By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2022 at 9:49 pm
GoFundMe also established for Theresa Karlak’s family
Theresa Karlak is shown in a photo on a GoFundMe established to help her family.
ALBION – Tim Hortons in Albion sold 3,500 doughnuts in the past two days in a benefit for Theresa Karlak’s family.
Theresa, 18, worked at Tim Hortons the past six months. She was killed on Saturday night after being struck by a car while she was walking with her younger sister in Eagle Harbor.
Theresa was a popular employee at Tim Hortons, who started her workday at 3:30 a.m.
“Thank you to the community that supported the Karlak Family through this fundraiser,” Jennifer Karbowski, co-owner of the Tim Hortons, posted on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page. “We sold over 3,500 donuts over the last 2 days. It has been an overwhelming response. Thank you for your love and support during this time.”
The doughnuts sold for $1.25 each and all proceeds will go to Theresa’s family. Many customers also made cash donations to help her family.
Theresa’s sister Sarah Karlak also started a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs and to pay for a headstone.
“There are no words to describe the pain we are feeling at the loss of our sweetest angel who was taken too soon from us,” Sarah writes on GoFundMe.
Theresa loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. Tim Hortons was one of her three jobs. She was saving money to go to college.
“To our littlest Tiny T we love you so much,” Sarah writes. “There is nothing in this world we wouldn’t give to see you one more time and tell you how much we love you.”
ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans, formerly Hospice of Orleans, is pleased to welcome Julie Kumiega as its new chief executive officer.
Kumiega’s first day was Jan. 1 and she hit the ground running, meeting with former director Elisa Chambery. Having taken on the position as CEO in June 2021, Chambery has announced her retirement from healthcare; her last day will be Jan. 20.
Working in the health care industry all her adult life, Kumiega was the director of patient services at the Alzheimer’s Association-WNY before serving as an administrator at both Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care and Elderwood in Williamsville.
“I always wanted to help people,” Kumiega said. “I started out with my undergrad in psychology and from there my passion grew.”
Kumiega graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2008 with her master’s in health administration and currently plans to have her doctorate in health administration by the end of 2023.
Born and raised in Corfu, Kumiega says this small rural county and hospice hold a special place in her heart.
“It has been a huge passion of mine to make healthcare more accessible for patients, families, and staff,” Kumiega said. “Supportive Care of Orleans is one way I can help.”
Dedicated to supporting the community, the staff, our patients, and their families during a difficult end of life journey, Kumiega said it is her goal to assist in providing supportive care opportunities to all.
Test kits also can be picked up at County Office Building
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid test kits to distribute to residents.
Starting Thursday, Jan. 6, each town hall and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of Covid test kits to distribute to their residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.
Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans. A maximum of two kits per family will be distributed at the following locations:
Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Albion Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m.
Albion Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Barre Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Carlton Town Hall: Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
Clarendon Town Hall: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon
Gaines Town Hall: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Holley Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kendall Town Hall: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed from noon to 12:45 p.m.)
Lyndonville Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed daily from 12:30 to 1 p.m.)
Medina Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Murray Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
Ridgeway Town Hall: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Shelby: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yates Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To report a positive at-home test:
Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.
Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test.
Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. A case investigator will contact the individual to determine any potential contacts, check on the individual’s health and provide guidance on their isolation.
Please answer the phone and be able to provide information regarding potential contacts when called. Also note, depending on our caseload, it may be one to three days before you are called. It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2022 at 3:12 pm
Genesee Community College announced this afternoon it will be closing all campus sites on Thursday due to the “high likelihood of inclement weather and travel disruption.”
The campus centers will operate remotely. Those sites include Medina, Batavia, Arcade, Dansville, Lima and Warsaw.
Buildings & Grounds and Campus Safety personnel are expected to report to campus as scheduled, GCC said.
A lake effect snow warning is in effect from 7 p.m. today until 1 a.m. on Friday for Erie and Genesee counties with 8 to 15 inches of snow expected with winds gusting as high as 40 to 45 miles per hour. Albion and Orleans County are expected to get 2 to 3 inches of snow.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2022 at 2:06 pm
KENDALL – Town officials who are starting new terms take the oath of office on Tuesday.
Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata is starting his ninth year as town supervisor after being elected to a fifth two-year term.
The town has completed four water districts since Cammarata became supervisor. He is pushing for another district. The boundaries or roads haven’t been determined yet.
The town will work with LaBella Associates to identify possible roads for the district. Cammarata said the roads don’t need to be adjacent or connect to others in the water district.
The engineering firm will be tasked to look at all areas of the town without public water and put together a water district proposal “that gives us the biggest bang for our buck,” Cammarata said today.
The water district will be subject to a public hearing and residents will have opportunities to provide feedback on the project.
Paul Jennings, a new member of the Town Board, takes the oath. He replaces Bruce Newell, who remains a Kendall town official serving as chairman of Planning Board.
The biggest public works project for Kendall will be a new sewer system to serve about 125 residences along the lakeshore.
The state committed to paying 95 percent of a $9,053,000 project as part of the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. However, the project now could top $14 million and the state hasn’t been willing to pay 95 percent of the cost beyond the $9 million.
The cost is up due to supply-chain issues and the higher cost of materials, Cammarata said.
He is working with local state legislators and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s Office to line up additional grants for the project.
The project would solve the problems for lakeside residences with septic issues west of West Kendall Drive, including along Lomond Shore West, Edrose Shore, Knapp Shore, Thompson Drive, and near Lakeland Beach Road and Bald Eagle Drive in the Town of Kendall, plus residences near Beachwood Park Road in the Town of Hamlin. This project will connect these areas to a sanitary sewer and convey wastewater to a treatment facility.
“This is the single largest project the town has ever put its arms around,” Cammarata said.
Wayne Martin takes the oath for another four-year term on the Town Board.
Town Clerk Amy Richardson is sworn in for another term as town clerk.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2022 at 1:02 pm
ALBION – A Holley man who injured a Medina police officer was sentenced today to 5 years in state prison, plus 5 years of post-release supervision.
William A. Nichols II, 28, was charged after attacking a Medina police officer on March 12. He was charged with second-degree assault, intent to damage property and resisting arrest.
As part of a plea agreement he faced a maximum of 3 to 5 years in prison, plus post-release supervision.
His attorney, Public Defender Joanne Best, asked for 3 years of prison for Nichols, who was sentenced as a second-felony offender. She said he was in a drug treatment program and had reduced his drug use significantly at the time of his arrest.
She said Nichols has been incarcerated several times and has never been on probation or parole, where she said the supervision will help him.
The Medina police officer who was injured by Nichols hasn’t been able to return to work yet.
Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church gave Nichols the maximum sentence. The judge cited Nichols’ previous criminal history and the nature of the latest offense.
In other cases in County Court today:
• A husband and wife from Rochester were both sentenced after they were charged on Aug. 16, 2020 after a traffic stop in Medina and had fentanyl in their vehicle. They were charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell.
Pedro Gratacos, 46, was sentenced to sixnths in Orleans County Jail plus 5 years of probation. He has a prior criminal record.
His wife, Clementina Gratacos, 40, has no prior record. She was sentenced to a year on probation.
Her attorney cited her community involvement as a business owner who organizes back-to-school events and community Thanksgiving dinners.
“She is not going to be a repeat customer in this court or any other court,” said her attorney, Joseph Damelio.
• Melissa Kuhn, 20, of Holley admitted to violating terms of her probation by not reporting to probation soon after being released from county jail and also by communicating with a co-defendant who she was forbidden to talk with.
Kuhn was on probation after admitting to being the driver for people in a burglary on Fruit Avenue in Ridgeway.
She will be sentenced later this month for third-degree burglary.
• Paul Gulczewski, 28, formerly of Ridgeway but now an Albion resident, was arraigned on criminal possession of weapon in the second degree for a loaded firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for an illegal ammunition clip, reckless endangering in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17.
He was charged on Sept. 1 after police were called with reports of gunshots from a Ridgeway residence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is free on $5,000 cash bail or bond.
• Jacoun Harden, 35, of Holley and formerly of Medina, was charged with criminal possession of weapon in the second degree for having a loaded firearm. He pleaded not guilty.
Judge Church also issued three orders of protection. Harden remains free after posting $1,000 cash bail.
‘Democrat One-Party Rule has been nothing short of a disaster for New York State’ – Rob Ortt
Photo courtesy of Rob Ortt’s office: Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt; Middle L-R: Senators Peter Oberacker, Sue Serino, Daphne Jordan, Jim Tedisco, Pam Helming and Mario Mattera; Back L-R: Senators Mike Martucci, Alexis Weik, Ed Rath, Dan Stec, Tom O’Mara and George Borrello.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY — The New York State Senate Republican Conference today officially released its “Take Back New York” 2022 legislative agenda.
A response to the neglect and decline of our state created by Democrat One-Party Rule, Take Back New York would restore balance and common sense to government while vigorously rejecting the extreme policies of the past three years.
“Democrat One-Party Rule has been nothing short of a disaster for New York State,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “From escalating taxes to blatant pro-criminal policies and extreme government overreach, it’s become harder than ever to live in our communities — something reflected in the growing exodus of our fellow New Yorkers. It’s more vital than ever, for them, that we take back our state from out-of-touch politicians and restore some sanity and common sense to our government. Take Back New York 2022 is the first step in accomplishing that and restoring our reputation as the Empire State.”
Take Back New York 2022 is a comprehensive agenda that helps grow our local and state economies, provides financial breathing room for middle-class families and small business owners and makes public safety an urgent priority. If enacted, Take Back New York 2022 would:
Offer a better quality of life for all New Yorkers by repealing bail reform and supporting law enforcement and crime victims, as well as expanding and ensuring access to a quality education for all our children;
Make New York more affordable for every resident by cutting our highest-in-the-nation tax burden and enacting a series of measures that lower childcare and the day-to-day cost of living in our state;
Develop a strong workforce for a strong economy through substantive training and development programs, and a major commitment to our family farms;
Improve our business climate and expand economic opportunity by cutting burdensome regulations, investing in physical infrastructure and broadband statewide, and moving toward a cleaner energy future;
Ensure security for our vulnerable populations by securing funding for our veterans, providing needed resources to our seniors and their caregivers, combating the opioid crisis and better treating mental wellness; and
Restore accountability to the state government in the aftermath of disgraced ex-Gov. Cuomo’s rampant abuses of power.
For more details on the New York State Senate Republicans’ Take Back New York 2022 agenda, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2022 at 8:53 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature meets this afternoon to determine the seven-member group’s leader for the next two years.
Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville has served as Legislature chairwoman for the past four years, twice chosen by her peers to two-year terms.
Bill Eick of Shelby has been the group’s vice chairman the past two years.
The Legislature will make other appointments during today’s meeting at 4:30 p.m., including the Legislature clerk and county attorney.
During the organizational meeting today, legislators will also vote on their salaries. The agenda calls for 2 percent raises with the chairperson to be paid $19,243, the vice chair’s salary at $14,550 and the other five legislators to be paid $12,828.
Legislators also are due to be reimbursed mileage for attending meetings and tending to other duties as a legislator.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
In anticipation of the start of the 2022 State Legislative Session that begins this week, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has released its 2022 Legislative Program that highlights the top county priorities for the state budget and state legislative session.
NYSAC’s program, which was developed by county delegates from across the state, includes proposed policies and legislation to restore local control over sales tax, invest in public health, and help counties deliver services with improved efficiency and lower cost to local taxpayers.
“For the last 20 months, counties have led the local response to a national emergency and proved that whether it’s protecting public health and safety, rebuilding infrastructure, protecting the environment, or providing social safety net services, its counties that get it done,” said NYSAC President Marte Sauerbrey, the Tioga County Chairwoman. “As we enter yet another year of battling the pandemic while working to rebuild and strengthen our communities, we’re asking our partners at the state level to provide the resources, flexibility and local control that counties need to serve our residents, while protecting local taxpayers.”
The Legislative Program highlights counties’ Top 5 priorities for 2022:
Ending County Sales Tax Diversion for State Aid to Municipalities (AIM)
Ensuring the County Sales Tax Diversion for Distressed Hospital Facilities Sunsets
Making Counties Whole for Federal Enhanced Medicaid Funds
Investing in Local County Health Departments
Reforming the Treatment of Individuals Deemed Incompetent to Stand Trial
The 2022 Legislative Program also details challenges and policy recommendations on a variety of policy areas impacting county government, including: children with special needs, higher education and community colleges, economic development and agriculture, the environment, gaming, general government, human services, the judiciary, local finance and tax relief, Medicaid, public employee relations, public health, mental health, public infrastructure and transportation, public safety, and veterans’ issues.
“While 2022 promises to present continued challenges from coronavirus variants and the economic shockwaves from the pandemic, it also holds immense potential to work with our partners in the state legislature and our Governor to reimagine the relationship between state and local governments,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “We have a unique opportunity to restore balance and fairness on issues of taxation and healthcare funding, increase the flexibility to achieve more efficiency in mandated services, and secure investments in infrastructure and environmental sustainability.”
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to institute term limits for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller as the first proposal of the 2022 State of the State.
Hochul will introduce a constitutional amendment to set limits of two consecutive terms for statewide elected officials or 8 years maximum. Hochul will also propose legislation to impose a ban on earned outside income for the same statewide elected officials, with an exception for academic positions that must receive ethics board approval.
“On day one as Governor, I pledged to restore trust in government and I have taken steps every day to deliver the open, ethical governing New Yorkers deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “I want people to believe in their government again. With these bold reforms, we will ensure New Yorkers know their leaders work for them and are focused on serving the people of this state.”
From her first day in office, Governor Hochul has taken actions to restore public trust in government:
Ethics Trainings: Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order requiring all State employees to take an ethics training course upon hiring and regularly thereafter.
FOIL Reforms: Governor Hochul implemented reforms to the FOIL process to increase transparency with journalists and members of the public. The Governor also began requiring state agencies to identify and proactively post commonly requested data, to reduce the need for FOILs in the first place
Recusal Agreements: The Governor and other senior members of her administration released the full recusal agreements they abide by.
Transparency Plans: Governor Hochul directed more than 70 executive agencies and public authorities to release public transparency plans, which are publicly posted online.
Combating Harassment And Discrimination: To improve the Executive Chamber’s response to accusations of harassment and discrimination, Governor Hochul retained an independent outside law firm to investigate all claims in a fair, unbiased manner and created a new Human Resources department.
Provided photos: Electricity/Electronics student Oliver Wilson (Medina) and Computer Technology student Xander Hernandez (Lockport) work together on a project.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Electricity/Electronics teacher Bill Leggett and Computer Technology teacher Paul Herrmann recently had their classes collaborate at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
“We thought it would be a great project for the students to work on a CAT 5 network cable tester,” explained Mr. Leggett. “We decided to build them from scratch. They are professionally made equipment that can retail from $40 and up.”
Electricity/Electronics student Mike Chisler (Medina) and Computer Technology student Bryson Costich (Medina) build a network cable tester.
A network cable tester is a device that specifically is made for testing and troubleshooting the capability and reliability of cable connections. It is used by network technicians, network testers and cable verification testers.
“This is a great tool for both classes to have in their tool kit when they leave our programs,” Mr. Leggett said. “We took one apart in class and figured out how to reverse engineer it and Mr. Herrmann thought it would be a great hands-on project for his students to get involved in too. It was great seeing my students partner with his.”
Mr. Herrmann added, “This was a great opportunity for my kids. Mr. Leggett is great for these students and does a wonderful job. It was great for both of our programs.”
Electricity/Electronics student Caden Uderitz (Albion) and Computer Technology student Kayla Guerin (Lockport) team up to build a network cable tester.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2022 at 11:05 am
More than 1,000 doughnuts sold, $1,000 donated in first four hours this morning in fundraiser for Theresa Karlak’s family
Photos by Tom Rivers: These doughnuts with vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles are being sold today and on Wednesday as a fundraiser for Theresa Karlak’s family. Theresa, 18, worked at the Tim Hortons in Albion the past six months.
ALBION – The Tim Hortons in Albion wanted to help Theresa Karlak’s family after the popular employee was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking on Saturday in Eagle Harbor.
Theresa was hit by the vehicle at 8:46 p.m. Her younger sister, 13, also was hit and suffered minor injuries.
Michael Curran, a baker at Tim Hortons, puts sprinkles on doughnuts being sold as a fundraiser for Theresa Karlak’s family.
Theresa’s co-workers loved her, and wanted to help her family during this tragic time.
The employees and store owners decided to sell a special doughnut in her honor today and on Wednesday. The vanilla dipped doughnut with colorful sprinkles costs $1.25. The entire amount goes to Theresa’s family.
Theresa Karlak
More than 1,000 of the doughnuts sold within four hours this morning, and customers also gave more than $1,000 in cash donations. Many of the customers paid well above the bill and wanted the extra to go to Theresa’s family.
The fundraiser was planned to go until 5 p.m. today but there might be a sellout before 5 p.m. The fundraiser will resume on Wednesday at 5 a.m.
Theresa was well-liked for her hard-working ethic and high energy. She brought that positivity to Tim Hortons, even on the very early morning shift, which started at 3:30 a.m. After Tim Hortons she would then go to work at Tops in Albion.
“She was a morning person, there is no doubt about that,” said Michael Curran, who joined her many days as the first employees in the building. “She had a high energy level, right off the bat.”
Theresa was one of 10 children in her family. She loved to take her siblings on walks and bring them treats, the family wrote in her obituary.
Sheryl Miller, one of the bakers at Tim Hortons, gets the frosting ready for the doughnuts.
Jennifer Karbowski, one of the store owners, praised the community and her staff for their response.
“She was a sweet girl and we all wanted to help the family,” Karbowski said. “My staff has been very enthusiastic. We’re like a family and we lost somebody who we care about.”
Some of the Tim Hortons pause for a photo in the kitchen at the Albion store. In front from left include Jennifer Karbowski, Melissa Kuhn and Jenni Simpson. Back row: Nate Simpson, Jared Karbowski, Michael Curran, Sheryl Miller and Samuel Robinson.
Fund provides direct aid for residents at risk of displacement due to financial hardship caused by pandemic
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that applications are now being accepted for the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF), a program that will provide up to $539 million in aid or other direct assistance to help eligible homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic.
New York was the first state in the nation to receive U.S. Department of the Treasury approval to launch its program.
“For many, buying a home is the greatest source of economic and social stability, and our Homeowner Assistance Fund – the first in the nation to be approved – is a critical tool to help ease the pain of the pandemic felt disproportionately in rural communities, communities of color, and immigrant communities,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration will continue to stand by homeowners, renters and all New Yorkers every step of the way as part of our economic recovery.”
Designed and administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), NYS HAF targets low- to moderate-income homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, property taxes, and water and sewer bills. The program is also open to owners of cooperative or condo units who are behind on maintenance fees, and manufactured homeowners behind on chattel loans, retail installment contracts or lot rents.
Applicants may receive financial assistance to catch up on missed housing payments, to reduce mortgage debt to make monthly mortgage payments more affordable, and for homeowners who are unemployed, assistance with up to six months of future housing payments.
HCR is also working in partnership with the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s Mortgage Enforcement Unit to advocate with mortgage lenders and mortgage servicers to ensure homeowners are receiving all available relief under federal and state rules. This may include extended mortgage terms, deferment of missed payments or forbearance amounts, and lower interest rates to reduce monthly payments.
The NYS HAF call center – 844-77-NYHAF (844-776-9423) – will operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. to assist homeowners and provide critical information about the program and instructions on how to apply.
The NYS HAF website – www.nyhomeownerfund.org – includes Frequently Asked Questions, a step-by-step application guide, and a document checklist so that applicants know what documentation may be needed to submit their application.
Last month, Governor Hochul announced the launch of the NYS HAF program website, an information call center, and a multilingual marketing campaign that is helping educate homeowners about the program and ensure all eligible New Yorkers, especially those in non-English speaking households, are ready and able to apply.
By examining previous assistance state programs, HCR designed a more streamlined application to ensure the process is simple and easy for homeowners to navigate. Efficiencies include:
Utilizing several industry-standard, third-party verification technologies that confirm applicant identification and/or ownership, and may limit the number of documents that a homeowner needs to provide as part of their application.
Allowing the application to be started, paused, and resumed later without losing data and information already entered.
Accepting signed attestations from applicants to minimize the number of documents they will need to submit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2022 at 8:01 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – The drop well below freezing has resulted in a crop of icicles hanging inside the Canal Culvert in Ridgeway.
The tunnel, the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal, is located on Culvert Road, north of Route 31.
There is still some water left in the canal after being mostly drained. Some of that water slowly leaks through the culvert and turns into large stalactites of ice.
The culvert has a sidewalk inside for those who want to get up close and explore.
Traffic passes through the tunnel and many of the drivers beep their horns to let cars on the other side know they are coming – or maybe just to enjoy a popular superstition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2022 at 7:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – Hannah Hill takes the oath of office as Ridgeway town clerk this afternoon. Her husband Jeremy is standing next to her and Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon administers the oath. Town Councilwoman Mary Woodruff is in back.
Hill was elected to the position in November. Karen Kaiser didn’t seek re-election.
Hill about six years ago was the second deputy town clerk under Barbara Klatt, and the water and code enforcement clerks. She then stayed at home to be with her young children.
John Olinger takes the oath as the Ridgeway highway superintendent. Town Supervisor Brian Napoli, left, and Councilman Jeff Toussaint observe in back.
Olinger was elected to a full four-year term in November. He was appointed highway superintendent on March 23, 2019, following the retirement of Mark Goheen. Olinger was first elected to a two-year term in November 2019. He has worked in the Highway Department since 2012, starting as a motor equipment operator.
Cliff Barber, left, and Jeff Toussaint take the oath as members of the Town Board. Barber is starting his first term on the board while Toussaint has been a town councilman for 25 years.
The Town Board also approved the following appointments during today’s organizational meeting:
Official depositories: Bank of Castile, Key Bank
Official newspaper: Daily News in Batavia
Budget officer and fair housing officer: Town Supervisor Brian Napoli
Law officer: Kathy Bogan for general legal work and for water districts 5 through 15; Webster, Schubel & Meier for water districts 3 & 4
Fire and building code officer: Jason Raduns
Dog control officer, registrar of vital statistics, planning/zoning board clerk: Town Clerk Hannah Hill
Zoning enforcement clerk, planning/zoning board clerk, and water billing clerk: Joelle Brown
Zoning Board of Appeals chairman: Larry Meyer; vice chairman: Raymond Wendling
Planning Board chairman: Thomas Fenton; vice chairman: Tim Elliot
Planning Board member: Thomas Kline
Assessor assistant: Julie Cecchini
Deputy of vital statistics, fixed asset officer: Laurie Kilburn
Historian: Catherine Cooper
Janitor/cleaner: White Glove Cleaning Services
Water superintendent and sewer superintendent: John Olinger
County Planning Board member: Thomas Fentor; alternate: Tim Elliot
Constables: Claude Grimes and James Wells
Glenwood Lake Commission: Gary Blackburn, James Watson and Barry Jones
Other appointments include:
Deputy Town Supervisor: Jeff Toussaint
Town Supervisor’s Bookkeeper: Millenium Roads
Deputy Town Clerk: Laurie Kilburn; Deputy Town Clerk (second): Joelle Brown
ALBION – New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid test kits to distribute to residents.
