By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2026 at 12:16 pm
County DPW transformed space adjacent to Subway, giving historian more accessible space for local artifacts
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Catherine Cooper, the Orleans County historian, has a new office at 162 South Main St., a spot adjacent to Subway and next to the County Treasurer’s Office.
The county Department of Public Works transformed 2,000 square feet of space, putting in new drywall, a ceiling, electric and a floor.
“They did a huge amount of work,” Cooper said, commending the DPW staff for its work in the office and also relocating local artifacts and files from the top floor of Central Hall.
The County Legislature on Dec. 3 agreed to a lease with Nomax Albion, LLC, which is owned by Noah Michaels. He reached out to the county about using the 2,000 square feet for free if the county agreed to plow the lot for the plaza.
The county already was plowing part of it for the treasurer’s office. The county had to renovate the space and will be responsible for utilities.
Central Hall at 34 East Park St., which used to house the historian’s office and treasurer’s office, now is up for sale and listed for $229,000.
Catherine Cooper said her new space is more ground level and all on one floor. It is more accessible to the public. The previous site had stairs to climb and people often parked in a lot behind the building.
Cooper said the new space is more open, and isn’t in several smaller rooms. The 16 shelving units were purchased from Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, which sold the shelves as part of a renovation and addition project. Cooper worked at Lee-Whedon in Medina for 33 years, including 10 years as director before becoming county historian six years ago.
Cooper has office hours on Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. People are welcome to stop by and see her or by making an appointment. The office number is 585-589-4174.
Catherine Cooper is shown after the entrance to her new setup. The World War II uniform is from Dr. John Roche, who was an Army medic. The uniform is on loan from the Medina Historical Society. The poster celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.
It has been an extra busy two years for Cooper with the bicentennial celebration of Orleans County in 2025, and the 250thanniversary of the United States this year. She has helped plan many of the events the past two years, in addition to her regular duties as historian.
Those big milestone years are part of a very eventful tenure so far as historian. Her office already has moved twice in that time with the first move from the basement of Central Hall to the top floor.
Cooper looks forward to things being a little less hectic for the historian and Department of History.
“It’s been a lot of extra excitement that has brought a lot of focus to the department,” Cooper said about the big anniversary celebrations the past two years. “It has made it more challenging and interesting. But what I find the most interesting is going through the collection and sorting, trying to organize it in a fashion that is coherent and can be used by people going forward.”
She is eager to go through and organize more of the files and artifacts.
“I’m looking forward to having time to work on the collection more,” Cooper said. “The filing cabinets I’d like to get revamped. That takes time.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2026 at 11:17 am
ALBION – Two inmates in local state prisons will be spending more time in prison after they pleaded guilty in the Orleans County Court today to crimes against corrections officers.
Raequan Tarver, 25, was an inmate at Orleans Correctional Facility on Nov. 25, 2025 when he attempted to injure a correction officer. He admitted in court today to an altercation with an officer where Tarver said he tried to hurt that officer.
He pleaded guilty in court today to attempted assault in the second degree and faces an addition 2 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 16.
Tarver is currently serving a 1 ½ to 3 year sentence for attempted robbery in the second degree and attempted promoting prison contraband in the first degree. He is eligible for parole on Oct. 8, 2027. He is currently incarcerated at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, Seneca County.
Marisa Lockridge, 43, was at Albion Correctional Facility on Deb. 15, 2026 when she threw urine in an area near a corrections officer, causing the urine to come into contact with the officer.
She pleaded guilty in court today to aggravated harassment of an employee by an incarcerated person. She faces an additional 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison when she is sentenced on Dec. 16.
Lockridge has been moved to the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Westchester County. She is currently serving a 1 to 3 year sentence for grand larceny in the third degree. She is due to be released on Oct. 12. County Court Judge Sanford Church ordered here to be held without bail due to her release date on Monday.
In another case in court this morning, Tony Thompson, 59, of Albion was offered a plea deal where he would face up to 3 years in state prison if he pleads guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance.
He is facing eight counts of drug charges for allegedly selling crack cocaine in the Village of Albion. Thompson was arrested on May 12.
He can consider the offer and file motions in the case, which are due Nov. 2 and to be argued in court on Nov. 18.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2026 at 8:54 am
Shortage of ambulances, EMTs result in slower responses, dropped calls; Countywide model could be in the future
Photos by Tom Rivers: Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County emergency management director, speaks during an Orleans County Shared Services meeting last Thursday at Hoag Library in Albion. Next to him is Audra Fisher, a secretary in the Emergency Management Office.
ALBION – Municipal leaders in Orleans County are trying to stabilize the EMS system in the county and develop a long-term plan for a rising demand for EMS and ambulance responses.
EMS/ambulance calls went up 11.2 percent or by 556 calls from 4,965 in 2024 to 5,521 in 2025. The response calls for 11 fire departments in the county increased 12.4 percent or by 464 calls from 2024 to 2025 – from 3,755 calls to 4,219.
The total call volume is up 11.5 percent or by 1,046 from 9,105 in 2024 to 10,151 in 2025.
A report looking at the EMS and fire resources and response in the county finds a shortage of firefighters, EMTs and other first responders despite the rising calls.
Local leaders are taking a staggered approach to address issues outlined in the study, with EMS the first priority due to shortages in EMS personnel, rising response times and increasing costs.
There is also a shortage of firefighters in the county, putting more demand on mutual aid, especially during weekday peak call hours, the typical workday when many volunteers are at their regular jobs.
“We’re getting close to the stage of system failure,” Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director, said about the demand on the volunteer fire departments. “Mutual aid is at an all-time high.”
About 30 officials from local municipalities, fire departments and districts, and the county met last Thursday at shared services meeting at Hoag Library to establish working groups on the issues. Niederhofer will lead the EMS group, which needs to have a report to the state by Dec. 19.
The report needs to assess EMS coverage in each area of the county, identify gaps and how they will be filled, designate the provider and organizational structure for each area, estimate costs and how those costs are assigned, and identify any intermunicipal agreements or special districts needed.
The state is requiring all counties to submit a County EMS System Plan by Dec. 19. The Orleans County plan will be submitted to the state Department of Health, Big Lakes Regional EMS Council, and the State EMS Council.
Much of the local data already available from the EMS and fire service study completed in June .
The study shows call volume, response times, dropped calls, GIS coverage mapping, provider costs. the remaining work centers on the service model, provider designations, cost estimates and cost assignment.
Much of the local data already available from the EMS and fire service study by the Municipal Resources Inc. Its final report included 59 recommendations, with eight identified as highest priority.
County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, in black next to Niederhofer, speaks at the beginning of last week’s shared services meeting with a focus on EMS services. “Our challenge is taking a hard look at the information in front of us, hearing different perspectives, and identifying solutions that are effective,” she said.
Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the leaders of the county, towns, villages and emergency service providers all face their own challenges every day, and have their own perspectives.
“But despite these potential differences, we share the same fundamental goal: keeping our residents safe and making sure they have access to high-quality emergency services when they need it,” she said. “there are no easy fixes but we can have an open discussion, listen to each other, and start to develop a path forward to best serve Orleans County residents.”
Right now the Medina Fire Department is the primary ambulance provider for western Orleans for the towns of Shelby, Ridgeway and Yates. Mercy EMS serves the seven other towns in central and eastern Orleans – Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall and Murray.
Medina village officials say the ambulance service costs the village about $1.3 million a year. It wants the three towns to increase its contribution for the service from $35,000 annually to $135,000.
Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon said that is a big increase for the town. He has reached out to Mercy EMS about serving Yates.
“We’re concerned about the town of Yates being treated fairly,” Simon said about the contract with Medina.
The seven towns in 2027 will pay Mercy $300,000, with each town paying based on its share of call volume. The towns have asked for an more ambulances which would increase the total amount to $500,000 in a new contract for eight towns with Yates included. Yates would only have to pay $11,000 because of its low call volume.
That agreement is yet to be settled, and it impacts how the other towns will pay and receive coverage. The towns are all working on their budgets for 2027 with the budgets typically voted on in November.
An ambulance at the Medina Fire Department is parked outside the fire station. Medina handles the majority of EMS calls on the western end of the county but village officials say too much of the cost of the service is paid by village taxpayers.
Simon, during last week’s meeting, said there is no uniformity on how the towns pay, with Medina charging a set amount regardless of call volume while the Mercy EMS contract has varying amounts for the towns based on the number of calls.
Mercy EMS keeps ambulances in Albion at the former COVA headquarters and also is partially based out of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray fire hall in Murray. With the expanded $500,000 contract, Mercy would add an ambulance in Carlton.
Mercy EMS’s contract currently calls for two 24/7 basic life support ambulances and one 24/7 advanced life support fly car. Steve Coville, the Barre town supervisor, said the towns would like more coverage, including an advanced life support ambulance for 12 hours.
“We want to save people’s lives but we don’t want the townspeople to go broke either,” he said during the meeting last week.
In the study by Municipal Resources Inc., three options were identified to stabilize EMS service in the short-term and long-term.
Option 1. County-operated EMS – A county-run EMS system for the entire county, which would require a staff of about 60, Niederhofer. It would take major capital and workforce requirements, and a long-term step toward fire services augmentation.
Option 2. Enhanced contract with Mercy EMS – Mercy EMS is the primary ambulance provider for seven towns in the county. The contract could be renegotiated for enhanced, performance-based service with additional units, strategic posting of ambulances, response and quality of care standards, and corrective-action triggers.
Option 3. County Peak-Hour Unit – A county-staffed Advanced Life Support ambulance as a backup and gap-filler to Mercy EMS and Medina Fire Department during weekday peak hours. It could be a step toward an eventual county ambulance and volunteer fire service augmentation.
Local officials discuss the EMS service in Orleans County during a meeting last Thursday at Hoag Library.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 October 2026 at 9:16 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Jennifer Slack of Medina makes a scarecrow with her children, Emma and Bradley, during last year’s Scarecrow Fest on Oct. 11, 2025. The event is organized by the Medina Lions Club.
KNOWLESVILLE – The annual Scarecrow Fest sponsored by Medina Lions is truly an event for the entire family.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds will busy with boys and girls, moms and dads and even grandparents building scarecrows, romping in the straw or just enjoying a hot dog cooked by the Lions Club.
Event chairman Jim Hancock said the event has become so popular, families are coming from all over the county, and even Middleport.
He said the Fairgrounds on Route 31 is a perfect place for the event, which in early years was held in various locations around Medina, including the YMCA, the canal basin and Roberts Farm Market.
“Here, the event goes on, rain or shine,” Hancock said.
Many individuals are involved in making this event a success. It starts with Barden Homes, who donate the wood and cut the pieces for the bodies. Then the Lions get together and screw them together into a T. The cloth for the scarecrows’ faces is cut by Lions’ members, who then take them to Medina High School, where the art class paints the faces on them.
“They are really beautiful,” Hancock’s wife Barb said. “No two are alike.”
Clothing and accessories for the scarecrows are donated by the MAAC Thrift Shop. This includes shirts, blouses, hats, belts and pants.
Straw is donated by Ed Neal and Brian Dunham. Last year the Master Gardners offered pumpkin carving during the event, and plan to do it again this year. Cost is $12 per scarecrow. Parents and grandparents may charge their creation this year, with the availability to offer credit.
The Lions will also be selling hotdogs, chips, pop and water.
Hancock said many of the club members volunteer for the event.
“It’s one of the most fun things we do,” he said.
The Lions are also contemplating a contest, where someone well-known in the community will be selected and a prize offered for the person who makes a scarecrow looking most like that person.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2026 at 4:49 pm
Lyndonville grad Ben Frasier owns company and wants phase 2 with a bigger playground for older elementary kids
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Ben Frasier, a 1988 Lyndonville graduate and owner of Parkitects, checks out a new sensory dome in the playground by the elementary school. The sensory dome is an intended spot for children on the autism spectrum to get away from the activity and noise from the other parts of the playground.
Frasier and a team of 18 Parkitects employees spent most of the day installing a new playground at Lyndonville.
Frasier and Parkitects donated about $250,000 in equipment and in-kind services to the playground. The school district also was able to use $160,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for playground equipment.
Parkitects employees get wheelbarrow loads of concrete for footers to hold down the new playground equipment.
Orleans Ready Mix donated concrete for the project. Those donations were lined up by Steve Grabowski, the district’s director of facilities.
Other donations included:
Watson Construction Group with removal/demolition of all of the old playground equipment and 14 inches of mulch; Barre Stone Company with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Shelby Crushed Stone with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Town of Yates with hauling the stone to the school; and Medina Lumber & Hardware with pressure treated 2×12’s covering 228 linear feet around the perimeter.
The new playground includes a We-Go-Round, Sway Fun Glider, We-Saw and other equipment that will be accessible to kids of all abilities and mobilities. The previous playground was over 20 years old and wasn’t handicapped accessible.
A 3 1/2-inch thick rubber material will be added next week. It takes 48 hours for that rubber to cure after being poured. Ben Frasier said he expects the new playground will be open for children in about two weeks.
The playground equipment is stainless steel and manufactured by Landscape Structures. Frasier has been part of Parkitects for 29 years. The company is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Frasier said the new playground is phase 1 of an initiative to give Lyndonville the best his company has to offer.
Frasier, during an August Board of Education meeting, said he has profound memories of growing up in Lyndonville and playing on the former wooden playground at the school. The community came together nearly 50 years ago to build that playground.
“This playground taught me about the power of community,” he said showing a photo of the former site.
Frasier wants phase 2 to a be a larger playground for older kids in the elementary school. He believes the project can happen through fund-raising, grants and donations.
Phase 2 would include some larger equipment including Super Netplex Towers, ZipKrooz, Oodles Swing, Sensory Tunnel, Rollerslide with Exit Bench, and a 7-Post Hex Net. Frasier would like to see the next phase installed in about a year.
Phase 3 could include a shelter for parents and grandparents to stay in the shade while children are on the playground.
Ben Frasier tries out the We-Go-Round. It has space for children in wheelchairs to get inside and enjoy the ride.
ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its place on the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance list on Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine’s list of large companies.
This year marks the first time ESL appeared in the large-company category after growing to more than 1,000 employees. The locally owned financial institution ranked number 29 out of 50 companies. Editor’s Note: ESL has a site in Orleans County at 11182 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina.
Prior to this year, ESL garnered recognition on the list of small and medium-sized companies for a decade. The financial institution is named alongside other respected New York-based organizations, including The Bonadio Group in the large category and First American Equipment Finance in the small and medium category.
“We are honored to be named a Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance for the 11th consecutive year,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president, chief administrative officer. “This year is especially meaningful to us, as we join the list of large companies for the first time. As we continue to grow and expand our geographic footprint, our commitment to providing a superior employee experience remains a key focus for us. At ESL, we recognize that supporting and investing in our employees strengthens our ability to serve our members and communities.”
To determine the Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list, Great Place to Work measures and benchmarks approximately 200,000 employee survey responses from Great Place to Work-Certified companies in the financial services and insurance industry.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2026 at 9:46 am
Bruce Pritchett, a middle school social studies teacher, holds a sign demanding a fair contract for Albion teachers. About 30 teachers attended Monday’s board meeting, with several holding signs and most wearing T-shirts in support of the teachers’ union.
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Two members of the negotiating team for the Albion Teachers Association, Josh Green at left at podium and Chris Keller, address the Board of Education during Monday’s board meeting.
The teachers have been without a contract since June 30, 2025. An impasse has been declared and a mediator will have his first session on Oct. 20 with the negotiating team of the ATA and district officials.
Green and Keller were limited to a 3-minute comment period during the board meeting. They said the district has been underspending its budget by about 25 percent the last three years or by about $10 million a year.
They said the teachers’ request for higher pay could easily be accommodated by the district if it spent the budgeted amounts for teachers.
Keller is a middle school English teacher and Green works in the high school as a social studies teacher. Green noted a 2022 report from the state comptroller that said the district had amassed reserves that were too high. AT that time the district’s reserves were about $17 million. Green and Keller said the reserves now top $50 million.
The two sides are $1.4 million apart in a five-year contract or about $300,000 a year.
Albion teachers are seeking raises that the ATA said reflects the cost-of-living increases and also the extra workload as the district demands more time each day for teachers to be in the classroom. (The first year of the contract would be an extra 10 minutes, and then 20 minutes from years 2 to 5.)
Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, told the Orleans Hub in a recent interview that the needs to allow the district to stay within the state-imposed tax cap of about 2 percent annually. The new contract will set the floor for future contracts and the commitment from local taxpayers, Edwards said.
“My hope is we reach a conclusion that is fair and fiscally responsible for both parties and the community,” he said. “It’s about sustainability and being fair to the community.”
Bruce Pritchett, a middle school social studies teacher, holds a sign demanding a fair contract for Albion teachers. About 30 teachers attended Monday’s board meeting, with several holding signs and most wearing T-shirts in support of the teachers’ union.
Albion hasn’t increased what it collects in property taxes in 18 of the last 20 years. The district has benefitted from steady increases in state aid, but Edwards said there is no guarantee that will continue in the future with the state.
The teachers have been without a contract for over a year. They still get their regular step increases and all other benefits while there isn’t a contract except teachers on the highest step of 24 because there isn’t a step increase for them. The district said the steps are an average of 3.8 percent (ranging from 2.6 to 10.6 percent).
The district is proposing in the new contract the regular pay hikes with step increases, plus additional raises of 6.9 percent in the first year, 3.3 percent in the second year, 3.5 percent the third year, 3.3 percent the fourth year and 3.4 percent in the fifth year. The total increase over the 5 years would be 22.1 percent or $2,742,032.
The ATA is seeking a contract that would be about $1.4 million over what the district is offering. The ATA is seeking the usual salary steps plus a 4.8 percent increase the first year, and then 10 percent the second year, 5.7 percent the third year, 4.7 percent the fourth year and 4.7 percent the fifth year.
The district wants teachers to work more instructional time because the district currently is close to the 990-hour minimum for the elementary school and 900-hour minimum for secondary levels, Edwards said. If there is a snow day or other emergency, Albion is cutting it very close to meet the minimum standard, Edwards said.
That added time represents 4.7 percent more time in the classroom for teachers. The ATA said the contract should reflect that additional workload, as well as the cost-of-living increases that the ATA is putting at 3.5 percent annually.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2026 at 8:29 am
Board of Education will decide on scope of project on Oct. 26 with 3 options ranging from $33.4 million to $47.3 million
Photos by Tom Rivers: This slide presented at the Albion Board of Education meeting on Monday shows a conceptual rendering of a new greenhouse and renovated ag shop at the high school. Rick Recckio II, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance, is at lower right in the photo.
ALBION – The school district plans to put a capital project to a public referendum in mid-December, with the project ranging from $33.4 million to $47.3 million.
The Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 to determine the scope of the project. It could go to a public vote on either Dec. 15 or Dec. 17.
During Monday’s board meeting, four representatives from Campus Construction Management Group went over options for the project after meeting with district stakeholders in recent months. The Campus Construction team included Jason Benfante, vice president; Kevin Donoghue, executive vice president; Kory Hunsinger, principal; Michael Ferreri, senior project manager.
Campus Construction assisted Albion with the recent $26.7 million capital project that was approved by voters December 2021, with construction starting in 2023. Part of that project included the new turf fields for the football field, softball and soccer. That project also included work on all three schools, as well as the bus garage.
The new project also includes work at all three school buildings as well as the bus garage. The price varies depending on the scope of work in the elementary school.
School districts in New York State are required to do a Building Condition Survey every five years for all normally occupied student buildings. The survey identified areas for a new capital project with state aid covering the majority of the expense. The local share from Albion already would be covered in the district’s capital reserve fund, Board of Education member John Kast said during Monday’s meeting.
“Throughout our meetings with stakeholders, these are the things that rose to top,” said Kory Hunsinger, a principal with Campus Construction.
The new project includes some elements that were considered for the previous project, but were removed, Hunsinger said.
The project could include the following:
High School
This slide was presented during the Board of Education meeting and shows the concept of turning the art foyer at the high school int a fitness center.
Renovate Ag, IT and wood shop – $6.1 million
Greenhouse addition – $1 million
Renovate LGI – $3 million
Renovate counseling suite – $1.2 million
Renovate art foyer into fitness center – $1.6 million
Digital athletics/arts wall of fame – $200,000
Replace areas of damaged roofing – $100,000
Remediate sewer odor in athletics vestibule – $100,000
Middle School
The auditorium in the middle school would be renovated while preserving its Art Deco character.
Renovate auditorium, including seating, lighting, rigging and sound – $7.5 million
Replace areas of damaged roofing – $600,000
Replace exterior window sills – $300,000
Provide security film on at-grade windows – $200,000
Elementary School
The scope of work for new ventilation systems, cabinets and windows would vary in the elementary school, ranging from $6.2 million to $20.1 million
Replace east playground at $2 million
Replace west playground surfacing at $800,000
Renovate main entrance courtyard at $300,000, with $200,000 to add snow melt
Provide security film on at-grade windows at $200,000
Replace classroom ventilation system, adjacent cabinets and windows; replace classroom flooring, ceilings, caseworks, lighting and upgrade classroom toilet rooms wings A, B, D, G, I, J. This option would be $20.1 million.
Limiting the work to wings A, B, I, and J would reduce the cost to an estimated $12.1 million for Option 2.
Option 3 would be $6.2 million to replace classroom ventilation system, adjacent cabinets and windows in wings A, B, D, G, I and J.
Transportation building
Replace trench drain in storage and service bays at $200,000
Replace areas of damaged roofing, $30,000
If the project is approved by voters, Campus Construction would need to finalize the design and get State Department of Education approval. Once State Ed gives the final OK for the project, bid specifications would be prepared with bids likely to be sought in the winter of 2028.
Construction could start in the summer of 2028, and it could take three summers to get all the work done, Campus Construction officials told the Board of Education.
The cost estimates represent about a 21 percent increase from the current construction prices. Campus Construction is estimating a 7 percent price increase in construction each year. If the work is done in two to three years, the company is estimating a 21 percent escalation in construction costs.
Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
Yesterday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer demanded answers from Flock Safety, the private company behind a nationwide network of license plate cameras, about what it does with the data it collects on Americans and demanded personal data not tied to a crime be deleted from Flock’s servers.
In a letter to Flock CEO Garrett Langley, Schumer pressed the company on its National Lookup Tool, which lets agencies search camera data collected outside their own jurisdictions, and on recent reports of hacked cameras and misuse of license plate readers. Schumer called on the company to respond by October 16.
Flock has deployed about 120,000 cameras across 49 states. Editor’s Note: Flock works with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department to have about a dozen of the license-plate readers in Orleans County.
Flock’s cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, along with the time and location of each image, and local agencies can open their camera networks to other Flock users nationwide. Reports show the company has built a tool to link a license plate to the person behind it and to that person’s relatives, drawing on data brokers and breached data. Flock also sells drones and gunshot detectors, and its software can combine them with other surveillance cameras, including ones the company does not own.
“There’s a private company putting cameras on street corners across the country, and it doesn’t just track your license plate. It logs where you’ve been in a database police across the country can search, and its software can link your car to your phone number and your family,” said Schumer. “Americans have no idea who’s looking at that information, or why it has to be collected in the first place. They deserve to know.”
Last month, a hacker group pulled down a Flock camera and recovered an encryption key stored on the device, unlocking more than 1.6 million images and 27,000 video clips. Flock had previously said its devices were secure and encrypted.
“This company said the data on its cameras was encrypted and secure. Then hackers took one down and found the key sitting right there,” Schumer said. “Most Americans just want to get to work and get home to their families without a private company keeping a file on where they go. The next step here is simple: turn the lens around and zoom in on Flock.”
Schumer also demanded answers from Flock about how much data from its cameras sits on its servers and whether any federal agency has accessed that data, directly or through local law enforcement.
“Americans should not have to sacrifice their right to privacy simply by driving down a public street,” Schumer wrote.
Full text of the letter from Schumer is available by clicking here.
Orleans County’s county-wide broadband network is nearly finished. Construction is complete on 14 of the network’s 21 sites, located in and around Medina, Albion, Lyndonville, Shelby, Ridgeway, Gaines, Carlton and Kendall.
The remaining seven sites are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. When complete, the network will reach thousands of homes, farms and businesses in every town across Orleans County.
The network is owned by Orleans County and funded by an $11.56 million grant awarded to the county by New York State through the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. North Shore Networks (NSN), a locally owned internet provider based in Medina, is designing, building, and operating the network under an agreement with the county.
“From the start, the goal was that every part of Orleans County should have reliable, affordable internet, not just the areas that were easy to reach,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne M. Johnson. “We are close to the finish line. Fourteen sites are already built, and the rest of the county will follow in the next few months.”
The network builds on the wireless internet initiative the county launched in 2021. Its 21 sites include 15 existing towers, seven of them county-owned, along with three new towers and three grain elevators hosted by local family farms.
“Our crews are focused and working hard on finishing the last seven sites this year,” said Duston Ellis, co-founder of North Shore Networks (NSN). “We are grateful to the county and to the three family farms that have partnered with us to make this possible for the community.”
The network uses the latest generation of fixed wireless technology and can deliver speeds of 500 Mbps and higher, well beyond what earlier wireless service could offer. Service is affordable, with no contracts, no data caps, no taxes, and no hidden fees. Residents and businesses interested in service should visit www.ConnectNSN.com and submit their information. NSN will follow up as soon as service is available at their address.
Orleans Community Connects, a local non-profit organization, collaborates with Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to expand digital skills education opportunities for Orleans County residents. CCE offers free help for residents, including group classes and one-on-one support. Through this partnership, both organizations work to ensure community members have the knowledge, confidence, and support to use technology effectively in their daily lives.
“Access is only the first step,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “Anyone who wants help with Digital Skills Education or connecting devices to the internet can call 585-798-4265 x 146 and speak with Abigail.”
This deployment of internet service is supported by a grant awarded to Orleans County by New York State through the ConnectALL program.
About Orleans Community Connects
Orleans Community Connects is a local, independent nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Orleans County by connecting people, resources, and organizations to address challenges that impact residents. With deep roots in Orleans County, we have proudly served our community for decades. As our work has grown and evolved, our name now reflects our role today—while our commitment to caring for our neighbors and strengthening the community remains unwavering.
About North Shore Networks
North Shore Networks (NSN), founded in 2022, is a locally owned internet service provider based in Medina, New York. Learn more at www.ConnectNSN.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2026 at 3:21 pm
Hassan Barulich
MEDINA – Law enforcement has charged a man for allegedly selling crack cocaine in the village of Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.
Hassan A. Barulich, age 21, told police he is homeless. He was taken into custody by the Task Force and the Medina Police Department for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
There was a warrant for his arrest due to a previous incident on August 12, when Barulich allegedly fled the residence at 307 East Center St. during a search warrant execution. A loaded .38 revolver was recovered along with over an ounce of crack cocaine, the Task Force said.
While placing Barulich into custody on the arrest warrant and subsequent search of his person, investigators recovered over an additional ounce of crack cocaine and over $600 in cash.
Barulich has been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (Class C violent felony).
He is currently being held for CAP Court at the Orleans County Jail where he will be arraigned on the arrest warrant and drug charges.
Assisting the Task Force in this investigation include Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory.
The Task Force stated the investigation is ongoing, and further charges and arrests are pending.
Provided photo: Police seized crack cocaine and over $600 from Hassan Barulich.
No cases have been reported in Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Niagara counties
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order today declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states.
The Executive Order enables the State to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed.
The Governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year’s flu vaccine to protect against infection. The Governor is committed to putting New Yorkers’ health and safety first and has directed the New York State Department of Health to share frequent public notifications and resources throughout this flu season.
“After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease.”
Editor’s Note: There are 0 cases so far in Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Niagara counties. There have been 11 confirmed cases in Western New York with 2 in Erie, 3 in Chautauqua and 6 in Allegany County. Otsego County in the Mohawk Valley has the most with 20 cases followed by 17 in Seneca County in the Finger Lakes.
The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, and in addition to physicians, also allows nurses to order testing.
New York State Department of Health’s Measles Dashboard
Today’s announcement builds on the State’s ongoing measles response efforts, including the launch of a Measles Dashboard allowing the public and healthcare officials to track local health risks and raise awareness about measles.
In addition to clinical education and guidance for providers, epidemiological support for case investigation and contact tracing, and expedited laboratory testing, the State Department of Health continues to support local health departments with vaccines, community outreach efforts to increase awareness, data analytic support, and clinically accurate and culturally meaningful immunization education.
As of October 3, there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of NYC (Rest of State) for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases.
Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Since then, local health departments have administered over 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State.
Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can be shared to prevent more infections.
All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children. Infants 6 to 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection before travel or if they are otherwise at risk of being exposed.
Causes of Measles and Symptoms To Monitor For
Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight other infections like pneumonia. This disease is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or, less commonly, by touching a contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling, immune amnesia and death. Long-term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a type of brain inflammation resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage years after the initial infection.
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those traveling domestically or internationally should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before departure. One dose provides 93 percent protection while two doses provide 97 percent protection.
Babies as young as 6 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad or to an area where measles is prevalent. After travel, these babies should then continue to get their next two MMR vaccines on schedule for a total of three vaccines. Anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.
The Department has released a health advisory for healthcare providers on clinical guidance for measles.
A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine for 21 days after exposure, and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2026 at 11:53 am
Provided photos: (Left) A volunteer finds part of a broken drainage pipe at Point Breeze during a shoreline cleanup on Sept. 26. (Right) Volunteers collect trash at Glenwood Lake.
Volunteers collected 164 pounds of trash on Sept. 26 during the 25th annual Shoreline Cleanup event.
The Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District organized the event, which coincided with The American Littoral Society’s NYS Beach Cleanup Event. Volunteers were out across the state picking up trash from their local shorelines.
Locally, the volunteers met at Bullard Park in Albion before heading to different cleanup locations including the Point Breeze Boat Launch, Canal Widewaters, Glenwood Lake Boat Launch, Waterport Dam and Park Avenue Extension.
Soil & Water staff want to thank those who participated and remind everyone to practice “carry in, carry out” and properly dispose of their trash when possible.
People interested in participating in next year’s cleanup should contact the district office at (585) 589-5959, ext. 5.
