HOLLEY – Pictured above are members of the Holley Class of 1973. The class met for a reunion on Friday, July 28, for an informal get together at Bill Grays in Brockport and then on Saturday, July 29, the classmates gathered at Fosters Restaurant in Hilton for a buffet dinner. Many still live locally, but several made the trip from Virginia, Colorado, California and England to reminisce and enjoy each other’s company. A good time was had by all.
Pictured include front row: Lynn DeFilipps Vendetti, Judy Totter Fulks, Doreen Hilfiker Clark, MaryAnn LeStorti Smith, Melissa Beadle Peglow and Kenneth Blank.
Row two: Debra Rodas Reynolds, Carol Kinsey Ryan, Barry Hinkley, Mary Trupo Lord, Gary Davis, Jim Mark, Mark Spychalski, Lorraine Harold Piedimonte and Amy Bubb Engert.
Row three: Theodore Karpenko, Christine Hilfiker Kinsey, Jeffery David, William McAllister, Steven Woodworth, Jeffrey Shampine, Gordon Reid, Wayne Robertson, Jeffrey Martin, Steven Quarantello, Tony Piedimonte, David Altaner and John Kinsey.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2023 at 8:30 pm
Provided photos: The Orleans County Sheriff’s office and state forest rangers are in Murray looking for a woman who was missing. The Sheriff’s Office brought an off-road vehicle for the search.
MURRAY – A woman who went missing after wandering off this afternoon was located and safe in a swampy area off Carton Road, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Linda Donovan, 67, went missing at about 12:30 p.m. and was last seen by her boyfriend.
A Niagara County Sheriff’s Air-1 helicopter spotted her walking in a swampy area about 4:30 p.m., about a quarter-mile off the road.
She was transported out of the area to the roadway by sheriff’s deputies and the evaluated by Murray firefighters and Monroe Ambulance. She was reunited with loved ones, Bourke said.
“We are very thankful to a happy ending to this story,” Bourke said.
K-9 teams from the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Environmental Conservation, State Police and Niagara County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search.
Orleans County Emergency Management and state forest rangers also joined the effort.
“We would like to thank all the agencies that assisted,” Bourke said.
Provided photos: The Orleans County Sheriff’s office and state forest rangers are in Murray looking for a woman who was missing. The Sheriff’s Office brought an off-road vehicle for the search.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2023 at 1:36 pm
School officials eyeing about $24 million in improvements, with more in next phase including possible turf field
Photo by Tom Rivers: David Kenyon, senior landscape architect, presents a rendering for a turf field at the Lyndonville, a project that school officials said will have to be pushed back for another capital project, not the one that could go to a public vote in November or December.
LYNDONVILLE – School officials are working with engineers and architects at the Wendel firm to pare down a list of projects to upgrade the school district.
An initial list of facility upgrades and site improvements at the district came in at $50 million.
That’s about twice what the district can spend with its state aid and also a district capital reserve. Lyndonville won’t pursue a project that increases local taxes, the board said at the meeting last Thursday.
The district and Wendel have grouped those projects in three phases, but some things in phase one will need to be removed to get the costs down.
School officials will try to finalize a list in the next month with the project to go to a public vote possibly in mid-November or December.
“Right now this is really big picture,” said Justin Parish, lead project architect from the Wendel firm.
He and three of his Wendel colleagues went over the costs of the project on Thursday evening with the Board of Education.
The prices listed anticipate a construction schedule two years from now in 2025 when costs are expected to be up another 16 percent, Parish said.
Lyndonville has a three-phase project to try to include all items identified to upgrade the school district.
But for now phase one tentatively includes:
The Main Street school building – $11,299,786
replace/upgrade boiler – $5,491,248
air-conditioning throughout building – $5,293,008
restroom renovation – $499,777
brick repair –$15,753
This school building was closed for a few years but reopened during the Covid pandemic in 2020-21. That building allowed Lyndonville to space out students and have in-person classes all five school days each week, while most other districts were on an alternating hybrid schedule.
Lyndonville now uses the Main Street site for ages 3 and 4 all-day prekindergarten, and first and second grades.
Housel Avenue school – $15,077,144
demolition of annex and new build – $3,879,649
roof replacement – $2,955,105
replace/upgrade boiler – $1,879,445
replace antiquated electrical panels – $1,184,868
restroom renovation – $825,322
upgrade generator (comm shelter) – $490,290
secure vestibule – $81,715
Justin Parish, lead project architect, goes over the list of items identified for the school building on Housel Avenue.
Site improvements – $10,613,584 for phase one
turf field – $3,623,190
turf field lighting – $1,339,005
6-lane rubber track – $2,362,950
softball and baseball lighting – $1,831,286
scoreboard for turf field – $551,973
bus garage parking lot – $511,973
concession stand with bathrooms – $393,825
In phases 2 and 3, the list includes an accessible playground ($708,885), courtyard design ($511,973), 1,000 seat bleachers with press box ($787,650), bleachers for softball/baseball ($236,295), pickle ball court ($291,430), baseball/softball drainage ($15,753), 10-by-10 foot storage shed ($47,259) and miscellaneous site and lighting upgrades ($551,355).
Bus garage – $574,456 for a roof replacement.
In phase 3, the district should consider an overhead door replacement ($169,943), restroom addition ($70,889) and other mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades ($1.3 million).
Lyndonville already announced parts of phase one have been eliminated, including the turf field, new track and lighting and scoreboard for the turf field.
Under the current maximum cost allowances for state aid, Lyndonville would receive up to $19,572,061 in state funding for construction and another $4,582,426 for incidentals (site work and soft costs), or $24,154,487 altogether.
The construction projects identified by the school committee and Wendel officials totaled $29,522,394 (or $9,950,333 over the maximum state aid.) The incidentals totaled $21,236,830 (or $16,654,494 over the state aid).
The district’s construction committee will meet again this week to review the project and try to narrow the scope.
Parish, the lead project architect, said the construction numbers are conservative, and it’s possible the costs may be less when the project is bid which would allow Lyndonville to include more items in phase one.
Phases two and three would need to be spaced out about every five years to allow Lyndonville to be eligible for more state aid towards a capital project.
Parish suggested the costs would be in line financially for the total project by cutting most of the site improvements, and instead only doing $433,208 in that category – $393,825 for a concession stands and bathrooms, $23,630 for baseball/softball scorebooths, and $15,753 for baseball/softball drainage.
Sharon Smith, the district superintendent, said it was a “gut punch” to have to cut the new track and turf field.
“We’ve taken our hopes and dreams and tried to set priorities,” she said.
Ted Lewis, president of the Lyndonville Board of Education, listens to a presentation from engineers and architects at the Wendel firm on Thursday evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2023 at 9:56 am
LYNDONVILLE – The Board on Education on Thursday approved the tax warrant for the 2023-24 school year. There are four towns that have parts of their boundaries in the school district, and the tax rates vary by more than $4 depending on whether there was a town-wide reassessment this year.
Lyndonville’s total tax levy is up 1 percent or by $46,187 to $4,664,927.
Carlton and Ridgeway both did a town-wide reassessment this year that will result in a sharp drop in the tax rates. Carlton is down from $16.56 to $12.17 per $1,000 of assessed property, while Ridgeway’s rate drops from $18.09 to $12.17.
The district also includes Yates and Gaines, which didn’t do a town-wide revaluation. The state is using equalization rates to try to ensure those property owners are paying at a rate that matches their property values.
The Gaines rate will drop from $16.56 to $16.44 while Yates is up from $15.80 to $16.44.
The district will collect 4,664,927 in school taxes from the four towns. That includes $1,300,803 from Carlton (down from $1,346,050 in 2022-23); $28,913 from Gaines (up from $28,504 in 2022-23); $664,333 in Ridgeway (down from the $674,403 in 2022-23); and $2,670,786 from Yates (up from $2,569,781 last year).
The tax rates for the Yates Community Library include Carlton and Ridgeway at 33 cents, and Gaines and Yates at 44 cents. The school district will collect $124,808 for the library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2023 at 8:35 am
The average price for regular unleaded is up about 3 cents in Orleans County in the past week, from $3.830 on Aug. 14 to $3.856 today, according to AAA.
In New York, the average price is at $3.920 for regular unleaded, compared to $3.915 a week ago, $3.683 a month ago and $4.255 a year ago.
The average price for diesel in the state is at $4.561 today, compared to $4.545 a week ago, $4.361 a month ago and $5.413 a year ago.
The average prices in Western New York counties include:
Orleans, $3.856
Genesee, $3.854
Wyoming, $3.897
Livingston, $3.883
Monroe,$3.920
Niagara, $3.863
Erie, $3.887
Chautauqua, $3.914
Cattaraugus, $3.773
Allegany, $3.848
AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has climbed another 2 cents higher since last week, despite lower demand and the price of oil falling several dollars per barrel and struggling to stay above $80.
“But the potential for hurricane development and forecasts of an expanding heat dome over Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas next week could push oil prices higher. Refineries in these states may have to curb production to deal with the sizzling temperatures.
“While fewer drivers are fueling up at the moment, the looming heat and entering the heart of hurricane season are a roadblock to falling gas prices. Gas prices may keep waffling until mid-September or longer.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 August 2023 at 8:00 am
MEDINA – One thing the Class of 1981 from Medina Central School is proud of is their closeness and staying in touch.
In addition to the traditional reunions every few years, the class plans other special activities, just to get together.
Friends sharing old times at a birthday party for the Class of 1981 are, from left, Wayne Montalvo, Kevin Furness, George Pogel and Dave Maiorana.
One of those was this weekend when nearly 100 classmates and their partners got together for a big “birthday party.” The occasion was to celebrate the fact all the classmates recently turned 60 or would hit that milestone by the end of the year. The youngest is Ellie Prawel, who will turn 60 on Nov. 21.
“You can call me the baby,” she joked.
Classmates traveled from Texas, Florida and Virginia, as well as across New York state.
Kevin Furness helped organize the party, which included a gathering Friday night at Tapped on Main and a final get-together Saturday night at the VFW Post on East Center Street.
A previous get-together several years ago was a “sports party.”
Class officers were Betsy Phinney, president; Bob Blake, vice president; Kelly Crane, treasurer; and Kevin McKeever, historian.
There were 215 original graduates, and they have lost 17.
Dave Maiorana, who came from Florida for the party, stressed how close the class has remained.
“It didn’t matter if you were an enlisted man climbing the ladder or a high profile educator, we were all important and we all stuck together,” he said.
Several classmates have been friends since kindergarten, including Furness and McKeever and Phinney and Bridget Hobbs.
“Kevin and I still call each other every week,” Furness said.
Several members of Medina Central School’s Class of 1981 got together Friday night at Tapped on Main. Standing are Glorida Williams, left, and Darcy Brabon. Seated, clockwise from left, are Sandra Belson, Laurie Bower, Bridget Hobbs, Betsy Phinney and Bonnie Doberstein.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters
MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band on Thursday evening offered a preview performance of this year’s show on the parking lot by the band barn.
This year’s Fall Field Band’s competition show is entitled, “Confined.”
The band opens its competitive season at Hilton on Sept. 16, followed by the Medina Home Show, the Fall Festival of Bands on Sept. 23.
Then the schedule includes Sept. 30 at Oswego, Oct. 7 at Webster, Oct. 14 at Victor, Oct. 21 at Central Square, and then the State Championships in Syracuse on Oct. 29.
The Medina band is led on the field by senior Drum Major Alex Balaban. At 76 members, the band is the smallest it’s been for decades, largely due to Covid restrictions which impacted the band for about two years. There are six seniors compared to 27 last year. And there are 18 “rookies” marching for the first time ever.
Band Director, Matt Jaeger explains the show to the audience. It depicts a character (played by senior Caiden Class) who is “confined” by different sections of the band and struggles to be “free,” only to be captured by another band section.
A crowd of parents and community members were on hand Thursday night at the high school parking lot and band practice blacktop to see and hear a preview of the show, “Confined.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 August 2023 at 12:46 pm
This evening’s tour features the old St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Brown Road
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Sue Starkweather Miller, the Village of Albion historian, speaks during last Sunday’s tour of Mount Albion Cemetery.
She is at the grave of Elizabeth Babcock, who made about 100 Santa suits a year as owner of the Santa Claus Suit and Equipment Company. She made the suits for many years with the late Charles Howard, who established a Santa School and later Christmas Park in Albion.
Babcock died in 2006 and is a member of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame.
She was included in last week’s tour of Mount Albion. The Orleans County Historical Association is planning different cemetery tours each Sunday evening in August, beginning at 6 p.m.
The first tour on Aug. 6 was at Hillside Cemetery and was led by Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon town historian.
The remaining schedule includes:
August 20 (today): Old St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Brown Road, Gaines – Presented by Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian.
August 27: Boxwood Cemetery, North Gravel Road, Medina – Presented by Todd Bensley, Village of Medina Historian.
About 60 people attended the tour at Mount Albion, which was led by Starkweather Miller and Bill Lattin, the retired county historian.
Here they are shown at the grave of Lansing Bailey, a pioneer resident of Orleans County. Bailey owned 268 acres and survived malaria and encounters with bears.
Bill Lattin speaks at monument for the Whitmore family. It has oaks and acorns, which are symbols for strength and endurance.
Some of the stops on the tour included:
Alice Wilson, who was murdered by her husband, George in 1887. He was the only man executed in Orleans County. He was hanged outside the courthouse in 1888.
Jennie King, she wrote for local journalism for 68 years with the Orleans Republican as a printer and editor an then the Albion Advertiser as an editor.
Weston Wetherbee, Orleans County sheriff and amateur astronomer.
Chester Bartlett – Sheriff during the arrest and trial of Charles Stielow, accused and convicted of a double murder in Shelby. He was found innocent in a landmark case showing ballistic forensics.
Skinner/Harding trolley accident – a tragedy for two families when their car is hit by a trolley on March 7, 1915 and four children perish on their way home from Sunday School. Alfred Skinner was driving a Cole automobile when a passenger trolley came around a curve and struck the vehicle, killing Mildred and Helen Skinner, and Marion and Herschel Harding. Mr. Skinner and one of his daughters survived the accident.
Emily Pullman, sister of railroad tycoon George Pullman, she married a doctor William Fluhrer, who invented a device to remove bullets from the brain.
Stuart John Flintham, whose egg collection is on display at Hoag Library, was a distinguished forester, and was the first head forester, fire warden and fish & game for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He died fighting a fire in 1925.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 August 2023 at 8:51 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Trio Ghidorah, a classical guitar trio, performed on Saturday at Hoag Library in Albion for about 50 people. The group includes Ken Luk, Bernardo Marcondes and Erik Gibelyou.
The three musicians formed their group while pursuing their doctoral degrees at the Eastman School of Music. The trio creates arrangements for three guitars of music not originally written for the instrument, including works by Stravinsky, Mozart, and Philip Glass.
They were the fifth performers in a new concert series at Hoag this year.
The remaining schedule includes:
Sunshine Quan: Saturday, September 23, at noon
Maya Ana Loncar: Saturday, Oct. 14 at noon
Rochester Mandolin Orchestra, Saturday, Nov. 4 at noon
Dr. Lynn McGrath, Saturday, Dec. 9 at noon
The concerts are free to the public with support from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and Friends of Hoag Library.
Bernardo Marcondes, left, and Erik Gibelyou are shown during the concert on Saturday.
Trio Ghidorah released its debut album, Dances and Fantasies, in March 2021.
The trio has performed frequently in the Rochester area. Their concert programs include music from the classical canon, contemporary works and Latin American music.
Ken Luk performs during the concert. Luk is an active performer, educator and arranger of classical guitar and mandolin.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2023 at 3:01 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Motorcyclists start a 118-mile ride today, leaving at the Elks Lodge on East State Street. The dice run is a fundraiser for the Jason Johnston scholarship.
That scholarship is in memory of Jason Johnson, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009. Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.
The $1,000 annual memorial scholarship that goes to a student pursuing a career in a helping profession, such as a nurse, doctor, firefighter, counselor or other social services.
“The recipient of the award should be of good character, show dedication, effort and potential while working to the best of their,” according to a description of the scholarship provided by the Elks. “Specialist Johnston believed in the Golden Rule – ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”
The riders gather at the start of the ride.
The Elks Lodge will be serving food later this evening the band Begging Angels will perform. That event is open to the community with a $5 cover charge.
Mike Clemons served as ride captain for more than 50 riders. He welcomes the group for the 10th annual ride as a memorial for Johnston. The Albion Elks Riders organized today’s ride.
The riders broke into three groups and staggered the starts every 20 minutes. The route included stops at the Elks in Lockport, the Silo in Lewiston and the Open Air Bar in Newfane.
Brad Johnston, Jason’s father, joins the other riders for a pre-ride talk, where they shared the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Brad has been part of all 10 rides in memory of his son.
There is memorial stone for Jason Johnston at the Elks Lodge in Albion.
Looking down on Wrigley Field and the Chicago skyline from the press box level – play ball!
I am not a fan of big cities. But, there are a few that I’ve always had an interest in visiting. Chicago was one of them – it was actually on my bucket list. Well, I got to go the week of July 26-31. Some friends were going to visit a family member who lives there and they let me tag along. It was a great experience and one I happily checked off my list. We crammed a lot into the six day trip – it was rough on these old bones of mine, but we did it and saw as much of the city and key points of interest as we could.
Three of us stayed in an Airbnb condo and one stayed with the family member we were visiting. This was my first time using Airbnb. At first it was a bit frustrating – the first place we booked was through Vrbo and it was canceled on us. So, we started our search, again, and found an Airbnb. Unfortunately, that, too, was canceled on us. Both times, we got all our money back, but it still made us cautious about trying again. Third time was the charm, though – we found a condo a block from Wrigley Field in the neighborhood of Wrigleyville and just a few blocks from where our family member’s apartment was with a bus stop right at the corner of the block – perfect location! Even with the cancelations, I’d do Airbnb/Vrbo again if the situation was right for it.
Getting around Chicago was easy. We didn’t get a rental car and I would absolutely recommend you not bother with one for this city. The public transportation and availability of Ubers made anything we wanted to do easily accessible. We got a 7-day pass for the city transit system (buses) – $20 for unlimited use – and used Ubers when warranted. We also booked a 48 hour hop-on-hop-off tour, so we used that for our transportation for some of the main downtown sights. With all that at our beck and call, why pay for a car rental and all the city parking hassles and fees?
Chicago’s architecture is spectacular. We were amazed by all the different designs of the buildings – definitely not a “cookie cutter” city!
As for sightseeing, I think we did good! We saw the city from the top of a double decker open top bus – the architecture was spectacular! Most big cities all look the same to me, but Chicago definitely has a unique feel and the building designs varied greatly – definitely not a “cookie cutter” city! We ate at some good restaurants – I had a Chicago hotdog and really liked it even with all the odd stuff they put on it! We hopped off at the marker for the start of historic Route 66, Millenium Park, Grant Park, the castle-like structures of the historic water tower and pumping station built in 1869, and saw great views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city of Chicago in general.
We booked a river cruise – one that focused on the architecture and history of the city. It was a 90-minute cruise down all three branches of the beautiful Chicago River while a wonderful docent talked about all of the buildings and their history. It was incredible and a “must do” if you find yourself in Chicago with time to do something like that. I highly recommend it – if you can only do one thing, do that!
The Chicago River is an integral part of the City of Chicago with a River Walk and boat tours. A “must do” if you’re in Chicago is the Chicago River Architecture Cruise!
I had hoped that the Cubs would be in town so I could go to a game, but they were away. So, we did the next best thing that actually ended up being even better than just going to a game – we took a guided tour of Wrigley Field. WOW! Just being in a major league ball park is a thrill – especially one this historic. We got to learn all about the history of the ball park and the Cubs. The tour took us into the stands, down on the sidelines of the field, a photo op with the famous ivy wall, up to the press box, and into the visitor’s clubhouse and dugout (there was a camp there that weekend and they were using the Cub’s clubhouse and dugout, so we couldn’t go in there). It was one of my highlights of the trip – if you have a chance to do this tour, do it! (But….don’t worry, I’m still a Yankees fan, even though the tour guide said we were all now honorary Cubs fans – haha)
We visited the famous “bean” – a sculpture that is actually called “Cloud Gate” in Millenium Park. That was cool! We also spent some time at the Navy Pier. While the others were inside shopping, I went out to ride the Centennial Wheel – a huge ferris wheel that overlooks Lake Michigan and the city. That was fun and the views from up there were awesome. And, we went to the top of Willis Tower – formerly known as Sears Tower – the tallest building in Chicago. I stepped out onto the “Ledge” – a glass enclosed balcony of sorts that sticks out from the 103rd floor with a glass floor looking down something like 1400 feet! I had to force myself to step out onto that glass floor, but I did it and I’m so glad I did! The sun was setting and the views were incredible!
The view of Chicago from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower – formerly known as Sears Tower – at sunset.
My favorite place to eat was a fabulous super trendy upscale food court called “Time Out Market – Chicago” located in the Fulton Market. It is a huge place with communal seating and lots of different “kitchens” all around the perimeter. The food was awesome and the atmosphere was fun. I absolutely recommend you go there if in Chicago – you won’t regret it!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2023 at 9:14 am
There will be lots of sunshine this weekend in Orleans County.
Today is forecast to be sunny with a high of 75 followed by a mostly sunny Sunday with a high of 83, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
The forecast then calls for a high near 78 and mostly cloudy on Monday, then partly sunny on Tuesday with a high near 76.
On Wednesday, the forecast is mostly sunny with a high near 77, followed by partly sunny with a high near 81 on Thursday.
A boater on the Cayuga enjoys the leisurely ride on the Erie Canal on Thursday.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 August 2023 at 8:56 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: The grand opening of Carquest in Medina was celebrated with a ribbon cutting Friday morning. From left are Dave Gagne, president of Orleans County Chamber of Commerce; Jay Bridges, independent sales director for Carquest in Michigan; Arnold Huth, counter man; store owner Joe Kauffman of Middleport with daughter Emma, 8; Larry Schlossin, account executive for Carquest in Buffalo; Assemblyman Steve Hawley; John Belson, driver; and Darlene Hartway, director of Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
MEDINA – Opening his own store has become a reality for Joseph Kauffman of Middleport, who celebrated the grand opening of Carquest on Friday morning.
Kauffman had been working as parts man for Orleans Ford, but always wanted to be in business for himself. When the old Carquest moved out of Medina, he saw an opportunity.
Joe Kauffman (right), owner of a new Carquest store in Medina, is congratulated by Assemblyman Steve Hawley on the new store in Medina.
He contacted Larry Schlossin, account executive for Carquest in Buffalo, and soon plans were in the works for a new store in Medina. He opened the doors March 13, but waited for the official ribbon cutting until all his signs and inventory were in place. The new store is located at 11270 Maple Ridge Rd., between Rent-A-Center and Valu.
Friday morning, Kauffman was joined by staff and Carquest personnel to cut the ribbon at his new business. Among the guests was Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who presented Kauffman with a proclamation congratulating him on his new venture.
“We are here to support him,” Schlossin said.
Kauffman is joined by counter man, Arnold Huth and two drivers, John Belson and Kenneth Flickner.
Kauffman’s dad, Kurt Kauffman said he expects to lend a hand part time after he retires from Mullane Motors, where he has been a mechanic for more than 40 years.
Carquest is a full-fledged parts store, serving the automotive industry – from heavy duty truck parts and cleaning supplies to hydraulic hoses, tools and shop equipment.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
For information, their phone number is (585) 318-4528.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 August 2023 at 1:19 pm
ALBION – Orleans County is $2 million closer to building a new emergency operations center. The county needs about $10 million more to replace a bunker-style civil defense center on West Countyhouse Road.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand met with county officials today to present a ceremonial check for $2 million. That is the maximum in federal aid the county could receive for the project, said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director.
The county also has applied for a $2.4 million state grant and is awaiting whether that will be approved. There isn’t a set timetable on when the new building will be constructed. The funding secured by Gillibrand needs to be spent by the end of 2025.
The emergency management office was built as early 1960s bomb shelter. It has a leaking roof and a shortage of space.
The current building is 8,000 square feet – 80 by 100 feet. Most of the structure is underground. It isn’t handicapped accessible and doesn’t have enough space for the emergency management office, Niederhofer said.
The new building is planned to be about 17,000 feet. That includes about 11,000 square feet for offices and classrooms, and another 5,600 square feet for equipment storage.
The county’s backup dispatcher center would be there, as well as training space for firefighters and other first responders. There are three full-time employees that work out of the building. There is also space for ham operators to operate if the communications systems totally fail.
“The new facility will be ADA compliant, appropriately sized to accommodate all needed staff, support equipment and allow for the emergency operations center to be at a ready state,” Niederhofer said. “It will ensure the EOC can be operational in minutes versus hours, while simultaneously utilizing the backup dispatch and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, which provides back up communication capabilities during disasters.”
Kirsten Gillibrand greets firefighters and first responders, including Scott Buffin, the assistant EMO director for the county.
Gillibrand said the federal funding will assist Orleans in having a modern facility where first responders can plan and be quickly deployed to help residents in all kind of emergencies.
The $12 million preliminary price for the new project includes taking down two radio towers – one is 485 feet tall and the other is 225 feet – and replacing them with one tower that would be about 300 feet high.
The initial civil defense center cost $107,000 to build, County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said.
Construction costs have dramatically risen since then, especially since the Covid pandemic.
Johnson said the county “is in desperate need of an upgrade” at the site. She thanked Gillibrand for advocating for the county to be awarded the federal funding.
“Through Sen. Gillibrand’s unyielding dedication to public safety, and her genuine compassion for the people she serves, she has secured $2 million to help us build a brand-new Emergency Management Office,” Johnson said.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand gets a tour of the current emergency management office, which was built as an underground bunker.
Justin Niederhofer, right, said the site is too small for many training classes and programs, as well as other services and storage needs for the emergency management office.
A preliminary site plan by LaBella Associates puts the new building next to the current structure. It would be west of the current building and would include parking.
County officials are expected to seek more detailed designs from LaBella as the project moves forward.
Kirsten Gillibrand meets long-time ham radio operators Bruce Sidari, center, and Terry Cook. They both said they welcome a more modern facility.
