By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2021 at 9:19 am
Daily Feature: United States National Guard and US Air Force interactive exhibits.
Party Animals Exotic Animal Petting Zoo – All Day
Click here to see a short video of the fireworks finale on Friday night.
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens
9 a.m. – Gymkhana Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
10:30 a.m. – Cat Show at Show Arena
Nate Olmstead works the grill during a very busy Friday evening at the 4-H Senior Council Stand. They sold 800 hamburgers and cheeseburgers during one four-hour stretch on Friday.
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – OCALS children’s book give-away and free activity at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – WNY PRISM, invasive species experts at Lartz Building
1 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
1 to 5 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 1 to 5 p.m. only) at Midway
1:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull near JCH of Buffalo Tent
Gary Withey, right, and Gary Jones sing “Some Kind of Wonderful” during Friday’s concert by Jonesie and the Cruisers.
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony and Crowning of the Fair Royalty at Curtis Pavilion
4:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
5 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Ag stories with Orleans County Libraries (Community Free Library) at Cattle Barn
6 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 6 to 10 p.m. only) at Midway
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Live Music: Highway 31 at Orleans Hub Stage
This group of kids watched the grand master showman competition up high on farm machinery.
6:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carvingat Log Cabin Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Market Auction Preview and Receptionat Show Plex
7 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
7 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Market Auction at Show Plex
8:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carvingat Log Cabin Lawn
9 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
9:30 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2, ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:20 p.m. – Adjacent the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Winners only championship round. Adjacent the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
Zach Fike separates the frozen hamburger patties in the 4-H Senior Council Stand. Fike was one of about 15 Shelby firefighters who volunteered in the stand on Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2021 at 5:35 pm
Medina will apply again for $10 million for series of projects
Courtesy of Village of Medina, previous DRI application: The Village of Medina wants to improve public access to the Medina Waterfalls by constructing an elevated platform from the towpath. That project was part of Medina’s application in 2019 for $10 million in DRI funding.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina has a better chance of landing a $10 million grant as part of state Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
That’s because the state has doubled the funding, from $100 to $200 million for 10 regions in the state. In the first four DRI rounds, the state picked one winner from each of the 10 regions for $100 total.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the state will be allocating $20 million for each region, with either two $10 million winners or one $20 million recipient.
The communities have until Sept. 15 to submit an application. Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the village will be trying again for the $10 million and is working with Bergmann, a Rochester engineering and architectural firm, and a local committee to identify projects.
Sidari said he expects there will be some changes from the previous application, including some new projects that may be added. The village’s application also should be strengthened by several recent additions to the downtown, including the completion of the Bent’s Opera House, an expansion at the Zambistro restaurant, several new murals and other projects in the downtown. The state wants to direct the $10 million to villages or cities with momentum in their downtowns.
“We’re marking the Downtown Revitalization Initiative’s fifth year by doubling down on our commitment to help reimagine communities across the state, especially as we prepare for a post-pandemic future,” Cuomo said in a recent announcement. “The DRI is a cornerstone of New York’s comprehensive economic development strategy to drive investment and job creation in downtowns across the state. Our investments will support new and existing businesses, drive new mixed-use developments and bolster the arts and cultural venues to help attract residents and visitors for years to come.”
Medina was one of five finalists in 2019. That makes Sidari think the community already has a strong case for the funding.
Medina missed out to Seneca Falls in the Finger Lakes Region two years ago. The DRI wasn;t offered last year. Previous $10 million grant winners in the Finger Lakes region include the City of Geneva in 2016, the City of Batavia in 2017, the Village of Penn Yan in 2018 and Seneca Falls in 2019.
Applications for DRI Round 5 are available on the DRI website (click here). All applications should be submitted with a $10 million award in mind but may indicate that they would also like to be considered for a $20 million award, Cuomo said in a news release.
As with past DRI rounds, each selected community needs to develop a strategic plan with a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have the potential to transform the downtown. DRI funds will then be awarded for selected projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community’s vision for the downtown, Cuomo said.
Medina’s application from 2019 listed the following projects to be considered for DRI funding:
Streetscape Improvements at an estimated $1 million in DRI funding.
Rail with Trail, a multi-use trail along the Medina Railroad from the museum to Main Street, at an estimated DRI funding request of $200,000.
The Canal Village Farmer’s Market would become a year-round market with a community kitchen, distillery and event space as part of a $3 million project, with $2.8 million in DRI funding.
Canal Basin Park – Improved waterfront access and amenities at the Canal Basin Park for $2 million, to be funded with the DRI.
State Street Park – enhanced programming to make the park a year-round recreational destination, with an ice skating rink, enhanced lighting, boat tie-ups, benches and bicycle racks, and a construction of a nature trail at a $600,000 cost, with the DRI funding $500,000.
Lions Park Boater Access – The village seeks $250,000 for the DRI to install boat tie-ups and docking facilities at the Lions Park near the Route 63 lift bridge.
Medina Falls Overlook – The village wants to better utilize the Medina waterfalls by adding a viewing platform and overlook off the Erie Canalway Trail, near the Horan Road Bridge. The project would cost an estimated $1.9 million with the DRI funding $1.5 million.
Wayfinding Signage – Install a cohesive and well-branded system of wayfinding and directional signs at a cost of $200,000 with the DRI funding $150,000.
Small Grant Fund – This fund will support economic-development related activities through the distribution of small grants to local businesses and investors. Medina would like a $900,000 fund with the DRI paying $600,000.
Mustang City: Adaptive Reuse of the old Medina High School – A $9 million project with the DRI request at $3 million.
Snappy’s Mixed-Use Development: This project at $1.8 million includes a $1 million DRI request. It would redevelop the Snappy facility on Commercial Street by the Erie Canal into a mixed-use commercial and residential space. The property could be redeveloped with the first floor for commercial uses and the second floor for residential.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2021 at 3:07 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Luci Welch, director of the Orleans County Probation Department, receives a special recognition award from County Legislator Skip Draper on Wednesday.
ALBION – Luci Welch, director of the Orleans County Probation Department, has been elected by her peers that lead probation departments around the state to serve as president of the New York State Council of Probation Administrators (COPA).
Welch was presented with a “special recognition award” on Wednesday by the County Legislature for her leadership in the state-wide association.
“You have added great value to the New York State Probation Council and the Orleans County Probation Department through your endeavor assisting justice-involved individuals,” the citation reads from the Legislature. “Your continued dedication to the Public Safety of the people of Orleans County will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your passion and dedication to our Orleans County residents.”
The County Legislature also presented Welch and two probation officers with a proclamation recognizing July 18-24 as “Pre-Trial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.”
Legislators said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the services provided by these essential workers at probation.
“During these times of uncertainty, change, and unrest, Probation Professionals provide essential public services that our communities depend on,” legislators said in the proclamation. “Even as their roles expand and change, Probation Professionals help offenders rehabilitate and keep the public safe.”
Probation workers connect individuals on probation to drug and alcohol counseling, mental health assistance, job training, and other services.
The probation staff perform “an array of law enforcement work, including the supervision of a wide range of offenses involving both adults and juvenile offenders, from DWI cases to sex offenses to domestic abuse,” legislators said.
The probation workers “continue to perform this public service even as the Covid¬19 pandemic has added many complications for probation officers to supervise and made their jobs more difficult,” legislators stated in the proclamation.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State will administer nearly $1.1 billion in federal funding directly to child care providers to help stabilize the industry and enable more parents to return to the workplace fulltime.
The funding – available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act – represents the largest single investment in child care in New York State history. It will provide direct support to child care programs and help replenish losses experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services will manage the grant funding. Funding applications will open Wednesday, August 4. Today’s announcement gives child care providers time to prepare and gather relevant materials needed for their application.
“Stabilizing the child care industry is critical to New York’s economic rebirth,” Governor Cuomo said. “Many child care providers struggled to stay open throughout the pandemic as parents stayed home with their children. This monumental investment – the largest single investment in child care in our state’s history – will allow these programs to continue providing essential services and enable more parents to return to the workplace full time.”
Lt. Governor and Child Care Availability Task Force Co-Chair Kathy Hochul said, “We can’t have a full economic recovery without boosting affordable and quality child care services for New York families, particularly working women who have been disproportionately set back by the pandemic. This funding provides critical support for child care providers who have suffered during the pandemic. Child care workers have courageously showed up to allow frontline workers to go to work, and we need to have their back now more than ever.”
Eligible providers include OCFS-licensed or registered programs, permitted New York City day care centers and legally exempt group programs that are enrolled with an enrollment agency. To be eligible, the programs must have been open and serving children in person as of March 11, 2021 and open and available to provide in-person services on the date they apply for the grant.
This includes child care providers that are open and staffed to provide in-person care even if there are no children currently enrolled. Programs that are not providing services on the date of application may also be eligible for this grant if the program closed temporarily due to public health, financial hardship, or other reasons relating to the Covid-19, and attest that they will begin serving children within a specified timeframe.
OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, “The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the critical role child care plays in supporting children, families and businesses. Throughout the pandemic, some child care programs remained open to serve the families of essential workers who could not stay home. As more people return to work, child care is foundational to reopening our state’s economy.”
OCFS will award more than $10 million in technical assistance funds to 35 child care resource and referral agencies and other key stakeholders to support child care providers in accessing and implementing the stabilization grants.
File photo: Liam Leader of the St. Mary’s youth baseball team holds up a baseball he retrieved on June 27, 2019 from the weeds in the outfield at Sandstone Park in Albion. One of his teammates, Mason Giattino (who is behind Liam), hit a long home run earlier in the game. Liam gave it to Mason as a souvenir.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.5363/A.5156) designating baseball as the official sport of the state of New York. This bill was proposed by a Cooperstown Elementary School 4th grade class. Cooperstown is the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and is believed to be the birthplace of the sport.
“Growing up a Queens boy, a love of baseball was instilled at an early age. From the ’69 and ’86 Amazin’ Mets to 27 world championships by the Yankees and even having been the home of the Dodgers with Jackie Robinson and the Giants, New York is steeped in an expansive and diverse past with our great national past time,” Governor Cuomo said. “The fervor of the sport is as reflective of our great state as a sport can be, bringing together diverse crowds for the love of the game. New York is the birthplace of baseball and I’m proud to finally make it our official state sport.”
Not only is New York home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown where Abner Doubleday is said to have created the sport, it has been home to four of the most popular franchises in the sport – the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, as well as the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers which moved to San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively, in 1957.
Despite the loss of the Giants and Dodgers, no other state has been home to more World Series titles than New York, with the Yankees winning 27 (1923, ’27, ’28, ’32, ’36, ’37, ’38, ’39, ’41, ’43, ’47, ’49, ’50, ’51, ’52, ’53, ’56, ’58, ’61, ’62, ’77, ’78, ’96, ’98, ’99, 2000, ’09), and the Mets winning two (1969, ’86), along with the Giants winning five (1905, ’21, ’22, ’33, ’54) and the Dodgers winning one (1955) prior to their moves to the west coast. The Yankees were also ranked by Forbes in 2021 as being the world’s second-most valuable professional sports franchise, with an estimated value of $5.25 billion.
These teams also have a large presence in the Hall of Fame itself – 59 of the 333 Hall of Famers all primarily played for New York teams. Additionally, while they did not necessarily play for New York-based teams, 33 of the 333 inductees were born in the Empire State.
As the state sport, baseball joins a list of New York State symbols which includes milk as the state beverage, apple as the state fruit, the snapping turtle as the state reptile and yogurt as the state snack.
Senator Peter Oberacker said, “Baseball is known as our national past time, but the game has deep roots and a rich history here in New York State. Fans from around the globe flock to Cooperstown, in my senate district, to celebrate the game at the storied National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and we have teams of all levels – the Mets and Yankees, countless college, high school, and Little League teams – proving that New York State’s connection to baseball is undeniable. My special thanks to Anne Reis and her students at Cooperstown Elementary who researched the impact of baseball on our state and developed the idea for this legislation. As a former high school and college player, I learned great life lessons on the baseball diamond and those same messages of teamwork, tradition, and dedication are still being taught today. Formally recognizing baseball as New York’s official state sport is a homerun.”
Assembly Member Michael Benedetto said, “Baseball is the perfect sport to represent New York. It emphasizes teamwork and sacrifice, two principle concepts that are important during a child’s development. Everyone pulling together for the team, in essence, is a metaphor for real life – everyone working together as one, for the betterment of the community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2021 at 11:15 am
KNOWLESVILLE – The karaoke finals again proved a big crowd magnet at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. There were about 300 to 400 people who watched the event, plus many more who stayed for portions of the competition.
The top five singers from qualifying rounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday advanced to Thursday’s finale.
Tyler Thomas, 28, of Medina won first prize and $500 for his performance of “Blue Suede Shoes.” Thomas, a professional deejay, entertained the crowd with his dancing, singing and exuberance to the famous song by Elvis Presley. Thomas even performed a back flip during his routine.
Thomas said he grew up an Elvis fan, listening to the music with his grandfather. On Monday, Thomas sang karaoke for the first time in public.
“I just wanted to make people smile,” he said. “At this time in my life, the point is not to judge a book by its cover. We should live, laugh and love.”
Samuel Robinson, left, of Albion was a crowd favorite with his performance of “Rock The Dance Floor.” He was fifth and won $50. William Grimble of Albion was fourth overall and won $75 for his performance of “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” which was made famous by Billy Joel.
Susan Kehal of Batavia sings “Me And Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin. Kehal works as a nurse during her professional career. She also enjoys singing. She has been performing since she was 13.
“Anywhere there is music, I want to be there,” she said. “Music it heals just like with nursing.”
She liked the vibe among the performers and the crowd at the karaoke competition. She said it was very supportive and encouraging.
“I love to see people up on stage,” Kehal said. “They’re so brave to get up there.”
Melissa Shiels (left), a Hilton native who now lives in Ireland, performs “Satisfied” from the Hamilton musical. Layna Viloria, 19, of Medina sings “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.
Viloria has been performing karaoke at the fair since she was 9. “It brings everybody together,” she said about the event.
Rich Nolan, who has twice won the karaoke competition in the past, provided a warmup for the crowd, singing Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”
Tiffany Poynter (left), 21, of Medina sings “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Brilyn Rebisz, 16, of Bergen sings “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. Brilyn also is a 4-Her showing animals in the livestock events.
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its 15th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest.
Images should convey the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 27, 2021. Winning photos will be featured in the 2022 Erie Canalway calendar.
Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. Images must be landscape (horizontal) format.
Submitted images must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.
Download official contest rules and an entry form by clicking here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is sharing important passport information for individuals seeking to schedule emergency appointments.
“With many Americans eager to travel again and applying to renew their passports, the State Department is experiencing large delays in processing and approving applications,” Jacobs said. “Firstly, if you are planning on traveling in the next eight months you should take care of the appropriate paperwork now.”
New updates have been made to the way individuals can schedule emergency appointments. Now, the only way individuals can make these appointments is by calling the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY) 1-888-874-7793 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday.
Appointments cannot be transferred, and applicants may only schedule one if they are traveling within two weeks, or within four weeks if a foreign visa is needed. Appointments will only be scheduled within three business days of travel, or 10 days if a visa is required – proof of travel within the time will be required when arriving at the appointment.
“If you are experiencing passport delays, this can be a valuable resource to ensure your passport is squared away before you travel,” Jacobs said. “In addition, my office is available to help with any additional questions concerning passports or other federal agencies.”
In addition, in response to these reported delays, Rep. Jacobs has also asked the State Department to take additional steps to address the processing backlog. You can view the text of that letter here. For additional questions concerning passports or federal agencies, Jacobs’ Geneseo District Office can be reached at 585-519-4002.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2021 at 8:36 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Everett Bruning, 6, of Barre competes in the small-fry tractor pull on Thursday.
Daily Feature: United States National Guard and US Air Force interactive exhibits.
Party Animals Exotic Animal Petting Zoo – All Day
8 a.m. – Western and Ranch Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
8 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens
10 a.m. – Dog Show Agility and fun classes at Knights Building
Ryan Klatt of the Brick Band gave a high-energy performance on Thursday at the Orleans Hub Stage at the fairgrounds.
10 a.m. – All Buildings Open
10 a.m. – Grand Master Showman Workshop at starting in Show Arena
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins and free public parking opens at the Wood Road and Taylor Hill Road lots. (Admission is $3 for people 12 and older and $1 for 11 and under.) Buildings open to the public.
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Synchronistic Psychic Services with free Rune Readings at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – WNY PRISM, invasive species experts, at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 8 p.m. – United States Border Patrol with children’s interactive activities
The giant inflatable doughboy is a silhouette on Thursday as the sun sets.
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements, $20 Unlimited Ride Wristband, at Midway
4 p.m. – Royalty Questionnaires dueat Fair Office
4 p.m. – Cow Plop Bingo at Knights Building
4:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
Leo Mathes, 8, and his sister Shania, 13, of Barre show sheep during Thursday’s Sheep Show. Shania won the master showman title during the event.
5 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
5:30 p.m. – Classic Car Cruise-In at Education Center Lot
6 p.m. – Registration ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
6 p.m. – Large Animal Grand Master Showman at Livestock Areas
6 to 7 p.m. – Ag stories with Orleans County Libraries (Yates Community Library) at Cattle Barn
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
This group of volunteers for the Cooperative Extension took a break from serving chicken barbecue dinners and did the “Electric Slide” dance during the Brick Band concert. The Extension served 1,000 dinners on Thursday.
7 to 10 p.m. – Live Music: Jonsie and the Cruisers Classic Rock at Orleans Hub Stage
6:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
7 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
This sheep was led in the show ring on Thursday by Adele Mathes, 10, of Barre.
9 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
10 p.m. – Fireworks Show (Rain Date Saturday at 10 p.m.)
10:30 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest, Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. Adjacent the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena
Mckenna Richardson, 6, of Barre has fun competing in the small-fry tractor pull on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2021 at 3:22 pm
ALBION – Orleans County is looking to increase the size of its agricultural district by 137 acres. There is currently about 117,000 acres in the ag district, which represents 47 percent of the county’s land mass.
Each year, property owners have an opportunity to add land to the district. Once every eight years, property owners have a chance to remove land from the district. The next change to take out acreage will be in 2024.
The County Legislature on Wednesday held a public hearing on additions to the ag district. The following parcels have been recommended for inclusion in the district by the Orleans County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board:
36 acres of vacant residential land at 4552 Bennetts Corners Rd., Clarendon
25.88 acres of vacant agricultural land on Main Street in the Town of Murray
20.13 acres of residential and vacant land at Eagle Harbor-West Barre Road in Albion
9.98 acres of field crops at 1614 Petersmith Rd. in Kendall
24.66 acres of a rural residence and acreage at 1614 Petersmith Rd. in Kendall
20.65 acres of residential vacant land at 1051 Wilson Rd. in Carlton
The expanded ag district needs a final vote of approval from the County Legislature, as well as the state Department of Agricultural and Markets.
The bales of straw are spread out in the field by Route 31 in Ridgeway near Culvert Road.
This vehicle driven by David M. Acito came to rest on its roof.
CAMBRIA – A Medina man was charged after an accident in Niagara County where the driver struck and severed a utility pole, causing the damaged power lines to come down and start a fire in a farm field, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported.
David M. Acito, 32, wasn’t injured in the accident. Niagara County Sheriff’s Office were called at 6 p.m. on Wednesday for report of a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Saunders
Settlement and Comstock roads. Initial reports stated that the vehicle had overturned and that live electrical transmission lines were beginning a ground fire.
Deputies responded to the scene and found a 2014 Ford resting on its roof in the farmer’s field southeast of the intersection. A ground fire had also started the adjacent farm field on fire.
Investigation at the scene revealed that the Ford was east bound on Saunders Settlement Road when it exited the roadway off the south edge. The vehicle traveled into and through the ditch before striking a utility pole just west of the intersection, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
The vehicle severed the pole off at the ground level causing the damaged power lines to come down and start the fire. The vehicle continued east bound, crossed over Comstock Road and came to rest in the field on its roof.
The fire was brought under control and was extinguished by members of the Cambria Volunteer Fire Company and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Fire Department.
Acito failed subsequent field sobriety tests and was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and several other violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Acito was remanded to the Niagara County Jail where he will be arraigned today on the charges in Central Processing Court, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release.
State will provide financial relief to restaurants that rapidly hire workers
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of New York State’s $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit program, designed to help expand employment opportunities for workers and provide relief to Covid-impacted restaurants.
Created as part of the New York State FY 2022 Budget, the program offers a tax credit for the rapid hiring of restaurant workers to reduce the restaurant industry’s pandemic-induced economic difficulties. Qualifying restaurants could receive a $5,000 tax credit per net new hire, totaling up to $50,000 in tax credits per business.
“New York’s restaurants are not only the best in the world, they are vital to the state’s economy, employing thousands of people and showcasing cuisines that reflect our great diversity,” Cuomo said. “Restaurants also serve as an entrepreneurial outlet and are often families’ gateways to the American Dream.”
The Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit is available to small, independently-owned restaurants in New York City, or in areas that were designated as an Orange Zone or Red Zone for at least 30 consecutive days by the New York State Department of Health during the state of emergency related to COVID-19. Eligible restaurants will need to demonstrate COVID-related losses and show proof of hiring at least one full-time worker at the restaurant.
Recognizing the need for restaurants to receive this assistance quickly in the economic wake of COVID-19, a “Fast Track” option will allow restaurants to claim the tax credit as an advance payment ahead of filing their 2021 tax returns. Under this option, restaurants will be evaluated based on their net new job growth during a truncated period, from April 1 to August 31, 2021.
More information on the program, including the application and details about the Fast Track option, is available by clicking here.
Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “New York’s restaurants were among the most affected industries during the Covid-19 pandemic, and this program will provide relief to businesses in the hardest hit parts of the state. Through the Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit, the state can help get restaurant workers back into jobs while supporting the small businesses so integral to the fabric of communities across New York State.”
“The restaurant industry was among the hardest hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, as public health and safety concerns restricted many of its service operations,” Cuomo said. “With the state’s Covid-19 restrictions lifted, restaurants opening to full capacity, and tables filling up, this will support the much-needed hiring of workers by these establishments to meet their increased demand.”
The Restaurant Return-To-Work Tax Credit Program is part of a comprehensive package of economic recovery initiatives announced in April as part of the FY2022 Budget to help restart the State’s economy and support the recovery of New York’s businesses. The $1 billion package includes assistance and relief for arts and cultural organizations, the tourism industry, restaurants, and the state’s small businesses, which represent 98% of all New York State businesses.
Empire State Development launched NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov, a dedicated website featuring an interactive tool that can guide businesses through the state’s various pandemic recovery programs. The site also highlights additional resources available to support businesses seeking pandemic relief. It will be continuously updated by Empire State Development as more details and funding information become available.
Summer bonfire conversations by the lake are apt to spark memories and stories.
On a recent occasion, a senior family member referenced, “Mom and my aunts going out fishing on the grassbeds,” a statement which generated much discussion since the concept of “grassbeds” on Lake Ontario was new to this generation.
It appears that, in terms of lake history, this was a short-lived phenomenon and occurred between the 1900s and 1940s. Grassbeds were patches of aquatic vegetation which looked like underwater meadows with some plants that appeared to be floating on the surface. They were found near or directly offshore of some creeks, and were sometimes tricky to locate. On calm, clear days, people would row out to these areas and fish for perch, which, when pan-fried, provided a tasty supper.
Lysbeth Hoffman, the late Town of Carlton historian, referenced this topic in the Orleans County Historical Association Chronicle, 1987. She mentioned that in 1985, the Biology/Sea Grant Department of SUNY Brockport researched the demise of the grassbeds and concluded that the decline of these aquatic meadows was caused by powerful lake storms, or changes in phosphate levels, or the construction of sewage treatment facilities.
The results of changes in the lake’s ecology are often evident onshore. People recall the thousands of dead whitefish or “shiners” washed up on the beach during the 1980s. Even the weather can cause shoreline woes: layers of green algae commonly form following the combination of a warm winter, an early spring and then a scorching drought. Of course, the water levels, whether lower or higher cause dramatic shoreline changes.
We can but hope that future generations gathered at lakeside bonfires will recall the washed-up fish, the smelly crusty algae, the high waters, rocks being piled up on the shoreline as these memories, similar to the now almost forgotten grassbeds, become part of lake folklore and enrich our local history.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2021 at 10:37 am
Event caps busy day at fair, but crowd misses grease pole
Photos by Tom Rivers: Nadine Valentine of Albion, left, and Alwyn Cayea of Medina made up the team “Respect.” They were the first team to complete the hay bale rolling challenge and did it in 4 minutes, 21.79 seconds. Jeremy Neal, event chairman, is at right.
KNOWLESVILLE – It’s no grease pole, but a hay bale rolling competition proved a difficult challenge to cap a full day’s schedule at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
The grease pole was a popular event at the fair from 1971 until 2019. There wasn’t a fair last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The insurance provider for the fair this year decided it wouldn’t continue covering the grease pole event, deeming it too dangerous to have people climb a utility pole slathered in grease.
A gravestone was set at the base of the grease pole. Jeremy Neal had the marker made to pay tribute to the event’s popularity and also to show that it is over and the fair will be starting a new tradition with the hay bale rolling.
Jeremy Neal, the event chairman, still wanted a somewhat silly event open to community members to cap off the schedule. He devised an oval-shaped course around the grease pole, making ditches, and putting down thick poles. Teams of two would have to push a 700-pound hay bale through the course, rolling it on the longer lanes and have to flip it end over end in two segments of the course. If teams pushed the hay bale outside the lane boundaries, they would be assessed a 10-second violation.
The crowd for the opening night of the hay bale rolling contest was much smaller than for the grease pole and they didn’t scream in passionate support for the teams. It was also harder to see the action for the crowd, because the competition was on the ground and not up high.
Neal deemed the contest a success. It still drew a lot of people and provided some one-of-a-kind entertainment.
“It’s not as good as the grease pole but we’ll deal with it,” Neal said.
He asked why he thought the grease pole was so popular: “Grease,” he responded.
Jeremy Neal, event chairman, and announcer Riley Seielstad observe a moment of silence for the grease pole, which was a big attraction to cap off each night at the fair until the insurance company deemed it too dangerous.
Aeddon Cayea, right, and Conner Miller of Medina got the 700-pound hay bale through the course in 2 minutes, 1.14 seconds, plus a 20-second violation. Here they are near the finish, with the last stretch requiring the bale to be pushed end over end, instead of rolling it. They were one of five teams in the competition on Wednesday night. It continues today and Friday night, with the winners from each day making it to the finals on Saturday night.
Alden Cayea and Christian Hahn of Medina formed the Rollie Boyz and pushed the hay bale through the course in 1:24.81, plus a 10-second violation.
Jeremy Moyer and David Armer of Albion, members of DP Dubs, won the opening night of the challenge, getting the hay bale through the course in a time of 1 minute, 20.48 seconds with no violations. They advance to the finals on Saturday night.
Joe Ambs (right) and Zach Chapman, The Ride Guys, both work for the midway provider at the fair, Main Event Amusements. They completed the challenge in 2 minutes, 14.94 seconds, plus a 10-second violation.
Ambs was on a team that attempted to climb the grease pole. He admitted the grease pole can’t be replaced. But he said the hay bale rolling was a more demanding challenge physically.
“I’m a physical fitness trainer and this put me into the ground,” he said.
He said the task takes leg, core and arm strength – “all your body,” he said.
He appreciates that the Orleans County 4-H Fair has contests open to the community, including the midway workers.
“This is the best fun I’ve had in the past five months,” he said.
Before the competition, Arian Cayea and Ben Griffin of Medina did a demonstration, showing the crowd and other participants how the event would like, with the hay bale needing to go through a winding path, ditches and poles. The bale is roll on the two lanes, and needed to be flipped end over end in two spots.
Arian, 17, said the key is to keep the momentum going with the hay bale. He and Ben, 16, have been working at the fair this week, collecting the admission fees, which are $2 for kids and $3 for adults with no parking fee. A week-long pass is available for $5.
Summer bonfire conversations by the lake are apt to spark memories and stories.
