By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 March 2021 at 10:01 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: The four-sided clock at the Fancher Curve is a memorial to 10 young men from the community who died in World War II. The memorial was dedicated on Aug. 14, 1949. This photo is from November 2016.
FANCHER – Fred Fiorito remembers the big crowd of people when the Fancher Memorial was dedicated on Aug. 14, 1949.
He was only 10, and he has never forgotten seeing the Gold Star mothers in mourning. The memorial on the “Fancher Curve” on Route 31 is a four-faced clock in a stone monument made of local sandstone.
Fiorito moved away from Fancher when he was 20. He enjoyed a career as a chiropractor in New York City. He would come home a few times each year to see family, including his brother Ted Fiorito. Fred noticed the memorial gradually deteriorate.
Sometimes the clocks didn’t work. The mortar was crumbling. The site wasn’t a great showcase or memorial for the 10 who in World War II. Those 10 include John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.
“I knew some of those families,” Fiorito said. “The monument’s condition was distasteful.”
Last May near Memorial Day, Fiorito was home recovering from an injury. He thought back to his childhood and the memorial.
“That memorial was built out of love for the guys in the area who left and didn’t come back,” Fiorito said by phone. “Those 10 guys who gave their lives gave them for you, me and everybody.”
Fiorito decided to call the Murray Town Hall. He left a message on Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio’s answering machine, offering to make a donation to get the memorial looking better.
This photo from the Holley Standard shows the memorial in August 1949.
“I just want to see it brought back to where it was many years ago when it was first done,” Fiorito said. “I feel a connection to my home and it will always be my home, and that monument is very important to me.”
Fiorito has offered $10,000 to upgrade the memorial. He is pleased Sidonio has “enthusiastically” embraced the project and wants to have the improvements in place by Aug. 14, which would be the 72nd anniversary of the memorial’s dedication.
Dan Mawn, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society, has been a key coordinator in the project. He connected with Neal Muscarella, an Albion mason, to replace the green mortar on the monument.
Mawn, who is retired from the Holley Electric and Water Department, will put in new movements for the clocks, and new electrical service.
“It is a project that is very worthwhile,” Mawn said.
Sidonio and Mawn also want to upgrade the landscaping at the site, and make the flagpoles look better.
“We want to create a better sense of place for the monument,” Sidonio said.
A photo from the memorial’s dedication showed several rifles stacked on top of the monument. Sidonio and Mawn wondered if those rifles were part of an original display on the monument, and if the rifles had been removed or taken.
They looked at the top of the monument and there aren’t any brackets or other evidence that the rifles were being held in place on the memorial. They must have been temporarily put there.
The former Holley Standard reported on the monument on Aug. 11, 1949, previewing the dedication ceremony three days later. The newspaper declared the project “an example of community enterprise and cooperation.”
A bronze plaque lists the names of the local soldiers who perished in the war: John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.
The monument designed by local resident Pat DiLaura with stone donated from quarry owned by Art Nenni
Local quarrymen worked to get out the stone including Gene Nenni, Oresto Nenni, Americo Belli, Richard DePalma of Holley, and Richard Raneri, Tony Passarell and Angelo Manella of Albion. Gene DePalma graded the site of the monument
Lee Colavito and Dan Fiorita did the mason work, Thomas Friedo of Fancher did the electrical work, hooking up the four electric clocks and the lighting at the base of the monument.
Fred Fiorito said the monument is a one-of-kind memorial that was created by the local residents in honor of the 10 local soldiers. The project utilizes the talents and resources of the local community.
“Even though I moved 400 miles away and I’ve been away a long time, my heart is still there,” Fred Fiorito said. “I just couldn’t stand to see the monument left the way it is. It honors 10 boys who stood up and never came back.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 March 2021 at 8:29 am
‘This landmark legislation provides justice for long-marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy, and establishes substantial safety guards for the public.’ – Gov. Cuomo
The State Senate and the State Assembly both voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana on Tuesday. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement at 10:59 p.m., congratulating the Legislature for passing the legislation.
“Tonight, the New York State Legislature took the first step in a major leap forward for the Empire State by passing legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. I thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the many legislators who worked tirelessly on this issue for securing passage of this historic legislation.
“For too long the prohibition of cannabis disproportionately targeted communities of color with harsh prison sentences and after years of hard work, this landmark legislation provides justice for long-marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy, and establishes substantial safety guards for the public.
“New York has a storied history of being the progressive capital of the nation, and this important legislation will once again carry on that legacy. I look forward to signing this legislation into law.”
The State Assembly passed the “Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act” with a 100-49 vote, legalizing the adult use of marijuana in New York for individuals 21 years of age. It also establishes the Office of Cannabis Management and the Cannabis Control Board to regulate the cannabis industry
“Passage of this bill will mean not just legalizing marijuana, but investing in education and our communities, and bring to an end decades of disproportionately targeting people of color under state and federal drug laws,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “The legislation would use revenue from adult-use marijuana to invest in education and communities that have been disproportionately targeted by state and federal drug laws. New York will join 14 states, two territories and the District of Columbia in legalizing the adult use of marijuana. This will create jobs across all aspects of the industry from agriculture to retail.”
Taxation
New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act establishes the following taxes on adult-use marijuana:
A tax on the sale from a wholesaler to a dispensary, based on the milligrams of THC in the product. The tax rate would be based on the type of product, as follows:
Edibles would be taxed at a rate of $0.03 per milligram of THC;
Concentrates would be taxed at $0.008 per of milligram of THC; and
Cannabis flower would be taxed at rate of $0.005 per milligram of THC;
A 13 percent excise tax on cannabis with portions going to municipalities:
Taxes on the sale by a dispensary to the consumer at a rate of 9 percent of the sales price will go to the Cannabis Revenue Fund; and
Taxes on the sale by a dispensary to the consumer at a rate of 4 percent of the sale price, which would be split between the county of sale (1 percent) and the municipality of sale (3 percent).
The legislation also establishes the New York State Cannabis Revenue Fund which will be used to fund OCM and cover the costs of state agencies to apply and adapt to the MRTA. After those administrative costs, 40 percent will go to the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund, 40 percent will support general education through the State Lottery Fund, and 20 percent will be allocated to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund.
Tax revenue from states that have legalized adult-use cannabis has surpassed expectations, Heastie said. Colorado usually collects more than $20 million a month, and California collects more than $50 million a month. In fiscal year 2019, Washington State collected a total of $395.5 million in legal marijuana income and licensing fees, Heastie said.
Opt-Outs
Cities, towns and villages would be allowed to pass local legislation prohibiting certain retail establishments from opening within their borders, but the MRTA includes provisions for voters to overturn the opt-out.
And while they can opt-out of retail licenses, they cannot opt-out of other types of licenses. These opt-outs would also not prohibit the adult use of cannabis. Cities, towns and villages may also reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of operation of retail establishments.
Hawley disappointed with passage of marijuana legislation
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:
“What passed in the Assembly today has no basis in justice or science, and I fear that the revenue this bill projects our legal marijuana program will bring in has blinded them to the real costs of this legislation.
“What we know is that in other states, driver impairment rates have risen nearly universally, and these factors have caused states like Colorado to pay about four dollars in damages for every dollar earned in revenue. The passage of this legislation will come with real consequences that we will be left to pay for in the years to come, both financially and in terms of human health and human lives. I feel this will be a decision we look back on, wishing we had given it more thought.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2021 at 9:12 pm
‘I cannot support this deeply flawed legislation due to the way it was developed, and the negative impact it will have on the health and safety of New Yorkers.’ – Rob Ortt
The State Senate voted 40-23 to legalize recreational marijuana with local State Sen. Rob Ortt one of the “no” votes.
The State Assembly is expected to also support the legislation, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will sign it, which would make New York the 15th state to legalize recreational use of marijuana.
Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement:
“This deal legalizing marijuana is the result of closed-door discussions between Leaders of one political party and a Governor who is engulfed in scandal. The outcome of these partisan negotiations is a deeply flawed piece of legislation that will hurt the health and safety of New Yorkers.
“This backroom deal rejected input from key stakeholders, necessary to address the many flaws in this legislation. The Majority ignored our law enforcement officers and district attorneys, who have raised serious concerns about the impact this legislation will have on our communities.
“Further, workplace safety concerns were largely disregarded, putting people at risk and making New York more hostile for businesses. And most importantly, the concerns expressed by public health officials statewide went ignored.
“During the health crisis of our lifetime, we should know better than to dismiss the concerns of our medical experts. I cannot support this deeply flawed legislation due to the way it was developed, and the negative impact it will have on the health and safety of New Yorkers.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is planning to send 12 kids from the county to a summer camp on Keuka Lake, Sheriff Chris Bourke announced today.
The week-long camp is the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp in Yates County.
The camp is expected to accommodate 840 boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 from across New York State this summer. The campers attend at no charge. The costs are covered from the financial support of the Honorary Members of the Sheriffs’ Institute.
Jeannine Larkin, supervisor of foster care at Orleans County Department of Social Services, and her staff have been able to identify 6 boys and 6 girls in the county to attend the camp.
The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp provides a solid recreational program while stressing basic values and good citizenship. Campers participate in typical camp activities, like archery, sailing, boating, hiking, and talent shows. They also experience technical and safety demonstrations by deputy sheriffs such as scuba diving, K-9 handling, bicycle safety and boating safety.
The Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979 with the mission to assist the office of the sheriff in advancing education in the criminal justice community, preventing juvenile delinquency, and supporting victims of crime and their families.
Sheriff announces membership drive
The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership drive in Orleans County within the next 10 days, according to Sheriff Bourke.
The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979. It is a not-for-profit corporation, tax exempt organization, and contributions to the Institute are tax deductible.
While the Sheriff’s Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs’ Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs’ Offices, where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single county basis.
The flagship program of the Sheriffs’ Institute is the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for children who are in lower-income homes and wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to attend camp.
“In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation,” Bourke said.
In addition, the Sheriffs’ Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State’s Community College’s Criminal Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.
For more information about the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp and other Sheriffs’ Institute Programs, visit the website, www.sheriffsinstitute.org. Any persons interested in supporting the efforts of the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute by becoming an Honorary Member can visit the web site to download an application.
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) held the first official meeting of his Agriculture Advisory Committee this past Saturday. The meeting was held virtually, and members discussed a wide range of topics and issues facing Western New York agriculture, including dairy and farm labor needs, trade enforcement, infrastructure and rural broadband development, and vaccine eligibility for farm workforces.
Each member also provided a brief overview of their business and the commodities they represent.
“In order for me to craft effective policy and ensure the long-term prosperity of our region’s farmers and agribusinesses, it is critical to make sure they have a seat at the table,” Jacobs said. “We had a productive introductory meeting and discussed many of the pressing issues facing Western New York agriculture. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
The NY-27 Agriculture Advisory Committee is comprised of members from across the eight counties of the New York 27th District and includes stakeholders affiliated with farms, agribusiness, academia, and advocacy organizations. Its members produce a large variety of commodities including dairy, cash crops, vegetables, fruits, maple, and poultry.
“We are very pleased that Congressman Jacobs asked to be appointed to the House Agriculture Committee, and the agricultural community lauds Congressman Jacobs in recognizing the diverse agriculture businesses in his district. His first meeting of his Agriculture Advisory Committee was a major success as all facets of agriculture from dairy, vegetables, apples, grapes, peaches, poultry, flowers, grain, greenhouse, family farms small and large, and agribusinesses had a chance to share trends and concerns about this major economic driver in his district with him,” said Maureen Torrey of Torrey Farms Inc.
“The Agriculture Advisory Committee gives all categories of agriculture a voice and representation in matters that directly impact our lives and our family’s lives. We appreciate Congressman Chris Jacobs for caring what that voice is and following through with what he says, I can’t wait to continue that partnership and collaboration,” said Stacie Rogers of Rogers Dairy.
“As a farmer in Western New York, I am honored to be part of Congressman Jacobs’ Agriculture Advisory Committee. His willingness to serve on the House Agriculture Committee demonstrates his commitment to Western New York and the businesses that are its economic engine. Most recently, he supported the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which will benefit every employee on my farm and those around us. Congressman Jacobs has also introduced a bill to allow dairy farms to participate in the H-2A visa program. This will have long-term benefits which will preserve our industry. As discussions continue, I appreciate his willingness to learn what is important to those who feed our citizens and how to support it through legislation,” said Jim Bittner of Bittner Singer Orchards.
“I believe the first meeting went very well, and I hope that the topics discussed give Rep. Jacobs a better understanding as to how crucial these issues are to agriculture. Labor and infrastructure are just two of many ongoing concerns that affect how we can be competitive in today’s global environment. I look forward to our next meeting,” Bruce Naas of Naas Farms LLC.
“The Agriculture Advisory Committee is very promising, with participants from every aspect of the ag industry represented across NY-27. Congressman Jacobs will have a wealth of knowledge to pull from and very active members of the farming community to look to as a resource. I look forward to providing the Congressman with updates and concerns that NY-27 farmer members have. I think committee’s like this are critical in regard to connecting our needs with Congress to ensure our family farms are represented appropriately going forward,” said John King, president of Niagara County Farm Bureau.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2021 at 4:37 pm
Orleans and Genesee are each reporting 9 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total in the two counties to 7,187 since March 2020. That includes 2,553 in Orleans and 4,634 in Genesee.
In Orleans County, the 9 new cases are residents in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Orleans is reporting one new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
One more of the previous positive individuals also has recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There is currently one Orleans resident hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County the 9 new cases are residents in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Genesee is reporting 12 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are 2 Genesee County residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College will be doing a virtual commencement again this year for the second time due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.
“Operating in such close-knit communities and working with our small class sizes, our faculty and staff were heart-broken when we had to postpone our traditional in-person commencement and move to a completely online event in 2020,” said GCC President James Sunser. “As we came to realize the 2021 commencement would also be virtual, our talented teams rolled up their sleeves and got right to work.”
The 53rd annual commencement will be May 22. Dr. Susan Salvador, former Vice President for Student Affairs at Monroe Community College, will give the keynote address.
“We all found comfort in putting our best efforts into creating something special for our students, and we are pleased that they will get to hear from Dr. Salvador,” Sunser said about the ceremony.
Building on the success from last year’s video-style graduation ceremony, GCC is planning a similar online broadcast for the class of 2021. Salvador’s address will come to the esteemed graduates as part of their online ceremony.
Salvador is currently a highly experienced consultant, trainer and speaker on student affairs practices and student learning. In her career, she served as Vice President for Student Affairs at MCC and Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA, and was a Search Associate for William Spelman Executive Search.
Dr. Salvador was a contributing author to Learning Reconsidered: A Campus-wide Focus on the Student Experience as well as a member of the National Writing Team to produce the inventory statements for the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs, publications sponsored by American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
She has served as a consultant for community colleges establishing housing and residence life programs, an author of articles on the impact and philosophical change of residence halls on two-year colleges, and a lecturer in the Educational Foundations Department at Buffalo State College to teach Community College Administration.
In addition, she served as President of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester Board and a member of the Golisano Children’s Hospital Board at the University of Rochester Medical Center, the National Advisory Group for the National Technical Institute of the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House Development Committee, the Young Women’s College Prep Public School of Rochester Foundation, the Wegmans Hillside Work-Scholarship Rochester Program Board of Directors, and the Paperclip Communications Community College National Advisory Board.
Dr. Salvador was President of ACPA from 2010-2011 and is a Diamond Honoree. She served as an ACPA Educational Leadership Foundation Trustee, chair of Commissions and member of the Senior Student Affairs Advisory and External Relations Advisory Boards, among other leadership roles.
Inspiring students throughout her career, Dr. Salvador has received the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Distinguished Administrator Award, a Certificate of Merit from the New York State Assembly for significant contributions to the student personnel profession, an Outstanding Contribution to the Profession Award from the College Student Personnel Association of New York State and the 2004 Mildred Bulpitt Woman of the Year Award from the American Association for Women in Community Colleges. She was an ATHENA Award nominee sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into MCC’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
She has a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from The University of Michigan, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel/Counseling from The Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Siena College.
As Genesee Community College continues to develop its #SUNYGCC21 virtual commencement, details will be made available on www.genesee.edu/commencement.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that collegiate sports can bring fans back to the stands under strict state guidelines, beginning April 2.
Intercollegiate sports at large-scale venues that hold more than 1,500 attendees indoors or 2,500 attendees outdoors can host up to 10 percent indoor or 20 percent outdoor capacity.
All attendees must present proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test result or completed Covid-19 immunization prior to entry. Colleges and universities hosting spectators for sporting events at large-scale venues must notify and coordinate with their respective state or local health department, aligning with the state guidance for professional sports competitions with spectators.
Small-scale college venues that host intercollegiate, intramural, or club sports can host spectators at either two fans per player, or the social gathering limit of 100 attendees indoors or 200 attendees outdoors. However, if the school or venue require all attendees to present proof of a recent negative test result or completed immunization prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 attendees indoors or 500 attendees outdoors. Maximum occupancy limit of 50 percent remains in effect, pursuant to the state guidance for sports and recreational activities.
“College athletics not only provide opportunities for entertainment and community pride, but also plays a critical role in helping drive local economies,” Governor Cuomo said. “Covid has had a devastating effect on many aspects of our lives, and college athletics was not immune. While athletes have been able to resume competition in recent months, it hasn’t been the same without fans in the stands cheering them on.”
Spectators at college sporting events must adhere to strict health protocols including social distancing, face coverings, and health screening. All retail, food services, and athletic activities must follow existing state guidance for their applicable operations.
“The presence of spectators at sporting events has always been a quintessential part of the collegiate experience—both for the athletes and the students, parents, and community members who root them on,” said SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras. “After Covid robbed our student athletes of these experiences for more than a year, we’re thrilled we’ve been approved in bringing some fans back beginning later this week.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2021 at 2:50 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Firefighters check the back of a house at 4591 Kams Rd. A fire damaged the exterior of the back of the house, but was stopped from spreading very far into the interior of the house.
Barre, Medina and East Shelby firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 1:39 p.m. The fire was up the back side of the house and into the eaves and attic. Firefighters went inside with a hose up the stairs and into the attic, and knocked down the fire.
Barre Fire Chief James Neal said the interior damage was limited to the attic. Fire investigators were on scene to try to determine the cause.
The siding melted on the house.
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke opens up a fire hydrant on Kams Road.
Press Release, Albion Mayor Eileen Banker and the Albion Village Board
Provided photos: Roland Nenni holds a gift from the Albion Village Board, which he was presented today in the Albion Village Board meeting room. Nenni has his last day in the office today, ending a 29-year career in law enforcement. He has served the past decade as Albion police chief, while also leading the Holley Police Department the past five years. Nenni also has served as the SWAT commander for Orleans County and teaches at the Rural Police Academy at GCC.
ALBION – Chief Roland Nenni started his career with the Albion Police Department in 1994 after serving for a year and a half with the Holley Police Department. Chief Nenni served in many roles with the Police Department prior to him being promoted.
During the late 1990’s, Nenni as an officer completed the DCJS Crime Prevention Officers School and Community Policing School. Because of this training he was instrumental in forming many neighborhood watch groups in the village. As an officer he spent hundreds of hours teaching the community crime prevention measure, safety measures and conducted many security surveys for residents and businesses.
One of the many roles was to serve as the department’s lead trainer. Nenni completed held many training certifications which allowed the Albion Police Department to intensely train officers at an extremely high level.
In 2002 while on vacation in Florida, Nenni had an opportunity to have a discussion with executives of a new police technology called Taser. As a result of that meeting the Albion Police Department was one of the first agencies in New York to deploy Tasers to every officer. Taser is now a standard item amongst law enforcement.
Early in his career he was assigned to the Department’s Emergency Response Team which later became part of the Countywide SWAT Team. During this time he completed a SWAT Basic School conducted by the US Army at Ft. McLellan Alabama and the FBI Sniper Scout School. He then completed the Tactical Medic Course and Team Leader Development Course.
While on the team, Nenni served as a sniper, team medic, and tactical team leader. He was one of the developers of the Countywide SWAT Team which combined all the law enforcement agencies in Orleans County into one SWAT Team. Nenni continued to serve on the team as a Co-Commander and then became the Overall Team commander in 2014.
When promoted chief of the Albion Police Department in 2011, the Albion Police Department became the first agency in the county and region to accomplish several initiatives. The Albion Police are dispatched and respond to all EMS and Fire Calls. Chief Nenni obtained AEDs for every police vehicle in an effort to save lives as officers often arrive on scene of medical emergencies before other responders.
The Albion Police Department was the first agency to outfit every police vehicle with a patrol rifle and provide train every officer with advance training with them. The Albion Police Department was the first agency to place less lethal munition in every vehicle. Up until this point there were very limited less lethal options for officers. The Albion Police Department has responded throughout the county to provide this option to other law enforcement agencies during incidents.
The Albion Police Department also expanded its training requirements for officers during Chief Nenni’s tenure. The required training for officer in NYS consists of 1 or 2 required training sessions a year. Chief Nenni built the training up to make many offices instructors in various areas. The Albion Police Department now trains in over 15 to 20 specific disciplines and is always expanding. The Police Department recently changed its Policy Management that will require policy training several times a week.
The Albion Police Department is the only agency in the county to be accepted into the US Department of Defense 1033 Program. This program provides equipment free of charge to law enforcement. Chief Nenni has obtained over $1.6 million in equipment from this program. This equipment consists of armored vehicles, robots, generators and utility vehicles. These items were made available to all the agencies in the county and have assisted agencies outside Orleans County.
In 2015 Chief Nenni started the County Wide National Night Out. This event grew over the years and involved many civic and service organizations. The 3-plus hour event is held in August and averaged 1,500 to 2,000 attendees and provided services to members of the community. Those who attended were able to make connections with professionals that could help with any life event that a person could experience. Also, in 2015 the Albion PD was the first agency in Orleans County to implement body cameras and complete video recording throughout the entire police station.
Chief Nenni became certified in high levels of incident and event management. This allowed the Albion Police Department to manage large events such as the Strawberry Festival, several running races including the Metro 10 and other events that take place throughout the year. Those who attend these events don’t see the hours and plans that Nenni establishes to make them safe and enjoyable.
The Village of Albion has seen many serious incidents during Nenni’s time as police chief. While many of these incidents were tragic, the ultimate successful conclusion was made possible because of the training and dedication of the entire Police Department.
The Albion Village Board would like to sincerely thank Chief Nenni for his dedicated service to the Albion Police Department and most important to the residents of the Village of Albion. To say Chief Nenni gave 150 percent to the department and the citizens of the village is an understatement.
The board wishes Chief Nenni much happiness, good health and continued success in the next chapter of his life!
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 March 2021 at 11:01 am
1920 peddler’s wagon, carriage steps with a buggy and a fully restored Civil War-era sleigh among the collection
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Bill Lattin, former director of the Cobblestone Society Museum, stands in the entrance of the new Transportation Barn on the Vagg property, which the museum has just acquired. Lattin stands next to a Civil War-era sleigh donated by Elba historian Earl Ross.
CHILDS – After a year of being mostly closed due the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cobblestone Society Museum is ready to move ahead with several projects.
Following the announcement of the opening by appointment only of a Currier and Ives exhibit in the Art Gallery in the brick house next to the Cobblestone Church, Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley and former director Bill Lattin are ready to develop a Transportation Exhibit in the barn on the Vagg property, which the museum recently acquired.
“We have had several transportation-related pieces that we haven’t had room to display,” Farley said. “We are pulling it all together and moving it into the Vagg Transportation Barn.”
Several items will highlight the exhibit, including a circa 1920 peddler’s wagon, carriage steps with a buggy and a fully restored Civil War-era sleigh.
The peddler’s wagon was donated by Donna Rhodey from West Barre, whose father used the cart to deliver groceries from 1928 to 1959.
The buggy was donated by Tillman’s Village Inn when they converted their carriage house into the Carriage Room at the restaurant. The inn is the last remaining structure on Route 104 which was formerly a stage coach stop.
The sleigh was donated by Elba historian Earl Ross. He received the sleigh from a friend many years ago. He said it was in bad shape he got it. It had been stored in a barn and a ton of hay fell on it. He hired Amish craftsmen to repair it and it is in excellent condition now, he said.
The sleigh was manufactured in the 1800s by Excelsior Carriage Company in Watertown. It has a beautiful canopy and is unusual in that it has working doors on its sides.
These carriage steps are shown with a buggy which was donated by Tillman’s Village Inn across the road from the Vagg Transportation Barn. The carriage came from their carriage house when they converted it into the Carriage Room at the restaurant.
Lattin is looking forward to pulling the exhibit together. He plans to move some of the museum’s vehicles out of storage, including the peddler’s cart.
“I’ve only seen one other like it and that was at the Cooperstown Farm Museum,” Lattin said.
The cart belonged to Donna Rhodey’s father LaVerne, who ran a general store in West Barre for almost 60 years.
Two other items in the Transportation Exhibit are a pickle dish cutter and a little red wagon.
Lattin said the pickle dish cutter predates him, so it came there in the 1960s. He remembers his father, who was former Orleans County historian, calling it that, but he can’t find any other information on it.
The little red wagon is c. 1905 and once belonged to Harold Root.
Farley said the museum isn’t soliciting any added items for the Transportation Barn because they already have enough to fill the space.
For the immediate future, the museum and Vagg property will be open by appointment only by calling (585) 589-9013.
A peddler’s cart like this one was donated to the Cobblestone Museum’s Transportation Barn by Donna Rhodey, whose father used it for 45 years delivering groceries from his store in West Barre. This picture is courtesy of the Hadley Farm Museum in Hadley, Mass.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2021 at 8:48 am
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board and Police Chief Chad Kenward agreed to send a letter to the State Legislature opposing the push to legalize recreational marijuana.
Kenward and the board discussed the issue last week. The State Legislature is expected to vote today to legalize recreational marijuana use.
The police chief is concerned there will be more serious traffic accidents and fatal overdoses because sometimes marijuana can have lethal fentanyl mixed in, Kenward said.
Even if recreational marijuana is legalized, Kenward expects people will still buy it on the street where it would be cheaper because it wouldn’t be taxed by the state. The marijuana on the street isn’t regulated and sometimes has fentanyl mixed in.
Medina village trustee Tim Elliott cast the lone opposing vote against sending the letter to the state. Elliott said today that regulating marijuana in other states has reduced government debt through sales tax and also funded additional important programs that help the community.
“Funds go toward public health, public safety,” he said. “It also create much-needed jobs. It allows a safe place to purchase a recreational drug, where it can be controlled. You won’t find laced marijuana at a dispensary as they are regulated, versus on the street where you don’t know what you’re getting.”
Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone also has shared his concerns that legalizing recreational marijuana will make the roadways less safe, with drivers under the influence causing more accidents and fatalities on the local roadways.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said legalization is projected to create 30,000 to 60,000 new jobs, spur $3.5 billion in economic activity while generating an estimated $350 million in tax revenue once fully implemented.
The legislation to be voted on the Legislature includes additional funding for drug recognition experts and law enforcement to ensure safe roadways. The use of cannabis by drivers will remain prohibited.
(Editor’s Note: This article was updated from the original version to include comments from Tim Elliott.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2021 at 8:27 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Police Department Sgt. Brandon Annable, left, and Lt. David Mogle are pictured outside the Albion police station on Platt Street. The two officers worked on a police reform plan that was required by all 500 law enforcement agencies in the state.
ALBION – The police reform and reinvention plans for the Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office were both sent to the state by their governing bodies last week.
The Albion Village Board and Orleans County Legislature both voted on Wednesday to send the plans to state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo last June gave all 500 law enforcement agencies until April 1 to submit the plans after public feedback.
Albion gave residents a chance to comment on the police department through a five-question online survey.
“What we heard was vastly positive,” Lt. David Mogle told the Village Board last week.
The Sheriff’s Office held at least three public forums. Both the Sheriff’s Office and Albion PD formed committees with residents to go over the agencies’ policies for use of force and de-escalation, community relations, and training of officers on bias in profiling.
Mogle said the process allowed the Albion PD to hear from the community. One concern from the committee is people don’t like the tinted windows on the Chevrolet Tahoes driven by officers. Mogle said as those vehicles are rotated out the replacements won’t have tinted windows in the future.
The committee also suggested the Albion PD have more officers spend time in school buildings. The department currently has a dedicated school resource officer, Chris Glogowski. He has worked at the school district since February 2019, with the district contributing $81,250 annually to the village to have the officer dedicated to the schools.
More officers could spend time in the schools with the district’s approval and if it works with the Police Department’s staffing, Mogle said. Those officers could spend part of a shift with the school resource officer, Mogle said.
The department, under Police Chief Roland Nenni, has annual training for officers that far exceeds the annual state requirements. Albion officers do annual training with firearms, use of force, updates in laws such as bail reform and “Raise the Age,” Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, Stinger Spike Strips (vehicle pursuit termination efforts), administering Narcan, using tourniquets and other First Aid, and defensive tactics, Taser and use of less lethal bean bag shotgun, reality-based training focused on de-escalation, Bloodborne pathogens, and active shooter training.
The department has long banned the use of chokeholds. It has a policy against racial-based profiling. The Albion PD also is looking to add a Racial Justice training, the department states in its reform and reinvention plan.
The Sheriff’s Office is responsive to the community, embracing more training to de-escalate volatile situations, Sheriff Chris Bourke said during a public forum on Feb. 4.
Bourke said deputies have received more training in responding to people in a mental health crisis. They are trained to help de-escalate those and other potentially volatile situations.
The Sheriff’s Office operates with the purpose that “all persons have the right to dignified treatment under the law; protection of this right is a duty which is binding upon all members,” according to the community relations policy.
Sheriff Chris Bourke
The policy about bias-based profiling states that all members of the Sheriff’s Office “will not affect a stop, detention, or search of any person which is motivated by race, color, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation.”
Bourke said the Sheriff’s Office has about 100 employees with 45 at the county jail. There are usually 22 to 24 deputy sheriffs, which includes two investigators, three sergeants, a lieutenant and one civil sergeant. The Sheriff’s Office currently has two vacancies for deputies and an investigator.
Jeff Gifaldi, the chief deputy, said the Sheriff’s Office has three patrol cars out 24-7, except on the weekends, when it is increased to four cars.
The Sheriff’s Office also runs a marine patrol from April 1 to Nov. 1 with a full-time deputy and 10 part-timers. The work in 26 miles of water along Lake Ontario, as well as Lake Alice, Glenwood Lake, the Erie Canal and other smaller bodies of water, Bourke said.
The Sheriff’s Office also runs the 911 dispatch center with nine full-time dispatchers and two part-timers. Last year they handled 32,000 calls.
“We’re proud of the services you provide in Orleans County,” County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said during last week’s meeting.
She faulted the state for threatening a funding cut for the municipalities that didn’t submit a plan by April 1.
“I commend the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for all of their labor getting this plan together under threat of no funding, which wasn’t fair to you,” Johnson said.
To see the police reform for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, click here.
Press Release, NYS Association of Counties, NYS County Executives’ Association, NY Association of Towns, and New York Conference of Mayors
As State Lawmakers continue negotiating final terms of the 2022 State Budget, which is due to take effect on April 1st, the state’s local government leaders are calling on their state representatives to reverse a recent local sales tax diversion law that is taking over $59 million a year from communities across the state.
Sales tax is the primary source of local revenues for more than half of all counties and is a vital resource for municipalities, as counties share about 25 percent of their local sales tax with towns, cities, villages and school districts to help reduce pressure on property taxes and to ensure the delivery of local services. In 2019, local governments shared $2 billion in local sales tax revenues.
NYSAC President Jack Marren, Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors said, “Strong local governments make for a stronger state, and as New York recovers from the economic devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, it is imperative that those of us who have been serving on the front lines of responding to the crisis be provided with the resources and the flexibility we need for a full recovery. Now is the time for the state to invest in our communities with state resources, not diverting locally generated revenue for the state’s policies and programs.”
NYSCEA President Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive said, “The state’s unprecedented diversion of hundreds of million of dollars in local revenue to pay for state programs is a regressive and counterproductive strategy that makes it harder for local governments to recover from the pandemic and rebuild strong communities. Local sales tax is the primary source of revenues for more than half of all counties and our number-one tool to reduce pressure on property taxes. New York’s local governments are just beginning to recover from the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic and we need every tool in the tool box to rebuild strong. The state needs to end this counterproductive practice of diverting local sales taxes, and allow these revenues to remain in the communities where they’re generated and needed most.”
AOT Executive Director Gerry Geist on behalf of the Association of Towns of the State of New York said, “The Association of Towns strongly supports restoring AIM to a state funded general revenue sharing program. The current paradigm where towns receive AIM related payments funded by county sales tax is akin to taking money out of one hand to pay the other and is disadvantageous to all levels of local government. Reestablishing a strong state-local partnership will be for the benefit of all New York.”
Richard C. David, Mayor of the City of Binghamton and NYCOM President said, “Intercepting local sales tax revenue to fund the state’s AIM program makes no sense. Under this structure, the villages and towns who receive AIM-related payments are essentially paying for their own state aid. This irresponsible policy represents the state shirking its financial obligations and shifting them onto local property taxpayers. We urge the State Legislature to put an end to this unreasonable practice of diverting funds intended for local governments to help balance the state budget.”
Haney was part of trio that allegedly supplied drugs in fatal overdose of Medina man
Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. of Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bruno J. Haney, II, 32, of Lockport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, heroin, fentanyl, and butyryl fentanyl. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $1 million fine.
Editor’s Note: Haney is part of a trio that allegedly provided the drugs in a fatal overdose of a Medina man in March 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Misha A. Coulson, who is handling the case, stated that between April 2017 and March 2019, the defendant organized and led a drug trafficking organization, which included co-defendants Marissa L. DeCarlo, his girlfriend, who allegedly collected drug money for Haney, and James O. White, whom Haney allegedly supplied with drugs.
On June 16, 2017, the Niagara County Drug Task Force executed a state search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Prospect Street in Lockport. Investigators recovered several bags containing butyryl fentanyl, hydrocodone/acetaminophen and alprazolam pills, $515 in U.S. currency, two packages of black rubber bands, a box of waxed baggies, a digital video recorder, and a digital scale.
On January 18, 2019, Haney was arrested, and a search warrant was executed at a residence at East Avenue in Lockport. During that search, investigators recovered quantities of fentanyl, a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, marijuana, $978 in U.S. currency, a digital scale, numerous tablets, and plastic baggies.
On February 12, 2019, defendant was charged by a criminal complaint, and on February 28, 2019, he was released from custody on various conditions, which included that he not commit any offense in violation of federal, state, or local law. On March 7, 2019, another search warrant was executed at Haney’s residence on Prospect Street, during which a ziplock bag containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, $373 in U.S. currency, and a digital scale were recovered.
Charges remain pending against defendants White and DeCarlo. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lockport Police Department.
