Photo by Tom Rivers: A fisherman tries to catch big fish in the Oak Orchard River in October 20, 2023.

CARLTON – The county has extended an agreement for public fishing access along the Oak Orchard River.

The County Legislature on Tuesday reached an agreement of Roy and Scott Salmon of Park Avenue in Carlton. They will give public access to 15.8 acres of property and will be paid $79,000 over the five years, or $15,800 annually beginning August 22, 2025 and ending August 21, 2030.

The agreement gives the public access along about 4,000 feet of the Oak Orchard River, including at some of the most desirable fishing spots.

The $79,000 over five years is an increase from the $69,000 in the current five-year agreement from 2020 to 2025.

The county first entered into an agreement with the Salmons in August 2007. That first agreement was $7,500 annually over three years. The county in 2007 pushed to reach a deal with the Salmons for public access after the family put about 50 posted signs along their property.

Fishing is the county’s top tourism attraction, generating about $28 million in economic activity in Orleans, according to a report from the state DEC based on 2017 data.

The Oak Orchard is a popular draw, especially in the fall during the annual salmon and trout runs with many anglers coming from around the state and country to fish in the river.

In addition to public fishing access, the agreement allows the Salmon property to keep its vegetative cover to protect water quality and riparian habitat, and to also be available for fishery and habitat management, research and educational programs.

The county has signs on the Salmon property, urging anglers to respect the land, by taking out trash and fish carcasses.

Press Release, Orleans County Office for the Aging

ALBION – The Orleans County Office for the Aging (OFA) today announced that Farmers Market coupons are now available at their office, located at the Orleans County Administration Building, 14016 Route 31W in Albion.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, provided by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, provides these coupons to all who meet age and income requirements to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets throughout New York State.

To qualify for coupons, seniors must be 60 years of age and be within monthly income guidelines of $2,413 for a one-person household; $3,261 for a two-person household and $4,109 for a three-person household.

For households with more than three people, information is available by calling 589-3191. Also if you meet the age requirement, and are living in subsidized housing, you are eligible with no income guidelines.

Books are available at OFA between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For those with mobility issues, park in the front row of the parking lot near the stop sign and call 589-3191 when you arrive, and OFA will come out to you.

Each person in the household is eligible to receive a booklet if they meet the age and income requirements. Only one coupon booklet per eligible senior in each house will be distributed while supplies last. The eligible older adult (or a Power of Attorney with proper paperwork) must sign for the coupon booklet in person.

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

ALBION – The Albion Police Department at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday was advised that a possible stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Hoag Library.

The vehicle, a Ford F-150 Lightning, had been reported stolen from the City of Canandaigua Department of Public Works. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle at a charging station. Officers observed a 17-year-old juvenile female, lying in the back seat and a 16-year-old juvenile male in the driver’s seat.

Officers safely detained both individuals. A Glock-style BB gun was recovered from the driver’s side area and secured.

Both juveniles had previously been reported missing by the Town of Greece Police Department. Investigators from the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist.

The juveniles were transported to the Albion Police Department for processing. They were charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the third degree (E Felony) and given appearance tickets for the Orleans County Youth Court. Additionally, the male juvenile was issued a traffic citation for operating the vehicle with a DJ permit and without a licensed passenger.

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the vehicle was located and the two suspects were in custody. Albion Police coordinated the safe transfer of the juveniles to Ontario County deputies for additional charges. The stolen vehicle was recovered by the City of Canandaigua.

12 steer will be in auction on Saturday, up from 4 last year

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Gina Sidari, 18, of Albion keeps her eyes on the judge during the beef showmanship competition on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Gina placed second among 17 in the senior showmanship division.

There were 33 kids overall showing beef in the competition. The beef animals are seeing a steady increase in recent fairs, and Saturday’s meat auction will have 12 steers, a record high for the Orleans fair, and up from four last year.

The 4-Hers welcome bidders for the auction at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Henry Dresser, 11, of Medina leads his beef animals into the ring. Henry emerged as the master showman, topping more experienced 4-Hers at the beef show. with Isabel Nesbitt, 12, of Lyndonville in second place overall.

There were 17 participants in senior showmanship, 11 in junior showmanship, and five in novice.

John Kriese, judge of the beef show from Branchport, got a chuckle out of Teanna Church of Holley, who competed in senior showmanship.

Kriese quizzed the competitors, as well as judging how well they presented the animals that topped 1,000 pounds.

The top showmen keep the animal under control, keep it nicely groomed and show off its best qualities. Kriese said each 4-Her and the animal are a team and need to be working in sync with each other, which can come from many hours of practice.

Carter Kuipers, 17, of Byron leads this beef animal in the ring. Kuipers won the senior showmanship title. Last year he was the grand master showman at the fair, winning one of the most prestigious titles. The grand master competition will be Friday evening featuring the top showmen from nine different breeds of livestock.

Anna Grillo, 16, of Albion leads the beef animal around the cattle show ring. She placed fourth in senior showmanship.

Joseph Forte of Hamlin, Jacob Forte of Hamlin and Matthew Bloom of Albion watch the judge while keeping their beef animals squared up on Wednesday in senior showmanship.

Ruth Kuipers, 15, of Byron shows a steer. Ruth has been one of the top showman at the fair in recent years. The judge placed her third in senior showmanship on Wednesday.

Brody Collyer of Kendall has his beef animal set up during the junior showmanship competition.

Bailey Bergum, 19, of Kent competes in senior showmanship.

Photos by Natalie Baron: Fairgoers enjoyed the sunny day on Wednesday, including a ride on the Flying Elephants.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

ALBION—The annual Orleans County 4-H Fair is here, bringing entertainment to the community. Several events took place this Wednesday.

The rubber chicken throwing contest was a big hit. Amy Crawford, who works for Leafguard, watched the action.

“I thought that it was super unique and cute, and they seemed to really be enjoying themselves,” she said. “I love how different fairs have their unique ideas of how to entertain families.”

Kayla Dengler (right), the organizer of the Orleans Trail, calculates the inventories of participants Jason and Stephanie Harrington for one of the days in the game. The Orleans Trail mixed the classic Oregon Trail with Dungeons and Dragons, having players roll dice to determine their fates.

Players started out with different inventories. Each day, players chose their rations and speed levels, contributing to roll modifiers, with imaginary party members’ clothing also serving as roll modifiers. A wheel would be spun if low values were rolled, deciding party members’ various deaths taken straight of out the classic Oregon Trail game, as well as loss of resources.

Players hunted by shooting foam balls from a gun, attempting to land balls in nets that corresponded to various animals, which provided different pounds of food. On Day Two, players were able to buy items from a store to aid them in their journey. Toward the end of the experience, players had to cross the Erie Canal by floating, fording or ferry.

The participants all emerged victorious, reaching the end around the same time and all having strengths and weaknesses in their inventory stocks. Victors received a sticker with a wagon and ox on it that read, “You have died of dysentery.”

The Wheel of Death featured classic Oregon Trail deaths like measles, broken legs, snake bites and dysentery. The wheel would also be spun to determine loss of inventory resources, such as wagon wheels, tongues and axles.

At the rooster crowing contest, whichever rooster crowed the most in 10 minutes won. There were 6 participants and 6 awards. The girls in charge of the roosters anxiously encouraged their animals to make noise. Family members in the audience clapped and cheered when their rooster crowed.

The talent showcase dramatically danced its way back into the 4-H Fair this year. Alana Blair, Kendall Peruzzini, and Haidyn Gomez from the Heather Kelley Dance Company in Holley were very expressive as they performed Shake Your Body.

In another dynamic number, Gabby Greean and Oakley Pogel from the HKDC moved to The Witches Are Back. Some of the HKDC girls also put on stunning solo dances. Keyon Thomas from Batavia delivered a vocal solo.

The young girls energetically flew across the stage in The Witches Are Back. Regardless of placement, the talent show participants are eligible to move up to the State Fair Showcase.

Photos courtesy of NYS Department of Ag & Markets: The adults are about 1-inch long and half-inch wide with wings folded. Adults can hop several feet if startled. SLF feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky “honeydew,” which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, negatively impacting agriculture and forest health.

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Joe Morelle on Wednesday introduced legislation to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the American agricultural economy in places like New York State.

“It’s hard to visit the Finger Lakes without enjoying our amazing vineyards and orchards, but sadly, they’re under serious threat from the Spotted Lanternfly,” Morelle said. “My legislation would provide additional support for both local and national organizations committed to fighting back against this invasive, destructive pest. I’m grateful to my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—for joining together to support this critical bill, and I hope to see it passed and signed into law soon.”

Morelle’s bipartisan legislation, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, designates the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species so we can find creative solutions to stop the spread before New York’s cash crops are further decimated.

This is the latest in a series of actions Congressman Morelle has taken to combat the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, including advocating for this legislation in previous legislative sessions and securing funding from federal agencies to support eradication efforts.

“Congressman Morelle’s decisive action through this legislation demonstrates his profound understanding of the challenges facing New York’s agricultural sector,” said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “As New York’s Land-Grant institution, we are committed to developing science-based solutions to combat the spotted lanternfly threat. His leadership in securing crucial funding will strengthen our research and extension efforts, providing both our agricultural and residential communities with essential resources to protect New York’s rich agricultural heritage.”

How you can help stop the spread:

Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly. Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses. If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.

Report sightings by completing this form (click here). If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it.

Joining Morelle in supporting this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives are Representatives Mike Kelly (R, PA-16), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), and Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23).

“The invasive spotted lanternfly continues to pose great risk to New York’s vineyards, fruit orchards, hops production and forestry,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President. “As with all invasive and harmful species, research and education are essential to mitigating the spread of the insect and to helping reduce its impact on crops and forestland. New York Farm Bureau thanks Rep. Morelle for sponsoring the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which prioritizes funding in the Farm Bill and expedites the grants necessary to combat this serious problem.”

Photo courtesy of Paige Hungerford: Bailey Bergum carries the American flag while she rides a horse at about 8 a.m. on Tuesday at the start of the horse-riding events at the Carlos Marcello Arena at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.

8 a.m. – 4-H Western/Ranch Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena

9 to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours

10 a.m. – 4-H Sheep Show at Livestock Show Arena

10 a.m. – Wildlife I.D. Contest at Log Cabin

11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs. 4-H Senior Council Stand

12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lot

Photos by Tom Rivers: “Bubbles,” a duck, curls up in the arms of Hollee Cook, 13, of Albion. Wednesday was the poultry show at the fair.

12 to 10 p.m. – Blacksmith Demo at Beadle Building

12 to 2 p.m. – Agrigolf. Miniature Golf with an agriculture twist. Trolley Building Lawn

1 p.m. – Sheep and Goat Obstacle, costume, and other fun classes. Event will start at the conclusion of the sheep show. Livestock Show Arena

1 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment!  Knight’s Building Lawn

1 to 8 p.m. – Market Auction Animal Photographer at Livestock barns

1:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn

2 p.m. – 4-H Dog Agility Demo at Knights Building

3 to 5 p.m. – Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl at Trolley Building

3 to 10 p.m. – Midway Rides by Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway

4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Homemade Pie Stand Opens

Eliana Brush, 11, of Basom shows a bantam rooster during the poultry show on Wednesday. Bill Gerling served as the judge.

4 to 8 p.m. – WBSU 89.1 the Point SUNY Brockport Radio – Music, and giveaways. North Lawn of Leader’s Pie Stand

4:30 p.m. – Cornell Recipe Chicken BBQ by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, $15 at Curtis Pavilion

5 p.m. – 4-H Llama and Alpaca Show at Livestock Show Arena

5 p.m. – Apple Pie Making Contest- Pre-Registration Required

5:30 p.m. – Mom Calling Contest – Register at the event and bring your loudest child. Orleans Hub Stage

5 to 10 p.m. – Agrigolf. Miniature Golf with an agriculture twist. Trolley Building Lawn

6 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment!  Knight’s Building Lawn

6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. JCH of Buffalo Tent

6:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn

Gary Donofrio of Bergen competes in the beef showmanship competition on Wednesday.

7 p.m. – Hot Country Liners Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage

7 p.m. – Small Animal Grand Master Information Session at Wachob Pavilion

8 p.m. – Feuding Farmers at JCH of Buffalo Food Court

8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals (No Qualifying Round) Orleans Hub Stage

8 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment!  Knight’s Building Lawn

8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn

10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. Hay Bale Rolling Course

10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair

Photos by Tom Rivers: Dave Strong, senior project developer for New Leak Energy, met with Shelby community member on Tuesday evening to discuss the company’s plan for two solar projects along Route 63 in Shelby on land that was eyed for two wind turbines.

SHELBY – New Leaf Energy presented its plans for two solar projects to the community on Tuesday, touting the project as a boost in tax revenue for local governments while adding 9 megawatts of power to the grid with minimal impacts.

The projects together would generate about 9 megawatts of power. The solar installations are planned on South Gravel Road (Route 63) where two wind turbines were eyed by Borrego Solar System Inc. Borrego spun off the development side of its business to ECP, which named the new company, New Leaf Energy.

Dave Strong said the project will have minimal negative impacts while generating about $1 million in revenue for local governments in the next 15 years.

New Leaf withdrew its plans for the 633-foot-high turbines in March. Shelby town officials declined to create a wind overlay district needed for the project to move forward.

New Leaf has switched to solar proposals with one project at 18 acres at the Ledge Rock Farm at 4364 South Gravel where there is an apple orchard. The other would cover 20 acres at 4326 South Gravel where corn is currently being grown.

Dave Strong, senior project developer for New Leaf Energy, said the apple farm will continue with the solar taking out 18 acres of a farm with 100 to 125 acres of apples. The apples coming out of production are older, less popular varieties, he said.

The solar is planned to be set back 800 feet from Route 63, which is four times the town’s requirement of at least a 200-foot setback.

Strong said the project fits the town ordinance. The Shelby Town Board needs to do a SEQR environmental study and also vote whether the project is approved. The board currently only has two out of five members and can’t vote on anything until there is at least a third member on the board.

New Leaf will pay an estimated $1,089,485 in municipal revenue over 15 years, with it split in thirds with the Town of Shelby, Orleans County and Medina School District. The payments include $63,000 in the first year with 2 percent annual increases, peaking at $83,127 in year 15. Fire and library taxes also are included, Strong said.

New Leaf will have a bond in place to cover decommissioning costs, which is currently at $131,646. After 25 years, at a 2.5 percent annual rate increase, the cost would be $244,065.

Decommissioning includes removing everything in the project – modules, racks, rack wiring, electrical equipment, concrete pads, load racks, foundation piles, fences, power poles, gravel road reclamation and trucking to transfer station.

The projects don’t include any battery storage. Strong said there would by 4-by-8-foot solar panels mounted on aluminum racks. The electricity could tie into three-phase electric lines on 63, he said.

New Leaf also will do a glare study to ensure the panels are set up in a way that won’t adversely affect drivers, Strong said.

The two projects are planned along Route 63, south of the Village of Medina.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A field with bales of straw is shown Sunday on East Shelby Road in Shelby.

Orleans County is amidst the strength of warm days with the high temperatures expected to be well over 80 degrees.

Today the high will be 85 followed by a high of 91 on Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The highs will then be 86 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday followed by 91 on Monday. The forecast then shows highs of 88 on Tuesday and 83 next Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Sue Geiger, left, and her daughter Teresa Allen are both employees of Medina Memorial Hospital with Geiger the director of Materials Management, and Allen as a registered nurse.

MEDINA – The year 2025 represents a milestone for Medina Memorial Hospital. It is the 100th anniversary of its founding, during which a number of observances have been planned to celebrate.

One of those is acknowledging its staff members who have or had relatives who were also employed there.

“As Medina Memorial Hospital proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are honored to reflect on a century of unwavering commitment from our team members, volunteers and community supporters,” said Scott Robinson, director of Communication, Outreach and Marketing. “Our legacy is not just the building and its story, but the incredible individuals who have given it life through the years. Sometimes we’re even lucky when those team members include second and third generation family members.”

Such is the case of Robinson,  who is the great-great-grandson of the hospital’s founder, George Bowen. The pair were spotlighted in a previous article.

The latest story is that of Sue Geiger, director of Materials Management, and her daughter Teresa Allen, a registered nurse.

The family’s Geiger’s personal story with Orleans Community Health began in 1990 when she began work in the Dietary Department, however, her mother worked there some time before her and was also the first patient to receive care at Medina Transitional Care Unit (subacute rehab).

Geiger would move from the Dietary Department into purchasing, before spending a brief time away. She returned in 1994 and by 1997 she stepped into her current leadership role.

Outside of her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren at their sporting events, caring for her dogs, reading and painting. She values the close-knit spirit of her community, sharing, “It’s a small place where you connect with people – a wonderful place to live and work.”

One of her proudest memories is having worked alongside her mother, she said. She also shared thoughts from her personal experience there.

“At city hospitals, you sometimes feel like a number,” Geiger said. “Here, you are treated with care, understanding and compassion – not just as an employee, but as a patient, too. Accommodations are always made to help in any situation.”

Continuing with family tradition, Allen has been part of the Medina Memorial family for nearly 2 1/2 years. She spent one and a half years in PCU2 and has been employed in the North Wing for the last 11 months. She loves caring for the residents and their family, always advocating for their needs, Robinson said.

“Teresa believes deeply that ‘residents always come first,’ embracing the North Wing as a true home for those she serves,” Robinson said.

Professionally, Allen finds joy in making a difference in her residents’ lives, brightening their day through small moments of care and kindness. Outside of work, she is a proud mom of three and loves spending time with her family, especially watching her kids play sports. She treasures her special connection to Medina Memorial Hospital – her mother and her “Grammy” having both worked there. With her family connection, it’s no wonder she feels like she grew up in the hospital.

“It’s a wonderful community, and we are all on the same the same team here,” Allen said.

“As we celebrate 100 years, we honor dedicated families like Teresa’s and Sue’s, who have made part of their story part of ours,” Robinson said. “Here’s to the next century of community, compassion and care.”

Press Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to call for the passage of the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act.

This bipartisan bill would provide $24 million in federal funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years to establish a pilot program to provide child care for law enforcement families. Providing child care options for officers could help enhance recruitment, allow families to plan around abnormal work hours, and increase public safety by reducing barriers to a career in law enforcement.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) cosponsors this bill in the Senate and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA-50) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Police officers play a vital role in keeping communities safe, and officers should not have to choose between taking care of their children and staying in the police force,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill would help give aspiring police officers safe, viable child care options while also providing stability to current officers struggling to find care for their kids that works with their nontraditional work schedules. Expanding child care is a win-win for officers and communities, and I’m committed to working across the aisle to get this bill passed.”

The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would authorize $24 million in funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years and allows for grants of up to $3 million to individual law enforcement agencies or consortia to establish child care programs for their police personnel. In addition, to ensure parents employed by smaller police departments receive support, 20% of the total grant funding will be set aside for law enforcement agencies employing fewer than 200 officers.

Police officers often work extended hours on a nontraditional schedule. In a recent survey, more than 70% of law enforcement agencies reported that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago, and at one major metropolitan police department, more than half of officers reported having to leave or miss work due to child care issues. This issue disproportionately impacts women, who make up less than 14% of sworn officers and 4% of police chiefs. Senator Gillibrand’s bill would help increase public safety by reducing barriers to a career in law enforcement and by ensuring the best talent is recruited into our police departments.

This legislation is supported by the following organizations: 30×30, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), National Asian Peace Officers Association (NAPOA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), International Association of Chiefs of Police, Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police, New York State Association of Chief of Police, AFSCME, and Third Way.

Press release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to illegal aliens, foreign spies, and individuals present on diplomatic visas.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) led this legislation in the Senate.

This legislation aims to restore the original intent of the 14th Amendment by clarifying that U.S. citizenship is reserved at birth for children born to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

“The United States should not reward illegal entry into our country with automatic citizenship for the children of lawbreakers. This loophole has been exploited for decades and incentivized illegal immigration and birth tourism. The Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act restores the true meaning of the 14th Amendment, reinforces the rule of law, while protecting the integrity of American citizenship,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

“There is no constitutional right for illegal aliens to cross the border to gain citizenship for their children. Granting birthright citizenship to illegal aliens has contributed to the highest levels of illegal immigration in history. Fixing this will help reduce the damage from Joe Biden’s catastrophic border crisis,” said Senator Cotton.

‘Shelby is in a serious situation having lost their supervisor and deputy town supervisor’

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kathleen Bennett, the attorney for the Town of Shelby, speaks with about 100 residents during a meeting on Tuesday at the Shelby fire hall. She said the Town Board currently can not function because there are only two members and at least three are needed to conduct town business.

SHELBY – The Shelby town government faces a difficult predicament after three of its members, including the town supervisor and deputy town supervisor, resigned last week.

Town attorney Kathleen Bennett said the board can’t meet and can’t vote on anything without a third member.

Bennett said the board is paralyzed and can’t have a Town Board meeting, pay bills or approve a budget until a third member is appointed or elected.

John Parada said the three resignations from the board members “crippled” the town government.

Bennett met with about 100 residents on Tuesday at the Shelby fire hall to discuss what she called “a serious situation.” She said town employees will be paid in the near future and health insurance will be paid for employees and past employees. That’s because those were set up on a pre-pay schedule.

The town has the money in its account in the short-term to make those payments. However, Bennett said money will need to be transferred from an investment account into the town fund where it can be spent for payroll, insurance and other bills. She doesn’t have a time frame for how soon that needs to happen before the current funds are exhausted.

“We’re working to make sure the payroll and health insurance will continue,” she said. “That is of primary importance.”

The town also has bills to vendors and others not on a pre-pay schedule. They will get their money but it may not happen in the usual time frame.

“Ultimately all bills will be paid they just might not be paid on time,” Bennett told the residents at the meeting.

Bennett said there are two ways to quickly resolve the crisis caused by the resignations of Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz and board members Jeff Schiffer and Stephen Seitz Sr., who is also the deputy town supervisor.

Either Wengewicz or Seitz could rescind their resignation and rejoin the board to allow for an appointment to the board. Wengewicz or Seitz could then resign again. But the board would have the needed three members after the appointment.

Schiffer can’t rescind his motion because the Board of Elections has already started the process to fill his vacant position as part of this November’s election. Candidates on the ballot for this position need a nomination from one of four constituted parties – Republican, Democratic, Conservative and Working Families. The deadline is July 28 for a certification of nomination.

Wengewicz or Seitz both have terms ending Dec. 31. If someone is appointed to fill one or both of their spots, they would only be in the job until Dec. 31. (Jim Heminway last month won a Republican primary against Wengewicz for town supervisor, and Lawrence Waters Sr. and Ed Żelazny both won primaries for town councilman over Michael Moriarty and Vassilios Bitsas. Seitz didn’t seek re-election. But those terms don’t start until Jan. 1 and there is still a general election in November.)

Kathleen Bennett said she is pushing to get a third member on the Town Board as soon as possible, and also is trying to ensure the town has money in its accounts to make payroll and cover health benefits for employees and former employees. Some of the town’s funds are in an investment account and will need to be transferred over to pay some bills in the near future.

Bennett said she reached out to Wengewicz or Seitz about rescinding their resignations and briefly rejoining the board so a member could be appointed. Seitz declined and Wengewicz hasn’t responded to Bennett, she said.

“I’ve advised them it would be in everyone’s best interests for one of them to rescind their resignation just for the point of appointing one member,” she said.

Shelby also has the option of a governor’s appointment to the board. Last year two towns faced a similar situation as Shelby following mass resignations of board members.

In the Town of Berne in Albany County, Hochul made an appointment six months after the resignations. In St. Lawrence County, four of the five members of the Hermon Town Board and Hochul appointed two members about a month later.

Bennett said the governor’s office has been notified of the Shelby situation and asked to start the process of filling a vacancy. She hopes the turnaround will be about a month and not the six months it took in Berne.

In both Berne and Hermon, the resignations were on Republican boards. Hochul filled the  vacancies with Democrats, Bennett said, and they served for only a few months so the Town Board could function until the new year started.

If a timely appointment isn’t made by Hochul or locally (with one of the board members who resigned rescinding that action and rejoining the board briefly), Bennett said the board could have enough members after the November election to fill Shiffer’s term. The winner of that election could join the board once the result is certified by the Board of Election and wouldn’t have to wait until Jan. 1.

Bennett works for the Bond, Schoeneck & King law firm. One of her colleagues has reached out to the governor’s office, asking the governor’s office to start the process of trying to fill the vacancy.

“The governor appreciates the seriousness of the situation,” Bennett said. “Shelby is in a serious situation having lost their supervisor and deputy town supervisor.”

The town departments – clerk’s office, court and highway – should all functionally normally even though the Town Board is currently unable to meet and vote on anything.

Schiffer resigned last Thursday, with Wengewicz and Seitz stepping down from their positions on Friday. Bennett said their notices didn’t include a reason for why they were quitting.

Cassandra Boring, a confidential secretary to the town supervisor, also resigned.