By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2023 at 2:56 pm
ALBION – The Albion Police Department is reporting today that a 20-year-old man has been arrested after nearly a month-long investigation into several burglaries to dwellings, garages, sheds and larcenies from vehicles.
Bryton M. Hitzges
Bryton M. Hitzges has been charged with one count of second-degree burglary 2nd to a dwelling, four counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of petit larceny and one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief.
The Albion PD is reporting that it conducted a search warrant on Wednesday at a residence in the Village of Albion. Hitzges was subsequently arrested there without incident, police said. While conducting the search warrant, officers recovered over 100 items of stolen property from victims within the Village of Albion.
Hitzges was committed to the Orleans County Jail pending arraignment. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance at arraignment.
Those who think they have been a victim of a recent burglary in the Village of Albion and have items missing are asked to call the Albion Police Department at (585)589-5627 or email the Albion PD at Contact@albionpolice.com.
The Albion Police Department was assisted by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force during the search warrant, Albion Police Chief David Mogle said.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced today that he will be holding new outreach office hours within his district during the month of January.
During these outreach office hours, residents will have the opportunity to meet with members of his staff to discuss their concerns regarding state government and local issues.
“I’m eager to use these outreach office hours as an opportunity to get input from constituents on issues they’d like to address and get a better understanding of the issues that face the entirety of my district,” Hawley said.
Genesee County at GCC, Conable Technology Building, Room T124 – from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 10 and Jan. 31.
Erie County at Newstead Public Library, 33 Main St, Akron – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 and Jan. 31.
Monroe County at Seymour Library, 161 East Avenue, Brockport – Ellwanger Room from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 11.
Hamlin Library, 1680 Lake Road, Hamlin – from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 25.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2023 at 10:41 am
ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern seeks donations of beds and bedding, couches, chairs, tables and electric appliances. The agency will then deliver them to people in need, said Bob Harker, the Ministry of Concern’s executive director.
The agency does not distribute wall hangings, TVs and other incidentals, he said.
The Ministry of Concern last year delivered 711 essential furniture items to 203 different families and individuals.
“Right now, we need everything that we deal with – couches, chairs, tables, dressers and especially beds,” Harkin said. “We picked up 10 beds on Monday. I think we have 3 left. Our warehouse is about empty.”
Pickup of the furniture and electric appliances can be arranged by calling the Ministry’s Furniture Coordinator, Michele, at (585) 589-9210.
BUFFALO – The annual appeal in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the diocesan Fund for the Faith seeks to raise $9.5 million by June 30.
The annual Appeal helps fund 57 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities across 80 locations and many diocesan ministries through the Fund for the Faith.
“The hope Catholic Charities provides for those who are struggling to make ends meet or who are facing challenges impacting their health and well-being every day is evident on the faces of so many across our community,” said Adam Sumlin, Ph.D., Appeal 2023 chair. “Community support through the annual Appeal is crucial as the funds raised ensures that much needed programs and services can continue. If we look out for our community, we will always create a better place for others who are less fortunate.”
As the most comprehensive human services provider serving people of all faiths across all eight counties of Western New York, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include basic emergency assistance such as food pantries, educational and vocational advancement services, family safety and stabilization services, immigration and refugee assistance, behavioral health and substance use treatment, and youth and family support services.
This year also marks the 100th year of Catholic Charities serving Western New York and the 99th year for the annual Appeal.
“We are inspired by Catholic Charities’ centennial year of service and are launching this year’s Appeal with renewed vigor and excitement,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “During its first year, Catholic Charities served about 12,500 people. Last year, Catholic Charities’ programs and services supported more than 134,000 individuals, families, and children. In the 98 years of the Appeal, close to half a billion dollars has been raised to provide help and hope to those who need it most.”
The Fund for the Faith provides for such ministries as campus ministry, cultural diversity, deaf ministry, parish spiritual renewal, marriage preparation, pro-life activities and services, leadership and support services for Catholic education, and curriculum for Faith Formation programs in Catholic schools, among others.
This year’s Appeal patron is Venerable Nelson H. Baker, founder of Our Lady of Victory charities and one of the signers of the letters of incorporation for Catholic Charities in 1923.
To donate to Appeal 2023, visit ccwny.org/donate or call 716-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting GIVEHOPE 23 to 44321 or scanning the QR code found on Appeal materials.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400 to find help through Catholic Charities.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
Today, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Senator Patrick Gallivan sent a letter to the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Investigations and Government Operations and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs urging them to conduct oversight hearings to assess the state’s response during the historic storm of a century in Western New York last month.
“While we recognize the historic nature of the storm, and appreciate the hard work and efforts put forward by first responders, local officials, public works employees, and good samaritans, it is clear that we must learn the tough lessons gleaned from this event,” Ortt and Gallivan wrote in the letter. “A legislative hearing is a responsible way to understand the successes and shortcomings of the state and local effort, and ensure we are prepared to adequately respond to any future events in the Western New York region or across the state.”
The storm hit the Western New York region over Christmas weekend, with a vast majority of the total snow falling within the first 30 to 36 hours. However, too many residents were still grappling with the crippling consequences more than a week later, with the City of Buffalo and surrounding areas being particularly slow to reopen, and over 1,000 calls to the City’s emergency system going unanswered.
Senators Ortt and Gallivan, along with Senators O’Mara, Oberacker and Ashby, directed their request to the Senate Committees that play a role in oversight into relevant areas including state roads and bridges, emergency response, and government operations.
A public hearing would give the Legislature the ability to gather comprehensive testimony to determine where the state’s response to the storm was successful, where the response had shortcomings, and what action can be taken to ensure the State is better prepared to ensure the safety of New Yorkers in the future.
“It’s important for the public to know when events such as this tragic blizzard happen, their public offices are willing to find ways to improve,” Ortt said. “We owe it to the people of Western New York to make safety a priority and to ensure our community is ready to respond to future emergency events.”
“The Blizzard of ’22 was truly historic, but we know it will not be the last snowstorm to hit our region,” Gallivan said. “It is also important to review procedures and operations to determine how to improve our response in the future.”
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
ALBION – Two long-time volunteers were recognized with special awards during the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s annual meeting last month at Maison Albion.
Marty Zwikfa of Albion was presented with the Friend of Extension Award. He has served as manager of the Orleans County 4-H Fair for the past six years.
Zack Welker, OCCCE Board of Directors president, commended Zwifka for his dedication to Cooperative Extension and his ability to solve problems, especially during fair week.
“Anything we need at the fair,” Welker noted, “… a lot of things, that if they break during the fair and are magically fixed…. Marty often is the one who is in charge of that.”
Welker said Marty’s expertise was especially helpful during the uncertainties of the past few years during the pandemic.
“It has been quite the ride,” Zwifka said of his experience. “Most people don’t realize how much work goes into a fair, I couldn’t do it without a team, the fair board is a team.”
Zwifka also thanked his father-in-law, Mike Elam, for being his “right-hand man” during the fair.
“I am going to miss it,” Zwifka said of the fair manager post.
Erik Seielstad of Albion received the Outstanding 4-H Leader of the Year award. Seielstad formed the Orleans County 4-H Robotics Club in 2011 to provide an opportunity for Orleans County youth to participate in the FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics Competitions.
In presenting the award, Kristina Gabalski, 4-H Program Coordinator, said, “The vision of the robotics program is to provide an opportunity for students to learn and demonstrate skills in leadership, responsibility, citizenship and life skills. In addition to team building, problem solving and developing an inventor mindset, Erik makes sure that robotics youth are actively involved in community service. This includes programs at local libraries, farmers markets and the 4-H fair.”
The FIRST Lego League team – the Robusters – recently won the prestigious “Core Values Award” at a qualifying tournament in Spencerport. The team will be advancing to the FLL Championship in Buffalo on Feb. 18. Seielstad brought the trophy the team won and shared it with guests as he accepted his award.
The FRC-4093 Hardwired team consisting of older youth is currently preparing for the robotics competition coming up in March at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2023 at 7:04 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The lights are shining blue and red, the team colors for the Buffalo Bills, this evening in honor of injured player Damar Hamlin.
The 24-year-old defensive back was critically injured in Monday night’s game. He was given CPR and a round of defibrillation before being taken from the field by ambulance.
He has shown great improvement since then, the medical staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and the Bills said today. Hamlin remains critically ill and in intensive care but doctors are very hopeful about his progress.
The NFL announced today the Bills and Bengals game, which was stopped in the first quarter, will not be resumed. The game was a matchup between two of the top teams in the NFL. The Bills are at 12-3 and the Bengals at 11-4.
Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, wanted the county to show its support for the Hamlin and the Western New York community, which is a strong supporter of its professional football team.
“It’s basically a call to join us in praying for complete healing for Hamlin,” Johnson said. “There’s no question prayers are going up from Orleans County.”
BUFFALO – The United States Postal Service is hiring motivated and dynamic individuals to help us deliver for America. Right now, we are looking for new team members to join us in our mission of service to your local community.
Accepting a position with the United States Postal Service is the first step that could lead to a long, fulfilling career with a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committed to delivering for the American people.
The Postal Service will be hosting job fairs to fill immediate openings throughout Western New York for the following positions:
City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) – $19.33 per hour
Rural Carrier Associate – $19.94 per hour
PSE Clerk – $20.05 per hour
Mail Handler Assistant – $17.32 per hour
The job fairs will be Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Williamsville Career Center, 4175 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221; and Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Batavia Post Office, 2 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2023 at 2:03 pm
‘There’s no question prayers are going up from Orleans County’
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome will be lighted in red and blue beginning this evening in honor of Damar Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills player who was critically injured on Monday night while making a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and needed to be revived on the field. The game was stopped in the first quarter and hasn’t resumed.
The Buffalo Bills released a statement today that Hamlin has shown “remarkable improvement.” Hamlin, a 24-year-old in his second season with the Bills, is being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact,” the Bills said in the statement. “His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress. We are grateful for the love and support we have received.”
Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, pushed to have the Courthouse dome lighted in the Bills colors of red and blue. Other landmarks in Western New York and beyond has been lighted in Bills colors to show support for Hamlin.
Johnson is a former season ticket holder for the team. She was watching the game live on Monday when Hamlin was injured in the first quarter.
“It’s basically a call to join us in praying for complete healing for Hamlin,” Johnson said. “There’s no question prayers are going up from Orleans County.”
Johnson said she feels empathy for Hamlin’s parents. Johnson’s son Chase was injured in a workplace accident on June 8 and was on a ventilator in the hospital. He has since made a full recovery, Johnson said.
“It hit home for me because I have seen the seriousness of it,” Johnson said. “I know what it’s like to be by the hospital bed as mother. I’m praying for the Hamlin family.”
ALBANY – Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 25th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an unforgettable opportunity to bike across New York State and take in the rich history of the legendary canal that transformed America.
The eight-day, 400-mile recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany is scheduled for July 9-16. There is also an option to ride only the first four days from Buffalo to Syracuse.
Cycle the Erie Canal participants will experience one of the best trails in America as they cycle through historic canal villages and discover the small-town charm of Upstate New York. Along the way, canal historians and local experts will introduce riders to the people, places, and things that make the Erie Canal so important to the history of New York and the nation.
Cyclists will pedal between 40 and 60 miles per day, and visit some of Upstate New York’s most iconic attractions, such as the Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls, and Fort Stanwix in Rome, a full-scale fort recreation from the French and Indian War.
This tour features the predominantly flat and traffic-free Erie Canalway Trail; the east-west leg of New York State’s longer 750 mile Empire State Trail, which is the longest multi-use trail in the nation.
The Canal Culvert impressed many of the cyclists last July 11. They stopped to get selfies with the big stone structure, which is the only spot where vehicles can drive under the Erie Canal.
The Erie Canalway Trail is 85 percent off-road. Cycle the Erie Canal offers unparalleled cycling for all ages and abilities. In 2022 the tour drew 650 cyclists, ages 10-73, from 40 states and 2 Canadian Provinces.
A recent study shows that the Canalway Trail System receives more than 3.1 million visits per year and generates an economic impact of $253 million.
Registration for Cycle the Erie Canal includes camping accommodations each evening with restrooms and showers; eight hearty breakfasts and six delicious dinners; two refreshment stops daily stocked with fruit, snacks and beverages; SAG support and baggage transport; daily cue sheets and marked routes; entertainment and historic presentations every evening; and guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums, and other attractions.
The registration fee for the full tour is $1,075 for adults and $580 for youths ages 6-17, and $750 for non-cycling participants.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2023 at 9:18 am
$2 million effort to stabilize shoreline recognized for environmental project in Small Cities/Rural Communities category
CARLTON – A $2 million project that strengthened 1,500 feet of the shoreline on Lakeshore Road in Carlton has been honored by Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association.
Lakeshore Road is one of the main routes to Point Breeze and the surrounding shoreline area. It is owned and maintained by Orleans County.
The local chapter of the APWA recognized the work in Carlton as “Project of the Year” in the environmental category for Small Cities/Rural Communities category.
The project was 95 percent funded by the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). The county was responsible for the other 5 percent of the costs.
A project in Yates for upgrading the town park and fortifying the shoreline there also was recognized by the APWA. In addition, Adam Rush, the chief operator of the Village of Albion water plant, will be honored during the Jan. 26 awards banquet at RIT.
With the Lakeshore Road project, Keeler Construction in Barre served as the general contractor. Keeler hauled in big boulders along about 1,500 feet of the shoreline, going east from Route 98 in Point Breeze.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Keeler Construction in Barre is shown in August 2021 trucking in big rocks to Lakeshore Road in Carlton, part of a project to build a strong breakwall and harden the shoreline from erosion and future flooding from Lake Ontario. The shoreline also was regraded with a new vegetative cover to help stave off some erosion and damage from the waves.
The shoreline also was regraded and with a new vegetative cover to help stave off some erosion and damage from the waves.
The improvements re-establish a shoreline that was eroded from the high water levels in 2017 and 2019.
“The shoreline of Lake Ontario along Lakeshore Road in the Town of Carlton suffered significant erosion due to the floods that jeopardized the integrity of our road and the Town’s utility infrastructure,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County legislature chairwoman. “This project impacted 15 total properties, in which every owner was appreciative of the county’s efforts, not only to fix the erosion problem but to make it more resilient against future flood events.”
The project was part of the state’s $300 million REDI program to protect infrastructure and other critical sites along the south shore.
John Papponetti, the county’s commissioner of the Department of Public Works, teamed with engineers from Wendel Companies to develop and design a slope stabilization system for Lakeshore Road. The hardened barrier will protect the shoreline from the harsh wave action of the lake, along with a natural barrier of native plantings along the upper portion of the slope to prevent erosion.
Provided photo: The high waters from 2017 and 2019 took out chunks of the shoreline, getting the water close to Lakeshore Road and about 15 homes on that stretch of the road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2023 at 6:48 pm
ALBION – A Clarendon man was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
William Grathouse III, 49, of Clarendon faced charges of third-degree arson, second-degree insurance and fourth-degree criminal solicitation.
Grathouse, a second-felony offender, allegedly had someone start a fire at his home at Holley-Byron Road on Nov. 29, 2020 so he could collect the insurance money.
In other cases in county court today:
Jeremiah Thomas, 36, of Albion was sentenced to 6 months in the Orleans County Jail and 5 years of probation. He pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in the third degree and reckless endangerment in the second degree in a road rage incident.
Thomas admitted in court to using his pickup to drive into the front of a car in the McDonalds in Medina on May 18. The incident caused more than $8,000 in damage and put the other driver at risk of significant injury, according to the District Attorney’s office.
Thomas said he has been making progress through a anger management program. His attorney asked for a probation sentence with no jail time so Thomas could continue working and supporting his family, including a baby due to be born in March.
But Judge Church said Thomas has a history of absconding and trying to avoid his sentences. The judge said incarceration was warranted, but he gave Thomas a reduced sentence. As part of a plea agreement, Thomas could have faced 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.
Assistant DA John Sansone said Thomas’s actions on May 18 were “a very serious road rage incident” where he twice stopped the other driver between Albion and Medina, and then ran into his car while the other driver had a child in the vehicle.
Thomas said the other driver was taking photos of his truck, which made him think that driver intended to steal the truck or vandalize it.
The judge also issued an order of protection for the other driver.
Patrick Casanova, 29, of Medina pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. He admitted to punching a woman in the face in Aug. 11, which fractured her orbital bone and damaged her sinus. He could face 2 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on March 8.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2023 at 2:12 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Don Newcomb, lead singer and bass guitarist for the Don Newcomb Country Band, performs on Jan. 13, 2017 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library as part of the “Finally Fridays” concert series. Newcomb and his band will return for a concert on Jan. 27.
MEDINA – The Finally Fridays concert series kicks off this Friday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.
The nine-week concert series kicks off with Creek Bend Bluegrass & Americana. All of the concerts start at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.
The Medina library has hosted the series since 2002 with the 2021 concerts cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The lineup of bands performing includes:
Jan. 6: Creek Bend – bluegrass & Americana
Jan. 13: Who Dats – rock
Jan. 20: Two Of Us – Beatle
Jan. 27: Don Newcomb – country, rock
Feb. 3: Frankfurters – German Folk
Feb. 10: “A” Blues Band Rock – blues, country
Feb. 17: Corfu Pembroke Community Band – concert band
Feb. 24: DSP Jazz – jazz
March 3: Step In Time – Irish folk
The series receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts in a program administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, who was re-elected unanimously last year to serve another term as Minority Leader, today announced key leadership posts within the Republican Conference for the upcoming Legislative session.
Ortt represents the 62nd Senate District which includes all of Orleans, Niagara and part of western Monroe counties.
As the minority conference leader, Ortt announced the following leadership assignments:
Senator Andrew Lanza – Deputy Minority Leader and Floor Leader
Senator Tom O’Mara – Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee
Senator Pam Helming – Chair of the Senate Republican Conference
Senator Pat Gallivan – Minority Whip
Senator Joseph Griffo – Assistant Minority Leader
Senator Anthony Palumbo – Deputy Floor Leader
Senator Jack Martins – Vice Chair of the Senate Minority Conference
“The Senate Republican Conference is heading into the new legislative session with an impressive class of freshman senators, as well as veteran members who are ready to continue the great work they have done on behalf of all New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “Our agenda will continue to prioritize the issues that matter most to hardworking New Yorkers – we are focused and energized to get to work and help make New York safer, stronger, and more affordable for all.”
