Waterport News

UMPIRES: Home Plate - Paul Schrieber; First Base - Kerwin Danley; Second Base - Laz Diaz; Third Base - Wally Bell.

It's Staff Sgt. Edgar Covarrubias' second Fourth of July in Iraq. No family barbecue, no fireworks, but Covarrubias says he'll call his mom, wife and kids to share the day anyway.

Across Iraq, America's Independence Day was a normal work day for most U.S. troops. But the military threw in a taste of home at larger bases with ribs, corn on the cob and red, white and blue cake.

The holiday is even leaner at smaller outposts closer to the violence, where it comes with a can of meat, some cookies and a job not yet done.

Brockport Air Force Reserve Airman Chelsea Gitzen, daughter of Charles Gitzen of Brockport, graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

“It's called intestinal fortitude. You have to force yourself”

Waterport resident and Western New York business executive Carl V. Petronio will add another accomplishment to his overflowing resume this month. via Journal-Register

“He is an inspirational role model for our students, and we are proud to recognize Carl's professional achievements and long-standing support for SUNY Delhi by presenting him with an honorary degree”

A local scholar and two successful alumni of area colleges will be awarded honorary doctorate degrees at graduation ceremonies next month. via The Daily Star

“It was personally difficult for me at the 8 o'clock Mass, knowing how difficult it was for the people of St. Mary's”

Merging two families can be a difficult process. Old traditions must be discarded in favor of new, shared ones. via Journal-Register

“I should have worn short sleeves. I never thought how heavy that sucker was going to be.”

Laurie Frederick had 60 seconds to shop until she dropped. Sleeves rolled up, feet ready; she zipped around the perimeter of Jerome Pawlak's Save-A-Lot store in Albion Friday morning intent on filling her cart ... via Journal-Register

“The proposal conforms to the state [Department of Environmental Conservation] wildlife management plan”

Most were against Sessler Cos. plans to develop a "conservation lodge" for hunters of various depot wildlife, including its unique herd of white deer. via Finger Lakes Times Online

“When I first got there, we had smoke coming out of the eves, so I didn't know how far the fire had actually extended”

A chimney fire in Waterport caused a road block along Route 279 for nearly two hours Friday afternoon. via Journal-Register

“As mayor of the village of Albion, I am glad to see the Orleans County Task Force does not play favorites and has taken more drugs off the streets”

Four youths, including the daughter of beleaguered Albion Mayor Michael Hadick, have been arrested on charges of selling crack cocaine and other drugs. via Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

“When it hits the wall, and the wind catches it just right, everyone around gets sprayed.”

Fun at the farm Harvest events at local farm markets Amazing Maize Maze: Also includes pillow jumping, slingshot and other children's activities. via Democrat & Chronicle

Animal cruelty investigators seized nearly three dozen dogs from an Orleans County home. via R News

Animal cruelty investigators seized nearly three dozen dogs from an Orleans County home. via R News

“Our dog adoption suites are full, and there is a critical need for foster care volunteers to help care for the dogs.”

The cruelty investigation department of the Humane Society of Greater Rochester seized 35 dogs earlier today from 14739 Ridge Rd. via Democrat & Chronicle

“You really felt like you were living it with him. As he told it, I saw the war in a different light”

The buzz about "House to House: An Epic Memoir of War," written by a smalltown hero from Waterport, is only beginning, say those familiar with the book. via Journal-Register

“It's been really nice. In Chechnya I couldn't sleep, the guns, I could not sleep at night. But since I came to America, go on the bed I sleep right away”

The Waterport based World Life Institute has been connecting children orphaned by war with local families for 11 years. via R News