By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2023 at 9:48 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The top showmen in four different small animals – dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature horses – vied today for the grand master showman. Lydia Hofmann of Albion, left, won the title with Audrey Pask of Barre the reserve grand master.
A year ago Pask won the title with Hofmann as the reserve.
Hofmann said she tried hard to win the title this time, her last year in 4-H. She saw miniature horses as her weak spot and she pushed to learn more about them, asking many questions to other 4-H’ers who work with them.
“It was definitely my goal, even though it was a lofty goal,” Hofmann said about winning the grand master for small animals.
The competition featured the top showman and reserve from the four different animals.
Lydia Hofmann shows Hugh, an English Springer Spaniel. Sandy Sucy is the judge.
Hofmann has been showing dogs in 4-h for eight years. She travelled to Switzerland to show dogs in 2019.
Hofmann has been home-schooled and earned a degree at Genesee Community College. She is certified as a vet tech.
“This is a great way to end my 4-H career,” she said after today’s grand master showmen competition. “Now I’m ready to start adult life.”
The small animal grand master showmen participants include front, from left: Celes Paratore, 15, of Corfu (representing poultry); Meganne Moore, 17, of Albion (representing miniature horses); Audrey Pask, 18, of Barre (representing poultry); Amber Kiefer, 19, of Lyndonville (representing dogs); Lydia Hofmann, 19, of Albion (representing dogs); Evelyn Paratore, 11, of Corfu (representing rabbits); Haylee Wright, 12, of Lyndonville (representing rabbits) and Grace Goodrich, 14, of Medina (representing miniature horses).
Audrey Pask answers questions about a bantam rooster to Dawn Marciszewski, the poultry judge.
Pask competed in the large animal grand master competition on Friday and won that title. She said the smaller animal competition was less physically grueling but required more specific knowledge about the animals.
The master showmen needed to do a quick health check on the animals, note the ideal height and weight for each and note anything that could be considered a fault. For example, the bantam roosters shouldn’t have any white feathers.
Meganne Moore of Albion answers questions from judge Sandy Sucy about the English Springer Spaniel. Today’s competition occurred while there was a massive downpour outside.
Evelyn Paratore of Corfu shows a bantam rooster as part of the poultry component of today’s small animal grand master showman event.
Celes Paratore, Evelyn’s older sister, shows a miniature horse in front of judge Nicole Dabney. The eight showmen needed to set up the horse, walk it halfway in the show arena, lead it in a 360-degree pattern, then set up the miniature horse again for a final inspection from the judge.
Haylee Wright of Lyndonville shows a rabbit during the grand master competition. She qualified after finishing as a the reserve master showman for rabbits. Haylee also shows poultry and rides horses at the fair. She was worried about showing the dog today but it wasn’t too bad.
“I survived,” she said. “It was quite the fun experience but it was nerve-wracking.”
Grace Goodrich of Medina runs while showing Hugh, the English Springer Spaniel in today’s competition.
Amber Kiefer of Lyndonville shows a rabbit and answers questions from the judge. The competition today lasted more than two hours.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2023 at 9:20 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Audrey Pask, 18, of Barre smiles after being presented the trophy as the grand master showman at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Friday evening. She is congratulated by Kylie Marion, left, and Celes Paratore, the reserve grand master.
Pask won one of the most prestigious titles at the fair. The competition features the master showman in nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.
Audrey Pask shows a steer during the grand master showman. She qualified after winning the showman competition for sheep.
Pask was praised by judge Emma Kron for her overall consistency showing the animals.
“She maintained eye contact, showed confidence ad had the ring presence,” Kron said.
Kron wants to see the showmanship skills, how the 4-H’ers present the animals. She also asks them questions to test their knowledge of the species.
Pask has won the small animal grand master three years. She competes in that event this morning. Winning the large animal grand master is a great honor, she said.
“I was surprised because there was a lot of tough competition,” she said.
She has been showing sheep for more than a decade, since she was a Cloverbud in the 4-H program. She also showed horses for eight years.
Pask said the temperatures in the mid-80s was hard on all of the master showman – and the animals as the event stretched past two hours. At times she had sweat dripping into her eyes “and it was burning.”
But she didn’t let it rattle her.
Judge Emma Kron watches how the master showmen line up and present these beef cattle during Friday’s grand master showmen competition.
The master showmen included:
Audrey Pask, 18,of Barre, representing sheep
Brilyn Rebisz, 18, of Bergen, representing dairy goats
Danielle Schmidt, 18, of Medina, representing llamas
Celes Paratore, 14, of Corfu, representing meat goats
Kylie Marion, 17, of Kendall, representing English horse
Ruth Kuipers, 12, of Byron, representing pigs and beef cattle
Georgia Baxter, 13, of Churchville, representing dairy cows
Sophia Englant, 15, of Hamlin, representing Western horse
Danielle Schmidt of Medina leads a horse in the Western horse part of the competition. She qualified for the competition after winning the llama showman title.
Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen, right, and Ruth Kuipers of Byron keep their eyes on the judge while showing sheep. The master showmen have to work with nine different animal species and need to show animals that they didn’t previously work with during the fair.
Celes Paratore of Corfu, the reserve grand master, keeps a pig under control during the competition.
Kylie Marion of Kendall, left, and Sophia Englant of Hamlin, right, show these dairy animals. They both qualified for their showmanship skills with horses.
Georgia Baxter of Churchville leads a beef animal into the show ring. She qualified after winning the dairy title on Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2023 at 8:32 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The fireworks finale bursts in the sky near the Orleans County 4-H fairgrounds on Friday night.
Young Explosives did the show that was about 15 minutes beginning at 10 p.m.
These fireworks are shown with the Fun Slide at the Midway in the foreground.
The Spider ride is shown with the fireworks in back.
These riders on the Ferris Wheel enjoy their view of the fireworks.
It was a busy day Friday at the fair. Jordan Hammonds, 9, of Medina is all smiles riding a pony from Painted Sky Ranch in Brockport. The rides are offered outside the cattle barn on the lawn.
The Kirby family ran the busy milkshake booth on Friday for the Farm Bureau. Three generations of the family were involved including Linda Kirby, right. She is joined by her children, Chad Kirby and Stacey Kirby Steward, and Stacey’s daughter, Skylar, 7, as well as other family members.
The hay bale rolling contest actually capped off the day at the fair, following the fireworks. Seven teams competed on Friday night, including “Heavy Wood” – Matt Schofield and Jeremy Arnold of Holley. They pushed the hay bale through a curvy course with mounds and obstacles in 1 minute, 30 seconds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2023 at 7:45 am
8 a.m. – Open Class Sheep Show at Show Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens at Senior Council Stand
9 a.m. – 4-H Gymkhana Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
10 a.m. – Small Animal Grandmaster Showman at Knights Building
Evi Stedman, 2 ½ of Holley, gets a pony ride from Painted Sky Ranch in Brockport on Friday evening at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. She also has a lion painted on her face.
10 a.m. – Paid admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
10 a.m. – VE Testing for Ham Radio at Education Center
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Towpath Trading Post: Supplies for WNY at Fair Office Portico
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Digital Literacy and Connect Orleans Cyber Lounge – with charging station at Lartz Building
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Museum Corner: Photo station, history, and stone exploration exhibit, by the Cobblestone Museum and Sandstone Society at Lartz Building
Firefighters from the Murray Joint Fire District helped out in the Senior Council Stand on Friday night, the busiest time of the fair at the stand. This group includes Brody Fiorito, Debbie Chilson, Chris Chilson, Kyle White and Adam Blosenhauer. Nine firefighters from Murray and one from Clarendon volunteered in the stand on Friday night.
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan at Lartz Building
1 to 5 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 1-5 only) at Midway
Raymond Kingdollar, 5, of Clarendon competes in the small fry tractor pull on Friday.
1 to 7 p.m. – WNY PRISM, invasive species experts at Lartz Building
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Davis Building
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony and Crowning of the Fair Royalty at Show Arena
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
There were about 60 classic cars on display during the car show Friday at the fairgrounds, including a 1957 Chevrolet Convertible in front.
6 to 9 p.m. – Jim The Balloon Guy will be strolling
6 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 6-10 only) at Midway
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
6:30 p.m. – Market Auction Preview and Reception at Show Arena
7 to 10 p.m. – Live Music with the SKYCATS at Orleans Hub Stage
The Who Dats perform on Friday evening at the fair. From left include John Borello, Todd Graham, Lonnie Froman, Alex DeSmit on drums and Ed Hilfiker.
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
7 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Market Auction at Show Arena
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the Fair Office by 9:20 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Course (Immediately following Qualifier, Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Winners only championship round at the Hay Bale Rolling Course.)
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
Simon Ellison of Albion, left at hay bale, and Michael Clark of Kendall push the heavy bale through a meandering course of obstacles on Friday night at the hay bale rolling competition. Jeremy Neal, in back, is the event’s chairman. Seven teams competed on Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2023 at 4:42 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The Cattle Barn at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds includes a tribute to Byron Neal, who passed away at age 8 on April 14 after a brave battle with cancer.
Byron is the son of Jeremy and Tina Neal, and brother of Lyla. His cousins, uncles and other family members have been heavily involved with the fair for decades.
Byron made his own mark at the fair. He showed rabbits and displayed an exuberance for climbing into tractors, sounding the horn at the greased pole climbing contest and walking alongside his father in the haybale-rolling competitions. Jeremy Neal has been chairman of the haybale rolling contest since its debut in 2021. Jeremy designs the course, serves as the official if teams go off course or topple a traffic cone. Byron was quick to point out if the bale strayed across the line or crushed a cone.
This photo from July 28, 2022 shows Elijah “The Bull” Starr of Lyndonville pushing a heavy hay bale along the course at the former greased pole site. Jeremy Neal and his son Byron keep a close eye to make sure Starr keeps the bale on course. If the bale goes outside the lines there is a penalty.
The haybale-rolling course has been named in honor of Byron Neal.
“It’s nice to see people know who Byron is,” Jeremy said on Thursday night after the haybale-rolling contest.
Natalie Mrzywka, 4-H administrative assistant, designed the tribute to Byron on the Cattle Barn. She said the Fair Board approved the memorials for Byron, who she said remains a much loved 4-H’er.
The Fair Board approved “a more serious” tribute for Byron on the Cattle Barn and also wanted one more light-hearted at the haybale-rolling course.
Jeremy Neal meets with the four haybale-rolling teams on Thursday night to go over the rules. A sign is mounted on the greased pole declaring the site “Byron’s Bale-Rolling Barnyard!”
A collection was taken in support of research for childhood cancer last night and $365 was given by the crowd at the haybale-rolling site. The winning team, brothers Alden and Alwyn Cayea, donated the $50 in winnings to the cause and that was matched by another person.
The Orleans County Farm Bureau also named its milkshake booth in honor of Byron Neal. Byron loved eating milkshakes, and making and serving them during the fair.
Tina Neal said she appreciates all the support for her son.
“It is absolutely amazing,” she said about the displays.
She said fair week was Byron’s favorite time of the year.
When he was receiving treatments for cancer, Byron would show his nurses and doctors YouTube videos from the greased pole and haybale rolling. Byron was in the videos next to his father, keeping a close eye on the action.
“He loved to show the YouTube videos,” his mother said. “He would say, ‘Look at me – I’m famous!’”
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Depending on the weather, aerial and hand distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits will take place in Western New York from Aug. 15-17.
Areas of New York State are once again taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states. Ongoing field evaluation of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) called ONRAB will occur in Clinton, Essex counties in the Empire State as part of an evaluation that also includes parts of northern Vermont and New Hampshire.
Additionally, evaluations will also occur in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wyoming counties. These sites were selected in part because of ongoing collaborations with Quebec and Ontario, Canada in the fight against rabies to protect human and animal health and reduce significant cost associated with living with rabies across broad geographic areas.
“Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is generally fatal,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife.”
The cooperative USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) was established in 1997 to prevent the further spread of wildlife rabies in the United States by containing and eventually eliminating the virus in terrestrial mammals. The majority of the NRMP efforts are focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which continues to account for most of the reported wildlife rabies cases in the U.S.
Raccoon rabies occurs in all states east of the established ORV zone that extends from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama. Continued access to oral vaccine and bait options that are effective in all target wildlife species remains critical to long-term success.
ORV was designed to test the safety and immunogenicity (provoke an immune response in the body of a human or other animal) of the oral human adenovirus-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine ONRAB (Artemis Technologies Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Guelph, Ontario, Canada), which has been successfully integrated into comprehensive rabies control programs that resulted in elimination of raccoon rabies from Canada.
Encouraging results from the U.S. trial in West Virginia represented a major milestone that led to expanded evaluations in 4 additional states (NH, NY, OH, and VT) in 2012-2021 and expansion into 2 new states (PA and TN) in 2022. Data from these evaluations could lead to licensing of this vaccine for broader, more aggressive management of raccoon rabies by the NRMP and partners, with the goal of eliminating the variant of the rabies virus that cycle in raccoons.
The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine. To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor, and dark-green food-grade dye.
Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait. However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave the bait undisturbed. Should contact with bait occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap and contact your local health department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County or 585-589-3278 for Orleans County.
Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm the dog. If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 477-4837.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2023 at 11:33 am
Village still needs to OK final site plan for project creating 18 apartments
Photos by Tom Rivers: Bilal Huzair of Carlton, CEO of Buildmore Corporation, discusses a plan to turn the former Clover Hill Adult Residence into 18 one-bedroom apartments. Jeff Palumbo, an attorney, is in back. Huzair’s company would do the interior construction for the project if it moves forward.
ALBION – The Village of Albion Planning Board on Thursday approved a special use permit to turn the former Clover Hill Adult Residence into a multi-family dwelling.
Clover Hill was an assisted living site at 355 South Main St. It closed in March 2022.
Realtegic LP in Amherst is seeking to acquire the site and turn it into 18 one-bedroom apartments that would also include a bathroom and kitchen. Ravi Prasher is president of Realtegic.
The project still needs a site plan review before going forward.
Bilal Huzair of Carlton and his company, Buildmore Corporation, would do the interior construction. Huzair spoke during a public hearing on Thursday about the special use permit. He was joined by attorney Jeff Palumbo.
The Clover Hill assisted living site at 355 South Main St. closed in March 2022.
They said they were holding off on the site plan until first hearing whether the special use permit would be approved. Now that Realtegic has that permit, the business will have an architect work on the renderings for how the building will be transformed into the one-bedroom apartments.
Huzair said they will be rented for $1,500 a month and that is all inclusive with utilities.
The apartments aren’t exclusively for senior citizens, but Huzair said he expects seniors seeking to downsize will pursue the apartments, which will also appeal to younger adults and couples.
Some of the nearby residents voiced their displeasure during a public hearing that the site would turn into a muti-family dwelling.
“We don’t want high-density living right there,” said Diana Reed, who owns the house next door.
She said the change to apartments would have a bigger impact on the neighborhood than when it was assisted living. She said there would be more traffic and noise with the change to apartments.
“What is the highest and best use of the property that won’t be something that will degrade the neighborhood?” Reed asked at the hearing.
Jason Dragon, a village resident on East Avenue, also sees the switch to apartments as a more intrusive use for the neighborhood, possibly pushing down property values.
Jeff Palumbo, the attorney for Realtegic, said there are other multi-family dwellings nearby, as well as commercial businesses in the neighborhood. He said the change to one-bedroom apartments makes good use of existing facility that has been vacant for 16 months now.
Karen Conn, the Planning Board chairwoman, said the switch to apartments will not be a significant change on the site. She and the board said they foresee it could result in a moderate increase in traffic.
The special use permit is limited to Realtegic only. If a different owner acquires the site, that owner would have to seek its own permit. Conn noted the board and public can also review the site plan and offer more feedback at a future meeting.
Conn, who also is a real estate agent, said there is a need in the community for apartments for seniors looking to downsize from larger homes and yard work. Many younger couples and singles are also looking for apartments that aren’t targeted for lower-income tenants, she said.
Huzair said the property will stay on the tax rolls and the owner won’t be seeking tax breaks as part of the project.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2023 at 10:33 am
A heat advisory has been issued for today from noon to 8 p.m. for Orleans County with heat indexed in the mid to upper 90s expected.
The advisory includes Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Genesee, Livingston and Ontario counties.
The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the National Weather Service said.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service said. “When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.”
The forecast for the next few days includes mostly sunny and hot with a high near 90 today, followed by a high near 77 on Saturday with showers and possibly a thunderstorm.
Sunday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 76 followed by a mostly sunny Monday with a high near 76.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2023 at 8:32 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Brilyn Rebisz, 18, of Bergen sings “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack during the karaoke finals at the Orleans County 4-H fair on Thursday night.
She was one of 15 singers to qualify for the finals. Brilyn took third place. She has been competing in karaoke for several years.
She also shows goats at the fair. She was cheered on by many of the 4-H’ers during her performance.
Trellis Pore and his daughter Zyann, 10, both were among the top performers in the karaoke finals. Trellis sang “Gravity” by John Mayer and Zyann sang “Alleluia.”
Trellis is the pastor of the Shiloh Church in Albion and his daughter is the youth worship leader.
“It was a little nerve-wracking but once you get up on stage it’s pretty cool,” Zyann said.
The singers performed to a full crowd at the Curtis Pavilion.
The top five karaoke singers received trophies and money on Thursday. The prize money totals $1,000 with $500 to first place, $250 to second, $125 to third, $75 to fourth and $50 to fifth. Pictured from left include Leah Kania of Albion (first), Trellis Pore of Albion (second), Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen (third), Zyann Pore of Albion (fourth) and Carrie Clay of Albion (fifth).
Savannah Steffen, 23, of Albion sang “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood. Steffen said she has been doing karaoke for 17 years. She was thrilled to take the stage in front of her two children.
“I like to get up there and show my kids that I can do it,” she said.
Leah Kania won the competition with an Italian operatic song, “Bel Piacere.” Noah Fox performed “Sway” by Michael Bublé.
Kania just finished her first year as a vocal performance major at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio.
She sang karaoke two years ago at the fair on a whim, singing “Baby Sharks.”
She wanted to bring opera to stage this time and is thrilled the crowd and judges appreciated the music.
“I thought it was something that would spice up the fair,” she said about singing opera. “I just love sharing what I’m so passionate about.”
Alyssa Ebel sings “Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood and Kyle Morgan performs “Almost Home” by Craig Morgan.
(Left) Carrie Clay of Albion performs “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. (Right) Tiffany Poynter of Medina sings “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
Clay, 29, said she enjoys performing and getting the crowd going.
“I just love to sing and to entertain people,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2023 at 7:23 am
8 a.m. – 4-H Western and Ranch Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
8 a.m. – Open Class Llama and Alpaca Show at Show Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens at Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Dog Show Agility and Fun Classes at Knights Building
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – OCALS Literacy Services at Trolley Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Towpath Trading Post: Supplies for WNY at Fair Office Portico
Danielle Schmidt of Medina and Matthew Bloom of Albion get their beef animals lined up during Wednesday beef show at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Digital Literacy and Connect Orleans Cyber Lounge – with charging station at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Museum Corner: Photo station, history, and stone exploration exhibit, by the Cobblestone Museum and Sandstone Society at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Painted Sky Ranch Pony Rides at Cattle Barn Lawn area
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan at Lartz Building
2 p.m. – Storytime with Lee Whedon Library at Trolley Building
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway
4 p.m. – Royalty Questionnaires Due at Fair Office
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens
Qasim Huzair of Lyndonville sings “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers during the karaoke finals on Thursday. His younger brother Amir also made the finals and sang “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé.
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
5 to 6 p.m. – Leadership Orleans Rubber Duck Racers! FINALS at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
5 p.m. – Pie Eating Contest – Pre-registration at the Fair Office strongly encouraged
5:30 p.m. – Classic Car Cruise-In at Education Center Lot
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
6 to 9 p.m. – Jim The Balloon Guy will be strolling
6 to 9 p.m. – Free Face Painting! At Fair Office Portico
6 p.m. – Large Animal Grand Master Showman at Livestock Areas
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
The Midway and fair food booths are lighted up on Thursday night at the fair.
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 to 10 p.m. – Live music with the Who Dats at Orleans Hub Stage
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
10 p.m. – Fireworks Show (Rain Date Saturday @ 10 p.m.)
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
10:15 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up at Hay Bale Rolling Course. Register at the Fair Office by 9:50 p.m.
The “Royal Rollers” push the hay bale in the last stretch of the course on Thursday. The team includes Fair King James Scheid of Churchville and Fair Queen Grace Gregoire of Murray. They completed the challenge in 2 minutes, 30 seconds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2023 at 6:39 pm
County acquires 2 easements to block sewer pipeline construction
Photos by Tom Rivers: Michael Dobell, chief executive officer for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, said county officials are opposing the sewer discharge into Oak Orchard Creek, saying it could jeopardize future development in Medina and Shelby, while harming the county’s tourism and recreation with the Oak Orchard. (Right) Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias LLP, said the Genesee County Economic Development Center illegally created STAMP Sewer Works as “a sham corporation” to do the eminent domain proceedings against two Orleans County property owners. She has been hired by Orleans County.
ALABAMA – Orleans County officials made it clear they oppose efforts to run a 9-mile-long sewer pipeline from the STAMP manufacturing site in Alabama along Route 63 into Shelby, depositing up to 6 million gallons of treated wastewater into the Oak Orchard Creek.
County officials spoke during an eminent domain public hearing today. Orleans County has hired Lippes Mathias LLP in Buffalo to oppose the pipeline and the push for temporary construction easements on two properties in Shelby. One temporary construction easement also is needed in Alabama.
Michael Dobell, chief executive officer of the Orleans Economic Development Agency, said the sewer discharges from STAMP at up to 6 million gallons a day would limit the Orleans EDA’s efforts to attract businesses to the Medina Business Park in Shelby.
The discharges also would have an impact on the Oak Orchard, which is a major fishing draw for the county and also used by kayakers, boaters and others for recreation, Dobell said.
(Left) Mark Masse, senior vice president of operations for the Genesee County Economic Development Center, said the STAMP park offers numerous economic benefits for the region. (Right) Matthew Fitzgerald, attorney with Phillips Lytle and for STAMP Sewer Works, said the pipeline has received state and federal environmental approvals and won’t pose a significant environmental impact. He stressed the eminent domain is for a temporary construction easement and wouldn’t be permanent.
Dobell also announced Orleans County has secured the easements from the two holdout landowners in Shelby for the pipeline. The county acquired the easements with the purpose that no sewer pipeline construction be allowed on the land owned by Brennen and Valerie O’Connor, and Donald and Dana Quackenbush.
“We support our neighbors and advocate for economic development that facilitates growth of new industry in the region,” Dobell said during a public hearing at the Alabama Volunteer Fire Hall. “We are not opposed to the overall STAMP project as it exists in Genesee County. However, as representatives working on behalf of the residents and business owners in Orleans County, our mission is to foster economic development within Orleans County, and it would be inconsistent with that mission to support a project that would compromise local infrastructure, harm the county’s recreational waterways and is detrimental to economic development in Orleans County.”
The Genesee County Economic Development Center has been working for more than a decade to develop the STAMP “Green Manufacturing Mega Site.” The industrial park is 1,250 acres and is targeted for nanotechnology, chip manufacturers and other advanced manufacturing.
The first tenant at STAMP, Plug Power Inc., is under construction for a $290 million hydrogen production facility that is expected to be ready in the summer 2024 and will employ 68 workers.
Another company, Edwards Vacuum, announced plans in November for a $319 million factory that will produce equipment used in the semiconductor industry.
Joe Cardone, the Orleans County district attorney and a Shelby resident, said Genesee County’s pipeline project and eminent domain proceedings against two Shelby property owners violates a spirit of cooperation among the two counties.
Mark Masse, GCEDC senior vice president of operations, said STAMP could be a transformative project for the community, employing up to 9,000 people at full buildout of 6 million square feet of space. STAMP would have a big positive ripple effect throughout the region, including Orleans County, Masse said.
STAMP has secured 27 easements for the pipeline construction but needs three more. That’s why its subsidiary, STAMP Sewer Works, held the eminent domain public hearing today. That hearing was attended by about 75 people and lasted nearly three hours.
Masse and an engineer from Clark Patterson Lee said other options were studied for the sewer discharge – Tonawanda Creek, Whitney Creek and the wildlife refuge – but they would have a bigger impact on the environment and the neighboring Seneca Tonawanda Nation.
The 9-mile long sewer pipe with a 20-inch diameter is the most feasible alternative, Masse said. Without that pipeline the full buildout of STAMP will not be possible, he said.
The easement is needed for about two to three weeks of construction and then another week of property restoration for about a month total. Once the work is done the easement goes away.
Contractors need use of the property for excavators, drilling machines and dump trucks. About 10 to 15 people will be on site during construction.
The pipe will go down 6 to 23 feet. The project also includes pump stations.
Masse noted the project has secured environmental permits from the state and federal agencies.
Scott Logan, a subchief for the Bear Clan of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, said the STAMP project has been moving forward despite opposition from the Tonawanda Nation that borders the property. The STAMP site is a threat to Tonawanda culture and so much wildlife, he said. Other local residents shared similar concerns.
The Genesee County EDC was faulted for going outside its legal authority in using the STAMP Sewer Works entity to pursue the easements, said Dobell of the Orleans EDA and Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias LLP, a firm retained by Orleans County.
Persico said STAMP Sewer Works is “a sham corporation” to do the eminent domain proceedings against two Orleans County property owners.
The General Municipal Law doesn’t allow an industrial development agency to use funds or provide financial assistance for projects outside its county borders, unless it has the other county’s support, Persico said. Orleans County never gave its consent for the eminent domain.
The GCEDC is clearly driving and funding the STAMP Sewer Works and pushing for the easements to discharge wastewater into Orleans, she said.
“This hearing is really an attempt by GCEDC to finance a project outside its boundaries which is prohibited outside the General Municipal Law,” she said. “At its core it seems the STAMP Sewer Works is an invalid corporation with no authority to undertake eminent domain.”
Matthew Fitzgerald, an attorney for STAMP Sewer Works, said the sewer pipeline has undergone “an extensive environmental review” from the Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the refuge and the Army Corps of Engineers.
“The GCEDC has avoided all adverse impacts to the maximum extent practical,” said Fitzgerald, an attorney with Phillips Lytle.
(Left) Geri Hens of Niagara County, a beekeeper with colonies in 15 counties, said too much farmland and environmentally sensitive areas are being lost to big business. (Right) Dr. Kirk A. Scirto, a family medicine specialist at Tonawanda Family Care Center, said the STAMP businesses could affect the nearby Tonawanda and other residents with more cases of nausea, rashes and other illnesses and conditions. He also said the sewer only serves big businesses and doesn’t allow residents to tap in.
Joe Cardone, the Orleans County district attorney and a Shelby resident, said the push by Genesee to discharge sewer water into the Oak Orchard goes against a spirit of cooperation that has long existed between the two counties.
“Shame on Genesee County for how this is happening,” Cardone said. “This may be a great project, but Orleans County really bears the brunt of this project, having to take on all the wastewater.”
Cardone said Orleans should have been brought to table in early discussions about how to handle the sewer needs for STAMP.
“We know very little about the quality of the wastewater (from STAMP),” Cardone said. “We do know it is to our detriment for the benefit of Genesee County.”
(Left) Jill Heaps, an attorney at Earthjustice’s Northeast office, said the pipeline construction and its outflow into Oak Orchard Creek raised environmental concerns. (Right) Margaux Valenti, Legal Director for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, said the full environmental impacts were considered with the 9-mile sewer pipeline.
Press Release and photo courtesy of FMC in Middleport
MIDDLEPORT – Katie McFadden (middle), plant manager at the FMC Middleport Agricultural Sciences Plant, welcomes two Royalton-Hartland graduating seniors, Nadia White of Middleport (left) and Alexandria Stern of Middleport (right), to the local plant.
FMC awarded $1,000 scholarships to each student based on judging of their 350-word essays which responded to the following question: “Who inspires you the most and how will this motivate you in your future career?”
Nadia White will be pursuing her passion for the environment through her coursework at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse this fall. A member of the National Honor Society, Nadia earned an Advanced Regents Diploma, while taking on leadership roles and being very active in athletics on the varsity swimming, varsity soccer and varsity track and field teams.
Alexandria Stern, who wants to devote her life to helping others through the field of medicine, will enter the physician’s assistant (PA) program at Daemen University this fall. Alexandria earned an Advanced Regents Diploma at Roy-Hart and was a member of the National Honor Society, served as a leader in student government, while also playing varsity volleyball and varsity tennis.
“Having been recognized among the world’s best employers, and one of the leading employers in our community, FMC is keenly aware of the importance of continuing education, particularly for careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math),” said Katie McFadden, FMC Middleport plant manager. “We’re proud to honor two outstanding Roy-Hart graduates with these scholarships and we wish them much success with their STEM studies in college.”
