WALWORTH: October 9, 2017. Predeceased by son, Michael. Survived by loving wife of 49 years, Menka; children, Pando (Nada) Vasilovski, Denise (Jim) Hogestyn, Luba (Kevin Kobey) Drouin, Rick (fiancee Wendy Rossi) Drouin and Linda (William) Redfield; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Ray (Jackie DiBella), Red, Guy (Claudette) and Fern; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours, Saturday 11-2 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location), 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport where a Service will immediately follow at 2 PM. Private interment, Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Mercy Flight. For further info please visit: keenanfuneralhomes.com

The post Drouin, Roger E. appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

SEBRING, FL: Aged 73, died from cholangiocarcinoma on October 7, 2017. Margaret was born on August 25, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of Mildred H. and George E. Burch. Margaret grew up in Clyde, NY, and graduated from Clyde Central School in 1962. She attended the State University of New York at Albany and graduated in 1966. She married Charles Carlton Kuehn, her husband of 50 years, on August 5, 1967. Margaret worked at the Kelley Library in Salem, NH, from 1985 until her retirement in 2004. She enjoyed her hobbies of crocheting, genealogy, walking, bridge, and mahjong. She also loved and was much loved by her family. Margaret is survived by her husband, Charles; her two daughters and their spouses, Caroline Kuehn and Aldwin Aponte, Katherine and Topher Dunne; her granddaughter Kayla Dunne; her brother and sister-in-law, George and Elaine Burch; Charles’ brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Marietta Kuehn; and a number of loving relatives and friends. Inurnment will be at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Sebring, FL. A memorial service will be held at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, 4001 Sebring Parkway, on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 2pm, with visitation starting at 1pm. Donations may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (cholangiocarcinoma.org) in memory of Margaret Burch Kuehn. Services entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home 4001 Sebring Parkway Sebring, FL 33870. Online condolences may be left at: stephensonnelsonfh.com

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WOLCOTT: Age 75, of Slaught Rd., passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Predeceased by his wife Mary in 2015, step-son, Richard in 2007, and brother, Paul in 2017. Garry was born May 21, 1942 in Wolcott, a son to the late Otto and Golda Sowers Glanzel. He was a veteran of the Army from 1964 until 1966 and was a member of the Wolcott American Legion and Elks (BPOE). Garry retired from Xerox after 30 years of employment. He is survived by step-daughter, Liz (Dave) Palmer of Wolcott; grandson, Jerry (Griselda) Palmer of TX; granddaughter, Michelle Palmer of NJ; 3 great-grandchildren, Jacalyn, Emily and Alan of TX; sister, Phyllis (Jack) Rosenkrans of Wolcott; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends may call Sunday (Oct. 15) from 2 to 5 pm at Farnsworth-Keysor Funeral Home, 5025 Main St., North Rose, where a funeral service will follow at 5 pm. A graveside service will be held Monday (Oct. 16) 11 am at Huron Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Wayne County, 1475 County House Rd., Lyons, NY 14489 in his memory. keysorfuneralhomes.com

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LYONS: Age 81, of Westphal Parkway, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. LeVern was born June 13, 1936 in Williamson, a son to Peter, Sr., and Pearl Fransisco Burm. He was employed by the former Wilprint in Lyons. He was a member of the American War Dads, and loved camping. He is survived by his loving companion, Gerry Briggs of 30 years, and her sons, David (Katie) Briggs of Lyons and Joe (Amanda) Briggs of Lyons; son, LeVern Burm; several grandchildren. There will be no services. Contributions may be made to Pathway Home, PO Box 516, Seneca Falls, NY 13148. Arrangements are by Weeks-Keysor Funeral Home, 5 Phelps St., Lyons.

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WOLCOTT: Age 94, currently a resident of Living Center at Geneva North, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Dorothy was born July 6, 1923 in Palmyra, a daughter to John and Mary Pembroke Bouwen. She and her husband Lester were the owners and operators of the former Wolcott Cleaners and Launderers until their retirement. Predeceased by her husband Lester in 2007, brother, Chester Bouwen, and sister, Florence Umphrey. She is survived by 2 daughters, Kathy (Bryan) Keysor of Sodus and Diane Dowd of Seneca Falls; 2 grandsons, Michael (Shari) Keysor of Biloxi, MS and Jeffrey Keysor (Allison Taft) of Bouckville, NY; great-granddaughter, Riley Keysor of Biloxi, MS; 2 sisters, Helen Huff of Lyons and Edna Lumley of Sodus; and 4 nieces. Family and friends may call on Saturday (Oct. 14) from 1 to 3 pm at Farnsworth-Keysor Funeral Home, 5025 Main St., North Rose. Other family services will be private. Burial will be in Glenside Cemetery, Wolcott. Contributions may be made to the Wolcott Presbyterian Church, 11988 W. Main St., Wolcott, NY 14590 or Lakeshore Ambulance, 5841 New Hartford St., Wolcott, NY 14590 in her memory. keysorfuneralhomes.com

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MANLIUS: Age 91, of Manlius, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017 after a brief illness. She was born in Newark, NY and graduated from Syracuse University as a Registered Nurse in 1949. There she met her husband, the late John G. Nowak. She has four children, Deborah Hughes, Kathryn Nowak, Christine Sears, and Greg Nowak; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In the 1970’s and 80’s, Janet worked at Marion Hall recruiting students for St. Joseph’s College of Nursing in Syracuse. Janet, a world-traveler and always curious, was known for her quest of knowledge and adventure. Whether she was at the family summer home in Old Forge, on the Maine coast, or in Sedona, Arizona at Slide Rock State Park (yes, sliding down the creek bed many times) – she loved life! Painting, ceramics, photography, music, gardening, the ginkgo tree, frogs, lilacs and songbirds were just a few of her interests. Always good-natured, patient, with a smile, and a streak of mischief, Janet accomplished whatever she wanted. So, on her behalf, any opportunity for a random act of kindness and appreciation toward others is but a simple request. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. Donations in her memory can be made to: Saint Marianne Cope Shrine & Museum, 601 N. Townsend Street, Syracuse, NY 13203

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WILLIAMSON: Rosemary went home with the Angels on October 11, 2017 at the age of 51. She is survived by her loving son, Thomas (Stephanie) Thornton; of Sodus, her loving daughters, Jessica (Epifanio) Romero; Tonya and Becky Thornton; each of Marion, 9 grandchildren, 6 sisters, Carol Youngblood; of Marion, Mary lynn (Roland) Berger; of Madrid, Connie Carpenter; of Williamson, Bernadette (Claude) Bennett; of Lisbon, Kathy (Theodore) Rothfuss; of Marion, and Mary (Eugene) Rogers; of Williamson, one brother James (Tammy) Ramsey; of Colorado. She also leaves behind her loving companion, Timothy Redding; of Rochester. Rosemary is predeceased by her parents. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends, but will remain in the hearts of all who loved her. Friends and family are invited to call 3:30 till 6:30PM Monday, Oct.16 at Stevens Funeral Home, 3896 Buffalo St., Marion, NY 14505 where the memorial service will be held immediately following calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Williamson Ambulance, 6334 Bennett St., Williamson, NY 14589. Condolences may be expressed at stevensfhmarion.com

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A month ago, The Times published a piece on the Cleveland Indians feat of winning 22-straight, breaking an American League record.

It was called “The Forgotten Streak.”

Remember that?

Probably because it’s now a reminder of disappointment and unfulfilled promise.

The record they broke? The 2002 Oakland A’s.

The Athletics, featured in the misleading book-turned-movie “Moneyball,” also lost in the ALDS.

Records. Cy Youngs. MVPs. They’re almost embarrassing to win after baseball’s final champagne party, often featuring none of those winners.

Clayton Kershaw has won three Cys and an MVP. Yet, in October, Dodgers fans injected with truth serum would admit they’d rather have Madison Bumgarner of the hated San Francisco Giants on the hill in Dodger Blue than their regular season Sandy Koufax.

Unless Kershaw hurls them to the Series this year.

A-Rod’s MVPs were mocked by America when the Yankees failed to reach the Series in 2005 and ‘07. He finally exorcised those demons in 2009, and was ripped again once the public learned the real MVP was Biogenesis founder, Tony Bosch.

Derek Jeter came as close as second in MVP voting. Yet, in an October moment, Yankee fans would prefer him over the guy to his right.

In fact, just over the last ten years, if you take every AL and NL MVP and respective Cy Young winner (40 players) how many of them led their team to a pennant, let alone a title?

Ready?

Four.

Ten percent.

Kris Bryant did it last year with the Cubs, Buster Posey and Miguel Cabrera led the Giants and Tigers, respectively in 2012, and Josh Hamilton carried the Rangers to their first of consecutive pennants in 2010.

Only two of them walked away with the most prestigious hardware–the rings.

This goes for every sport. It’s unfair. Without great regular season performances, there’s no shot at championships. Come postseason or playoffs, everybody is back at zero. But, it’s much harder to be the ace, or the MVP when everyone you face is also pretty good, too. And then when their teams lose, the award winner stands alone accepting an honor in the spotlight of contempt for unfinished work.

Regular season success followed by playoff shame is the very definition of winning the battle but losing the war.

There should be a Hall-of-Fame just for playoffs. Curt Schilling would make that one, while Ted Williams wouldn’t get consideration. Robert Horry and his seven titles, along with his clutch playoff play would make the inaugural class. Guys like Ernie Banks wouldn’t get in. Banks didn’t have much help, but neither do guys like Schilling and Horry when it comes to Hall discussions.

In terms of why they play the games, isn’t winning it all what matters most?

Team sports need stars and leaders. But the true test is how far that star brings them, or who arrives when it really matters.

Scott Brosius was nobody special. He’s bigger Yankee hero than A-Rod.

Indians fans were skeptical when Terry Francona went with Trevor Bauer in Game One saving ace Corey Kluber for two and five.

Wednesday night, fans weren’t saying Kluuuuuber; they were saying boo.

For a second time in five days.

It’s awful for Cleveland, whose Browns are failing in their “process,” while LeBron plays-out his farewell tour. The Indians will continue to be good, but even their fans knew the streak didn’t mean much having waited for a title since 1948, and not selling-out  games toward the end of the run.

The Heisman. MVPs. Rookies of the Year. Cys. NFL superlatives. The 16-0 Patriots. Streaks. They’re cute, but nothing more than doggie treats.

The real Heisman gets crowned with an eventual No. 1 overall selection in the draft.

The other awards are met with indignation and sarcasm after unfulfilled championships.

None of them mean anything.

Aaron Judge is an MVP candidate who would have stood next to Joe Girardi in the blame line had the Yankees lost. Judge was awful, and there’s no room for deliberation. Yet, it was the man who succeeded Jeter at short, succeeding like the captain.

Didi Gregorious bailed his manager and MVP out.

When it comes to winning it all, don’t look solely to your award winners, or bet on your team’s past accomplishments. The regular season means nothing and the odds don’t favor them (unless they’re named Brady) come October, March, January, or June.

Look for those who want the ball, the bat, the moment more than their next breath.

That moment is everything you dream about. And succeeding in that moment is worth more than any piece of hardware.

The post Fool’s Gold appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

Supervisor Pagano called a regular meeting of the Macedon Town Board to order at 7:30 PM in the Macedon Town Hall. Meeting minutes dated September 28, 2017 were approved, as presented, as were the September Town Clerk and Police Reports.

At 7:40 PM a Public Hearing was called to order regarding proposed Local Law #4 of 2017, allowing the Town of Macedon to opt out of the NYS Real Property Tax Law §487 tax exemption for certain solar or wind energy systems or farm waste energy systems. A resident commented that, after having read up on the matter, he suggested a pilot option at a reduced rate to meet in the middle. Councilman Babcock stated that he would like to revisit the opt out option in an effort to further examine numbers. Councilman Maul remarked that the town board has been very supportive of solar programs, however, he pointed out, when the projects were proposed, there was no mention of tax breaks in order for residents to maximize energy savings. Councilman Kenyon agreed with Mr. Maul, stating that the tax rate is already lower than that of a residential property owner, and to completely waive taxation seems unfair to the residents of the town. Councilman McEwen pointed out that the solar farms are already being subsidized by the taxpayers. The hearing was left open in order for the board to do further research and allow residents the opportunity to offer their thoughts during the next board meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2017, with one nay vote from Councilman Kenyon.

During the Round Table portion of the meeting, Supervisor Pagano shared that she recently attended an annual public library luncheon where the Macedon Public Library Youth Services Staff of Ms. Pam Dibble, Ms. Kathy Koehler and Ms. Julia Koberlein were awarded the 2017 Pioneer Award. The board, and public, responded with a round of applause for the women’s accomplishment.

Councilman Maul commented that he is continually working on the 2018 town budget, but noted that it is not yet where it needs to be. It was decided that the board will meet in another budget workshop and he offered that he will bring some suggestions of options he has thought of that may help. The workshop was scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 19th at 5:30 PM, subject to confirmation of availability.

Highway Superintendent, Mr. Chris Countryman, shared that the department has been finishing up summer projects, is continuing brush pick up and will now begin leaf pick up in the hamlet. Additionally he noted that the Trapbrook project is now complete.

Macedon Police Chief, Mr. John Colella, remarked on the resignation of Police Officer Norman Klein, stating “Officer Klein was a great asset and we will miss him.”. Additionally he commended Sergeant MacNeal and staff who worked diligently and therefore were successful in solving 15 cases, some dating back to 2015.

Approved business items were as follows:

– Approval to set a Public Hearing regarding the Farmington Fire Association Fire Service Protection Contract for 2018 to be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 7:45 PM

– Acceptance of a resignation from Mr. Norman Klein, part time police officer, effective October 11, 2017

– Approval of the amended (B) State Snow & Ice Contract for the 2017/2018 season, granting authorization for Supervisor Pagano to sing the amended contract

– Approval of a contract extension for the State Snow & Ice Contract for the 2017/2018 season, granting Supervisor Pagano to sign the extended contract

– Authorization for Supervisor Pagano to sign the Wayne County Snow & Ice Agreement

– Approval to hold a Budget Workshop, subject to confirmation of availability, to be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 5:30

– Approval for Highway Superintendent, Mr. Chris Countryman to purchase (two) 3,000 gallon storage tanks, pump and pump house, hose kit and spray lance from Innovative Solutions to store Magic Minus Zero De-Icing Solution at a cost of $9,732.54

– Payment of Claims

Public comment was offered from resident, Linda Braun, who commended the posting of historical markers throughout town, and thanked the town for fixing the Civil War Monument. She also reported having received a donation from the Philip Steiger American Legion Post of Macedon $350.00 modifications to the monument.

No other business came before the board and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM for the board to meet in Executive Session regarding a contractual matter. The next meeting of the town board will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2017, also in the Macedon Town Hall.

By Becky Block

The post Macedon Town Meeting   Thurs., Oct. 12, 2017 appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

A regular meeting of the Butler Town Board was held on October 9, 2017 at the Butler Town Hall.

Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

The board members present were:  David Spickerman, Sr., town supervisor, Duane VanGelder, John Dates and Eugene VanDeusen, councilmen.  Councilman Reed was absent.  Robin Jeremenko, town clerk, was taking the minutes.  Others present were: Dorothy Wiggins, Scott Stone, Don Camp, Dave Soules and Trent Fralick.

The pledge was given by all in attendance.

There was no public participation.

A copy of the minutes from September 11, 2017 and October 2, 2017 were given to each board member to review.  Councilman VanDeusen moved to accept the minutes as given, seconded by Councilman Dates.  All were in favor.  Carried.

In Monthly Reports, the following departments submitted or read their reports to the town board:  the supervisor, town clerk, justices, code enforcement officer, animal control officer and historian.  Councilman VanGelder moved to accept the monthly reports as given, seconded by Councilman Dates.  All were in favor.  Carried.

There were no advisory committee reports and correspondence.

In Old Business, Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. said we are still working on the NYMIR recommendations.  The crane inspection was done.

Councilman Dates moved to appoint Candace Rasbeck to the Board of Appeals with her term to expire December 31, 2021, seconded by Councilman VanDeusen.  All were in favor.  Carried.

Dave Soules mentioned to the town board that the schooling for Board of Appeals members is in Batavia, New York.  He said there used to be schooling in Lyons.  Supervisor Spickerman said he would look into it.

In New Business, Supervisor Spickerman said he has two quotes for propane.  SunGas is $1.433 a gallon and E & V Energy is $1.388 a gallon.  Councilman VanGelder moved to accept E & V Energy’s propane quote for $1.388 a gallon, seconded by Councilman Dates.  All were in favor.  Carried.

The town clerk read the diesel fuel bid legal notice. She said the town did not receive any bids for diesel fuel. Supervisor Spickerman suggested having the highway superintendent find out the state price.  The town board went on to discuss how often the tank is filled and additives. Supervisor Spickerman will get quotes for diesel fuel.

Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. gave a copy of the current summary of the Wayne County-Wide Shared Services Plan to each board to review.

Resolution No.  10-09-2017

New York State Snow and Ice Amendment B

WHEREAS, it was moved by Councilman VanDeusen, seconded by Councilman VanGelder and unanimously carried.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Butler authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the New York State Amendment B for the 2016/2017 Winter Season.

Adopted:Supervisor Spickerman

Councilman VanGelder

Councilman  Dates

Councilman VanDeusen

Councilman VanGelder moved to give Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. permission to sign the 2018 Wayne County Snow and Ice Contract, seconded by Councilman Dates.  All were in favor.  Carried.

Councilman VanGelder moved to set the date for the budget hearing for October 23, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilman VanDeusen.  All were  in favor.  Carried.

In Other Business,  Don Camp asked if we could change the board meeting date when it falls on a holiday.  The board said no.

The town clerk asked for permission to purchase a new printer.  She said she replaced the toner and drum and it is still saying the drum needs to be replaced.  Councilman Dates moved to give permission to the town clerk to purchase a new copier, seconded by Councilman VanDeusen.  All were in favor.  Carried.

Councilman Dates moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m., seconded by Councilman VanDeusen.  All were in favor.  Carried.

The post Butler Town Meeting   Mon.., Oct. 9, 2017 appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

Board of Education President, Ms. Sharon Lang, called a regular meeting of the board to order at 7:00 PM in the Intermediate School Cafeteria.

Board of Education Vice President, Ms. Laura Arrington, then shared the “Level Up” Report, noting that Miss Lauren Miller broke her diving record with a new score of 216.35, and the board sent their congratulations.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Robert Ike, made a presentation noting that Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared October 23-27, 2017 as School Board Recognition Week, and the district would like to celebrate and recognize the Pal-Mac CSD Board of Education for their volunteerism and all the time they give to the school community. The board was then shown a thank you video made by students, staff and administration throughout the entire district, and each board member received a framed piece of student made artwork.

Board of Education President, Ms. Sharon Lang, along with the Vice President, Ms. Laura Arrington, presented a recognition award to Mr. Earl Hinkson, the Macedon Crossing Guard, for his conscientious efforts in keeping Pal-Mac students safe, in all kinds of weather.

Dr. Steven Sanzo then introduced the new staff at the Intermediate School to the board. Ms. Kathy Haynes, Ms. Sarah Wendel, Ms. Christine Horton and Mr. Chris Barnard were introduced and welcomed with a round of applause.

Ms. Jennifer Allen and Ms. Katie Markiewicz, along with four of their fifth grade students then shared their math program, “Investigations 3”, where students learn how to solve number puzzles using “clues” they are provided with. The students then taught an interactive math lesson on “Designing Your Own Math Puzzle”, challenging the Board of Education and District Administrators with a puzzle they designed themselves.

Lastly, Miss Katie Barnes, a high school senior, then presented information on the Dare to Dream Scholarship. She explained that the scholarship is available only to students between their junior and senior years. To be considered for the scholarship students must fill out an application and undergo two interviews. If selected, students receive $3,000.00 to to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, the Southernmost point of South Africa for a month and a half. Each student must plan their travel independently and, once they arrive, live in a home with other scholarship winners. While there, the students see historic sites, and volunteer in the community. Miss Barnes spent her time working with the local children teaching them how to surf, working on improvements to the school itself and planning, then executing, weekly lessons to groups of children daily. Additionally Miss Barnes is an active Venture Scout and incorporated her Summit Project with her time in Cape Town and, prior to leaving, collected needed supplies for the children’s school in which she volunteered.

Immediately following the presentations, a brief meet and greet with the new Intermediate School staff was held with PTSO supplied refreshments.

The Consent Agenda was approved, as presented, as were meeting minutes dated September 5, 2017, along with the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2017, were approved, as presented.

Approved business items were as follows:

– Acceptance of a donation in the amount of $500.00 from the PTSO to purchase lunches for students during college visits on Career Day

– Acceptance of a donation in the amount of $500.00 from the PTSO to the Middle School to fund a field trip to Seabreeze for the Home Base Challenge winners

– Acceptance of single serve food donations of caramel apple chips and fruit/veggie cups from Seneca Foods in support of the Weekend Wellness program

– Approval of a Resolution which, upon the recommendation of the Graduates of Distinction Committee, the 2017 Graduates of Distinction were named as Matthew Patnaude, Palmyra-Macedon Central School, Class of 2001 and Marya Vande Doyle, Palmyra-Macedon Central School, Class of 1990, and it was further resolved that the induction ceremony was held on September 29, 2017 at the Palmyra-Macedon High School football field

– Approval of a Transfer of funds for the Griffith-McLouth Funds

– Approval to appoint Mr. Christopher J. Barnard as the Lead Evaluator

– Acceptance of the resignation of Ms. Amanda J. Masters, High School Check and Connect Mentor, effective August 31, 2017

– Approval to appoint Ms.  Kristen A. Hartwell, as a part-time Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist for the 2017 – 2018 school year

– Approval of Miss Andrea Jacobs, Mr. Dan Lustica, and Miss Karen Maynard as Middle School Tutors

– Approval to appoint Mr. Stephen E. True as a Seasonal Employee for the 2017-2018 school year

– Approval of the annual high school advisor positions as follows: Lead Teacher  for ELA- Ms. Kimberly Day; Class of 2018 Senior- Mr. John Burgess; Class of 2020 Sophomore- Mr. Ray Boss; Range Safety Officer- Mr.David Dandino; and Senior Trip Coordinator- Ms. Stacia Santelli

– Approval of Certified Substitute Teachers as follows: Ms. Amy L. Noye- School Counselor (effective 9/5/2017); Ms. Janelle L. Rinaldo- Physical Education; Ms. Laurie J. Stevens-  Special Educatoion for Pre-K, K and Grades 1-6 (effective September 15, 2017) and Ms. Amanda R. Winans-  Early Childhood (B-2), Students With Disabilities (1-6) and Childhood Education (1-6) (effective 9/22/2017)

– Approval of Uncertified Substitute Teachers as follows: Mr. Austin W. Frahm and Ms. Dana L. Nau

– Approval of the Retirement of Ms. Dorothy M. Steinruck, High School Food Service Helper, effective June 30, 2018, with best wishes for a long and healthy retirement

– Approval of the Retirement of Ms. Dorothy M. Steinruck, Bus Driver, effective June 30, 2018, with best wishes for a long and healthy retirement

– Approval of an unpaid Leave of Absence for Ms. Renee Huddleston, a Teacher Aide at the Intermediate School, effective October 30, 2017 through November 7, 2017

– Approval of 26 Week Probationary Appointments as follows: Ms. Kimberly A. Aumann as a Monitor for the Transportation Department, effective September 14, 2017; Ms. Shannon Carrier as a Special Teacher Aide in the Middle School, effective September 1, 2017; Ms. Brenda Dandino as a Monitor for the Transportation Department, effective September 5, 2017

– Approval of Ms. Cynthia M Guck, a Part-Time UPK Teacher Aide in the Primary School with a 26 Week Probationary Appointment, effective September 7, 2017

– Approval of Mr. David N. Dandino and Ms. Cynthia M. Guck as Classified Staff Substitutes, effective September 22, 2017

– Approval to schedule a Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 24th at 7:00 PM in the high school

Before adjourning the meeting, Board President, Ms. Sharon Lang, thanked all those who planned and participated in the Homecoming festivities, stating that it was a great week that boasted a little something for every member of the district and community.

Public comment was heard from Ms. Renee Hermann, who thanked the board for all their hard work and dedication, pointing out that many people do not realize that board members are volunteers, who are not paid but dedicate many hours to the district and community alike.

No other business came before the board and the board then recessed the meeting  at 8:30 PM to meet in Executive Session regarding Collective Negotiations. A Special Meeting of the board will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 7:00 PM in the High School. The next regular business meeting of the town board will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 7:30 PM in the High School.

By Becky Block

The post Pal-Mac School Meeting  Tues., Oct. 10, 2017 appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

Within the various Wayne County School Districts, as well as regionally, there is a growing concern regarding a shortage of substitute school nurses.

Having a school nurse within each of the school buildings, for all of the districts in Wayne County, may be an afterthought for most; but having a substitute for those nurses (they’re allowed to miss work sometimes too) can be a difficult find for districts in need of fulfilling that contingency.

Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and Wayne County Public Health have been actively trying to help Wayne County School Districts solve this problem by generating a per diem list of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who can fill in at schools across the county. The idea is simple: create a centralized list of qualified nurses that BOCES can employ/contract with for schools to access when needed.

However, there just hasn’t been enough of a response; and the lack of a qualified pool of nurses will put significant strain on districts in need of a substitute nurse to fulfill requirements.

Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and Wayne County Public Health would like anyone interested to call the Wayne County Public Health Department at 315 946-5749, or by e-mail at WCPH@co.wayne.ny.us

The post Severe Substitute School Nurse Shortage around Wayne County appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

The Wayne County Office of the Sheriff’s Welfare Fraud Unit in conjunction with the Wayne County Department of Social Services, reported the arrest on Thursday (10/5) of Catherine J. Quigley, age 40, of North Main Street in the Village of Newark.

An investigation was initiated by the Department of Social Services after it was discovered that Quigley possibly failed to report income she was receiving. After the investigation it was determined that Quigley applied for food stamps in May of 2017. Shortly after her application for benefits, Quigley began working and failed to ever notify DSS of this change in income.  The Department of Social Services confirmed that Quigley was in-fact employed and collecting a paycheck.

As a result Quigley received $1836 worth of benefits she was not entitled to. She was arrested for Welfare Fraud in the 4th Degree and Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree. Quigley was issued appearance tickets and released to appear in the Town of Lyons Court on a later date.

In the second case, the Wayne County Office of the Sheriff’s Welfare Fraud Unit, in conjunction with the Wayne County Department of Social Services, reported the arrest on Tuesday (10/10) of Tiffani M. Pascarella, age 22, of Edwards Road in the Town of Waterloo.

An investigation was initiated by the Department of Social Services after it was discovered that Pascarella possibly failed to report that she was currently employed while attempting to receive food stamps.   

After the investigation it was determined that Pascarella intentionally failed to report that she was employed while completing her application for SNAP benefits at the Wayne County Department of Social Services.  It was also confirmed that Pascarella had actually started working through ADECCO a week prior to coming in and completing her application.   

Pascarella was arrested for Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st degree at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office in Lyons.  She was issued an appearance ticket and was released to appear in the Town of Lyons Court on a later date.

The post Two women charged with Welfare Fraud+ following investigation appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

Boys Varsity Soccer
Thursday, October 12
Wayne 4, World of Inquiry 1
Wayne (12-2-2): Matt Gentile 3 goals; DJ Stamonine 1 goal; Brandon Shugerts 10 saves. WOI: Isaac Hakizimana 1 goal; Jimmy Mejia 19 saves.
Wednesday, October 11
Gananda 3, North Rose-Wolcott 1
Gananda (8-7-1): Steven Heumann 2 goals; Shayne O’Connor 1 goal.
Red Creek 2, Williamson 1
RC (6-8-1): Tristan McIntyre 2 goals. Williamson (12-2): Connor Garrod 1 goal.
Pal-Mac 2, Geneva 1
PM: Nick Sapienza and Cody Johnson each scored a goal.
Penn Yan 5, Newark 0
Fabian Martinez-Sanchez scored a goal and added an assist for Penn Yan.
Wayne 6, Waterloo 0
Cullen Bock scored twice and Matt Gentile had one goal and two assists for Wayne.
Marion 2, East Rochester 1
Braeden Szostak had two assists for Marion.
Monday, October 9
Marion 3, Red Creek 2
Marion: Ethan Walters 1 goal, 1 assist; Sean Randall 7 saves.
Pal-Mac 3, Newark 0
Nick Sapienza scored twice for Pal-Mac.
Williamson 2, Aquinas 0
Hunter Byron and Simon VanHoover scored for Williamson.
Sodus 2, Gananda 0
Maliq Burton and Collin Karasinski scored for Sodus.
North Rose-Wolcott 4, East Rochester 2
Girls Varsity Soccer
Thursday, October 12
Newark 4, Penn Yan 0
Newark: Emma Robbins, Jasmine Bueso, Phoebe Bates, Camryn Pettit 1 goal; Sydney Salone 2 assists.
Wayne 1, Palmyra-Macedon 1
Wayne: Taylor Gabriel 1 goal.
Gananda 2, Sodus 0
Gananda: Peyton Daeffler, Shelby Bryant 1 goal.
Marion 10, Lyons 0
Marion (16-0): Chloe DeLyser 3 goals, 4 assists; Brianna Allen 2 goals, 1 assist.
Williamson 2, Kearney 1
Williamson (10-5-1): Autumn Ressue, Autumn Frost, 1 goal; Erin Noger, Brooke Bishop 1 assist; Kayla Brennan 15 saves.
Wednesday, October 11
Red Creek 5, Cato-Meridian 0
RC: Maggie Meyer 2 goals; Maddy Brown, Riley Shaffer, Jessie Bolton 1 goal.
Tuesday, October 10
Gananda 10, Lyons 0
Jenna Ginsberg scored 3 goals and added an assist, Shelby Bryant scored two goals and had two assists, and Megan Miller scored twice for Gananda.
Marion 4, North Rose-Wolcott 1
Marion: Chloe DeLyser scored three goals to move into third place on the Section V all-time scoring list with 163.
Palmyra-Macedon 7, Midlakes 0
Pal-Mac: Olivia Keller 4 goals.
Sodus 5, Dundee 0
Sodus (5-10): Brooke Fillmore 5 goals.
Wayne 3, Mynderse 0
Wayne Goalie Mia Wemesfelder made 12 saves.
Monday, October 9
Red Creek 4, Midlakes 0
Red Creek: Maggie Meyer 3 goals; Jessie Bolton 1 goal, 1 assist.
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Thursday, October 12
Palmyra-Macedon 25-25-25, Midlakes 18-19-18
PM: Kierstin Hammond 5 kills, 2 aces, 15 digs; Remy Cummings 4 aces, 5 digs; Sara Kelly 4 kills, 5 digs.
Wayne 25-25-25, Brockport 19-13-17
Wayne (13-0): Maddir Chacchia 2 aces, 21 digs; Aubrey Runkle 4 kills, 1 ace; Brookelyn Kunzer 2 aces, 11 digs, 3 kills.
Wednesday, October 11
Lyons 25-25-25, Williamson 4-5-7
Lyons (15-0): Jenna Stone 13 aces; Riley DeCola 9 assists.
Marion 25-25-8-27, Sodus 14-21-25-25
Marion (6-9): Elly Hepburn 8 kills. Sodus (9-5): Zoe Creason 11 kills, 8 digs.
Gananda 25-25-25, North Rose-Wolcott 14-8-7
Gananda (12-2): Bri Trotta 5 kills, 7 digs; Clarie Howard 8 assists, 3 digs.
Clyde-Savannah 22-25-25-25, East Rochester 25-3-2-18
JeAnna Paddock had 9 kills; 18 assists, Chelsea Carr 6 kills, Allison Payne 5 kills, Natalie Maddox 3 aces, Cailin Bloomer 23 digs, Riley Carr 20 assists.
Tuesday, October 10
Wayne 25-25-23-25, Penn Yan 22-19-25-20
Wayne (12-0): Katie Leaty 6 aces, 7 kills, 16 digs, 31 assists.
Geneva 25-26-25, Palmyra-Macedon 22-24-23
Geneva (4-8): Lauren DeVaney 10 kills; Julie Trunzo 7 kills. Pal-Mac (6-6): Brandy Morrisen 12 kills; Isabelle Brewer 11 kills.
Sodus 25-25-25, North Rose-Wolcott 22-20-19
Sodus: Macy Petersen 3 aces.
Monday, October 9
Finney 25-25-25, Marion 18-11-6
Finney: Becca Oldham 6 aces, 8 kills, 9 digs; Gabbyb Ziegler 5 aces, 8 kills; Sarina Pasquanto 20 assists. Marion: Allison Spanganberg 7 digs.
Girls Varsity Swimming
Thursday, October 12
Marcus Whitman 101, Pal-Mac 85
Pal-Mac’s Lauren Miller Diving), Rachael Mayou (500) and Delaney Leeson (Backstroke) kept the meet close for Pal-Mac by winning their individual events. At the end of the 100 Backstroke Pal-Mac pulled within 4 points of Whitman but Marcus Whitman finished strong by placing first and second in the breaststroke and winning the 400 Free Relay to finish 101-85
Gananda 96, North Rose-Wolcott/Red Creek 84
Gananda: Darby McNamara won the 200 Free (2:05.89) and 100 Fly (1:04.87); Grace Cunningham won the 200 IM (2:29.88) and 100 Back (1:11.24); Krista Willard won the 100 Free (56.77) and 100 Breast (1:15.72).
Newark 101, Midlakes 79
Marcus Whitman 101, Palmyra-Macedon 85
MW (10-0): Hailey Rossi won the 200 Free (2:03.71) and 100 Fly (1:05.44); Morgan Smithling won the 50 Free (27.13) and 100 Free (59.56).
Tuesday, October 10
NR-Wolcott 82, Eastridge 73
Double-winner: Gabrielle Welsh (NR-W) 200 IM (2:55.94), 100 freestyle (1:08.93).
Girls Varsity Tennis
Tuesday, October 10
Class BB Singles
Quarterfinals: No. 1 Sarah Bodewes (Mendon) d. Veronika Jurcuk (Wayne) 6-1, 6-0; No. 4 Gwenneth Mattia (Sutherland) d. Becky Dresnack (Brockport) 6-1, 6-0; No. 3. Eliza Gonzalez (Brockport) d. Lauren Hill (Mendon) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(6); No. 2 Josie Libby (Sutherland) d. Andrea Banke (Wayne) 6-0, 6-1.
First round: Jurcuk (Wayne) d. Emma McLean (HF-L) 10-5; Dresnack (Brockport) d. Lyndsay Debo (Batavia) 10-5; Mattia (Sutherland) d. Sunita Bhattarai (Wilson) 10-0; Gonzalez (Brockport) d. Yu Re Nah (Wilson) 10-0; Hill (Mendon) d. Tara Clattenburg (Batavia) 10-1; Banke (Wayne) d. Lauren Cody (HF-L) 10-6; Libby (Sutherland) d. Sarah VanDemortal (Geneva) 10-0.
Class BB Doubles
Quarterfinals: No.1 Joyce Luo/Jess Bodewes (Mendon) d. Mia Newman/Raeah Syed (Wayne) 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Hannah Kim/Selin Akbas (Sutherland) d. Stephanie Hoey/Sophia Alkhouri Stuart (Batavia) 6-3, 6-0; No. 3. Claire Martin/Mena Shaheed (Mendon) d. Mackenzie Schayes/Alexis Schiedel (HF-L) 6-3, 6-2; No. 2 Niharika Chaudhary/Sean Miller (Sutherland) d. Laruen Leon/Alcia Scroger (Batavia) 10-0.
First round: Luo/Bodewes (Mendon) d. Jessica Michels/Francesca Vigerzi (Eastridge) 10-0; Newman/Syed (Wayne) d. Sarah Wojtas/Maggie Hintz (Brockport) 10-1; Hoy/Alkhouri Stuart (Batavia) d. Morgan Tripi/Emma Wilkinson (HF-L) 10-4; Kim/Akbas (Sutherland) d. Lauren Schmit/Natalie Berg Pappert (Geneva) 10-0; Martin/Shaheed (Mendon) d. Emma Sutton/Olivia Condon (Wayne) 10-0; Schayes/Schiedel (HF-L) d. Tessa Beaulieu/Olivia Amoroso (Brockport) 10-0; Leone/Scroger (Batavia) d. Alia Nguyen/Khina Sarki (Wilson) 10-0; Chaudhary/Miller d. Enitan McIntosh/Sara Wright (Genva) 10-0.
Class B Singles
Quarterfinals: No. 1 Kristin Jones (HAC) d. Leslie Nohe (Pal-Mac) 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Mackenzie Kommer (Midlakes) d. 6-4, 6-3; No. 3 Anastasia Gubanova (HAC) d. Shelby Woodard (Penn Yan) 6-0, 6-0; No. 2 Cara Graham (Pal-Mac) d. Andrea Hoe (Newark) 6-0, 6-2.
First round: Nohe (Pal-Mac) d. Kandice Tillman (Waterloo) 10-1; Curbeau (Penn Yan) d. Cordelia Lalone (Newark) 10-0; Kommer (Midlakes) d. Erika Schneible (Odyssey) 10-3; Gubanova (HAC) d. Rachel Webb (Midlakes) 10-0; Woodard (Penn Yan) d. Kelly Jenkins (Odyssey) 10-1; Hoe (Newark) d. McKenzie Barber (Waterloo) 10-1.
Class B Doubles
Quarterfinals: No. 1 Molly Pull/Claire Pullen (Penn Yan) d. Tessa Charles/Ella Hocker (HAC) 6-0, 6-1; Mariah Carson/Gillian Smith (Odyssey) d. Andra Savage/Heather Weaver (Pal-Mac) 6-1, 6-2; 3. Kate Jones/Katie Smyth (Pal-Mac) d. Lexi Marble/Sam Denson (Penn Yan) 6-3, 6-4; No. 2. Lila Campbell/Fiona Lutz (HAC) d. CeCe Elliot/Vanesa Chiodo (Aquinas) 10-4.
First-round: Pullen/Pullen (Penn Yan) d. Miranda Lavalette/Victoria Greenfield (Waterloo) 10-0; Charles/Hocker (HAC) d. Anabel Darling/Lauren Mays (Newark) 10-9(2); Savage/Weaver (Pal-Mac) Forfeit; Carson/Smith d. Nour Haida/Arianna Sciacca (Aquinas) 10-2; Jones/Smyth (Pal-Mac) d. Gabrielle Struzik/Mackenzie Ellison (Waterloo) 10-3; Marble/Denson (Penn Yan) d. Caitlin Ellsworth/Natalie Such (Odyssey) 10-5; Elliot/Chiodo (Aquinas) d. Suellen Petracchi/Kathryn Emerson (Midlakes) 10-4; Campbell/Lutz (HAC) d. Alicia Guarasci/Lily Guido (Wayland-Cohcoton) 10-4.
Monday, October 9
Girls Varsity Golf
League championship
Sectional qualifiers: 1. John Mittiga (Geneva) 76, 2. Joey Maher (Geneva) 79, 3. Bobby Goerlich (Romulus) 79, 4. Chance Sheldon (Waterloo) 84, 5. Jack LeStrange (Wayne) 85, 6. Trevor Robinson (Bloomfield) 86, 7. Noah Palumbo (Romulus) 87, 8. Nick Smith (Midlakes) 88, 9. Sean Bucklin (Geneva) 89, 10. Zachary Kelley (South Seneca) 90, Alt1: Gavin Lennox (Wayne) 91, Alt2: Blake Knifley (Geneva) 91.
Team sectionals qualifiers: Geneva and South Seneca have qualified, with Wayne and Honeoye playing head-to-head next week to determine the third team.

The post High School Sports Updates for this week appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

By DAVID KLEPPER
Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York state needs $27 billion to repair hundreds of aging, locally owned bridges, according to a new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

About half of the state’s 17,000 bridges are owned by local governments. Nearly 13 percent of these locally owned spans are considered structurally deficient. Some need repairs to allow them to carry heavier loads; others are prone to floods.

Many are more than half a century old; the average age of the 823 locally owned bridges in New York City is 75 years.

Failure to keep the bridges in good working order will jeopardize public safety and hamper efforts to boost the upstate economy, said DiNapoli, a Democrat. He said local, federal and state officials would have to work together to find the money for vital repairs.

“We have a long way to go and it’s very clear that our local governments, given the hefty price tag, cannot do the job on their own,” he said.

Specific bridges weren’t identified in the report, which looked instead at the health of the entire inventory of locally owned bridges. Typically, they are smaller structures that span creeks or gullies; in total they carry more than 33 million vehicles a day on average.

New York City had the highest number of structurally deficient local bridges, at 86, followed by Erie County, which had 52. The percentage of troubled bridges was highest in Seneca County, where more than one in three locally owned bridges is structurally deficient.

The report did have some good news: the number of structurally deficient bridges has declined overall since 2002, when more than 16 percent of locally owned bridges fell into the category.

DiNapoli said that while the state has tried to help local governments cover the cost of needed bridge work, the federal government will likely need to do more.

The state also faces billions of dollars of repairs and upgrades to local drinking water and sewer systems. DiNapoli said addressing all forms of aging infrastructure will be key to boosting the economy, especially in areas of upstate that have struggled to recover from decades of decline.

“We have to recognize that whether it’s a bridge, or a highway or water infrastructure, having infrastructure in good shape is key to our economy,” he said.

The post New York needs $27B to fix local bridges appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

WATERFORD, NY – Twelve images that capture the beauty and character of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor have been selected as winners of the 12th Annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Winning images will be featured in the 2018 Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Calendar, which will be available for free in December. Winning photos can be viewed at www.eriecanalway.org/gallery.

“These outstanding images offer a snapshot of what makes this 500-mile ribbon of waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes a national treasure,” said Bob Radliff, Erie Canalway Executive Director. “We hope they inspire people to protect and celebrate our unparalleled canal heritage.”

Judges selected twelve winners from nearly 300 entries. First, second and third place photographs were chosen in each of four contest categories: Classic Canal, Along the Trail, On the Water, and Canal Communities. In addition, twelve photographs received an honorable mention.

This year’s winners include a strong showing from the greater Rochester area, including Fairport, Pittsford, Spencerport, and Henrietta.

Free 2018 Erie Canalway calendars will be distributed starting December 1st throughout upstate New York. Locations where the calendars will be made available to the public will be posted in November at: www.eriecanalway.org. Funding support for the calendar comes from the New York State Canal Corporation.

The post Erie Canalway photo contest winners announced appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

It was late in the second quarter of 2014 when the Town of Ontario Board spotted discrepancies in figures supplied to the Board by then Superintendent of Water, Rodney Peets. He was asked for clarification on millions of gallons of water loss at the Town owned and operated water plant, located on the shore of Lake Ontario.

“Peets was given every opportunity to straighten this out,” said an unnamed source. By meetings in 2015, the water loss became an intensified issue that led to Peets being “allowed to retire” early in 2017.

The high water loss prompted a year-long investigation by the New York State Police, the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Comptrollers Office into Peets conduct while employed by the Town of Ontario.

On Tuesday (10/10) a 13 count Wayne County Grand Jury indictment was opened. Peets was arrested for Offering a False Instrument for Filing  1st  (3 counts), Offering a False Instrument for Filing 2nd (3 counts), Tampering with a Public Record 1st (3 counts), Tampering with a Public Record 2nd (3 counts) and Official Misconduct. He was arraigned  on Wednesday in Wayne County Court and remanded to jail on No Bail. He was released on Wednesday by a County Court Order issued by Judge Daniel Barrett.

In the 13 count indictment, six felonies and seven misdemeanors, it is alleged Peets issued a “Revised” report to the Town Board on the Unaccounted for Water, dated February 16, 2015 and knowingly made false/altered statements that would be registered as part of public records. Peets repeatedly gave more false Activity reports to the Board in  December of 2015, January 2016 and the Annual Drinking Water Report for 2015, dated March 2016.

There was no alleged theft of monies, but a misrepresentation of water loss over the period of time. No one could explain why Peets falsified the reports.

Peets’ actions were exposed after the Town Supervisor notified the Comptroller and law enforcement of the potential issue. The Comptroller then partnered with the State Police and District Attorney to fully expose Peets’ alleged crime.”

“Mr. Peets allegedly failed to correct the water system issue and falsified records to conceal his negligence,” State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “Taxpayers have a right to expect accountability and transparency in government.  I thank the State Police and Acting District Attorney Bokelman for their efforts to fight public corruption.”

The result of the false statements created problems, not only with the state agencies, but questions of matching water production with customer billing over the time period. The Comptroller’s office and Town reviewed thousands of computer entries.

The water issue may not be much of a problem with homeowners, but large customers like the Ginna Plant, that did have billing anomalies over the past years, have come into question. The Ginna facility has numerous water meters that get billed.

The Town will review any questions water customers bring to their attention. One source has indicated this may cost the town money after the dust settles.

The post Former Town of Ontario Water Superintendent jailed after 13 count indictment appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

NEWARK: Age 86, died Thursday (February 15, 2018) at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital. He was born on March 24, 1931 in Newark, the son of the late Anthony and Marion Tavano Palermo. Cozzie was a 1949 graduate of Newark High School and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a life long member of St. Michael Church. For many years. Cosmo designed kitchens and baths at his business Lake Country Kitchens and Baths in Newark. Cozzie is survived by four sons Chris (Jan) Taft of Vestal, NY, Shaun (Wendy) Taft of Knoxville, TN, Michael (Christine Moffat) Palermo of Bedford, NY, and Andrew Palermo of Irving, CA; brother Paul Palermo and sister Rose Marie (Gary) Lalonde; sister-in-law Eleanor Palermo; his ex-wife and good friend Phyllis. He was predeceased by his siblings Josephine Craver, Catherine, Anthony, Rocco, Frank and John Palermo. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family, with burial in Newark Cemetery. murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com

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The week leading-up to Presidents Day is typically among the slowest in sports.

But, not this past week. And it has little to do with the Olympics.

Every four years we get newly acquainted, or re-acquainted with individual athletes in a country fixated on team sports. So, please forgive this writer for not investing any time for two weeks of tape-delayed, winter sports that hold no bearing on the other 1,447 days in the cycle.

And no, thanks to the short-sighted NHL, hockey no longer counts. And if it weren’t for Brian Gionta, you’d likely lose interest there, too.

Kidding, right? Ever watch Olympic baseball? Exactly.

America’s games have provided more than enough ink this past week.

Steve Kerr was roundly praised and cursed for allowing his Golden State Warriors to coach themselves in a blowout win over Phoenix.

It likely provided a kick in the shorts for both teams.

The Warriors are likely headed to a fourth straight NBA Finals, but are bored with their own success.

(Pay no attention to the standings. They mean nothing. Houston, like every Mike (D’)Antoni team–the “D” is still in witness protection–will flop come playoff time.)

Here’s a coach offering his team a unique perspective, and a symbiotic opportunity to learn. Awesome idea. Great experiment. Perfect time. Long season. Right?

For those of us thinking folk, sure.

For the hacks, Kerr was killed for giving the players even more power, and rubbing the victory in Phoenix’s face.

Funny how nobody criticized the Suns for being awful.

Johnny Manziel says he’s clean, sober and getting help for bipolar disorder.

Good.

But, he doesn’t want to go to Canada to prove he can play. He will showcase his skills in a short spring league that produced players like Fred Jackson.

Two things:

First, cue the Kaepernick crowd.

Second, somebody will take a flier on him.

Fair warning:

It has to be a team with an established starter looking for a decent backup. Heck, Manziel won with the Browns. That’s only happened one other time in two years.

You can’t put your stock in Manziel as a starter.

It also has to be a team with an established, business-first protocol.

It can’t be a team looking to Manziel to save it. He’s a Band-Aid at best; not a cure.

If he can prove he can hang in a place like New England or Green Bay, it’ll work.

If they’re not interested, he should’ve picked the CFL.

This Week’s “Next Jim Kelly” is supposedly Josh Rosen.

It’s the “lyin’ season,” so let’s hope that’s all it is.

Frank Reich is the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, and Bills fans need to think long and hard about the consequences of rooting for one of the franchise’s most-beloved players coaching another team in the AFC.

The Bills had their chance at Reich, but opted for Rex.

Now, Reich gets his shot with (if healthy) a real NFL quarterback.

And the goal for the Bills is the Super Bowl. The drought is over.

If all goes as hoped, a rivalry is the best possible outcome. And if that’s the case, Bills fans may never look at Reich the same way.

And they’ll take it.

Granted, this is very premature. Like, Stage Zero. The Pats still have Brady and Belichick.

The Buffalo Sabres started playing well for once. Coincidentally, Jack Eichel is out and the trade deadline is approaching.

Makes one wonder.

But don’t blame the now infamous tank. It was the right idea.

Blame former GM, Tim Murray.

You’re up Jason Botterill.

Wanna know what’s scary?

Both the Bills and Pegulas have two teams with GMs and coaches each with one year of tenure, all rookies.

If neither team can fix these issues, get ready to do all of this again.

You’re up, Brandon Beane.

Well, Sean McDermott, really. They’re tethered, thus another double-search if things implode.

Meanwhile, Spring Training has started and media Yankee haters have come out to pick this team as this year’s win-or-bust franchise.

If you’re an Indians, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, or Astros fan, you may hate this, but you shouldn’t.

The pressure is all on a young Bronx team without a very deep rotation. Everyone else is playing in their shadows.

Baseball has the Yankees right where it wants them.

Syracuse’s basketball season is over barring an ACC Tournament title after a turnover-filled, ill-afforded home loss to Bob Ohmann’s NC State Wolfpack.

Let’s be fair: objectively speaking, this team wasn’t expected to do a lot.

But, sticking with fairness, the team was rewarded two years ago for a 4-5 record during Jim Boeheim’s suspension. They didn’t have a solid resume, but they were given a pass, ultimately for breaking the rules.

Had they been graded fairly by the committee, not only would they have missed an eventual Final Four, but possibly the second of perhaps four straight NCAA Tournament runs.

Looks like another quiet March on The Hill.

And they say February is boring.

The post Not such a slow week appeared first on Times of Wayne County.

by Tom Murphy
AP Health Writer

This winter’s nasty flu season may smack patients with a financial side effect: surprise medical bills.

People who wind up in the emergency room or need an ambulance can be blindsided by hefty, unexpected charges. This often happens after patients visit a doctor or hospital outside their insurance network so coverage was limited. Insurance deductibles that reset every January and must be paid before coverage begins can make these invoices even more painful.

Here’s a look at the issue and some tips for dealing with surprises:

COMPLICATED NETWORK

Insurers form networks of doctors, hospitals and others and then negotiate rates with them. Doctors cannot bill outside those agreed-upon rates for in-network care.

For out-of-network care, providers can bill patients the difference or leftover balance between what the insurer paid for the care and what was charged.

On top of that, many insurers also make customers pay separate, higher deductibles for out-of-network care before they provide coverage. Then they tend to cover less of the remaining bill than they would have for in-network care.

The end result could mean a bill topping several thousand dollars, depending on the coverage and the care a patient needs.

Some plans even provide no coverage for non-emergency care outside their network. That’s more common with individual coverage sold on the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces.

Networks in those marketplaces also have gotten particularly narrow in recent years, which makes it easier for patients to end up with an out-of-network provider.

SOURCE OF CONFUSION

People with flu symptoms have been flocking to ERs in several states this winter, and that can lead to surprise bills, in part because patients are focused on getting help and not always researching their coverage. Even if a patient choses an in-network hospital, the doctor delivering care may be out of network.

For more complicated cases, the odds of that happening increase. A doctor assisting in a surgery may be out of network, and so might the anesthesiologist. A woman may give birth with help from an in-network doctor. But the baby may wind up in neonatal intensive care, where a doctor outside the network treats it.

Ambulance rides are another case where a patient may have little control over who provides the care.

“You call 911, and the ambulance that shows up is the ambulance you take,” said Erin Fuse Brown, a Georgia State law professor who researches medical billing.

WAYS TO HANDLE SURPRISES

If you’re having a planned surgery or procedure, check ahead with both your insurer and the hospital or doctor to make sure they are in network. Also ask about any physicians that may assist with the procedure.

If you wind up with a surprise bill, check first for errors in what was charged or if you have been billed out of network by mistake.

Then ask if the claim can be processed again as in-network care, especially if you had no way of knowing it wasn’t beforehand.

If that fails, some hospitals may be willing to negotiate discounts or put you on a payment plan.

In some markets, the law may be on your side. New York, California and several other states prevent providers from dropping surprise bills on patients unless the person had agreed to out-of-network care ahead of time.

But there are no federal laws that govern surprise medical bills, and those state laws don’t apply to some forms of insurance like the coverage millions of people receive from large employers, said Kevin Lucia of Georgetown University.

At the very least, don’t ignore a surprise medical bill. A hospital may report your account to a credit agency or turn it over to a debt collector who sues or tries to have your wages garnished.

“It’s not going to go away,” said Fuse Brown.

The post A surprise no one wants: Big medical bill even with coverage appeared first on Times of Wayne County.