Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services is looking to recruit more young people to take part in the county’s Youth Court program. DSS has sent letters to the county’s five school districts looking for interested students.
Youth Court is an alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. It provides young people with the opportunity to learn from their mistakes without facing the juvenile justice system.
“We recently celebrated the induction of 10 members into the Orleans County Youth Court from Albion, Lyndonville and Medina,” said DSS Deputy Commissioner Cynthia Stumer. “Those students participated in a 6-week program over the summer where they learned about Restorative Justice and the legal system from arrest through disposition of the case. Now, we are looking for additional young people to join the program.”
Those interested in joining the Youth Court would be required to take part in a spring training session planned for April/May. To inquire about signing up for the training or session or learn more the program, contact Youth Court Coordinator Jeannine Larkin at (585)297-0137 or Jeannine.larkin@orleanscountyny.gov.
“We are so excited to be able to offer this option to our youth in Orleans County both as members and as a child that might need our guidance to make better decisions,” Stumer said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 January 2024 at 11:25 am
The average price for regular unleaded gas has dropped 7 cents in Orleans County since Jan. 2, according to AAA.
The price is down in Orleans County from $3.58 to $3.51. Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.08, down three cents in the past week. In New York State, the average is $3.32, down three cents. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.45.
These are the average prices today among WNY counties:
Orleans, $3.511
Genesee, $3.377
Wyoming, $3.524
Livingston, $3.540
Monroe, $3.301
Niagara, $3.339
Erie, $3.477
Chautauqua, $3.370
Cattaraugus, $3.291
Allegany, $3.527
AAA issued this statement about gas prices:
“Gas prices continue to drop along with demand with fewer people fueling up after the peak of holiday road travel.
“According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand nosedived after holiday travel. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased substantially.
“Weak gas demand, alongside increased supply, has pushed pump prices lower. However, fluctuating oil prices have limited price decreases. If gas demand remains weak, drivers will likely continue to see pump prices trickle downward. This morning, oil prices range from $73 to $78 per barrel.
“Diesel prices are also moving lower. The national average price for diesel is $3.95, down three cents from one week ago, and down from $4.66 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.44, down two cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.34 one year ago.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 January 2024 at 9:21 am
Widespread power outages expected with gusts up to 65 mph
Photo from Katrina Bourke: Riley Bourke, 5, of Albion was very excited to make his first snowman on Sunday after the area received a few inches of snow.
A high wind warning has been issued for Orleans County, western New York and parts of northern New York.
The warning starts at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and goes until 4 a.m. Wednesday.
There will be southeast winds from 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 mph, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
“The damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 37, followed by a high near 45 on Tuesday, according to the Weather Service.
Wednesday calls for rain showers before noon, then rain and snow showers likely in afternoon. The high will be near 42, the Weather Service said.
CARLTON – This 1912 photograph shows the Kent Post Office in the Town of Carlton. It was located on Kent Road, just north of the N.Y.C. & H. R. line railway station.
In the center stands John Sherwood, who served as Postmaster from 1906 to 1915. The mail carrier on the left, with his 1911 2-cylinder Maxwell automobile is J.C. Hamilton, while on the right with his horse and wagon is George (Burt) O’Dell.
“How many Post Offices currently operate in Orleans County?”
In response to an informal survey, most people replied “5” to this question.
The correct answer would be 10: Albion, Clarendon, Fancher, Holley, Kendall, Kent, Lyndonville, Medina, Morton and Waterport.
The first Post Office established in Orleans County was in Gaines, on July 9, 1816, William J. Babbitt, postmaster.
At one time or another, Post Offices were established in: Albion, Ashwood, Barre, Canal, Carlton (Two Bridges), Carlton Station, Carlyon, Childs (1897-1902), Clarendon, County Line (1894-1903), Eagle Harbor, East Barre (1852-56), East Carlton, East Gaines, East Kendall, East Shelby, Fancher, Farmers (1824-28), Farmingham, Gaines, Hindsburg, Holley, Honest Hill (1897-1903), Hulberton, Jeddo, Kendall, Kendall Mills, Kent, Kenyonville, Knowlesville, Kuckville, Lakeside Park, Lyndonville, Manning (1897-1901), Medina, Millers, Millville, Morton, Murray, North Murray, North Ridgeway, Northton, Oak Orchard, Point Breeze, Riches Corners, Ridgeway, Sawyer, Shelby, Shelby Basin, South Barre, Waterport, West Barre, West Carlton, West Gaines, West Kendall, West Shelby and Yates.* (Total: 57)
As indicated by the dates included some of these Post Offices were short lived, while the names of a few were changed: Northton (1825-30) to Yates and West Carlton (1837-1865) to Kuckville.
“Honest Hill” is a name now forgotten. It was in the Town of Clarendon, with John B. Merrill as postmaster.
The Post Office played a pivotal role in the early history of this Republic. It connected the residents of the colonies and facilitated the spread of ideas through the speedy and affordable delivery of newspapers.
As the westward expansion progressed, so did the Post Office. When people had settled in any number, they soon petitioned for a local Post Office, as a means of establishing their identity – hence the proliferation of Post Offices as seen above. The church, the school and the combined general store/ Post Office were the first building blocks.
Then U.S. Postmaster John Wanamaker said that whether great or small, the Post Office was “the visible form of the Federal Government to every community and to every citizen.”
Rural postmasters were political appointees and so could change with every new election. For many years, the location of the Post Office in Eagle Harbor was either north or south of the bridge, depending on which party was in power.
Postmasters took an oath to uphold the Constitution and to perform their duties diligently. It was not a well-paid position and they had to provide furnishings and supplies. Country postmasters were paid by commission based on the volume of mail handled but the recognition, prestige and foot-traffic to their establishments compensated. In 1856, Albion Postmaster Jonathan O. Wilsea was the highest earning Postmaster in the county ($1,250), while Ralph H. Jackson of West Barre earned the least ($13.13).
The personable T.O. Castle was postmaster of Millville from 1853-57 and again from 1878-1897.
Though the postmaster was usually the local general store operator or business owner, Dr. Frank Lemuel June, a practicing physician and druggist was the Waterport postmaster for ten years until his death in 1911.
Female postmistresses were rare. Rarer still were postmaster/postmistress couples. Ann Batt was appointed postmistress in Fancher in 1978. Her husband Wilfred was postmaster in neighboring Waterport for twelve years. He retired in 1980.
Fred Stelianou was postmaster at Lyndonville for 39 ½ years. He retired in 1992.
The Postal Reform Act of 1970 ended the practice of political patronage in the appointment of postmasters. Subsequently, postmasters were hired from within and were experienced in the operation of an increasingly complex postal service.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2024 at 8:22 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kyle Gill, left, is shown this afternoon with his daughter Rylee and Kyle’s dad, Ray Gill, during a benefit for Kyle at Dubby’s Tailgate. More than 100 gift baskets, and many larger items were up for raffle.
Kyle, 35, is fighting stage 2 stomach cancer. He has surgery scheduled for Jan. 17 to remove most of his stomach.
Gill is the assistant store manager at Ace Hardware in Albion. He hasn’t been in the store working since July due to his illness and chemotherapy. He is down about 100 pounds and the chemo caused him to lose his distinctive beard.
He said he was grateful to see so many people turn out today, especially the many customers who he used to see so frequently in the store.
These bracelets were available to help Kyle Gill with the costs of his medical care.
Kyle started working for Jerry Ulrich at the Ace Hardware in Lockport when Kyle was 15. He has been in the Albion store the past 15 years, often in the plumbing section, mixing paint and in the back doing window repairs.
Kyle said he wasn’t feeling well back in May, and then was a diagnosed with an ulcer. That ulcer ultimately led to the cancer being detected. Gill said that ulcer likely saved his life and allowed him to get treatment and shrink the cancer.
The Ace Hardware team at today’s benefit includes, front row, from left: Vinnie Tarricone, Lisa Beam, Kyle Gill, Mark Luft, Jed Standish and Jessica Fox. Back row: Bryan Vagg, Hanna Vagg, Lindsy Yeager, Pete Pilon, Molly Jones, Jerry Ulrich, Stew Walck, Jessica Pilon and Renee Colonna.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 January 2024 at 2:00 pm
Gary Watts honored for 50 years as active firefighter
MEDINA – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company celebrated two special occasions at their 55th annual installation banquet Saturday night.
While it was only the 55th banquet, it celebrated the fire company’s 75th anniversary and the 50-year membership of Gary Watts.
A highlight of Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s annual installation banquet Saturday night was honoring Gary Watts for 50 years of membership. Here President Tim Petry, left, presents Watts with a plaque recognizing his years of service.
Watts’ father Sid was one of the founding members of the fire company and his mother Naomi was an original member of the Auxiliary. Gary said his father also sold fire apparatus, so they all grew up in the fire company. Sid also served as chief for many years.
“As soon as I was 18, I joined the fire company,” Gary said. “That was what you did. It was in our blood.”
“Buster” (Sidney E.) was the first to complete 50 years in the fire company, followed several years ago by brothers Howard, now Gary and next year, Dale.
The entire family was present for the occasion Saturday night, including Gary and wife Robyn’s three children, Julianne and husband Patrick McGrath and their four children; son Jeff and wife Ashly and their two children from Kansas; and daughter Jennifer Thayer, her two children and fiancé Paul Knife from Florida.
Gary said he has held every firematic position in the fire company. After serving several terms as chief, he stepped down and then returned to serve as third assistant, and back up the line again.
“I’ve always been proud to be a member of this organization,” he said.
He said he was excited beyond belief when all eight of his grandchildren showed up at his house Saturday morning. He had no idea his families from Florida and Kansas were going to attend. Daughter Julianne and family live in the area.
“I told Robyn the other day I only wished the other two could be here,” he said.
Gary Watts is flanked by his family during a celebration of his 50 years in the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company Saturday night. Wife Robyn and Gary are fifth and sixth from the left. Holding the plaque are grandchildren Jackson and Makenzie McGrath. Others in the picture, from left, are son-in-law Patrick McGrath (holding Emmalynn) daughter Julianne McGrath, granddaughter Charlotte McGrath, daughter Jennifer Thayer and fiancé Paul Knife, daughter-in-law Ashly Watts and son Jeff Watts. In front of Jennifer are Madden Thayer, Mason Thayer, Tyler Watts and Riley Watts.
The banquet began with a welcome from president Tim Petry and Auxiliary president Elaine Watts, and introduction of guests by assistant chaplain Phil Keppler. Chaplain Karl Haist Jr. said there was no memorial ceremony, as they were fortunate not to have any members pass away this year.
Executive board officers installed for next year by Tiffany Petry were Howard Watts, president; Gary Lamar, vice president; Kirk Myhill, treasurer; Dylan Sturtevant, assistant treasurer; Kali Sturtevant, secretary; Dale Watts, sergeant-at-arms; Karl Haist Jr., chaplain; Phil Keppler, assistant chaplain; Andrea Benz, steward; and Andy Benz, Bill Luckman and Nick DiCureia, trustees for three, two and one year respectively.
Tiffany Petry, standing at the podium, installs officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company at their banquet on Saturday night.
Firematic officers were David Moden, chief; Zachary Petry, deputy chief; Crystal Luckman, assistant chief; Hunter Sturtevant, firematic captain; Rob Schaal, firematic lieutenant; and Jenna Simmons, EMS captain.
Shirley Printup, standing at left, installs members of the Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. They are, from left, treasurer Lori Myhill, secretary Robyn Watts, president Elaine Watts and chaplain Marian Fry. Absent is vice president Patricia Fuller.
Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary installed by Shirley Printup were Elaine Watts, president; Patricia Fuller, vice president; Robyn Watts, secretary; Lori Myhill, treasurer; Marian Fry, chaplain; Mary Herbert, one-year trustee; and Sherry Wheatley, two-year trustee.
Several proclamations were presented to the fire company in honor of its 75th anniversary. These included Senator Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Bill Eick on behalf of the Orleans County Legislature, Steve Seitz from the Shelby Town Board and Diana Pfersick, director of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. Seth Dumese, chief of Carlton Fire Company, presented a plaque to the fire company.
Ortt told Gary, “You come from a noble volunteer family. Your values have spread to your entire family. We need more people like you.”
Hawley said 50 years volunteering in one organization is unheard of in this day and age.
Pfersick said after the proclamations for 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, the greatest thing she could do was to honor Gary for his dedication.
(Left) Elaine Watts, left, president of the Shelby Ladies Auxiliary, chose Robyn Watts as recipient of her President’s Award. (Right) Shelby Volunteer Fire Company president Tim Petry, left, congratulates chief David Moden, who is beginning his second term in office.
Tim Petry presented his wife Dawn with a bouquet of flowers for her struggle in conquering health issues during the year.
Moden said this was the first time in 30 years he had stood at the podium as chief. He said Shelby Volunteer Fire Company was in a very unique place during this time when people are not stepping up to volunteer. He said they had gained one new member and were fortunate to have 46 different firefighters respond to calls. They averaged 14 members at each call, he said.
Moden added the fire company was fortunate to take delivery of a new tanker recently, costing more than $300,000. In comparison, he said in 1990, their last tanker cost $99,000. Also, he said in 1990 they responded to 165 calls, while this past year they had 256, the most of which were EMS.
Moden thanked his line officers from last year and significant others who helped out.
“It is they who make the chief look good,” he said.
Moden also praised the top 10 members who responded to calls last year. They were Tim Petry, Howard Watts, Gary Lamar, John Rotoli, Zach Fike, Jason Watts, Joe Kyle, Nick DiCureia, Bill Luckman and Tom Falls. Moden said the line officers will be treating the 10 men to dinner at Zambistro’s.
Auxiliary president Elaine Watts said because their groups is so small, she didn’t know what to get for a gift to the fire company, as they weren’t able to raise a lot of money. She finally settled on a set of chair stackers for the firefighters who are trying to organize their supplies.
For her President’s Award, Watts selected Robyn Watts for the honor.
“If she’s not chairing an event, she’s there to help,” Elaine said.
Shelby Volunteer Fire Company president Tim Petry, right, presented a plaque to his family for all their help during his terms in office. From left are wife Dawn, son Scott, daughter Tiffany and daughter Crystal Luckman, who just became the department’s first female assistant chief.
Tim Petry announced that Joe Kyle will become a life member this year. Petry also presented a certificate of appreciation to Scott Petry, an outgoing officer, and Tiffany Petry, outgoing secretary and EMS captain.
Tim was thanked by Chief Moden for his eight years as president.
Tim Petry presented a “Friend of the Fire Company” award to Don Marcher on behalf of Junior Wilson’s Sportsmen’s Club in Medina.
“They donate to us every year,” Petry said.
The program concluded with a roast to Gary Watts by his son Jeff.
“It is absolutely an honor and privilege to roast my father,” Jeff said, recalling the years he spent as a volunteer at Shelby. “It’s been a long time since I’ve held a mic at Shelby Fire Hall.”
He told how much he admired his father for volunteering for 50 years, while Jeff got paid as a firefighter for much of that time. He reminded the audience that volunteering is not free.
“It costs to be a volunteer, in terms of his time and the family’s time,” he said. “I call him ‘dad.’ You call him ‘volunteer.’ But we should all call him a hero.”
“Fifty years seems like a long time, but I remember the day I joined,” Gary said. “Back then we had a waiting list to join the Shelby Fire Company.”
A final recognition was given to Crystal Luckman, the fire company’s first female to serve as assistant chief and daughter of president Tim Petry.
“This has been a goal of mine since I was a little girl,” Luckman said. “It is an honor. My dad has been a great leader and role model.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2024 at 6:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There are 87 two-person teams playing cornhole in Albion today at Dubby’s Tailgate with $5,250 in prizes up for grabs, including $1,500 to the top team.
The “Cornhole Throwdown” is run by the Medina Rotary Club, and expects to raise about $3,000 for the club, said Peter Bartula, the club president and a cornhole enthusiast.
Troy Kingdollar, right, of Holley takes a warmup throw in the double-elimination part of today’s tournament. His partner is Mike Beach of Albion. The two are among the top players locally. After four games in today’s tournament they were in the C division, the bottom third of the teams.
Beach helped organize todays tournament and noted five professional cornhole players were in the tournament, and other top talent from western and central New York.
Kingdollar welcomes the chance for friendly competition.
“It’s fun,” he said. “It’s socializing with other people. There aren’t any fights.”
Joel Zawistowski of South Buffalo is next to Kingdollar at left. Many of the out-of-town teams heard about the tournament on the Scoreholio app that is used to run corn hole tournaments and leagues.
Zawistowski said he is impressed with the cavernous setup at Dubby’s Tailgate, a warehouse with 10,000 square feet of space. He said it’s much bigger than most of the indoor venues he’s been at for cornhole.
Mike Borelli of the Corny Fellows from Hilton thanked the cornhole players for coming out to Albion for the tournament today. Borelli said he is planning a tournament on March 9 to benefit his brother who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.
Borelli said the cornhole community rallies to support people in need.
The cornhole players enjoyed other games and refreshments at Dubby’s when they weren’t playing.
Brian and Rebecca Alexander opened Dubby’s Tailgate about two years ago. Today was the biggest cornhole tournament they have hosted.
Dubby’s has a regular Wednesday evening league for cornhole players. Bartula plays in that league. He said the success of today’s event will likely lead to three or four cornhole tournaments run by local Rotary clubs during the year.
Brian Alexander said the Dubby’s facility impressed the players from out of area and he is hopeful the site can host more regional tournaments in the future. The players liked the space, and having the option for food and beverages from the restaurant at Dubby’s.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2024 at 2:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A new 25-bed women and children community residence is taking shape on Butts Road. 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 started clearing land, removing trees and brush, back in July. 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
The project was 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.
The agency expects new women and children’s residence in Albion to be ready in October 2024.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services’ Safe Harbour Program will be hosting a showing of Sound of Freedom at the Hoag Library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Sound of Freedom is an incredible true story of a former government agent turned vigilante who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue hundreds of children from traffickers. This is a free event for the community and all are encouraged to attend. Seating will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
The county’s Safe Harbour program is also seeking entries in a poster contest with a theme: “Spot the Signs – Stop the Traffick.” Submissions will be accepted from Orleans County students in grades 7-12. The entries should be on paper or poster at least 8.5 by 11 inches and should include red flags, vulnerabilities, warning signs and myths about sex trafficking.
Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31 and should be brought to the Orleans County Office Building located at 14016 Rt 31 West. First prize is a Play Station 5; second prize a Nintendo Switch Lite; and third prize an ONN Tablet.
The Safe Harbour program is designed to be a safe place for teens (12-18 years of age). In addition to providing education and awareness, Safe Harbour provides lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.
For more information on Safe Harbour or how you can get your child involved in the program, please contact Heather Jackson at 585-589-2837 or email SafeHarbour@orleanscountyny.gov.
ALBION — Eighth-graders from Albion’s Carl I. Bergerson Middle School organized an anti-drug lock-in for their sixth grade peers this past December.
The theme of the lock-in was “Fun Does Not Include Drugs” and the organizers, students in Mr. Pat Uveino’s 8th grade enrichment Health Class, designed and made the t-shirts for the event. The students also helped the sixth-graders during the night’s many events including a “Dodge Drugs” dodgeball game.
“The kids had a blast,” Mr. Uveino said. “The 8th graders in my enrichment health class did a great job in planning and implementing the lock in.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2024 at 4:24 pm
ALBION – At Ace Hardware in Albion, Kyle Gill is beloved by his co-workers and the customers for his friendliness and knowledge.
Provided photo: Kyle Gill is shown with his 2-year-old daughter, Rylee.
Gill, 35, is the assistant store manager. He has worked at Ace for about 15 years.
“He is a big Teddy Bear,” said Pete Pilon, the store manager. “He would do anything for you. He will always go the extra mile.”
Gill has been diagnosed with stage 2 stomach cancer. He has been undergoing chemo treatments and will have surgery later this month to remove about two-thirds of his stomach. He has lost about 100 pounds, but is optimistic about the future, Pilon said.
There will be a benefit from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 South Platt St. There will be door prizes, basket raffles, cornhole, darts and other games to help raise money for Gill’s medical expenses. A $20 ticket includes pizza, salad, dessert and a door prize entry.
Ace owners Jerry Ulrich and Molly Jones have purchased “Screw cancer” and “Stomach Cancer Awareness” T-shirts and bracelets and are selling them in support of Gill.
Hanna Vagg, assistant store manager, said the store and customers have rallied to help Gill, with about $3,500 in donations so far, not counting the gift baskets and other items at the benefit on Sunday.
“Kyle is a gentle giant who is always super helpful,” she said.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, NY-24, today released the following statement endorsing Donald Trump for President of the United States.
“It was an incredible experience to serve during President Trump’s first term. President Trump’s visionary and bold leadership secured the border, put our economy in overdrive by lowering taxes, cutting unnecessary regulations and unleashing American energy independence,” Tenney said.
“President Trump provided us with safer communities and global stability. Under Biden’s feckless and pathetic tenure, illegal migrants are flooding our communities, crime is rampant and unchecked, Bidenflation is crushing families and dangerous and costly wars are breaking out across the globe.”
“President Trump is the only candidate who can Make America Great Again by restoring our country to the prosperity and security we enjoyed under his strong leadership. I am honored to once again endorse President Trump and support his campaign for President of the United States. We must fight everyday to ensure election integrity in order to secure a resounding win for President Trump and all Republicans in 2024.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2024 at 12:14 pm
Photos courtesy of Tim Archer
ALBION – The historic marker about immigrants who worked in the Medina Sandstone quarries has a new coat of paint. The marker is next to the First Presbyterian Church of Albion on Main Street.
The immigrants came from Poland, England, Italy and Ireland to work in the quarries. The church with its 175-foot-high steeple is one of the most prominent examples of their work, according to the historic marker.
Some Albion eighth-graders teamed with Melissa Ierlan with giving the marker a facelift. This photo shows students in a social studies enrichment class – Jessie Moore, Monica Thomas and Alayna Flugel – with Ierlan. This is the 37th historical marker that Ierlan has scraped and repainted.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2024 at 9:33 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature held its organizational meeting on Thursday and made several appointments including the following:.
• Lisa Stenshorn will continue as the clerk to the Legislature.
• Kathy Bogan stays as the county attorney.
• The Daily News of Batavia will be the official newspaper carrying legal notices.
• County Legislator Don Allport of Gaines is designated by the Republicans as majority leader of the Legislature and Fred Miller of Albion is designated by the Democrats as minority leader.
• The regular meetings of the Orleans County Legislature will be the fourth Tuesday of the months of January, March, April, May, June, August, September, and October at 4:30 p.m. at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers. The regular February, November and December meetings will be the third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. The July meeting will be held the fifth Tuesday.
• The Legislature appoints the legislators Merle “Skip” Draper, John Fitzak and Bill Eick as delegates to the InterCounty Association of Western New York to represent Orleans County effective Jan. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2025. Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson will be an alternate, and so will Lisa Stenshorn, the Legislature clerk; and Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer.
• The following appointments to the board for the Orleans Economic Development Agency were reaffirmed by the Legislature: Carol D’Agostino, Jeffrey Martin, John Misiti, Craig Tuohey and Ed Urbanik. Legislators John Fitzak and Skip Draper also were appointed to the EDA board. The county will also contribute $200,000 to the EDA budget in 2024, to be paid in $50,000 quarterly payments.
• The following were appointed to the Soil and Water District Board: Albion dairy farmer James Neal from the Farm Bureau, and legislators Bill Eick and Ed Morgan.
• The following were re-appointed to the Oak Orchard Watershed Board for a two-year term: Ed Morgan, the Soil and Water Chairman; and onion growers on the muck Guy Smith, Peter Smith and Joseph Bezon.
• James Bensley, the county’s director of planning, was named as the Orleans County representative on the Region 8 Open Space Advisory Committee.
• Named Jim Bensley, the director of planning, as an Orleans County representative on the Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, for a two-year term. John Fitzak, Orleans County legislator, will be the chairman’s alternate to the Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council.
• Approved paying the New York State Association of Counties $7,367 in 2024 for government consultation in Albany and Washington D.C. The services include: state budget advocacy, legislative advocacy, legal and technical assistance, training and educational programs, policy analysis, research, daily news clips, electronic newsletters, NYSAC news, other programs and services of benefit to the county.
• Legislator Fred Miller was appointed to a two-year term on the Orleans County Jury Board.
• The Legislature also approved an agreement with Benjamin J. Bonarigo, PLLC, by Kristie L. DeFreze, Esq. to be the Assigned Counsel Administrator at a cost of $35,000 for the year plus another $6,000 for administrative assistant services. Retired County Court Judge James Punch was serving in the role with Virginia Nicholson as the administrative assistant.
