By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 9:55 pm
Trump, Jacobs had overwhelmingly support at ballot box with in-person voting
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Administration Building is pictured on election night, Nov. 3. The Board of Elections is located in the building, which also hosted a polling site for nine days of early voting.
Joe Biden and Nate McMurray both received a small fraction of in-person votes in Orleans County. But the two Democratic candidates fared much better with absentee ballots that were counted today.
Biden received 1,424 of the 2,391 ballots for president or 59.6 percent. Donald Trump, who received 71.4 percent of the in-person votes for president, saw the absentee percentage drop to 37.7 percent or 902 total.
Trump was still the overwhelming choice in Orleans County for president when all the ballots were counted. He received 12,075 votes to 5,506 for Biden.
Third party candidates also picked up votes with Jo Jorgensen (Libertarian) receiving 311 votes, Brock Pierce (Independence) 71 votes and Howie Hawkins (Green Party) at 49 votes.
• 27th Congressional District: On election night on Nov. 3, when the in-person votes were counted, Chris Jacobs received 10,687 votes to 3,843 for Nate McMurray and 234 for Duane Whitmer. Jacobs ran under the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines, with McMurray on the Democratic and Working Families parties. Whitmer ran as a Libertarian.
McMurray did much better with the absentees, receiving 56.0 percent or 1,275, to 961 for Jacobs (42.2 percent). Whitmer picked up 40 more.
3 state legislators
• Robert Ortt was re-elected to a fourth term as state senator in a district that includes Orleans, Niagara and a portion of Monroe counties. Ortt was unopposed. He received 12,630 in-person votes in Orleans County and added 1,525 more absentees out of 2,413 ballots. That means 888 of the absentee voters didn’t give Ortt a vote.
• Steve Hawley of Batavia was re-elected to another term in the State Assembly, where he was first elected in 2006. Hawley received 11,097 in-person votes in nine of the 10 towns in Orleans. The 139th District includes all of Genesee County and a portion of Monroe County. He received 1,309 absentee votes and Mark Glogowski, a Libertarian candidate, picked up 213 votes through absentees.
• Michael Norris was unopposed for a third term as assemblyman for the 144th District which includes portions of Niagara and Erie counties, and also Shelby in Orleans County. Norris received 1,342 in-person votes in Shelby and added 178 more with absentees, out of 300 ballots.
Contested county and town races
• County Clerk: Nadine Hanlon increased her lead over Diane Shampine. Hanlon received 1,131 of the absentees or 66.6 percent to 564 for Shampine. Hanlon, who won a close Republican primary over Shampine in June, had 8,900 in-person votes to 4,474 for Shampine, who stayed on the ballot with the Conservative Party.
• Murray highway superintendent: Dirk Lammes had a big lead over James DeFilipps after election night with 1,076 votes under the Republican and Conservative lines, while DeFilipps has 674 under the Independence line and the independent “Jimmy D for Highway” party. DeFilipps narrowed the gap slightly in absentees, 126 to 118. Lammes will be the winner, 1,194 to 800.
• Shelby Town Councilman: Ryan Wilkins received 1,102 in-person votes under the Republican line. Craig Stalker also mounted a write-in campaign and there were 229 write-in votes with in-person voting. Wilkins received 165 absentees while there were eight more write-in votes through absentees.
The other local positions were unopposed:
District Attorney: Joe Cardone received 11,794 in-person votes, plus 1,502 absentees.
Coroner (elect 3 who are all unopposed): Scott Schmidt – 10,980 in-person votes, plus 1,429 absentees; Charles Smith – 9,594 in-person votes, plus 1,270 absentees; and Rocco Sidari – 10,262 in-person votes, plus 1,322 absentees.
Murray Town Justice: Theodore R. Spada, Jr. – 1,441 in-person votes, plus 186 absentees.
Murray Town Councilman: Randy Bower – 1,433 in-person votes, plus 193 absentees.
Shelby Town Supervisor: Jeff Smith – 1,264 in-person votes, plus 176 absentees.
Building sees dramatic renovation with 41 apartments, Holley village offices
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of a $17 million substantial rehabilitation of the historic former Holley High School in the village of Holley in Orleans County. Now known as Holley Gardens, the building offers 41 affordable homes for seniors with public meeting space and offices for use by the village of Holley.
“As New York builds back better, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing safe and affordable housing to our vulnerable populations,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Holley Gardens housing builds upon our strategic investments in communities across the state and in the Finger Lakes region and will provide 41 affordable homes for New York’s seniors. We have a responsibility to protect and support our seniors and new developments like Holley Gardens will provide crucial housing opportunities to those who need it most.”
“Every New Yorker deserves the warmth and security of a roof over their heads and supportive services they need,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This $17 million project included a significant rehabilitation of a vacant high school that will provide over 41 affordable homes for our older New Yorkers, including supportive services for individuals with physical disabilities. New York is committed to investing in projects like these to help ensure fairness and enhanced quality of life while continuing to build back better, stronger and more inclusive for the future.”
Governor Cuomo’s commitment to strengthening communities and growing the Finger Lakes economy is reflected in “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. Since 2011, HCR has invested over $639 million in the Finger Lakes Region that has created or preserved nearly 7,700 homes.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, front center, cut the ribbon for the project at a celebration this afternoon. Front row, from left, include Ed Morgan, representing Satte Sen. Rob Ortt; Nelson Leenhouts, Chairman of Home Leasing and Home Leasing Construction; Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of WNY; State Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul; County Legislator John DeFilipps ( a member of the Holley Class of 1975, the last to graduate from the old school); former Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty; and current Mayor Kevin Lynch, also a member of Holley’s Class of 1975. Back row: Charlie Oster, development manager for Edgemere Development; George DeRue, Home Leasing’s vice president of historical preservation and construction manager for the project; Bret Garwood, CEO of Home Leasing; Connie Nenni, Holley village trustee; John Kenney, former Holley mayor; Kim Russell, Home Leasing attorney.
Originally constructed in 1931, the three-story Neo-Classical brick building served as the village’s high school until the mid-1970s. It sat unused in the decades since closing. After careful rehabilitation, including the preservation of original architectural details, Holley Gardens now offers 41 affordable apartments for New Yorkers aged 55 and up.
The school’s original auditorium was kept largely intact to be used as a public meeting space for the village’s board meetings and other public forums. The area beneath the balcony was renovated to house the village’s administrative offices.
Building amenities for residents include a community room, Energy Star appliances, air conditioning, and laundry facilities, along with outdoor space. Located in the heart of the Holley’s downtown, Holley Gardens is within walking distance to the village’s library, restaurants, churches, and retail.
Seven of the apartments will be available for households where at least one member is a person with a physical disability who will have access to supportive services provided by Independent Living of Genesee Region. The developer is Home Leasing in partnership with Edgemere Development.
State financing for the $17 million development includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated a total of $6.8 million in equity and $4.1 million in subsidy from HCR. The project received federal and state Historic Tax Credits that generated $6.4 million in equity allocated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Empire State Development provided $1 million through the Restore NY program and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $41,000.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Holley Gardens serves a dual purpose of providing 41 much-needed affordable homes for older New Yorkers and rehabilitating a historic building in the heart of the village. The state’s investment to carefully preserve the historic architecture will breathe new life into Holley’s historic district, create a more walkable and active streetscape for the building’s residents, and show that the Finger Lakes economy is reopen for business and moving forward.”
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “It is rewarding to see a historic landmark in the village get new life as affordable housing for senior citizens. The project is the first time the Historic Tax Credit program has been used in the village of Holley, which now joins communities across the state in successfully transforming underutilized buildings to create much-needed housing and business opportunities, and preserve local heritage.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul attended today’s ribbon-cutting celebration. She said the project shows the state is committed to bringing resources to small towns.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and CEO & Commissioner-designate Eric Gertler said, “Holley Gardens is a prime example of New York State’s creative approach to community development through our Restore NY program. By transforming a long-vacant school into a vibrant residential development for seniors, this public-private partnership revitalized an underutilized local facility to serve the current needs of the Holley community.”
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said, “Holley Gardens will be a wonderful addition to the Village of Holley and for our senior residents who are seeking a new, yet affordable, place to call home. By renovating the already existing Holley High School, New York State and private partners have found a way to reutilize the Village of Holley’s landmarks for community residents. I am proud to have worked with tremendous local officials to secure state funding and make this project a reality.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “Holley Gardens is another example of the creativity, hard work, and dedication that the people of Western New York have. With this development, the opportunity to give more of our senior citizens comfortable, affordable housing in the village of Holley shows yet another way our communities continue to give back and support each other. I look forward to seeing the complex be filled, and seeing the wonderful life our neighbors can bring to it.”
Mayor Kevin Lynch said, “In a five-year period, the old high school has been transformed into senior housing and new space for the village offices and public meetings. This is a great change for the village of Holley. Thanks to Home Leasing, Edgemere Development and everyone who worked to make this project a reality.”
Chairperson Orleans County Legislature Lynne M. Johnson said, “Thanks to the hard work and commitment of so many, Holley Gardens is the first adaptive reuse to offer affordable senior homes, municipal offices and communal space for the benefit of all who live and work in Orleans County. The spectacular redevelopment of the former high school is the finest example of public and private partners working together to sustainably preserve and enhance smaller communities with historical assets.”
CEO of Home Leasing Bret Garwood said, “We are thrilled to be part of the transformation of the long abandoned historic Holley High School into Holley Gardens. With this project, we are helping to address the critical need for affordable housing for seniors and are part of creating a vibrant village. I am grateful to all our partners including New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the Village of Holley, and Edgemere Development, who have offered their expertise and dedication throughout the entire process.”
Founder of Edgemere Development John Oster said, “Many thought there was no hope or use for this beautiful former school. The completion of this successful project was due to the willpower and collaboration of Edgemere, Home Leasing, the Village of Holley and County of Orleans, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Key Bank, and our other public and private partners. Holley Gardens is now a welcoming home for our seniors and critical Village offices.”
Executive Director of The Landmark Society of Western New York Wayne Goodman said, “This impressive and collaborative project converted a problematic liability into a true community asset, and by doing so, saved an irreplaceable historic building that has played such a formative role in Holley’s past. With the end result providing quality housing and enhancing Holley’s commercial district, this project is a prime example of how historic preservation elevates our communities across New York.”
Students have also written nearly 200 letters to local veterans
Press Release from Albion Central School
ALBION – Despite the changes and challenges Covid-19 has brought this year, students across the Albion school district are celebrating veterans.
Throughout the elementary school, students have been learning about what it means to be a veteran and writing letters to our local heroes, thanking them for their service.
Adelaide, an elementary student, plays her clarinet.
Third grade teacher Danielle Cammarata is spearheading the letter-writing effort.
“Many of our students have family members in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force right now, so this project is extra meaningful to them,” Cammarata said. “The letters will warm many hearts.”
It’s not only the students who have family members serving but many of the faculty as well. Sixth grade teacher Cathy Schmitt has put together a slideshow to honor staff member who served in the military or who have family members who are veterans.
“We usually play it in classes so the students can make connections with their teachers,” Schmitt said. “It includes the family member’s name, their branch of service and some other information they sent to me.”
While traditionally the middle school has honored local veterans in an assembly, the presentation will be shared virtually this year with students and staff.
Cammarata says it is important to keep these traditions alive.
“It’s really important to give thanks for the time, energy and dedication veterans have given to our country,” Cammarata said. “I want the children to know and understand the sacrifices that they made to make it possible for all of us to live in this country and embrace the freedoms they fought for us.”
This year, they received 192 letters.
Normally, the letters are sent out around the holidays, this is the first year they’ll be sent out on Veterans Day.
“I think the performance and letters will let the community members know how much we appreciate and respect all that they have done for us,” Cammarata said. “It’s a small gesture, but hopefully it will bring a smile to those who have served.”
Students practice in smaller groups for the concert.
Elementary band teacher Lindsey Almeter agrees, saying that while this will be her students’ first Veterans Day performance, it is the perfect time to celebrate and connect with the school community.
“We were just looking for opportunities for students to still get to celebrate, perform on their instruments and connect with the community during a time where that connection is harder to make,” Almeter said. “[We] decided that Veterans Day would be a wonderful chance to encompass all of those goals and the students have been very excited about sharing the work they’ve been doing.”
The elementary school’s performance will be pre-recorded and played over the morning announcements.
According to high school band director Michael Thaine, the High School Music Department has held a concert in early November for over four decades.
“For several years in the ’90s and early 2000’s it was held on the evening of Election Day,” Thaine said. “In 2009, we moved the annual concert to the evening prior to Veterans Day, where it’s been ever since.”
The event is a celebration of our nation’s veterans through American music, by American composers.
“Music has played such an important role in this country’s history,” Thaine said. “ It only makes sense for us to honor our veterans through music.”
These cards will be displayed at some restaurants and stores in Albion.
While the pandemic has caused some limitations, including very limited rehearsal time, partial ensembles, and restrictions on public gatherings, the High School Music Department came up with an abbreviated virtual presentation. The program will still include some music, but also interviews with several veterans connected to our high school community.
“It’s become a loved community tradition over the years, and our veterans deserve to know that, despite the necessary focus on pandemic precautions and those logical complexities, their service and sacrifices are still appreciated and not overlooked,” Thaine said.
Make sure you look for the letters around Albion. They will be posted in Dunkin’, The Village House, Save-A-Lot and Tops.
The 2020 High School Virtual Veterans Day Program will be posted to the district’s YouTube channel (click here) on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to include Scaffold Law reform in his next budget proposal. Specifically, Congressman Jacobs called for implementing a comparative liability standard for gravity-related injuries.
“Reforming the burdensome Scaffold Law is long-overdue in New York State,” Jacobs said. “As we are staring down a massive budget deficit and a stalled economy, reforming this archaic law is an excellent first step. Meaningful reform to the Scaffold Law would unleash our economy, attract new investment into our state, and lower the cost of living for all New Yorkers. We are the last state in the nation to have such a regulation, and there has never been a more urgent time to reform it.”
Currently, New York is the only state in the nation with a liability regime like the Scaffold Law, which imposes an absolute liability standard for gravity-related injuries on construction sites. This has resulted in a projected 8%-10% increase to all construction costs – a cost that is handed down to taxpayers and deters investment in New York State. For example, complying with the Scaffold Law is expected to add an additional $180 to $300 million to the Gateway Program and added an estimated $400 million to the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Congressman Jacobs introduced the Infrastructure Expansion Act in September. This legislation would exempt federally funded projects from the Scaffold Law and instead require a comparative liability standard for gravity-related injuries. Because the Scaffold Law is a state law, a bill passed by the New York State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Cuomo would be the most direct way to repeal or reform it, Jacobs said.
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport) has written to the New York Farm Labor Wage Board to ask them to freeze the overtime provisions for farm laborers at its current limitation of 60 hours per week.
Norris was opposed to the creation of the wage board and voted against the legislation in the first place because he felt it delegated authority away from the state Legislature and placed unreasonable restrictions on the agricultural community – a community and leading economic industry that faces unpredictable factors, such as weather, and is in need of flexibility.
“As we have seen just this year alone with the pandemic, there was a greater need for locally-produced food because of travel restrictions and production being slowed down elsewhere; however, because of this new requirement many farmers in our state have had to cut back on their plans in order to afford a more limited staff,” said Norris. “Ultimately, it is the consumer who suffers, and our state is less competitive. Grocery stores will be stocking cheaper items from out of state when they can because that’s what will drive sales.”
During this pandemic shutdown, the wage board began holding limited hearings online and is now considering reducing the workweek even further beyond the established 60 hours. With farmers already stretched too thin, Norris hopes the wage board will delay any consideration of further restrictions until after the pandemic is resolved, if not permanently.
“We must give our farms a fighting chance to survive in New York,” he said. “Our agricultural community provides us with our necessary food supply and we must do everything possible to keep them fully operational especially during this pandemic.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 4:37 pm
Orleans County has 13 more confirmed positives case of Covid-19 today for a total of 452 positive cases since March.
The new positive cases reside in Albion, Carlton, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway and Shelby. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 30s, 40s, 50s and 70s.
Two of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported today.
Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. One Orleans County resident is currently hospitalized due to Covid.
• Holley high schooler tests positive: The Health Department has been notified of a positive student at Holley High School. The student was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive. The individual is on mandatory isolation until they recover. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.
• Worker in Holley Elementary tests positive for Covid: The Holley school district also notified the community that an adult who works in the Holley Elementary School building tested positive for Covid. The individual does not work directly for the school district, Brian Bartalo, district superintendent, said in a letter to the community.
The last day this person was on our campus was Friday, November 6. The district is unable to legally disclose any additional details or personal identifiable information about this individual per the federal privacy laws.
The district will work with the Health Department to assist with any contact tracing if that is deemed necessary. The DOH will typically go back 48 hours from the onset of symptoms or the date of the test to determine any order of quarantining of individuals of close contact with this person. In this situation, since the individual was last here four days ago, it’s not known if anyone will be contacted. Any communication of the need for quarantine will come directly from the Health Department, Bartalo said.
In Genesee County, there are 7 new positive cases of Covid for a total of 472 positive cases since March.
The data below includes the 43 reported cases since Friday. The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Darien, Elba, LeRoy, Oakfield, Pavilion and Stafford.
The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Fourteen of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
Genesee also reports that 17 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
Two Genesee residents are hospitalized due to Covid.
• 173 active cases in 3 counties: To see an online map of confirmed cases in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, click here. There are currently 173 active cases in the three counties – 87 in Genesee, 47 in Orleans and 39 in Wyoming.
More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
• No updates on Veterans Day: Due to the Veterans Day holiday, both Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be closed. We will not be updating numbers or the map until Thursday afternoon. A very special thank you to those who have served in any of the armed forces. We appreciate your service and the sacrifices you and your families have endured to keep our country safe.
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department has received a positive Covid-19 test from an individual who attended Trivia Night at TF Brown’s on Tuesday, November 3, between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact tracing is in progress, however unidentified individuals may have unknowingly been in contact with the person who tested positive.
We advise all individuals who attended the Trivia Night on Nov. 3 to monitor their symptoms until November 17th. If symptoms of Covid-19 develop, contact your primary care provider to seek testing immediately and self-isolate until you receive your test results.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include but are not limited to fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 2:59 pm
ALBION – Two people were charged on Sunday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine from New York City to the Village of Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.
Hector M. Mendez
The Task Force, the Albion Police Department and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 11 West Academy St. in Albion. Albion police K9 handler Nathaniel Staines and his K9 partner Badger also assisted in the search warrant execution.
Police seized over 100 individual bags of crack cocaine packaged for sale with a total weight of approximately two ounces, as well as cash, scales, packaging and other drug paraphernalia.
The following were arrested on felony drug charges:
• Hector M. Mendez, 39, of the Bronx was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are Class B felonies.
Michelle L. Preston
• Michelle L. Preston, 54, of 11 West Academy St. Apt. A, Albion was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
The Task Force said further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation.
Preston, due to her previous criminal history, was arraigned in Orleans County Court by County Court Judge Sanford Church and released with her returning back to the Albion Town Court on Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.
Mendez was issued and appearance ticket due to the New York State bail reform and is to appear back to the Albion Town Court on Nov. 18 at 9 a.m., the Task Force said today in anews release.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 11:35 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A new memorial for veterans at Courthouse Square will be dedicated at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, which is Veterans Day.
The Knights of Columbus, Albion Council #1330, led the project which included support from St. Mary’s Archery Club, St. Mary’s Athletic Club, Orleans Veterans Club, American Legion Sheret Post in Albion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Strickland Post in Albion.
Besides a monument, there is a flag pole (left) with a flag that recognizes the different branches of the military.
The service at 1 p.m. includes an invocation and blessing of the memorial by Father Bernard Nowak, a former Navy chaplain who now serves as the priest for Holy Trinity Parish in Medina and Middleport. Other local dignitaries will give remarks and there will be a presentation form the Honor Guard.
Attendees need to wear masks and observe social distancing.
There are two benches as part of the memorial. One bench has an inscription, “To Commemorate.”
The other bench has the words, “To Heal.”
The larger stone states the following:
“Dedicated to our courageous brothers and sisters of this community who served our country in times of peace and war. We thank them for their service. And especially to those who gave their lives in that service. May God grant them eternal rest.”
The stone includes the insignias of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and Merchant Marine.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 9:35 am
Boy with sensory processing disorder welcomed at firehall
Photos by Tom Rivers: Alex Baker, 7, received a certificate from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, designating him as an honorary member. He received the recognition on Monday during a meeting of the fire company. He is pictured with his family: parents William Baker and Candice Vought, and brothers Ryan and Adam.
SHELBY – Alex Baker looks forward to stopping by the Shelby fire hall every Tuesday evening. He and his mother, Candice Vought, will bring firefighters cookies and brownies.
The firefighters will give him a short ride in a fire truck.
The gestures and acceptance are much appreciated by Alex’s family. Alex, who turns 8 next month, has a sensory processing disorder. That makes it difficult for him to be around a lot of people or in buildings with unpredictable noises.
Alex made his first visit to the fire hall about a month ago. He was very reluctant to go inside.
But the firefighters proved friendly and welcoming.
“It’s still new to him, but he is happy and walks right into the building,” said his mother.
Alex Baker is congratulated on being a new honorary member of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Tim Petry, Shelby president, shakes Alex’s hand. Fire Chief Jason Watts also welcomed Alex as an honorary member. Alex is joined up front by his mother, Candice Vought.
The firefighters have noticed he feels more comfortable and doesn’t shy away.
“He is really coming out of his shell,” said Tim Petry, president of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Petry and Fire Chief Jason Watts made Alex an honorary member of the fire company on Monday. They presented him with a certificate during the fire company’s monthly meeting.
Alex’s brothers – Ryan, 13, and Adam, 10 – have joined a youth group through the fire company that meets Tuesday evenings. Alex looks forward to joining too when he is 10.
Alex enjoys watching the cartoon, Fireman Sam, and admires firefighters. Besides riding in the fire trucks, he has watched firefighters do an extrication drill, tearing apart a car.
She and Alex’s father also wanted firefighters and police officers to get to know Alex and understand his disability in case they ever encounter him in an emergency.
“We wanted to get him involved in the community,” said his mother.
William Baker said the firefighters have been kind to his son.
“I was surprised that they have been very open to him,” he said. “That makes Alex want to see them again.”
Alex Baker and his mother Candice Vought are pictured with Shelby Fire Chief Jason Watts, left, and President Tim Petry.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 9:11 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Jeff Lyons (right), owner of Lyons Emergency Services, presents a new drone to Shelby Fire Chief Jason Watts on Monday during the fire company’s monthly business meeting.
Lyons, a member of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, said the drone will assist Shelby firefighters with searches, especially in the swamp and can also give a quick aerial view of large fires, showing if flames are coming through a roof.
“You can cover a lot of ground quickly,” Lyons said.
Two Shelby firefighters will be trained and certified to operate the drone.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 8:22 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Board of Elections will count 2,550 absentee and affidavit ballots today, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The BOE typically counts those ballots a week after an election.
There are no cliffhanger elections locally after the in-person vote on Nov. 3 and with early voting.
Donald Trump received 71.4 percent of the in-person vote in Orleans County or 11,173 or the 15,649 votes cast for president. Joe Biden received 26.1 percent or 4,082 votes in Orleans. Will Trump’s margin of support in Orleans drop below 70 percent after the absentees and affidavits are counted today?
The absentees were mailed in and needed to be postmarked by Nov. 3. The affidavits or provisional ballots are for people who believe they are eligible to vote but cannot submit a regular ballot because elections workers don’t have their information. Of the 2,550 ballots to be counted today, nearly all of them are absentees. There were 2,362 received by the BOE by Nov. 3 with more time for ballots to be mailed in as long as they were postmarked by Election Day.
The votes today will provide more numbers in for the 27th Congressional with Chris Jacobs, who is ahead of Nate McMurray and Duane Whitmer. Jacobs declared victory on Tuesday night after the in-person votes were announced in the eight-county district.
Other local races include Nadine Hanlon and Diane Shampine for county clerk. Hanlon has an insurmountable lead, 8,900 to 4,474.
The Murray highway superintendent also is an open position and Dirk Lammes has a big lead over James DeFilipps. Lammes has 1,076 votes under the Republican and Conservative lines, while DeFilipps has 674 under the Independence line and the independent “Jimmy D for Highway” party.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2020 at 6:14 pm
Orleans also reporting a death due to Covid-19, first since July 15
Orleans and Genesee counties both are reported a big increase in Covid-19 cases since Friday, when the local Health Department last updated the community about new confirmed cases.
In Orleans County there are 18 more cases since Friday while Genesee has 43 more confirmed cases.
Orleans also is reporting a death from Covid-19, a person over age 65. This is the first Covid death in the county since July 15. The county has now had 56 residents die after contracting Covid.
“We are deeply saddened to report we have had an Orleans County community member pass away due to Covid-19,” the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments stated in a news release. “Out of respect for the family we will not release any further details about this individual. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this person and encourage our community members to be respectful of the family’s time of grieving.”
Orleans has now had 439 positive cases since March. The 18 new positive cases include residents in Albion, Barre, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates.
The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Three of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Health Departments said.
Orleans is also reporting six recoveries from Covid and those people have been removed from the isolation list.
• The Health Departments have been notified of a positive student at Lyndonville High School and a positive student at Medina High School. The students were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive. The individuals are on mandatory isolation until they recover. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.
• Albion Central School also said one of its students has tested positive for Covid-19. The student is a hybrid learner in the high school.
As the student has not been in school since Oct. 26, the Health Department determined there is no need to do further contact tracing in the school due to the look-back period, the school district stated on its website.
In Genesee County, the 43 new positive cases bring Genesee’s total to 465 positive cases since March.
Due to the volume of positives, further information will be updated tomorrow, the Health Departments said. Staff are working on contact tracing.
• The Genesee County Health Department was notified of two teachers testing positive at Jackson Primary School in Batavia. The individuals have been placed under mandatory isolation where they will remain until they have recovered.
Contact tracing is in process to identify close contacts. Out of an abundance of caution, Jackson Primary School will be 100 percent remote virtual learning until Monday, November 30.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2020 at 5:10 pm
2 neighboring counties in danger of more restrictions if cases continue to rise
Two of Orleans County’s neighbors, Monroe and Erie, have been designated with yellow precautionary zone focus areas due to rising Covid cases.
The state’s yellow zone restrictions include a 25-person maximum capacity on mass gatherings, 4-person to a table maximum while dining and 20 percent weekly testing of in-person students, faculty in schools. Bars and restaurants located in Yellow Precautionary Zones must close at midnight.
The two counties could see more restrictions if cases continue to rise.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the cluster strategy has worked so far, with increased testing, awareness and actions to rein in Covid.
For example, Brooklyn was changed from the most restrictive red zone to an orange warning zone based on reduced Covid cases. The change to an orange zone allowed many businesses to reopen.
“Covid is surging across the country and the globe, and we expect the rates will continue to go up through the fall and into the winter,” Governor Cuomo said today. “The long-term prognosis is get a vaccine as quickly as possible, and administer the vaccine as quickly, fairly and equitably as possible. In the meantime, we manage the increase by doing more testing and targeted restrictions where necessary, and being more aggressive on enforcement.”
The state designated large portions of Erie, Monroe and also Onondaga counties with yellow zones today.
• Erie County – Over the past 10 days, parts of Erie County have had 7-day average positivity rates above 2.5 percent, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation. (Click here to see a map of the county in the yellow zone.)
• Monroe County – Over the past 10 days, parts of Monroe County have had 7-day average positivity rates above 3 percent, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation. (Click here to see a map of the county in the yellow zone.)
• Onondaga County – Over the past 10 days, parts of Onondaga County have had 7-day average positivity rates above 3%, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation. (Click here to see a map of the county in the yellow zone.)
‘I know people are tired – Covid fatigue is real. But the virus isn’t tired.’ – Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Identifying and Implementing Focus Zone
Daily data monitoring enables the state to identify areas that are experiencing a concerning increase in Covid spread, Cuomo said.
Once an area meets certain metrics – detailed below – that demonstrate substantial spread, it may be designated a focus zone.
• Red Zone — Micro-Cluster: A “Red Zone” focus area is put in place to contain spread from a specific, defined geographic area.
• Orange Zone — Warning/Buffer: An Orange Zone area either is put in place primarily in densely populated urban areas as a tight buffer zone around a Red Zone micro-cluster (“Orange Buffer Zone”) area or is implemented independently as a focus area based on metrics.
The purpose of an Orange Buffer Zone is to 1) restrict activity to prevent further spread from Red Zone area; 2) provide a defined geographic area where metrics can be monitored daily to ensure Covid is not spreading beyond the Red Zone.
• Yellow Zone — Precautionary/Buffer: A “Yellow Zone” area either is put in place as a broader buffer area to ensure Covid outbreak is not spreading into the broader community or is implemented independently based on the metrics.
The purpose of a Yellow Buffer Zone is to 1) restrict some activity to help prevent further spread from Red and/or Orange Warning Zone area; 2) provide a larger defined geographic area where metrics can be monitored daily to ensure Covid is not spreading beyond the Red Zone or Orange Warning Zone.
The restrictions for the three cluster zones include:
• Red Zone — Cluster Itself
Houses of Worship: 25 percent capacity, 10 people maximum
Mass Gatherings: Prohibited
Businesses: Only essential businesses open
Dining: Takeout only
Schools: Closed, remote only
Orange Zone — Warning Zone
Houses of Worship: 33 percent capacity, 25 people maximum
Mass Gatherings: 10 people maximum, indoor and outdoor
Businesses: Closing high-risk non-essential businesses, such as gyms and personal care
Dining: Outdoor dining only, 4 person maximum per table
Schools: Closed, remote only
Yellow Zone — Precautionary Zone
Houses of Worship: 50 percent capacity
Mass Gatherings: 25 people maximum, indoor and outdoor
Businesses: Open
Dining: Indoor and outdoor dining, 4 person maximum per table
Schools: Open with mandatory weekly testing of students and teachers/staff for in-person settings with percentage of students and teachers to be tested to be established by the New York State Department of Health.
A county or area can be downgraded in zone designation or have the designation ended if the positivity data, cases per capita, and daily hospital admissions over a 14 day period go down, showing there are no signs of broader spread from the focus area that prompted the zone creation.
“I know people are tired – Covid fatigue is real,” Cuomo said. “But the virus isn’t tired. The red, orange and yellow zones are our way of saying the virus is making headway and we’re going to increase restrictions and we’re going to increase enforcement. When we see a small increase, we attack that small increase – and the numbers show it works.”
