By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2023 at 9:25 am
Dustin Reisman has run pizza business in Public Square for 17 years
Photos by Tom Rivers: Dustin Reisman works in the kitchen at Dustin’s Pizzeria on Friday. He has owned the business the past 17 years with 10 to 12 employees.
HOLLEY – The Holley community is planning a “Day of Dustin” on Tuesday to show appreciation for Dustin Reisman, owner of Dustin’s Pizzeria the past 17 years.
The business suffered when a former employee posted on social media the business was plagued with unsanitary conditions including cockroaches in the kitchen. Reisman tried to refute those allegations, but the orders for pizza, wings, subs and other food drastically dropped after that post.
The Orleans County Health Department and village code enforcement also inspected Dustin’s on Sept. 15 and found no public health hazards or violations. They pulled out equipment and looked closely for any pests but didn’t find any.
Reisman posted the full report on the Dustin’s Pizzeria Facebook page, as well as previous inspections from the Health Department that showed no violations.
But he fears some damage has been done to the business’s reputation.
“I don’t hold any negative feeling towards the person,” Reisman said about the former employee who made the allegations on social media. “I just want to move on and survive.”
Dustin Reisman and his wife Jennifer and shown with their children, Dustin Jr. and Harper, in front of the pizzeria at 50 Public Square.
Reisman relies on the business to support his family, and he said the pizzeria’s success is also critical to the livelihoods for his 10 to 12 employees.
Reisman, 42, has worked in the pizza business for 25 years. He is a 2000 graduate of the Holley school district. Dustin’s has been a stable presence in Holley’s Public Square for nearly two decades.
Reisman is thankful for his career and the chance to see so many members of the Holley community on a regular basis. When he drives in the community, he spots the homes of his regular customers and can tell his wife and children what the residents at those houses typically order. Reisman can even recite the phone numbers of many of his long-time customers.
“I know the community,” he said. “Everywhere I go I pretty much know everyone in town.”
After the social media post alleging an unsanitary kitchen last week, Reisman said it was a very slow few days after that. Even last Sunday’s Bills game wasn’t too busy for pizza orders.
But after posting the Health Department inspection, the orders started coming back. And some of his customers decided to show their appreciation with the “Day of Dustin” on Tuesday, which is his birthday.
“This is about standing up for the members of our community who have repeatedly shown up for the members within their community,” according to one post promoting the day. “Dustin and his family have been generous and kind to my family on more than one occasion, and I know our town is full of people who would say the same about their lovely fam.”
Customers are encouraged to order from Dustin’s and post selfies with the hash tag #adayatdustins. They are urged to positive positive reviews on Google.
Reisman and his wife, Jennifer, said they are very appreciative of the support. The couple has two young children, Dustin Jr. and Harper.
“It’s been very humbling for us,” Reisman said about the community response.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 September 2023 at 8:36 am
Provided photos: Community Acton of Orleans and Genesee was presented with donations of cash and toys from ABATE as a result of their annual toy run. Holding some of the donations are, from left, CAOG’s facility manager Ricky Standish, Eastern Orleans Community Center coordinator Deborah Rothmund, director of community services Katrina Chaffee and Head Start’s janitor/maintenance man in Batavia, Marc Malaniak.
MEDINA – A toy run to benefit Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is an annual event for the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE.
This year’s run took place Sept. 17 and kicks off the holiday season for Community Action, according to Katrina Chaffee, director of community services.
Chuck Persons, president of the local chapter of ABATE, said they have been hosting this run for 40 years.
Lineup is always at Ridgeway Fire Hall and travels around Orleans County, and back to the VFW in Medina, where chapter members prepare lunch for the riders. Community Action always provides dessert as a “thank you.”
The toys and cash donations will be used by Community Action to help the hundreds of families who apply for assistance at holiday time. This includes toys and gifts for each child in a family and a box containing all the food necessary for Christmas dinner.
This year’s run resulted in a donation of $661 in cash and $100 worth of toys.
The toys and cash donations will be used by Community Action to help the hundreds of families who apply for assistance at holiday time. This includes toys and gifts for each child in a family and a box containing all the food necessary for Christmas dinner.
(Left) Chuck Persons, president of the Orleans Chapter of ABATE, poses with Katrina Chaffee, director of community service at Community Action, after the annual toy run. (Right) ABATE member Al Schumacher rode his bike as Santa Claus.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Anthony J. Alello, Jr., 32, of Albion, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison and 35 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in January 2022, an undercover FBI agent began communicating with Alello online using the Kik application. During these communications, Alello sent the agent links to cloud storage folders that contained child pornography.
One folder contained approximately 2,484 videos of child pornography, and another folder contained approximately 45 videos of child pornography.
On March 24, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Alello’s residence and seized his cellular telephone. A subsequent forensic examination recovered approximately 1,744 images and six videos of child pornography, some of which depicted pre-pubescent children and violence against children.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 3:37 pm
Provided photo
MURRAY – The Christ family in Holley and a team of volunteers that put on the Murray Tractor Pull present a ceremonial check for $8,500 to the Ronald McDonald House.
Tractor Pull organizers and volunteers presented the check to Carolyn Birrittella, vice president of development and communications for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester.
The Tractor Pull returned after a four-year absence on July 22. There were nearly 1,600 in paid attendance for the event, that features high-powered tractors, semi trucks and other vehicles pulling a 40,000-pound sled.
The Christ family developed the tractor pull venue on Groth Road about 30 years ago.
Photo by Tom Rivers: “Survivor” by Greg Graham not only competes in the tractor pulling events, the big truck pays tribute to cancer survivors.
Scott Christ, the lead organizer for the event and also one of the competitors, said he is very thankful for the big turnout for the tractor pull and the many people who gave extra donations for the cause.
“Everything went over very well,” Christ said today. “Hats off to all of the volunteers.”
The Ronald McDonald House is a blessing to many families who have children with a very serious illness. It provides a place to stay and other support for families who need to travel for medical care.
Christ said the tractor pull will be back next year in July.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 12:57 pm
Photo by John C. Callaghan, courtesy of NYS Canal Corp.
The Tug Edna A with Barge 82 is headed westbound this morning in the Mohawk Valley (Tribes Hill in Montgomery County). Edna is due to arrive in Albion on Tuesday for a large commercial shipment with the final destination in Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
The tug will be retrieving the cargo for the United States Navy. Edna and the barge are expected in Albion mid-day on Tuesday, according to the NYS Canal Corp. Once the cargo is loaded, the tug and barge will return eastbound on the Erie Canal to the Hudson River.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 11:35 am
Five alpaca farms in Orleans and western Monroe counties will be open this weekend as part of National Alpaca Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
“We will have kids games, demonstrations, educational pieces, and, of course alpacas and alpaca products,” said Todd Eick, the Medina FFA advisor.
The Medina FFA is open of the five alpaca farms that is promoting the weekend open houses with four other local alpaca sites. The five farms include:
Stoney Meadows Alpacas at 16038 Glidden Rd., Holley
MayFields Equestrian and Alpaca Farm at 3263 Allens Bridge Rd., Albion
Medina Chapter of the FFA Model Farm, 2 Mustang Dr., Medina
SanGer-La Alpacas at 2845 Colby St., Brockport
Ladue Alpacas at 1186 Ladue Rd., Brockport
If people visit all five farms they can qualify to win an alpaca-themed raffle basket worth over $300.
This weekend alpaca business owners throughout North America will celebrate the 17th annual National Alpaca Farm Days.
Alpaca Owners Association urges the public to learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.
Alpacas are primarily raised for their fleece in North America. Alpaca fleece has a variety of natural colors: pure white, several shades of fawn and brown, several shades of gray and true black.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 9:28 am
The leaves are starting to change color in some parts in New York State, but not too much yet locally.
This week’s fall foliage report from I Love NY tourism shows leaves are starting to change in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region the Catskills and Adirondacks. Locally, the leaves are still mostly green.
I Love NY issues a weekly report on the foliage every Wednesday.
“New York State’s gradual transition from the greens of summer to the multi-colored kaleidoscope of fall continues this weekend, with a few locations in the Adirondacks approaching midpoint of leaf transition, and areas from Long Island to Western New York beginning to see their first significant color changes,” according to the report.
In the Greater Niagara region, spotters reporters Batavia is seeing a 15% change with some yellow leaves of average brilliance, I Love NY reports.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 September 2023 at 8:08 am
Rummage sale today and Saturday in fundraiser
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Playing cards is a popular activity for members of the Medina Senior Center. Playing euchre here on a Friday are, clockwise from left, Dorothy Casey of Medina, Dick Preston of Albion, Larry Morgott of Medina and Judy Fischer of Middleport. Behind Casey is Tom Fenton of Medina.
MEDINA – Senior Citizens of Western Orleans is inviting all seniors to consider the benefits of becoming a member. Whether it’s just something to occupy their time, enjoying camaraderie or volunteering at one of their fundraisers, the Medina Senior Center offers it all.
Located on West Avenue, across from the Medina Railroad Museum, the Medina Senior Center is where seniors can join in playing cards, enjoy a meal, work on a jigsaw puzzle or help with the various fundraisers planned throughout the year.
Cost of membership is $10 a year. In addition to collecting membership dues, director Kelly Shaw of Gasport plans several fundraisers to help pay the bills. This includes a money raffle, two basket raffles, two rummage sales and a chicken barbecue every year.
The last rummage sale of this year is today and Saturday, and support from the community, as usual, is unbelievable, according to Shaw. People start bringing in their rummage months before each sale and the variety of merchandise never fails. There are the usual clothes, shoes, toys, games, books, housewares, gifts and holiday items, but always an assortment of unique items. This time Kelly said they have a panini maker, portable sewing machine and a car seat, among the unusual items.
“I really appreciate that people keep us in mind when they have to clean out a loved one’s home or get rid of stuff,” Shaw said.
The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. From noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, everything will be “fill a bag for $5.”
The Senior Center is now selling tickets on its next fundraiser, a chicken barbecue on Oct. 12. Chicken will be available from 4 to 7 p.m., drive thru or eat in. The Wiedner family from Eden, who have been in the barbecue business since the 1950s, will cook the chicken.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the center during regular hours of 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. on Friday.
In addition to euchre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, pinochle on Wednesday and Thursday when there are enough interested players and exercise classes on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., there are dinner meetings the second Monday of each month. Meals alternate between potluck, catered and prepared at the center. Cost is $8. There is often a speaker or entertainment after meetings and raffles for gifts and money every meeting.
On Monday and Tuesday mornings, free day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members.
The center also has a gift shop full of unique items, including a large assortment of jigsaw puzzles, jewelry and assorted giftware.
Being a member of the Senior Center is a wonderful way for seniors to spend a few hours a week, while meeting new people or old friends, Shaw said.
BATAVIA — Friends, families and community members gathered at the Batavia Downs Wednesday evening to celebrate Arc GLOW’s 1st annual Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting since their merger in 2021.
Over 250 people came, including Erik Geizer, chief executive officer for The Arc of New York; Merle “Skip” Draper, from state Sen. Rob Ortt’s office; Greg Torrey, from state Sen. George Borrello’s office; Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes; and John Deleo, Genesee County legislator.
There was an art display from Elba Day Habilitation, and the centerpieces which people could take home were provided by the staff and individuals at the Washington St. Day Habilitation in Albion with the help of Pam Lamar, a retired Orleans County Day Habilitation coordinator. After dinner, Julie Johnston sang “Let it Go” from Frozen to a roaring standing ovation.
After speeches from local officials, the awards presentation began.
Pictured top row, left to right: Michael Cuttitta, Supported Employment Person of the Year; Robert Greer of Albion, Self-Advocate of the Year; Matthew Willson, Residential Person of the Year. Bottom row, from left to right: Larry Anderson, Pre-Vocational Person of the Year; Aaries Fitzsimmons, Community Services and Self-Direction Person of the Year; and Dusty Sanford, Day Habilitation Person of the Year.
The Supported Employment Person of the Year award honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.
This year it was given to Michael Cuttitta.
“Mike worked in the work center at Hilltop for over 12 years before moving on to Arc GLOW’s supported employment program. He takes pride in his work and is focused. He always gets his job done with quality and efficiency,” said Kellie Kennedy, vice president of Day and Employment Services with Arc GLOW. “Last summer in July, Mike took a chance and decided to try out a contracted work opportunity at Bristol ID Technologies in Lima. This chance transitioned into a permanent placement with Bristol ID this past fall.”
Day Habilitation Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities. With her constant jokes and contagious smile, Dusty Sanford was given this award.
“Dusty loves attending the Elba Day Habilitation, and when she returns home she tells her house staff that she wants to return to day habilitation — even if she has to walk,” Kennedy said.
Pre-Vocational Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including: new job skills, completing quality work and showing attention to the task of learning. A worker at Orleans Enterprises and a participant at the HUB in Batavia, Larry Anderson was chosen for this award.
“He is dedicated to learning about the world of work, including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning,” Kennedy said. “Larry represents the best of what the pre-vocational program has to offer. He takes advantage of what the program offers and the experiences in the community.”
Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year honors a person with a disability served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. The awardee shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement, and with her outstanding participation and contribution to her community, Aaries Fitzsimmons was given this award.
“Many would agree that Aaries is community. With the support of her self-directed staff, Andrea, Aaries finds unique ways to give back to others one smile at a time,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Self Direction and Community Services. “The biggest impact in her volunteerism has been with the Batavia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The staff and veterans always look forward to her seasonal handcrafted kindness and conversation.”
Aside from the VA, Aaries volunteers at Godfrey’s Pond, her church, and bakes for various fundraisers.
The Self-Advocate of the Year honors a person with a disability served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others. A member of the Self-Advocacy All Star group for years, Robert “Bobby” Greer of Albion was chosen for this award.
“He is very knowledgeable about advocacy and teaching new members what self-advocacy is all about,” Pegelow said. “Bobby participated in the in the Self-Advocacy Talent Show Fundraiser and attended the Self Advocates of New York State Conference in Niagara Falls. Bobby also volunteered at the Orleans County Fair Arc GLOW booth. He served on the agency incident review committee, he was engaged and provided great feedback.”
Pegelow said Greer is a great self-advocate, demonstrating the very essence of what staff are charged with doing and what Arc GLOW’s services are supposed to accomplish.
KidStart Employee of the Year honors an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assisting in all areas of their growth and education. With her exceptional support to children, Holly Green was chosen for this award.
“As the Head Start family advocate, she is often the first face families see and remains a pillar of support throughout their enrollment. Holly shows the same dedication and support to all of KidStart’s staff by stepping in when needed and assisting with KidStart’s many programs and events,” said Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children Services.
Green started in 1992 as an intern through college, and helped to set up the very first Head Start classroom in Dansville. She was hired as a substitute for the classroom and did the building cleaning for a period of time. Eventually she applied for a position as a teacher’s assistant in Head Start.
Green took a break to go on maternity leave for her second child, and when another position became available, she returned full-time in September 2001 as the Head Start family advocate.
Green also works part-time as a direct support professional.
Residential Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills. A resident of Turtle Rock IRA in Lakeville, Matthew Willson received this award.
“Matt has certainly come a long way in the time he has lived with us. He has grown in his independence, he’s learned life skills, made friends, and he enjoys being helpful,” said Deb Tuckerman, vice president of Residential Services. “Matt participates in the WOW program, and he and his habilitation staff have attended many events and fairs around the community.”
Direct Support Professional Person (DSP) of the Year honors a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. The DSP would provide excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates individuals to take their active role in the community. With 19 years at Arc GLOW, Amy Beiswenger has been chosen as DSP of the Year.
A DSP at Senior Open Road Day Habilitation in Mt. Morris, Beiswenger always provides activities in a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community.
John Prospero, vice president of transportation and master of ceremonies, said, “Amy is the definition of an excellent DSP — she is someone whose dedication, advocacy, compassion, competence, person-centered approaches and collaboration results in improved quality of life, health and wellness, and/or opportunities for all that we serve. Amy makes this role look simple with her kind, no day is a bad day attitude. Amy used our services at ARC GLOW to bridge into the direct support professional world.”
Employee of the Year recognizes an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence. Kristie Rada, nurse supervisor, the award recipient, is committed to Arc GLOW’s mission and values.
“She has demonstrated the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence. Kristie always goes above and beyond for this agency and for the individuals Arc GLOW serves,” Prospero said. “Her dedication, knowledge, professionalism and commitment are only exceeded by her compassion, grace and caring heart.
“One of her peers said, ‘I have never seen any nurse as devoted to both the health care agency and individuals that are cared for — she is such an asset to this organization.’”
The Friend of Arc GLOW Award is for a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision, and everyone at Arc GLOW knows of the Touhey family and Case-Nic Cookies.
“The Tuohey family is the true definition of a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision,” Prospero said.
The Touhey family always can be found volunteering at Arc events or organizing fundraisers to benefit Arc GLOWs programs and other communities. Mary Lou Touhey constantly provides cookies for Arc GLOW’s fundraisers and events, and Nicole Touhey heads her own fundraisers. Her Have a Heart Campaign raised over $2,300 this year that benefited many programs within the agency.
(Left) Vice President of Day and Employment Services Kellie Kennedy with Amy Beiswenger, winner of Direct Support Professional Person of the Year award. (Right) Vice President of Children Services Stephanie Metz with Holly Green, winner of KidStart Employee of the Year award.
The Business Partner of the Year is for a business who supports Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment. Casella Waste Management received this year’s award.
Martin Miskell, CEO, said over 40 years ago, the Arc of Genesee opened its trash recycling center to fill a need for the City of Batavia to help create jobs and produce a positive revenue stream for the organization. However, business models change and recycling was no longer providing the number of jobs it had in the past.
Selling the business was an easy financial decision, but a difficult one emotionally, but after months of negotiations the decision was made to sell the business to Casella Waste Management.
Casella kept everyone who had a job, the transfer station open and operated by Arc GLOW’s work crew with a job coach, and free trash pick-up at all of Arc GLOW’s Batavia locations in perpetuity and a large discount at other locations served by Casella. Casella also gave Arc GLOW their lease at Apollo Drive in Batavia for their transportation department, which still has three and a half years on it for free.
“Casella is the true definition of a partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service and providing work opportunities for employment,” Miskell said.
Finally, Volunteer of the Year honors a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision. This year, it goes to Chuck Keenan, who serves on Arc GLOW’s Board of Directors as its secretary; is the chairperson of the Compliance Committee; and sits on the Vocational Committee, the Incident Review Committee and Community Services. He also volunteers his time on various boards within his community such as the Developmental Disability sub-committee for Livingston County Community Services Board and for the Town of Groveland.
“Chuck wants to see Arc GLOW become a world class agency in our field. As a result, he is very interactive with all of his committees/boards. He takes his role seriously,” said Cheryl Englert, Board of Directors president.
At the annual meeting, Cheryl Englert was re-elected board president, John Huber was elected vice-president, Charles Keenan was re-elected secretary, Eric Parker was re-elected treasurer and Ken Barchet was elected assistant treasurer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2023 at 4:04 pm
Hearing set for Oct. 23 at Orleans County Courthouse
Photo by Tom Rivers: Traffic was limited to one-way on Route 63 on Aug. 30 while contractors installed a new sewer pipe in the Town of Alabama.
SHELBY – A State Supreme Court has issued a preliminary injunction and temporarily won’t be allowing a sewer line to be constructed in Orleans County, running from the STAMP manufacturing site about 10 miles north to Oak Orchard Creek.
Contractors started installing the 20-inch sewer main last month and are headed north along 63. They haven’t reached Orleans County yet.
Judge Sanford Church on Monday issued the preliminary injunction and set a court date for Oct. 23 at the County Courthouse in Albion.
Orleans County has filed a lawsuit against Genesee County Industrial Development Agency of Batavia, Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation of Batavia, Stamp Sewer Works, Inc. of Batavia, G. Devincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc. of Binghamton, Clark Patterson Lee of Rochester, and Highlander Construction of Memphis, NY.
Orleans contends the GCEDC didn’t properly form STAMP Sewer Works for the project and doesn’t have a right to seek construction easements in Orleans, which is outside Genesee County. Genesee never asked for Orleans permission to undertake the project, Orleans says in the suit.
Orleans economic development officials also are concerned the discharge of treated water from STAMP, at up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity, could limit economic development efforts in Medina by overtaxing the creek.
GCEDC notes engineering reports say there would be another 10 million gallons of daily capacity for the creek from the Medina sewer plant if STAMP were at full capacity. 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.
GCEDC says it secured all required permits and approvals for construction and use of the force main for the sewer, including a right of way permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to cross Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and a discharge permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has temporarily paused drilling as part of the construction after sinkholes were observed in the right of way of the refuge.
There also are fluids associated with subsurface drilling that appeared on the refuge surface outside the perimeter of the right of way, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement on Tuesday.
Craig Leslie, GCEDC attorney, said in a Sept. 11 court filing, asked the judge not to approve a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order.
“Orleans County’s allegations are wholly inconsistent with the facts and the law, and smack of a frivolous and politicized attack on the STAMP project,” wrote Leslie, an attorney with Phillips Lytle LLP.
Orleans County, represented by attorney Jennifer Persico of Lippes Mathias LLP, contends the Genesee agencies others named and in lawsuit “have been engaged in a conspiracy not only to violate General Municipal and Transportation Corporations Law, but also to defraud the residents of Orleans County and citizens of New York State in general by misusing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund an unauthorized project all while acting outside of their respective authority,” according to the Orleans court filing on Sept. 11, seeking the preliminary injunction.
Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the year’s fifth Free Fishing Day on Saturday, September 23, when New York State waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license.
Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
“Spending time on New York’s world-class waters is one of the best ways to enjoy the final days of summer,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s free fishing days, clinics, and other opportunities to connect with nature give New Yorkers and visitors alike the opportunity to cast a line and enjoy the abundant natural beauty found in every corner of the Empire State.”
New York’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give those who might not fish the chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost and learn about a new hobby. The final Free Fishing Day of 2023 will be held on Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
KENDALL – Members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shots fired on Monday at 2074 Orchard Dr. in the Town of Kendall.
An investigation of the incident concluded Kevin C. Mcewen, 41, allegedly displayed a firearm and discharged two rounds at the time other individuals arrived to retrieve their property.
Mcewen was charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree and criminal use of a weapon 2nd degree, which are class C felonies; and menacing in the 2nd degree, a class A misdemeanor.
Mcewen was arraigned at the Orleans County Jail through CAP Court (centralized arraignment program) and is being held on $2,500 cash or $10,000 bond. He is to appear in Kendall Town Court on Oct. 16.
This incident was handled by Sgt. Hazel, Deputy Prawel, Deputy Lauer and Deputy Martindale along with Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division members, Inv. K. Colonna, Inv. D. Pahuta and Inv. B. Marsceill.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2023 at 9:57 am
Robin Silvis
HOLLEY – Robin Silvis, a member of the Holley Board of Education for 16 years, has resigned because she is moving out of the district. Silvis also was the board president for the past four years, and the vice president for 10 years before that.
Anne Winkley is the new president. The Board of Education will fill the vacant seat by appointment.
Interested community members can contact District Clerk Connie Nenni at 585-638-6316 X: 2003 or cnenni@holleycsd.org or visit the Holley school district website for more information about the open seat.
Silvis’s resignation became official at the Holley board meeting on Monday.
“The Holley Central School District appreciates the many contributions and dedication that Robin Silvis has provided during her time serving on the board,” said Brian Bartalo, Holley school district superintendent. “Robin was committed to wanting to do what’s best for students and to have Holley be a great place to learn and work.”
