By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2023 at 5:22 pm
The candidates for town and county offices have submitted petitions to run for the offices. The petitions have gone through an initial review by the Orleans County Board of Elections.
There are seven Republican primaries on June 27 with contests in Barre, Kendall, Murray and Shelby.
The general election will be Nov. 7.
Here are the candidates who have submitted petitions to run for local offices:
Orleans County
Sheriff – Chris Bourke, Republican and Conservative
County Legislator (at-large from west) – Skip Draper of Medina, Republican
County Legislator (at-large from central) – Don Allport of Gaines, Republican
County Legislator (at-large from east) – Ed Morgan of Murray, Republican
County Legislator (District 1) – Bill Eick of Shelby, Republican
County Legislator (District 2) – Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville, Republican
County Legislator (District 3) – Fred Miller of Albion, Democrat
County Legislator (District 4) – John Fitzak of Carlton, Republican
Town of Albion
Town Supervisor – Richard Remley, Republican
Town Council members – Darlene Benton and Terry Wilbert, Democratic Party
Town Clerk – Sarah Basinait
Highway Superintendent – Michael Neidert, Conservative, Democrat and Republican
Town of Barre
Town Supervisor (pick one) – Scott Burnside, Conservative and Republican, and Sean Pogue, Republican
Town Council members (pick two) – Kerri Richardson, Conservative, and Margaret Swan and Kirk Mathes, Republicans
Town Council members – Dana Woolston and Brian McCue, Republicans
Town of Clarendon
Town Supervisor – Richard Moy, Republican
Town Council members – Allen Robinson and Bruce Hovey, Republicans
Town Clerk – Susan Colby, Republican
Highway Superintendent – Tracy Chalker, Conservative and Republican
Town Justice – Thomas DiFante, Republican
Town of Gaines
Town Supervisor – Tyler Allport, Republican
Town Council members (pick two) – Rick Ebbs, Democrat, and Ronald Mannella, Democrat and Republican
Highway Superintendent – Mark Radzinski, Republican
Town of Kendall
Town Supervisor – Tony Cammarata, Republican
Town Council members – Margaret Szozda, Democrat; and David Bentley and Barbara Flow, Republicans
Highway Superintendent (pick one) – Warren Kruger, Republican, and Eric Maxon, Republican
Town of Murray
Town Supervisor – Joe Sidonio (Republican and Conservative) and Gerald Rightmyer, Republican
Town Council members (pick three with two positions for four-year terms and the third for two years) – Eric Collyer, Lloyd Christ Jr., Randall Bower and Elaine Berg, all Republicans
Town of Ridgeway
Town Supervisor – Brian Napoli, Republican
Town Council members – Mary Woodruff and Duane Payne, Republicans
Town Justice – Joseph Kujawa, Republican
Town of Shelby
Town Supervisor – Scott Wengewicz, Conservative and Republican
Town Council members (pick two) – Jeff Schiffer, Linda Limina and Justin Gray, all Republicans
Town Clerk (elect one) – Darlene Rich, Democrat, and Christine Pask, Republican
Highway Superintendent (elect one) – Dale Root (Republican and Conservative) and William Wolter (Democrat and Republican)
Town Justice – Ed Grabowski, Conservative and Republican
Town of Yates
Town Supervisor – James Simon
Town Council members (elect 2) – Paul Lauricella and Steve Colon, Conservatives; and John Riggi and Susan Hrovat, Republicans
ALBION – Third-grader Gianna Hyde loves to write. During a school break, her mom noticed an ad for the Tops Friendly Market Black History Month essay contest. Hyde got to work, ultimately winning the competition, resulting in a $50 gift card for herself and $100 donation for the school district.
The third annual essay contest held by Tops asks students in grades 3-8 to write about an African American that inspires them. Hyde researched Harriet Tubman but then thought about Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin.
“I learned that he got hit in the heart and then his heart stopped,” explained Hyde. “But then they brought him back to life.”
Hyde found Hamlin’s recovery inspiring, but also admired his work away from the football field.
“He has a charity for kids, Chasing M’s Foundation, and if he wasn’t playing football he would do stuff for his neighborhood and all these kids,” she said.
As Hyde wrote in her essay, “Damar wrote this inspiring question in front of the doctors: ‘Who Won The Game?’ he wrote. That showed the world that he cares more about other people than himself.”
Winning the contest was a great surprise for Hyde and she said it made her feel really happy. The personal gift card was a bonus, but she mostly cared about having the opportunity to write and to win money for her school.
It is evident that the nine-year-old Albion student and the professional football player share something in common: both have the selfless intent to bring joy to others.
Hyde added about her essay, “Maybe he could read it sometime. He’s alive, it would probably make him feel happy.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2023 at 1:43 pm
The candidate petitions have been turned in to the Orleans County Board of Elections and there are seven primaries set among Republicans on June 27, with early voting from June 17 to June 25.
The races include:
• Barre Town Supervisor – incumbent Sean Pogue and Scott Burnside
MEDINA – Case-Nic Cookies’ 5th annual Have a Heart Cookie Sale and window raffle fundraiser generated $2,360 for Arc GLOW programs and services.
Mary Lou Tuohey, owner of Case-Nic, started the fundraiser with her daughter Nicole in 2019 as a way to highlight the March observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and to raise funds for Arc services at the same time.
Mary Lou’s cookie and raffle idea was inspired by Nicole, who has been receiving services from the Arc since she was a baby. Now, as an adult, Nicole attends Arc GLOW’s Washington Street Day Hab program in Albion. Besides helping raise funds for Arc GLOW, the Tuoheys are also avid fundraisers for another charity close to their heart, the Alzheimer’s Association.
“We love to give back to organizations that mean so much to our family,” Mary Lou said.
In 2023, Have a Heart cookie sales totaled $1,185 and the window raffle raised $1,175.
“This is a true inspiration,” said Lisa Bors, Arc’s Director Public Relations. “We appreciate Nicole, Mary Lou and Case-Nic Cookies’ faithful customers for supporting the Have a Heart campaign this year.”
As designated by Mary Lou and Nicole, funds raised will benefit programs spanning all areas served by Arc GLOW: Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville, Day Habilitation and Recreation programs in Genesee and Orleans counties, and Arc GLOW’s KidStart in Mount Morris.
ALBION – Albion Correctional Facility has again partnered up with community volunteer trainer, Dawn Spencer, who has over 25 years of experience in dog training. Dawn is the owner of Eye of Oden K9 Training in Kent.
In collaboration with PAWS Animal Shelter, Albion Correctional Facility welcomed three rescue dogs – Huey, Dewey and Louie – on Feb. 1. All the puppies are 6 months old and have completed the 8-week training program.
Throughout the 8 weeks, three teams of incarcerated individuals served as handlers for the dogs. Dawn Spencer visited the facility once a week to put the puppies through the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy Program.
The S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsible owner – the pillars of getting puppies off to a good start. Dawn instructed the incarcerated individuals on what skills to work on each week.
The graduation of Huey, Dewey and Louie occurred on April 10 and the pups are currently up for adoption. If you are interested in adopting Huey, Dewey or Louie, applications are available at paws14411.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2023 at 8:13 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Almeta Whitis of Rochester portrays Harriet Tubman in a presentation on Tuesday evening at Hoag Library. Whitis has been telling the story of Tubman’s life for 50 years.
Tubman led more than 300 slaves to freedom on 22 trips on the Underground Railroad, leading many of those people to Canada. She also was a nurse, spy and was the only woman to lead troops into battle for the Union Army during the Civil War.
“She was a force to be reckoned with as most Black women are,” Whitis said.
Almeta Whitis sang several spirituals during her presentation, including “Wade Into the Water” and the “forbidden song” of “Go Down, Moses.” If Slaves sang “Go Down, Moses” they could be whipped or killed.
“Go down, Moses
’Way down in Egypt land,
Tell ole Pharaoh,
To let my people go.”
Whitis said Tubman used songs to let Slaves know she was there and was ready to lead them to freedom up north or to Canada.
Tubman was the first woman to serve as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Whitis shared how Tubman suffered a head injury from an overseer that plagued her throughout her life, causing intense migraines and often causing her to fall asleep suddenly, even when talking with people.
Tubman is revered as an iconic hero of freedom and courage and is due to be on the $20 bill beginning in 2030.
Almeta Whitis gave a high-energy, first-person narrative performance to about 25 people at the Hoag Library. The event was organized by the Community Coalition of Justice.
“We are all put on this earth to be in the human family and to live in harmony,” Whitis said.
Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new statewide cannabis public education campaign urging people who use the products to get them from licensed and legal dispensaries.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of “Why Buy Legal New York”, a public education campaign promoting safer, informed, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries in New York State.
The campaign focuses on three key pillars: protecting public health and promoting social equity and community reinvestment. Governor Hochul made the announcement alongside the New York State Office of Cannabis Management at CUNY Law School in New York City.
The “Why Buy Legal New York” announcements explain and emphasize the potential health risks associated with purchasing cannabis products from unlicensed businesses and why regulated cannabis products are safer. It also outlines how buying legal supports the advancement of New York’s social and economic equity goals for communities across the State.
“To bolster the public health and safety of all New Yorkers, we are providing them with information they need to make informed decisions and enjoy cannabis responsibly,” Hochul said. “As we continue to build a healthier and more equitable cannabis market, I am proud to launch this important public education campaign to promote safer, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries throughout our state.”
The primarily digital campaign will target cannabis consumers 21 years old and over and includes various educational materials, such as “The Guide to Safer Cannabis Consumption”. These materials will provide information on how to find legal dispensaries in New York and tips on how to consume cannabis safely. Materials are available by clicking here. The PSAs will appear on social media, on streaming services, and on transit and place-based advertising across the Empire State.
Legislation includes many more government agencies where people could register
Press Release, Assemblyman Mike Norris
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) is calling for the full state Assembly to take immediate action on his legislation (A.2292), which would enable more people to register to vote after the Election Law Committee today held this legislation in committee for future consideration.
The bill corrects technical problems in the state’s existing election laws to require individuals have the opportunity to register at more government agencies, such as while they are paying their taxes, getting a fishing or hunting permit, or getting a marriage certificate. Currently, certain agencies are not required to provide this opportunity on governmental forms, while the law does mandate an opportunity to register at agencies such as those providing public assistance benefits and departments of motor vehicles.
“People go into a government office building looking for a one-stop shop for help,” said Norris. “The law should provide opportunities to enroll new voters equally and across the board at government agencies. The Legislature, dominated by downstate-driven Democrats, should not be picking and choosing which agencies or forms must provide an opportunity to register to vote. All eligible New Yorkers should be able to easily register to vote, and I believe government agencies and entities offering all services should be required to provide this opportunity to do so.”
Under current law, the public can register to vote at all county Boards of Elections, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, social services offices, the Department of Health or Department of Labor, City University of New York and State University of New York locations, veterans services offices and many other locations.
However, there is no requirement to offer voter registration opportunities on forms or when conducting business at the following locations, but would be under Norris’ bill. His bill expands the list of eligible locations to include:
the Department of Health,
the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
the Department of Labor
the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – vocational rehabilitation
county and city departments of social services
the New York City Housing Authority
the Department of Agriculture and Markets
the Department of Taxation and Finance
the Department of Environmental Conservation
the Department of Financial Services
the New York State Insurance Fund
the Office of the Professions
the Division of Licensing Services
the Empire State Development corporation
the State Liquor Authority
the state Workers’ Compensation Board
the Division of Military and Naval Affairs
the Office of Real Property Tax Services and local assessors
public and private colleges and universities and career and vocational schools
and any municipal offices processing pistol permits, birth, marriage, or death certificates, hunting and fishing licenses, building permits and economic development applications
any other agency or entity that accepts an application or collects a fee in exchange for a government or educational service, or deemed appropriate by the governor.
Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti
LOCKPORT – Law enforcement across the region was made aware of an animal activist meeting taking place on Saturday, April 15th.
The meeting was advertised on social media as a forum to encourage animal rescue. It further offers instruction on stages of animal rescue, researching of facilities and winning at trial. This group is actively recruiting individuals for this purpose.
All farmers in the area need to be aware and stay alert of suspicious activity related to this meeting. This past weekend two farms in the Newfane area experienced suspicious activity and reported that to law enforcement.
Individuals typically arrive by vehicle and attempt to do surveillance of the farm. The intent of the surveillance is to gather information for a potential rescue of farm animals.
“Any illegal action taken by these individuals will be treated as criminal activity,” said Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti. “The entering of private property, entering of buildings or stealing of livestock is a crime. Law enforcement in Niagara County will be vigilant for any of this activity and take appropriate action if a crime is committed. I stand with our farmers and the protection of their property.”
Please report any suspicious activity in and around our local farms by calling 716-438-3393 or 911 in an emergency.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2023 at 11:06 am
‘We’re not a target district but we still have work to do, and the Regents is one of them.’ – Holley School Superintendent Brian Bartalo
Photo by Tom Rivers: Brian Bartalo, Holley school district superintendent, said the district remains committed to continuous improvement for students.
HOLLEY – School district leaders announced Holley, after four years, is no longer considered a “target” school district in need of improvement.
The district has made solid gains academically and is off the list of target districts by the State Education Department. Holley was put on the list in January 2019 due to low scores for seventh- and eighth-graders. At that time Holley was one of 106 school districts on the list out of 733 districts in the state.
The district’s performance in state standardized tests for seventh- and eighth-graders was in the lowest 5 percent at the time, said Brendan Keiser, the district’s director of Teaching and Learning.
“We did it – we’re off the list,” Keiser told the Board of Education on Monday. “It’s been a journey. The last four years have been incredible.”
Keiser and Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, praised students, parents, teachers, administrators and board of education members for committing to improvement.
“It felt like a burden but it gave us a path, and we will continue on that path,” Bartalo said.
Being on the list of target districts brought about $250,000 in additional state resources annually to Holley for consultants, educational materials and resources. Holley will continue to utilize consultants as it pushes for continuous improvement, Keiser said. The district can tap into its federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act for those resources.
While the district has seen strong improvement in student performance, Bartalo and Keiser said high school Regents scores continue to lag, despite Holley’s high graduation rate.
Holley will make raising Regents scores a focus in the immediate future. The district also wants to improve academic performance for students in special education. Hispanic students in the middle school also are a subgroup with low scores on standardized tests, Keiser said.
Bartalo said he will be discussing a strategic plan on April 28 with teachers that will focus on the next five years at Holley. The four years as a target school provided a blueprint for raising student achievement, Bartalo said.
“We’re not a target district but we still have work to do, and the Regents is one of them,” Bartalo said.
Robin Silvis, the board president, praised the district and community for their efforts, especially during the Covid pandemic, to boost student achievement.
“It felt yucky to be a target district,” Silvis said. “It was a gut punch and we took the tools to make it work. There has been substantial growth here.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2023 at 8:41 am
HOLLEY – The Board of Education approved a proposed $28,920,000 school budget for 2023-24 that would increase property taxes by 1.49 percent.
The budget goes to a public vote on May 16 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the foyer of the junior-senior high school.
The tax levy increase is under the district’s allowable tax cap of 3.79 percent, said Sharon Zacher, Holley’s assistant superintendent for business.
The levy would increase by 1.49 percent or $115,034 to $7,835,466. That is the smallest increase since taxes were increased by 1.35 percent in 2017-18. The following years the tax levy increase was 2.0 percent in 2018-19, 2.5 percent in 2019-20, and then 1.95 percent for each of three years from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
The budget shows a 7.81 percent spending increase or by $1,938,000 – up from the $26,982,000 in the current school year.
The increase is driven by inflation and contractual agreements, Zacher said on Monday while going over the budget during the Board of Education meeting.
Holley would get a big boost in Foundation Aid from the state – 15.99 percent or $1,869,196 more, from $11,623,776 to $13,492,972, based on the governor’s budget. The state budget remains at an impasse, nearly three weeks late. Zacher said the increase proposed by the governor makes up for some of the lagging aid from the state in recent years through Foundation Aid.
The district also is planning a capital outlay project that won’t exceed $100,000 with state aid covering up to 92.3 percent of the cost. The projects include middle/high school door replacement and hardware – roof access doors, custodial hall to gym vestibule fire doors, auditorium stage door going to the mezzanine, and fob access to the main office, counseling and library.
The ballot on May 16 will also include a proposition authorizing the district to spend up to $338,000 for two full-size buses and one smaller bus.
Another proposition will authorize Holley to collect $200,815 for Community Free Library – up from $194,966 in 2022-23.
There are also three candidates running for the Board of Education – Dan Cater, Trina Lorentz and Robin Silvis. The seats are currently filled by Silvis, the board president, and Andrea Newman.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2023 at 5:36 pm
The villages of Albion and Medina have been approved for funding from the state for electric charging stations for vehicles.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $8.4 million in grants last week to 70 communities statewide.
The Village of Medina has been approved for $245,184 for two direct-current fast charger pedestals, while the Village of Albion was awarded $10,500 for two Level 2 charging ports.
Medina is in the smaller group of 28 of the fast chargers approved for funding, while Albion is in the group that includes 454 Level 2 charging ports, according to the governor’s office.
“New York has made remarkable progress advancing our transition from fossil fuels and reducing harmful vehicle emissions statewide as part of our nation-leading climate agenda,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “Thanks to initiatives like the Municipal Zero-Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure grants, communities across New York State are taking bold action to protect the environment and tackle the climate crisis. We will continue to invest in clean energy to improve the health and quality of life of New Yorkers and ensure a safe and sustainable future.”
The locations for the charging stations in Albion and Medina haven’t been finalized. Medina village officials discussed having them at either the Canal Basin, in the municipal parking behind Main Street and East Center Street, or at the Senior Center on West Avenue.
Albion village officials discussed having the charging stations on East Bank Street in a municipal lot across from the village office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2023 at 4:19 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – The staff at the Orleans County Department of Social Services wore blue in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and serves as a reminder for our community to come together to support, strengthen and celebrate families,” said Cynthia Stumer, deputy commissioner of the DSS.
The staff wore the shirts on April 12. The county DSS receives about 800 referrals a year through Child Protective Services.
Provided photos: GCC professors Amy Conley, left, and Lauren Paisley will serve an online teaching ambassadors for SUNY.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is proud to announce that Lauren Paisley, professor of Business, and Amy Conley, professor of Accounting and Business, have been selected as SUNY online teaching ambassadors for 2023.
As SUNY Online Teaching Ambassadors, both Ms. Paisley and Ms. Conley will be working with faculty and staff throughout SUNY to share their expertise in teaching online and in hybrid formats. They will also be promoting the benefits of online education and sharing best practices with their colleagues.
Lauren Paisley has been a dedicated full-time faculty member at GCC for 18 years and has been teaching online since 2003. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from D’Youville College and a Master’s in Business Administration from SUNY University of Buffalo.
Her passion for learning was ignited by her mother, who made a lateral career change when Lauren was in middle school and impressed upon her young daughter that it is never too late to make a change and seize an opportunity.
Lauren’s extensive experience includes coordinating the academic appeals process, active participation in SUNY Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and SUNY’s Global Initiatives committee, and serving as advisor to GCC’s International Students Organization. She is also a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service.
Amy Conley is a Certified Public Accountant and has been a full-time faculty member at GCC for 14 years, teaching online since 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from St. John Fisher College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Her work experience includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a major subsidiary of a public energy company for eight years. Ms. Conley has extensive curriculum experience and has been an active participant in GCC’s Curriculum Committee for over nine years. She is also a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
“GCC is proud to have such outstanding faculty members as Lauren Paisley and Amy Conley,” said Judith Littlejohn, GCC director of Online Learning. “We look forward to seeing the impact they will have as SUNY Online Teaching Ambassadors in 2023. Congratulations to both of them on this well-deserved honor.”
MEDINA – Case-Nic Cookies’ 5th annual Have a Heart Cookie Sale and window raffle fundraiser generated $2,360 for Arc GLOW programs and services.
