Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

Kirk Thomas Jr. and Nevada Nichols face multiple felony charges for allegedly stealing electronics from Walmart stores in Albion, Batavia and Brockport.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrests of two individuals following a multi-agency investigation into an organized retail theft scheme targeting department stores across Orleans, Genesee and Monroe counties.

Kirk Thomas Jr., 41, and Nevada Nichols, 33, both of Batavia, were charged in connection with multiple thefts from Walmart locations in the region on Jan. 12 as a result of a coordinated investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the Albion Walmart reported a theft on Jan. 6 in which more than $1,400 in merchandise—primarily electronics—was stolen. Surveillance footage showed a male and female suspect leaving the store in a white BMW with no license plates.

Further investigation revealed the same suspects were involved in additional thefts at Walmart locations in Albion, Brockport, Batavia and surrounding areas, resulting in thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.

Through coordinated investigative efforts, including surveillance review, intelligence sharing, vehicle identification, investigators identified Thomas and Nichols as suspects.

The vehicle used in the thefts was located and secured by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and search warrants executed by Orleans and Monroe County investigators resulted in the recovery of stolen property.

On January 12, Thomas and Nichols were taken into custody with the assistance of New York State Parole.

In Orleans County, both defendants were charged with:

• Two counts of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (A Misdemeanors)
• Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (E Felonies)
• Enterprise Corruption (B Felony), stemming from an alleged ongoing pattern of organized retail theft activity

Nevada M. Nichols was released on an appearance ticket in the Town of Albion Court. Nichols was also arrested and released by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Batavia, and by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Sweden.

Kirk A. Thomas Jr. was held in custody by Orleans County pending a bail hearing. Thomas has an extensive criminal history in New York State, having been previously arrested 48 times for similar offenses and convicted of eight felony crimes.

Additional charges for both are anticipated from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, and Walmart Asset Protection for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation coordinated by Orleans County Sheriff’s Investigator Brian Marsceill.

This case highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in addressing organized retail theft and protecting local businesses.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and some of his colleagues have sent a letter to Governor Hochul, urging her to direct NYSERDA to return billions in unused funds from their Climate Investment Account directly back to ratepayers who are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills.

The 2025 fiscal year budget and financial plan for NYSERDA indicates they have a surplus of more than $2 billion and projected in future years to even reach $3 billion. At last week’s Joint Budget hearing on Energy and Environmental Conservation, Senate Finance Ranker Tom O’Mara urged NYSERDA President Doreen Harris to return these funds to ratepayers as a bill credit. These bill credits would provide immediate relief to overburdened ratepayers who were required to contribute these surplus funds in their utility bills.

“Albany Democrats continue to dream up new ways to tax New Yorkers and billions of ratepayer dollars – taken to fund the Green New Scam – are sitting unused. It’s time NYSERDA parted with its slush fund, and returned that money to ratepayers to give real immediate relief to New Yorkers who desperately need a break,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

The letter was also signed by Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of the Energy and Telecommunications; Senator Tom O’Mara, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance; and Senator Mark Walczyk, member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.

“There is no rationale for not using these off-budget surplus funds to provide ratepayers with credit on their utility bill,” the letter reads. “It is particularly timely because of the increased supply costs that will result from the current bout of frigid weather. Returning these unspent funds would provide short-term assistance but does not resolve the long-term problem of increasing rates. It is, however, an important recognition of the problem and provides immediate cash relief.”

MEDINA – Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral and Gift Shop in Medina, knows the winter months are difficult, especially this year with so many bitterly cold days and very limited sunshine.

She said winter days are especially hard for senior citizens in nursing homes and assisted care facilities.

She posted on the Creekside Floral Facebook page about “Plants with Purpose.” She wanted to give a blooming plant to senior citizens at Orchard Manor, the North Wing of Medina Memorial Hospital and The Willows. She asked for $10 sponsors for each plant, a Kalanchoe.

The community responded, sponsoring 198 plants to cover all of the residents at the three sites. They also went over the limit by 35 and counting. Lewis has added The Villages of Orleans in Albion for “Plants with Purpose.”

She will deliver them by mid-week next week, in time for Valentine’s Day.

“I just wanted to brighten their day,” she said. “The winter months are some of the dreariest. We need more kindness in the world.”

Lewis thanked the sponsors for their quick and generous response. If she runs out of the Kalanchoe plants for everyone at The Villages, she said she would find other valentine-themed gifts for them. For more information about being a sponsor, call 585-798-1200.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today will be holding his 5th Annual National Pizza Day Police Appreciation Program.

Hawley will be providing pizza to law enforcement officers across the 139th Assembly District. This gesture complements his ongoing efforts in Albany to advocate for policies that support and equip our law enforcement officers.

Pizza will be delivered to the following 11 departments:

• Albion Police Department
• Batavia Police Department
• Brockport Police Department
• Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
• Holley Police Department
• Le Roy Police Department
• Medina Police Department
• Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – Zone B Substation
• New York State Police – Troop A, Albion Barracks
• New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters (Batavia)
• Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

Hawley will personally deliver pizza to the Batavia Police Department, New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters in Batavia, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in Batavia.

Extreme cold advisory also in effect tonight through Sunday morning

Photo by Marsha Rivers: A motorist drives on Ashwood Road in Carlton last week during frigid temperatures.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold advisory and also a winter weather advisory for Orleans County.

The winter weather advisory started at 7 a.m. today and continues until 7 p.m. on Saturday. Orleans County is expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow during that time period.

The advisory also includes Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow, the National Weather Service said.

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. tonight until 10 a.m. on Sunday with bitterly cold wind chills between 15 and 24 below zero expected.

“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” the Weather Service said. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”

The high temperature today in Orleans County is forecast to reach 27 but will drop to around 0 overnight.

Saturday is forecast for a high of 6 degrees and overnight low around 0, with Sunday’s high at 11.

HAMLIN – The Town of Hamlin is the euchre champ for 2026 against its card-playing rival, the Town of Kendall.

The towns have been playing euchre in a tournament since 1954. They for three Wednesdays, usually with 60 to 80 players.

Hamlin had the most points the first night, and then Kendall stormed back to claim the most points last week.

This week was the tie-breaker and Hamlin squeaked out a win, besting Kendall by 198 points. Both towns tallied more than 4,000 points over the three days.

Hamlin gets bragging rights for a year and also was treated to a fish fry by the losing team.

“In the words of Bills fans everywhere, ‘Wait ’til next year,’” said John Becker, chairman of the tournament for Kendall.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Anglers try to catch salmon and trout in the Oak Orchard River in Carlton on Oct. 20, 2023.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York.

The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).

“Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to affordably explore, unplug, and get outside,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State’s waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation, hosting memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy. In addition to the many health benefits associated with recreating outdoors, fishing can provide more opportunities to connect with family and friends, something that seems harder and harder to do with increasing demands on time in today’s world.”

DEC’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give New Yorkers who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State Fishing License.

Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit DEC’s website.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has issued a reminder to the community that Friday is Wear Red Day.

“We encourage the community to show their support for heart health by wearing red on Wear Red Day this Friday,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at OCH.

This national day of awareness shines a spotlight on heart disease – the leading cause of death for men and women – and encourages everyone to take simple steps toward a healthier heart.

By wearing red, community members help raise awareness, spark conversations and demonstrate a shared commitment to preventing heart disease and stroke. Orleans Community Health is proud to stand with residents, patients and partners in promoting heart-healthy habits that can make a lasting difference, according to Robinson.

Following are simple tips for a healthy heart:

• Stay active by aiming for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week.
• Choose heart healthy food, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Manage stress through relaxation, mindfulness or enjoyable activities.
• Know your numbers. Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption.

“Small lifestyle changes can have a bit impact on heart health,” Robinson said. “Wear Red Day is a great reminder to take care of your heart and encourage loved ones to do the same.”

Everyone is urged on Friday to “Go Red for Heart Health” and help build a healthier community for all.

Residents, businesses worry about costs of taxes, health insurance, utilities

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kelli Nicholas Owens gave some of the highlights of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget during the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Luncheon last Friday at the Fair Haven Inn in Gaines. Owens is executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Behind her are Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, and State Sen. Rob Ortt.

GAINES – Speakers at the annual legislative luncheon for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce said costs of living and doing business in the state – from utilities, health insurance, taxes, child care – are all straining peoples’ wallets making in difficult to get ahead.

Gov. Kathy Hochul presented a $260 billion executive budget that includes $4.5 billion for childcare and also eliminates taxes on tipped wages up to $25,000. The governor’s budget does not include a tax increase and makes “unprecedented funding” in law enforcement, said Kelli Nicholas Owens, executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said bringing down the costs to live and do business in the state should be a top priority for elected officials, especially for the governor and State Legislature. He said the state’s Medicaid program is a budget buster and some of the benefits should be reined in to reduce the costs. Medicaid provides health coverage to more than 7.5 million people in the state and costs about what Florida and Texas spend on the program combined, despite those states each having more people than New York, Hawley noted.

She provided some highlights of Hochul’s budget, including an additional $1.7 billion for prekindergarten and childcare, during the legislative luncheon last Friday that was attended by about 50 people.

 “I think we can all agree that something needs to be done about childcare, especially in the rural areas,” Owens said.

Universal childcare is also an economic development issue, helping more parents to be able to work at a time when there are shortages of employees around the state, Owens said.

Hochul also is targeting fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for New Yorkers, and aims to reduce rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for insurers. She wants expanded discounts for homeowners and housing providers who invest in damage mitigation measures for their homes or multifamily properties.

The governor also is demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities for lower bills.

“The governor is really trying to get to those pocketbook issues that affect everyday Americans,” Owens said.

Some attendees of the luncheon said the high costs in the state are causing people to go elsewhere.

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said the governor and State Legislature need to bring down the costs of living in the state, and resist bailing out Buffalo, New York City and other municipalities that get themselves into financial woes.

“The problem is everything is more damn expensive – cars, food, energy, insurance,” Ortt said.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, second from right, said Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature need to get serious about the affordability crisis in the state that is forcing many residents and businesses to flee to other states. Other speakers at the luncheon up front included, from left, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Allison Barkowski, representing Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the state needs to cut back.

“We cannot continue to be all things to all people,” he said.

He said the election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, as New York City mayor has concerned many in the state’s largest city and some have said they will move out of NYC. Hawley said he hopes those people will find their new homes in upstate New York, rather than another state.

Ortt would like the governor to do more to bring down costs, but he acknowledged it is a difficult state to govern and build consensus. However, Ortt said Hochul knows the small towns like Holley and Kendall and needs to be thinking more of those places when she pushes policies statewide.

Owens, the state official representing Hochul, urged the rural areas to build a strong coalition to bring a louder voice to Albany. Owens used to work for New York Farm Bureau and she saw how that organization reached legislators in Albany through its Taste of NY Reception and Lobby Day. This year it will be Feb. 9-10.

Owens suggested the chambers of commerce in rural areas band together and be part of the Farm Bureau outreach effort.

Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, said Orleans has been able to consistently stay under the state-imposed tax cap that generally allows about a 2 percent tax increase. But Welch said the county budget continues to be dominated by state mandated expenses that are more than 100 percent of the tax levy.

The county has seen more than a million-dollar increase in one of those programs: Mental Health Law Expense 730.30, where people deemed unfit to stand trial are committed to a facility. That can cost $30,000 to $50,000 a month per person.

The “730” expense went from $57,000 in 2023 to $367,000 in 2024 (with $50,000 budgeted). This year the budget was increased to $550,000 but the county was at $1,267,000 in 2025 with December’s bill yet to arrive. The budgeted amount for 2026 is $1.5 million. The cost used to be a 50-50 split with the state, but the state made it a 100 percent county expense.

The county has expanded its work week from 35 to 40 hours a week for county employees to help make up for a worker shortage and also to lessen the need to buy more health insurance policies, which has been another big cost on the county budget, Welch said.

“We’re trying to get as much efficiency as we can with what we have,” he said.

Tony Cammarata, Kendall town supervisor, said there has been a gradual residential push from the Town of Greece going west into Hilton and Hamlin. He expects Kendall to see residential and business growth, especially with the expansion of public water and sewer in the town.

“We’re next in line,” he said about the western migration from Monroe County.

County Historian Catherine Cooper highlighted how the county this year will be observing the 250^thanniversary of the United States declaring its independence. This follows a very busy 2025 when the county celebrated its own bicentennial and also the 200^th anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A road is plowed in Mount Albion on Wednesday, where the historic cemetery remains popular for walkers despite the bitter cold temperatures.

It is going to be brutally cold this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch for Orleans County and Western New York from late Friday night (1 a.m. Saturday) until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

There will be dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero with the coldest wind chills late Friday night through Saturday, the Weather Service said. Those wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.

Today is forecast for a high of 22 with an overnight low of 13, followed by a high of 27 on Friday. The temperature then drops to 0 on Friday night with a high near 8 on Saturday with the overnight low of 1 on Saturday night.

The highs will then be 13 on Sunday, 24 on Monday and 28 on Tuesday.

The graves at the companion veterans’ section are covered in snow at Mount Albion Cemetery on Wednesday.

‘Keep What You Have Earned’ legislative package includes largest Middle-Class tax cut in NY history

Press Release, NYS Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Provided photo: State Sen. Rob Ortt speaks today at a news conference in Albany when the Republican Conference unveiled a plan for tax relief to all New Yorkers.

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and other members of the Senate Republican Conference have proposed a “Keep What You Have Earned” legislative package that, if passed, would deliver real tax relief to all New Yorkers.

One of the key proposals, S.9110 introduced by Senator Steve Rhoads, would deliver $37 billion in state income tax relief to New Yorkers, the largest middle-class tax cut in New York State history.

Over a ten-year period, the proposal would eliminate state personal income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers. New Yorkers that file jointly would see an estimated savings of up to $6,000 once fully phased in. This applies to all New Yorkers, not just those falling at or below a certain threshold.

“The average New York family is barely getting by, and that’s the main reason so many people have been fleeing this state,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “We lead the nation in outmigration and taxes, and that’s nothing to be proud of. Instead of ignoring these important issues and increasing taxes and state spending, the Senate Republican conference is offering a realistic approach to save New York and make life more affordable.”

Keep What You’ve Earned Legislative Package includes:

• S.9110 (Rhoads) – “The Taxpayer Rescue Plan” is aimed at providing much needed tax relief to hardworking New Yorkers. Eliminate state personal income tax on first $50,000 for single filers and $100,000 for married filing jointly. Lower the tax rate to 4% for single filers up to $250,000 and $500,000 for married filing jointly. This proposal would provide a personal income tax cut for all New Yorkers. Any single filer making $50,000 or less and couples making $100,000 or less would no longer pay any state income tax. The proposal provides $37 billion in tax relief to New York residents over its 10-year implementation without having to cut funding from vital state programs as its cost would be absorbed through natural growth of the economy.
• S.1296 (Borrello) – Establishes an annual spending growth cap on the State Budget that limits the growth of state operating funds spending.
• S.1308 (Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick) – Requires a two-thirds vote from each house of the State Legislature to impose or extend taxes a two-thirds vote from local legislative bodies to impose or extend local taxes, and a two-thirds vote from local legislative bodies requesting an imposition or extension of taxes by the state legislature.
• S.1487 (O’Mara) – Reduces the amount small businesses and farms must pay in taxes by increasing the corporate tax threshold from $390,000 to $500,000 and lowering the rate to 2.5%. Expands the small business exemption to all PIT businesses regardless of whether they have employees, increases the threshold to $500,000, increases the exemption to 15%, and increases the exemption to 20% for farmers.
• S.3914 (Martins) – No state income tax on overtime.
• S.5519 (Ashby) – Reduce the property tax burden on homeowners by providing for a ten-year state takeover of the local share of Medicaid for local governments subject to the two percent property tax cap.
• S.8489 (Weber) – Freezes real property taxes for three years to provide relief to New York homeowners.
• S.587 (Martins) – No state income tax on tips.

This package is part of the Senate Republican Conference’s broader 2026 legislative agenda entitled “Save New York,” a plan to improve affordability, enhance public safety, and build a stronger New York for today and future generations.

Josefino Paz not allowed at school after charged with 3 misdemeanors

Josefino Paz

ALBION – An English as a Second Language teacher at Albion Central School been charged with forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse in the third degree.

Josefino Paz, 58, of Brockport surrendered at the Orleans County Jail today following a criminal investigation conducted by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

The alleged incident involved a juvenile victim and occurred within the Town of Albion, the sheriff said.

“Due to the age of the victim, no identifying information will be released,” Bourke said.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office coordinated this investigation with Albion School District officials, School Resource Deputy Ashliegh Stornelli, and Sheriff’s Investigators Kevin Colonna and Devon Pahuta.

Upon becoming aware of this incident, Albion School officials removed Paz from any access to the school district property.

Paz was processed at the Orleans County Jail and held pending CAP court arraignment for the charges, which are all misdemeanors. A temporary order of protection has been issued. Additional court proceedings are pending, Bourke said.

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at 585-589-5527.

In a message sent to parents of Albion students, District Superintendent Mickey Edwards said Paz was placed on administrative leave last week when the district was told he may have been involved in a criminal incident.

Edwards said the investigation from the Sheriff’s Deartment has not found any misconduct from Paz that occurred on the school campus. The district’s attorneys are also conducting an internal investigation, Edwards said.

“The safety of Albion CSD students is always and remains a top priority,” Edwards wrote in his message. “Discussions related to student safety can be difficult to navigate with children but are important to have. District counselors and social workers, as well as Orleans County mental health counselors, are available to students and families who would like additional support processing this or any other challenging safety issue.”

Photos courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Hall hosted a pizza party for children who shoveled out a fire hydrant or a neighbor’s driveway during a snow day on Jan. 26.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – What started as a simple snow-day contest for kids last week quickly turned into something special for the Kendall Fire District and the entire Kendall community.

During the snow day, the Kendall Fire District posted a challenge on Facebook inviting children in the community to shovel out a fire hydrant or help clear a neighbor’s driveway. Any child who participated and shared a photo would have their name placed into a hat for a live Facebook drawing, with the winner earning a ride to school in a fire truck.

Kendall Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, back left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis greet kids who will get a ride to school on a fire truck.

“We honestly thought we might get four or five kids to take part,” said James Fox, Captain with the Kendall Fire District. “Instead, it turned into more than 40 kids stepping up to help others.”

The overwhelming response caught the attention of the district’s Public Relations and Community Outreach Team. Impressed by the number of young participants and their willingness to serve, the department decided they wanted to do more to show their appreciation. A pizza party was planned at the firehouse to recognize every child who gave their time to help the community, as well as the parents and guardians who ensured the activities were completed safely and shared photos with the department.

As soon as the pizza party was announced, local businesses began calling the firehouse asking how they could help. Community support poured in. Partyka Farms donated an ice cream cone for each contestant. J&M Auto Service paid for all of the pizza, while Hamlin Pizza Shack donated fried dough, soda and water, and provided free delivery of all the pizza.

The recognition continued at school as well. The Kendall School District honored every participant during its Student of the Month ceremony. District Chief Randy Davis and Deputy Chief Mike Cole attended the ceremony and presented certificates of appreciation to each child.

The pizza party was held yesterday evening at the firehouse and was filled with food, laughter, and fun. Kevin Watson, the elementary school principal, was the guest of honor and pulled the winners’ names from a hat. The district then decided why stop at just one winner?

Instead of selecting a single child, the District chose to fill three large fire apparatus with winners. As a result, four children will now receive a full escort to school in a fire truck. The winners are Jeffery Lutes, Nora Rasmusson, and siblings Presley and Brantley Cole.

What began as a fun snow-day activity became a powerful reflection of what Kendall represents: One Family, One School, One Community. District Chiefs Davis and Cole say they are excited about future events involving the community and encourage residents to be on the lookout for more fun and meaningful ways to get involved.