By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 10:04 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer plants seeds in May 2019 in Carlton on Waterport-Carlton Road. That sunny day gave farmers a chance to get their big equipment out in the fields during a soggy spring that year.
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Planning and Development will have a session from 3 to 7 p.m. on April 15 where property owners can learn about the Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1.
The county has one consolidated agricultural district and property owners this year have their once-every-8-year chance to remove land from the district. Property owners every year have an opportunity to add land to the district.
County officials will be at Hoag Library on April 15 to answer questions about the ag district. There will be a map of the current district for people to look up their land to see if it’s in or out of the district.
The Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1 covers over 118,000 acres or approximately 48% of the land mass of the county. All currently included landowners will receive notification of the ag district review and the forms should be returned by March 31.
The recent Agricultural Census showed sales for farm products in 2022 totaled $233.6 million in Orleans County, up 50.4 percent from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million. That includes sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products.
A snapshot of Orleans County’s ag economy in 2022 includes:
444 farms (498 in 2017)
130,055 land in agriculture (129,573 in 2017)
average size of farm – 293 acres (260 in 2017)
estimated value of land and buildings – $1.416 billion
33 farms at more than 1,000 acres, but 140 are 10 to 49 acres, and 131 are 50 to 179 acres.
132 farms sold less than $2,500, while 126 sold $100,000 or more.
For more information about agricultural districts or the ongoing review of the Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1, contact Corey Winters (Planner, Orleans County Department of Planning & Development) at (585) 589-3197.
The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is promoting the site as a prime viewing location to see the total eclipse.
A total solar eclipse is expected in North America on April 8. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and partially or completely blocks the sun from view.
On April 8, in some key areas, the sky will darken as if it is dawn or dusk, according to NASA. The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds in affected locations, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017.
The 2017 total solar eclipse was witnessed by about 20 million people, and the upcoming 2024 Great American Eclipse is expected to be observed by many millions more. In fact, it is becoming quite the tourism sensation already with area hotels selling out eclipse viewing packages and tourism promotions.
AAA anticipates that cities along the path of totality will experience high tourist volumes and increased traffic leading up to April 8. Totality is expected to begin on April 8 at 3:18 p.m. in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, 3:20 p.m. in Rochester, and 3:23 p.m. in Syracuse and Watertown.
Excitement across the state is building over the viewing, which could lead to distractions for motorists. AAA’s advice:
Do not attempt to watch the solar eclipse while driving! The better option is to find a safe place to park, and then observe the eclipse. The peak darkness phase will last just a few minutes. NASA has created an interactive map that allows you to find out when the eclipse will be visible in your area.
Use public transportation to avoid the potential of clogged roads, breakdowns, and crashes.
According to NASA, you should avoid looking directly at the sun without proper eyewear protection. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. Do not drive with eclipse glasses on.
Drive safely. Eagerness to view the eclipse is not an acceptable reason to drive aggressively or while distracted. Do not attempt to take pictures or video of the eclipse while driving.
Drive with your headlights on. Not only will you be much more visible to other drivers, your forward vision will be improved.
Watch out for pedestrians! There may be many people standing in or along the roadway to get a glimpse.
Watch for animals too! When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife can awaken, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep.
Be alert to the possibility of increased traffic and distracted drivers swerving into your lane.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 8:47 am
Gas prices increased 3 cents in New York State is the past week to an average of $3.37, while the price was up an average of 7 cents nationally to $3.47, according to AAA.
“The main driver for the increase is a spike in oil prices, which are trading in the low 80s per barrel this morning,” AAA said. “Oil is the main ingredient in the production of gasoline. In addition, demand for gas has become stronger with daylight saving time.”
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2024 at 3:18 pm
Performance dedicated to teacher who passed away on March 8
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Adrianna Schiavone plays the role of Belle in Kendall’s production of Beauty and the Beast, which had shows on Friday and Saturday evening. Belle is an intelligent and vibrant girl who loves libraries and is eager to experience life.
The performances were pushed back a week following the unexpected death of elementary special education teacher Courtney Fannon on March 8.
The Kendall cast was in costume and makeup when the performance was cancelled on March 8 at 5:15 p.m., less than two hours before the show was scheduled to start.
The Kendall cast, crew and teachers in the production dedicated the performances on Friday and Saturday to Fannon, who was 29 and eight months pregnant. Her unborn daughter, who was to be named Hadley Jaye, also didn’t survive. Kendall observed a moment of silence for Fannon and her daughter before the performances this weekend.
Lucas Jones plays the Beast, a prince who is transformed into a terrifying beast for his lack of compassion. He is turned into a beast after turning away an older woman who was begging.
The Beast is hot-tempered and commanding, but does have a loving heart under his gruff exterior.
The only way for the Beast to become human again is if he learns to love and be loved in return.
Jimmie Swift stars as Gaston, an ultra-masculine villain who is determined to marry Belle. He carries his bumbling sidekick LeFou, who is played Mike Hallowell.
Karter May is Lumiere, an enchanted candelabra and a loyal and steadfast servant for the Beast.
In back are Riley Passer as Cogsworth (left), an enchanted mantle clock, an Madison Hults as Chip, an enchanted teacup.
The servants in the Beast’s castle are very hopeful as Belle and the Beast begin to befriend one another. If the spell is broken, the characters under spell will become human again.
Seth Pray plays Maurice, Belle’s father and an eccentric inventor. He gets lost in the woods and is taken prisoner in the Beast’s castle.
Aubrey Hamm is Madame De LA Grande Bouche, a wardrobe that was an opera singer. She brings a larger-than-life personality to the story.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2024 at 9:06 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brigitte Schweigert, left of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina, pours wine-tasting on Saturday at Brushstrokes Studios’ new location at 50 North Main St. in Albion.
Sandy Thaine, center, of Medina her glass for wine and her friend Jean Benson of Medina waits for her turn.
There were about 300 people on the wine-tasting with 16 stops in Albion. The event was the annual Sip N’ Stroll by the Albion Merchants Association.
Cherry Grove: The Yohe Family Farm of Holley Road in Albion offered rides on WNY Horse Drawn Pub Crawls. The horse-drawn ride has room for 16 people and offers wine-tasters a chance to rest their feet in front of a fire pit.
The souvenir glass had an image of Santa Claus. Albion was the home to a Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966 and last year unveiled a bronze statue of Santa in honor of the late Charles W. Howard, who founded the Santa School.
These friends from Albion enjoyed the Sip N. Stroll. From left include Aliana Raines, Kelsey Osbourne, Mary Kibbe, Tammy Chase and Carlin Osbourne.
Laural and Chuck Prentice are in Morrison Realty to try wine served by Ken Kibler of Main Street Winery in Arcade.
Debbie Prest of Red Check serves Red Cat wine from Hazlitt Vineyards in Naples. Prest said the Sip N’ Stroll is great way to introduce people to the businesses in Albion.
She gave each person a sticker that stated, “ I had fun drinking wine at Red Check.”
“We wanted to make sure people remember us,” Prest said. “This is a fun event where I get to meet so many lovely people.”
Wine-tasters step off the horse-drawn ride to go sample wine offered at the downtown locations.
A traditional wedding is an all-day affair for the wedding party and close family. From getting dressed in the morning, to the ceremony, and then to the reception, it’s a long day. Neva Murray took photos of Emily and Murray Weaver’s nuptials in 1948. One must guess she was close to the bride’s family, as she documented all the highlights of the day, from morning to evening.
The first set of photos is of the bride, Emily Herman, and her maids getting ready. There were three bridesmaids in all, plus a flower girl. This first photo shows Emily most likely zipping up a dress. There are a few incidentals in this photograph worth pointing out. The bride is wearing a kerchief, which she probably slept in, to keep her hair curlers in place and prevent frizzy hair. Behind her, we see a improvised dressing table; a small stand covered with a large floral fabric (which appears to match the curtains in the next photo) and a low hung circular mirror. Above the mirror is a wall sconce, but the shade is missing, and there seems to be some sort of rigged electrical wiring leading up to an overhead fixture.
The next photo shows the flower girl watching as rouge (or blush as we now call it) is being applied. The bobby pins holding the flower girl’s hair ribbon in place are clearly seen. As with several other brides in this album, Emily is wearing a string of pearls. It’s easy to imagine the excited, nervous chatter of getting ready and making sure dresses, hair, makeup, and other details are just right.
Our last photo shows the bride slipping on her wedding garter. Between the last photo and this one, it appears that they were getting ready in a small bedroom. An iron bed frame is seen to the left, with a folded patchwork quilt on top of the coverlet. The floor is covered with a patterned linoleum, which was extremely popular to install in kitchens, as well as entire second floors of homes in the 1940’s, due to its durability and easiness to clean.
Despite the seventy six years that have passed since these photos were taken, they capture the timeless essence of preparing to say, “I do.”
More photos of the Weaver’s wedding day will appear in future articles.
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the New York State Department of Special Education is hosting a workshop “Transition Planning: Life After High School.”
Designed for the young people living in Genesee or Orleans County between the ages of 13 and 21 with a disability or special health care need and their parents, it will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at the ILGR office, 319 West Main Street at the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.
Attendees will gain information on how to plan for life after high school. Learn what questions to ask, ideas for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), options, supports, and services that are available for them. A light breakfast will be provided.
Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, extension 401 or emailing her at afearby@wnyil.org.
This event is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings and/or interpretations of content contained therein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2024 at 8:44 am
Orleans County’s population is down 1,233 people since the April 2020 census, a decline of 3.06 percent which is among the steepest losses of 62 counties in the state.
The U.S. Census Bureau this week released its population estimates for July 2023 and Orleans County is at 39,124. That compares to 40,343 in 2020. (The loss is 1,219 people, but a Census Bureau chart shows 1,233 loss in the three-plus years.)
Since the 2010 census, when Orleans had 42,883 people, the county is down by 3,759 resident, a drop of 8.77 percent.
The rate of decline is slowing down. Orleans lost 828 people from the census in April 2020 to the estimate in July 2021, then fell another 352 people to July 2022, and then 39 more to July 2023.
The percentage of loss in Orleans from 2020 to 2023 at 3.06 percent ranks 56th out of the 62 counties in the state for growth.
Four of the five boroughs in NYC topped Orleans for percentage of population loss with New York County (Manhattan) at 59th (-5.71%), Queens County (Queens) at 60th (-6.37%), Kings County (Brooklyn) at 61st (-6.39%) and Bronx County (Bronx) at 62nd (-7.89%).
Outside of New York City, only Chemung with a loss of 3.35 percent (57th ranked county for growth) and Seneca at a 4.34 percent loss (58th) rated lower than Orleans.
Only 15 out of the 62 counties gained population since the 2020 census. Otsego County had the largest percent gain at 2.73 percent, increasing by 1,598 people in the three years to 60,126 in the 2023 estimate.
In Orleans the natural increase, number of deaths versus births, was 301 more deaths than birth from 2020 to 2023, a negative 0.75 percent per 1,000 people, which ranked 38th out of the 62 counties.
Rockland County was ranked first in natural increase at a positive 3.34 percent with 11,317 more births than deaths in the three years. Hamilton County was ranked last in “natural increase” at a negative 3.23 percent.
Here is a snapshot of the population changes among the four rural GLOW counties, and New York State as a whole:
Genesee County (down 859 people or 1.47% since 2020)
2023 estimate as of July 1: 57,529
2022 estimate as of July 1: 57,398
2021 estimate as of July 1: 57,889
2020 estimate as of July 1: 58,302
2020 census as of April 1: 58,388
2010 census as of April 1: 60,079
Livingston County (down 676 people or 1.09% since 2020)
2023 estimate as of July 1: 61,158
2022 estimate as of July 1: 61,340
2021 estimate as of July 1: 61,691
2020 estimate as of July 1: 61,590
2020 census as of April 1: 61,834
2010 census as of April 1: 65,393
Orleans County (down 1,219 people or 3.02% since 2020)
2023 estimate as of July 1: 39,124
2022 estimate as of July 1: 39,163
2021 estimate as of July 1: 39,515
2020 estimate as of July 1: 40,135
2020 census as of April 1: 40,343
2010 census as of April 1: 42,883
Wyoming County (down 999 people or 2.46% since 2020)
2023 estimate as of July 1: 39,532
2022 estimate as of July 1: 39,601
2021 estimate as of July 1: 39,927
2020 estimate as of July 1: 40,259
2020 census as of April 1: 40,531
2010 census as of April 1: 42,155
New York State (down 630,033 people or 3.12% since 2020)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 March 2024 at 8:51 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Bill Dunn looks at his boarded up home in Lakewood Village after a fire broke out there today. Medina firefighter Lt. Steve Cooley said the home is uninhabitable. The cause is under investigation.
MEDINA – A mobile home in Lakewood Village was left uninhabitable after a fire broke out at noon today.
Owner Bill Dunn had left the home about 20 minutes prior to neighbors seeing smoke spewing from the structure, when they called 911.
Lt. Steve Cooley said Medina responded first, followed by Shelby, Albion and East Shelby.
Dunn returned home after getting a call from firefighters that his home was burning. He stood and looked as his brother assisted in boarding up the windows. He said he will stay with his sister until he can decide what he is going to do. He said he was thankful his cat got out safely.
Cooley said his department was busy with several EMS calls at the same time.
Fire damage at the front of the home is extensive, although firefighters knocked it down in 15 minutes, he said.
The fire is under investigation by Medina Fire Department and Orleans County Emergency Management’s investigative team.
BATAVIA – Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on March 16 in honor of fallen Genesee County Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello.
Sergeant Sanfratello also served as a Board Member for the Town of Alexander. This memorial act is concurrent with the half-staff order already in place in honor of New York National Guard members Casey Frankoski and John Grassia, who died during a federal deployment at the southern boarder.
“From the Town Board to the Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello dedicated his life to improving the lives of his neighbors and protecting his community,” Governor Hochul said. “My heart goes out to Sergeant Sanfratello’s family and loved ones. May the courage he showed throughout a lifetime of service be a comfort to those he leaves behind.”
On March 10, Sergeant Sanfratello died in the line of duty in Batavia. Originally from Batavia, Sergeant Sanfratello served in law enforcement for more than two decades. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy; his children, Ian, Kyla and Alexis; and countless other family and friends.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2024 at 12:05 pm
Provided photo
LOCKPORT – Highway superintendents from Orleans County attended a press conference in Lockport today with State Sen. Rob Ortt to speak out against a proposed $60 million cut to CHIPS, which is used for road paving and improvement projects.
Pictured in front row, from left: John Papponetti, Commissioner of Orleans County DPW; Jason Watts, Medina Public Works superintendent; Eric Maxon, Kendall highway superintendent; and Ed Morgan, Orleans County Legislator and retired Murray highway superintendent.
Back row: John Olinger, Ridgeway highway superintendent; Kurt VanWycke, Carlton highway superintendent; Mike Neidert, Albion highway superintendent; Roger Wolfe, Yates highway superintendent; Devan Freeman, Lyndonville Public Works superintendent; Tracy Chalker, Clarendon highway superintendent; Dale Root, Shelby highway superintendent; Mark Radzinski, Gaines highway superintendent; and Dale Brooks, Barre highway superintendent.
Ortt said he will press Hochul and the Legislature to not decrease CHIPS funding.
“Local roads and bridges are essential to our communities, and need regular maintenance and continued investments to guarantee a strong economy and better future for our residents,” Ortt said. “This job is made more difficult by skyrocketing costs for materials and labor, in addition to proposed funding cuts by the Governor. I am proud to stand alongside our local highway and public works officials calling for an increase in state funding to CHIPS and in support of critical investments in our infrastructure.”
Ortt said Hochul is proposing a $60 million cut in CHIPS funding and a $40 million reduction in State Touring Route aid for a $100 million drop in local road funding.
“At the same time, we have been hit with record high inflation of nearly 60 percent on highway construction materials, which obviously sends the cost for projects through the roof,” Ortt said. “So, a combination of less funding and much higher costs means fewer projects getting done, which translates into further deterioration of our infrastructure.”
Papponetti, the Orleans County DPW commissioner, said local roads account for 87 percent of all roads in the state and carry 48 percent of all the vehicle miles traveled. However, they receive less than 12 percent of taxes and fees paid to the state for maintaining local roads.
“It costs five times more to rebuild a bridge and 16 times more to replace pavements that have become deficient than maintenance treatments and repairs to kept our infrastructure in a state of good repair,” Papponetti said. “This is not a time to be cutting, but a time to be increasing our investment in local roads and bridges.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2024 at 11:47 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA –Michael Bonafede, center in back, served as moderator of a candidate forum on Tuesday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
A YouTube video of the nearly 2-hour forum with seven candidates is now available (click here). Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver sponsored the forum.
The candidates are seated at a table and include, from left: Marguerite Sherman for mayor, Michael Maak for mayor, Austin “Mat” Mosher for trustee, Tim Elliott for trustee, Debbie Padoleski for trustee, Jeff Pasnik for trustee and Mark Prawel for trustee.
The election is on Tuesday with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center on West Avenue.
• MAYOR – There are two candidates running for mayor on a two-year term. Current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on “The Village Party” line and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”
• TRUSTEE – Five people are seeking two two-year trustee positions on the Village Board.
Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running with Sherman on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms. Padoleski retired in 2021 after a 41-year career in the village clerk’s office.
Austin “Mat” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik are running with Maak under “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Kwik Fill’s safety and compliance officer.
Mark Prawel, a retired Medina police officer, is running under the “United Party.” He also owns an auto repair shop in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2024 at 11:26 am
Provided photo
HOLLEY – Holley Rotary Club President Shannon Brett, right, presents a Paul Harris Fellow award to Elaine Berg during the club’s meeting on Monday.
Berg has been an active member of the club for six years. She also is involved in many community organizations, including as a member of the Murray Town Board.
A Paul Harris Fellow is Rotary’s top award and is named for the founder of the organization.
The first set of photos is of the bride, Emily Herman, and her maids getting ready. There were three bridesmaids in all, plus a flower girl. This first photo shows Emily most likely zipping up a dress. There are a few incidentals in this photograph worth pointing out. The bride is wearing a kerchief, which she probably slept in, to keep her hair curlers in place and prevent frizzy hair. Behind her, we see a improvised dressing table; a small stand covered with a large floral fabric (which appears to match the curtains in the next photo) and a low hung circular mirror. Above the mirror is a wall sconce, but the shade is missing, and there seems to be some sort of rigged electrical wiring leading up to an overhead fixture.
Our last photo shows the bride slipping on her wedding garter. Between the last photo and this one, it appears that they were getting ready in a small bedroom. An iron bed frame is seen to the left, with a folded patchwork quilt on top of the coverlet. The floor is covered with a patterned linoleum, which was extremely popular to install in kitchens, as well as entire second floors of homes in the 1940’s, due to its durability and easiness to clean.
Orleans County’s population is down 1,233 people since the April 2020 census, a decline of 3.06 percent which is among the steepest losses of 62 counties in the state.
