Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a series of blood drives across the district this month in partnership with the American Red Cross.
New York state historically has very little blood banked for patients statewide, and this initiative is being held to encourage those who can donate and make all the difference to a patient in need. Hawley has done numerous drives throughout his time in the Assembly and is happy to continue this tradition.
“I’m happy to once again partner with the American Red Cross and encourage everyone who can to donate some blood,” Hawley said. “New York often has a shortage of blood in its banks, which is a big problem, because the various blood types are used in critical surgeries and life-saving operations daily. One small donation could mean the difference between life and death for another, so I encourage all willing participants to donate.”
The time and place of the various donation sites will be:
Friday, March 10, Batavia Social Services, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, March 13, Batavia Robert Morris School, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, March 13, Pavilion Fire Department, 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14, Darien Fire Co. with PCD Kiwanis 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 16, St. Max Hall, East Pembroke. 1:00 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, March 17, Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, Stafford Fire Department, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21, Albion Elks Lodge, 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21, Batavia First UMC, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 30, Oakfield-Alabama High School, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2023 at 9:07 am
Village officials seek to upgrade facility, put on new addition
Photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Fire Department officials say the current fire hall is too small for a bigger ladder truck. Currently there is only two inches of clearance from the top of the truck to get in and out of the truck bays.
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department is inviting the community to tour the fire hall on Park Avenue to see how cramped the department is for space.
The department and the Village Board are eyeing an expansion next door with bigger truck bays to fit in bigger fire trucks.
There will be tours of the fire hall on Sunday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to noon, and then again from noon to 1 p.m. And then there will be tours offered on Wednesday, March 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“Due to the need for significant facility and equipment improvements and upgrades, the Village of Medina Fire Department is holding tours open to the public to make residents and business owners more aware of these conditions,” the department said in a news release. “Please choose one of the tours to see our deteriorating and outgrown apparatus bays as well as our aging and unsafe equipment.”
Firefighters and Village Board members will be present to answer questions. There is no need to sign up for a tour. “Just show up for the time that works best for you,” the department stated.
An engineering and design firm, Barton & Loguidice, has estimated an addition to te fire hall, plus repairs to the current building, would cost about $4.5 million.
The plan for the fire hall calls for an addition approximately 62 feet, 8 inches by 88 feet, 8 inches.
The addition would be on the current fire hall on the west side in an area that is currently a parking lot. That addition is needed to house a new ladder truck. That truck could be $1.5 million.
The village is looking to replace a ladder truck from 1996. That truck has a ladder that is 75 feet long. That truck barely has clearance in the garage. The ladder truck has a clearance of 10.4 feet but the space in the garage is 10 feet, 6 inches, Fire Chief Matt Jackson has said.
The new ladder trucks have a clearance of 13 feet. The design for the new hall addition would have bays that allow up to 14 feet.
With a new space for fire trucks, the ambulances could be moved to the current fire house. The space for the ambulances right now could be used for police cars or perhaps as a meeting area, Mayor Mike Sidari has said.
The Barton & Loguidice plan also calls for:
A new public entry, radio room/office, laundry room, EMS room, restrooms, Decon room, gear room, mechanical room, tool room, and apparatus bay with the existing apparatus bay being repurposed to house the village ambulances.
A mezzanine space will be located along the perimeter of the new apparatus bay with file storage and office space accessed from the existing building second floor hallway.
A new air and vapor barrier membrane and new exterior cladding system will be installed over the existing concrete masonry unit wall construction of the existing fire station, and the existing overhead sectional doors will be relocated and replaced allowing for adequate clearances around the ambulance apparatus bay.
The renewal of the building’s existing façade will result in creating a weather tight envelope while simultaneously allowing the cladding system of the addition to carry over creating a cohesive look to the updated facility.
The existing concrete slab in the existing ambulance apparatus bay will be replaced, including the installation of new trench drainage and epoxy floor finish.
The outdated emergency generator located south of the alley will be replaced and upgraded to accommodate the fire station and addition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2023 at 8:48 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas price for regular unleaded at the Crosby’s in Gaines was at $3.39 on Saturday.
The average price for a gallon of gas has dropped about 9 cents in the past week in Orleans County, from $3.46 to $3.37 today, according to AAA.
Nationally Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.41, up 4 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the price was $4.01, AAA reported.
The state-wide average is $3.43, down 2 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $4.21. (The average diesel price is at $4.999 a gallon statewide, compared to $5.053 a week ago, $5.256 a month ago and $4.785 a year ago.)
The average prices in Western NY counties today includes:
Orleans, $3.374
Genesee, $3.344
Wyoming, $3.425
Livingston, $3.397
Monroe, $3.415
Niagara, $3.294
Erie, $3.377
Chautauqua, $3.539
Cattaraugus, $3.215
Allegany, $3.521
AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “The national average for a gallon of gas is up this week while prices in New York have fallen slightly. We are seeing an increase in demand and the beginning of the switch to the summer blend of fuel, which is more expensive to refine. Oil prices have also ticked up, ranging this morning from $79 to $86 per barrel.
“Diesel prices continue to fall. The national average price for a gallon of diesel is $4.38, down 3 cents from a week ago. Here in New York the current average for diesel is $5.00, down 5 cents from last week.
“According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose slightly from 8.91 million to 9.11 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by nearly 1 million bbl to 239.2 million bbl last week. If gas demand rises amid falling domestic stocks, New York drivers may also see an end to future pump price drops.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 March 2023 at 7:55 am
Provided photo: East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor and her husband Jeff, captain, pose with the fire department’s newest piece of equipment, a UTV for off-the-road rescues.
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company has added a new piece of equipment to its fleet – a utility vehicle for off-road rescues or brush fires.
Fire Chief Debbie Taylor said her husband Jeff works with a friend who is a member of the Frontier Fire Department in Niagara County. The friend mentioned recently his fire department had purchased the vehicle in 2021 but decided they didn’t need it.
East Shelby Fire Company officials thought with their location close to the swamps, a vehicle such as this would be handy to have in case of a lost hunter or someone stranded in the swamps, so they agreed to purchase it.
The Taylors and their son Devin made arrangements to go get it and brought it to East Shelby a week ago. It only had 64 miles on it, Debbie said, and came with all the accessories, including a trailer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2023 at 7:47 am
Provided photo
HOLLEY – Holley Police Chief Bob Barton swears in Steve Mesiti on Friday as a new part-time police officer for the Holley Police Department. Mesiti is joined by his two children during the swearing in.
Mesiti worked 20 years for the Brockport Police Department, retiring as lieutenant.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 March 2023 at 9:22 pm
Kirk Zinkievich named ‘Firefighter of the Year’
Provided photos: Kirk Zinkievich accepts the award for “Firefighter of the Year” at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s annual banquet on Saturday. In addition to a plaque, he was presented with a statue of a firefighter holding a rescued child.
EAST SHELBY – East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company celebrated a milestone at its annual installation and awards banquet Saturday night.
The occasion was the 70th Platinum Jubilee of the fire company, founded by 13 charter members in 1953. The last surviving charter member was Laverne “Jiggs” Green, who died last year.
Dave Green emcees the 70th Platinum Jubilee celebration Saturday night.
Dave Green, a 63-year member of the fire company, was master of ceremonies. In honor of the 70th anniversary, guests received a commemorative drinking cup with straw and cover.
The evening began with welcoming remarks by fire company president Mike Fuller and ladies’ auxiliary president Bronwyn Green.
After introduction of guests, officers of the fire company were installed by Justin Niederhofer, Orleans 1. They are Mike Fuller, president; Joe Newton, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; and Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen, trustees; and Dave Green, steward. Line officers are Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Dennis MacDonald, 3rd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, captain; Laura Fields, fire police chief; Sue Behrend and Mike Fulller, EMS officers; and Todd Ralph, safety/training officer.
Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary, installed by Shelby Town Clerk Darlene Rich are Bronwyn Green, president; Deb Green, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Cassidy Oliver, Shirley Printup and Sue Green, trustees; and Rosie Allen, chaplain.
Members of the East Shelby Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary who received Certificates of Appreciation Saturday night are, from left, Rosie Allen, Judy Allen, Lisa Russo, Jessie Green, Sawyer Green and Paige Green.
Mike Fuller presented the President’s Award to Joe Newton. Newton is a long-time dedicated member of the fire company, who has been hospitalized for a year, first in Erie, Pa. and now in Ohio with a rare infection that required a ventilator and now dialysis. He is slowly improving and continues to keep track of the fire company on Facebook.
Gerry Zinkievich, right, is presented with the Auxiliary President’s Award from Bronwyn Green.
The Chief’s Award was presented by Debbie Taylor to Rusty Hoffmeister, a person she said she could always count on. He volunteers any time a work crew is needed and always sells a ton of tickets to fire company events. He responds to calls any time he is available. Not only is he an important asset to the fire company, but to his community, as well.
“During the blizzard of 2022, he spent long hours with little sleep helping neighboring departments clearing the roadways for emergency calls and personal needs,” Taylor said. “He even assisted with one of our calls for lift assistance with a dementia patient. I give credit where credit is due from this blizzard. I always thought it would be neat to just once be a snow plow driver, but after that storm and being in it, well, curiosity sure killed the cat. I give town guys credit for what they went through, but I can only give one of them this award.”
Taylor also presented the “Firefighter of the Year Award,” this year choosing a person who’s been in the department for many years, and also served as a past chief.
In announcing Kirk Zinkievich as her choice, she said, “He is a big asset. He shows up for calls when he can and is another big ticket seller. He always helps at events and doesn’t slow down, even with the medical issues he’s endured. He has a great personality and is very well liked. The one quality that stands out with him is that he always puts others before himself. You think he had a big heart, but since his rebuilt/remanufactured heart, it’s even bigger as he continues to put his family, friends and the fire company before him.”
The EMS Award was presented by Mike Fuller to Nick Boyle, a new member who took the initiative to complete the courses necessary to become an EMT.
(Left) East Shelby Fire chief Debbie Taylor, left, and president Mike Fuller look at the plaque he was presented Saturday night for 50 years of membership in the fire company. (Right) Mike Fuller is shown with his daughters, Amy Fuller (left) and Katie Crooks.
A highlight of the evening was honoring Mike Fuller for 50 years of membership in the fire company.
“It doesn’t seem like that long,” he said.
He first became interested in the fire company when, at the age of 14, he started working on the Zinkievich farm. They were dedicated firefighters and whenever there was a call, they dropped everything to respond, and Fuller would tag along. He couldn’t join back then until he was 18.
Fuller’s daughters Amy Fuller and Katie Crooks gave a presentation titled “Through the Years” about life in their home with a dedicated firefighter. It didn’t matter what they were doing, if there was a fire call, Mike was gone.
Both his daughters are firefighters and EMTs.
“I never pushed them,” he said. “They wanted to do it.”
Mike has held every line position in the fire department. He has been chief on two occasions – from 1981 to 1985 and again in 2005, when he served for 10 years. He has served as president for five years. He will be 69 in April and is still an active EMT.
Mike was presented with proclamations from representatives of Town of Shelby, Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.
(Left) Nick Boyle received an EMS award. (Center) Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green commends Judy Allen, 50 years, and Jessie Green, 60 years, for their long-term commitment to the organization. (Right) Patrick Holman, a magician from Medina, entertained the crowd.
Awards from the Ladies Auxiliary included certificates of appreciation presented to Rosie Allen, Judy Allen, Lisa Russo, Jessie Green, Sawyer Green and Paige Green. Judy Allen was recognized for 50 years of membership in the Auxiliary. Jessie Green is a 60-year member.
Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green presented a check to the firemen for $8,000 to help with their purchase of new pagers. Green said the Auxiliary is a big supporter of the fire company, always participating in any function they have.
A final ceremony paid tribute to a member Richard Pitcher, who passed away last August.
The fire company reported new members were Nick Boyle and Dylan Taylor. The Auxiliary also had two new members, Leona Weese and Pat Vadar.
The evening concluded with entertainment by magician Pat Holman of Medina.
The family of Richard Pitcher Sr. pose in front of the memorial wall at East Shelby fire Hall. The firefighter, who died Aug. 12, 2022, was a longtime member of the department and held many positions. From left is daughter Sara Pitcher-Szatkowski, his widow Linda Pitcher, and sons Rich Pitcher Jr. and Brian Pitcher. Fire chief Debbie Taylor paid tribute to Rich Sr. during the annual banquet Saturday night.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Boosters
LANCASTER – The Lancaster school district hosted their winter guard show on Saturday with 14 guard units performed in competition. This was Medina’s 4th competition.
In the Scholastic A class Medina came in 4th place with a score of 66.98. In that class Victor earned 1st with a score of 74.47, followed by Orchard Park in 2nd at 74.45 and Lancaster in 3rd with 72.77.
In the Cadet class Victor earned 1st place with 63.34 followed by Medina JV in 2nd with 58.39.
In RA class Gates earned 1st place with 66.92.
In the A1 class Greece came in 1st at 67.92. In the Senior class Luminosa was the only competitor at 80.98.
The next opportunity to see both of Medina’s guards perform is Saturday, March 11, at our home show. After that the guard travels to Jamestown on March 25 and the Championships on April 1 at Gates.
The JV winter guard was second in the Cadet division.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 5 March 2023 at 3:00 pm
The Grand Canyon from the southern rim. Photos can’t possibly do justice to this majestic beauty.
Let’s go on an adventure together….to the Grand Canyon!
In the spring of 2013, I spent about a week visiting some friends in Apache Junction, AZ – just outside Phoenix. My friends and I took an overnight side trip to the Grand Canyon. The views at the canyon weren’t very good that day – it was snowing and overcast – but the whole experience was still pretty amazing.
We got up early Saturday morning to make the three and a half hour drive to Williams, AZ to catch the two-hour train ride to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. About the time we were near Flagstaff, it started to snow and it was pretty messy when we made it to Williams. We had breakfast in Williams and then got on the train, which was a really cool experience. I love taking trains, but theme trains for specific destinations is especially fun. There was incredible scenery all the way, musicians singing for us, and lots of wild life to see – including, herds of mule deer, elk, antelope, coyote, and lots and lots of cattle! And, on the way back, we even got stopped by some train robbers, who boarded the train with scarfs over their faces and guns to rob us – the ladies were screaming and everyone was shaking in our boots! We could see the robbers racing alongside us on horses before they stopped the train and got on. But, luckily, the sheriff showed up and saved us and we resumed our trip home.
One of the train robbers that boarded our train to the Grand Canyon.
Whatever you’ve heard about the beauty of the Grand Canyon, multiply it by 1000……you still won’t come close! I wish the weather was better so we could have spent more time just sitting there staring at it in total awe. It was hazy with fog and snow, so we couldn’t see across the canyon as well as they say you usually can, but what we did see was so awe-inspiring – just breathtaking! Photos can never capture the majesty that we experienced in person. There are some other interesting things to see and do while there – in an attempt to warm up, we toured a Hopi House, had some lunch, and shopped in the gift shop.
I learned something very interesting about the Grand Canyon that day – besides just the obvious cool thing – getting to see the Grand Canyon: The guides on the train told us to drink lots of water because of the high altitude we were at (over 7000 feet elevation) and the fact that the snow there is a “dry” snow. I snickered when I heard that – you know, they are always saying it doesn’t feel as hot out there because it is a “dry heat”, but if it is 120 degrees, that is still HOT, regardless of whether or not there is humidity factored in. Well, I thought it was odd that they were saying the snow was actually dryer than what we’re used to in the eastern states. So, when I got there, I had to touch the snow to see if it was really dryer. And, I think it actually was! It felt “odd” – it packed really tight, like a good wet snow, but it also felt powdery, like the fluffier kind that doesn’t pack as well and it took quite a bit to make it melt in my hand and when it did, it wasn’t as watery. Really strange feeling snow! HAHA! Also, they sold recyclable water bottles that we filled at stations around the area – super icy cold water that was filtered straight from the mountain springs — the best water I think I’ve ever tasted!
Taking the train out of Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon is a fun and relaxing way to see the beautiful country side.
At the end of the day, we took the train back to where it started (the return trip was when we got robbed). We spent the night at the Grand Canyon Inn that was out in the middle of nowhere about 1/2 way between Williams and the Grand Canyon – really nice place and fantastic food in their restaurant. We got up the next morning and went back to Williams for breakfast at the same place we ate the morning before and to explore a little. After we left Williams, we headed toward Sedona to see the beautiful red rock that the town is famous for. On the way, we drove through Jerome, which is a very small historic town built right on the side of a mountain at over 5000 foot elevation – it literally looks like there is little keeping it from falling off the edge. Located on Cleopatra Hill in the Black Hills, Jerome used to be a booming mining town in its heyday. Now, (at the time we were there) the population is barely over 400 people. When we got back to Apache Junction, we were all so exhausted from our exciting adventure, we all crashed for a nice nap.
For more photos of our Grand Canyon adventure and all of the fun things I did during my time with friends in Arizona, visit my blog.
Happy Adventuring!
The Hopi House was an interesting feature at the Grand Canyon, which was built in the shape and tradition of an authentic Hopi dwelling.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyndonville is shown on its 50th anniversary in 1967. Photograph by Bill Covell.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 3, No. 9
LYNDONVILLE – News of the devastating fire which occurred at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Lyndonville on the night of Feb. 28 dismayed many, far and near.
Rev. Thomas F. Gleason, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Medina, is credited with organizing the construction of St. Joseph’s Mission Church in Lyndonville in 1917 to serve the fifteen Catholic families who lived in the vicinity.
The church, which seated 125 people, was built on land purchased from J.H. Lake. It was dedicated on Nov. 25, 1917, by Bishop Dougherty of Buffalo. A large contingent from St. Mary’s Church in Medina were in attendance.
St. Joseph’s was served by pastors and assistants from St. Mary’s for 45 years. During that time, the congregation grew to one hundred families. The Rosary Altar Society was established. Additional land on the north side of Lake Avenue was purchased for parking. A church hall and kitchen were added.
St. Joseph’s Church, Lyndonville, as it appeared before renovations for the Golden Jubilee.
St. Joseph’s was raised to the status of a parish on August 30, 1962. The parish comprises the Town of Yates, that part of Carlton west of Oak Orchard Creek and that part of the town of Ridgeway north of Ridge Road.
Fr. Bosack served as pastor in Lyndonville for 32 years
Rev. Albert J. Bosack was appointed as the first pastor. He was installed on Sept. 2, 1962, by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Felix McCabe, pastor of St. Joseph’s parish in Albion. Genial and much loved, Fr. Bosack served the Lyndonville congregation until his retirement in 1994.
A rectory was built on a lot east of the church in 1964.
The Church celebrated it’s fiftieth anniversary in 1967. In anticipation of this event, a new organ was purchased for the church, the building was painted inside and out, the fellowship hall and kitchen were renovated .
On Sunday, October 15, Most Rev. Stanislaus J. Branza, Auxiliary Bishop of Buffalo celebrated a Pontifical Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving at the church.
Altar boys, followed by Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus from Medina, march in procession along Lake Avenue in Lyndonville toward St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church for a Mass to celebrate the church’s Golden Jubilee. (Journal-Register on Oct. 18, 1967)
A Golden Jubilee Dinner Dance for parish families and friends was held at the Apple Grove Inn in Medina on October 13, 1967. Rev. Charles Amico was guest speaker. Harold Suzanne played a program of organ music during the evening and the Bob Still Trio provided dance music.
This group was photographed for the Journal-Register at St. Joseph’s Golden Jubilee dinner dance held at the Apple Grove In, Friday, October 13, 1967. Mrs. Iola Layer, at the left, was dinner chairman. The three ladies in the center were original members of the parish: Mrs. Floyd Smith, Helena Mahar, and Mrs. Stanley R. Berry, Sr. To the right are Stanley Barry, Jr. a church trustee and his wife, Margaret.
For many years the regular weekend schedule comprised a Saturday Mass at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 8:30 am and 10:30 am to serve the congregation of one hundred families. During the summer months, the influx of lakeside vacationers necessitated the celebration of an additional Mass.
Though the congregation has since declined to fifteen families, this “little white church” has a special place in the hearts of many.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2023 at 7:49 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Amelia Symons of Albion plays the euphonium during Saturday’s All-County Music Festival at the Stroyan Auditorium at Lyndonville Central School.
The event is presented by the Orleans County Music Educators Association and features top music students from Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
The concert featured an elementary band, junior high chorus and senior high band.
This was the second All-County concert. The first on Feb. 4 featured the elementary chorus, junior high band and high school chorus.
Roger Chagnon III, director of instrumental music at Westfield in Chautauqua County, directs the elementary band. They performed “March of the Phantom Brigade” by John Edmondson, “Haunted Clocks” by Brian Balmages, and “Tempest” by Robert W. Smith.
Kimberly Harrison, choral director at Sweet Home High School in Amherst, served as guest conductor for the junior high chorus which performed four songs: “Bonse Aba” arranged by Victor C. Johnson, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” arranged by Lon Beery, “Homeward Bound” arranged by Jay Althouse, and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” arranged by Roger Emerson.
ChrisJen Winters of Albion and Ava Blount of Medina were soloists for one of the songs by the Junior High Chorus.
Angela Dray, director of the concert band and jazz ensemble at North Tonawanda High School, served as guest conductor of the senior high band.
The senior high band performed “Captain America March” arranged by Michael Brown, “English Folk Song Suite” arranged Ralph Vaughan Williams, and “Imaginarium” arranged by Randall D. Standridge.
The elementary band included 70 students from the five public school districts in the county.
The junior high chorus included 77 students in the county.
There were 74 students in the senior high band.
Thailer Seibert of Albion plays the tenor sax in the elementary band.
Senior high band students perform on Saturday. March is Music in our Schools Month and the local districts will be hosting their own concerts and events.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2023 at 11:06 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jeremiah Knight uses a snow blower to clear a driveway on North Liberty Street in Albion this morning. About a half foot of heavy snow fell since last evening.
There hasn’t been too much snow so far this winter, so the snow may be a welcome sight for snowmobilers, skiers, and those who enjoy sledding and building snowmen.
Anyone with photos of kids building snowmen are welcome to email them to news@orleanshub.com and we’ll try to post them later today. (Please identify the people in the photo and share the location.)
A tree with snow-covered branches is in front of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion on West Park Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2023 at 9:14 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Workers from Upstate Tower Construction erect a 180-foot-high radio tower on Jan. 20, 2020 next to the Orleans County Public Safety Building along Route 31 in Albion. This was one of four new radio towers to go up in the county as part of $6 million project to upgrade the emergency communications system in the county.
ALBION – Orleans County has been approved for a nearly $3 million grant from the state for more upgrades to its emergency communications system.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $2,990,000 to Orleans through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant. It is part of $62 million awarded for 14 counties in the state.
In Orleans, the money will pay for a new tower and equipment at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office on West Countyhouse Road in Albion, equipment for a new tower in Carlton that is being built as part of the broadband project, and two backup 911 dispatch consoles at the EMO site.
The state funding will allow a connection with the Monroe County emergency communications system so first responders from the two counties can better communicate with each other.
The new tower at the EMO office will replace an older one that is at end of life, said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer.
The grant program is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Gov. Hochul said the funding is used to enhance public safety through improving and modernizing infrastructure, addressing communications deficiencies, implementing national interoperability channels, and boosting regional connectivity between counties and systems.
“When disaster strikes, New York must be ready. This grant funding is critical to modernizing our emergency communication systems to ensure that our brave first responders have the resources and data they need to keep the community and themselves safe during an emergency,” Hochul said. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority and this program is key to improving public safety throughout Upstate New York.”
Orleans County in 2020 completed a $6 million project to upgrade the emergency communications system in the county. The state awarded Orleans a $5,897,141 grant for four new towers, accompanying communication shelters, technology to connect separate radio systems and new radio channels. Those 180-foot-high towers are next to the Public Safety Building on Route 31 in Albion, Millers Road in Yates near the water tank, and at the Kendall Central School near the bus garage. The other tower is 150 feet high next to the Holley water tank on Route 237.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2023 at 7:59 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Aubrey Gannon, center, passes the ball to her Albion teammate Kayla Burgio during a warmup this evening in the Ben Kirby Memorial Tournament.
There are six teams playing in the varsity girls division this evening. On Saturday there will be 38 teams in the tournament which is organized by the Albion Soccer Club. The teams play 15-minute games.
Abby Wittenberg, the goalie for Albion, makes a save against Byron-Bergen in a game in the high school gym.
Saturday’s games will also be played in the elementary school gym.
The two-day indoor tournament honors Ben Kirby of Albion. He was a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology when he died in a car accident on Nov. 6, 2017. He was 21 at the time, in his senior year majoring in software development. Kirby played youth soccer for Albion and also on the school teams.
In addition to team championship honors, there will be Ben Kirby sportsmanship awards given out to some of the players.
Some of the proceeds go towards a scholarship given to a student nominated by one or more of the teachers in the Albion High School. It is intended for someone who is a “good kid” who may not be a Scout, but best exemplifies the characteristics of the Scout Law that Ben lived by: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is joining the New York State Association of Counties in the call for New York State government to reconsider its proposed plan to intercept $625 million in enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage Money.
Counties, statewide, oversee Medicaid programs and operate on different fiscal calendars compared to the state government. Hawley, as always, prefers more local control as to state oversight, and sees this proposal as more of the latter.
“The management of Medicaid is a difficult job, and the last thing counties statewide need is another layer of red tape from the state government as they try to ensure their beneficiaries are covered properly,” Hawley said. “Not only are costs likely to rise with these new levels of government intersections, but the costs to counties’ Medicaid expenditures could be dire. I wholly oppose this proposal and will be doing what I can in Albany to see this move reconsidered.”
