area.
• Adults can supervise the little ones. Young children shouldn’t be riding alone and certainly not riding on busy streets if there’s no shoulder or sidewalk.
• Knee pads and elbow pads are a great safety idea.
• Kids should let parents and caregivers know where they are going and when they’re expected back. Parents can check in with their kids periodically to be sure they are in a safe location.

Cell phones

Whether it’s summer or winter, less than two hours of screen time per day (ages 2 and up) is a best practice. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than 2 and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.

Avoiding screen time before bedtime is another great tip. That includes a TV, laptop, tablet, or cell phone.

Staying healthy in the summer

We’re here if you need us. If you’re looking for a pediatrician for your children, give Oak Orchard Health a call at (585) 637-3905.

SHELBY – The 3-way battle for two positions on the Shelby Republican Committee for District 3 will go down to the absentee ballots, and possibly a coin flip if its remains tied.

On Tuesday night, after all the votes were counted for early voting, primary day and absentees thus far, Bruce Schmidt and Stephen Seitz Sr. were tied with 20. Alana Koneski was in the lead with 25.

There are nine absentee ballots that could potentially come in by the deadline on Tuesday, July 2, said Michael Mele, an Orleans County elections inspector.

He and Janice Grabowski, the other election commissioner for the county, will check with the State Board of Elections on Thursday to see the process if there is a tie for one of the committee positions.

When there was the potential for a tie in the Barre town supervisor race last November, the counsel from the state was to flip a coin if the race was deadlocked after all the votes were counted.

Mele said the local Board of Elections will do a hand count of all the ballots in the race in Shelby, and also the committee race in Yates that is close. For Yates in District 2, there are four candidates for two positions. The vote totals currently are Terry Chaffee Jr., 73; Lynne Johnson, 65, William Jurinich, 54; and Steven Colon, 30.

MEDINA – Spending the night in Medina has been a tradition for Cycle the Erie Canal for all 26 years of its existence. (One year they stayed at the Fairgrounds when the school was doing a capital project.)

There are 650 cyclists already registered for the event this year, sponsored by Parks and Trails New York.

The 400-mile ride takes cyclists along the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, spending nights in canal villages and visiting historic sites along the way.

Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism Committee, shows tourism booth volunteer Shari Cassidy some of the events planned for Parks and Trails New York’s annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, scheduled July 7 to 14. Between 650 and 700 cyclists will arrive in Medina and spend the night on July 7.

In Medina, the grounds of Wise Middle School becomes “Tent City” as cyclists and their support crew arrive and begin setting up their tents for the night.

Tourism Committee chair Jim Hancock and his team have been busy for months planning to welcome the cyclists, who usually begin arriving around 2 p.m.

He said the school has been a big part of this event nearly every year since “Cycle the Erie Canal” started.

“They open their buildings and have staff on hand to help,” Hancock said. “Cyclists can camp in the gym if they prefer not to be outdoors, have access to the restrooms and showers and use of the cafeteria.”

The Tourism Committee sponsors a shuttle which takes cyclists back and forth from the school to downtown Medina, dropping them off at stops along the way. Main attractions include the Medina Railroad Museum, which will be open until 5 p.m.; the Sandstone Hall of Fame, the Visitors’ Center and canal basin, where Brian Hellner will have his boat ready for hour-long tours on the canal.

Authors’ Note owner Julie Berry sets up a booth in the school full of books on the Erie Canal. She will ship them to the bikers’ home if they wish.

At State Street Park, a concert is planned from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring bluegrass music by Creek Bend. It is free and open to the public, Hancock said. He also plans to have a food truck there.

At Tent City, a welcome booth will be set up by the Tourism Committee, where Guin Panek from Ledge Rock Farms annually provides a tote of sweet cherries for the cyclists, a treat they really enjoy, Hancock said.

Dinner the night of arrival will be catered in the Middle School cafeteria by Zambistro’s, who also provides a send-off breakfast in the morning.

Several seminars of interest about the canal are scheduled in the school on Sunday afternoon and early evening.

From 7 to 9 p.m. at the school, a concert will be presented by Pocket Change with Dave Stockton.

Hancock also extended his appreciation to Todd Eick’s FFA class at Medina High School, who volunteer every year to help unload gear and set up tents.

Also at the welcome booth, cyclists can pick up a rack card with a schedule of the highlighted attractions, a schedule of the shuttle bus and, on the back, a listing of future events planned in Medina.

“After spending a day with us, we know they are going to want to come back,” Hancock said.

After leaving Medina, the cyclists’ destination the next day will be in Fairport. Along the way they have rest stops and snacks provided in Albion and Holley.

ELBA – A winning Take 5 lotto ticket was sold June 24 in Elba at the Crosby’s, New York Lottery announced. The prize-winning ticket is worth $32,520.

Take 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The prize may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing.

The Crosby’s site in Elba has prior big winners, including in January 2020 when it sold a $1 million scratch-off ticket from the Triple Double 777 Red Hot game. A 30-year-old Knowlesville woman won that prize.

Claudia Tenney

Claudia Tenney was the victor again versus Mario Fratto, a Geneva business owner who tried to oust her from Congress.

Fratto ran against Tenney in 2022 and received 40 percent of the vote. That showing on a shoestring budget propelled him to try again. This time, he received about 38 percent of the vote to Tenney’s 61 percent.

The district’s boundaries were slightly changed due to redistricting. The 24^th Congressional District used to include about half of Orleans, but will have all of it when the new term starts on Jan. 1.

The sprawling district includes 14 counties. Tenney won 13 of them, including in Orleans with an unofficial total of 1,937 to Fratto’s 1,118.

Tenney issued this statement:

“I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support from the voters of NY-24. This landslide victory proves that voters are united behind our aggressive advocacy on behalf of the hard-working people of NY-24 and will not be fooled by desperate lies and baseless attacks from a perennial, failed candidate.

“Our strong work to secure both the northern and southern borders, our relentless fight to protect Second Amendment rights, and our leadership on key issues facing our constituents was heard resoundingly by the voters. Finally, we will now work tirelessly to deliver President Trump back to the White House to return the prosperity and strength to our region that is so badly needed to save our great nation from the disastrous Biden Administration.”

Top 3 for coroner: Schmidt, Woodworth and Sidari

Susan Howard

Susan Howard won a convincing Republican primary for district attorney, getting 2,120 votes to 1,107 for John Sansone.

Both are assistant district attorneys seeking to replace Joe Cardone, who is retiring after 33 years in the job on Dec. 31.

Sansone secured the Republican Party nomination, but Howard forced a primary. She is a lifelong resident of the county, and she stressed those roots in her campaign.

Sansone has worked as an attorney in the county for 28 years, but only recently moved from Lockport in Niagara County to Holley. Sansone had support from law enforcement, including Sheriff Chris Bourke, and the union for the deputy sheriffs and the union for corrections officers and dispatchers.

Howard also has the Conservative Party line. Her victory today gives her the Republican and Conservative lines in the November general election.

UPDATE on June 26 at 7:50 a.m.: Howard issued this statement:

“Thank you to the voters of Orleans County. Thank you to my friends, family, co-workers and other supporters. Thank you to everyone who’s helped us along the way during my campaign and career. Last night’s win was a win for all of us.

“After tallying countywide results, the Orleans County Board of Elections has reported our campaign as the winner of the Republican Primary by a nearly 2-1 margin with an unofficial count of 2,120 votes for Howard and 1,107 votes for Sansone.

“I am truly honored, humbled and grateful.

“With no other candidates on the ballot in November, the campaign is effectively over – though I will continue working hard to earn the support and trust of Orleans County voters.

“I now look forward to getting back to work focusing on the important at the District Attorney’s Office: keeping our communities and families safe.”

County Coroner

There were four candidates seeking three spots for county coroner. Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, had the most votes with 1,993 followed by Dr. Julie Woodworth with 1,807 and Rocco Sidari with 1,578. Kevin Dann was fourth with 1,213.

Schmidt and Sidari are incumbents. Woodworth is poised to replace Charlie Smith, who is retiring on Dec. 31.

Results of primary in Orleans County:

District Attorney (pick one)

• Susan Howard – 2,120
• John Sansone – 1,107

County Coroner (pick three)

• Kevin Dann – 1,213
• Julie Woodworth – 1,807
• Rocco Sidari – 1,578
• Scott Schmidt – 1,993

24th Congressional District (pick one)

• Claudia Tenney – 1,937
• Mario Fratto – 1,118

Carlton Town Board (pick one)

• John Olles – 182
• Jeffrey Gifaldi – 121

The remaining elections are for members of the Republican County Committee.

Shelby District 3 (pick two)

• Bruce Schmidt – 20
• Alana Koneski – 25
• Stephen Seitz, Sr. – 20

In Shelby District 4 (pick two)

• John Pratt III – 85
• Benjamin Flansburg – 56
• Thomas Winans – 94

In Yates District 2 (pick two)

• Terry Chaffee, Jr. – 73
• William Jurinich – 54
• Lynne Johnson – 65
• Steven Colon – 30

Soldier from Albion was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Elks Lodge in Albion dedicated this memorial for Jason Johnston on Aug. 17, 2019. The memorial is in front of the lodge on East State Street in Albion.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted today to ask the State Legislature to name Route 98 in the county in honor of the late Jason Johnston.

Johnston, an Albion native, was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009, the only solider killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in the War on Terror.

Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan when he was killed at age 24. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.

The County Legislature is asking the state to name the Route 98 corridor in honor of Johnston, or a portion of the road in the county.

“Orleans County gives extreme respect to all of our residents who have served and are currently serving in U.S. military positions,” the resolution states from the Legislature. “Orleans County is especially sorrowful for those that have lost their lives while serving during any war, especially U.S. Army Spc. Jason Johnston.”

In 2014, signs were unveiled naming Route 98 in Genesee and Orleans counties as “Veterans Memorial Highway.” There is sign on Route 98 near the Point Breeze exit off the Lake Ontario State Parkway that was unveiled on May 22, 2014.

County Legislator Skip Draper said the Legislature would support highlighting a section of 98 in Albion in honor of Johnston.

Johnston is survived by his parents, Brad and Jenny Johnston; and his sisters, Carrie, Heather and Holly; and several nieces and nephews.

The Johnston family has been active for many years in the Albion Fire Department.

Brad Johnston joins the Albion Elks Riders for annual dice runs to help raise money for his a memorial scholarship in his son’s name. The annual $1,000 memorial scholarship goes to a student pursuing a career in a helping profession, such as a nurse, doctor, firefighter, counselor or other social services.

“The recipient of the award should be of good character, show dedication, effort and potential while working to the best of their,” according to a description of the scholarship. “Specialist Johnston believed in the Golden Rule – ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”

County will take lead from state on whether the issue moves forward

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse is shown on a foggy evening on Jan. 27, 2024 in Albion.

ALBION – Orleans County voters won’t get a chance to vote this November on whether the county should create a district court.

The County Legislature wanted to put the issue to a public referendum in November, but during two recent public hearings the Legislature has been urged against moving forward with a vote, saying there are too many uncertainties with a district court, especially whether the state would cover the salaries of judges, clerks and security.

“We received a lot of feedback and some really good questions that gave us a lot to ponder,” said Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman.

She announced during this afternoon’s Legislature meeting that the district court issue won’t be on the ballot in November. But she said it isn’t a dead issue.

The Orleans County Magistrates Association, a group representing town justices in the 10 towns, has been adamantly opposed to a district court, saying the town courts are serving the local citizens just fine and a district court may not function as well and could cost much more.

The county also received a letter on May 30 from James P. Murphy, Justice of the Supreme Court and deputy chief administrative judge for courts outside New York City.

Murphy said the county’s push to establish a district court is partly due to anticipated funding from the state. The county sees how the state is funding district courts in Nassau and Suffolk counties. However, Murphy said those courts were established more than 60 years ago “under very unique circumstances.”

Murphy advised the county officials he is surprised no one from Orleans reached out to the Unified Court System for input on a complex issue.

The county faces “serious constitutional issues” with the district court proposal, he said in his letter. He said the county’s local law establishing the district court is unconstitutional because it first needs permission from the State Legislature to allow the county to consider a district court.

There have been no bills introduced in the Assembly or Senate of the State Legislature, which enable the county to consider a district court, Murphy said.

The county needs the state legislation first, before it can proceed to a referendum.

In his letter, Murphy said the state assumes the expenses of district court salaries for judges , clerks, officers and other expenses, except for providing the courts facility. That would fall on the local government – the county.

“There are several other provisions of your proposed Local Law that are contrary to New York State law, including but not limited to establishing residency of staff, defining who designates the number of judges and determines their salaries,” Murphy said. “I respectfully submit that the passage of your proposed Local Law is unconstitutional and will not achieve the results that you are hoping to accomplish.”

Johnson said the District Court Committee will likely reconvene in the fall, and will work to draft a resolution to submit to the State Legislature requesting legislation to determine the merits of a district court in Orleans County and the process to accomplish that.

“While I think the concept holds tremendous potential for Orleans County, it has become clear we need the state to be fully onboard and have answers to questions like funding the district court, before we can go any further,” Johnson said.

Dr. Devon Huff, Orleans Community Health

At some point, 30% of people living in the United States will get a hernia. While males are far more susceptible to them, women are hardly immune.

What is a hernia?

A hernia occurs when there is a gap in the abdominal wall, allowing internal abdominal contents to push through. While hernias can develop anywhere along the abdominal wall, they most commonly appear in specific areas such as the umbilical region (belly button), the groin, or through a prior surgical incision. Understanding the locations and symptoms of hernias is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

One of the primary indicators that you might have a hernia is the presence of a noticeable bulge at the affected site, often accompanied by pain or discomfort during physical activity. Although hernias can cause significant discomfort, they are not always dangerous. However, there are situations where they can become serious. A hernia typically becomes an emergency when a piece of intestine gets trapped inside it, known as an “incarcerated hernia.” Symptoms of an incarcerated hernia include severe pain at the site, a sudden bulge that wasn’t previously noticeable, uncontrollable vomiting, a large, distended abdomen, and the inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. These symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention, as an incarcerated hernia requires urgent surgical intervention.

Diagnosing a hernia can often be straightforward. Many hernias can be identified through a simple physical examination by a healthcare professional. However, imaging techniques like a CT scan are also commonly used to confirm the diagnosis, especially in complex cases.

The decision to undergo surgery for a hernia is a personal one and should be discussed with a surgeon or other qualified healthcare professional. Surgery is the best option for many individuals, but it may not be necessary for everyone. Some people may manage their hernia with lifestyle modifications and non-surgical treatments, depending on the severity and symptoms.

After a hernia repair, the concern about recurrence is valid. Unfortunately, no hernia repair method guarantees a 100% success rate. Recurrence rates vary, with some studies reporting as low as 0.5% and others as high as 10-12%, particularly in cases involving more complicated repairs. Despite these statistics, many people who undergo hernia surgery experience significant relief from symptoms and a marked improvement in their quality of life.

Understanding hernias, from their causes and symptoms to treatment options and potential risks, is essential for managing this common medical condition effectively. With timely diagnosis and appropriate care, most individuals can lead a comfortable and active life even after experiencing a hernia.

While hernias can sometimes occur due to factors beyond your control, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing one:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing a hernia. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can reduce the strain on your abdominal muscles and lower your risk.
2. Practice Proper Lifting Technique: When lifting heavy objects, use your legs instead of your back, and avoid lifting objects that are too heavy for you to handle safely. If you need to lift something heavy, ask for assistance or use lifting equipment if available.
3. Avoid Straining During Bowel Movements: Straining during bowel movements can increase pressure in your abdomen and potentially contribute to the development of a hernia. Ensure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet to promote regular bowel movements and avoid straining.
4. Strengthen Your Core Muscles: Engaging in exercises that strengthen your core muscles, such as abdominal crunches, planks, and yoga, can help support your abdominal wall and reduce the risk of hernias.
5. Quit Smoking: Smoking can weaken tissues in the body, including those in the abdomen, which may increase the risk of hernias. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of hernias and other related conditions.
6. Treat Persistent Coughs: Chronic coughing can put strain on the abdominal muscles and increase the risk of developing a hernia. If you have a persistent cough, seek medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.
7. Address Chronic Constipation: Chronic constipation can lead to straining during bowel movements, which may contribute to the development of hernias. Stay hydrated, eat a high-fiber diet, and talk to your doctor about managing constipation effectively.

For those who have already experienced a hernia, understanding the signs of recurrence and seeking prompt medical advice is crucial. Regular check-ups with a provider can help monitor the condition and prevent complications.

Ultimately, awareness and proactive management are key to reducing the risk of hernias and ensuring prompt treatment if they do occur. By taking these preventive steps and staying informed, individuals can lead healthier, more comfortable lives, minimizing the impact of hernias on their overall well-being.