Photos courtesy of Lt. Todd Draper: FBI Director Christopher Wray congratulated Todd Draper of Medina for completing a 10-week management/leadership program. Draper graduated from the FBI’s National Academy on March 17. Todd Draper is shown with his yellow brick after completing the fitness challenge, a grueling 6.1-mile run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the Marines. Along the way, the participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and face other challenges.

MEDINA – Todd Draper, a member of the Medina Police Department the past 18 years, graduated from a 10-week management and leadership program hosted by the FBI.

Draper, a lieutenant with the Medina PD, was among 258 law enforcement officers from 32 countries who graduated on March 17. They learned advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend.

Draper completed six classes at the National Academy: Critical Incident Management, Essentials of Leadership, Physical Training/Wellness Breaking Barriers and Building Communities, and An Overview of Forensic Science for Law Enforcement Managers.

“I think all of these classes will help me improve as a leader, but I went into each of these classes with the approach of what can I bring back to our agency,” Draper said. “I hope to implement small improvements over time.”

The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities.

The 10-week program provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science.

The academy serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge and cooperation worldwide.

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks at the graduation ceremony.

ALBION – The phone issue has been fixed at the Orleans County 911 Center, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

All non-emergency phone lines into the Orleans County 911 Center were down for much of the day but are back working.

Callers were encouraged to call 911 if they needed assistance. But now the non-emergency lines are working.

“Thank you for your patience,” Bourke said.

Two Orleans County residents are among the 227 new state troopers who graduated today from the 210th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.

Kelsey Schmitt of Albion and Kyle Allen of Medina were recognized during a ceremony at the Empire Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

Ann Bates, a former Orleans County resident and Holley Central School graduate, also is a new state trooper. She now lives in Elmira.

“These men and women we welcome into the New York State Police today have worked and trained extremely hard for six months and have dedicated themselves to protecting the people of New York State,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.  “I commend these new Troopers for their commitment to public service and making our state a safer place for those who live, work and travel through New York. I wish them luck as they start their careers and continue the 105-year-long tradition of the New York State Police.”

The graduates completed 26 weeks of training. They were selected from a list of more than 1,700 candidates, and now will report for field duty on March 31. For the following 10 weeks, the new troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.

Women currently are 11.6 percent of state troopers in NY

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – During Women’s History Month, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police has joined other police departments across the country by signing the “30×30 Pledge,” a commitment to increase the representation of women in the State Police ranks and improve the experiences of women in law enforcement.

The central commitment of the pledge is for women to be 30 percent of recruit classes by 2030 and to ensure that law enforcement agencies are truly representative of the jurisdictions and communities they serve. The pledge is part of State Police efforts to diversify its membership.

“Police work is about public service, and law enforcement agencies are more effective when they have strong connections and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve,” Governor Hochul said. “The State Police was created over 100 years ago after the determined efforts of two women. We will build on this legacy and continue to diversify our ranks, and I encourage all who are interested to take advantage of the opportunity to have a profound and positive impact on the lives of others by joining this law enforcement community.”

The pledge is an effort being led by the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States. The 30×30 Initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

More than 150 police departments across the country, including the NYPD, have signed onto the 30×30 Pledge.

Agencies who sign the 30×30 Pledge have agreed to:

• Take measures to increase the representation of women in all ranks of law enforcement.
• Ensure that policies and procedures are free of all bias.
• Promote equitable hiring, retention and promotion of women officers; and
• Ensure their culture is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of women in all ranks and roles of law enforcement.

Nationwide, women make up about 12 percent of sworn members, and female membership of the State Police stands at 11.6 percent.

State Police signed the 30×30 Pledge as part of its current recruitment campaign for the Division’s entrance exam, which is the first step towards becoming a New York State Trooper. As part of the effort to recruit a more diverse population, State Police moved the exam to a computerized format for the first time, making it more accessible.

The exam is available at 54 testing centers in New York State, more than 250 locations in the United States, and 112 military locations around the world. Candidates will be able to choose where and when they take the exam.

The State Police also redesigned its recruitment program to reach more female and minority candidates and met with community leaders across the state to lay the foundation for more productive, long-term relationships.

The deadline to register for the NYS Trooper Entrance Exam is April 10. More information can be found on the State Police recruitment website.

“The future success of our agency will rest on our ability to attract the most talented and diverse group of candidates possible to become New York State Troopers,” said

State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen. “We are proud to stand alongside the dozens of other law enforcement agencies that have made a commitment to the 30×30 Initiative.”

Congressman decries Biden leadership on many issues

Photo by Tom Rivers: Congressman Chris Jacobs speaks Tuesday evening during the Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

LYNDONVILLE – Congressman Chris Jacobs praised Orleans and Niagara officials for doing the groundwork in identifying broadband internet gaps and pricing out the cost to bring the service. He was able to secure $3,877,500 in broadband funding.

That money was approved as part of $1.5 trillion omnibus package approved by the House of Representatives on March 10.

The two counties have worked about a decade to bring high-speed internet to rural areas in the two counties.

“This was an easy one because of the all the work Orleans and Niagara did,” Jacobs said on Tuesday while speaking at the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities.

The two counties initially were going to use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project, which totaled about $8 million in the two counties.

Orleans on July 28, 2021 accepted a $3,608,435 bid to make high-speed internet available for the current 1,351 address points that can’t connect to the service.

But with the money from Jacobs in the omnibus bill, Orleans and Niagara can use more of their ARPA funds for other purposes.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the Orleans share of the $3,877,500 will free up ARPA money that will instead go to upgrading infrastructure – roads and bridges – in the county. She is waiting to see the Orleans breakdown of the $3,877,500, but it is expected to be close to half of the funds.

“He’s been a huge supporter of Orleans County,” Johnson said about Jacobs. “We can’t have done (broadband) without federal money.”

The funding in the omnibus bill also included $379,432 for the Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop an Ag/Tech Community Response & Learning Center in Orleans County. That project will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Jacobs said the program will help bring up a new generation of farmers who need to tech-savvy in growing crops and caring for animals.

“Getting students engaged in agriculture at a young age in critically important,” he said.

Jacobs also noted his recent appointment to the House Education and Labor Committee. He also is a member of the Agriculture and Ways and Means committees.

Jacobs, during his message to the Orleans officials, faulted the President Biden Administration for a crisis at the Southern border, a crisis with energy, an inflation crisis and a crime crisis.

“If I could use one word to describe the Biden Administration it’s crisis,” Jacobs said.

ALBION – A Clarendon man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court this morning to criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and reckless endangerment in the second degree.

Jonathan Jimenez, 23, of Thomas Estates in Clarendon admitted in court today he had a 9 mm Luger handgun and discharged it last Aug. 8 in Albion.

He faces a maximum of 7 years in state prison when he is sentenced on May 25. Without the plea agreement, Jimenez could have faced up to 15 years in prison if he went to trial and was convicted.

Jimenez was charged on Aug. 17 after exchanging gunfire twice in the Village of Albion with Prince Z. Wilson, 23, on Aug. 8 and Aug. 14. Jimenez was wounded in the leg on Aug. 14.

Wilson also appeared in court today and rejected a plea offer for the same charges and a cap of 12 years in prison.

In another case, Brian Beach, 50, of Albion was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in prison for criminal contempt in the first degree for violating an order of protection. Judge Sanford Church issued another order of protection for the maximum of 8 years for the victim in the case. Beach is a second-felony offender.

ALBION – All non-emergency phone lines into the Orleans County 911 Center are currently down, Undersheriff Jeff Gifaldi advised.

People are encouraged to call 911 if they assistance. The Sheriff’s Office will notify the public when the non-emergency lines are working.

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Elizabeth Whipple stars as Cinderella and Amir Huzair as Prince Christopher in Lyndonville and Medina’s production of Cinderella.

Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Stroyan Auditorium at Lyndonville Central School, 77 Housel Ave. Tickets are available at the door or online by clicking here.

Jennifer Trupo, director of the musical, said she is pleased the students can perform without masks and in front of a live audience.

The cast includes many younger students and there are many iconic female roles.

“It’s a family-friendly show that will be very attractive to audiences especially after all the junk of the past two years,” Trupo said.

Danielle Schmidt is the Fairy Godmother who transforms Cinderella into an elegant young lady for the Prince’s ball.

Schmidt, a senior at Medina, is grateful for the chance to be performing on stage for a live audience. Last year’s show, Little Women, was taped and released online. The musical two years ago, Mama Mia, was cancelled due to Covid restrictions.

“We’re so excited to be back in front of a live audience,” Schmidt said.

Elizabeth Whipple sings “In My Own Little Corner” with four mice, a dove and a cat. The mice are played by Elaina Bitsas, Madelyn Elliott, Safia Scott and Kaylin Mickey. Hannah Marker is Charles the Cat, and Ava Blount is the Dove.

Whipple, a sophomore from Lyndonville, said she feels fortunate to be in the show with a dedicated cast and crew. There are 31 students, grades 7 through 12, in the show.

She said it has been thrilling with the recent rehearsals in costumes and with the pit orchestra.

“It’s so exciting to be back on stage,” she said.

Elaina Huntington, center, plays the Stepmother who is shown with her two daughters. Emani Fuentes is Joy, left, who snorts when she laughs and Annabelle Follman is Grace, who is often itching her arms. All three are mean to Cinderella and don’t want her going to the ball.

The prince’s parents conspire to throw him a ball where he must dance with every woman. They want him married. Henry Rigerman is King Maximillan and Seagan Majchrzak is Queen Constantina.

Greyson Romano is Lionel and announces that the royal highness is giving a ball which delights the crowd.

The cast dances in anticipation of the royal ball.

ALBION – An audit form the State Comptroller’s Office is critical of Albion Central School for building a reserve or fund balance that is $17 million beyond the statutory limit.

The comptroller’s office said the district routinely underspent its budgets by $5 million to $6 million during the school years of 2017-18 to 2020-21.

The comptroller’s audit, released publicly today, said the board the district officials “did not adopt realistic budgets and did not properly manage fund balance and reserves.

The audit’s key findings for the school district also include:

• Overestimated appropriations by a total of $24 million from 2017-18 through 2020-21.
• Overfunded and did not properly use the retirement contribution reserve fund. That post-employment benefit reserve was overfunded by $11 million. That fund needs $4.8 million, but Albion has $15.8 million retained in this reserve, which is sufficient to cover more than six years of the retirement expenditures
• Could not explain how the Finance Committee participated in the budgeting process or identify what reports the Committee receives or how they are reviewed.
• The District’s budgeting practice of overestimating appropriations resulted in the District levying more real property taxes than needed and resulted in the accumulation of surplus fund balance in excess of the statutory limit by $17.3 million or 47 percentage points.

In a letter to the comptroller’s office dated Feb. 14, Board of Education President Kathy Harling said the district has only increased taxes by 0.14 percent since 2012, and has built up reserves to protect from swings in state aid. (The district hasn’t increased taxes in 13 of the past 15 years and has the lowest tax rate among the five school districts in Orleans County.)

Harling said the state covers about 80 percent of the district’s budget. Albion has also used some of the funds to pay off debt, saving millions of dollars in interest payments, she said.

“The Board of Education is committed to improving its operations and looks forward to comparable successes over the next decade,” she wrote in the letter.

She said the board accepts the report and will work to identify strategies to reduce costs and “strengthen controls in order to safeguard assets.” Implementing a corrective plan is consistent with the district values — “committed to continuous growth and improvement,” she said. “On behalf of our District, I extend our appreciation to you for your insight and recommendations.”

The district’s budget for 2020-21 was $36.8 million. The statutory limit for the fund balance is 4 percent of the budget or about $1.5 million. Albion, however, had a fund balance of $18.8 million – $17.3 million too much, the comptroller’s office said.

“Although the average tax levy increase was less than 1 percent per year during the audit period, the Board and District officials overestimated appropriations and levied taxes that were higher than necessary, which resulted in the accumulation of significant surplus fund balance,” the report states from the comptroller’s office.

The comptroller’s office identified 13 appropriation line items that were each overestimated by more than $300,000 in the four fiscal years, totaling more than $16 million.

Of these 13 line items with large variances, six appropriations (teachers’ salaries kindergarten through grade 12, hospital and medical insurance, teachers’ retirement contribution, contract transportation, operation of plant, and tuition) each had a four-year total budget variance of more than $1.5 million, according to the audit.

School officials responded to comptroller’s staff that the district budgeted for more teachers than were needed, and some teachers announced their retirements at the end of the school, after the budget was approved. They were then replaced with teachers typically at the lower end of the pay scale.

Fewer staff and teachers at lower pay also resulted in less expense for hospital and medical insurance, and teachers’ retirement contribution estimates, which are based on a certain percentage of salaries.

The transportation appropriation was overestimated by a total of $2.1 million and operation of plant by more than $1.7 million. District officials told auditors that Albion budgeted conservatively for the transportation line item to allow for significant unforeseen transportation or repair expenditures.

Albion school officials told comptroller staff that they were concerned that significantly cutting the tax levy – which is $8,449,094 for the 2021-22 school year – would not be sustainable long-term because the tax cap limits increases to about 2 percent a year. If taxes were cut in half, the district worries it wouldn’t be able to increases taxes to previous levels once the fund balance and reserve balances were paid down.

“However, district officials would be able to exceed the tax cap limit, if ever necessary, with voter authorization for a tax cap override,” the comptroller’s report said. “Additionally, when considering significant tax cuts, the Board and officials should consider that the surplus fund balance was accumulated over many years. Rather than significant one-time tax levy reductions, officials could consider incremental decreases and maintain the real property tax levy at a level which would reduce the surplus fund balance gradually.”

LYNDONVILLE – A food distribution scheduled for March 25 at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church has been moved to April 1.

Martha Mitchell, the church pastor, said the distribution will start at about 8 a.m. in the church parking lot.

People just show up and get the food delivered by Foodlink. The church has been hosting the events for several years, Mitchell said.

Press Release, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling on her to keep the public informed on potential changes to bail and discovery reforms and bring all stakeholders to the discussion table.

This urgent demand follows the Governor’s recent commitment to not negotiate the budget or policies in public.

“When you assumed office from our disgraced former Governor, you pledged ‘a new era of greater transparency and accountability’ yet you recently stated that you will not negotiate in public,” Ortt wrote in a letter to Hochul. “To negotiate changes to one of the most consequential pieces of legislation enacted over the past decade behind closed doors, is not transparency; it’s secrecy.”

Last week, a 10-point public safety plan proposed by Governor Hochul was leaked to the press. However, the Governor has been reluctant to provide a detailed blueprint of the plan, provide substantive answers on the plan, or discuss it with stakeholders in public.

In reaction to the 10-point plan, Leader Ortt in a statement said the Senate Republican Conference will not stop fighting for policies that put the needs of crime victims ahead of criminals and keep communities safe.

When bail reform was passed in the budget in 2019, the public and critical stakeholders – like law enforcement, district attorneys, judges and victims – were given little to no input on the changes. Senate Republicans have long called for both transparency and real fixes to bail reform:

In July of 2021, Senate Republicans called for data on the impacts of bail reform;

For years – and most recently in the “Take Back New York” 2022 agenda – Senate Republicans have called for a restoration of public safety by rejecting bail reform, supporting law enforcement, and passing a victims’ justice agenda.

“New Yorkers are being left in the dark by their representatives in the state government – who are supposed to be faithful, open, and accessible public servants,” Ortt said. “This is Albany business-as-usual: politicians pass broken, failed policies with no transparency and everyday New Yorkers are left to deal with the disastrous effects. This is exactly what happened when bail and discovery ‘reforms’ were rammed through the budget the first time. This provides zero opportunities for the people to provide input to their elected representatives. There is no other way to do this – we must deliberate bail reform in front of the eyes of the public.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jim Hancock is the new president of the Medina Sandstone Society, succeeding Dave Miller (in back) who led the organization for three years. They spoke during the society’s annual meeting last Wednesday in the conference room of the new Comfort Inn & Suites in Medina. The hotel has a display about the Medina Sandstone industry.

MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society held its annual meeting last week, and the organization recounted an active year despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The organization looks forward to an even busier 2022, perhaps with bus tours and other projects to boost the area.

The society praised David Miller for leading the organization the past three years. Miller chose not to seek another year as president. He will be succeeded by Jim Hancock.

Miller developed a new Wikipedia page about Medina Sandstone. He also is on the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame Committee which inducted a new class of honorees – the Bent’s Opera House in Medina, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Brockport and St. Mary’s RC Church in Canandaigua. The ceremony was cancelled in 2021. There have now been 32 sites inducted into the Hall of Fame since it started in 2013. The Hall is in the main meeting room at City Hall in Medina.

“We have found so many beautiful buildings in New York and western Pennsylvania,” Hancock said about the Hall of Fame initiative.

Miller also has created a database of Medina sandstone buildings and is up to 211 buildings so far.

His dream is to see a Medina Sandstone Museum with interactive exhibits, and public databases.

Miller and Treasurer Craig Lacy reported the Sandstone Trust grew in revenue by about $45,000 to $270,000 through investments and donations. That fund started in 2010 with $18,000. Last year the Sandstone Society used $4,000 from some of the investment revenue for grants to support projects in the Medina.

The society would like to assist more organizations this year, and take the lead on upgrading one of the gateway signs leading into Medina.

The organization also offers a $1,000 John Ryan Scholarship to a Medina senior with a passion for history. That scholarship is named for the man who opened the first commercial sandstone quarry in Medina in 1837.

The society welcomed four new board members including Matt Holland, Kathy Blackburn, Kathy Bogan and Reinhard Rogowski. (Outgoing members include Dave Schubel, Barbara Waters and Scott Robinson. Schubel has been with the organization since it formed in 2003, and his service goes back to the Armory Action Committee in the late 1970s which worked to find a new use for the old Armory building on Pearl Street. It became home of the YMCA. The Armory is in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.)

Press Release, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand

Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks are reflected in the Erie Canal in Holley during the June Fest celebration on June 2, 2018.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are announcing the introduction of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act, legislation that would extend the canalway’s authorization as a National Heritage Area (NHA) for the next 15 years, through FY 2037.

Currently, Congress reauthorizes NHAs in two-year periods; this 15-year extension would be a long-term solution to preserve one of New York’s most critical economic engines. In addition to extending the reauthorization period for the Erie Canalway Corridor as a National Heritage Area, this bill would raise the funding cap for the Erie Canalway from $16 million to $18 million.

The Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor consists of the 57 canalway locks, spanning 524 miles and connecting Lake Erie to the Hudson River. It was designated a National Heritage Area by Congress in 2000, granting the waterway a federally appointed Canalway Commission tasked with ensuring that the historical and natural features of the Canal and its communities are preserved.

The corridor spans upstate New York from Buffalo to Albany and along the Champlain Canal to Whitehall. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors boat, bike, and walk along the corridor, supporting tourism, businesses, and job creation across the state. Gillibrand and Schumer successfully fought for reauthorization of the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor’s funding in 2009.

“It is time to open the gates and let long-term federal support flow into the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor so that Upstate New York’s economy can rise. The Erie Canal is a vital economic engine for tourism in Upstate New York, not to mention one of the Empire State’s greatest attractions and most impressive features. This legislation will ensure the legacy of the Erie Canal’s beauty remains intact and continues to inspire the next generation,” said Senator Schumer. “The history of the Erie Canal is not just the history of New York, but of America and the rise of our great nation. A rising tide lifts all boats, and I am proud to be leading the charge in ensuring the Erie Canal gets the funding it needs to continue to lift communities from Buffalo to Albany.”

“The Erie Canal is one of our nation’s richest treasures and spans across the great state of New York. The legacy of the canal helps drive millions of dollars and is a critical economic engine for Upstate New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “From Buffalo, through Wayne County and up to Lake Champlain, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has helped sustain strong communities with miles of adventure and endless recreation for the millions of New Yorkers who call the Corridor home. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to provide a long-term fix for the Erie Canalway’s reauthorization and funding cap. As a native of Upstate New York, I have always fought to preserve the canal’s natural resources and history and will continue serving as a champion in the Senate to conserve its beauty for generations to come.”

The senators have a long history of fighting for this important New York NHA. Congress has imposed cumulative funding caps on the amount of funding NHAs can receive over their lifetime, but also has the authority to increase the caps. In 2019, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Tonko successfully increased the funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to $14 million. The FY 2022 omnibus funding package included an increase for the Erie Canalway to $16 million; however, as Congress figures out a long-term reauthorization solution, the senators want to ensure the Corridor is adequately funded should it reach its funding cap during that time frame.

The FY 2022 omnibus also reauthorized the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission through FY 2037, so this bill would align the Corridor’s reauthorization time frame with the Commission’s. Senator Gillibrand previously introduced bicameral legislation with Congressman Tonko to extend the Commission’s reauthorization.

“Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, along with Congressman Tonko, have long recognized the value of investing in canal communities’ heritage and recreational opportunities as important economic drivers for upstate New York,” said Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Bob Radliff. “With their critical support, Erie Canalway will continue to preserve, foster and showcase this legendary place for millions of Corridor residents and visitors from all over the world.”