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Area Valedictorians Recognized By County Legislature

Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, pictured at far right, and County Legislature Chairman Paul Wendel, at left, stand with some of the county’s high school valedictorians Wednesday evening during a meeting of the County Legislature. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

MAYVILLE — The Chautauqua County Legislature on Wednesday recognized area valedictorians.

Commendations and certificates of merit were given to the former students from the area’s 17 school districts recognizing them for their academic achievement. Twelve girls and five boys earned the valedictorian distinction this year.

The legislature also voted Wednesday to appoint two new coroners, replacing two coroners whose resignations went into effect this week.

Richard Mackowiak and Daniel DiStasio were appointed Chautauqua County coroners by the legislature. Warren Riles, coroner of 41 years, and Larry Wilcox had left their seats vacant after their resignations, leaving the legislature to take expedient measures to appoint the pair. With the appointments, there are four coroners for the county. Two more can be employed for a total of six coroners if desired.

“They’ll be able to start tomorrow,” Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello said of the newly appointed coroners.

In other meeting news, a moment of silence was taken for longtime county legislator Joseph Trusso, who passed away since the last meeting of the legislature.

A motion was carried to commemorate June 2018 as “Dairy Month in Chautauqua County.” During the meeting’s privilege of the floor, the Chautauqua County Dairy Princess Ashley Haskins of Ellington and Alternate Princess Sophia Woodis of Mayville spoke about the importance of proclaiming June as Dairy Month.

“I would like to recognize the month of June as being Dairy Month,” Haskins said. “I have been working hard to educate the public and reach consumers with as many promotional events as possible in one month.”

Desiring to promote the celebration of dairy farms and dairy products year-round, both Haskins and Woodis talked about the hard work their families put into their farms.

During commendations, former World’s Strongest Man Donald Reinhoudt was recognized by Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello for setting numerous world records during his prime and being an exemplary influence for local youth.

“Don Reinhoudt is really a treasure, a living treasure here in Chautauqua County,” Borrello said.

Borrello was specifically touched by Reinhoudt’s commitment to those younger than him, often telling them to stay off drugs and work hard. During his lifting career, Reinhoudt had opportunities to move to California and be a spokesperson for different sporting outlets. He declined and instead lived out his life in the county.

Sheriff’s deputy Stephen Madonia was also recognized by the legislature. For braving a burning building after arriving first on the scene, Madonia was heralded for saving a woman and her dogs from the fire.

Along with fire chief Charles Piazza, Madonia had broken down the door to save the occupants. Madonia was also recipient of the Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor for intelligently and bravely distinguishing himself in the line of duty.

In other county news, continued support for the proposed Cassadaga Lake Nature Park was approved in a motion. This comes after the idea for the park was supported last year by the county legislature as well. The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy plans to implement a 77-acre nature park near Cassadaga Lake.

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