Posted 29 July 2024 at 1:25 pm
Photo and information courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Fair Royalty were crowned Saturday evening at the conclusion of the Fair Awards Ceremony.
Royalty this year are front row, left to right: Jolie Noel Rebisz, 9, of Bergen (Fair Princess); Kendyl Collyer, 9, of Waterport (Fair Princess Alternate); Henry Dresser, 10, of Medina (Fair Prince); Brody Collyer, 10, of Kendall (Fair Prince Alternate); Albert Kidney, 12, of Medina (Fair Duke).
Back Row: Amelia Paratore, 14, of Pembroke (Duchess Alternate); Kate Bennett, 13, of Brockport (Fair Duchess); Kendyll Kidney, 16, of Medina (Fair Queen Alternate); Lea Donofrio, 17, of Bergen (Fair Queen); Cole Erion, 15, of Byron, (Duke Alternate); and Luke Gregoire, 17, of Murray (Fair King). There is no King Alternate.
Posted 29 July 2024 at 1:14 pm
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $36.8 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Monroe and Genesee Counties.
The work will cover nearly 54 miles between exit 45 (Rochester – Victor – I-490) and exit 47 (Rochester – LeRoy – I-490 – NY Route 19). More than 11 million vehicles travel this stretch of the Thruway annually, which serves as a critical gateway between Rochester and Buffalo.
“New York is undertaking multiple capital projects along the New York State Thruway to improve its aging infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “We are committed to investing in these critical projects to provide a safe travel experience for motorists.”
Sealand Contractors Corporation from Rush, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. The work is scheduled to be completed next summer.
The project includes full and partial depth repairs to remove and replace deteriorated portions of the roadway from milepost 351.4 to 378.2 eastbound and westbound, increasing the road’s overall structural integrity for improved long-term rideability.
The project also features a new asphalt riding surface for this stretch of the Thruway totaling approximately 108 lane miles. Crews will also resurface the interchange ramps at exit 46, all U-turns including their adjacent acceleration and deceleration lanes, the parking area at milepost 353.1 eastbound, and the Ontario and Scottsville Service Areas.
Other safety improvements include increased vertical clearance, installation of milled-in audible roadway delineators (MIRADS) or rumble strips and upgraded drainage. New mile markers will also be installed. Work will primarily take place overnight.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The safety and reliability of the Thruway is one of our top priorities. The Authority is making historic investments in capital improvement projects to maintain, modernize and rebuild the Thruway system across New York State for generations to come.”
Genesee County Chair Rochelle Stein said, “Genesee County recognizes the importance of transportation for residents, manufacturers and farm producers who rely on the Thruway so our economy can move our goods and services and grow.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2024 at 8:52 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
Former Barker Mayor Aaron Nellist, center left, and Mayor Seanna Corwin-Bradley cut the ribbon on Friday for Barker’s new village hall and public library at 8708 Main St. Barker firefighters are at left holding one end of the ribbon.
Barker celebrated the new building which opened 5 ½ years after the village hall and public library burned down on Jan. 20, 2019.
Mayor Seanna Corwin-Bradley thanked village residents for their patience the past 5 ½ years. She said many community members stepped up to assist the village and library since the fire.
“Everyone you see here has put their heart and soul into this,” Corwin-Bradley said about the new building.
The mayor said some estimates had the new building at $4 million. The Village Board scaled back the project five times so there wouldn’t be any additional tax burden on village property owners. Barker didn’t take out a bond to finance the project, she said.
About 75 people attended the grand opening celebration outside the new village hall and library. The building opened to the public on June 3, and Friday was the grand opening celebration.
The building was constructed in a pole barn style. It added about 700 more square feet compared to the previous structure. Village officials said the project cost about $1.2 million with insurance and state grants covering the cost.
The public checks out the new building and enjoys snacks and cake in the main meeting room. The village moved the village offices inside in late May and opened for business in the new site on June 3.
The main meeting room includes a custom vinyl image of a train and train station. The former building that was the village hall and library was originally a train station. The vinyl was done by JBR Grafx of Churchville, based on historical photos of Barker.
The new library is more wide open with less partitioned space. The library will add more interior decorations. The library space is 10 feet longer with the new building.
“This is much brighter and more open,” said Kathie Smith, president of the Barker Public Library.
The shelves are on wheels and can be moved for programs, Smith said.
Cathie Smith, president of the library board, said community members donated to help the library recover from the fire. The Nioga library system and other libraries also were instrumental in helping the Barker Public Library, Smith said.
After the fire the library set up in a small building on Church Street that was a ceramic shop.
“We were up and running in a week,” Smith said.
She is grateful to have the new space that is designed to be a library to serve the community.
Aaron Nellist, the mayor during the fire and the first four years after, recalled coming to the scene the night of Jan. 20, 2019, and seeing 12-foot flames shooting from the building.
“It was a feeling of helplessness,” he said.
But the village staff was determined to quickly get the village hall and library reopened for the community. Nellist and Corwin-Bradley both praised Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Detschner seeing the village for the challenges.
The village office shifted to the space at the Barker Police Station at 1697 East Ave., and the village office began operate during usual business hours on Jan. 22, 2019. Nellist praised Detschner for her ability to get the office set up so quickly.
“I don’t think the general public will ever appreciate the amount of time and effort that went into it,” Nellist said.
The process to build the new village hall and library has been both “exhausting” and rewarding,” he said.
This sign hung on the previous building and it is one of the few artifacts to survive from the blaze on Jan. 20, 2019. The sign was saved by members of the Barker Fire Department. There is a small hole in the sign almost in line with the smokestack.
The sign now hangs in the main meeting room of the new village hall.
State Sen. Robert Ortt said the Barker community rallied after suffering the loss of the village hall and library.
Assemblyman Mike Norris also commended the Barker village officials and staff and the Barker Public Library for pushing to get the new building done.
“This shows the character of the community,” Norris said. “Everyone comes together. You could have buried your head in the sand, but you chose to do something and move forward. That is a testament to the Village of Barker.”
Posted 28 July 2024 at 10:26 pm
Sites include West Ridgeway Cemetery, ‘Poorhouse Cemetery,’ St. Mary’s in Medina and Mount Albion
This striking headstone marks the Mason family plot which is adjacent to the chapel at West Ridgeway Cemetery.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 23
The Orleans County Historical Association has scheduled its popular annual tour of cemeteries. Tours are held at 6 p.m. on Sundays during the month of August.
The first tour will be held Aug. 4 at West Ridgeway Cemetery, corner of Ridge Road and Marshall Road which has served as a burying ground since 1810 when the area was still under the jurisdiction of Genesee County. The tour will be conducted by Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian.
Details of the deaths of those buried at the “Poorhouse Cemetery” were recorded in a ledger maintained by the Superintendent.
The Orleans County “Poorhouse Cemetery” located at 14064 County House Rd. in Albion is the site of the second tour, which will be held Aug. 11. It will be presented by Tim Archer.
In his role as service-learning teacher at Albion Middle School, Mr. Archer spearheaded an ambitious project at the cemetery in 2010-2011. Students researched burial records, cleared the lot and reset headstones.
St. Mary’s Cemetery, Medina
Chris Busch, Medina local history buff, will lead a tour of St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Gravel Road, Medina on Aug. 18. The cemetery, which dates to 1858, is the burial place of Lt. John Butts, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions” in Normandy, France on June 23, 1944.
Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County Historian, and Sue Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion Historian, will conduct the final tour in the series, at Mt. Albion Cemetery on Rt. 31 on Aug. 25. Another Orleans County Medal of Honor recipient, Charles D. Harris, who was honored for service during the Apache Wars in 1869, is buried there.
Cemeteries contain a treasure trove of information; we hope you will join us as we unearth some. Tours are free of charge, but goodwill donations are gratefully accepted.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2024 at 9:57 pm
HARTLAND – A house was declared a total loss after a fire this morning at 3189 Stone Rd., the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The Middleport Volunteer Fire Company was called to the scene at 10:33 a.m. with report of a fire on the porch of the house. All occupants of the residence were able to safely exit the building prior to the fire company’s arrival, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
Multiple additional fire companies were dispatched for manpower to help extinguish the fire. Other responding fire departments include Hartland, Barker, Ridgeway, Shelby, Wolcottsville, Wrights Corners and Terry’s Corners.
The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross. The investigation into the cause of the fire is being handled by the Niagara County Fire Investigation Unit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2024 at 11:54 am
Total sales top $64K – ‘Those kids are our future’
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Haylee Wright of Lyndonville smiles holding her reserve champion rabbit she named “Yum.” The rabbit sold for $400 at the 4-H animal meat auction on Saturday.
The total sales for the animals, baked goods and fiber came to $64,128, a new record, and well above the typical $20,000 to $28,000 for the sale.
This auction included more animals and more kids, said Chrissy Beach, a parent volunteer who helps with the event. She also said the buyers were very generous in wanting to support the local 4-Hers.
Jayne Bannister and Zack Welker served as the ringmen at the auction, scanning the crowd for bids. Here they could see the bidding cards held high for the grand champion rabbit raised by Hugh Gabalski of Byron. Herm Webber of HLW Acres, a poultry processing business sin Attica, paid $525 for the rabbit.
Gabalski was pleased with the prices for the rabbits he had at the auction – about double what he usually would get.
Gabalski, 17, said he reached out to potential buyers, including for two lambs he had in the auction.
He was able to get some new bidders at the auction, but he said Webber and David Piedmonte of Holley have been long-time supporters for him.
“I trust them and I’ve built a relationship with them,” Gabalski said.
Webber said he goes to 13 auctions at county fairs to support the 4-Hers. He bought rabbits, a turkey and even plates of cookies, paying $500 for one plate of cookies to support the 4-H program.
“The kids are our future,” he said. “They work hard, and they should be rewarded. If we don’t have them in agriculture, we won’t have food produced in our country. We’ll have to rely on someone else.”
A bidder raises his arm for a pen of three grand champion rabbits raised by Hugh Gabalski. David Piedmonte paid $425 for the trio.
Matthew Bloom, 14, of Albion leads a steer into the show ring. The 1,320-pound animal sold for $6.50 a pound or $8,580, the biggest bid of the night. Zack Welker is the ringman at right and Todd Jantzi of Bontrager is the auctioneer in back. Jantzi donated his services for the auction.
Western New York Energy paid the big bucks for the animal. WNY Energy also bought two pigs and spent over $13,000 total.
The animals in the auction sold well above the market prices, which were at $1.80 a pound for beef, $1.60 a pound for lambs and 55 cents for pigs.
Tim Winters, CEO of WNY Energy, is happy after being the winning bidder. The company was the biggest spender for a steer and two pigs.
Winters said the company wants to support local 4-Hers and encourage them to be a part of agriculture.
Natalie Miller, 10, of Lyndonville shows the champion pig that sold for $14 a pound to WNY Energy, for $3,850 for the 275-pounder. That was the biggest bid for the 19 pigs in the auction. Of those, 16 sold for at least $1,000, well above the market price.
Carissa Klossner, 16, of Holley holds an alpaca rug she made for the auction. Vendetti Farms paid $130 for the rug. Olivia Streicher of Chaffee, in back, also made a yarn purse and alpaca dryer balls. This is the first time the auction included fiber products made by 4-Hers.
Lea Donofrio of Bergen, the 4-H Fair queen, stands with a butcher box of pork donated by her family’s farm, Stix ‘n’ Stonz.
David Welker, 6, of Medina holds a plate of cookies. The sale of baked goods went to the 4-H program. There were three plates of cookies in the auction and two sold for $500 each and the other for $150.
Anna Mathes, representing Apex Clean Energy, was the winning bidder for one plate of cookies for $500. Apex also bought two pigs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2024 at 8:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The team of Kasey Gilbert of Dansville, center, and Jacob Olver of Geneseo defended their title on Saturday as the hay bale rolling champs of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Teams needed to push and flip an 800-pound hay bale through a course with bumps and turns. If the teams strayed from the marked course, they received 5-second violations.
Gilbert and Olver called their the team the “Heifer Haulers.” The completed the course in 1 minute, 12 seconds.
The challenge was started in 2021 after the fair ended the grease pole competition due to concerns from the insurance provider. The grease pole was discontinued after the 2019 fair. The 2020 fair was cancelled during the Covid pandemic.
Elijah “The Bull” Starr of Lyndonville is a one-man team in the competition. He finished second overall in 1 minute 24 seconds.
Starr, 34, has been in the competition the last three years. He gets a lot of applause doing the challenge all by himself.
“In the wintertime this is how I feed my cows,” Starr said about pushing the heavy bales.
The competition added a new element this year. Participants began by throwing a smaller 50-pound block of hay over a 6-foot-high beam. When they finished the course, they had to throw the smaller bale back over the beam.
Elijah “The Bull” Starr flings the bale up high over the target.
James Scheid of Churchville and Annie Erion work together to get the hay bale through the course designed by Jeremy Neal, the hay bale chairman.
More than 200 people typically come out to watch the event, which caps the fair each night.
Clark Kendall of Candor in Tioga County and Simon Ellison of Albion try to keep the hay bale moving and on track. The two work together installing cable in the Southern Tier. Kendall drove three hours to try the hay bale rolling on Saturday. He said it’s much harder than it looks.
“It took us a minute in a half but it felt like 5 to 10 minutes,” he said.
Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen and Ruth Lang were the only all-female team to try the hay bale rolling. They completed the challenge in 6 minutes, 57 seconds. They were determined to finish, and the DJ played “Eye of Tiger” from Rocky to encourage them.
Rebisz, 19, has been an active 4-Her at the fair for several years. She said the challenge was more difficult this year, with what felt like more bumps and taller mounds.
She appreciated the support of the crowd.
“We do this for the enjoyment of the people,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2024 at 2:27 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Luke Gregoire, right won the small animal grandmaster showman today at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and Evelyn Paratore, left, was the reserve grand master.
The top showmen in four different small animals – dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature horses – vied today for the grand master showman.
Gregoire, 17, of Murray has been showing chickens and rabbits at the fair for about five years. He qualified for the event today after being reserve champ in poultry.
Paratore, 12, of Corfu won the master showman for rabbits.
The grand master showman competition takes the top two showmen in the four different animals and makes them show all four small animals.
The master showmen needed to do a quick health check on the animals, note the ideal height and weight for each and note anything that could be considered a fault. For example, the bantam roosters shouldn’t have any white feathers.
Other participants in the competition include Meganne Moore (mini horse master), Grace Goodrich (mini horse reserve), Celes Paratore (poultry master, rabbit reserve), Bailey Gonzalez (dog master), and Sophia Albone (dog reserve).
Provided photo: Luke Gregoire shows a rabbit and answers questions from the judge. Luke has shown rabbits and chickens for years and said he was comfortable with them today, while he had to do some last-minute cramming to prepare to show a dog and a miniature horse.
“I didn’t feel as strong about the mini horses, but the big thing is to project confidence,” he said.
Evelyn Paratore said she is least familiar with dogs. She has shown the other animals, and also was in the large animal grand master showman competition on Friday, featuring eight different livestock animals.
After today’s small animal contest, Evelyn said she felt the pressure lifted.
“It is stressful and tiring, but fun at the same time,” she said about the intense competitions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2024 at 10:39 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Carter Kuipers, 16, of Byron shows a beef animal during Friday’s grand master showman competition.
Carter won the title against other top livestock showmen from this week’s fair.
The grand master showman is one of the most prestigious titles at the fair. The competition features the master showman in nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.
Carter showed pigs and beef qualified for the competition after winning the beef master showman title.
Carter’s mother Vicki (Miller) Kuipers won the grand master title in the late 1990s. Carter said he enjoys the challenge of showing the nine different animals.
“It’s fun and it’s exciting,” he said on Friday night after winning the competition. “You can get out there and show what you know.”
Emma Kron, judge of the event, took the cumulative scores of the participants, and she said Carter Kuipers emerged as the winner.
“He was consistent across all the species,” she said.
Meganne Moore, 18, of Albion leads a horse in the first part of the grand master competition. Moore was named the reserve grand master. She qualified after winning the Western horse event.
Meganne has been showing animals at the fair since she was a 5-year-old Cloverbud. She first showed a chicken. She has made it to the grand master event twice before. Her second-place showing is her best finish.
“I was calmer this time,” she said. “I wasn’t as scared of the animals.”
The competition requires people to show dairy and beef animals, that can top 1,000 pounds.
This is Meganne’s last year in 4-H. She heads to Geneseo State College this fall to major in biology with a pre-vet minor.
The master showmen included:
- Carter Kuipers, 16, of Byron, representing beef
- Phoebe Allen, 15, of Albion, representing sheep
- Brilyn Rebisz, 19, of Bergen, representing dairy goats
- Carissa Klossner, 16, of Holley, representing llamas
- Evelyn Paratore, 12, of Corfu, representing meat goats
- Kennedy Murphy, 13, of Albion, representing English horse
- Ruth Kuipers, 14, of Byron, representing pigs
- Georgia Baxter, 14, of Churchville, representing dairy cows
- Meganne Moore, 18 of Albion, representing Western horse
These four show meat goats, including from left: Ruth Kuipers, Kennedy Murphy, Evelyn Paratore and Brilyn Rebisz. The participants needed to show off the animals’ best characteristics and also answer questions about the animal and breed from the judge.
Carissa Klossner of Holley maintains eye contact with judge Emma Kron while Carissa showed a horse on Friday.
Phoebe Allen of Barre keeps a dairy animal under control during the grand master showman competition.
Georgia Baxter of Churchville answers a question from the judge when the grand master participants show meat goats.
Evelyn Paratore of Corfu, left, and Kennedy Murphy of Albion get ready to lead beef animals into the show arena. The two are more accustomed to showing other animals. Evelyn qualified after winning the meat goats master showman and Kennedy won for English horse.
Ruth Kuipers of Byron leads a llama in the show ring. She qualified as the top pig showman.
Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen shows a meat goat during the competition. She closed out her 4-H career on Friday. The grand master competitors all had to be nimble in the show ring leading animals from under a 100 pounds to well over 1,000.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 July 2024 at 9:36 am
ALBION – When Nadine Hanlon took office as Orleans County clerk in 2021, she knew one thing she wanted to do – update the Department of Motor Vehicles.
It had been years since the area had had any attention. Mauve paint was fading, a border of license plates rimmed the room, cabinets were falling apart, furniture was outdated and there were unneeded storage areas which could be put to better use.
As county clerk, the office of DMV falls under Hanlon’s jurisdiction, with deputy clerk Pam Boyer overseeing the office. Phase one of the renovation began in June with staff training and updating the break room and deputy clerk’s office. Two weeks ago, Hanlon gave the OK for the rest of the work to begin, necessitating the office close completely this past week.
Photos from Nadine Hanlon: (Left) This is how the customer service windows looked before a complete remodeling of the Department of Motor Vehicles this month. (Right) The entire customer service area of Orleans County’s Department of Motor Vehicles was redone while the office was closed this week. This is the customer service area, looking toward the east end of the room. It shows the new flooring in that side of the room.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: This is the DMV area after the renovation, with the new customer service windows in earth tones.
Work done by Buildings and Grounds of the county Department of Public Works included installing new flooring in all but the front of the office, installing new cabinets, removing the wallpaper border of license plates, painting the room in a neutral tone, new counters and chairs, and most importantly, putting up a partition to create a private room for testing.
Previously, those taking tests were exposed to noise from the rest of the room and had little privacy. Hanlon hopes now more people will consider coming to Albion for their motor vehicle transactions.
The renovation also required contacting the State Information Technology Service to move cables.
“What we’ve done is free up space, remove old cabinets, purge stuff we didn’t need any longer and create more storage for plates which have to be locked up and more security for paperwork,” Hanlon said.
County Clerk Nadine Hanlon, who oversees the Department of Motor Vehicles, shows off the room now partitioned off for testing.
The new space is brighter and creates a happier atmosphere for employees and customers, she said.
“Our number one thing is to give 100 percent to our customers,” she said. “Customer service is of utmost importance.”
While the office was closed to the public this past week, employees continued to do dealer work, check mail and take care of the drop box.
The Orleans County DMV office completes more than 3,000 transactions a month, Hanlon said.
Six motor vehicle application examiners serve customers. They are deputy clerk Pam Bower, Jillian Belgiorno, senior MV application examiner Danielle Derisley, Amber Skrip, Maritzka Knight and new hire Kasey Sprester.
The employees like their new office space. Skrip said it is “very open and bright.”
Derisley called it “very user friendly.”
“I couldn’t wait to see it finished,” she said.
The office will reopen at its regular hours on Monday. They are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with customers asked to be in line by 3 p.m. for new permits or 3:15 p.m. for others.
Motor vehicle application examiners Kasey Sprester and Amber Skrip are seated in the area where customer pictures will be taken.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 July 2024 at 9:13 am
Troy Callard has recently moved back to the area after building sports program for school in Reno
Provided photos: Troy Callard, a 2001 graduate of Medina High School, waves the trophies his boys’ and girls’ track teams at Coral Academy of Science in Reno won as State Champions.
LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville resident and graduate of Medina High School is sharing a story of success on how he helped build a state champion athletics program at a charter school.
Troy Callard is a son of David and Nelda Callard of Medina and 2001 graduate of Medina High School. After earning a bachelor’s degree in education at SUNY Cortland and his master’s in adapted physical education at Brockport, he learned from a friend in Reno in 2013 about an opening at the Coral Academy of Science a charter school with an enrollment of about 300.
Callard sent in his resume on Thursday, got a call on Friday setting up an interview on Monday and was hired the next day. He left New York on a Thursday, got to Reno on Sunday and started work on Monday.
He soon learned the charter school didn’t have any sports programs. Having played soccer in the fall, swimming in the winter and track and field in the spring while in Medina High School, he knew the excitement of playing sports, and contacted the National Interscholastic Athletic Association.
“I got approval in 2017 and started with track,” Callard said. “The kids were excited to have sports. Before the pandemic hit, our sports program was growing and we were having some success.”
Medina native Troy Callard and members of his girls’ and boys’ track teams at Coral Academy of Science in Reno celebrate after being named State Champions for 2023-24. Callard and his wife have recently moved back home to be near their families
Callard would start boys’ and girls’ track and boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. They competed in three sports seasons – cross country in the fall, basketball in winter and track in the spring. As everything got back to normal after the pandemic, they climbed in the rankings, winning Regional titles in 2022, 23 and 24. Then the boys and girls track teams this spring both won the State Championships in their sport.
At home, Callard and his wife Tanya, also a Medina native, had been talking about moving back to Western New York.
“Tanya had just finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada at Reno and wanted to do her master’s at the University of Buffalo,” Callard said. “Being closer to family became very important after the pandemic, and just made sense.”
They returned home this summer and settled in Lyndonville. While Tanya goes to college, Troy is working with a friend who installs security equipment.
“It’s definitely a slower pace of life than the city,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2024 at 8:41 am
Daily Exhibit: Pretty Bird Paradise. Interact with beautiful, chirping friends!
Trolley Building: Painting of the 1st Orleans County 2025 Bicentennial Oxen.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours, 4-H Senior Council Stand
8 a.m. – Open Class Llama and Alpaca Show, Livestock Show Arena
9 a.m. – 4-H Gymkhana Horse Show, Carlos Marcello Arena
Alex Thom, a face paint artist, gives Jaxson Price, 8, of Rochester a Spiderman look during the fair on Friday.
10 a.m. – Small Animal Grandmaster Showman, Knights Building
10 a.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public, Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
10 a.m. – VE Testing for Ham Radio, Education Center
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Lauren Rae Pottery and PottAri, JCH Food Court
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Cat Show, Wachob Pavilion
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
This 1976 Ford Gran Torino was among about 120 classic cars on display during the fair on Friday evening.
11 a.m. – “Iron Chef” 4-H Youth Cooking Contest Starts, Orleans Hub Stage
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Towpath Trading/Ormemes Post with Orleans County Merchandise and Memes, JCH Food Court
11 a.m. – AI or not AI roving game show by Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative, Strolling through the grounds
12 p.m. – “Iron Chef” 4-H Youth Contest Judging, Orleans Hub Stage
1-5 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 1-5 only), Midway
3 p.m. – AI or not AI roving game show by Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative, Strolling through the grounds
3:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible, Knight’s Green Space
Ray McMillion of the Murray Joint Fire District and Fred Piano of the Albion Fire Department work the grill at the Senior Council Stand on Friday. Firefighters from Murray, Albion and East Shelby volunteered at the stand on a busy night.
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens, Davis Building
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – WBSU 89.1 the Point SUNY Brockport Radio – Music, and giveaways North Lawn of Leader’s Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony and Crowning of the Fair Royalty, Livestock Show Arena
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through grounds
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull, Fair Office
6 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 6-10 only), Midway
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible, Knight’s Green Space
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through grounds
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull, JCH of Buffalo Tent
Hector Loza from Ecuadar performs music outside at the fair.
6:30 p.m. – Market Auction Preview and Reception, Livestock Show Arena
6:30 p.m. – Bossy Bingo, Livestock Show Arena
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Live Music, Orleans Hub Stage
7 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Market Auction, Livestock Show Arena
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through grounds
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible, Knight’s Green Space
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:20 p.m., Hay Bale Rolling Course. (Immediately following qualifier, Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Winners only championship round., Hay Bale Rolling Course)
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair
Grace Potter, 11, of Honeoye Falls competes in a cake-decorating contest on Thursday. About 30 4-H youth entered the event. The Orleans County 4-H program welcomed 4-Hers from Monroe County for the competition.
Ruth Kuipers, 14, of Byron decorated her cake in a creative way. Contestsants had 30 minutes to decorate a cake. They needed to bring their own cake already frosted, and then add the decorations.
Posted 26 July 2024 at 4:59 pm
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James White, 32, of Lockport, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and butryl fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that between March 2017 and March 2019, White conspired with Bruno Haney, II, and others, to sell heroin and butyryl fentanyl.
On March 24, 2017, White sold heroin that he received from Bruno to an individual identified as W.S. of Medina. Later that same day, W.S. was found dead after ingesting the heroin purchased from White. Text messages between White and W.S. on the evening of March 24, 2017, were recovered from W.S.’s cell phone. In the text messages, W.S. requested a “half bun” (5 doses) of heroin from White.
White was arrested on Jan. 22, 2019, by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and charged with felony manslaughter in the second degree. While incarcerated at the Orleans County Jail, White made a phone call to an unknown individual, during which he stated, “they are trying to say that back in 2017 I caught a body.” White further stated that he got “him” (W.S.) half a bundle from Bruno.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott. Additional assistance was provided by the Niagara County and Orleans County District Attorneys’ Offices.
Posted 26 July 2024 at 3:58 pm
Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Morelle of Rochester delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday to draw attention to the pervasive issue of deepfake pornography and his legislation—the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act—to create civil and criminal penalties for those who engage in this abhorrent conduct. His remarks will appear in the Congressional Record, and the transcript is below.
“I rise today to draw attention to the dangerous issue of deepfake pornography, which is incredibly destructive and can have life-altering impacts on its victims.
“Almost 96 percent of all deepfakes online are pornographic in nature, and nearly every single one targets women.
“It takes no special knowledge or technical expertise to create these images, and more women are being targeted each and every day. High school students, young girls who should be worried about their homework, not whether a classmate is using their image to make an explicit video that has the potential to do serious and irreparable harm.
“Deepfakes are abhorrent, and I’ve introduced legislation to bring strong criminal and civil penalties against those who create them.
“I urge my colleagues to join me in demonstrating our shared commitment to fighting the dangerous misuse of artificial intelligence.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 July 2024 at 3:43 pm
KNOWLESVILLE – As the Orleans County 4-H Fair heads into its final days this week, tribute is paid to the importance of vendors, who provide entertainment, food and education to fairgoers.
“This is the most vendors we’ve ever had,” said Robert Batt, director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. “Vendors give fairgoers more options of things to do. Some people come every day just to eat the food.”
One of the longest attending food vendors is Scott Jolasso with his taffy and lemonade booth. Batt has been coming to fair since he was a youngster in 4-H and he remembers Jolasso being there most of those years.
Photographer Bruce Landis, right, chats with Matt Lehr of Brighton in his booth at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Lehr’s goal is to attend every county fair in New York state. Landis set up his first booth in the early 1970s.
Bruce Landis with Photos by Bruce has to be one of the longest attending, if not the longest vendor at the fair. When asked if he knew how many years he had been exhibiting, his reply was “About 106 years.”
“It was some time in the 1970s when I first came,” Landis said. “The big thing is I do it to support the kids. But I get benefits, too.”
He said the first year was a challenge, because he had nothing to set up a booth with. He had to buy plywood, lumber and frames.
For several months after the fair, Landis said he heard no feedback. Then, in November a call came in from a lady who said, “I saw you at the fair and I’d like you to do a family photo for Christmas.”
“Then I realized I’m not selling anything that can be used today,” he said.
But he also realized many people would eventually need the service he provided.
“One big reason I keep coming back is the pie booth,” Landis joked. “I average two pieces a day.”
Mary Ellen Hamill of Holley purchases a rice bag from Darrell Wright of Bergen on Wednesday afternoon at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Looking on is her companion Ron Swan. Write annually exhibits at four or five fairs in the area, but this is his first time at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Master Gardeners are also long-time exhibitors at the fair. On Wednesday night, Erica Wanecski and Nancy Walker were enjoying talking to fairgoers in the Master Gardeners’ booth.
“We’ve always had a booth at the fair for as long as I can remember,” Walker said. “We want to make people aware of the educational information on gardening that is available.”
Wanecski said it is their hope to get more people interested in gardening.
“We’re here to help if we’re needed,” she said.
The ladies explained the Flower Show, which was new last year, in which the public submits their arrangements to compete for a prize. This year, instead of judges, the winning entry will be the “people’s choice,” selected by votes from fairgoers.
Fairgoers can also count on seeing Judy Szulis of Medina at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. She has been a vendor with her Tupperware products for at least 15 years, she said.
“I love meeting the people,” Szulis said. “This place is the only time I see some of them all year. I meet new customers and many of them come back every year.”
The vendor barn has something for everyone. Most of the vendors had some kind of gift to give away, whether it be a sucker or small toy for children, or water bottles, key chains, letter openers, pens, lip balm, candy and lanyards.
Lake Ontario Fruit set up a booth as an opportunity to recruit new employees.
Although she will run uncontested for county district attorney in November, Susan Howard had a booth to say thank you to voters and provide information on the office.
The Orleans County 4-H Robotics Club is represented in the vendor barn at the fair this week. Here, Jonathan Dix of Knowlesville demonstrates a robot made by the club.
Youth were represented by the Orleans County 4-H Robotics Club, where Jonathan Dix of Knowlesville was demonstrating a number of robots made by club members.
Vendors provide information on a variety of subjects. Orleans Recovery Hope is giving away Narcan kits and showing how to use them. On Wednesday evening, Lori Reed and Nelson Gauthier handed out kits.
“Opioid use is on the rise and we want to get the word out so people can help someone who has overdosed,” Reed said.
She said many of the people who stopped at the booth had lost a loved one to a drug overdose and wanted to be able to help someone else.
Darrell Wright of Bergen was making his first appearance at the fair with his booth of rice bags, goat milk products and skin care creams. He normally has a booth at four or five local fairs every summer.
“I decided to come here this year because I live nearby and I like supporting local fairs,” Wright said.
One of his customers was Mary Ellen Hamill and her companion Ron Swan of Holley.
“We’ve been coming to his fair for 30 years,” Hamill said. “I glad to see the rice bags. You heat them in the microwave and they really help if you’ve got a sore neck or back.
Another first-time vendor was the Orleans County Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization which promotes healthy food choices. Two of its members are Terry Rogelstad of Mockingbird Bell Farm in Holley and the Beam farm on Oak Orchard Road, Albion.
Rogelstadt and Valerie Beam of Waterport handed out pamphlets on healthy traditional diets, cancer protection with food, the dangers of vegetarian and vegan diets and cholesterol myths and truths.
“We decided to have a booth at the fair this year because we needed more exposure to education people on growing and eating healthy food,” Rogelstadt said.
Other first-time vendors are Dream Tea Bubble Tea; New Orleans Style Snoballs; For Clucks’ Sake Village Chickens (the group trying to have chickens allowed in villages); Storm Song Hollow Minerals; and Caricatures by Alex.
“This is the first time we’ve had a caricature artist in a long time, and she’s drawing a lot of attention,” Batt said.
Batt also explained they had established a new vendor area on the lawn south of the Trolley Building. Here, a first-time exhibitor, Pretty Bird Paradise, is offering free entertainment to fairgoers who can enter the enclosure and see the birds up close. While there is no charge to enter, feed can be purchased to feed the birds.
Terry Rogelstad and Valerie Beam promote healthy food choices at their booth at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Rogelstad is vice president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, which promotes healthy, traditional diets. The Beam farm on Oak Orchard Road in Albion is also a member of the Foundation.
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