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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

• Town of Albion: 6 parcels – 166.6 acres
• Town of Barre: 8 parcels – 321.4 acres
• Town of Carlton: 6 parcels – 149.5 acres
• Town of Clarendon: 34 parcels – 975.2 acres
• Town of Gaines: 2 parcels – 90.4 acres
• Town of Kendall: 8 parcels – 257.4 acres
• Town of Murray: 3 parcels – 93.1 acres
• Town of Ridgeway: 13 parcels – 597.2 acres
• Town of Shelby: 10 parcels – 259.4 acres
• Town of Yates: 2 parcels – 1.6 acres
• Village of Lyndonville: 1 parcel – 57.8 acres

Parcels to be added: 166 parcels – 7,656.9 acres

• Town of Albion: 15 parcels – 809.4 acres
• Town of Barre: 18 parcels – 776.8 acres
• Town of Carlton: 27 parcels – 1,951.5 acres
• Town of Clarendon: 8 parcels – 353.9 acres
• Town of Gaines: 20 parcels – 830.5 acres
• Town of Kendall: 12 parcels – 214.1 acres
• Town of Murray: 21 parcels – 1,253.6 acres
• Town of Ridgeway: 8 parcels – 77.4 acres
• Town of Shelby: 14 parcels – 709.6 acres
• Town of Yates: 13 parcels – 616.6 acres
• Village of Lyndonville: 6 parcels – 63.5 acres

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.

Minimum pay after 1 year: $98,300

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 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.”

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.

‘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.

Press Release, National Night Out in Orleans County

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department, with the assistance of the Medina Police Advisory National Night Out Sub-Committee, are collaborating again for this year’s Orleans County National Night Out.

We are proud to give an update on this year’s event that will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford Wise Intermediate School, 1016 Gwinn St.

National Night Out started in the 1980s as a way to bring law enforcement and citizens together nationwide on the same night each year. We have expanded on that principle and put together an event that focuses on bringing many agencies and organizations together for the annual National Night Out date each year.

Participants in this event will include law enforcement from throughout the county, fire agencies, EMS responders, civic organizations and other groups that will be providing activities and giveaways. Some of the big hits from past events have been the “Battle of the Belts,” K-9 demonstrations and the bike rodeo.

Our mission is simple. We want an event where families can come for a night and be entertained at no cost, eating and having fun in an environment that is free of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. We hope citizens can meet members of our local organizations and get to know the services they provide to our community.

We would like to thank all of our sponsors, participants, and volunteers who have helped make this event possible!

We will also be providing regular updates through our Facebook pages: National Night Out – Orleans  and Medina Police Department.

Tentative Schedule

• 6 p.m. – Mercy Flight Landing
• 6:45 p.m. – Battle of the Belts
• 7:15 p.m. – K-9 Demonstration

Tentative Dunk Tank Participants

• Police Chief Todd Draper
• Fire Chief Matt Jackson
• Village Trustee Jess Marciano
• Village Trustee Diana Baker
• Pastor Jovannie Canales

Highlighted Activities:

• Free Hot Dogs, Water, & Chips
• Bike Rodeo,
• Child Car Seat Safety Inspections
• Llamas & Alpacas
• Bounce House
• Coloring Contest
• Spray House
• Games and Giveaways
• Police and Fire equipment
• Appearances by Safety Pup
• Caricature
• Magician

Press Release, U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney

LOCKPORT – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today was joined by Niagara County Legislators Anthony Nemi, Shawn Foti, and Christopher McKimmie, President of FASNY Edward Tase, Jr., Niagara County Director of Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator Jonathan Schultz, and numerous local volunteer firefighters to call on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to reconsider expanding regulations that threaten the closure of volunteer fire departments across New York.

In February, OSHA unveiled a new safety and health standard to replace the Fire Brigades Standard, suggesting 22 additional rules for all fire departments. These encompass obligatory facility upgrades and enhanced training requirements.

However, the proposal overlooks the substantial financial and operational constraints faced by numerous volunteer fire departments. In May, Tenney sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Labor Douglas Parker, urging OSHA to reconsider these rules and extend the public comment period.

“Thank you to the outstanding volunteer firefighters from our community for joining me in urging OSHA to reconsider the 22 additional rules that would burden our local fire departments,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “NY-24 depends on volunteer firefighters to keep our community safe, putting their lives on the line to save others. We must ensure they are not hampered by burdensome and costly regulations that could lead to closures or limited access to emergency services in our rural communities. I will continue advocating against these regulations and work to ensure our rural and volunteer fire departments have the resources they need.”

“The new OSHA standards on paper may look like they make sense but what does it look like in the real world for our first responders, whether it’s the biggest department in the country or a rural volunteer fire department like the majority of Niagara County and the United States. Change is good, but this change may cripple some of our agencies right here in Niagara County both man power wise and financially,” said Jonathan Schultz, Niagara County Fire Coordinator and Director of Emergency Services.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Some fishing gear will be available at the derby, which is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who loved the outdoors, especially fishing in the former Peck quarries at the Sportsmen’s Association.

Press Release, Albion Sportsmen’s Association

ALBION – Free fishing. Free food and drinks. Lots of prizes.

What better way to spend a Saturday.

The 28th Annual Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby will be from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 at Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road.

The derby is open to Orleans County residents ages 16 and under, with prizes given to all entrants and special prizes awarded to the winners in all age groups and categories. Last year, 18 children won fishing poles and all entrants received mini-tackle boxes full of tackle.

The not-for-profit club provides drinks and lunch to all the children and parents.

The derby is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who died at age 19 in a car crash on Jan. 20, 1990.

Anyone wishing to participate in the derby must register before Aug. 9 by calling or texting Scott DeSmit at (585) 815-5150. You can also email him at desmitmail@yahoo.com. Please provide the names and ages of the children and the number of adults attending.

ALBION – Two people were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

David Brege, 37, of Medina, was sentenced to five years in prison, the maximum sentence as part of a plea agreement.

Brege pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and driving while ability impaired due to drugs.

Brege was charged in October after having cocaine, a rifle and knife concealed in a flashlight. He received 5 years in prison for the drug charge, 2 ½ to 5 years for the weapons charge and 364 days in jail for the DWAI. The sentences will be served concurrently or a maximum of 5 years.

Michael R. Bauer, 38, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison for third-degree burglary. Bauer admitted in court previously to entering the Plaza Liquor Store at 127A South Main St. on Aug. 20, 2023 without permission and with the intent to commit a crime.

Bauer, formerly of Albion, was charged after breaking into the Plaza Liquor Store, damaging the building and taking some of the merchandise. Albion police said there was approximately $2,000 damage to the building, and $336 in damage to alcohol bottles. About $90 worth of alcohol and cash also were stolen.

Bauer is a second-felony offender with a previous conviction of attempted burglary in the second degree for breaking into a convenience store in Medina in June 2014.

Bauer apologized today for the burglary at the liquor store. He said the crime was fueled by a drug addiction problem.

“I know what I did was wrong,” he told Judge Church. “I was badly into drugs.”

Three other people also pleaded guilty in court today.

• Edward Dunn, 38, of Middleport pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and could face a maximum of 2 ½ to 5 years in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 2. As part of a plea deal the maximum sentence was reduced from 3 ½ to 7 years in prison.

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

• Joshua Smith of Byron pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and second-degree menacing. Smith entered a Clarendon gas station and convenience store on April 30 even though he was told repeatedly to stay out of the building by the owner.

Smith entered with a crowbar and threatened to harm the owner of the business. Smith faces up to 6 months in the county jail and five years probation when he is sentenced on Oct. 2.

• Ronald Lindsey, 41, of Holley pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted assault and faces up to six months in the county jail and five years probation when he is sentenced on Oct. 2.

Lindsey admitted in court today t0 punching his wife several times in the face on April 19 and causing injuries.