Press Release, Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Orleans County, New York. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
The 90-day appeal period will begin July 14, 2024. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information, such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary, they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
For more information about the flood maps:
Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Orleans County Flood Mapping Milestones
March 9, 2023 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
July 17, 2023 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
August 17, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
October 12, 2023 — Open House Meeting with public to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map.
July 14, 2024 — Appeal Period starts.
Fall 2025* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 2 Office of External Affairs at (212) 680-3699 or at FEMA-R2-ExternalAffairs@fema.dhs.gov.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is pleased to announce a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event will be held on Aug. 17 and Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 13925 Rt. 31, Albion.
According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.
Our certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect your car and/or booster seats to ensure that your child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.
For child passenger safety seat questions, please contact certified technician Kevin Colonna at (585) 589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2024 at 11:39 am
Provided photo: Dan Ryan was a drummer in many local bands the past 20 years. He was a key force in the Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park.
ALBION – A benefit at Dubby’s Tailgate on Sunday will be in honor of a man who gave countless hours to help other people, including the annual Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park.
Dan Ryan died at age 39 on June 23. He needed a liver transplant. He got pneumonia and then suffered multiple organ failure, his sister Pamela Kennedy said.
Ryan is survived by two children, Nadalee, 12, and Tyler, 6. The benefit on Sunday will help his family with Ryan’s expenses.
“He was always talking to people and helping people,” Kennedy said. “He was a good guy.”
Kennedy is helping to organize the benefit on Sunday that goes from noon to 9 p.m. Ryan’s friend Dan Conrad also is working to organize the event. They both welcome more basket raffle donations for the fundraiser. Kennedy can be reached at (585) 471-0944 and Conrad at (585) 590-1148.
Ryan played the drums for the band, Eclipse. That band will be performing on Sunday, along with Clueless, Chris Moore, and others.
Ryan played with other local bands in the past two decades. He was driving force in starting Rock the Park, which is now in its ninth year. The event from Aug. 2-3 will be dedicated in his memory.
Zack Burgess was in the band Zero with Ryan on the drums in the early days of Rock the Park.
“While he was never part of our actual committee, Dan would show up the days leading up to, and the day of the event, ready to help out with whatever was needed. Which, those that knew him will tell you, was not an uncommon trait for him,” Burgess posted in a tribute on Facebook.
“Over the years, Dan played drums in our original host band Zero, and even set up his drums for the rest of the bands to use. He played on our float in the Strawberry Festival parade, designed and refinished multiple Rock the Park guitars to raffle off, and even ran sound for us (for free) for the first two years of our event. And that’s all outside of the manual labor he would provide just to help us get the event set up.”
Kennedy said her brother loved to play the drums since he was a little kid. He taught his kids to play them, too.
Conrad spent many hours fishing with Ryan. He saw how Ryan would look to help others, never wanting anything in return.
“He was a fun, outgoing person,” Conrad. “He was there for everybody.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The band Eclipse performs “Stinkfist” by Tool during Rock the Park 7 at Bullard Park in Albion on Aug. 6, 2022. Erin Moody is lead singer for the band that includes Brett Zambito, left, on guitar and D.J. Button, right, on guitar, as well as Dan Ryan on the drums. This year’s Albion Summer Festival/Rock the Park 9 on Aug. 2-3 is dedicated in honor of Ryan, who passed away at age 39 on June 23.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 State Route 31, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411). Refreshments will be provided.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members.
The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.
For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.
‘I am very proud of what we have accomplished here at Orleans/Niagara BOCES and wish everyone continued success’
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Provided photo: Dr. Clark Godshall is shown on his last day in the office as Orleans/Niagara BOCES at the education center in Medina.
MEDINA – Dr. Clark Godshall, the senior BOCES district superintendent and chief executive officer of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, announced his retirement effective June 30 after 53 years as an educator and 43 years as a school administrator.
For the past 24 years, he was responsible for the educational services for over 30,000 students at the O/N BOCES, which is the 13th largest BOCES out of 37 statewide. He was an interim district superintendent at five other statewide BOCES. As the BOCES district superintendent, he served as the New York State Commissioner of Education’s local representative.
Dr. Godshall says he would like to thank the staff, our component districts and Board of Education for their dedication, support and friendship over the years.
“It has been an honor to work with all of you,” he said. “I am ready for the next chapter of my life and I am looking forward to spending time with my amazing wife Barb, my family and friends. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked in a career that I have loved and to work with others who feel the same about what they do day in and day out for children. I am very proud of what we have accomplished here at Orleans/Niagara BOCES and wish everyone continued success.”
Dr. Taweepon Farrar will be taking over as district superintendent on Aug. 14.
A former high school science teacher, Godshall instructed biology, chemistry and earth science in the Hilton Central School District and started his administrative career as the assistant superintendent for the Penn Yan Central School District.
He has instructed as an adjunct professor for the educational administration program at SUNY Brockport and as a clinical professor of doctoral candidates at the University of Rochester. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. John Fisher College, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees from the University of Rochester and a certificate in labor relations from the Cornell University Industrial Labor Relations School.
Dr. Godshall has been an active and involved member of multiple professional associations at the local, state, and international levels where he usually ascends to the top leadership positions. He is a six-time recipient of American School and University Management Effectiveness Awards.
He is the past recipient of the New York State ASBO Outstanding Service Award, Women in Administration Leadership Award; PDK Leadership Award, Niagara University Administrator of the Year award and the 2014 New York State School Superintendent of the Year. He has been a County Chairman for the American Red Cross, an elected Fire Commissioner and consultant to many educational organizations.
He is a frequent author and presenter on educational management/governance topics. He is the only school administrator to have served as the President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), the New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYASBO) and the International Association of School Business Officials (IASBO). He is the chairperson of the Genesee Community College Advisory Board for Albion and Medina campuses and volunteers on the Orleans Community Health Foundation Board.
“Dr. Clark Godshall has been a role model for school leaders across New York State and nationally,” said Dr. Betty Rosa, New York Commissioner of Education. “His service to the community, school districts and educators in pursuit of higher achievement levels and student success are praised and we thank him for his long tenure of educational leadership.”
He has completed over 76 chief school officer searches and multiple association executive director searches. He often leads expert teams into less than successful schools to conduct School under Registration Reviews (SURR) across New York State. Most recently, he was named the Distinguished Alumni from St. John Fisher College and the Superintendent of the Year by the New York State School Business Officials (NYSASBO).
During his free time, Dr. Godshall is an officer (Commodore) with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadron for which he has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts while holding various leadership positions. He graciously gives of his time in support of active duty military personnel across the United States. Clark is a qualified sea captain and a third generation Kentucky Colonel. He has been cited as a staunch advocate of the arts including local theatrical productions – the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonic and Shea’s performing theater.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2024 at 8:20 am
Provided photos
ALBION – These kids hold a big boa that was brought to Hoag Library on Tuesday by Ken Kuehne of Kent, owner of “Know Your Rep.”
Kuehne has been a big draw at Hoag’s summer reading program in recent years. He and his daughter Amanda brought reptiles of varying sizes. They start with smaller creatures and work their way up to snakes more than 10 feet long.
Ken and Amanda Kuehne introduce kids to some of the reptiles and snakes they brought to Hoag Library on Tuesday. About 100 kids attended the event.
Lori Laine holds the big boa. Kuehne let people stand and hold the snake.
Know Your Rep does events with snakes and reptiles at schools, community organizations and businesses, and at parties.
Kuehne said snakes are often portrayed as villains in movies.
“We have a learned fear of snakes,” he said. “I want to get rid of that myth.”
Click here to see the schedule for the summer reading program.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 July 2024 at 7:36 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carolyn Wagner, secretary of the board of Orleans County Accredited Learning Services, stands in front of the window of Case-Nic Cookies, where a basket raffle is taking place all month to benefit the agency.
MEDINA – A basket raffle in the window of Case-Nic Cookies this month will benefit an agency dedicated to providing free literacy services in Orleans County.
Founded in 2006 as Orleans County Adult Learning Services (or OCALS), the agency now known as Orleans County Accredited Learning Services is helping children and adults throughout the county. With a paid staff of two part-time employees and a volunteer board of directors, conducting fundraising events would hardly be possible, so when United Way of Orleans County insisted they do more fundraising to be eligible for funding, they had to think outside the box.
Carolyn Wagner, secretary of OCALS’s board, knew about Mary Lou Tuohey making the windows of her store, Case-Nic Cookies, available to non-profits for basket raffles. For the last two years, Wagner almost single-handedly, has put together a basket raffle which netted OCALS much needed, although not astronomical, funds.
“We do pretty well here for a small community,” she said.
This month, Wagner has repeated her efforts and filled Case-Nic’s window with a variety of baskets geared to appeal to all ages, men, women and children.
Forty-nine baskets include gift cards to a variety of stores and restaurants, lottery tickets, jewelry and purses, books and toys for children, household items and more.
Tuohey had come up with a system so shoppers could enter the drawings even when the store is closed. She makes up a list with the number of all the baskets. Each sheet has the numbers of a sheet of 26 raffle tickets. The list, a pen and ticket stub are placed in a plastic bag with an envelope and put in a bucket outside the door of her store. At any time of the day, a customer can open the bucket, take out a packet, enter the number of tickets he wants placed in the baskets of his choice, put $10 in the envelope, seal it and drop it through the mail slot in the door.
When the store opens the next morning, the organizations’ volunteers open the envelopes and place the requested number of tickets into the designated baskets.
Tickets can be purchased through July 30. Winners will be drawn on July 31 and notified to come and pick up their prize.
Wagner said she canvasses all the local businesses asking for donations, and while she understands the merchants get inundated with requests, she is grateful for the response she receives.
She is always looking for bargains throughout the year and buys things on sale, saving them to create a basket.
“I always send a thank you to everyone who donates a basket,” she said.
The other fundraising effort by OCALS is a book sale at Medina’s annual community yard sale.
OCALS has come a long way since its founding by Rose Ruck, then a resident of Clarendon, who realized the need for an active literacy group in the county. For the first years, the organization operated with all volunteers and annual donations from Rose and Don’s daughters.
OCALS is accredited by ProLiteracy and funded by United Way of Orleans County.
They have expanded to provide free confidential tutoring services to adults, children and families who are residents of Orleans County and want to improve their reading, writing and English skills. They also provide one-on-one training for the county’s digital literacy initiative, and have worked with school children struggling with literacy.
As part of their mission to promote their services and let the community know what they offer, OCALS has a presence at Medina’s Canal Farmer’s Market, the 4-H Fair and Night Out in Medina.
Crucial to their program are tutors, and they are always looking for anyone interested in volunteering. OCALS will provide the necessary training.
New board members are also welcome. Anyone interested in joining OCALS in any capacity can contact them at www.ocals.org; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OCALS1 or by calling (585) 590-1202.
‘Every first responder knows that immediate intervention is crucial’
Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Office
ALBION – In response to the escalating opioid crisis gripping our nation, the Medina Fire Department has joined with Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), Orleans County Mental Health and Orleans County Emergency Management in their effort to launch the “Naloxone Leave Behind Program” to equip our residents with the lifesaving tools necessary to intervene during opioid-related emergencies.
The Naloxone Leave Behind Program aims to raise awareness of the overdose crisis and to increase access to naloxone. Naloxone, often referred to by its brand name “Narcan”, is a life-saving medication that can quickly restore the breathing of a person experiencing an opioid overdose.
“Enhancing access to care and treatment through efforts like the Leave Behind Kit program is crucial to communities, especially for rural communities,” said Danielle Figura, LCSW-R, Director of Orleans County Mental Health and Director of Community Services for Orleans County. “The kits will also include additional information on available resources for those experiencing mental illness or emotional distress, because we know that we need to promote an individual’s overall well-being.”
The New York State Department of Health initiated the Naloxone Leave Behind Program early in 2023 (expanding on their 2006 Overdose Prevention Program), and it has since been adopted in many regions throughout the state. The Village of Medina Fire Department is the pilot EMS agency for the program, made possible with opioid settlement funding through Orleans County Mental Health.
“The opioid epidemic has forever changed our small town and village life, not just as firefighters and EMS providers but as members of this community,” said Medina Fire Department Lt. Steve Cooley, who played a critical role in bringing this program into Orleans County.
After a brief trial period, the program will eventually be offered to all fire/EMS agencies within the county to voluntarily participate in. Mobile Crisis Teams operating within the county and Orleans County Probation will also be participating in the program.
“Every first responder knows that immediate intervention is crucial,” said Justin Niederhofer, Director of Emergency Management in the county. “In our rural community, and with the national EMS crisis, friends and family are often the first to recognize the signs of an overdose or to find the victim. The Naloxone Leave Behind Program essentially puts the lifesaving tools in the hands of those first on-scene.”
GO Health has identified a trend of elevated cocaine use locally that is causing fatal fentanyl overdoses.
“Through wastewater analysis, we have found that cocaine consumption is very high throughout Genesee and Orleans counties compared to other areas nationally,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “When cocaine is contaminated with fentanyl, it is causing preventable overdoses and overdose deaths. Many people who use street drugs like cocaine and counterfeit pills are unaware that what they are taking may contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. This is an example why the naloxone leave behind program is crucial for saving lives.”
Following an opioid related emergency, a leave behind kit will be offered to the family, friends or bystanders present at the incident. Each naloxone kit contains naloxone intra-nasal spray, 4mg/0.1ml (4 doses), a CPR face shield, signs of an overdose information card, emergency use instructions and additional information for those seeking further help. Trained personnel will provide training to those receiving leave behind kits.
“This program goes a long way to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding opioid use disorders, and has the potential to save lives,” Niederhofer said. “These other departments and organizations have worked hard to get this program off the ground. We are happy to have been asked to join this effort going forward!”
GO Health, Village of Medina Fire Department, Orleans County Mental Health, and Orleans County Emergency Management are committed to continuing efforts to address the opioid crisis and ensure the well-being of all residents.
“This is a true example of collaboration, partnership, and maximizing the roles of our agencies working together, looking to achieve the same goal, by saving lives and reducing the number of opioid related overdoses and overdose related deaths in the Orleans County community,” Figura said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2024 at 5:20 pm
A tornado watch that was issued around noon for Orleans County and most of upstate has been updated and no longer includes Orleans, Niagara, Genesee and Wyoming counties.
The watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for Monroe and Livingston counties, and in central and northern New York.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2024 at 3:05 pm
The threat of severe rain, including a tornado watch being in effect until 9 p.m., has prompted the Village of Albion to cancel the 6 p.m. concert scheduled for Bullard Park today.
Soul Street was the featured musicians this evening. The group has agreed to reschedule for Aug. 28, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director.
Photos and information from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is pleased to announce that 18 children from Orleans County attended the NYS Sheriff’s Summer Camp on located on Keuka Lake.
Each sheriff in counties throughout the state is given a predetermined number of camper slots and boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 are selected by various methods to identify deserving children to attend.
The Sheriff’s Summer Camp is held each year and has been in operation since 1986. The Sheriff’s Summer Camp operates through generous donations received by the New York State Sheriff’s Institute.
Campers have the opportunity to attend various demonstrations and classes provided by law enforcement officers from multiple agencies across the state. Campers also have the opportunity to participate in daily activities such as hiking, swimming, archery and sailing.
The first 10 children from Orleans County attended the first week beginning on Sunday, June 30, and eight children attended the second week beginning on Sunday, July 7. All of the children were transported by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office from the Public Safety Building to the Batavia Thruway Exit where they were transported by tour bus to and from the Sheriff’s Camp in Penn Yan, New York.
Orleans County Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson and his staff transported the kids to the buses and provided counselors at the camp as well.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is hosting two town hall events in Monroe County on Saturday, July 20.
Hawley will meet with constituents and discuss the issues that matter to them the most. These events will give the community the opportunity to let their voices be heard and share their thoughts and concerns about where the state is headed.
“Speaking directly with my constituents is one of the most important parts of my job,” Hawley said. “I hope people show up to share their thoughts and opinions on how we can make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
• Village of Brockport/Towns of Clarkson & Sweden from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Seymour Library, 161 East Ave. at Brockport
• Town of Hamlin from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Hamlin Public Library, 1680 Lake Rd. at Hamlin
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2024 at 11:03 am
Districts give students celebratory sendoff during commencement
Provided photos from the school districts
Brian Bartalo, retiring superintendent from Holley Central School, gives the keynote address during commencement on June 29. Holley celebrated the graduation of 63 seniors.
Caitlin Dobri delivers the valedictory address. Other student speakers included: Kayla Neale, salutatorian; and Layne Walker, the class president.
Graduates move their tassels to signify completed high school. Students wore their red Holley Hawk robes and caps for the ceremony inside the school auditorium.
After the ceremony students gathered in the gym to toss their graduation caps.
Kendall’s 57 graduates (and one honorary foreign exchange student) celebrate commencement on June 28 in the school auditorium.
Kendall’s student speakers includes salutatorian Louis Conte and valedictorian Hannah Brundage.
Conte shared about his competitive nature and how his high school experiences in athletics and other activities have fueled that competitiveness and need for perfection.
Kendall Board of Education member Chaley Swift presents the diploma to her son, Jimmie Swift, during commencement on June 28.
“Every step is growth and advancement,” Conte said. “The way we handle the roadblocks that keep us from our goal of being perfect is what defines us and what needs to be embraced. It’s this mindset that needs to be embraced, not just by me, but by anyone who ever feels like they aren’t enough. Finding silver linings when experiencing failures is a mindset that takes practice. From all my years of playing sports, l’ve learned that practice does not make perfect; it makes progress.”
Valedictorian Hannah Brundage reflected on shared experiences and bonds among classmates. She recalled moments the senior class bonded over, including parking lot painting, Senior Breakfast, Commitment Day, “the pickle game” and other activities.
“It’s moments like these that we truly connect through and allow up to pull together through the challenges that life throws at us,” she said. “None of us would be where we are without the people surrounding us, because we are greatly influenced by our surroundings. The people we love, the friends we hang out with – they are what get you past the hardships we all eventually encounter.”
Social Studies teacher Joseph Petrosino also addressed the graduates. He was chosen by the Class of 2024 to give this year’s commencement address.
Petrosino gave a history lesson on education in Kendall, highlighting unwavering community support for education despite challenges faced. From the original two-room log cabin that housed school lessons, to the hearses pulled by horses that served as school buses.
“The people of this area have never stopped supporting education and supporting the school,” Petrosino said. “When the school community is touched by tragedy, disaster or loss people come to support us both teacher and student alike.”
He urged students to find their purpose beyond a job, saying, “When you find it, you will know. You’ll work harder than ever before and won’t mind. You’ll feel compelled to do that thing even when you have a million other things to do. You will wake up at night with new ideas, and you will feel alive, working towards something good for the world.”
The Presentation of the Class of 2024 followed, with advisors Margaret Alloco and Elizabeth Erickson reading student bios and diplomas presented by principal Melissa Strelick and assistant principal Mark Driesel.
The group moves their tassels to signify the transition from students to graduates.
Lyndonville’s 38 students in the Class of 2024 toss their graduation caps to celebrate commencement on June 28. The ceremony was inside at the Stroyan Auditorium.
Student speakers at Lyndonville’s graduation included salutatorian Elizabeth Whipple, left, and valedictorian Daniel Barry.
Kayli Miller accepts her diploma from superintendent Sharon Smith. Ted Lewis, president of the Board of Education, is in back.
These students who are seniors in the high school chorus lead the crowd in singing the national anthem at the start of commencement. The graduating seniors in the chorus include Madalynn Baker, Katelynn Breeze, Ella Fletcher, Laci Giarla, Amber Grabowski, Maximus Hilton, Hannah Songer and Elizabeth Whipple.
