Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new policy to eliminate outdated restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants.
Effective immediately, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) will no longer require applicants to disclose whether dancing will be permitted by patrons or consider questions on the application about patron dancing when reviewing on-premises license applications.
This policy change builds on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to support live performances, arts and entertainment across New York and to modernize policies impacting the state’s nightlife and hospitality industry.
“New York’s hospitality industry is unmatched, and our restaurants, bars and nightlife are a big part of what makes our communities so vibrant,” Governor Hochul said. “By eliminating this antiquated restriction on dancing, we’re making it easier for businesses to succeed and for New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the energy and excitement that define our state.”
New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, “The SLA should be focused on public safety, quality of life, and the overall operation of licensed businesses — not on whether patrons choose to dance. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are continuing to remove unnecessary barriers and support the restaurants, bars, and venues that help make New York’s communities dynamic, welcoming, and full of energy. Dancing is good for the soul. Let’s celebrate!”
Key changes under this new policy include:
The SLA will no longer consider responses related to patron dancing when evaluating applications for on-premises liquor licenses.
Applicants will no longer be required to disclose whether patron dancing will be permitted on the Authority’s on-premises license application, method of operation change application, municipal notice form, public interest questionnaire and other related materials.
Applicants may omit or leave blank any such questions without impacting the evaluation of their application.
This policy change applies to all new applications, including those currently under review that have not yet been approved.
Licensees that currently have restrictions related to patron dancing may apply to modify their method of operation if they wish to allow dancing at their establishment.
The SLA will continue to review each application based on public convenience and advantage and the overall method of operation, while enforcing all laws and regulations related to noise, disorderly conduct and public safety. Businesses must continue to comply with all applicable municipal laws, regulations or zoning requirements related to dancing, entertainment and use of space.
Additional guidance on this new policy is available on the SLA’s website.
Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association Executive Director Scott Wexler said, “Hallelujah, the State Liquor Authority is calling off the “dancing police” in bars and restaurants in New York. For nearly 100 years since the repeal of Prohibition, operators of restaurants had to get special permission from the Liquor Authority to permit patrons to dance. In what resembled a scene from the movie “Footloose” owners would need to stop their customers from dancing to the jukebox or risk getting shut down. With this common sense change the Liquor Authority is removing the shroud from New Yorkers’ dance card – so let’s dance!”
New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association President Sandra Jaquez said, “For New York’s minority-owned restaurants, bars, and lounges, music and dancing are central to how our communities gather, celebrate, and support vibrant neighborhoods. We applaud Governor Hochul and Chair Lily Fan for removing outdated restrictions around patron dancing and taking a commonsense step toward modernizing New York’s hospitality rules. This change will help small businesses better serve their customers, strengthen commercial corridors, and continue contributing to the culture and economy of communities across the state.”
New York State Restaurant Association President and CEO Melissa Fleischut said, “Thank you Governor Hochul and the State Liquor Authority for addressing regulatory red tape. (This) decision shows their continued commitment to modernizing and updating the antiquated alcohol laws that make it difficult to open and maintain a restaurant or bar. We look forward to continuing to work with them to help the hospitality industry thrive.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:54 am
Villages, towns get small percentage of AIM funding from NYS
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 6 shows the clock and Main Street lift bridge in Albion. The village of Albion receives about $47,000 from the state in AIM and Temporary Municipal Assistance. Cities that are similar in size to the village of Albion receive far more. The City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City receives $928,131 in AIM and another $323,328 in TMA. Salamanca has a population of 5,929 while Albion’s is 5,637.
The $268 billion enacted state budget from last week triples funding to muncipalities in Temporary Municipal Assistance, up from $50 million in the 2025-26 state budget to $150 million in the new budget.
The state began offering the Temporary Municipal Assistance in the 2024-25 budget at $50 million.
The temporary aid is on top of the $715 million for Aid and Incentives to Municipalities, which distributes AIM funding statewide to towns, villages and cities outside of New York City. With AIM, the cities get $647.1 million or 90.5 percent of the total, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.
The TMA follows the same percentages with the overwhelming majority going to cities. Some of the tripling of TMA will trickle down to towns and villages in Orleans County.
Here is the breakdown of AIM and Temporary Assistance for Orleans County municipalities:
Village of Albion – $38,811 AIM, $8,145 TMA, population 5,637
Village of Holley – $17,786 AIM, $3,732 TMA, population 1,754
Village of Lyndonville – $6,251 AIM, $1,311 TMA, population 791
Village of Medina – $45,523 AIM, $9,555 TMA, population 6,047
Town of Albion – $46,944 AIM, $9,852 TMA, population 7,639
Town of Barre – $12,486 AIM, $2,619 TMA, population 1,830
Town of Carlton – $13,680 AIM, $2,871 TMA, population 2,823
Town of Clarendon – $11,416 AIM, $2,397 TMA, population 3,305
Town of Gaines – $21,323 AIM, $4,476 TMA, population 3,226
Town of Kendall – $21,299 AIM, $4,470 TMA, population 2,614
Town of Murray – $44,677 AIM, $9,375 TMA, population 4,806
Town of Ridgeway – $46,273 AIM, $9,711 TMA, population 6,577
Town of Shelby – $45,007 AIM, $9,447 TMA, population 4,878
Town of Yates – $10,421 AIM, $2,187 TMA, population 2,567
Orleans County doesn’t have any cities and its 10 towns and four villages will get a total of $80,148 as part of the TMA allocations. The county has a population of 40,343 so the temporary aid amounts to about $2 per person.
The cities get a lot more in assistance from the state. Here are some examples of smaller cities and their AIM and TMA:
City of Batavia in Genesee County – $1,750,975 AIM, $609,978 TMA, population 15,174
City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City – $928,131 AIM, $323,328 TMA, population 5,929
City of Sherrill in Oneida City – $372,689 AIM, $129,831 TMA, population 3,077
City of Lockport in Niagara County – $2,650,525 AIM, $923,349 TMA, population 20,876
Governor Kathy Hochul said the boost in temporary aid will help cities, towns and villages with rising costs.
“As bad federal policies like tariffs drive inflation and continue to raise costs for local governments, we are providing additional aid to localities to help hold the line on local taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “Strong local communities mean an even stronger New York, and these investments will go a long way to ensure that our local governments can continue to deliver for the communities they serve.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:56 am
$4.60 price in Orleans is highest in WNY
The national average price for regular unleaded gas has fallen 19 cents in the past week to $4.32, while the price is down 6 cents state-wide to $4.53 a gallon. A year ago the national price was at $3.14 while the state-wide average was at $3.12.
The average price today in Orleans County is at $4.599, which is the highest in Western New York and down 2 cents from a week ago, according to AAA.
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
Orleans, $4.599
Genesee, $4.480
Monroe, $4.523
Niagara, $4.509
Erie, $4.553
Wyoming, $4.595
Livingston, $4.557
Chautauqua, $4.568
Cattaraugus, $4.537
Allegany, $4.550
The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.833 while Hamilton County in the Adirondacks is the highest upstate at $4.799.
“Gas prices have edged down slightly as June begins, offering brief relief after a Memorial Day travel surge,” AAA said in a press release this morning. “AAA projects 39.1 million Americans drove 50 miles or more during the travel period despite elevated fuel costs.
“Meanwhile, crude oil prices have been wavering amid renewed geopolitical tensions, including uncertainty surrounding negotiations with Iran. Any setback could quickly push prices higher again, and with the summer driving season ramping up, gas costs are expected to remain on the higher side for the foreseeable future.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:00 am
Photo by Isabella Zasa: Orly the Ox rides a hydro-bike on the Erie Canal in Medina on July 18. This was one of five photos that won a statewide contest.
A photo of an ox mascot riding a hydrobike in Medina’s Canal Basin is one of five state-wide winners in a photo contest by the New York State Association of Counties.
Isabella Zasa, a digital contest creator and tourism assistant in the county’s Tourism Department, took the photo on July 18 showing Orly the Ox. In the background are people on kayaks, the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge and the “Big Apple” sculpture created by Richard Bannister.
Zasa spent part of her time last year creating frequent social media posts with Orly highlighting local history, attractions and activities in Orleans County. The hydrobike feature was among more than 200 posts that Zasa helped created in 2025, when Orly was out for Orleans County’s bicentennial celebration.
The New York State Association of Counties welcomes photos each year in contest that wants to “capture the spirit of your county.”
The rules state: “County government has many angles to capture, including public safety, infrastructure, public health, parks, community engagement, and more! Whether it’s an infrastructure project, a community event, or a snapshot of county operations, your photo can help illustrate the impact of counties across New York State.”
Zasa’s photo of Orly the Ox will be featured in an NYSAC News magazine as well as the 2027 NYSAC Calendar.
This photo of Main Street in Batavia and the Upton Monument was taken out of the old Genesee County Courthouse by Steven Falitico and also was among the five winners in the photo contest.
Other winners included “Tompkins County Naturalization Ceremony” at the County Courthouse in Ithaca by Robert Henry; “Madsion County Fair at Dusk” in Brookfield by Melissa During; and an aerial photo of “Chemung County, NY Government Sewer Consolidation Project” in Elmira by Jett Industries, Inc.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 8:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Brittany Glasier, a behavior specialist with Arc GLOW, paints a temporary tattoo on Tammy Cummings of Barker as part of Saturday’s 5th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day.
The event was held at the Trolley Building at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.
Provided photo: About 60 people attended the conference and many toured an ambulance brought by Mercy Flight EMS. Pam Cherry of Mercy Flight gave an overview on emergency response by Mercy Flight.
Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard also gave a presentation on safety.
Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, spoke about the importance of “being seen” and encouraged the group to be active in the community.
There was also a presentation by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, and welcome messages by Andrew Johnston is president of Orleans County Self-Advocate All Stars, and Logan Gerling, president of the Junior Self-Advocacy All Stars.
Saturday’s event was attended by about 60 people, which was up from last year’s event, Johnston said.
Christina Fontaine of Rochester tries the fish bowl toss. There were many activities for people to connect, learn and have fun together.
The direct support professionals through the Arc’s community services program helped run many of the games and programs.
Robert Hall, who works as a direct support professional with Arc GLOW, aims at the target with the dunk tank.
Robert Hall hit the target and a bucket of water dumped on Tyler Nunnery, who is vice president of the Self-Advocate All Stars in Orleans County.
The day self-advocacy day is dedicated in memory of Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper, who both passed away in 2022.
Doherty passed away at age 38 on May 5, 2022. He was active in many groups in the community and was an Eagle Scout. He volunteered with the Bullard Park restoration, the Albion Strawberry Festival and the 4-H Fair. He was a member of the Albion Lion’s Club.
He was one of the founders of the Self-Advocacy All Stars in Orleans County and attended state-wide conferences. From those experiences he wanted to have a conference in Orleans County and worked on planning the first one just before his death.
Hopper, age 71, passed away January 6, 2022. She worked for many years for the Arc as an assembly line worker. In the early ’80s she also worked at the Orleans County Nursing Home in the laundry department. Hopper was a former member of the Board of Directors for the Orleans County Arc.
Loretta Windnagle of Holley, a junior self advocate, throws a ball at the dunk tank target, on Saturday.
Peggy Dollinger reacts after someone hit the dunk tank target and she was doused in water.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2026 at 3:22 pm
Wood fired pizza mobile business will continue
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Alexander family completed a busy day Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate, the last one at 165 Platt St. for Dubby’s.
Brian and Rebecca Alexander opened the business about 5 ½ years ago. They said lease and building issues forced them to close Dubby’s Tailgate but they are hopeful Dubby’s Tailgate will be back at another location in the future.
“This is a bump in the road and not a dead end,” Brian said on Saturday night.
The top photo includes Brian and Rebecca and their five children as well as employee Madison Muckle at far right. Pictured from left include Brian, Maxine, Rebecca, Barrett, Abby, Michael, Lily Strickland and Madison Muckle. The Alexanders employed about 10 people at Dubby’s outside of their family over the years.
Dubby’s operated out of a 10,000-square-foot warehouse that proved a great venue for cornhole tournaments, parties, benefits, and other special events, including a wine-tasting after party with musicians for the Albion Merchants Association, Orleans County’s Family Game Night and the Home and garden Show for the Chamber of Commerce.
Rebecca Alexander cooked out of a wood-fired oven on Saturday. Her husband Brian and their daughter Abby also are shown in the busy kitchen. Abby said she racked up 18,000 steps by the end of evening.
Dubby’s will continue the wood-fired pizza mobile business that started about eight years ago. This Friday they will be at the Red Rocks Ponds RV Resort on Canal Road in Holley.
The Alexanders said they appreciated the strong community support for Dubby’s Tailgate, which featured the restaurant and many tailgate games, including cornhole, pool, “Fowling” a combination of football and bowling, Skeeball, darts and other activities.
The Alexanders said they are proud the concept as an “eater-tainment” business worked. They made many friends and were pleased to see the many benefits raise money for people in a health crisis.
Brian and Rebecca Alexander are shown by a Dubby’s Tailgate mural inside the warehouse that offered many games for people to have fun. Dubby’s hosted popular cornhole leagues and tournaments. Some of those tournaments had 100 teams, and brought in professional players.
Debbie Prest helped put on some of the benefits, and has been a loyal customer from day one at Dubby’s Tailgate. One of the benefits was in her honor after she was diagnosed with cancer.
“They have definitely contributed to the community and to everybody,” Prest said on Saturday at a counter inside Dubby’s.
She praised the Alexanders for not charging a rental fee to host the benefits, and they welcomed outside groups to cook chicken barbecues on site as additional fundraisers for the beneficiaries of the benefits even though Dubby’s didn’t get any direct revenue from the chicken barbecues.
Dubby’s also had plenty of space to put baskets up for raffle. Some of the benefits had well over 100 baskets and other larger items.
Prest said she admires how the family with five children works well together.
There were more than 150 baskets up for raffle on July 20, 2025 during a benefit at Dubby’s for Debbie Prest. Dubby’s hosted many benefits and community events in the past five years.
Tina and Jeremy Neal often would dine out at Dubby’s, meeting there for dinner after her Friday shift at Ace Hardware. Their late son Byron loved the cheese pizza at Dubby’s. His parents would often order that pizza in his honor.
“We adore these people,” Tina said about the Alexanders. “They are lovely people.”
On Saturday, Tina ordered pizza logs while Jeremy had an Uncle Tony pizza with meatballs and creamy garlic drizzle.
Mike Beach has been the cornhole league coordinator the past five years. Dubby’s proved a great venue for the league and tournaments. Albion is located between Rochester and Buffalo and the tournaments drew players from both metro areas.
Dubby’s also had space for 14 boards to be played at once. Most other tournament sites have space for 5 to 8 boards. Dubby’s also has the restaurant and bar on site, where many locations might just offer pizza slices and hot dogs.
“People love it here,” Beach said on Saturday after a final cornhole tournament. “It had the best of everything.”
He was happy to coordinate the league and tournaments, pleased to see people socializing in Albion.
“Here you had a place to hang out,” he said. “There was nothing like it. We’ve met so many people and had so much fun here the past five years.”
Brian and Rebecca said they want to recreate Dubby’s Tailgate at another location. They learned some lessons with the Platt Street location, and they know the business model works.
“We’re not going out because we weren’t unsuccessful,” Rebecca said. “We were just hitting our groove.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2026 at 8:55 am
This photo of the sunrise this morning was taking at Glenwood Lake in Medina by Kimberly Stawicki.
It’s going to be a sunny week in Orleans County. The forecast shows lots of sunshine.
Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 72, followed by a sunny Monday with a high near 69, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
Tuesday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 73, and then a sunny Wednesday with a high near 76.
The Weather Service said Thursday also will be sunny with a high of 81, followed by a partly sunny Friday with a high near 82, and a partly sunny Saturday with a chance of showers and a high near 80.
Robyn Ottaviano took this photo of the a nearly full Blue Moon on Saturday night in Medina.
Bob Barrett encountered a newborn deer in the weeds on the edge of his yard in Clarendon on May 28. “So cute,” he said. “Look but don’t touch… mama will be back!”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 May 2026 at 8:27 am
Provided photos: Kim Gray, left, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, is shown with the nominees for this year’s DAISY Award. They are Pamela Washak, Carol Martucci (winner), Karina Rotoli and Amy Strickland.
MEDINA – For the third year, Orleans Community Health has participated in the DAISY Award program, recognizing two nurses whose compassion, professionalism and dedication have made a lasting impact on patients and families throughout the organization.
The internationally-recognized DAISY Award program honors extraordinary nurses for the clinical skill and compassionate care they provide every day, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing.
Jennifer Adams, one of the recipients of the DAISY Award at Medina Memorial Hospital, poses with Kim Gray, chief nursing officer, after the awards ceremony last week.
This year’s award recipients are Emergency Room nurse Jennifer Adams and nursing supervisor Carol Martucci.
“The partnership with the DAISY Foundation underscores our commitment to acknowledging the exceptional work of our nurses who make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families every day,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are excited to join hands with the DAISY Foundation to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.”
In addition to Adams and Martucci, this year’s nominations included Danielle Gullo, Leann Balcerzak, Jill Kotzbach, Karina Rotoli, Lisa McQueen, Amy Strickland and Pamela Washak.
One nomination for Adams highlighted the comfort and reassurance she provided during a patient’s care experience.
“What stood out most was how she guided my care so seamlessly,” the nomination stated. “She anticipated my needs, ensured my comfort, and consistently checked in on my pain and anxiety. Nothing ever felt chaotic or uncertain because she created an environment of reassurance and compassion. It was clear she was not just performing tasks – she was caring for me as a whole person.”
A nomination for Martucci recognized her compassion and professionalism during a stressful medical situation.
“She compassionately explained my situation and reassured me I would be in good hands and all would be well,” the nomination read. “When I got to Unity, the ER doctors there looked over my chart and records and said, ‘Well, we really don’t have any further tests to do. Medina did everything.’ This brought a smile to my face and pride for my hometown hospital.”
Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Burns, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. “DAISY” stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.
The DAISY Award is presented through nominations submitted by patients, families and co-workers who wish to recognize nurses for the outstanding care they provide. Orleans Community Health congratulates all of this year’s nominees and thanks its nursing staff for their continued dedication to serving the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2026 at 6:43 pm
Logan Kast led the project for Eagle Scout rank
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Logan Kast, a Boy Scout in Troop 164 in Albion, led scouts today in putting a garden in behind UConnectCare’s residence for 25 women on Butts Road.
Logan, a junior in high school, has been in scouts since first grade. He worked to put in the garden for his Eagle Scout project.
He said he hopes the garden is therapeutic for the residents.
He has completed all of his merit badges and the project will fulfill the requirements to earn scouting’s highest honor.
Logan will follow his brother Tyler and father John as Eagle Scouts.
Jax Gotte works on the garden with other scouts. Other scouts who helped today, besides Logan Kast and Jax Gotte, include Stryker Braley, Leo Gotte, Jack Breuilly, Peter Stritzinger, Sebastian Stritzinger and Colton Durow, as well as scout leaders Jeff Braley and Ben Metcalf.
Logan Kast works on the garden with the other scouts. Logan appreciated local donations to the project, including brown mulch and gravel from Art Hill Construction, pavers from Kast Farms, flowers from Roberts Farm Markets and Kirby’s Farm Market, and a bench from Kathy Kast.
Logan said he plans to attend Texas A&M after he graduates from Albion to pursue range land management and wildlife biology. His brother Tyler and sister Sierra graduated from Texas A&M.
Logan said he is grateful through the opportunities through Boy Scouts.
“I love helping my community, being outdoors and being around nature,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2026 at 8:41 am
LYNDONVILLE – The school district is doing a budget revote on June 16, and the budget is the same as the one that was rejected on May 19 with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The Lyndonville Board of Education has held two budget meetings since the vote and the board opted to keep the budget unchanged in the revote.
The budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase is already below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.
The $19,194,000 budget would increase spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy would increase from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
The spending increase is largely driven by a capital project with state aid covering most of the expense.
The budget is voted down again Lyndonville would have to adopt a contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, in a message to the community acknowledged local feedback, including residents who raised concerns about rising taxes and cost of living.
Lyon said the district considered further lowering the levy and using more reserves to lower the property tax.
“After reviewing multiple options, the Board determined that the original proposal best balances: support for students, the district’s future financial health, and limiting the impact on taxpayers as much as possible,” she wrote to the community.
If the budget is voted down, Lyndonville would have to go to a contingency budget, which Lyon said would put significant restrictions on spending and future planning.
Those reductions could affect student programs, athletics, music, extracurricular opportunities, equipment replacement, and other student services, she said.
“These consequences are set by New York State law and would not be a local Board decision,” Lyon said.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has requested a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for counties in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Central New York, Southern Tier and the Western New York regions.
Following an early bloom due to warmer than normal temperatures, frost conditions in April 2026 significantly impacted many fruit operations, including apple, stone fruit, grape and strawberry growers. To date, producers that reported in these regions have experienced an estimated loss of more than $30 million. A Disaster Designation would allow affected farmers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans. The request was made to the USDA on May 20.
“New York’s growers are second to none and many have taken a significant hit, with some reporting upwards of a 100 percent loss of their crop and millions in economic loss,” Governor Hochul said. “This hardship follows a trend we are becoming all too familiar with — temperature swings that are indicative of our changing climate. This time, our fruit growers are taking the brunt of frost conditions that damaged already blooming buds and shoots.
“I urge the USDA to take swift action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward,” Hochul said. “I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York fruit.”
New York is a major specialty crop state. The apple, grape and stone fruit industries represent an important and large component of New York’s agricultural economy. New York ranks second in the country for apple production and third for grapes, for example. The apple industry alone generates $574 million in economic impact. These crops also play an important role in wholesale markets as well as retail and direct pick-your own sales.
Freezing temperatures that dipped below 23 degrees significantly damaged the primary and secondary fruiting buds and shoots of fruit crops, including apples, grapes, stone fruit — peaches, plums, cherries — pears and strawberries across the regions, particularly those in higher elevation, following warmer than average temperatures that brought many crops to bud early. In addition, early vegetable crops like onions sustained damages.
Damage varies from county to county and a survey conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that many growers are facing a wide range in losses — anywhere from 15 percent to 100 percent, with an estimated economic loss of more than $30 million to date.
A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Farmers are the backbone of New York’s economy, but as climate change worsens, extreme weather events are becoming more common and are wreaking havoc on growers across the state. These frost events are devastating for New York’s specialty crop and fruit sector, and a secretarial disaster designation would help ensure that impacted growers have the resources they need to recover. I urge USDA Secretary Rollins to swiftly consider and approve New York’s request in order to bring relief to farmers across New York.”
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), today sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul opposing a provision in New York’s Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The provision prevents sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies from partnering with federal authorities to identify, detain, and process illegal aliens who pose threats to public safety. New York included the prohibition as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget signed into law this week.
In her letter, Tenney argued that cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement is critical to protecting communities and warned that banning 287(g) agreements further entrenches New York’s sanctuary state policies while limiting the tools available to local law enforcement.
“Cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By prohibiting local law enforcement from participating in the 287(g) program, Albany is preventing sheriffs and local agencies from utilizing federal resources that are necessary to protect their communities. New Yorkers deserve policies that prioritize public safety and support law enforcement, not policies that limit their ability to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”
Provided photos: (Left) Master Food Preserver Eileen Sorochty shows how to measure headspace during last year’s Master Food Preserver Training. (Right) Master Food Preserver Albie Suozzi demonstrates how to use a jar lifter to remove processed jam from an electric water bath canner.
Press Release, Orleans County CCE Master Food Preservers
ALBION – Orleans County CCE Master Food Preservers are excited to offer two youth canning classes this summer.
The first class will be a Jam Making session offered on Saturday, June 13th, from 1-4 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of water bath canning and then use hands-on techniques to make their own strawberry jam. Youth attending the June Jam Making class can enter their jams as exhibits in the Orleans County 4-H Fair, July 27-August 1.
The second class will be a “Canning 101” class on Tuesday, August 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. Students will be given an overview of various canning techniques and have the opportunity to make their own quick pickles to take home. Both classes will be taught by Master Food Preserver Volunteers Albie Suozzi and Eileen Sorochty.
“I learned to process food at home at a very young age, and I see a need in the community for young people to acquire skills that their parents may not have necessarily learned,” said Eileen Sorochty. “We’re lucky to live in such an agriculturally-rich area where we can have fresh fruits and vegetables at the peak of the season.”
The youth canning classes are offered at a discounted rate of $5 per person. Attendees must be aged 8 or older, enrolled in 4-H (they can be enrolled the day of the class for an additional $5) and must be accompanied by an adult.
“I started cooking and baking with my mom around age 8,” said Albie Suozzi, “I think the interest is there and it’s a great time to get started!”
“Offering a workshop for youth that includes an adult caregiver has the potential to create a life-long shared interest between the two,” Sorochty chimed in. “I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my daughter when she was young and it’s still a hobby that we continue to bond over today.”
Details on all classes can be found at the Orleans CCE website Events page (click here). Pre-registration is required for all classes – spots are limited. To register or for more details, please contact the Orleans CCE Master Food Preserver coordinator Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265 ext. 125.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 May 2026 at 2:53 pm
Dawn Hollenbeck has started chemo for lymphoma
Provided photos
ALBION – Members of the Albion senior class had their “prank” on Thursday, but didn’t get into any mischief. Instead seniors stopped teachers and other visitors and asked for donations to park in the school lots.
The top photo shows one of their signs, and seniors Gideon Pask and Neveya Barnes.
The fundraiser took in $1,125.80 for the family of Dawn Hollenbeck, a mother of 14 who has been diagnosed with large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, stage 3. One of her children is Victoria Hollenbeck, an Albion senior. Mrs. Hollenbeck also has 11 grandchildren.
This group of seniors includes, from left: Victoria Hollenbeck, Abby Kincaid, Julia Button and Aubrey Gannon.
Dawn Hollenbeck started chemotherapy treatments last week. She and her husband Brian are long-time Albion residents.
Dawn worked for many years at Burger King and most recently at Taco Bell.
Her husband is disabled. He previously owned a pest extermination business.
The students were praised for rallying around the mother of a classmate.
There is a GoFundMe set up for the Hollenbeck family and additional fundraisers are being planned.
Hanna Kumalac, left, and Nisi Beltran Roblero helped with the fundraiser on Thursday.
