Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Austin Gardner took first in Electronics Technology in the state competition and then was in the national event.

Local students who won the state competitions in April for SkillsUSA last week advanced to nationals and vied against other top students around the country.

Atlanta, Ga. hosted the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships on June 26-27. More than 6,000 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education.

Austin Gardner of Lyndonville qualified for the event after taking first in Electronics Technology in the state competition. He won a “Skill Point Certificate” at the national competition.

A group of Orleans/Niagara BOCES students also won the gold award at the state competition for crime scene investigation. Gabrielle Rosenbeck (Newfane), Shianne Beauman (Royalton-Hartland) and Sahara Holland (Barker) went to Atlanta for the competition and won a Skill Point Certificate. Those three plus Gardner are students at the Orleans Career Technical Education Center in Medina.

“More than 6,000 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.”

The SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

These students won the gold award for the state competition for crime scene investigation. Pictured includes, from left: teacher Gene Newman, Gabrielle Rosenbeck (Newfane), Shianne Beauman (Royalton-Hartland) and Sahara Holland (Barker).

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Who Dats performed from the amphitheater at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening as part of a July 3^rd celebration.

Several hundred people enjoyed the music at the park.

Todd Graham of the Who Dats takes the lead in this in this song, while Lonnie Froman, the band’s lead singer, took a break for one number. John Borello is at left and Alex DeSmit is on the drums. Ed Hilfiker (not in photo) plays guitar for the popular band that has been entertaining for many years.

There were also several food vendors and four bounce houses.

Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan also performed from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. as the Ryan Klatt Duo. They are shown near the pavilion and little kids’ playground area.

These kids enjoy the spray park on a hot day with temperatures in the high 80s.

The Village of Albion Recreation program and Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events (G-ACRE) organized the event, which included 350 chicken barbecue dinners sold, face painting and pony rides. John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, said he would like to see the day capped with fireworks in the future.

Rock the Park (Albion Summer Music Festival) returns to the stage on Aug. 2-3.

ALBION – Students and a manager at the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby visited the Orleans County Legislature last week to highlight the 60^th anniversary of the Job Corps program.

The local Job Corps is one of 120 across the country. Job Corps says millions of young people have been changed because of the transformative nature of the program.

Born out of the War on Poverty and signed into law as the Economic Opportunity Act on August 20, 1964, Job Corps has provided safe housing, education, career and technical training opportunities, and support services for deserving young people, Job Corps officials said.

The Iroquois campus can serve 225 students who are ages 16 to 24. They receive training in six main programs: brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical  medical assistant, and certified nursing assistant.

Students stay on campus and receive other education. Some of those programs include work towards an equivalency diploma, and driver’s education.

The local Job Corps is drawing more students from Western New York, including the rural GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming), Wayne, Monroe and Niagara counties, said Luke Kantor, Admissions and Career Transition Services manager for the Iroquois Job Corps.

“They can better themselves, earn their GED and a trade or skill,” Kantor told county legislators.

Two current students spoke to legislators last week and praised the program.

Infinity Hall-Caswell and Trevon Stringer are both from Rochester. Hall-Caswell is in the CNA program and will be going to GCC with a goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“It’s been a life-changing experience,” she said about Job Corps.

Stringer, 23, enrolled in Job Corps in the electrical program. He said Job Corps has built his confidence to live by himself and equipped him with more skills to be successful.

“I’ve seen a lot of violence and people on the wrong path,” Stringer said. “I didn’t want that for myself.”

Job Corps students do many projects in the community, including helping to build dog runs at the PAWS Animal Shelter, constructed benches and chairs for Medina Rotary, and painting rooms at the Shelby Town Hall.

The center also has a local community relation council and a workforce council. The workforce council includes union reps and business leaders who give insight on how Job Corps can best prepare students for careers when they graduate.

The Iroquois Job Corps will celebrate graduation on Aug. 16.

BUFFALO – The following students from Orleans County graduated from the University at Buffalo.

• Ryan Taylor of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in statistics from the School of Public Health and Health Professions. Taylor’s conferral date was June 2024.

• Brennan Lyon of Kendall graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the College of Arts and Sciences. Lyon’s conferral date was June 2024.

• Arella Biesinger of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from the College of Arts and Sciences. Biesinger’s conferral date was June 2024.

• Carly-Grace Woodworth of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability from the College of Arts and Sciences. Woodworth’s conferral date was June 2024.

• Natalie Wright of Kendall graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Wright’s conferral date was February 2024.

• Noah Pencille of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Arts and Sciences. Pencille’s conferral date was February 2024.

• Amber Salonen of Holley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Salonen’s conferral date was June 2024.

• Andrew Houseman of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Houseman’s conferral date was June 2024.

• Elle Gross of Medina graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences. Gross’s conferral date was February 2024.

• Carter Green of Medina graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in media studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Green’s conferral date was June 2024.

UB is New York State’s flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. UB celebrated over 9,400 students across 23 school-based or university-wide recognition and certificate ceremonies held April 26 through May 19.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to increase access to State Parks, recreational facilities and historic sites, and to support the tourism industry in New York.

S.5423/A.4853 will increase access to New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation sites by prohibiting the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment for use of its facilities.

Many New Yorkers, including seniors, unbanked or underbanked individuals, minors, and others use only cash. While credit cards offer convenience, not everyone has access to them. Legislation S.5423/A.4853 removes this potential barrier, ensuring equal access to New York’s State parks, historical sites, and recreational facilities we all cherish. By still accepting cash at these state facilities, New York will continue supporting the inclusive enjoyment of our state’s treasures.

Governor Hochul also signed S.9250/A.10333 to extend the authorization for certain operators of leased personal watercrafts to be exempt from the boating safety certificate, which will support the tourism businesses that lease these vehicles to those vacationing at New York’s waterfronts.

Extending this exemption prevents detrimental impacts to the tourism industry who lease these vehicles to those vacationing in relevant waterfront areas in New York.

Today’s bill signing builds on Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to promote physical and mental health by encouraging New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

“Our State Parks are an important driver behind our state’s economy, and my administration is committed to ensuring everyone has access to our breathtaking sites and to boosting the tourism industry,” Governor Hochul said. “These acts of legislation will make sure that New Yorkers and our visitors can see and experience all that New York has to offer.”

ALBION – The bail has been increased significantly for a man charged with second-degree murder in a fatal Barre crash on Feb. 8.

Noah Magee

The bail for Noah Magee was $2,500 at his initial appearance in Orleans County Court on June 12, but was raised this morning to $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $200,000 in a partially secured bond.

Judge Sanford Church said he reviewed the full grand jury minutes since the June 12 appearance and felt justified in the higher bail for Magee.

Magee, 19, of Brockport was driving a pickup truck the wrong way on McNamar Road on Feb. 8 when he hit Roger Kingdollar who was riding a dirt bike. Kingdollar, 24, died from the collision.

Magee was initially charged with reckless endangerment 1st degree (D felony), leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident (D felony) and other vehicle and traffic infractions.

After more investigation in the incident, the charges were upgraded to second-degree murder, an “A” felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.

Church also reviewed video of the collision that was captured from a nearby residence.

“There is no doubt the collision caused the death,” Church said in court today.

While there wasn’t an intent to cause the death of Kingdollar, Church said Magee should still face a higher bail due to the reckless conduct. If he faced a lesser charge of manslaughter, where someone is killed without malice, the bail should also much higher than $2,500, Church said.

District Attorney Joe Cardone at the June 12 arraignment sought $250,000 in bail for Magee, saying he was a potential flight risk due to the serious charges.

After Church kept the bail at $2,500, the same amount set at the town court level before the second-degree murder charge was added, Cardone then filed a bail application, seeking a higher bail. Cardone said the new more serious charge warranted an increase in the bail amount.

Cardone today also asked that Magee’s driving privileges to be suspended, but the judge did not agree to that.

Magee’s attorney Paul Vacca interjected after Church announced the higher bail, with Vacca seeking it be $25,000.

The judge said no to Vacca.

“That is my ruling,” Church said.

Magee was then handcuffed and led out of the courtroom.

County looking to do study for short-term, long-term options locally

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Association of Municipalities last week at the Clarendon Rec hall watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis.” The film is about an hour long and explores the world of EMTs and paramedics, and the collapse of the EMS system, while offering ways to save it.

CLARENDON – Officials in Orleans County last week watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis,” and could relate all too well to the film.

The county in 2022 experienced the end of COVA Ambulance and the volunteer ambulance through the Kendall Fire Department.

Seven towns in central and eastern Orleans County in 2023 started paying Monroe Ambulance in a contract for ambulance services. Medina Fire Department is the primary provider on the western end of the county. Medina often loses some of its paid staff to larger departments that offer bigger paychecks.

The documentary shows a profession with a high burnout rate due to low pay, the emotional toll of many traumatic and stressful calls, and danger through exposure to Covid and people overdosing on fentanyl and other drugs.

“This is a national issue, not just a New York or Orleans County issue,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county emergency’s management director.

He screened the documentary for the local officials last week and also for the community on June 20 at the Carlton Rec Hall. Niederhofer wants the local officials to keep discussing the issue, and the public to be aware of the challenges in providing the service.

EMS providers have a challenging business model, especially in poorer communities where there is a higher mix of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, where the reimbursements may only be 20 to 30 percent of the bill.

EMS providers also tend to only be paid of patients are transported, and not for responding to a scene where there isn’t a transport.

The documentary said ambulances should be able to bill for providing care, and not just for transports. If there was more revenue for the businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities providing EMS, staff could be paid a living wage, and not have to juggle two or three jobs, with some living out of their cars, the documentary said.

Orleans County may do a study of the local EMS system, and consider alternatives for how to best provide the service in the short-term and long-term. That study could look at what reimbursement rates are needed to make the service more viable, with more ambulances based locally so there is a better response time throughout the county.

The study could also look at a scenario where there are ambulances run by the county with staff who are county employees, looking to fill some gaps or augment coverage with the current system.

The county Emergency Management Office is applying for a grant to do the study, Niederhofer said.

“This is an issue that won’t go away,” County Legislator Ed Morgan said. “We can’t stick our heads in the sand.”

Medina is the only fire department with paid career firefighters in the county. They are cross-trained as both firefighters and for EMS services.

The Medina model could be looked at as an option around the county, not only for EMS, but also to shore up the firefighting response. Niederhofer said many of the departments have a shrinking base of volunteers who are getting older.

Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said she sees the county taking a bigger role in the challenge, with EMS and the fire service possibly becoming a county-run issue.

But Morgan said a feasibility study, looking at many options, will be an important first step to help the local officials with a plan for providing the services.

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

ROCHESTER – This week, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he is introducing a constitutional amendment to reverse the United States Supreme Court’s decision to provide former president Trump with immunity in Trump v. United States.

Congressman Morelle serves as the lead Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which has oversight over federal elections.

“I am introducing a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court’s catastrophic decision and ensure no president is above the law. This amendment will do what they failed to do—prioritize our democracy,” Morelle said. “The Supreme Court decision will cause a seismic shift in the powers of the presidency unless we take immediate action to ensure accountability, integrity, and justice prevail.”

On Monday, Morelle issued a statement on the Supreme Court ruling, stating the “decision by the conservative majority further erodes the public’s confidence in our institutions and poses as great a threat to our democracy as the behavior of the former president and his enablers.”

District attorney in Orleans County praised for strong leadership, innovative programs

Photo by Tom Rivers: Joe Cardone holds an award he was presented on Saturday by the New York Prosecutors Training Institute and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Cardone was named “Prosecutor of the Year.” The organizations cited his nearly 33 years as Orleans County district attorney, and his efforts to introduce innovative programs, restructure the local court system, and be a law enforcement leader for the community. “It’s a great honor,” Cardone said about the award. “These are fabulous and brilliant people.”

ALBION – The association of district attorneys around the state presented Orleans County DA Joe Cardone with the “Prosecutor of the Year” award on Saturday during a conference for the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York and its training arm, the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.

Cardone was picked for the award because of “his strong leadership, innovative programs, and impeccable character, enhancing the criminal justice in New York State for decades,” the group said in recognizing the Orleans DA.

Cardone is one of the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. He started the position in March 1992, when he was 34 and the job was considered part-time. It has been full-time for about three decades. Cardone has successfully prosecuted many murder cases and other serious crimes during his career.

He also has pushed to introduce a Drug Court (now known as Treatment Court) to reduce the severity of some felonies if people can successfully complete drug treatment programs. The court also imposes sanctions if people miss appointment or have lapses and use drugs.

Cardone also pushed to create a Traffic Diversion Program to reduce the severity of some traffic violations, which don’t take points off motorists’ driving records and also keeps more fine money in the local community (just over $2 million since 2011).

“It’s not all about convictions,” he said. “You have to show humility and compassion.”

He has since been elected to eight consecutive terms. He will be retiring from the position on Dec. 31, and intends to pursue some business interests and remain working as an attorney.

Cardone, a Medina resident, said being the district attorney in his home county for more than three decades has been a great privilege.

“I was bound and determined to make people’s lives better, for the both the victim of a crime and the defendant,” he said. “The goal of this office is to do justice.”

Cardone was also cited by the DAs’ Association for his efforts to restructure local justice courts. During his tenure the number of town and village justices is down from 24 to the current 12. Albion and Medina have dissolved their village courts, with the caseloads shifting to the towns in those municipalities.

Most towns have gone from two justices to one. Cardone is trying to bring a district court to a public vote, which would combine many of the court functions from multiple municipalities into a centralized location.

The County Legislature won’t put the issue to a vote this year because the State Legislature needs to first give the county permission to have a referendum. Cardone said Orleans has been a leader for the rest of the state in court efficiency through consolidation and dissolution.

Provided photos: (Left) Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone was joined by his family on Saturday when he accepted the “Prosecutor of the year” award at a ceremony in Bolton Landing. From left include Alex Eaton, Rosalind Cardone Eaton. Sophia Cardone, Jenifer Cardone, Joe Cardone, Michael Cardone and Alexis Barcena. (Right) Joe Cardone is presented with the award by Sean Smith, deputy director of the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.

Cardone will likely be succeeded in the office by Susan Howard, an assistant district attorney for the county since 2005. She defeated John Sansone in a Republican Primary last week. She also has the Conservative Party line in the November general election.

Howard has been a full-time first assistant DA since 2011. Sansone also worked as an assistant DA for Orleans since 2007. He resigned from the position last week, a day after he was defeated in the primary.

“John gave us many years of service,” Cardone said in his office during an interview on Monday.

Cardone didn’t pick a side publicly in the primary.

“I’m very appreciative of both Sue and John,” Cardone said. “They gave the county a choice at great personal and financial expense. I’m extremely sad for one and happy for the other.”

Howard has the skills and dedication to take the reins and lead the office on Jan. 1, 2025, Cardone said.

“She has been nothing but a significant force in this office,” Cardone said. “She will do a great job.”

Cardone said many attorneys and staff have contributed to the local DA’s Office during his career. He said the local law enforcement leaders and officers have been great partners, too.

“So many people have helped me along the way, great men and women of law enforcement,” he said. “From Sheriff (David) Green to Sheriff (Chris) Bourke, everyone has had the community’s best interest at heart.”

Cardone shared during the awards presentation that he is often motivated by the case of DeVante Boston, who was 4 years old when he was badly injured when his mother’s boyfriend threw him to the ground. David Ricks was convicted of first-degree assault in 2003. DeVante would live in a vegetative state for 15 ½ years, functioning at about a 6 month old level. He died at age 20 in 2017.

When DeVante died, Cardone brought a first-degree manslaughter against Ricks, who had served 17 years in prison. Ricks pleaded guilty and his sentence was extended to a maximum 25 years. (He is due to be released on Sept. 27, 2024.)

Cardone said he often found inspiration in the life of DeVante Boston, who was a cheerful presence despite his extensive injuries.

“I felt like he showed us, ‘If I can persevere, so can you,’” Cardone said.

These four are the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. From left Robert M. Carney, Schenectady County (since 1989); Joe Cardone (since March 1992); William J. Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County(since February 1992); and Joseph Fazzary, Schuyler County (since 1997).

ALBION – UConnectCare is planning a ribbon cutting and an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 20 for the new 25-bed women and children community residence at 3597 Butts Rd.

This will be the first residential program for women and their children for UConnectCare, formerly known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Contractors a year ago started clearing land, removing trees and brush. The site will allow women, 18 and older, to receive services to aid in their recovery while in a residential setting.

Five of the 25 units will accommodate women with children younger than kindergarten. Up to two children can stay in those units. The property will include walking trails and a playground.

UConnectCare awarded a $4.6 million grant from the state Department of Health for construction of the residence, which will total $5.2 million.

UConnectCare has seen more women in recovery and addiction programs during the opioid epidemic, with the prevalence of addictive painkillers, John Bennett, UConnectCare executive director, said during a public hearing about the project on Aug. 3, 2022.

Arthur Barnes creating farm scene of wheat field, apple orchard

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Arthur Barnes, an artist from Millville near Medina, is in Holley today working on a mural on the back of the Community Free Library.

Barnes put the primer on Sunday for the artwork that will be 25 feet high and 21 feet wide.

On Monday he painted the sky, and tried to blend it in with a mural painted last year by Tony Barry. That mural features the portrait of Holley’s namesake, Myron Holley, and a Erie Canal scene. Holley was an early commissioner for the canal.

Barnes today is painting the tree line and the wheat fields. The bottom of the mural will have more detail and feature an apple orchard.

Tony Barry’s mural is on the left and Arthur Barnes is working on a new large-scale painting on the right side. The project is funded with a $5,000 grant awarded to the library from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Barnes said Barry had some leftover paint that allowed for a perfect match with the sky.

“I’m a big fan of Tony’s work,” Barnes said.

This is the sixth mural Barnes has painted in Orleans County. The first five were all Erie Canal scenes. One of those is on display in the Murry-Holley Historical Society.

Arthur Barnes said he would like to have the mural done by the end of July.

“That’s what I’m aiming for but there are many variables with the weather,” he said.

ALBION – Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern has announced a new program to benefit school children in Orleans and Genesee counties.

Jami Allport, executive director of GOMOC, is excited about their new Back to School Program and hopes it will prove to be very successful.

She explained her agency used to do school supplies, but it has been evident that most schools are now providing the necessary supplies to children, so the need there is not as great as it used to be.

At a recent staff meeting, Allport said Rose Friedl, newly appointed youth coordinator, came up with the idea of providing new sneakers and clothing to school children.

Friedl was formerly with GOMOC’s furniture program, and this is her first big event as youth coordinator, Allport said.

Previously, GOMOC provided clothing and gifts for children at Christmas time, but they realized that many other organizations step up at that time also, including Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Medina Area Association of Churches, the Salvation Army and local churches. But, other than backpack programs, there is a need to help children and families get ready to go back to school.

“We hope this program will bridge that gap,” Allport said.

Allport said GOMOC provided gifts and clothing for 137 children last Christmas, so she knows the need is out there.

“If we can help 100 children – 50 in Orleans and 50 in Genesee County, I will be happy,” Allport said.

To utilize the program, families must visit GOMOC’s office in the First Presbyterian Church of Albion and fill out an intake form and the size, ages, color and list of what their children would like. Entrance to the office in the church basement is off Platt or East State Street. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The agency is closed on the Fourth of July.

Allport stressed how important it is for a child of any age to have nice clothing for school.

“We want kids to feel confident and happy when they go back to school, and sometimes having a new shirt or pair of sneakers will do that,” Allport said. “Many children have never had a new pair of shoes or outfit. Even kids at pre-K level are aware of how the others look.”

Allport is asking the community to step up and donate money or gift cards so they can purchase what these children need. If donating clothing or footwear, the tags must be on them. The public is also encouraged to adopt a family, and either shop for what is on their list or donate money so the items can be purchased.

For more information, contact GOMOC at (585) 589-9210.

The drive will run through Aug. 22.

“If we are able to surpass 100 children, that would be wonderful,” Allport said. “We want to help as many kids as possible.”

County also approves how it will spend $238K from opioid lawsuit

ALBION – Orleans County has been approved for $275,119 as part of a $462 million multistate settlement secured by Attorney General Letitia James from JUUL Labs Inc. for its role in the youth vaping epidemic that led to a dangerous rise in underage e-cigarette use nationwide, James said.

The Orleans County Legislature last week voted to accept its allotted money from the settlement. The funding must be spent on the approved uses as provided by the NYS

Attorney General’s Office, such as prevent youth and young adults from initiating vaping, support community, school, college and university-based anti-vaping programs, to help people quit vaping, enforce vaping laws and regulations, as well as research and surveillance, according to a county resolution.

The Orleans-Niagara BOCES also will receive $507,353 in the settlement. The Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES will receive $492,991.

Other nearby counties were approved for the following: Niagara County, $1,062,901; Genesee County, $366,508; Livingston County, $345,541; Monroe County, $2,293,678.

“JUUL preyed on young people across our state by putting addictive products into their hands and convincing them that they were harmless,” Attorney General James said in a statement last month, announcing the settlement funds. “Their actions put a generation of children at risk, fueling physical and mental health problems among young New Yorkers.”

The County Legislature last week also approved how it will spend $238,008 from distributors of multiple pharmaceutical companies that were sued for allegedly helping to fuel the opioid epidemic.

The settlement funds need to used for treatment programs, prevention, and other

strategies that may be categorized as restricted or unrestricted use, according to a County Legislature resolution.

The county approved spending the funds in the following areas:

• $10,000 for Medical Examiners Fees for Service
• $38,028 for equipment for Sheriff’s Office
• $38,028 for equipment for Probation Department
• $39,657 for special grants for County Jail
• $64,295 for equipment for Major Felony Crime Task Force
• $48,000 for Public Health Lab Testing