Former legislator recognized posthumously; Hunter Safety recognized; Waverly Hall wing revisited

Former legislator recognized posthumously; Hunter Safety recognized; Waverly Hall wing revisitedThe family of Frank John “Bud” Waite is pictured in the County’s Legislative Auditorium on Tuesday, and prior to a resolution that recognized Waite posthumously for his service to the county’s legislature. (Photo by Wendy Post)

During Tioga County’s regular meeting of the legislature on Tuesday, Nov. 15, Frank John “Bud” Waite was recognized, posthumously, for his years of service as a legislator. Waite, who passed away on Oct. 21, 2022 at the age of 86, served an elected position, representing District #4 from Jan. 1, 1986 to Dec. 31, 2001.

For the recognition on Tuesday, Waite’s family members were in attendance and a Recognition Resolution was presented to his widow, Lois Waite. 

Former legislator recognized posthumously; Hunter Safety recognized; Waverly Hall wing revisited

On Tuesday, Tioga County’s Legislative Chair, Martha Sauerbrey, presented a resolution to Lois Waite, the widow to Frank John “Bud” Waite, in recognition for his service to the county legislator. The recognition was presented posthumously. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Waite’s son, Christopher Waite, who was present on Tuesday, stated of his father’s service to Tioga County, “He took the time spent on the legislature seriously; he felt he had something to contribute.”

Not only was Bud Waite an eighth generation dairy farmer on the Waite Farm on the South side of Owego, but he also served on the Agway Board and was an active member of the Farm Bureau and Eastern Milk Producers. 

During his 16 years of service to the Tioga County Legislature, Waite served on several Standing Committees to include Chair of Public Works / Solid Waste, in which he was instrumental in developing the curbside recycling program in Tioga County. Waite also served many years as a Legislative Representative on the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors.

Former legislator recognized posthumously; Hunter Safety recognized; Waverly Hall wing revisited

Frank John “Bud” Waite is pictured on this plaque that hangs on the wall in Tioga County’s Legislative Auditorium in Owego. Waite is pictured in the upper right of the photo. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Waite is survived by his wife, Lois, and three children – Christopher, Wendy, and Laurie; six grandchildren – Rebecca, John, Corey, Joshua, Stephanie, and Shelbilyn; and nine great grandchildren – Alexandra, Gavin, Aidan, Evelynne, Edward, Annabelle, Blake, Hudson, and Hunter.

Also of note from Tuesday’s meeting was the recognition of November as Adoption Awareness Month, and proclamation recognizing Hunting Safety Month.

A hunting accident claimed the life of a county resident back in 2018, and the legislature wanted to emphasize the importance of safety when hunting. 

Former legislator recognized posthumously; Hunter Safety recognized; Waverly Hall wing revisited

Tioga County Legislator Tracy Monell reads an Executive Proclamation, recognizing Hunter Safety in Tioga County. Monell presented the proclamation to Public Health employee Heather Vroman, pictured. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Legislator Tracy Monell presented an Executive Proclamation to Heather Vroman, a Public Health employee that was recently recognized as the Employee of the Quarter for the department. In the Public Health Department’s notice of Vroman as Employee of the Quarter she was described as an avid hunter, so the presentation of the proclamation to Vroman seemed to fit.

Vroman also spoke her own thoughts about hunting, stating, “It’s not just about the buck, it’s about watching the sunrise and sunset, and putting meat in your freezer.”

Vroman also emphasized safety and encouraged hunter education.

You can view the proclamation at https://tiogacountyny.com/media/ii1pkjqh/november-22-hunting-safety-month.pdf.

Also, and during privilege of the floor, Waverly’s Mayor, Patrick Ayres, talked about the vacant Waverly Village Hall wing, and continued to encourage county officials to consider occupying office space in Waverly. 

“The county should expand its footprint in the western part of the county,” said Ayers, adding, “The wing is there.”

Former legislator recognized posthumously; Hunter Safety recognized; Waverly Hall wing revisited

Waverly’s Mayor, Patrick Ayres, talks about Waverly Hall’s wing during the privilege of the floor at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Tioga County Legislature. (Photo by Wendy Post)

According to a Morning Times article posted on April 15, 2022, the village trustees approved a proposal for engineering services, which were estimated to cost up to $42,500. The Trustees, according to the article, said the engineering services would be paid for using American Rescue Plan funds.  

The article also spoke about prior discussions with Tioga County on what to do with the unused village wing. 

The article noted, “There was initially significant interest from both sides to set up the location for the county’s mental health services, but the estimated cost of the renovations to make the space suitable for operations made it apparent that other county departments would need to set up in the wing as well to make it feasible.”

Now the mayor is revisiting things again, this time during privilege of the county’s legislative floor. And although a Sept. 15, 2022 Morning Times article wrote that “anticipated costs for renovating the space came in higher than expected”, Ayres stated that the project is going to happen, and that it will not result in any increase in taxes. 

“We’re already connected through shared services,” said Mayor Ayres, and as he addressed the legislature on Tuesday. 

More county information and news can be found at www.tiogacountyny.com. 

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