By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2024 at 8:33 am
Provided photos
ALBION – The American Legion in Albion has a new sign and exterior lighting at the post on Gaines Basin Road.
The former clubhouse at Pap Pap’s Par 3 has been the home for the Legion for several years now.
The veterans’ organization has been working on the building. Last year the organization put on a new roof and siding on the building, as well as electrical and lighting upgrades, and an installation of flags from each branch of the military.
The Legion also put in a new concrete front patio and placed seven spent rounds, and one live round. The live round is in honor of the military currently deployed, the seven other bullets represent the gun salute from the Honor Guard, with three volleys of seven rounds.
This tribute is in front of a memorial bench for the late Jason Johnston, who was 24 when he was killed by a roadside bomb on Dec. 26, 2009 in Arghandab, Afghanistan.
The Sheet Post is named in honor of two brothers from Albion who died on the same day of World War I.
James and Egbert Sheret both died on September 29, 1918.
A member of Co. F. 108th Reg., NY Volunteer Infantry, Sgt. James Sheret was killed in action during the attack on the Hindenburg Line. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for the bravery of his actions.
Pvt. Egbert Sheret, a machine gunner, was also killed in action that day.
Another brother, Andrew, was wounded in World War I, but survived. A fourth brother, John G. served in the Navy and survived the war.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
In a letter to the Governor, New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, joined by Assemblymen Mike Norris and Angelo Morinello, voiced their opposition to the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment (RAPID) Act.
Under the RAPID Act, which the Governor touts as a so-called one-stop-shop for Environmental Review and Permitting of major renewable energy and transmission facilities that would be created within the Office of Renewable Energy (ORES) with the aim of fast-tracking renewable energy projects.
The RAPID Act will also undermine sound environmental review of major electric transmission facilities by imposing an unrealistic timeline for permit decisions. The act requires ORES to render a permit decision within a single year. If failing to do so, the facility shall be automatically approved, irrespective of its size or potential impact on the community.
Our bills (S.1411 / A.2365) asks that before a final permit may be issued, a referendum is held upon the question of an application for a permit establishing a major renewable energy facility in the municipality where the proposed facility intends to be located – in other words, giving constituents a chance to learn about and voice their opinions about any such project.
“Whether or not a large-scale green energy project is placed in a community should be solely dependent on the community and its residents,” said Senator Ortt. “It is not the duty – nor is it in the power – of Albany bureaucrats and overly eager environmentalists to decide how a community utilizes the land within its boundaries. The RAPID Act is nothing more than a modern-day land grab that seeks to grant Albany Democrats the ability to sacrifice local voices for their wayward green-energy policies. I vehemently oppose such efforts to silence the opinions and concerns of the residents I represent and will continue to advocate for legislation (S1411) that strengthens the voices of those residing in communities where any green energy project is proposed.”
“The reality of the RAPID act is that this will further remove the local control of these large energy projects, be expanded to fast track the approval process of transmission lines to these projects eroding property rights through eminent domain and municipality autonomy and continue to trample on our local home rule authority and public input,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris. “That is why my colleagues and I introduced legislation (A.2365/S.1411), which would require a public referendum on the location of new renewable energy projects. This would help to ensure community input and prevent an Albany-appointed official from ignoring the best interests of the residents. We should be working to increase ‘home rule’ and community involvement not further chip away at it.”
“Overstepping local home rule, and not allowing the public to voice their opinions and concerns on large energy projects in their own backyard is not the right thing to do. Residents who live in the communities that will host these large energy projects should always have a say on something that could drastically impact their way of life. I’m proud to stand by my colleagues Assemblyman Mike Norris and Senator Rob Ortt to introduce legislation (A.2365/S.1411) that would require a public referendum on the specific locations of the proposed energy projects,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.
Senate Bill 1411 is currently in the Senate Standing Committee on Finance. The identical Bill in the Assembly is in the Standing Committee on Energy for consideration.
BASOM – Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is announcing plans to conduct up to six prescribed burns on the refuge during the 2024 season. The goal this year is to burn up to 130 acres of grasslands and 30 acres of cattail marsh.
The result will be enhanced grassland nesting cover and improved marsh habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Grassland fields will be burned in the spring or summer (April – August) and marshes will be burned in the summer (June-August). Each burn should take approximately two to six hours to complete.
Prescribed burns are conducted safely and successfully on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands across the country. With prescribed burns, fire becomes a management tool removing accumulated fuel loads thus reducing the risk of wildfire.
Additionally, fire improves refuge habitats for wildlife by removing invading plants that compete for light and nutrients and exposing the soil to sunlight so that seeds may germinate and grow. At the same time, it releases nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil to nourish the new plants.
Specific dates cannot be announced in advance due to specific weather requirements, however, law enforcement and other emergency agencies will be notified on the day of the burn. Before a burn can take place, specific weather and site conditions, including wind direction and speed, humidity, air temperature, and fuel moisture must be present.
If any one of these conditions is outside of set parameters, the burn will not take place. Refuge staff have been specially trained to plan, ignite and monitor the fire to ensure public safety.
For further information contact Refuge Manager, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 or call 585-948-5445 ext.7030.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2024 at 1:46 pm
MEDINA – Velocitii for the second straight year has been named a top workplace in the Rochester region.
Velocitii just celebrated its 10th anniversary. It operates out of the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue in Medina.
Velocitii is a business process outsourcing company. It provides support for other businesses, handling calls for customers about plans, billing and troubleshooting. Velocitii works with companies in healthcare, waste management, hospitality, e-commerce, auto insurance and technology.
It is one of 68 companies recognized with a “Top Workplaces 2024 award.” Velocitii placed 2nd in the mid-size company category (125 to 300 employees).
Velocitii also won the “Managers” Specialty Award. Company leaders say the recognition show Velocitii’s commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence, fostering employee development, and “fostering unparalleled engagement within our organization.”
“At Velocitii, the employee-centric culture we have cultivated is central to our growth strategy and our continued success,” said Heather Smith, CEO of Velocitii. “I could not be more excited that we, once again, have been recognized by external sources for our efforts in creating an environment where our employees feel valued and their professional development is a priority. Being recognized as a Top Workplace is an honor and will keep us focused on our continuous improvement process to remain an employer of choice.”
Throughout the past year, the company has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at enhancing its workplace environment. These initiatives include the establishment of a Diversity Council, the introduction of the innovative “What’s on Your Mind” suggestion box, the implementation of a robust Work Anniversary Program, and the introduction of merit-based increases.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2024 at 1:17 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board has been discussing in recent months how to best name three streets that lead into the Medina Business Park off Maple Ridge Road.
One of them will be named for Pride Pak, a company that opened a 68,000-square-foot vegetable processing plant at the Business Park in 2016. The Pride Pak street could eventually extend farther back into the business park.
There are two other short roads that aren’t named. Making them official village streets will qualify Medina for more CHIPS funds from the state for road maintenance.
The board has received many suggestions to name them in honor of key village entrepreneurs or community leaders from the past and present.
But some of the board members are leaning towards more generic names such as Commerce Way, Enterprise Way or Industry Way. (The board prefers “Way” in the street name to be consistent with Marcia Tuohey Way, a street leading into the business park off Bates Road.)
Village Trustee Jess Marciano said many of the names mentioned honoring people are already noted on many of the buildings in the community. She said she would prefer not picking certain family names for the street signs. Village Board member Debbie Padoleski agreed. She mentioned that too during the April 1 Village Board meeting.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the board will take two more weeks before likely reaching a decision on April 22. She said she would be open to naming a street in honor of Owen Toale, the former publisher of The Journal-Register and an active community volunteer in his retirement. He was also on the Village Board for about a decade.
He passed away from cancer at age 76 on March 25.
“He had cancer for over 22 years and that didn’t stop him from giving of himself,” Sherman said. “I think that says a lot.”
In other action, the board accepted the resignation of Medina police officer Corey Collins, who is joining a different law enforcement agency. Collins’ resignation is effective on April 14. He joined the Medina PD in 2016.
He is the second Medina officer to resign within the past month. Michael Borrell resigned on March 30 after 16 years with the Medina PD and has joined the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Press Release, WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
ALBION – The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free program in Albion about potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
The education program will take place on Wednesday, April 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St., Albion, and will provide an overview of how disease-modifying treatments slow disease progression, who are the intended candidates to receive the treatments, availability and more.
Click here for information about registering or call 800.272.3900.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
BATAVIA – 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, April 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Genesee County Health Department (3837 West Main Street Rd., Batavia, NY 14020) or by Zoom video conference. Refreshments will be provided at the Batavia site.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, child care 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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2024 at 8:38 am
‘Wish list’ budget would raise taxes 35 percent
MEDINA – The Village Board held a public hearing on Monday for the 2024-25 village budget that would raise taxes 34.9 percent, an amount that will surely be significantly reduced by the end of the month, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.
The numbers presented on Monday are what department heads submitted for their budgets in a “wish list” before there has been any paring down. Sherman, the new Medina mayor, said the board will be scrutinizing the numbers with department leaders in several upcoming meetings.
“It’s going to be a lot lower than this,” Sherman responded during a public hearing about the budget on Monday. “When I saw that my jaw dropped.”
The board has several budget meetings with department heads this month. The budget needs to be adopted by April 30.
The numbers so far show the tax levy increasing by 34.9 percent or $1,320,759 – from $3,786,974 in 2023-24 to $5,107,733.
The current budget for 2023-24 represented a 14.9 percent tax levy increase, and the tax rate went from $18.85 to $21.15 per $1,000 of assessed property.
Medina will see a major boost in its tax base in the new budget for 2024-25 following town-wide reassessments in Shelby and Ridgeway. The village’s tax base grew by 56.1 percent or $100.5 million – from $179.0 million to $279.5 million.
Because of the big jump assessments, the tax rate will be going down from the $21.15. The budget, as it stands now, would have a rate of $18.27. But Sherman said that will come down more after the board and department heads work to reduce expenses.
“This is only preliminary,” Sherman said about the budget numbers. “We will go line item by line item to get the budget down.”
The preliminary budget calls for $8,298,364 in expenses in the general funds, up $705,068 from $7,593,296 in 2023-24.
The sewer fund is tentatively slated to increase from $1,296,011 to $1,384,428, and the water fund would go from $2,019,651 to $2,056,647.
The 2024-25 budget does not include the debt service payments for a new ladder truck or an addition to the fire hall, which will be in the general fund in the future.
The ladder truck payment is expected to start in the 2025-26 budget and will be the first of $159,000 annually over 20 years for the ladder truck. The fire hall addition will likely cost even more for the village.
The big jump in taxes in 2023-24 followed several years of small increases. Here are the recent tax levy amounts and tax rates for the village budget:
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2024 at 9:26 pm
Jackson, 15, advances to national competition in July
Provided photos: Jake Jackson, 15, studies a shot during the New York State Junior Billiards Championship Saturday in Endicott.
Jake Jackson knew the competition would be tough, but that didn’t deter the 15-year-old from giving it his all.
On Saturday, Jackson won the state title at the New York State Junior Championships in Endicott, qualifying him for a free spot in the national competition in July in Quincy, Ill. Five from that competition will be chosen to represent the USA in the world championship in New Zealand.
Jake Jackson of Lyndonville holds his trophy as he poses with certified billiards instructor Kim Young after winning the New York State Junior Billiards championship Saturday.
Jake’s toughest competition on Saturday were two brothers, 17 and 18, said his father Roger. His first match ended with a score of 5-4. Then he won 5-2 and 5-1, scoring 5-0 in the final game against an 18-year-old.
Roger said Jake,a Lyndonville ninth-grader, had been battling flu and a sinus infection for two weeks, but his fever had dropped to normal on Thursday after a week of antibiotics. He hadn’t even been well enough to practice all week, Roger said.
“Jake was still very tired, and slept all the way there and all the way home,” Roger said. “He was not himself, but he knew he needed that win to get to the nationals in Quincy. There are several qualifiers throughout the country, and if he lost Saturday he would have needed to go to Pennsylvania to try.”
This week the family is heading to the Super Billiards Expo at the Philadelphia Expo Center, considered the largest billiards event in the country. There are 64 players entered in the 18 and under division, in which Jake will be playing. He finished third in the event last year at the age of 14, his first major tournament.
Roger said the event also draws nearly 200 vendors, one of whom he hopes will be interested in sponsoring Jake.
The junior division at the event will have players from coast to coast.
“All the best will be there,” Roger said. “Some of these kids are already ranked pros and will also play in the open events at the Expo.”
There will be 500 pool tables there, and $82,000 in total prize money, he said.
He added all the pro tables will have live stream on them, and Roger will be live streaming Jake’s matches.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 6:35 pm
Susyn Tillman of Point Breeze sent in this photo taken from her backyard of the total eclipse with the moon covering the sun today.
Orleans County emergency management and law enforcement prepared for the worst today, but it ended up being quieter on the roadways than a usual Monday.
The county was braced for an influx of thousands of additional vehicles on roadways, with visitors trying to get a look at a rare solar eclipse.
But the big crowds never arrived, and emergency incidents were minimal. The forecast showing significant cloud coverage likely deterred some day-trippers from making the journey to Western New York to see the total eclipse.
“There were no real noticeable increases in traffic,” said Justin Neiderhofer, the county’s emergency management director.
The state Thruway and 81 and 87 corridor did see some backups outside of Orleans County, he said.
“All and all it was kind of a slow day on our end,” Niederhofer said.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the other local police agencies all had extra patrol cars and staff working.
Sheriff Chris Bourke said traffic actually seemed less than a typical Monday in Orleans County.
“There are no significant eclipse-related problems that I am aware of,” Bourke said.
This photo from Tracey Lewis shows Lake Alice during the eclipse today when darkness fell at about 3:20 p.m.
Tracey Lewis had eclipse glasses for her dachshund, Lucy.
Marguerite Sherman of Medina sent in these photos along Lake Ontario during the eclipse. This is on Scharping Lane in the Town of Lyndonville.
The sky got very dark on Scharping Lane during the total eclipse.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 4:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: It looks like nighttime at 3:20 p.m. looking at the Orleans County Courthouse during the totality of the solar eclipse.
ALBION – More than a year of buildup for today’s total eclipse in Orleans County was feeling like a massive disappointment due to heavy cloud cover.
I didn’t see the partially obstructed sun, but I was outside at the Courthouse Square when it quickly got dark around 3:19 p.m. The sky stayed nearly black for about 4 minutes and then was light again.
The sky was clogged with clouds at about 3:15 at the Courthouse Square.
Jim Boyer works out of the Clerk’s Building with his company, Orleans Abstract & Title Service of Albion. We chatted briefly around 3:15 p.m.
“Disappointing,” he said about the thick clouds in the sky.
But his feelings changed when darkness descended.
“That’s pretty stinking wild,” Boyer exclaimed about the dark sky.
A flock of birds also zoomed overheard during the totality of the eclipse.
Several people from the Clerk’s Office, Real Property Tax Services and Postal Service stepped outside to take in the celestial wonder. While there was plenty of murmuring about the clouds, the plunge in daytime darkness invoked awe.
The daylight vanished and then came back in about four minutes.
“That’s nuts how fast it was,” said Kim Hazel, a County Clerk’s Office employee.
Darkness settles over downtown Albion in this photo looking from the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, which tailored the message on its sign to tie in with today’s historic event, the first total eclipse in Orleans County since 1925.
Robert Cary and his family gathered in the parking lot by the Courthouse with their special eclipse glasses, which didn’t end up being needed. The family is from Albion. Mr. Cary works as a corrections officer at the County Jail and his shift started at 3:30 p.m. He is shown with, from left, daughters Emma, Madison and Kylie, their mother Alyssa Cary, and her mother Susan Devault.
Cary was expecting a big day for the community with many visitors but he said it seemed quieter than usual.
“You make the best of it,” his wife said.
Cheryl Wertman took this photo of the partial eclipse in Medina.
“There was a very brief moment when the eclipse was visible through the clouds as it went towards totality,” she said. “‘Spooky’ was heard as total darkness took over at the moment of totality and a flock of geese flew over sounding like they were very spooked by the sudden darkness.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 3:45 pm
The sun is partially obstructed in this photo taken from the Medina fire station by firefighter Tim Miller just before 3 p.m.
It was very cloudy for the eclipse, which obstructed the view of the highly anticipated event, but some people were able to see it briefly when a patch of clear sky opened up.
Gayle Smith took this photo of the eclipse along Wood Road near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
The total eclipse with darkness was from about 3:19 to 3:23 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 1:58 pm
Photo from Medina PD: Joseph Colson allegedly pointed this black revolver BB gun at Medina firefighters and neighbors.
MEDINA – A Medina man has been charged after allegedly pointing a revolver at responding firefighters and also neighbors on Sunday afternoon, Medina Police Chief Todd Draper said today.
Joseph Colson, 21, was charged with 3 counts of menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and resisting arrest, which are class A misdemeanors. Colson was arraigned this morning through the Centralized Arraignment Procedure. An order of protection was issued and Colson was released on his own recognizance.
The Medina Fire Department was dispatched to 744 Church St. at 3:43 p.m. for a 21-year-old man with an illness. At 3:47 p.m. Medina police officers heard radio traffic by Medina FD personnel reporting a man with a gun.
Upon arrival, Medina police observed Medina firefighters on the ground attempting to restrain an individual and a man on the porch with a shotgun. The man with the shotgun was ordered to the ground and disarmed, Draper said in a news release.
It was later determined that this man was a lawful gun owner and had retrieved the firearm to defend himself and assist FD personnel. He was released following a brief detention, Draper said.
While Colson was being restrained, he continued to resist and was taken into custody and placed in a patrol vehicle. All parties involved outlined that Colson pointed a revolver and threatened neighbors and Fire Department personnel, Draper said.
A search of Colson’s residence located an extremely realistic black revolver BB gun, Draper said. Arresting Officers in this case were Sgt. Christian Navas and Officer Kyle Daly. Units from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance as well.
“This incident highlights the dangers first responders face on a regular basis,” Draper said. “We would like to commend the officers and firefighters involved, and thank the Medina Fire Department, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s road patrol and dispatch.”
