Photo by Tom Rivers: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, tosses candy during Thursday’s parade for the Kendall Carnival. Behind him is his chief of staff Jayleen Carney, and Kendall highway superintendent Eric Maxon.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from Sept. 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families.

Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. While the deadline to attend a White House visit has passed, the rest of the trip is still open to local veterans and their families. To register, contact Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.

For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Photo by Tom Rivers: Logan Cole, 8, of Kendall goes fishing on Aug. 13, 2022 at the Daniel Spierdowis Memorial Fishing Derby. Logan was one of 63 kids in the derby at the Albion Sportsmen’s Association.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that June 28-29 is a free fishing weekend in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy opportunities for affordable outdoor recreation across the state.

During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The weekend is one of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State.

“There’s no better time for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing than a free fishing weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is home to numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences for angler experts and novices, as well as friends and family.”

No rod? No problem. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Instead of borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Whether anglers are spending time with family and friends outside in nature or experiencing the thrill of catching a fish, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy fishing. I encourage participating anglers to share their love of fishing by introducing someone new to the sport during New York’s Free Fishing Weekend.”

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Bourke

Sgt. Torry Tooley is commander of the Special Response Team at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The SRT includes members from the Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department.

ALBION – Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is proud to announce the appointment of Sergeant Torry Tooley as Commander of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT).

The SRT is a specialized unit comprised of members from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Albion Police Department, trained to respond to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.

Sergeant Tooley brings 16 years of law enforcement experience to this leadership role. He is a certified NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Advanced Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and is also certified as a SWAT Operator and Tactical Team Leader through DCJS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.

Over the years, Sergeant Tooley has served as an SRT Team Leader, earning the respect of his peers and a reputation as a knowledgeable, skilled and dependable leader. His extensive training, practical experience, and dedication to excellence make him well-suited for this critical position.

As SRT Commander, Sergeant Tooley will oversee all aspects of team training, support grant management and equipment procurement efforts, and lead the planning and execution of tactical operations. Given that SRT deployments typically occur during high-risk, high-pressure situations, strong and capable leadership is essential. Sergeant Tooley embodies the professionalism and expertise necessary to ensure the safety of both team members and the community.

Sheriff Bourke expresses his confidence in Sergeant Tooley and appreciates his commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Orleans County. Sheriff Bourke remains dedicated to protecting those who live in, work in, and travel through Orleans County by maintaining highly trained, well-led specialized units such as the SRT.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival returned Thursday for a three-day run of fun in Kendall. The top photo shows kids on a Caterpillar coaster ride.

Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville has 12 different rides at the carnival. There wasn’t a carnival last year in Kendall, with the event downsized to field days over two days.

The department wasn’t going to do field days or a carnival this year, but jumped at the chance when Knox’s called in May to say it had 12 rides available this week.

Emelia Schildt, 3, of Kendall heads down the giant slide.

Kids in the Kendall Rec Program toss candy while riding on a wagon pulled by Partyka Farms.

The parade was held on Thursday, instead of the usual Friday during the carnival. The schedule was adjusted because this evening is Kendall’s graduation ceremony. The carnival is usually held in the second week of July. Kendall is the last fire department in Orleans County that puts on a carnival.

Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.

Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 50^thanniversary this year.

Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.

Girl Scouts were among many community organizations in the parade down Kendall Road.

Lloyd Christ of Holley brought his tractor, “It’s Only Money,” in the parade to promote the Murray Tractor Pull on July 19. The tractors will compete at a track developed by Christ on Groth Road. He competes in the heavy super stock class.

Cindy Tinkous, who is retiring as a Kendall school bus driver after 20 years, waves to many friends along the parade route. She was driven in a cart decorated as Bus 141. Karen Jones, director of transportation, drives the cart. The district’s transportation department also had a school bus in the parade and advertised its need for more bus drivers.

The Cosgrove Middle School Drum Line from Spencerport pounded the skins in the parade.

John Becker once again served as emcee of the parade and was joined by local officials on the review stand near the fire hall.

Students in Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin tossed candy.

Max Equipment Rentals was one of several local businesses in the parade.

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer with hay that also was promoting a big event next year in Kendall: a 250th anniversary celebration of the United States on July 3rd. The event will include a parade, fireworks and other activities.

The Mark Time Marchers have been perennial performers in the Kendall parade.

A costumed scarecrow promotes the Kendall Scarecrow Festival on Oct. 4.

Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.

Scouts from Troop 94 were more than willing to share candy with kids along the parade route.

State Sen. Rob Ortt greeted many in the crowd and was happy to toss candy to children.

Chris Hughes taking different job in district as the director of wellness and community engagement

Provided photos

MEDINA – Wednesday was a special last day of the school year at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School.

Many of the teachers dressed up as inflatable characters, and the students and staff signed a giant card for principal Chris Hughes.

He is taking a different job in administration with the school district. Hughes will be Medina’s director of district wellness and community engagement.

He will succeed Dan Doctor, who is retiring from the position.

Many of the students spoke on the school announcements thanking the principal for greeting them every morning  regardless of the weather, his frequent high fives, encouragement, empathy and his joy in celebrating their milestones and achievements.

On Wednesday, the students from each grade level held up signs, saying “Thank You Mr. Hughes” for being such an outstanding leader at Wise.

Hughes is shown with his wife Anita, who is a school nurse.

Orleans County Legislature passes resolution in support of program

Provided photos: Students at the Iroquois Job Corps Center learn in programs for brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical  medical assistant and certified nursing assistant.

June 30 won’t be the day that Job Corps centers shut down. A federal judge on Wednesday said the centers don’t have to close while a lawsuit is in federal court.

Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced on May 29 that 99 privately run centers would go on “pause” due to what she said were low graduation rates and high incidents of violence. She said Job Corps is not cost-effective. She set June 30 as the date for the centers to close, with students to be sent home earlier on June 6.

But U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said the Department of Labor can’t dismantle a program that Congress established and set aside funding to run. A preliminary injunction nationally will allow the centers to stay open while litigation continues.

The Job Corps program was founded in 1964 to help teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.

“Once Congress has passed legislation stating that a program like the Job Corps must exist, and set aside funding for that program, the DOL is not free to do as it pleases; it is required to enforce the law as intended by Congress,” Carter wrote in the ruling, according to the Associated Press.

Carter directed the DOL to stop removing Job Corps students from housing, terminating jobs or otherwise suspending the nationwide program without congressional approval, the AP reported.

The DOL said it was pausing the Job Corps, not shutting it down. But the judge disputed that.

“The way that the DOL is shuttering operations and the context in which the shuttering is taking place make it clear that the DOL is actually attempting to close the centers,” Carter wrote.

The judge said closing the centers harms students. They lose the progress they’ve made towards their education and certifications, with some plunged into homelessness. That is a big contrast from the “minor upheaval” described by government lawyers, he said.

County Legislature calls Job Corps ‘a vital resource’

The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution in support of keeping the Job Corps program open and at full capacity. The center has room for 225 students. The center assists students in earning their high school diplomas and learn skills in various fields – certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting.

County legislators said the Job Corps program for more than 60 years “has been a staple in assisting young adults obtain life skills, earn high school diplomas, receive on the job training in healthcare, construction and other in-demand fields.”

The Iroquois Job Corps has a $17 million impact annual economic impact locally, legislators said. Students also have completed many projects in the community at municipal buildings and parks in Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties, “thus saving the cost burden having been put upon the local property taxes.”

“Orleans County Legislators view the Iroquois Job Corps Center as a vital resource to the county by means of assisting up to 225 young adults at a time, employing 100 local residents, and providing an estimated $17 million annual economic impact on our local economy,” the resolution states. “The Orleans County Legislature does hereby oppose a ‘phased pause’ and closure of the Iroquois Job Corps Center in our County.”

Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, has been a member of the community council at the Job Corps.

She said many of the students come from difficult circumstances and Job Corps helps them to learn skills and get jobs.

“They are contributing members of our society,” Johnson said.

The Medina Village Board also considered a resolution in support of Job Corps on Monday, but it failed to get three votes to pass. Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano wanted to state Medina’s support of the program.

“I think there is a lot of value to that program,” Marciano said.

Trustee Scott Bielski said he had to abstain because his company works with the Job Corps and he didn’t think it was proper for him to vote on an issue where he has financial gain.

“I support the Job Corps 100 percent,” he said.

Trustee Deb Padoleski said she was uncomfortable with the village weighing in on the issue.

“It feels like political activism to me,” she said.

Trustee Mark Prawel wasn’t at the meeting.

Mayor Sherman said Job Corps students were planning to do projects at City Hall and the Village Office this year to gain work experience. Students in recent years built the pavilion at State Street Park and made several Buddy Benches at Medina parks.

Press Release, GO Art!

KNOWLESVILLE – GO Art! is thrilled to present two art camps this summer at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County!

GO Art!’s Summer Creative Arts Camps are tailored to students in grades K-6. Grade school students will create and maintain positive connections while enjoying hands-on exploration of various disciplines including culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts and literary arts.

Participants will build upon problem solving and critical thinking skills, while increasing their knowledge about different mediums and forms of art in a safe, inclusive and structured environment.

In the past we have done visual arts projects while learning about famous artists and art movements, created puppets and put on plays, played in the musical garden, learned about different styles of dance, as well as various arts and crafts projects.

The cost for a week-long camp is $150 per child. There is a 10 percent discount for 4-H youths, for a family with multiple enrolled siblings or for GO Art! members. Full and partial scholarships are also available.

The camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 11-15. They will be held at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Route 31, Albion.

For more information, contact Go Art! at (585) 343-9313, by email at info@goart.org or through the website: www.goart.org.

Information from press release from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

As the school year comes to an end this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul is highlighting a new era that will start in September with a ban on smartphones during the school day.

Hochul said the “bell to bell” is a shift to distraction-free learning, and an emphasis on students’ academic performance and mental health.

“I’ll never stop working to deliver the best results for our kids – and that’s why the era of smartphone distractions in New York schools ends today,” Hochul said today. “My team is working with key stakeholders across the state to ensure school districts finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by the Aug. 1 deadline. When students return this fall, New York’s distraction-free schools will deliver the best possible learning environments – and they’ll help give our kids their childhood back.”

New York State’s distraction-free school law will be in effect for the 2025-26 School Year. It applies to all schools statewide in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools Law:

• Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
• Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
• Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
• Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
• Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
• Prevents inequitable discipline

Students will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

The new state policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes, or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:

• Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
• Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
• Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
• Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
• Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
• An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
• Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming

New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person said, “Bell-to-bell distraction-free schools aren’t a theory; they’re already working in districts across New York. With phones out of sight and minds fully in the moment, we’ve seen students’ joy, focus and friendships return. Now it’s time to scale it statewide. NYSUT is proud to stand with Governor Hochul in making distraction-free learning the law, and we’re ready to help school communities learn from each other and share what’s working so that every district is ready this fall. Our kids deserve nothing less.”

New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert S. Schneider said, “School boards take seriously the importance of reducing classroom distractions and identifying ways to support students’ responses to mental health challenges stemming from social media use and other pressures. Prior to enactment of this new law, school boards across the state have developed and strengthened policies related to student use of cell phones and internet-connected devices. This summer, school boards are reengaging in that previous work with local stakeholders in order to ensure that policies comply with this new statewide requirement in time for the new school year in September.”

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt

ALBANY – In response to the passage of S.8417 (Krueger) / A.8888 (Simon), the Senate Republican Conference, led by members of the State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for a veto of this destructive legislation.

The bill, which passed both houses during the final hours of the 2025 Legislative session, would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service.

This “100-foot rule” requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. S.8417/A.8888 repeals the 100 foot rule, which will result in shifting these costs, which range from $2,500 to $10,000 per building, to residents and businesses. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has also indicated eliminating the 100-foot rule could accelerate an unsustainable transition, pushing more customers to depend on an already overstressed electric grid without adequate generation or storage capacity.

“We write to respectfully urge you to veto Senate Bill No. 8417 (Krueger) / Assembly Bill No. 8888 (Simon), which would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. This rule currently requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. The proposed legislation would shift these costs—ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building—to customers, placing an undue burden on homeowners, builders, and renters across the state,” the letter reads.

“This bill will only continue to drive up costs on New Yorkers who are already struggling with energy affordability,” said Robert Ortt, the State Senate Republican Leader. “Democrats’ delusional energy policies have once again gotten in the way of realistic solutions for hardworking New Yorkers. This is a bad bill that should have never been passed, and the Governor should do the right thing and veto it. Our Conference will continue to advocate for smart, realistic, cost effective energy solutions.”

“While we support the state’s commitment to a clean energy future, the path to that future must be practical, affordable and reliable. Policies that undermine affordability and energy security, especially for working families, will only erode public confidence and deepen economic challenges.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to veto S.8417 / A.8888 and preserve the 100-foot rule for gas service in New York State,” closed the letter.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Part of Main Street in Medina, north of Center Street, is shown on Monday evening. This is part of the target area for Medina’s $4.5 NY Forward grant.

MEDINA – Building owners in the downtown have until 4 p.m. July 3 to submit an application for part of the $270,000 in the Small Project Fund.

This is money from Medina’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant. Medina and the state opted to carve out the $270,000 so more building owners could access some of the funds. Most of the $4.5 million goes to larger-scale projects.

The Small Project Fund supports building renovations, facade improvements, interior build-outs, permanent equipment acquisition for businesses, public art installations and other improvements.

The village is looking for projects in the $25,000 to $50,000 range. They could be higher or lower. The maximum share from the grant is 75 percent.

Bigger projects could tap into the Small Project Fund but might not get the full 75 percent reimbursement rate.

Medina will form a selection community of downtown and community stakeholders to pick the projects for the grant funds.

The building owners have until Dec. 31, 2027 to complete the projects but they will likely be done well ahead of that because these are smaller-scale efforts, said Lauryn DaCosta of LaBella, who is working with the village to administer the grant.

The proposed projects will need to pass an environmental compliance and also get the State Historic Preservation Office’s approval. LaBella can assist in preparing bids and selecting contractors, she said.

Several downtown building owners have expressed interest in submitting an application, DaCosta said.

Applicants will be asked to detail the proposed building improvements, provide proof of their financial support for the project, state any conflict of interest (whether they work for the village or have family who are village employees), and provide other property information on ownership.

Completed applications can be dropped off at Village Hall (119 Park Ave, Medina, NY 14103) during business hours or e-mailed to Lauryn DaCosta at ldacosta@labellapc.com. Click here to see the application.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Dean Marine & Excavating Inc. from Michigan is shown dredging the Oak Orchard Harbor on Aug. 26, 2021. While sediment was scopped from the harbor, there was an area for boaters to come and go.

POINT BREEZE – Dredging of the harbor at Oak Orchard is expected to start next week, Orleans County officials announced today.

The dredging should continue through the July 4^th weekend, said Lynne Johnson, the County legislature chairwoman.

“Oak Orchard Harbor is an important part of our local tourism and recreation economy, so ensuring the safe passage of boats in and out of the harbor has always been a top priority of ours,” Johnson said. “That means dredging is required to maintain navigability and we thank the Army Corps for their efforts.  We are excited this project will soon be completed.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, awarded a $2 million contract to Michigan-based Dean Marine & Excavating to conduct dredging of Oak Orchard Harbor as well as Great Sodus Bay.

A total of approximately 15,000 cubic yards of material from Oak Orchard is contracted to be dredged and placed in designated open lake sites. The harbor was last dredged in 2021. That followed a seven-year stretch when it was dredged in 2014.

Dredging of these harbors ensures accessible depths for vessels traveling the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating which supports more than $24 million in business revenue and labor income to the transportation sector combined, the Army Corps stated in a news release.

“Great Sodus Bay and Oak Orchard Harbor are critical components of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth in the local economy and ensuring safe refuge for boats on Lake Ontario,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, USACE Buffalo District commander. “We look forward to delivering these projects on time and within budget, ensuring their waterfronts continue serving the local community and the country.”

Dredging will focus on the mouth of Oak Orchard Harbor first, followed by the inside of Great Sodus Bay past its piers.

Oak Orchard Harbor is a shallow-draft harbor. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $6.8 million in business revenue, 94 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $6 million in labor income to the nation, the Army Corps said.

Great Sodus Bay also is a shallow-draft harbor on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $9.3 million in business revenue, 142 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $8.7 million in labor income to the nation.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Canalside Community Church at right and the First Presbyterian Church of Albion in back are shown last evening on East State Street.

The temperatures will be cooler in Orleans County today after several days of a heat wave.

The high today is forecast for 71, about a 20-degree drop from the highs earlier this week.

There will likely be showers and a chance for a thunderstorm before noon, and then a chance for shower sin the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Rain is in the forecast for Friday with a high near 85, followed by highs of 80 on Saturday, 81 on Sunday and 88 on Monday.