BARRE – The lighted tractor parade scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today in Barre has been cancelled due to the threat of high winds.

A high wind warning is in effect today from 1 to 11 p.m. with southwesterly winds from 35 to 45 miles per hour with gusts of 65 to 70 mph expected.

The Barre Betterment Committee has been planning the 4th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade. It can’t reschedule the event because the permit from the state DOT is for today.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Four new electric charging stations were turned on at about 2:45 p.m. on Friday in the Hoag Library parking lot. Three electric car owners parked and got a charge at the new units, which were almost completely funded with grants.

Hoag Library used $23,000 in a Charge Ready grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and $1,000 from National Grid to cover nearly all of the $24,809 expense of putting in the four charging stations.

The first three people to pull up for a charge included Grace Kent, in front, with a Nissan Leaf; Diana Dudley in middle at left and her niece Hillary Clark with a Chevy Bolt; and Linda Weller in back with Tesla.

Weller is the library’s board president and Dudley also serves on the board of trustees. The library has worked 2 ½ years through the grant process to have the charging stations installed. Weller praised library director Betty Sue Miller for her diligence in seeing the project to completion. The units were installed by Gofoth Electric in Albion.

Weller has owned her Tesla since October 2020. The vehicle has a range of 311 miles before needing a charge. She has driven it to New York City, the Thousand Islands, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Sometimes she stops in a community to charge her vehicle and she will go explore the town while the vehicle is powered up. She expects the charging stations at Hoag will bring some people to the Albion community.

There are also public charging stations in Orleans County at the Burger King in Medina and the RTS Orleans/Orleans County DPW on West Academy Street in Albion.

People can charge their vehicles for free at the library, with Hoag paying the cost of the electricity. The library has solar panels on the roof, and library officials wanted to use that renewable energy to power the vehicles.

Diana Dudley, 87, has owned her Chevy Bolt for three years and driven the car 30,000 miles.

“I love it,” she said. “I would never go back to a gas car. You just get in and go.”

Grace Kent, owner of the Nissan Leaf for three years, doesn’t miss paying for gas. She said the electric car gives her a warning when it’s low on charge, just like a gas car when it’s low on fuel.

“People think it will just stop on you, but it won’t,” she said. “It switches to turtle mode to tell you to get to a charger. Overall, I love it. It’s environmentally friendly and very serviceable.”

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) led 24 members of Congress in a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling for full funding for the Save our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act in the upcoming appropriations bills. Jacobs’ letter was co-led by Representatives Don Young (AK-AL) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Senators Dan Sullivan (AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI).

“The Great Lakes are integral to our Western New York community. They provide clean drinking water, recreational boating, fishing, and much more,” Jacobs said. “We have made great progress in cleaning up our lakes and making them safer for all to enjoy, and we must continue that progress. That is why I am proud to lead this effort that will extend grant opportunities to remove plastic debris from the lakes, improve drinking and wastewater treatment, and overall bolster the health of our regional treasures.”

The Save our Seas 2.0 Act was signed into law on December 18th, 2020 by President Donald Trump. This letter requests that appropriators in both the House and Senate allocate full funding for the law so that it can be properly implemented. Fully funded, numerous grant programs will be available for Tribes, local governments, and non-profit organizations to support marine debris removal and enhancements to drinking and wastewater infrastructure.

“We must ensure Save our Seas Act 2.0 receives full funding so organizations and local governments can access critical funds to improve the health of our lakes and enjoy their benefits,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to lead this effort to secure funding for this legislation, and I am committed to continuing my work to protect our Great Lakes for current and future generations.”

“The historic Save Our Seas 2.0 Act authorized a new Marine Debris Foundation and critical programs to improve America’s ability to clean up waste, advance international cooperation with nations most responsible for trash entering the oceans, and explore innovative ways to manage and even reuse plastic waste,” said U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. “But in order for this foundation and these programs to be effective, we need to back them with adequate funding.”

“A global scourge of plastic waste is filling up the oceans at an alarming rate and threatening serious disruptions to marine life and to the human food chain,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Our Save Our Seas 2.0 legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Congress needs to step up once again to fully fund these programs, which are aimed at tackling one of the most pressing threats to our precious oceans.”

“We must act now to remove marine debris and prevent the further buildup of plastic waste,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which I helped lead, was signed into law to protect the health of our ocean, and it must be fully funded.”

“I proudly helped lead the passage of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act last Congress. This was critical legislation that built upon our many successes in our fight against marine debris and pollution. Now that SOS 2.0 is law, we must be doing all we can to ensure it is fully funded and properly implemented. As Congress continues working on FY2022 appropriations, it is vital that SOS 2.0 is fully funded. I call on Appropriations leaders on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to stand with our oceans and coastal communities and provide the funding necessary to achieve the goals of SOS 2.0,” said Congressman Don Young.

SHELBY – The Town Hall including the court will reopen to the public on Monday after being closed since late Tuesday afternoon following a electrical fire and power outage.

Town Supervisor Jeff Smith said the town offices have been sanitized after the electricity was restored late Thursday.

“We would like to thank the Shelby Fire Company and National Grid for their quick response on Tuesday,” he said. “We were fortunate to get all workers safely out of the building.”

The main three-phase power feed to the building became compromised and the wires burned apart, Smith said.

“This is a very unusual occurrence, which leaves us very happy we did not have any injuries or a major fire,” he said.

He commended Modern Electric from Lockport, Highway Department Superintendent Dale Root and employees Rusty Hoffmeister and Jeremy Beatty for going “above and beyond to get power restored.”

Press Release, Kendall Central School

KENDALL – Students at Kendall Junior/Senior High School once again competed in the American Legion Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Social Studies Department.

The purpose of the contest is to provide high school students with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Students gave a prepared 8 to 10-minute oration on the United States Constitution. This year’s participants were Advanced Placement United States History students taught by Katie Driesel.

The local round of the contest was held at Kendall on Nov. 19. Students competed in front of a panel of American Legion judges in the JSHS Auditorium. These students included Taigan Guerrero, Lily Lavacca, Toby Passer, Layne Pearson, Lauren Pilon and Emma Quintern. Toby took first place in the competition, Lily took second place and Layne placed third.

The adults were impressed with the students’ speeches. American Legion member Chuck Eberhardt told students, “I am confident in your class because you know the Constitution. We thank you in advance for the decisions and actions you will make in the future based on this knowledge.”

The first and second place winners advance to the Orleans County Competition on Dec. 11 at Kendall.

This contest was an excellent opportunity for Kendall students to study the Constitution and develop public speaking skills which are essential to future success.

Participants in the contest include, front row: Toby Passer, Lauren Pilon, Lily Lavacca, Emma Quintern, Taigan Guerrero and Layne Pearson. Middle row, from left, Carol D’Agostino, Christine Hunt, Sharon Bennett, Charles Eberhardt and Katie Driesel. Back row, from left, Scott Galliford, Alfred Pulcino III, John Kenney, Terry Probst, Donna McGee, Maxine Shening and Joe Sidonio.

MEDINA — The Medina Police Department has charged a 15-year-old after a social media post on Dec. 3 referenced violence at the Medina and Lockport school districts.

The post was widely circulated in the Medina community.

“This action caused several individuals to fear for the safety of their loved ones,” stated Medina Police Chief Chad Kenward and District Superintendent Mark Kruzynski in a news release.

Added security measures were put in place at the school district and law enforcement investigated the social media post.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Medina police and school officials worked with the Lockport Police Department, Lockport school district, Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, Orleans County Probation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation revealed there was no specific or credible threat to the Medina school district, Kenward and Kruzynski said.

Law enforcement identified the source of the threat and person was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. The name is being withheld due to the person’s age, Kenward and Kruzynski said.

The school cannot comment on any possible disciplinary action but will follow the school district’s code of conduct.

“It is important to note that the creator of the post did not threaten violence to the school, nor was there any reason to believe he may commit any acts of violence,” Kenward said.

Kenward and Kruzynski said the school district and police department take very seriously any mention of violence or threats made against the school district. They encourage the public to report any threats of violence to law enforcement and school administration.

“I would like to personally thank school resource officer Dustin Meredith, the Medina Police Department and all the law enforcement agencies involved for their thorough and detailed investigation,” Kruzynski said.

Union for retail workers backs the governor’s decision

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley doesn’t agree with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement to have a statewide indoor mask mandate in public places beginning Monday and continuing through Jan. 15.

Steve Hawley

This is for businesses and venues that haven’t implemented a vaccine requirement.

Hochul said the action will help slow the spread of Covid at a time when infections and hospitalizations are on the rise.

Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement: “Haphazardly implementing a statewide mask mandate in the middle of the holiday season, a period many businesses rely on to make ends meet for the year, is entirely unnecessary and will only handicap our small businesses during a make-or-break time for their operations.

“Protecting public health is important, but decisions such as this should be left to the local health authorities that know better than anyone what’s really going on in their communities. I had hoped our new governor would take a more measured approach to keeping the pandemic at bay, but it is clear now more than ever that she will continue to rule our state from the top down, to the detriment of New York families and businesses alike.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt of North Tonawanda issued this statement: “To be clear, today’s half-baked announcement from Governor Hochul is a complete reversal from her previous comments, and she is now attempting to mandate that local governments and businesses do the impossible.

“Like her predecessor, I believe the Governor has overstepped her authority with this order. I am reviewing options with my colleagues to rescind this authority and restore these public health decisions to local communities, where they belong.

“I want to applaud Chairwoman Becky Wydysh and Niagara County for taking a responsible approach to protecting public health while supporting Niagara County businesses. Instead of using public resources to punish local business owners, Niagara County is continuing to focus on expanding community access to critical COVID resources such as testing, keeping our kids in school, and educating the public on the best ways to protect themselves and others.”

Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, issued this statement: “Governor Hochul’s statewide mask mandate today is a page from the playbook of the past administration, which tramples on local decision making, burdens our small businesses and restaurants and further erodes the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branch.

“I fully support Niagara County Chairwoman Becky Wydysh’s decision not to spend any county resources in the enforcement of this overreaching mandate which will only further hurt our small business owners struggling to get back on their feet and significantly impact local health officials and law enforcement agencies who already stretched too thin doing their best to maintain public health and safe communities.

“New York State should also be using its staff and operations on increasing accessibility to testing and booster vaccination sites, not being the mask police.”

The union representing many retail workers stated its support for Hochul’s action.

Stuart Appelbaum is president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents 100,000 members throughout the United States.

“The safety of workers, customers and all New Yorkers is our primary concern as the winter Covid-19 surge is upon us,” Appelbaum said. “Grocery, pharmacy and retail workers are at high risk of exposure to Covid-19 because they have public-facing jobs.

“And many are essential workers at stores we have relied on throughout the pandemic,” he sated. “They are in contact with hundreds of people every day – and in some places, workers may be in contact with more than a thousand people a day. Today’s announcement by Governor Hochul will help keep our members safe as well as the general public. We support these measures, and we know they will save lives.”

“We urge employers to responsibly enforce mask policies in coordination with State Government authorities,” Appelbaum said. “Let us be clear, it is the employers’ responsibility – and not that of their workers – to tell people to leave a store if they are not wearing face masks.”

Agency asks for help with Friendly Phones and Home Visitation programs

Press Release, Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities needs volunteers for its Friendly Phones and Home Visitation Programs in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Both programs depend on dedicated volunteers to provide weekly visits or phone calls to isolated seniors 60-plus who live independently, or with family. Volunteers engage in friendly conversation, partake in hobbies, crafts, and special interests such as reading, puzzles, baking or card games.

“During this giving season, consider giving the gift of your time this year by volunteering to provide friendship to isolated seniors within our community,” said Linda Chadderdon, program manager for Home Visitation Program in Genesee & Orleans counties, Catholic Charities. “These interactions bring a sense of connectivity and friendship to our program members. In addition to brightening our seniors’ days, volunteers often find a rich sense of fulfillment too in just volunteering one hour per week.”

Visitation schedule is flexible. Interested volunteers much be at least 21 years old. An interview, background check and proof of Covid-19 vaccination are required. Training will also be provided upon acceptance into the volunteer program. For more information on becoming a volunteer, please call Catholic Charities at 585-343-0614, ext. 3801.

Businesses need to require masks or have vaccine requirement through Jan. 15

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.

Gov. Kathy Hochul

This a major action to address the winter surge comes as Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC’s recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement.

This determination is based on the State’s weekly seven-day case rate as well as increasing hospitalizations. The new business and venue requirements extend to both patrons and staff. This measure is effective Dec. 13 until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions. The new measure brings added layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent indoors shopping, gathering, and visiting holiday-themed destinations.

“As Governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy,” Hochul said. “The temporary measures I am taking today will help accomplish this through the holiday season. We shouldn’t have reached the point where we are confronted with a winter surge, especially with the vaccine at our disposal, and I share many New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet.”

Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%. While the percentage of New Yorkers fully vaccinated continues to increase—gaining 2% from Thanksgiving weekend to now—the uptick is not fast enough to completely curb the spread of the virus, particularly among communities with low vaccination coverage.

“I have warned for weeks that additional steps could be necessary, and now we are at that point based upon three metrics: Increasing cases, reduced hospital capacity, and insufficient vaccination rates in certain areas,” Hochul said.

A violation of any provision of this measure is subject to all civil and criminal penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. Local health departments are being asked to enforce these requirements.

Business/Venue Proof of Full-Course Vaccination Requirement   

Businesses and venues who implement a proof of vaccination requirement can accept Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus, SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York State, or a CDC Vaccination Card.

In accordance with CDC’s definition of fully vaccinated, full-course vaccination is defined as 14 days past an individual’s last vaccination dose in their initial vaccine series (14 days past the second shot of a two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine; 14 days past the one-shot Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine).

The State also accepts WHO-approved vaccines for these purposes. Parents and guardians can retrieve and store an Excelsior Pass and/or Excelsior Pass Plus for children or minors under legal guardianship.

Business/Venue Mask-Wearing Requirement  

Businesses and venues that implement a mask requirement must ensure all patrons two years and older wear a mask at all times while indoors.

Continued Masking Requirements 

Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Further, the State’s masking requirements continue to be in effect for pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.

New York State and the State’s Department of Health continue to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required. Children 2 to 5 who remain ineligible for vaccination must wear a proper-fitting mask.

Covid-19 vaccines and booster doses are free and widely available statewide. New Yorkers can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Diesel Equipment Technology teacher Mike Schultz says he is very grateful for the partnerships with his Orleans Career and Technical Education Center class. Not only do this partnerships expand students’ opportunities for learning more skills, they also open their eyes to different career paths they can take.

Recently Mr. Schultz’s class hosted representatives from SUNY Cobleskill, Outreach Trainers Ed Wallace and Tim Gregoire; Randy Librock, Fleet Supervisor from Relco Systems (Transportation Services); Tom Lewis, Branch Manager from Monroe Tractor; and from the New York State Department of Transportation: Motor Engine Manager William Chiro and Supervisor Randy Shoemaker.

“Our guests were fantastic with the students,” said Mr. Schultz.  “Not only did they bring in equipment and vehicles, they did a lot of interactive, hands-on training with them.  It gave the students a real chance to interact with professionals in this field and make business contacts for internship opportunities and jobs after graduation.”

This group includes Tucker Moore (Royalton-Hartland), Tom Lewis (Monroe Tractor), Eric Sullivan (Royalton-Hartland), Zack Heideman (Lyndonville), Kirk Nice (Lyndonville), Dan Hunt (Newfane).

This is the first time that the NYS Department of Transportation is participating in the internship program and it is a great opportunity for the students. Many students in the class were able to set up internship or shadow opportunities at these employers.

“It is great to have these beneficial relationships with different businesses,” Schultz said. “It is a definite win-win since they are looking for good employees and my students are looking for careers. I am very thankful that these representatives took time out of their very busy schedules to spend the day here. My students really got a lot out of the experience and really enjoyed getting a view into careers.”

This group includes Randy Librick (Relco),  Matt Quattrini (Newfane), Ian Donahue (Lyndonville), Aaron Schadt (Akron),  Zach Hoyle (Barker).

SHELBY – The Shelby Town Hall will be closed for the third straight day on Friday. Power has been restored to site but a smoky smell needs to be cleared out, said Jeff Smith, the town supervisor.

The building has been closed to the public since Wednesday after an electrical fire on Tuesday afternoon. Smith said he expects the building will be open on Monday.

Orleans has most cases in state per 100,000 people

The number of active Covid cases in Orleans County set a new pandemic high today with 334. That is up from the previous mark of 329 on Monday.

Orleans County is reporting 128 more cases in the past three days, and 123 recoveries or people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

Orleans leads the state with the most daily cases per 100,000 people on a 7-day average at 106.2. That is more than twice the state average of 49.0.

Steuben is second at 105.6 with Genesee at third highest with 105.3. There are 62 counties statewide. Others with more than 100 cases daily per 100,000 people on a seven-day average include Herkimer at 102.6, Delaware at 102.0, and Washington at 101.5.

The positivity rate in the state over 7 days is 4.8 percent. Allegany County currently has the highest positivity rate at 13.4 percent over 7 days, with Genesee second highest at 12.5 percent. Two counties are at 12.4 percent — Lewis and Chautauqua – and Orleans is fifth highest at 12.2 percent.

The active cases also are up in Genesee with 286 today compared to 226 on Monday. Genesee has 197 more cases in three days, compared to 131 more recoveries.The combined caseload of 620 in Orleans and Genesee trails the pandemic high of 633 on Nov. 22.

Genesee also suffered the loss of two more residents, both over 65, bringing the total deaths during the pandemic due to Covid to 147.

Genesee currently has 35 residents hospitalized from Covid and Orleans has 13 in the hospital.

Photos and information from Medina Central School

MEDINA – In the past, the Student Association at Medina High School has collected canned goods for those in need in the community and donated them to MAAC (Medina Area Association of Churches).

Teacher and Student Association Co-Advisor Sara Cinquino says last year, with the unknowns of Covid transmission, the students took part in a peanut butter and jelly drive instead.

“This year we decided we would collect essential items like paper products and hygiene products for MAAC to distribute,” she said. “We were thrilled to be able to donate 1,971 items through our school drive.”

Members of the Medina Fire Department on Wednesday stopped at the school, where the students helped them load the donations into their ambulances.

Sherry Tuohey, a volunteer with MAAC says she is very grateful for the outreach project from the High School.

“The students did an outstanding job!” she said. “I couldn’t believe all the personal care and paper products we received. These will be so beneficial to families we are helping this Christmas. I want to thank them for making it such a huge success!”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Main Street in Albion is shown on Wednesday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Orleans County on Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m. The watch also includes Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.

There will be southwesterly winds from 35 to 45 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 mph possible, the Weather Service said.

“Damaging winds may bring down numerous trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Some property damage possible. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

On Friday the temperature is forecast for a high of 48, and then goes up to 66 on Saturday. Sunday is forecast to be sunny with a high of 42.