Board will discuss with school district whether ACS can help with expense in future

Photo by Tom Rivers: Sgt. Will Francis of the Albion Police Department stops traffic on East Avenue this morning so a student could get across the street. The Albion PD has been filling the role of crossing guard since the school year started last week.

ALBION – The Village Board agreed on Wednesday to fund a crossing guard after the position was cut from the village budget for 2024-25.

The school year started last week with no one as a crossing guard. Some of the board members wanted the school district to assume the responsibility but the district said state law requires the local village, town or city to fund the position. A school district can pay for a second crossing guard, but not the first one.

John Gavenda, the village attorney, said he has discussed the issue with the school attorney and the district is willing to negotiate helping to fund the position, but it is a question of how to do it legally or if it can direct any money to cost. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said there may a “legal loophole” where the district could help with the exepense.

Trustees Tim McMurray and Greg Bennett for the Village Board said it is a small price to pay for making East Avenue safer for kids to cross in the morning.

Having a crossing guard for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon would cost about $6,200 for the school year at $17 an hour, spread over 182 days.

Trustee William Gabalski didn’t want to commit to the cost for the full school year yet. He made a motion that the village pay the expense for the first semester, and try to get some help from the school district for the second semester, which begins Jan. 27.

District officials told the village the crossing guard may only be needed for a half hour in the morning and then the afternoon, from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m., and 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. That would reduce the cost to about $3,100 a year.

The board will have the police department reach out to the crossing guard from last year to see if she is still willing to serve in the role, and if she would do it in the half hour increments. The board, however, said it would pay for the one-hour shifts in the morning and afternoon if that is needed.

McMurray said he can understand why the burden falls on the village for funding the position.

“It’s village residents who are walking to school,” he said.

Bennett said the law clearly states it’s a village responsibility, so he doesn’t want to see any more instances where the position is cut by the village in the future.

“The law says it should be on us,” Bennett said about the village responsibility. “I don’t know why we’re compromising over something that is a law.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced her bill, which she led alongside Congressman David Kustoff (TN-8), the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, unanimously passed the House Ways and Means Committee Markup on Wednesday.

This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse paid late fees for United States citizens who are wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad and terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist-supporting organizations.

“No American who has suffered the injustice of wrongful detention or hostage-taking by our adversaries should return home to face penalties from their own government,” Tenney said. “The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act will ensure that American hostages, wrongful detainees, and their families are not further burdened with tax penalties for circumstances beyond their control. Thank you to Chairman Smith, Representatives Dina Titus, David Kustoff, and Brad Schneider for joining me in championing this effort and working to ensure that when American hostages and wrongful detainees are returned home, they are not penalized.”

ALBION – A Batavia woman pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court this morning to attempted assault in the second-degree.

Katelyn Jimenez, 31, admitted in court to having a machete on June 2 and attempting to cause physical injury with a machete. She could face a maximum of 1 to 3 years in state prison when she is sentenced in about two months.

Jimenez was charged on June 2 when a man, age 32, was unconscious and bleeding from a laceration to the back of the head at Heritage Meadows Apartments in Carlton.

Jimenez was charged with second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal impersonation in the second degree.

She pleaded guilty to a reduced charge today in court. As part of her sentencing, Judge Sanford Church said he would consider a treatment court option for Jimenez. She remains in Orleans County Jail on bail of $10,000 cash, $50,000 bond and $100,000 partial secured bond.

In other cases in County Court today:

• Andria Meiers, 51, of Medina pleaded guilty attempted insurance fraud in the second degree. She allegedly claimed a burglary caused $7,800 in damages to her residence and attempted to file a proof of loss statement with an insurance company for $7,800.

She will be sentenced on Nov. 6 and faces a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

• Mitchell Gardner, a former inmate at Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion, was arraigned for aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate.

Gardner, 22, allegedly threw urine at a corrections officer in the Albion prison on Dec. 20, 2023. He is now an inmate at the Attica Correctional Facility.

• Caitlyn Collins, 33, was arraigned for second-degree assault. Collins was an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility on Feb. 20 when she allegedly struck a corrections officer in the face, and that officer then fell into a wall. Collins is now an inmate at Beford Hills Correctional Facility.

Two people also were sentenced in County Court last week on Sept. 4:

• Christian Strickland, 25, of Medina was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. He was charged on Dec. 21.

Strickland also will have his driver’s license suspended for six months and must use an inter-lock ignition device that measures his blood alcohol content for three years when he is released from prison.

• Edward Ruckdeschel, 62, of Batavia was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in state prison for a string of break-ins in Carlton.

The time for third-degree burglary will be served concurrently as part of a sentence in Genesee County for car thefts.

Provided photos

BATAVIA – For the fourth year there is a display of 2,977 American flags at the Batavia VA Medical Center in honor of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

The VA had a memorial service today at 11 a.m.

Volunteers set up the flags on Sunday and they are in a display representing the two World Trade Center towers that collapsed after being struck by hijacked planes.

A group of about 30 volunteers placed the flags in the ground on Sunday. The flags will stay up until Saturday. Cindy Baker of Medina heads the volunteer services at the VA in Batavia.

SOMERSET – A 78-year-old man from Florida was killed in a car accident on Tuesday afternoon in the Town of Somerset, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Louis A. Greenwald of Lake Wales in Florida was driving a 2024 Nissan northbound on Carmen Road at about 2:31 p.m. The Sheriff’s Office said he failed to yield the right of way to a 2019 GMC driven by Earl Foster, 77, of Wilson. Foster was east bound on Lake Road.

The GMC stuck the Nissan, after which it traveled into the cornfield northeast of the intersection where it came to rest. The Nissan came to rest in the intersection upon the roadway, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

Foster was transported by ambulance to Lockport Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Greenwald was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC where he was succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

SHELBY – When Erin Fuller, an Orleans County deputy, died by suicide at age 45 on Sept. 12, 2015, it left his family lost and heartbroken.

When Jason and Ike Watts saw an advertisement for Out of the Darkness Walk in Buffalo to benefit suicide prevention, they knew they had to get involved.

Since 2016,  the Watts and their family have walked and tried to seek donations for the cause. They weren’t as successful as they wanted, until the idea came up last year to have a basket raffle.

“Basket raffles are always a hit, so I called a couple of friends and asked their opinion,” Ike said. “We had our first raffle last year and it was extremely successful. We had a great turnout and people wanted to know if we were going to do it again this year.”

Their second annual basket raffle to benefit their team in support of suicide prevention will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Shelby Fire Hall. Drawing of tickets will begin at 5 p.m.

The afternoon will include refreshments sponsored by Medina FFA volunteers, special raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

The Watts have a motto they live up to. “We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never give up hope.”

The support they’ve already received this year is overwhelming.

“Donations were slow at first, but in the last few days, a lot of people have stepped up to donate, for which I’m extremely grateful,” Ike said.

The fire hall already has a record number of baskets and donations will still be accepted by calling Ike at (585) 590-0291, Tammy Fearby at (716) 239-0185, Rebecca Lacy at (585) 750-4425 or Christine Crane at (585) 590-2608. Also volunteering to help is Todd Eick, a co-worker of Ike’s in the Medina Central School system.

Ike said some of the baskets are incredible, including one from the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, a “Proud to be Polish” themed basket valued at more than $300, and one from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Association called a “Thin Blue Line” basket.

One thing which Ike can’t stop thinking about is the spread sheet on which they log in each basket as it is received. The basket from the Sheriff’s Department was the 155th one, the number of Erin’s badge.

Another very special basket is one she created called “A Walk to Remember” in memory of the late Wilson Southworth, who enjoyed daily walks admiring Medina.

“It is my hope that whoever wins this basket will walk around Medina and admire everything our small town has to offer,” Ike said.

She thanked Ron Stork and his wife Cherie, Lee and Maureen Blackburn and Case-Nic Cookies for contributing to this basket, filled with merchandise and gift certificates from 15 businesses in downtown Medina.

Ike is also excited to announce the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition has joined as a co-sponsor of the fundraiser.

Another new feature this year is a banner with the name Fuller 155. For a donation of any amount a person can purchase a heart for a loved one and the Watts family will carry it in the walk on Sept. 21.

“The banner may have Erin’s name on it, but the cause is for so many people we’ve lost or are struggling,” Ike said. “Suicide prevention is not an easy subject to talk about, but by doing this raffle we hope it eases people’s mind that it’s OK to talk about it.”

Courthouse dome will be lighted up in gold color for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Provided photo

HOLLEY – Mayor Mark Bower, second from left, issued a proclamation from the Holley Village Board on Tuesday declaring September as “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.” He is shown with Diane Valentine, left, and Tina and Jeremy Neal.

Valentine’s son Evan Valentine, age 18, passed away from acute myeloid leukemia on Feb. 21, 2021.

The Neals’ son, Byron, passed away at age 8 from cancer on April 14, 2023.

They are among several local families with children affected by cancer. The proclamation from the Village of Holley is part of an effort to raise awareness of childhood cancer, and boost funding for research.

The Murray Town Board also plans to issue a proclamation during its board meeting on Sept. 16, and the Orleans County Courthouse Dome will be illumined in a gold color from Sept. 16-30 in a show of support for childhood cancer awareness.

Bower, in his proclamation, said cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, with 43 children per day or 15,780 children diagnosed with cancer annually.

There is a need for new cancer drugs to be approved by the FDA, and more funding to carry this out, Bower said.

The proclamation notes that hundreds of non-profit organizations at the local, state and national level are helping children with cancer and their families cope with the associated educational, emotional and financial support.

“All of us have been directly or indirectly impacted by this terrible disease,” Bower stated in the proclamation.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) alongside Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), introduced the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act to expand eligibility to include veterinary care expenses under tax-advantaged health care spending accounts, specifically Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) by amending Internal Revenue Code Section 213(d).

The PAW Act would allow pet owners to use their HSA or FSA accounts to pay for up to $1,000 for veterinary care or a pet health insurance plan, while permitting an unlimited amount of these funds for service animals.

It aims to assist veterans with PTSD and individuals with disabilities by ensuring the IRS relies on an up-to-date Federal definition of “service animal,” which includes animals trained to assist with both physical and mental disabilities. Additionally, the bill maintains current HSA and FSA contribution limits, ensuring that there will be little to no impact on federal expenditures.

“Our pets and service animals are cherished members of our families, and it’s essential that owners have the ability to pay for quality care,” Tenney said. “The PAW Act offers greater flexibility to pet owners by allowing them to use HSAs and FSAs for pet care expenses. This legislation will help veterans, and all pet owners afford veterinary care for their beloved pets and service animals.”

“MetLife strongly supports the PAW Act, which helps pet parents address unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from a pet’s illness or accident,” said Brian Jorgensen, Head of Pet Insurance, MetLife. “This bill is a critical step towards promoting the health and well-being of pets by helping pet parents access the care their pets need while protecting their financial wellness. We are proud to support a bill that aligns with MetLife’s purpose of helping people care for their loved ones, both human and animal.”

Photo courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

BARRE – A tractor trailer tipped over on Route 98 this evening, crashing into a guard rail near the Genesee County line.

The driver was taken by ambulance to be treated for a head injury at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

A section of Route 98 continues to be closed to traffic due to the accident, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

The truck was loaded with cabbage and the weight shifted, causing the trailer to sway off the roadway and strike a guard rail near the county line, he said.

“The impact made the trailer axel become detached from the trailer,” Bourke said.

Information from New York National Guard

A National Guard soldier from Albion has been promoted, Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced.

Daelonte Ortiz from Albion and assigned to the Company D, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion Aug. 26 to the rank of specialist and will take on additional responsibility and leadership.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

These promotions recognize the best-qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).

Provided photo: From left include Ryan Hasenauer, director of marketing for Batavia Downs; Bob Stilwell; Jennifer Stilwell, president of Make a Difference Rescue; and Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs.

Press Release, Batavia Downs Gaming

BATAVIA – Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Make a Difference (M.A.D) Rescue with a check for $4,200 to help support their efforts rescuing abandoned street dogs of Puerto Rico.

Unclaimed Funds, along side donations and the sale of bottle openers helped raise the money.

“We are appreciative to Cindy DeCarlo and the whole team at Batavia Downs,” said Jennifer Stilwell, President of M.A.D. which is based in Albion. “These funds are so important for us to continue our work of rescuing and rehabilitating the street dogs of Puerto Rico. With these funds we can continue to find them their forever homes here in Western New York and beyond.”

“There are lots of animal lovers, both here amongst our staff and our guests, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs.  “As a dog owner myself, I know the joy a dog can bring to a family.  We are happy to help Jennifer and her team in their efforts to make life better for these dogs as they find new owners.”

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 9 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $232 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of participating municipalities.

About Make a Difference (M.A.D) Rescue

M.A.D Rescue is a Western New York based non-profit that is passionate about the recovery, rehabilitation and adoption of the homeless, abused and abandoned street dogs of Puerto Rico.

St. Rocco’s Festival grounds will remain with ONE Catholic

Photos by Tom Rivers: St. Stephen’s Catholic Church will be closed and sold as part of plan by the Diocese of Buffalo to restructure parishes.

Diocese of Buffalo leaders this morning will announce the final decisions on which parishes and other properties will be closed and sold.

Bishop Michael Fisher is expected to announce the recommendations from June will be final for Orleans and eastern Niagara, which includes closing and selling St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Kendall and St. Stephen’s in Middleport.

The church in Lyndonville was badly damaged in a fire last year, with the church building then razed. The Diocese will sell the former rectory and property in Lyndonville, according to an announcement posted last evening from Father Mark Noonan, pastor of ONE Catholic which includes Orleans and eastern Niagara churches.

“These decisions have been difficult to countenance and consider over the last few months since we received the Recommendations from the Road to Renewal Team,” Father Noonan posted in a message to the community. “It is painful to lose things that we have known, loved and treasured. Our Churches are sacred places that have been blessed by God through the Church in order to enable us to be with the Lord in the celebration of the Sacraments. It is sorrowful to let go of them. And in the same moment, we know and trust that God, who is ever faithful, will guide us in his pathways and always be with us in the Holy Eucharist.”

Bocce is played on Sept. 1 during the St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton. The event draws a crowd of several hundred people for food, bocce, and other activities, in an popular fundraiser for the Catholic parish. The Diocese backed off an early recommendation to sell the grounds.

The Diocese switched one of its recommendations for ONE Catholic. The Diocese was planning to sell the St. Rocco’s festival grounds in Hulberton. But the final plan calls for ONE Catholic to keep it. That will be a relief to the Holley community, which celebrated the 49^th St. Rocco’s Italian Festival on Sept. 1.

The other church in ONE Catholic, St. Patrick’s in Barker, will move out of ONE Catholic and into a family of parishes in central Niagara.

Father Noonan said the transitions will take place at various times between Oct. 1 and June 8, 2025. The specific dates have not been set, he said.

“Now having received these decisions, we will move forward with God’s help and grace,” Father Noonan said. “I will continue to provide information on this process in the weeks ahead. As the ONE Catholic Community, we will deepen our mission of faith, charity, evangelization, and stewardship in this portion of the Vineyard of the Lord.”