‘Orleans County is not abandoning major felony investigations, and we are not backing away from the fight against drugs, illegal guns or violent crime.’

Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke has released a statement following the shutdown of the Major Felony Crime Task Force. The sheriff said major felony crime investigations will continue through the Sheriff’s Department.

Here is the sheriff’s statement, released this afternoon:

“The statement issued by District Attorney Susan Howard is both disappointing and completely irresponsible. Rather than having a thoughtful, professional conversation about how Orleans County can best deliver law enforcement services, she has chosen to launch a politically motivated personal attack and attempt to frighten the residents we are all sworn to protect.

“Let’s be clear about something: Orleans County is not abandoning major felony investigations, and we are not backing away from the fight against drugs, illegal guns or violent crime. The decision to eliminate the Major Felony Crime Task Force does not mean eliminating its mission. Those responsibilities are being transferred to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, where they belong.

“As Sheriff, I am responsible for the overall delivery of law enforcement services in this county. That means continually evaluating our operations, identifying duplication and working with county leadership to make responsible use of taxpayer dollars. That is exactly what we are doing.

“The County has identified nearly $400,000 in potential savings by restructuring this operation. In a county with a $106 million budget, mandated services from the state that take up the entire tax levy and a mission to not exceed the property tax cap, that is a significant amount of money. DA Howard conveniently ignores these budget realities. But rather than engage in the decision-making process, she has instead gone down the path of making baseless accusations that families will be less safe.

“What I find particularly troubling is the attempt to connect this administrative decision to next year’s Sheriff’s election. The DA’s suggestion that this decision was made because a potential political opponent announced his candidacy is an outrageous accusation without evidence. It is also a distraction from the actual issue and engaging in such political activity is well below the professional standards we should expect from the District Attorney.

“Indeed, if anyone is bringing politics into this decision, it is the District Attorney. Rather than addressing the merits of the restructuring, she has chosen to turn it into an election-year controversy and use the reputations of former investigators to advance a political narrative.

“The District Attorney has every right to disagree with a county administrative decision. Indeed, let’s look at the history of the task force, how it was originally funded, how it now falls fully on county taxpayers, how indictments have decreased significantly, how other counties perform these functions, how we can produce the same level of investigation at lower cost…let’s debate those points.

“What we should not be doing is suggesting that the Sheriff’s Office is somehow abandoning public safety or that the people of Orleans County are now in danger because an organizational structure is changing.  Such outrageous rhetoric may get you a few cheap clicks on Facebook, but it erodes public confidence in our collective efforts to keep the community safe.

“My commitment to the residents of Orleans County has not changed. We will continue investigating major felonies, pursuing drug dealers, removing dangerous drugs and illegal firearms from our communities, and working with the District Attorney’s Office to bring criminals to justice.

“I will not apologize for working with county leaders to make government more efficient, more accountable and more responsible with taxpayer money. Nor will I allow an important management decision to be distorted into a political attack on the Sheriff’s Office.

“Public safety is too important to be used as a political weapon. The people of Orleans County deserve facts, responsible leadership and results — not scare tactics and election-year theatrics from our District Attorney.”

Eh Collective named New Business of the Year by Chamber of Commerce

Photos by Isabella Zasa: Erin Hackenberg, owner of Eh Collective at 110 Geddes St. in Holley, is shown inside her shop, which features a curated selection of clothing, accessories and home decor.

By Isabella Zasa, staff writer

HOLLEY – For shoppers looking for affordable clothing and unique finds, Eh Collective offers a mix of fashion and home decor at 110 Geddes St. in Holley. The shop is located in a warehouse owned by her father, Gregg Weber.

Holley native Erin Hackenberg has turned her love of fashion into a shop with a focus on curated merchandise, affordability and giving preowned items a second life.

Now in its second year, Eh Collective began as a way for Hackenberg to share items from her own closet. It has since grown into what she describes as a curated thrift shop, featuring clothing, accessories and home decor.

“I call my store a curated thrift,” she said. “It’s not consignment, it’s not all antiques and it’s certainly not all brand new. But every item in my store is hand-sourced and curated by me.”

Hackenberg regularly visits thrift stores to find merchandise, keeping her customers in mind as she selects pieces. She said she aims to offer quality clothing in a variety of sizes and styles at prices lower than those typically found at major retail stores. The approach also allows her to give clothing and other items another purpose rather than having them end up in landfills.

She has also found the store to be an outlet for other mothers who want to shop and treat themselves to quality clothing without spending a lot of money.

Eh Collective was recently named New Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. Hackenberg received the award Nov. 5 during the chamber’s annual awards ceremony.

Hackenberg said owning a store had always been a dream, although she never knew exactly what it would look like. Her interests in fashion, styling, designing and creating eventually came together through Eh Collective.

“I’ve always loved fashion and have found it to be a creative expression,” she said. “This has truly been my passion project.”

Hackenberg also offers a selection of upcycled clothing at Eh Collective. She holds a thrifted sweatshirt that she customized with graphics of her own design.

In addition to its regular merchandise, the store offers upcycled clothing, including thrifted sweatshirts customized with graphics Hackenberg designs herself. Shoppers also can create custom hats by choosing from an assortment of patches and putting together their own designs in the store.

Hackenberg graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2011 with degrees in communication and psychology. She previously worked for a nonprofit organization and as a paralegal with Jeff Martin before becoming a stay-at-home mother following the birth of her second son in 2021.

She now operates Eh Collective while raising her three children, Emma, Levi and Luke.

Hackenberg manages nearly every aspect of the shop, from washing and organizing merchandise to arranging displays, posting new arrivals and managing social media.

Social media plays an important role in how Hackenberg connects with customers. She regularly shares available clothing, including sizes, online so shoppers can preview merchandise before visiting the store. Hackenberg said this is particularly helpful because women’s clothing sizes can vary and are not always consistent.

Another section of Eh Collective features racks of clothing and displays of handbags and accessories.

The store also hosts events throughout the year, with an upcoming warehouse sale scheduled for Nov. 21. The sale will feature boxes of clothing priced at $1 and $3 for shoppers to sort through.

Store hours vary each week, with evening openings to accommodate Hackenberg’s schedule as a stay-at-home mother. Weekly hours, new arrivals, events and other information can be found on Eh Collective’s Facebook page.

Press Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined nine of her Senate colleagues to introduce the Medicare at 50 Act, legislation to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 50 and allow Americans ages 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare.

As Americans list the cost of healthcare as a top concern, the bill would expand access to affordable healthcare and give more than 58 million Americans more coverage options.

“Under President Trump, Americans nearing retirement are being forced to choose between paying for lifesaving care and simply being able to afford a life,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Medicare at 50 Act would provide the security and support of Medicare years earlier to millions of aging Americans, lowering their healthcare costs and helping them save for retirement. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am proud to support this important legislation, and I will continue fighting to expand access to quality and affordable care for older Americans.”

More than 60 million Americans are between the ages of 50 and 64, a population that faces significant challenges accessing affordable, comprehensive health insurance. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded access to coverage, millions of older Americans continue to face high premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and limited coverage options. Today, 11.5% of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 remain uninsured.

President Trump and Republicans have made matters worse with sweeping healthcare cuts in their Big Ugly Bill and their refusal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, driving up costs for older Americans who purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace.

The Medicare at 50 Act would help close this gap and give Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 the option to buy into Medicare before reaching the traditional eligibility age of 65. Individuals who choose to enroll would receive the same benefits and protections available under Medicare Parts A, B, and D, including the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The legislation would also allow eligible individuals to receive the same premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies they would qualify for through the ACA Marketplace, helping make coverage more affordable.

Senator Gillibrand has long fought to lower healthcare costs for older Americans and to protect Medicare access. This year, she introduced the Medicare Cost Cap Act to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors with Medicare, and she demanded an end to the Trump administration’s WISeR program that allows for AI-driven Medicare denials. Last year, she pressed Republicans to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits that helped millions of Americans afford coverage.

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

File photo by Tom Rivers: District Attorney Susan Howard speaks during a June 2025 County Legislature meeting about a National Association of Counties award for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. Legislator Skip Draper is at right. The county received an “Achievement Award” for the Task Force for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.

ALBION – Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard is angry that county officials chose to abruptly shut down the Major Felony Crime Task Force on Thursday.

Howard oversees the Task Force and was given no indication or notice that Task Force would be eliminated. The Task Force’s functions will be shifted to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, a move that County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch said would save nearly $400,000.

The Task Force operates with three full-time investigators. All are retired law enforcement officers who Howard said work at a reduced salary and benefits. She doesn’t see how there would be any cost savings if the Sheriff’s Office assumes the work of the Task Force.

She said the abrupt end jeopardizes ongoing cases, including recent arrests and others where arrests would have been forthcoming.

Howard issued the following statement this afternoon:

“Every Orleans County resident should be angry today.

“Chris Bourke and bureaucrats in the County Office Building are gutting public safety and making Orleans County more dangerous by eliminating the Major Felony Crime Task Force.

“Let me be crystal clear: Your family will be less safe because of this ludicrous decision. This Task Force has been the most effective crimefighting apparatus that has ever existed in Orleans County.

“Without the Major Felony Crime Task Force, there would be enough doses of fentanyl still on the street to kill the entire population of Orleans County.

“Without the Task Force, there would be a pound of illegal cocaine, hundreds of pounds of illegal marijuana and loaded illegal guns still on the street.

“Without the Task Force, there would be literally dozens of dangerous criminals roaming our neighborhoods instead of serving prison time.

“I could go on and on….

“So why on earth would anyone even consider eliminating the Major Felony Crime Task Force?

“Because Chris Bourke doesn’t want to face an opponent in next year’s election for Sheriff. It’s that simple, and it is the absolute worst of petty politics.

“On Tuesday, Brett Sobieraski announced his Republican campaign for Sheriff in next year’s election. The next day, a sudden announcement was made that the Task Force is being defunded and Brett and two other excellent and experienced law enforcement professionals were fired.

“As Orleans County District Attorney, I don’t endorse candidates for elective office. But I can weigh in with my professional assessment of people I’ve worked with.

“Brett Sobieraski is one of the most decorated law enforcement professionals to ever call Orleans County home. As an Investigator on the Task Force, he led and participated in countless cases that removed drugs, guns and dangerous criminals from our streets. 

“Because of Brett’s work, I’ve been able to prosecute and put dangerous criminals where they belong – in State Prison. That’s just one of many reasons that Brett was named the Orleans Hub Citizen of the Year. Twice.

“Yet, today, this hero was escorted by security out of our office. Brett has spent his life putting criminals in jail, and today they treated him like he was a criminal.

“Losing one investigator’s 20 years of supervisory experience and another’s 40 years in law enforcement is a significant loss to Orleans County’s public safety, too.

“At a time when socialists are taking over Washington and Albany, now we have so-called ‘leaders’ here in Orleans County literally defunding the police.

“They’ve made an argument that eliminating the Task Force will save $400,000 in the $106 million County Budget. Now, I’m as much of a conservative Republican as you will find anywhere. But it’s terrible policy to save a few bucks by cutting the most effective law enforcement tool that we have. This would be like cutting food out of your monthly household budget and then wondering why everyone is hungry.

“To put it in perspective, in just the last two years the Task Force has seized more than $3,000,000 worth of illegal drugs and $340,000 in drug dealing proceeds.

“Without the Task Force, the Sheriff’s Office will have no one experienced in drug investigations, period.

“Eliminating the Major Felony Crime Task Force will put many cases that my office prosecutes in jeopardy. It is the wrong decision for the people of Orleans County, and it’s being done for the worst possible reason.

“I wholeheartedly oppose this terrible decision.”

People working on floats for upcoming lighted parades welcome to check inventory on Sunday

Photo by Tom Rivers: Susan Oschmann, left, and Lynne Menz sort through some of the decorations owned by Menz’s cousin, Bill Goss. Oschmann is chairwoman of the committee planning Albion’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 12. She said there is a bountiful supply of decorations to help people with their floats at upcoming holiday parades. The decorations will be available on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Trolley Building at the fairgrounds.

By Isabella Zasa, staff writer

KNOWLESVILLE – Lynne Menz, a Medina native, Carlton resident, active volunteer and semi-retired creative director with the Orleans County Tourism Office, has found herself busy in a new role as estate administrator for a late family member’s home in the Hudson Valley.

Provided photo: William Joseph Goss or “Cousin Bill” is pictured in 1983 with his dog Brandy.

William Joseph Goss, known as “Cousin Bill” to the Menz family, died Dec. 21, 2025, at the age of 77 from natural causes in his home in Troy, NY. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Saratoga National Cemetery.

Bill was a foster child after his mother died when he was young. He went on to serve as a Vietnam veteran, work as an engineer for the New York State Department of Transportation and become a jazz DJ at an Albany radio station.

Each year, Bill joined the Menz family for its traditional Thanksgiving celebration, staying at Menz’s home and spending time on his arts and crafts projects. She recalled him stitching together leaves and looking forward to attending Medina’s annual Parade of Lights.

“He was a deeply creative and festive soul,” Menz said. “He was a curator and a crafty person. Decorating was his creative outlet after having a rough childhood.”

Bill’s home reflected that creative spirit year-round, with decorations displayed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The building also housed tenants, who nicknamed him “MacGyver,” Menz said. Bill was always searching the property for decorations, many of which were stored in several large bins

According to neighbors, Bill devoted nearly every waking hour to decorating his property, regularly changing displays to reflect the seasons. His home became a local landmark, and he was known for going above and beyond with his elaborate displays. Menz said there is even a photo on Google Earth showing Bill atop his roof, putting up decorations.

“His house was an attraction. People would always stop to take photos year-round,” she said.

As Menz and her family began cleaning out the estate, they discovered what she described as a Pandora’s box: a garage filled with holiday decorations. With the family’s permission, Menz brought the collection home and arranged to donate the decorations Bill had displayed on his property to Orleans County.

“It’s mind-blowing, as some of the items are brand new,” Menz said.

The leaders of the upcoming Christmas parades in Albion and Medina helped organize the items today for a sale on Sunday. Jim Hancock is the chairman of the Parade of Lights in Medina on Nov. 28 and Susan Oschmann is the chairwoman of the Albion parade on Dec. 12.

After making five or six trips between Carlton and Troy, Menz transported hundreds of high-quality decorations back to Orleans County as part of a new initiative she is calling “Decorate the OC.”

To help distribute the collection, Menz consulted with Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO Art!, and Robert Batt, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension. GO Art! has already put some of the decorations to use for its Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations.

Menz, her family and volunteers are organizing the fall and Christmas decorations in the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The collection will include lights, lanterns, ornaments and decorative materials that can be used to enhance parade floats and seasonal displays.

Menz said the decorations will be for sale on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All proceeds from the project will be donated in Bill’s memory toward construction of the GO BARN! GO Art! is working to make the GO BARN! a cultural and agricultural center at the fairgrounds.

“My cousin left behind a legacy, which was to decorate, and I want to carry on his legacy,” Menz said. “I want to give back to my county and community.”

Most items will be available for $1 each or through a freewill offering. Some items may be priced higher, particularly those that are brand new. Menz said the collection includes high-quality decorations originally purchased from retailers such as Hobby Lobby, Home Depot and department stores.

“I hope the community comes and sees all the beautiful decorations my cousin had,” Menz said. “They will get to be the beneficiary of his creative expression.”

This group is shown with items collected by William Joseph Goss. From left include Aeddon Cayea, community programs lead for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County; Jim Hancock, chairman of Medina’s Parade of Lights; Robert Batt, CCE executive director in Orleans County; Lynne Menz, cousin of William Goss; and Susan Oschmann, leader of the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade in Albion on Dec. 12.

Photos and information courtesy of Orleans County 4-H program

Grace Goodrick, front right, poses with her Horse Judging teammates and coach after placing 6th at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, KY.

KNOWLESVILLE – For the first time in recent memory, Orleans County 4-H was represented at a recent national-level 4-H horse knowledge competition.

Grace Goodrich, 17, of Medina, was in Louisville, Kentucky from Nov. 5-8 for the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup. Grace was a member of the four-person Horse Judging Team which placed 6th overall.

New York was also represented by four-person teams in Horse Knowledge Bowl, Horse Hippology and Horse Communications. All NYS 4-H teams placed within the top 10.  Twenty-seven states were represented in the competition.

“We are so proud of Grace,” said Kristina Gabalski, CCE Orleans 4-H Program Coordinator. “This is a great honor for Grace and for our county.  Opportunities like this offered through 4-H help youth to grow in knowledge, confidence, and leadership. Grace is always ready to take on a challenge and succeed.”

Grace’s journey to the national-level competition began here at Orleans County 4-H where leader and volunteer Jann Davis spearheaded coaching Horse Bowl and Horse Hippology teams for the Region 1 level. Her team then moved on to the state level competition.

“I cannot tell you how proud I am of Grace Goodrich, Aubree McAdoo, and Morgan Aina (Grace’s Orleans County teammates), who stepped out of their comfort zone in June at the NYS Horse Judging and Hippology Contest,” Davis said.  “Learning to write reasons for Horse Judging and delivering those reasons to four judges without notes is a huge accomplishment.”

Davis explained that Grace qualified individually for the national-level competition. “She made new friends and memories that will last a lifetime,” Davis said.

Davis also acknowledged the Region 1 Horse Bowl team which consisted of Grace, Christina Zaidel, Morgan Aina and Keira Sidari. Grace and Christina went on to the NYS 4-H Horse Bowl at Cornell in May.

“It has been a pleasure coaching these girls and I look forward to working with any Orleans County youth who would like to try their hand at these contests,” Davis added.

Grace Goodrich is shown with 4-Hers from New York State who competed with her at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.

For the past several weeks Grace has been practicing with her state-level coach via Zoom on Friday evenings.

“Our coach organized different judges each week so that we could learn what you should look for in each class. We watched videos on each Zoom, judging the horses and then wrote a set of reasons on those videos to practice our format,” Grace said.

She added that she watched You Tube videos of horse judging to get even more practice.  “I had to study my horse judging vocabulary and practice giving my reasons for placing classes a certain way,” she said.

Grace said she was nervous during the competition, but she had been very well prepared with so much practice.  “The competition itself was fun for me,” Grace explained.  “I got to put all the skills my coaches taught me into practice to judge nine classes and then give reasons to four judges I’ve never met before about four classes.”

“Two of the classes were Tennessee Walking Horse – one was halter class and one was a country pleasure class,” she continued. “I have only learned about Tennessee Walking Horses through my judging practice. It was fun getting to judge breeds I wasn’t comfortable with and hadn’t seen often. I was so happy with how I did and how my team did, as well.  We all had so much fun getting to know each other over the course of the four days in Kentucky and the bus rides to and from the competition.”

Members of the NYS 4-H team visited Churchill Downs while in Louisville. Grace Goodrich is in the center of the back row.

In addition to the competition, participants visited local equine landmarks including Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Park.  Grace said she especially enjoyed these excursions.

“We saw some horses practicing for races at Churchill Downs.  At the Kentucky Horse Park, we got to see standardbred horses that were cart horses and got to see a show of the different breeds they had there including a miniature horse, a mustang, an Andalusian, and a Gypsy Vanner,” she said. “We saw mounted police horses, and the museum they had there that talked about different breeds of horses, but mainly Arabians.”

She also enjoyed a trip to the Haygard Vet Clinic and was surprised by, “how many horses they treat each day and how many vets they have working there and all throughout the world helping with transferring horses for races, and the vet travels with the horse for the races.”

“Throughout this trip, I have made many memories that will last a lifetime,” Grace said.  “Making tons of new friends from all over the state and even from around the country trading NYS 4-H pins with other states.”

Grace is the daughter of Nicole and Terry Goodrich of Medina. They say they are thankful for everyone who supported Grace in this effort and made this trip possible for her.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Scott Burto, grant manager and administrator for G&G Muncipal Consulting and Grant Writing, goes over the Vacant Property Rental Rehabilitation Program, which would bring up to $75,000 per vacant rental unit for property owners.

ALBION – The Village Board is working with a grantwriter to submit two grant applications that could bring significant state funding into the community.

The village and its grant writer, G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, held back to back meeting son Thursday evening at Hoag Library to go over the grant opportunities.

Albion Mayor Tim McMurray said the village is pursuing grants to bring investment and upgrades into the community.

One program focuses on vacant rental property and the other is an economic and community development initiative.

The first meeting focused on a vacant property rental program that could bring up to $75,000 per unit that is rehabbed. Those units would need to be made available to lower-income residents for at least the next 10 years.

Albion and Medina joined together for the grant last year, seeking $2.5 million from the state. This time Albion is seeking the funding on its own.

Orleans County also has a shortage of residential units, according to a housing study commissioned by the Orleans County United Way. The grant would increase housing opportunities locally, and improve residential units in buildings.

The goal is to turn space that is currently uninhabitable or unmarketable into safe, quality, and affordable rental units.

Eligible projects could include health and safety improvements, correction of code violations, plumbing, electrical, roof and windows, environmental cleanup (lead/asbestos), accessibility upgrades and general improvements to make habitable.

Property owners don’t need to do a thorough environmental test to be eligible for the program. The state is only requiring testing for lead, village officials said.

The application is due to the state by Dec. 10. Applicants can seek funding for up to five units. The state is offering a $50,000 maximum per unit for a “standard” project and $75,000 for “enhanced.” No match is needed by the applicants.

Landlords and property owners interested in the project can reach out to Scott Burto, grant manager and administrator for G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing. His email is scott@ggprocess.com.

The program is funded by the state through the Office of Community Renewal.

For more on the Vacant Rental Rehabilitation Program Grant, click here.

$4.5 million NY Forward grant

This greenspace just north of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion could become a more inviting spot. The Village Board is considering this location, the next-door parking lot and other municipal-owned land for the NY Forward grant. Mayor Tim McMurray said the Village Board will work to identify a project on village-owned land for the grant application.

The Village of Albion also will be applying again for a $4.5 million NY Forward grant (Round 5) to support downtown revitalization, business development, and the rehabilitation of vacant or underutilized properties. The village was just edged out on getting the grant for 2026, Burto said.

The application is due Jan. 8. Burto would like to have all proposals for the grant submitted by mid-December so G&G has time to compile the application.

The project needs to be confined to downtown area.  Property owners can submit proposals for building renovations and facade improvements. The state wants to stimulate new retail, office, co-working, commercial or cultural spaces. Medina was awarded this grant in 2023.

The grant covers about 35 to 40 percent of project costs for private property, with the remainder to be paid by the building owner. The state would pay 100 percent for initiatives on municipal land, Burto said.

The state favors applications in a clear downtown area, with strong local support and vision, he said.

Albion has a clear downtown area by the Erie Canal, and the village is working to update its comprehensive plan that shows a vision for the community, he said.

He would like to see $6 million to $7 million in projects submitted for the grant, which would eventually be narrowed to $4.5 million in the grant.

To be considered in the application, building owners should submit a cost estimate, overview of the project and include photos.

Mayor Tim McMurray said the Village Board is discussing what to apply for the municipal portion of the grant. The board is considering speakers in the downtown to play music, and upgrade a parking lot, other one on Main Street with a median and greenspace next door or the lot by the Erie Canal behind the Albion Visitor’s Center.

Town has until Nov. 20 to adopt budget, which is currently at 2% tax increase

YATES – The Yates Town Board is waiting until the very last minute to vote on the town budget for 2027 due to an unresolved contract for ambulance services.

The town has a contract with the Village of Medina with the fire department providing ambulance coverage in Yates. The town paid Medina $35,000 in the contract for 2026, but Medina wants $135,000 in 2027.

Jim Simon, the Yates town supervisor, said that is too high for the town residents. The Town Board budgeted for the increase to go to $65,000. At that amount, the town’s budget in 2027 would stay just under the state-imposed property tax cap with a 2 percent increase.

The Town Board met on Thursday night and didn’t vote on the budget. The board has scheduled a 5 p.m. meeting on Nov. 20 for a final budget vote. That is the last day the town can finalize the budget.

Medina has a contract with the three western Orleans towns – Shelby, Ridgeway and Yates – for ambulance coverage and they were each paying $35,000 in 2026. Medina pushed for $135,000, saying the village is bearing too much cost for the ambulance service at over $1 million to village property owners. Shelby has agreed to pay $135,000 in its 2027 budget.

Simon said Yates is smaller town with a smaller budget and the $135,000 cost would have a disproportionally higher impact on Yates.

Simon also has been advocating for an increase in the local sales tax sharing from the county. The County Legislature has kept the collective share to the towns and villages at the same level since 2001 – $1,366,671. Yates received $69,760 of that in 2026.

The sales tax revenues have been growing at a steady rate, year after year, but the county keeps all of the increase, despite rising costs for the towns, especially with ambulance coverage, Simon noted.

The county is budgeting for $25.4 million in sales tax revenue in 2027, which would be up $1.06 million.

“We’re hoping for some reprieve there,” Simon said about a boost in the sales tax for towns and villages.

$106 million budget for county stays under tax cap with 2.48% increase

ALBION – Orleans County’s tentative budget for 2027 has been filed today and the $106 million spending plan calls for eliminating the Major Felony Crime Task Force.

The Task Force has a long-time supervising investigator in Joe Sacco and two investigators – retired Medina Police Chief Todd Draper and retired Rochester Police Department Sergeant Brett Sobieraski, who announced on Tuesday he is running for sheriff next year. The Task Force operates within the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office.

Cutting the Task Force will save the county nearly $400,000, said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer.

Felony indictments have decreased from 50 in 2023 to 44 in 2024 and 28 in 2025, a 44 percent decline over two years, he said.

A new model will be created within the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, and will continue to coordinate with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, Welch stated in his budget message filed today with the tentative budget.

He noted the Task Force’s organizational model has changed from how it was set up originally, when each village police department and the Sheriff’s Office assigned one employee to support it.

The tentative budget totals $106,119,042, which increases spending by 5.8 percent from the $100,261,320 in 2026.

The tax levy would increase by 2.48 percent or by $500,000 – from $20,139,000 to $20,639,000.

Despite the tax increase, the tax rate would drop 17.7 percent from $8.05 to $6.62 per $1,000 of assessed property. The levy will be down because the county’s overall assessed value has jumped by 24.7 percent – from $2.50 billion to $3.12 billion, an increase by $616,870,764.

The County Legislature will have a public hearing on the budget at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers, 14016 Route 31 W, Albion. The Legislature will then vote on the budget right after the public hearing.

Welch said the county, just like the families and businesses, “continues to face significant affordability challenges. Rising health insurance costs, increased expenses and financial pressures beyond our control make it increasingly difficult to balance our budget and we will not simply pass these costs along to taxpayers.”

The Legislature sent a directive to Welch and department heads to maintain essential services, control spending and deliver a budget that stays under the state property tax cap.

He noted some of the budget pressures:

• The federal One Big Beautiful Bill will reduce SNAP administrative reimbursement in 2027 by more than $400,000.
• After switching to NYSHIP’s Empire Plan in 2026, family plan enrollment increased by 47% and single plan enrollment by 5%. Combined with a 22% increase in covered employees, this shift raised the 2027 medical coverage budget by a third to $9.5 million.
• New York State retirement expenses increase of 4.6 percent
• “We also continue to experience tremendous pressure from emergency housing placements, which have increased 149 percent since July 2022. Compounding these challenges, recent federal legislation will reduce administrative reimbursements to Orleans County by more than $400,000 in 2027.”
• “State mandates remain another major concern. The nine state-mandated programs commonly referred to as the ‘9 for 90 Mandates’ will cost Orleans County more than $23 million in 2027, representing 111.6 percent of our proposed property tax levy.”

Medina mayor praises partnership among governments in getting project done

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Medina Mayor Debbie Padoleski cuts the ribbon this afternoon for a new 100-foot-long pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek.

Kevin Foster, left, is owner of RJT Construction Services in Rochester, the general contractor for the project that also included about 2,000 feet of new sidewalks.

RJT Construction Services completed the work with an $837,448 bid. Mayor Padoleski praised the company for getting the job done on time and under budget.

This group gathers on the bridge for a photograph after the ribbon cutting. Pictured from left include: Dave Pettis, engineer in charge with Barton & Loguidice; Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess; Village Trustee Jeff Wagner; Village Trustee Scott Bieliski; Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for Orleans Economic Development Agency; Payton Corts, regional local projects liaison for the state Department of Transportation; Michael Dobell, chief executive officer for the Orleans EDA; Jonathan Walczak, project manager for Barton & Loguidice, the village’s engineering firm for the project; Erin Foster of RJT Construction Services; Jack Foster of RJT; Mayor Debbie Padoleski; Kevin Foster of RJT; Jason Watts, superintendent of Medina’s Department of Public Works; and Philip Gow Jr., WNY regional director for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

The bridge intentionally has a rust-colored look. It won’t have to be repainted in the future and will require less maintenance, said Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent.

The project has been several years in the making. Padoleski noted that Mike Sidari, former Medina mayor, had the vision for the pedestrian bridge and sidewalks back in 2020.

The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.

The grant required a 20 percent local share and that was paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500), using their share of funds from a now closed revolving loan fund through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

“We would like to thank the Town of Shelby, Orleans County and the IDA for participating in this project in the Village of Medina,” Padoleski said. “We would like to thank the NYS DOT for making the funds available through a grant, which allowed the expansion of the project.”

The mayor also said officials from the state Office of Community Renewal were patient and understanding with the village, extending a deadline so Medina could get everything done.

After the ribbon cutting for the bridge, some of the officials walked the 2,000-foot stretch of sidewalks for a final inspection.

The village and Orleans EDA pushed for the sidewalks as this section of Maple Ridge Road has become busier with a housing development, several new businesses and also the GCC campus center. There are also about 200 available acres in the area being promoted for development by the EDA.

Long-time community volunteer works behind the scenes with many projects

File photos by Tom Rivers: Kathy Blackburn has led many efforts in Medina from planting trees, promoting small businesses, honoring veterans and keeping up a historic cemetery.

MEDINA – The 18^th annual Parade of Lights will be back on the Saturday after Thanksgiving –  Nov. 28 in downtown Medina.

Parade committee chairman Jim Hancock has announced that Kathy Blackburn has been selected as Grand Marshal of the big parade.

“Kathy has actively worked behind the scenes, and been involved in so many things to benefit Medina,” Hancock said.

She is active in Medina Area Partnership, Orleans Renaissance Group, Medina Sandstone Society, the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery and many other initiatives in the village. She is member of both the Medina and Ridgeway planning boards, and Medina’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

Blackburn is past chairwoman of Releaf Medina, which raises money to plant trees in the village. She started Wreaths Across America in Medina, where more than 1,000 wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves in December.

She helped start the Faery Festival through MAP, and tries hard with many of the group’s events. For many years she dressed up as a character and welcomed families in line for Beggar’s Night the Friday before Halloween.

There will be some very interesting floats entered this year in the parade, Hancock said. He urges people and organizations to put together an entry in the parade. Entrants can compete for prize money in a variety of categories, including a $500 grand prize. The 10 best in class winners will each receive $300. Entry forms are available on the Parade of Lights website.

The Parade of Lights welcomes more entries in the big parade on Nov. 28. This photo shows a school bus decorated in a Candy Land theme last year by the Medina Transportation Department at the school district.

Events begin at 5 p.m. with a concert by Hit Men Brass in Rotary Park, followed by lighting of the Christmas tree in Rotary Park at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks over downtown at 5:45 p.m.

The parade will begin from the staging area at The Pickle Factory at 6 p.m. and travel down Park Avenue and north on Main Street.

Boy Scouts will be set up in the staging area, selling hot dogs, chili and hot chocolate.

A total of four bands are scheduled to perform – Hit Men Brass, Mark Time Marchers, Medina Mustang Marching Band and Pembroke High School Marching Band.

The first Parade of Lights took place in 2009, an idea of Hancock’s, who was talking with the Rev. Emily Frank, then pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. Frank told him about a small town in Michigan, who had such a parade and 3,000 to 4,000 people turned out. They agreed if that small town could do it, Medina could do it.

Other communities in Orleans County also do a lighted parade, including Albion, Barre and Clarendon. Hancock urged people to create a float for Medina’s parade and then participate in the other local parades.

Community theater group performing shows from Friday through Sunday

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – These gamblers try their luck and skill in a scene from Guys and Dolls. They would sing, “The Crapshooters’ Dance.” It’s a scene early in the second act of the musical, which is being performed by the Lake Plains Players with shows 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Medina High School.

This is the biggest production of the year for the community theater group, which predominantly features people from Orleans and Niagara counties. The Lake Plains Players also do two cabarets during the year, a summer theater program for children, and will be adding a theater program for senior citizens in the summer of 2027. The Players are working on finding a venue of the production of Into the Woods.

Tickets for Guys and Dolls are $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens. Click here for more information on tickets.

Scott Weber plays Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal craps game and is constantly avoiding law enforcement. He also is stalling on a 14-year engagement.

The musical is usually performed at Roy-Hart, but the school is doing renovations and upgrades to its auditorium and stage.

The show is directed by Sarah Jones Geer, who performed in Guys and Dolls when she was a student at Lyndonville in 1995.

She said the audience will enjoy the musical.

“It’s a golden age of Broadway show,” she said. “There is a lot of word play and physical comedy.”

Other members of the production team include Gary Simboli, vocal director; Mike Thaine, music director; Mollie Radzinski, choreographer; Robyn Watts, costume designer; and Sue Glynn, stage manager.

Rebecca Witty plays the role of Sarah Brown and Erin Moody of Albion is Sky Masterson. They are singing, “I’ve Never Been in Love Before.” They are an unlikely couple with Sky a notorious gambler and Sarah, a pious member of the Save-a-Soul Mission.

Amelia Schuster, center, plays the role of Miss Adelaide, shown performing her nightclub act, “Take Back Your Mink.” She is frustrated with Nathan for putting off their wedding and his ongoing gambling. Adelaide is shown with the Hot Box girls, backup dancers at the club.

The Save-a-Soul Mission calls for sinners to repent. The mission will have to close if it can’t get more people at an upcoming revival meeting. Johna Wegand, right, plays Arvide Abernathy, one of the leaders of the mission band.

The gamblers are happy after winning in a craps game.

Erin Moody is Sky Masterson, a high stakes gambler, and Will Briggs is Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Sky’s right hand man. Nicely-Nicely leads the song, “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.”

MEDINA – With open enrollment for 2027 health coverage through the New York State Health Marketplace, Orleans Community Health is reminding residents of Orleans and Genesee counties that assistance is available to help individuals and families explore their health insurance options.

Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage began Nov. 1, and continues through Jan. 31, 2027. Residents are encouraged to review their current coverage, explore available plans and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.

Orleans Community Health has a team of trained health insurance navigators ready to provide free, confidential assistance throughout the enrollment process.

Navigators can help residents:

• Apply for health insurance coverage.
• Renew or update existing coverage.
• Understand eligibility for financial assistance.
• Compare available health insurance options.
• Answer questions about the New York State of Health Marketplace.

Navigators are available Monday through Friday, with regular hours at Medina Memorial Hospital and the Batavia Dialysis Center. They also visit community locations, including Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Yates Library, Richmond Memorial Library, Hoag Library, Community Action locations in Albion and Holley, Offices for the Aging, Albion Healthcare Center and Genesee County Job Development.

Residents are encouraged to contact the navigator team to ask questions or schedule appointments for assistance.

For information in Orleans County, call (585) 798-2476, or in Genesee County, call (585) 798-8125.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Anne Joynt speaks during a meet the candidate event on Oct. 10 in Albion at Hoag Library.

A Medina graduate has been elected to the State Supreme Court. Anne Joynt, a Democrat, is one of four candidates elected to the 8^th Judicial District, which includes the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

The race was too close to call on Election Day. But about a week later, with nearly all the ballots counted, Joynt is the winner over Jonathan Hickey, a Republican, by at least 6,000 votes.

There were seven candidates on the ballot for the justice positions with the top four vote-getters elected.

Robert Richardson (backed by Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives) led with 474,774 votes, followed by Michael Amodeo (endorsed by Democrats, Republicans and Working Families) with 444,280 votes. Deanne Tripi (backed by Republican and Conservative parties) was elected and currently has 284,819 votes. They were all clear winners right after Election Day.

Anne Joynt (on the Democratic and Working Families lines) was just ahead of Jonathan Hickey (Republican and Conservative) on election night. The latest totals have her at 268,807 votes and Hickey at 262,195.

Craig Bucki (Democratic and Working Families lines) is at 251,419 and Robert Vario, backed by the Conservative Party, has 55,026 votes.

“While the formal certification of election results will take some time, the information presently available indicates that we will not prevail in this year’s race,” Hickey posted on Facebook. “Although I am certainly disappointed in the outcome, I fully respect and accept the results.”

Joynt graduated from Medina in 1998. She is the daughter of former Medina teacher/principal Cathy Joynt and the late Robert Joynt. Her mother appeared in one of Joynt’s television ads.

Joynt graduated from Geneseo magna cum laude with degrees in English and Spanish. She enrolled at the University at Buffalo Law School and graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2005.

In her second year of law school, Anne saw an ad that a State Supreme Court candidate was looking for someone to help with her campaign. She went on to assist with the campaign of the Honorable Paula Feroleto, who is retiring this year. Joynt will assume the seat of her mentor.

Joynt is a partner with the firm Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford. Her clients include injured workers exposed to asbestos, children exposed to lead paint, and abused children.

She also has been involved as a member or in a leadership role with the Western New York Women’s Foundation; University at Buffalo Law School Alumni Association; Girls on the Run; Women’s TAP Fund; the Center for Elder Law and Justice; the Erie County Bar Association Aid to Indigent Prisoners Society; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Upstate Chapter); National Federation for Just Communities; and the Minority Bar Foundation.

She has also volunteered with the Western New York Board of Directors of Geneseo State College; the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, WNY Chapter; Bar Association of Erie County; Buffalo and Erie County Public Library; and Law Intern Program of Buffalo.

Her honors include “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New York, National Trial Lawyers, 2025; Best Lawyers in America; University at Buffalo Law School Distinguished Alumni Award- Community Service; Upstate New York Super Lawyer; Woman Lawyer of the Year; Attorney of the Year Leader in Law Award; Woman of Influence by Buffalo Business First; Medina High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award; 2014/15 Woman in Leadership, Buffalo Niagara Chapter; Buffalo 40 Under 40 by Buffalo Business First; and Women in Leadership by NAWBO Buffalo-Niagara.”

She has been admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court and New York State Supreme Court.

(Includes reporting by Ginny Kropf.)