By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 December 2022 at 9:25 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Holley Elementary School is pictured recently on North Main Street.
HOLLEY – The school district will present an $18.1 million capital project to the community in a vote on Dec. 13.
Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Holley Middle/High School Foyer, 16848 Lynch Rd. Eligible voters must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of the district for at least 30 days.
The project will be funded with $14.1 million in state aid and $4 million that is already in a Holley capital reserve fund. School leaders say there won’t be any new taxes on residents with the project.
The proposed project is focused on safety, program improvements and site renovations, according to a newsletter about the project.
“We focused on the following three areas: keeping our schools safe, enhancing and increasing educational opportunities for our students, and ensuring our buildings and grounds, including The Woodlands, are in outstanding condition for many years to come,” District Superintendent Brian Bartalo and Board of Education President Robin Silvis wrote in a letter to the community.
The scope of the project includes:
Safety
New secure entrances at the Elementary School and Middle/High School
Security film applied to doors at both schools’ main entrances
Program Improvements
Music rooms renovated in both schools
New STEM and instructional spaces created at the ES
M/HS Auditorium lighting updated
Site Renovations
New bleachers, scoreboard, lights and parking lot installed at The Woodlands
Air conditioning established in remaining ES classrooms
Storage added inside and outside district buildings
Signage increased on campus
Track resurfaced in Hawk Stadium
Hawk Drive and sidewalks upgraded
Holley’s last capital vote was in December 2014. The district leaders expect the new project, if approved by voters, would then need detailed plans to be prepared by Holley’s architects and construction management team. Those plans would be submitted to the state Education Department for review, a process that typically takes several months.
Bartalo and Silvis said the district is pushing to have all the needed approvals and bidding process on schedule for construction to start in the summer of 2024.
“The timing of the planning and construction comes when we can maximize state aid dollars to maintain zero tax impact,” Bartalo and Silvis said in their letter.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 December 2022 at 6:11 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Christmas decorations are up in the Courthouse Square and downtown area in Albion. This one is in front of the County Clerks Building.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a high wind watch on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The watch includes Orleans, Niagara, Genesee, Monroe, Wyoming and northern Erie counties.
The Weather Service said there will be southwest winds from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph possible.
“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans 18 to 45 years old. It is being mixed illegally with drugs like counterfeit painkillers, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, so the lethal dose is much smaller. You cannot see, taste or smell fentanyl, but there is something you can do to protect others.
Getting trained to administer naloxone can help get those that are experiencing an overdose the time they need to get help. Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that works to reverse an opioid overdose, including a fentanyl overdose. Naloxone works as an opioid antagonist by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids.
In Genesee County, fentanyl has caused a large number of deaths, and has even been found mixed in with other drugs. Since 2018, there have been 58 fatal opioid overdoses in the county, with 10 additional deaths still pending official causes of death as of November 2022. In 2020, Genesee County experienced 15 fatal opioid overdoses (25.7 per 100,000). With a higher fatal opioid overdose rate than that of New York State in 2020 (21.8 per 100,000), it is especially important for Genesee County residents to know the signs of an overdose so naloxone can be administered.
If someone is having difficulty breathing, is unconscious, choking, or experiencing discoloration of their skin or lips, an overdose may be occurring. Naloxone can be used to reverse both fentanyl and other opioid overdoses, such as heroin, oxycodone, morphine, and methadone. There is no harm in administering naloxone if an overdose is not occurring or opioids are not in the body.
The Naloxone Co-Payment Assistance Program, commonly referred to as N-CAP, can help individuals obtain naloxone. If you have prescription coverage as part of your health insurance plan, N-CAP will cover up to $40 in prescription co-payments. This ensures there are little to no out-of-pocket expenses for those getting naloxone at their local New York State pharmacy, all of which provide naloxone through a standing order that allows you to get this medication without a prescription. To learn more about N-CAP, please visit: www.health.ny.gov/overdose.
Individuals who use any type of illicit substance or misuse prescribed opioids are at risk of experiencing an overdose. Now more than ever, it is important to have naloxone nearby. Encourage your loved ones to be trained, carry naloxone, and tell their friends where they keep it in case they overdose. Reversing an overdose can be done in four steps: call 911, administer naloxone by inserting into the nostril and pressing the plunger, give CPR if trained, and stay until help arrives.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 December 2022 at 11:26 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The county will replace its fuel farm on West Academy Street in Albion, a $1.5 million project to be paid out of the county’s building & reserve fund.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday unanimously passed a $93,702,812 budget for 2023 that doesn’t increase taxes.
Spending is up by about $15 million – from $78,691,774 in 2022. A big increase in capital projects is the primary reason for the budget growth.
The county has a long list of capital projects totaling $13,618,267, which is up from the $5,066,125 in the 2022 budget.
“This is a record-breaking investment for us in capital projects,” said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer and budget officer.
He outlined the budget during a public hearing on Wednesday in the legislative chambers of the County Office Building. The Legislature then voted 7-0 to adopt that plan.
The tax levy, what the county collects in property taxes, remains at $18,657,000. The tax rate, however, will drop 22 cents from $10.09 to $9.87 per $1,000 of assessed property.
Lynne Johnson, Legislature chairwoman, said the budget “is a smart, fiscally responsible plan that funds our DPW, public safety and makes key investments in public health and wellness, economic and workforce development, and in restoring and rebuilding our critical community infrastructure that contributes to our quality of life.”
The county has collected big increases above budget in sales tax in recent years. Next year will be the first time the county’s budget for sales tax at $18,853,000 exceeds the tax levy. That number is up $1 million from the budget in 2022 for sales tax.
Sales tax on online purchases has been the biggest driver in the increase, Welch said.
The $13.6 million in capital projects is believed to be the most in county history, Welch said, and is up from the $5,066,125 in 2022.
Some of the capital projects for 2023 include:
$1.5 million for replacement of the county’s fuel farm
$1,390,000 for a solar farm and energy efficiency project (by the Emergency Management Office on West Countyhouse Road)
$2,096,100 to replace the Angling Road bridge
$1,040,00 to replace the bridge on Route 237
$999,616 for the Lakeshore Road bridge project
$776,000 for Taylor Hill Road culvert replacement
$1,890,000 for highway reconstruction
$740,000 for an addition to the DPW
$792,615 for CAD and RMS software in the Sheriff’s Office
$200,000 for jail repairs
$90,000, Clerk and Courthouse parking lot
$25,000, Courthouse dome lighting project
“The proposed 2023 budget is encouraging as it keeps property taxes flat while also investing in critical infrastructure throughout the county,” Johnson said during the budget hearing. “As we move beyond direct pandemic response, we are shifting our focus to investments for our long-term future.”
The budget also includes nearly $17 million towards nine state-mandated program. The “9 for 90” accounts for about 90 percent of the county’s tax levy.
Those programs and the county cost include:
Medicaid, $7,385,441
Pension, $2,944,844
Public Assistance/Safety Net, $1,915,672
Child Welfare/Protection, $1,805,697
Special Education, $947,038
Probation, $711,056
Indigent Defense, $512,889
Mental Health – Law Expense 730.30, $401,500
Early Intervention, $253,621
Total of “9 for 90” – $16,877,758
The budget gives some agencies an increase and while others stay at the same level of funding.
The Orleans Economic Development will receive $200,000 in 2023, up from $190,000; Soil & Water Conservation will get $95,000, up from $92,500; and the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will receive $4,000, up from $3,000.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension remains at $240,000 and the four public libraries continue at $10,000. Mercy Flight stays at $5,000 and the Sportsman’s Federation remains at $1,000.
The county workforce includes 345 full-time employees and 96 part-timers. There are also 163 seasonal workers with 150 in the Board of Elections.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) this week was elected unanimously as New York’s regional representative to the Republican Policy Committee.
Claudia Tenney
“I’m honored to have been chosen by my colleagues in New York to represent them on the Republican Policy Committee,” Tenney said. “I look forward to working alongside them and other members of this important committee as we provide a robust platform for debate and offer commonsense, conservative solutions to the many problems facing our nation today.”
The Committee was created in 1949 as a forum for debate and to develop legislative proposals that promote commonsense conservative solutions. It also produces informational background materials for use by the House Republican Conference.
“Congresswoman Tenney will be a valuable member of the Republican Policy Committee in the 118th Congress,” said House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-6). “She is results-focused, and her foreign affairs knowledge will be an asset to the team as we work to develop sound policy ideas. As the elected representative of the New York region, I know she will continue advocating for matters important to her constituents.”
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I- Batavia) today spoke about a recently filed lawsuit against The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home in Albion, by Attorney General Letitia James.
The Villages has been accused of financial fraud that has caused significant harm and neglect to its residents. This lawsuit has brought to attention companies that take advantage of the state’s Medicaid program.
“This alleged behavior by people who are responsible for the protection of our elderly must not be tolerated in our state,” Hawley said. “Our older generations have had to deal with tremendous pressure for the past few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This issue places unnecessary stress on our citizens who deserve our utmost respect and continued protection. I have always been an advocate for hospice care and will continue to support their mission. As a former Genesee County Legislator, I was proud to sponsor legislation to initiate hospice care in the county in memory of my mother.”
“My office will certainly keep a watchful eye on nursing homes in our district to ensure the safety of New York’s elderly population. Our office will continue our steadfast support of residents, families & employees of nursing home concerns, as we did during the pandemic.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 December 2022 at 8:53 am
Provided photos
ALBION – A $1,300 grant from the Lions Club allowed the Leos student clubs in Albion and Lyndonville to purchase $1,300 of food to be shared with Hands 4 Hope, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion and the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries. The Leos, Lions Club members and leaders from the three ministries went shopping on Tuesday at the Save A Lot in Albion to purchase the food.
Pictured from left include Hannah Marker with Lyndonville Leos; Alyssa Prime with Lyndonville Leos; Brianna Smith with Lyndonville Leos; behind them is Gina Marker, Lyndonville Leos advisor; Mike and Faith Smith with Orleans Koinonia Kitchen; Jake Stinson, Albion Leos advisor; Amber Stinson of Albion; Kevin Lemcke with Hands 4 Hope; Jack Burris with Hands 4 Hope; Dan Conrad, regional chair of the Leos; Isla Deboard with Albion Leos; Liam Matthews with Albion Leos; Freedom Matthews with Albion Leos; Alexis Stinson of Albion; Jeff Holler with Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries; and Dora Leader with Albion Save A Lot.
Alyssa Prime, center, pushes the shopping cart while joined by Gina Marker, Leos Club advisor in Lyndonville, and Mike Smith, one of the leaders of the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen.
The Koinonia Kitchen serves meals to the community every Thursday at Harvest Christian Fellowship at 560 East Ave.
Liam Matthews of Albion joins Jack Burris of Hands 4 Hope at the checkout line after they filled carts with spaghetti sauce and peanut butter. Hands 4 Hope goes to different locations in the county each Saturday offering food, clothing and prayers.
Jeff Holler, right of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, is joined by Brianna Smith of Lyndonville and Isla DeBoard of Albion. The Royal Body Shop runs a food ministry in Albion, including a community refrigerator outside Arnold’s Auto Parts at 116 North Liberty St.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 November 2022 at 8:26 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board will take comments during a public hearing on Jan. 9 for making the intersection of West Avenue and West Oak Orchard Street a 4-way stop.
The village currently has a traffic light there. But resident Mat Mosher told the Village Board on Monday that light doesn’t seem to be needed, especially since the school district put in a road linking the campus, keeping some traffic off village streets.
Board members think many in the community may agree with Mosher and set a public hearing for 7 p.m. on Jan. 9.
The board changed one of the intersections nearby from a traffic light to a 4-way stop. The board in October 2020 made Gwinn and West Oak Orchard a 4-way stop, making the traffic light blinking red and adding stop signs.
ALBANY – The New York State Senate Republican Conference today re-elected Rob Ortt as Leader of the Minority Conference. The leadership vote was held at the New York State Capitol ahead of the 2023-24 Legislative Session.
Rob Ortt
“It is incredibly humbling to earn the support of my Senate Republican colleagues to continue serving in the critical role of Minority Leader,” Ortt said. “I thank my colleagues and the New Yorkers they represent for their continued trust and faith in my leadership. As we approach a New Year and new session with eight energetic new members and our outstanding returning members, our expanded Conference will continue to be a leading voice of reason and common sense in Albany. There is much more work to be done to make our state safer and more affordable for all.”
Rob Ortt was sworn in as State Senator for the 62nd District in January 2015, and elected Minority Leader in June 2020. His Senate district includes Orleans, Niagara and part of western Monroe. From 2010-2014, he served as mayor of North Tonawanda. Prior to becoming mayor, he was city treasurer and then, clerk-treasurer of North Tonawanda.
Ortt enlisted in N.Y. Army National Guard in October 2001 in direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he served from March 2008 until December of the same year. His mission was to serve as a combat mentor/advisor to the Afghan National Police in Kandahar City, the second-largest city in Afghanistan. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in recognition of his service.
“Since becoming Leader, I have heard from countless New Yorkers who are fed up with rising costs, rising crime, and a lack of checks and balances in our State Capitol,” Ortt said. “Our state’s rapidly declining population reflects that sentiment. It’s time for a change from the political establishment’s failed policies that have left families and businesses behind. My Senate Republican colleagues and I will not stop fighting for that change and the people we represent.”
Republican Leadership and Committee assignments will be released in the near future.
Ortt lives in North Tonawanda with his wife, Meghan.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Ben Converso (Medina), Wyatt Zelazny (Medina), Devin Kirkpatrick (Lockport) and Tom Lewis (Branch Manager of Monroe Tractor in Batavia.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Over a dozen recruiters and company representatives spent a day talking to the Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment students in Mike Schultz’s class at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Students spent their classroom time walking through the stations set up by the following companies: Hunter Peterbilt, Milton CAT, Bobcat of Buffalo, Landpro Equipment, Monroe Tractor, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, New York State Department of Transportation, Regional Equipment, Inc., Empire Tractor, Relco Systems, Reid Petroleum, Trucking Association of New York, Henrich Chevrolet and NAPA.
“It was a great experience for my classes to be able to talk to these representatives,” said Mr. Schultz. “These are potential employers for them and it gives them a chance to talk to them directly and do some informal interviewing. It is good for them to see the career opportunities that are available to them and what kind of benefit packages they offer.”
Samuel Kusiniski, Service Manager for Milton CAT, said, “This is an excellent event. I like doing this kind of stuff. Mr. Schultz has given his students a great experience having all this representation here. As a perspective employer it is good for us to see what kind of skills the students have and how they interview.”
Chris Birner, Service Director of Heinrich Chevrolet, added, “I think the event was really great. There was a lot of good interaction with the students and many of them have great qualifications. There was a lot of talks about careers and what we are looking for to be part of our team. We want them to have fun, but be safe and hard working. It is great that places like BOCES exist because the future is really skilled trades. It is what our economy needs.”
Joining Mr. Birner was Raymond Gorski, one of his employees and a graduate from the Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment program.
“I graduated from here in 2019,” Gorski said. “Going to BOCES really made me grow up. Mr. Schultz taught us what we needed to know and pointed us in the right direction. My senior year, I capstoned at Heinrich and it was a great experience. It got me on track to where I wanted to be with my career. I ended up attending Monroe Community College and then Heinrich sent me through GMASEP (GM Automotive Service Education Program) which was amazing. They also provided me with great training and a great mentor. I love being part of the Heinrich team.”
Mr. Schultz said he was very proud of how his students handled themselves.
“A lot of the people who were here told me how impressed they were with the students,” he said. “They said they had been to a lot of schools and our students were some of most mature and well-mannered they had ever encountered.”
Julia Gaiser, Customer Support with LandPro Equipment, said, “The kids were very sweet and very polite. Many of them want to go right into the workforce after graduation. It helps us to see what they want out of a career and helps us to align ourselves to what those needs are.”
It is obvious that Mr. Schultz, his students and the company representatives felt the day was a huge success.
“As an educator is very rewarding to see that what we are teaching them in the classroom is giving these students opportunities to learn job skills and events like this give them a chance to hone their interpersonal and interview skills as well,” he said. “I am very grateful to the companies that participated at the event and gave the students such a positive experience as they start thinking of their future career plans.”
Press Release, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
ALBANY – New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that the state will convene a series of roundtable discussions with county fair representatives from across New York to further strengthen these community events.
Stakeholders will meet twice annually, in the spring and fall, with the initial dates to be chosen at the annual meeting of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) in January 2023.
Representatives from NYSAAF and additional stakeholders will be invited to participate in the discussions, which will generate ideas to further the fairs’ growth. This announcement comes as a part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to evaluating ways to increase the marketing and promotion of county fairs, as well as opportunities to improve youth and agricultural programming initiatives at all fairs statewide.
“County fairs are the foundation of agricultural education and tradition for families across New York State,” said Commissioner Ball. “The more we can work together to grow these important cultural and educational touchstones, the better off our state will be. These roundtable discussions will be a great opportunity to continue coordinating and strengthening our fairs’ agricultural initiatives statewide.”
Participants will be the NYSAAF’s Board of Directors, which includes managers from county fairs across New York State of all sizes, as well as vendor representatives and members of agricultural groups that have experience and insight into the operation of exhibits at fairs.
Topics for the first roundtable discussion will include:
how to enhance fair marketing and promotion through existing programs such as Taste NY and I Love NY, as well as the creation of new programs to increase awareness of fairs statewide;
plans for enhancing agricultural competitions at fairs, including ways to encourage county fair winners to participate at the Great New York State Fair; and
other initiatives, including capital planning, emergency management, and commissioning an updated economic impact study.
“The NYSAAF Board looks forward to participating in a series of round table discussions,” said NYSAAF President Ed Rossley. “We will continue to promote agriculture at the county and state levels. Open communication is necessary to expand the county fair’s promotion, infrastructure, and financial stability. All these areas are necessary to provide a venue for youth and agricultural programming initiatives in New York State.”
In 2021, Governor Hochul directed a review to assess support, growth, and revitalization opportunities for all fairs in New York. As part of this initiative, the State created a new position, Agricultural Fair Development Director, which was a significant step forward in streamlining the State’s work with county fairs and facilitating increased opportunities for funding and growth.
In addition to the Great New York State Fair, New York is home to more than 50 county and youth fairs that operate from July through the middle of September, with the Long Island Fair closing out the season.
Local fairs provide visitors with family-friendly fun, great music, and delicious food. They also offer a unique opportunity to learn about local agriculture, including where our food comes from, and how it is grown, harvested, and marketed to the public. According to a 2013 economic impact study, the State’s fairs generate $6 million in economic activity and over 4,000 jobs in New York each year.
Kaitlin Bennett, left, gets ready for the dairy show on July 27, 2022 with other 4-Hers. Zack Welker, one of the dairy leaders at the fair, helps to get everyone organized.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 November 2022 at 1:35 pm
ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to 8 years in prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Prince Z. Wilson, 23, of Albion pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He could have faced up to 15 years in prison for each charge.
As part of a plea, his sentence was capped at 8 years with the sentences to be served at the same time.
Wilson in August 2021 exchanged gunfire with another man in Albion, and wounded the victim in the leg. He was charged a second time after that arrest with having gun.
Wilson didn’t speak when given a chance by the judge during sentencing today. Wilson will face five years of post-release supervision when he is out of prison. He also was fined $2,000.
In other cases in court today:
Jacoun Harden, 35, of Holley and formerly of Medina, was sentenced to six months in the county jail and five years of probation.
He pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree for having a loaded firearm. Harden admitted in court in a previous appearance that he had a loaded 9 mm handgun when he was arrested and was intending to use it but didn’t fire it at anyone.
Brennen D. Callara, 24, of Medina pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted robbery and petty larceny. He could face a maximum of 4 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.
Callara admitted in court that on July 20 he threatened a cashier at Crosby’s in Medina by displaying a knife and demanding money.
Callara also admitted to stealing a chain saw sharpener from Tractor Supply in Medina on Aug. 30.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25.
Today’s plea would satisfy other charges he is facing in Shelby and Ridgeway courts.
Richard J. Capen pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree.
He admitted in court today to stealing a rifle on July 17, and selling it. He also admitted to damaging laundry machines on July 26 that were owned by Richard Colonna, causing about $3,000 in damage.
He will be sentenced on Feb. 1.
Austin Buzzard, 23, of Carlton pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing in the third degree and petty larceny.
He admitted to entering a garage without permission and taking a four-wheeler that wasn’t his.
He could face up to 364 days in the county jail when he is sentenced on Feb. 1.
Mikel Love of Kendall was arraigned of charges of course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. Love rejected a plea offer and pleaded not guilty. An order of protection was issued for the alleged victim of the crime.
Dale Shawver, 60, of Albion was assessed as a level 1 sex offender, the lowest level. He currently is serving a six-month sentence in the county jail for first-degree sexual abuse and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He will be on probation for 10 years when he is released from jail, and also will be on the sex offender registry for 10 years.
Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans 18 to 45 years old. It is being mixed illegally with drugs like counterfeit painkillers, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.
