Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

With traveling increasing for Spring Break, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are encouraging residents to check their measles vaccination status.

If you are not up-to-date on the measles vaccine, contact your healthcare provider and get vaccinated. Cases of measles are increasing worldwide and in the United States.

Measles is typically brought to the United States by unvaccinated people who contract the virus by traveling to other countries. However, measles outbreaks are occurring more regularly in the United States. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported measles cases in 16 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left the area. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Measles symptoms typically include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

“Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine series is the best way to prevent measles,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “As many families are planning to travel in the upcoming weeks, it is important to know your vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles.”

GO Health advises residents to check their vaccination status with their healthcare provider. Children, adolescents and adults should have two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart. Unvaccinated individuals should contact their healthcare provider to see if the measles vaccine is right for them.

If you haven’t completed the MMR vaccine series and are traveling soon, there is still time to receive a vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus. One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

GO Health offers the vaccine to individuals that are underinsured and uninsured and you can call your respective health department to schedule an appointment. For more information on measles, visit the CDC.

$10 million available to help offset costs of training courses

Photo by Tom Rivers: These firefighters are up high on a ladder trying to stop a blaze at a Main Street building in Medina on April 7, 2023. About 150 firefighters responded to the scene.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul has launched New York’s first training stipend program for volunteer firefighters.

The program’s draft regulations were accepted following a 60-day public comment period and support Governor Hochul’s efforts to strengthen and stabilize New York’s volunteer fire service. A total of $10 million will help offset the costs of training courses which volunteer firefighters are required to complete.

“Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to protect those in their communities, and it is time that we recognize and compensate them for the work that they have done,” Governor Hochul said. “These stipends will allow our firefighters to continue serving their communities while also being able to provide for their families.”

Volunteer fire departments serve approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the State’s population. In recent years, however, more than three-quarters of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of individuals willing to volunteer and serve. This is further compounded by the increased operational responsibilities beyond fire protection to include vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and weather-related rescue operations. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020.

As part of the effort to strengthen and stabilize the state’s volunteer fire service, the Division’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) will administer the stipend to volunteer firefighters for completion of the following training courses completed on or after August 31, 2023.

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s volunteer fire service plays a critical role in protecting our communities but, departments statewide face serious recruitment and retention challenges. That’s why Governor Hochul prioritized rewriting the rules to allow our Division to provide stipends for the foundation training courses. These stipends will allow more New Yorkers will be able to sign up to become volunteer fire fighters and strengthen our more than one thousand volunteer departments across the state.”

Additionally, a local fire training stipend may be authorized for the completion of any OFPC training course or equivalents, as determined by OFPC, up to $500.

Stipends are for first time course completions of the listed OFPC course or equivalency as determined by OFPC.  Students must be a member of good standing as determined by their department and stipend applications are submitted by the fire chief.

To be eligible, fire departments must have submitted fire reporting for the previous calendar year and complete the annual fire department demographics form. This regulation also authorizes volunteer fire departments to pay volunteer firefighters a training stipend, subject to local funding, for the completions of certain courses, identified by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Click here to visit the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control homepage for more information on the program.

Editor’s Note: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“Volunteer fire companies are one of the most vital aspects of public safety in New York,” Hawley said. “Over the years, however, we’ve seen a drastic number of volunteer firefighters leaving local fire departments because they do not have the resources they need to do their jobs properly. This new stipend program is a great first step toward supporting firefighters in training and incentivizing others to volunteer. I’m proud to support this program and I will continue to fight to make sure our volunteer fire departments get the help and support they need to do their jobs.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Orleans County congressional representatives in the House of Representatives have issued responses to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement: “President Biden’s State of the Union was rooted in his optimistic vision for our future — one that uplifts working and middle-class families that have built our nation — and paints a stark contrast to those trying to divide the country and set us back. Under his leadership, we have seen historically low unemployment and record-high job creation, unprecedented investment in our infrastructure and industries of the future, and bold protection of women’s right to make their own choices about their bodies.

“I applaud President Biden for his support of Ukraine, defense of democracy, and his demand for common sense solutions to secure our border. The President presented his plan to secure our border and create legal pathways for migrants and asylum seekers to work. Now, we need Republicans to stop blocking a bipartisan bill and address the migrant crisis that is overwhelming New York.

“President Biden also understands the high stakes if we don’t put an end to gun violence. After a tragedy too close to home, I passed strong gun laws to protect New Yorkers. But Republicans in Congress have refused to do the same. It’s time to put a stop to senseless gun violence.

“President Biden sent a clear message that Democrats are fighting for American families. I’m proud to continue working with his Administration to build a stronger, more prosperous New York.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, NY-24: “Since Joe Biden took office, inflation has skyrocketed, the border is a dangerous catastrophe, energy costs continue to rise, there is chaos around the world, and our greatest ally in the Middle East has been brutally attacked.

“Yet, President Biden dared to declare the State of the Union as strong. Rather than lay out a clear plan to restore our economy, strengthen our national security, tackle the border crisis, and keep our families safe, Biden barked out lies and harsh partisan rhetoric as if he were speaking at a campaign rally. He refused to provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing communities across NY-24.

“Tonight, President Biden’s demeanor and hyper partisanship created a divisive and hostile environment in the House Chamber that was unbecoming of the President/Commander in Chief of our armed forces and insensitive to the American people who are suffering under his disastrous policies.”

Congressman Joe Morelle, NY-25, issued this statement:

“We are at a critical juncture for America’s future. Tonight, President Biden outlined an agenda that rises to the moment and advances our shared democratic values.

“My goal has always been to seek practical solutions to the problems our families face. That’s why my colleagues and I have dedicated ourselves to reducing prescription drug costs, improving access to affordable high-quality healthcare, and creating job opportunities. It is also the reason we are committed to safeguarding the fundamental freedoms every American is entitled to, from reproductive rights to voting rights to the right to remain safe from gun violence.

“I am grateful to the President for highlighting the need to safeguard voting rights, which are facing grave threats across the nation. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Administration, I’m leading the effort to protect this fundamental tenant of our democracy. I urge my colleagues to join me by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act so we can ensure our elections remain free and fair for every American.

“As we look towards the future, I’m particularly excited by the unique role Rochester will play in advancing the President’s economic agenda. Our recent designation as a Regional Technology Hub—thanks in part to the work of my guest to tonight’s address, Dr. Alexis Vogt—will help grow our highly-skilled workforce, strengthen our national economy, and cement our place as a global leader in innovation.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to advance these priorities and deliver for the hardworking Americans we represent.”

Cross-town rivals unite for beloved first grade teacher who passed away July 30

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Laureano family is introduced at the Kendall-Holley faculty basketball game this evening in Kendall.

The game, besides a friendly competition between the two schools, also was a fundraiser for the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund.

Amy was a much-loved first grade teacher at Kendall. She passed away on July 30.

She and her husband Justin have three children: Easton, 21; Kaeden, 18; and Janelle, 15.

Mr. Laureano is an elementary school physical education teacher.

“She was magnificent,” Laureano said about his wife, a well-regarded mentor to younger teachers in the elementary school. “She was a spitfire woman who touched a lot of people.”

Justin Laureano, right, and Nick Picardo, the Kendall school superintendent, embrace on court. Picardo joined Laureano and his children in the starting lineup. Picardo has been a long-time friend of the family.

Laureano said he appreciated the community support since his wife’s unexpected passing. Many people have contributed to a memorial scholarship in his wife’s name, and also for a fund to help some students and their families. Laureano said his wife would privately pay for a few students’ Christmas presents or if they needed clothes.

The fund will cover expenses for a few students each year for clothes, Christmas presents or to participate with a sports team.

The Kendall Lions Club presented Laureano and the school leaders with a donation to the memorial fund. Those are the proceeds from a chicken barbecue on Feb. 10 when the club served 672 dinners.

The Holley faculty and staff team gathers before the start of the game. Mackenzie Fiorito (center in red shirt), a high school junior, served as the student coach. She gave the team a quick pep talk. Logan Gillespie also was a student coach for Holley.

Macey Harrell, a Kendall physical education teacher, is introduced along with the other Kendall teachers and staff.

Kendall won the game, 53-36.

Kevin Parmele, Amy Laureano’s brother, said his sister “let her light shine.” Her family appreciates all the love and support from the community.

Brian Bartalo, the Holley superintendent, and Nick Picardo, Kendall’s district superintendent, met on the court before the game.

The two districts have had several faculty basketball games in recent years, playing to a packed house.

There were baskets up for raffle as a fundraiser for the scholarship.

Kendall teachers including fifth grade teacher Lisa Smith served up food from Jimmy Z’s. Smith is adding hot sauce from her spot in the food service line.

Smith and Amy Laureano were colleagues and friends for about two decades.

“Amy had a great heart,” Smith said. “She was very caring with the children. She made sure all the kids and staff were comfortable in any situation they were in.”

Kaeden Laureano smiles after making a 3-point shot early in the game.

Lucien Price, left, congratulates Derek Edick after making a basket for the Kendall team.

The Holley team gathers for a photo before the game.

The Kendall squad gathers for a team picture.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – We all have seen on the news where a high school student is recognized for “signing on” to a local college to play sports, correct? What about the students who want to enter the workforce after graduation?

Orleans/Niagara BOCES believes they should be recognized too.  Congratulations go to: Riley Bloomingdale (Royalton-Hartland), Joe Brueckner (Medina), Sam Brunning (Royalton-Hartland), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Dakota Gilhousen (Lockport), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Dave Merlin (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Robert Shaughnessy (Newfane) and Cal Stevenson (Lockport).

Recently Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students participated in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship’s “Signing Day Event.” Held at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center on March 5, the seniors who are participating in the paid co-op program were celebrated for their achievements in the workforce.

Company representatives, where the students have been working, were on hand for the signing event where students signed a commitment to work for them after graduation.

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program offers an unprecedented solution to our region’s skilled trades shortage in advanced manufacturing. It is a one-of-a-kind career exploration program where students are connected to advanced manufacturing companies through Matching Day events that lead to job shadows and paid co-ops.

Basically, our students make money as they continue their learning.  Students can also receive college credit at Monroe Community College at no cost.

“I am so proud of my students,” said Mr. Rakonczay.  “This is a great program that gives my students on-the-job training that prepares them for the workplace and college.  I want to thank the companies that participate such as: Amada Tool America Inc., Custom Manufacturing and Design, J.W. Burg Machine & Tool, Modern-Tec Manufacturing Inc., Moley Magnetics Inc., Nuclear Alloys, Performance Manufacturing Inc. and Pivot Precision.  I also want to thank the parents and guardians who support us.  Without all of them, none of this would be possible.”

After the event, each participating students received a swag bag, a caliper and micrometer set. A huge thank you to the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program for partnering with us to ensure the students’ success and offering them this opportunity!

‘The fight here is not over. We have several more paths to prevent Orleans County from becoming a dumping ground for STAMP sewer discharges.’

File photo by Tom Rivers: A sewer line is shown on Aug. 12 on Route 63 in the Town of Alabama. Genesee County Economic Development Center is trying to install the sewer main along 9.5 miles of Route 63 – from the STAMP site to Oak Orchard Creek. Construction was halted before the sewer line made it to Orleans after a lawsuit was filed.

ALBION – A State Supreme Court justice today dismissed a lawsuit and temporary injunction against construction of a nearly 10-mile-long sewer main from the STAMP manufacturing site in the Town of Alabama along Route 63 to the Oak orchard Creek in the Town of Shelby.

Judge Frank Caruso ruled in favor of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, which argued Orleans County had 23 chances to state its objection to the sewer main since 2016 but waited until construction started to voice its opposition.

Judge Caruso citing the legal argument of “laches,” where there is a lack of diligence in making a legal claim. Waiting until construction commenced on the project should be seen as an unreasonable delay, attorneys for GCEDC argued in court today.

The judge also ruled in favor of GCEDC due to a statue of limitations. He made his decision from the bench in court today, following about an hour of arguments in the main courtroom of the county courthouse. He will also issue a written decision.

Orleans County officials say the county will appeal the decision, and has other court options to try to halt the project.

“The fight here is not over,”  said Alex Eaton, an attorney for the Orleans County Legislature. “We have several more paths to prevent Orleans County from becoming a dumping ground for STAMP sewer discharges.”

The county also has a lawsuit that will be heard in April about GCEDC using eminent domain to take easements in Orleans County. The attorneys for Orleans said another county’s IDA can’t do eminent domain in another county.

Orleans also supports the Tonawanda Seneca Nation in its litigation against several federal entities regarding permitting of the sewer pipeline.

“Orleans County leadership remains steadfast in our opposition to anything that puts Oak Orchard Creek in jeopardy,” Eaton, an attorney with Lippes Mathias, said in a statement released from the County Legislature. “The county and its residents rely on the creek for water, recreation and tourism, and that is why we will continue to protect the interests of our community.   Again, while we are disappointed in today’s result, there is a long way to go before this issue is settled.”

Orleans County filed its lawsuit on Sept. 11, naming GCEDC, G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc., Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, and STAMP Sewer Works, Inc.

Matthew J. Fitzgerald and James O’Connor of Phillips Lytle LLP appeared in court today on behalf of GCEDC. They contended the sewer main went through a rigorous environmental review of 9,200-plus pages and ultimately was approved by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Those agencies found no evidence of harm to Oak Orchard Creek or the community, the attorneys said.

The sewer main would allow businesses at the 1,250-acre STAMP to discharge treated sewer water into the Oak Orchard. At STAMP’s peak, the sewer main could discharge up to 6 million gallons a day in the Oak Orchard. The sewer main is imperative for economic development to move forward at the site.

“STAMP does not survive without somewhere to discharge the treated sanitary water,” Fitzgerald said in court today.

The 4-month statute of limitations passed after the Article 78 was filed by Orleans on Sept. 11, and the county failed to note other parties that would be hurt if the lawsuit was successful in halting the sewer main, Fitzgerald said.

Property owners paid for easements for the temporary construction could lose out on payments, he said. The Town of Alabama would miss out on 100,000 gallons of sewer capacity, and Niagara County Water District would miss out on selling water to the STAMP site. Orleans didn’t factor in those impacts in the lawsuit, Fitzgerald said.

The crux of the case, he said, was the contention that Orleans never gave its support for an economic development from another county. But he said Orleans officials were notified in 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 to voice any concerns over STAMP, and GCEDC serving as lead agency.

“The response was silence,” Fitzgerald said. “They slept on their rights for approximately eight years. They could have objected.”

STAMP has about $100 million in public funds committed to developing the site so far, with about $1 billion already spend or committed in private investment, he said.

Attorneys for Orleans contend that Genesee County used its money through its industrial development agency to fund the sewer main and pursue eminent domain in another county, powers that an IDA does not have.

Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias representing Orleans, said the STAMP sewer project clearly used Genesee County funds to move the project into Orleans County.

The GCEDC attorneys said the project was funded through state grants and wasn’t actually GCEDC money.

The Town of Shelby also joined Orleans in the lawsuit. The Shelby attorney, Jeffrey Allen, said Shelby supports the Orleans County efforts to halt the pipeline before it gets into Orleans. He said there are many violations of general municipal law with the project.

Shelby gave its support for the project previously, but that was a statement considering the environmental impacts of the project, he said.

“The consent was not that they could run roughshod over the autonomy of Orleans County,” Allen said in court.

The case could be a landmark for the state, said Eaton, an attorney for Orleans County. The courts should protect smaller neighboring counties from being forced to take on negative impacts from another county’s economic development efforts, he said.

“This would be one of the biggest expansions of IDA power in New York State,” Eaton said.

Awards also recognize community leaders, outstanding students and educators

MEDINA – The school district is starting a new program to recognize “shining stars” in the community.

The district will be accepting nominations until March 29  in the following categories: charitable giving, diversity investments and education opportunities.

Daniel Doctor

The honorees will recognized at a district event in May, said Daniel Doctor, director of Community Partnerships for the school district.

“Our community partners are silent givers, volunteers and organizations who give generously while investing in the mission and vision of our schools,” Doctor said. “The sole purpose of this event is to bring the partners’ accomplishments and or contributions to the light. The simple act of acknowledging achievement is a major boost for any individual, organization or business. And that’s why recognition is so critical.”

Nominations from the community are being accepted for individuals, organizations and businesses for the following awards:

• Volunteer of the Year Award – Nominees must have been involved in volunteering for the equivalent of at least 100 hours over a 12-month period. Nominees must have volunteered for a legitimate not-for-profit organization, service club or community group. The communities of Orleans County must be significant beneficiaries of the nominee’s volunteer work.
• Community Leadership Award – Nominees for this award stand out because of their exceptional professional and/or volunteer achievements in the community, which are above and beyond their role in a paid position.
• Community Collaboration Award – Nominees for this award provide outstanding examples of collaboration within their communities. These nominees recognize the benefits that come from accessing resources and expertise of individuals, local businesses, government, non-profits or charities for positive community impact.
• Arts and Culture Award – Nominees in this category, either individually, as ensemble or as an organization, have worked diligently and selflessly in a variety of creative, applied, and fine art genres to benefit the community. Their efforts have made a significant contribution to the cultural scene in Orleans County, while creating access and inclusion to arts and culture.
• Organization of the Year (under 10 employees) – Organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. Does the organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?
• Organization of the Year (11 or more employees) – Organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. Does the organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to an individual who, over the past 15 years or more, has made significant contributions to the community and has improved the quality of life for citizens.
• Community Service Award – Nominees must demonstrate an ongoing community service, which incorporates leadership, social responsibility, mentorship and be a change agent. (organization, business, or individual)
• Unsung Hero Award – The Unsung Hero award recognizes an individual(s) who have positively influenced a program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.
• Best Event of the Year – Nominees for this award have created an event or program which has made a significant impact that increased awareness and/or boosted the bottom line of the organization. The recipient of this award has worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of this event or program has left an indelible mark on their community. (organization, business, or individual)
• Community Impact People’s Choice Award – Organization/ business that recognizes new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources available. The efforts of this organization have a positive and meaningful impact on the broader community, resulting in clear and measurable change. Nominees in this category demonstrate a commitment to building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve. (organization, business, or individual)
• Girl Scout Troop Award – Recognizes a troop that models, and are real-life heroes. The troop uses skills they’ve learned as a Girl Scouts to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
• Boy Scout Troop Award – Recognizes a troop that models, and are real-life heroes. The troop uses skills they’ve learned as a Boy Scouts to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
• Outstanding Student Award (K-2), (3-6) & (7-12) – Students are recognized for academic achievement, improvement and citizenship-positive attitude toward classmates and school.
• Spotlight – Recognition of continued growth and improvement. Student is recognized for overcoming academic, behavioral and or social challenges,
• Inspirational Educator Award – The purpose of the award is to recognize any staff member who educate to inspire and motivate all students to work hard to reach beyond the expected to positively impact their communities. This prestigious award acknowledges the time and dedication faculty take to be exceptional.

For more information or to make a nomination, click here.

MEDINA – Village voters can hear directly from the seven candidates running for the Village Board in the March 19 election.

There will be a forum on March 12 starting at 6 p.m. at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave. The event is sponsored by The Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub.

The event is set up as a forum and not a debate. Candidates will give opening and closing statements, and will respond to questions submitted by the audience.

The candidates include two people running for mayor: current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on the “The Village Party” and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”

Five people are seeking two trustee positions on the Village Board.

Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms.

Mat “Austin” 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 Quik 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.

The positions up for election are all for two years.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Kindergarten registration is now open for our 2024-25 prospective Purple Eagles at Albion Elementary School and the process will look a little different this year.

To begin, families were sent the registration packet ahead of the screening process, which typically starts in early June. If you have a soon-to-be kindergartener and you did not receive a packet, you can pick one up from the Elementary School Main Office during working hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Purple Eagles already enrolled in Albion’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program have already been registered and parents don’t need to complete any other paperwork.

There are certain documents parents/guardians will need to have and some important registration information to keep in mind including: registering students must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, parents/ guardians need to supply the student’s original birth certificate and any necessary custody documents when they submit the packet. Registration packets are due back to the Registrar’s Office by Monday, April 1, 2024.

As for the Health Appraisal/Immunizations and Dental forms, those can be faxed or forwarded by your child’s physician or dentist to the attention of Rachel Coolbaugh, Registrar, at (585) 589-2059 (fax). Any physical completed between Sept. 5, 2023 and Sept. 3, 2024 is acceptable.

Any questions about the registration process can be directed to Mrs. Coolbaugh at 589-2051. For more information, click here to go to the district’s website.

ALBION – Lawyer representing Orleans and Genesee counties will be in Albion today for a hearing in a lawsuit where Orleans is trying to block a sewer main from being built on Route 63 in Shelby.

Hearings have been cancelled or delayed the past few months. The hearing today will be at the Orleans County Courthouse before State Supreme Court Judge Frank Caruso.

Orleans is represented by Lippes Mathias LLP in Buffalo and contends Genesee didn’t have the county’s permission to install the sewer main in Orleans County. The sewer, at full buildout of the STAMP manufacturing site in the Town of Alabama, would direct 6 million gallons of treated water to the Oak Orchard Creek.

Orleans states the sewer discharge would have a negative impact on the county’s fishing industry, which is a nearly $30 million economic boost to Orleans County. The additional water from STAMP could also hurt the economic development efforts in Medina by overtaxing the creek, Orleans attorneys say in the lawsuit. (The Town of Shelby has since joined the lawsuit as an intervenor.)

Genesee County in its court filings contend Orleans gave consent to the project, which was years in the making, by never objecting to it – until the very last moment. Its years of silence should be viewed as support of the project, say attorneys from Phillips Lytle LLP, which are representing the Genesee County Economic Development Center and others named in the lawsuit – G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc., Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, and STAMP Sewer Works, Inc.

At full build-out STAMP can accommodate up to 6.1 million square feet of advanced technology manufacturing, office and retail space. GCEDC projects direct employment of up to 9,330 full-time jobs with a regional economic impact for support companies serving the site.

The first two tenants at STAMP – Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum – would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater, GCEDC said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Gabe Lindsay stars in the role of Seymour in Holley’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. He holds a plant he named Audrey II. Seymour was a disheveled flower shop worker who becomes more hip and famous due to Audrey II’s rise in stardom.

Holley has about 70 students in the cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors. Show times are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Lindsay is Seymour in the 7 p.m. shows both days, while Aidan Kelley plays the part during the 2 p.m. show.

For information about tickets, click here.

Kohle Pachla plays the role of Mr. Mushnik, owner of a struggling and rundown flower shop. Audrey II brings many customers and sales to the shop, changing its fortunes. Jax Richards-Dyson plays Mushnik in the Saturday afternoon show.

The show is directed by Dan and Kellie Burke. Mr. Burke directed his last show in 2020 and then retired a year later. He returned to lead the show this time, teaming with his sister Kellie Burke. He is thankful to be back directing the cast.

During his last musical four years ago, the students had the show cancelled just before opening night due to Covid restrictions in March 2020. Holley did High School Musical that year.

Burke has been subbing almost every day this school year at Holley, responding due to a shortage of substitute teachers.

He said being in the Holley district is his retirement dream come true. He worked as a biology teacher at Holley and a baseball coach, while directing the musicals for three decades.

Burke said there is a magic with musical productions, taking students from many backgrounds and comfort levels on stage and having them work together and perform a show.

“You see the kids build an energy and do things they didn’t think they could do,” he said during intermission at today’s rehearsal. “You see them transformed.”

Some kids push their limits with a solo on stage. Others stretch themselves by being in the cast, singing and dancing. Others contribute through set design and being part of the stage crew.

Jayda Shampine plays the role of Audrey and sings, “Somewhere That’s Green.” She who works in the flower with Seymour, who admires Audrey and names the mysterious in her honor.

Abigail Merkley plays Audrey during the Saturday afternoon show.

Burke, as director, has long had multiple casts. His belief is to give every kid a chance to have the biggest role they can.

Mushnik and cast members are excited to listen to Seymour being interviewed on the radio about the famous plant in the flower shop.

Audrey II’s success leads to a major upgrade and renovation at the flower shop.

Orin Scrivello (played by Owen Schultz) is Aubrey’s abusive boyfriend and a sadistic dentist.

Seymour reacts in horror as Audrey II eats Orin Scrivello. Seymour was angry at how Scrivello treated Audrey so poorly.

Feeding the plant the dentist satisfied Audrey II’s thrist for blood, momentarily. Seymour discovered the plant’s appetite for blood when he pricked a finger on a rose thorn. Audrey II thirstily opened its pod at the smell of blood.

Gabe Lindsay, who plays Seymour, said the plant gets meaner as it gets bigger, and its appetite more demanding.

“When you take a risk, be prepared to accept the good and the bad,” Lindsay said about  the message in the show.

He plans to major in musical theater when he heads to Geneseo State College next year. Lindsay said he is grateful for the chance to be in the Holley musicals since he was in junior high.

Audrey II grows to an immense size as it feeds its appetite. Jose-Angel Valentin is the voice of the plant during the evening performances and Nico Unterborn is in the role on Saturday afternoon.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted against the omnibus government funding bill for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) due to its failure to rein in out of control government spending, cut wasteful and woke programs, and lower costs for hardworking families.

This bill passed the House by a vote of 339-85.

“With over $34 trillion of national debt and counting, Congress should not spend another $1.65 trillion while failing to address the crises plaguing our nation in a meaningful way,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I understand the complexity and frustration of a divided government, however our communities will continue to suffer under Biden’s polices that spend our tax dollars on the woke and Green New Deal projects that have been inserted into this bill.

“This 1,050-page spending monstrosity does not provide the relief that the American people are demanding and will only increase already sky-high prices and add to our national debt. There are positive aspects of this bill, including the 12 Community Funding Projects we submitted to help residents of NY-24. Other positives include fully funding veterans’ healthcare and toxic exposure programs, military construction projects and important agricultural research programs, but this bill in its entirety, negotiated behind closed doors, is a bridge too far.”

Some of the worst provisions in this bill include:

• Provides $3.5 million for an initiative to create parade floats
• Supports the Biden administrations illegal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule
• Fails to rein in the ATF’s anti-second amendment rules
• Maintains funding for the VA’s and DOJ’s anti-life initiatives
• Gives $1 million to a private entity to construct a coffee shop and a greenhouse for refugees
• Funnels $1 million to the WE ACT environmentalist group in New York City
• Continues allowing leftist bureaucrats to fly pride flags and other political flags over federal buildings
• Wastes taxpayer money on Critical Race Theory and the DEI Executive Offices
• Allows federal funds to continue flowing to the Wuhan lab

Despite all the wasteful spending in this bill, there are some critical infrastructure projects for NY-24, which Congresswoman Tenney submitted after a rigorous review process. The projects Tenney successfully submitted and advocated for in NY-24 include:

• $1.75 million for the Town of Constantia Northshore Sewer Project
• $1.75 million for the City of Canandaigua Water Plant Project
• $750,000 for the Town of Watertown Phase 1 Army Water Line (AWL) Pipeline Replacement Project
• $2 million for to the Brickyard Road Tank and Transmission Main Improvements on behalf of the Canandaigua-Farmington Consolidated Water District
• $3.5 million for Town of Fayette Sewer District No. 1 Project
• $1.75 million for the Genesee County Water Security and Resilience—Prole Road Transmission Main Project
• $1.6 million for Keuka College’s Rural Community Outpatient Clinic
• $700,000, for the Livingston County Regional Water & Wastewater Cybersecurity Improvement Project
• $1 million for the City of Watertown Water Quality Improvement Project
• $2.1 million for the Town of Wolcott Salt Storage Barn