By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2026 at 9:08 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A 36-foot-long wall on the bathroom building at Veterans Park has a dramatic new look. Albion art teacher Kamie Feder and 11 of her students turned the white wall into a mural with a bald eagle, poppies, an American flag, and a soldier saluting.
Students worked on the mural from Monday through Wednesday.
Photos courtesy of Kamie Feder: The students are shown on Monday at the beginning of first day working on the large painting at the park, which is located at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street.
Here they are at the end of the first day on Monday.
Avah Tatu and Isabella Negron-Ortiz stencil the stars on the flag on the second day of work.
Students embraced the task of painting the mural. From the top to bottom shows Avah Tatu, Lillian Pike and Eli Patten.
Viktor Healy helped transform the wall into a patriotic display.
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) is looking to recruit more young people to serve on the county’s Youth Court and has sent letters to the county’s five school districts looking for interested students.
Youth Court is an alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement.
“Youth Court gives students who have made a mistake an opportunity to take responsibility, understand the consequences of their actions and find a path forward without entering the juvenile justice system,” said Jeannine Larkin, Youth Court coordinator for Orleans County Children & Family Services. “The success of the program rests on the young people who serve on the Youth Court and make a commitment to helping their peers make better decisions.”
Larkin said the program currently has 19 members with each school district in the county represented. She said those interested in joining the program should see their school counselor or contact her directly at Jeannine.larkin@orleanscountyny.gov or call 585-297-0137 for applications and additional information.
Those who wish to serve take part in a six-week training seminar that will begin on Oct. 17 and run through Nov. 21 at the Dwight “Buzz” Hill Education Center on the Orleans County Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. Participants will learn from trained professionals about restorative justice and how the legal system works from arrest through disposition of a case.
“This is a great program that helps those who participate develop valuable leadership skills and become positive role models for their peers,” Larkin said. “It’s particularly gratifying when a young person who got into trouble, went through Youth Court and had a positive outcome, comes back to us to serve on the court to help others.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2026 at 9:36 pm
Provided photos
HOLLEY/CLARENDON – This group of Holley students in the Interact Club was up early on Sunday to clean headstones at Hillside Cemetery. They were there after a school dance on Saturday and a day before the start of homecoming week.
The students take on the task at Hillside each year in one of their community service projects. They worked with Clarendon Historian Peter Turkow and also were assisted by Clarendon firefighters who brought two fire trucks with water to help clean the gravestones.
Interact Community Liaison Sal DeLuca helps Harrison Flanagan fill up a bucket of water.
These students brought lots of energy and passion to cleaning the gravestones and monuments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2026 at 8:45 pm
Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Whitman
HOLLEY – The “Holley is Home” mural is done. Mary Jo Whitman, a Holley native and graduate, spent about six weeks diligently creating the mural on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.
Whitman, a Batavia resident, used a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural. She was approached by Holley mayor Mark Bower about a mural with Holley landmarks.
Whitman painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, the gazebo by the canal, the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts in the Public Square that incudes Sam’s Diner.
Holley with have a celebration soon for the new addition celebrating the community.
Whitman posted on Facebook that she enjoyed being in Holley while working on the project.
“Spending so much time there over the past month and half, I got to see so many faces I haven’t seen in decades, and meet so many new people,” she said. “I can’t even begin to express how amazing the community was to me. I’m not going to lie, I had some really tough and frustrating moments throughout the process. But it was the love, support and appreciation of the community that got me through those moments. So thank you everyone that stopped out, it really meant a lot to me.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2026 at 1:13 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Central Hall is now on the market and listed for sale at $229,000. The photo shows Debi Woodroe, owner of Woodroe Realty in Medina, and her husband Butch Balschmiter at about noon today putting their signs in the yard at 34 East Park St.
The County Legislature on Sept. 23 declared the building as surplus and retained Woodroe Realty to sell the building with a 2 percent commission.
The building used to include the County Treasurer’s Office but the treasurer moved to the former Bank of America site at 156 South Main St. in 2024. That is next to Subway.
The county also has moved the historian’s office and the Department of History’s artifacts from the site to 2,000 square feet of space on the side of a plaza next to Subway.
With Central Hall entirely vacated, the Legislature wants to sell it.
Central Hall, a solid red-brick building, was a school from 1882 to 1934, and then was used as the post for the American Legion until the site was bought by the county in 1980.
Debi Woodroe sees lots of potential at the building, which is zoned residential/commercial. It could be used as business offices or as a residence. There are two furnaces including one from 2024 and two entrances if the site were to be split into two apartments, she said.
There are seven parking spaces in back as part of the property, as well as a handicapped accessible ramp.
The roof was replaced in 2011, new windows and a chair lift to the second floor were installed in 2021.
“This building was very well built with lots of character,” she said.
For more information call Woodroe at (585)746-1663 or check her website by clicking here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 October 2026 at 12:54 pm
Nicole Tuohey again selling elephant links for $1, which includes a cookie
Photo contributed: Nicole Tuohey stands next to a pile of elephant’s links, which she makes and sells in Hans’s Baker to benefit Alzheimer’s research. The links are sold for $1 and come with an elephant cookie. She strings them down Main Street the night before the Alzheimer’s Walk, which is Oct. 10.
MEDINA – Alzheimer’s disease has been a big part of Mary Lou Tuohey’s life for more than a decade – dealing with it, dreading it, fundraising for research for it and promoting awareness of it.
On Oct. 10, the annual Walk to end Alzheimer’s will take place in State Street Park, with registration at 9 a.m. The walk will start at 10 a.m. A basket raffle is currently on display in the window at Hans’s Bakery. The drawing will take place after the last walker finishes.
One thing Mary Lou has been adamant about over the years is instilling in daughter Nicole the impact the disease has had on their lives and the need to support efforts to combat it.
That is why Nicole every year has sold “elephant links,” which she fastens together and stretches down Main Street. Her goal every year is to sell enough to stretch them down the block of downtown Medina.
Nicole started making the links when her mom owned Case-Nic Cookies and she sold them for $1 in the store. They also come with an elephant cutout sugar cookie, formerly made by Mary Lou, and now by Hans Rosentreter, who purchased the store and runs Hans’s Bakery there.
The elephant signifies memory (an elephant is said to never forget) and memory is what Alzheimer’s destroys.
Along with the links, Mary Lou started a basket raffle, with items displayed in her store window, and now in Hans’s window.
Tickets for the raffle are currently on sale at the bakery, with a unique system Mary Lou developed where supporters can buy their tickets even when the store is closed. A bucket outside the door is filled with envelopes in which there is a sheet listing all the baskets, which are displayed in Hans’s window. Customers put in their money ($10 per sheet) in the envelope, mark how many tickets they want in their chosen baskets, and drop the envelope in the mail slot in the door.
Every year, Mary Lou shares a story of her family’s history of Alzheimer’s and how it has affected Nicole.
Nicole’s grandma and grandpa both died of Alzheimer’s.
“For a total of 27 years, my mom watched her mom and dad fade away,” Nicole’s message reads. “She saw her dad, who was an engineer for Harrison Radiator for 30 years, owned his own business, loved to fish, fix cars and golf, and took care of his family, become a man who forgot who he was, wore diapers and only said, ‘What’s on the agenda?’ He ended up in a nursing home when Grandma could no longer take care of him.”
A few years later, Nicole’s Grandma Bradley became increasingly forgetful, got lost when driving and couldn’t take care of herself any more. She, too, had to go in a nursing home, where Mary Lou took Nicole to visit.
“Gramma didn’t know who I was,” Nicole shares. “She spoke ‘gibberish’ and the only thing Gramma did was cuddle the doll, Andrew, that her four children got for her. She loved Andrew, but didn’t know who her four children or seven grandchildren were. Mom cried every time we left.”
Nicole tells her story because she worries and wonders if her mom will get Alzheimer’s disease.
“If she does, what will happen to me,” Nicole asks. “ I love her and need her.. I don’t want her to fade away from life like Gramma and Grampa Bradley did. I don’t want her to not know who I am.”
That is why Nicole sells her elephant’s links for Alzheimer’s, and stretches them down Main Street the night before the Alzheimer’s Walk. All the money raised goes directly to Alzheimer’s for research to help find the “link” to Alzheimer’s.
“I pray my mom does not have to suffer through this horrifying disease,” Nicole wrote in her message.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Toni Bradshaw entered these pumpkins – Freddy Krueger at left and E.T. at right – in a pumpkin-carving contest on Oct. 12, 2024 at the Orleans County 4-H fairgrounds. She won first place with E.T. The contest returns on Oct. 10.
Contributed by Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator
KNOWLESVILLE – Master Gardeners are calling for entries for their annual Pumpkinpalooza competition! This contest is open to the public and takes place during the Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, October 10th at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
“When most people think of fall, they think of pumpkins! And scarecrows! Come enjoy both with us on Saturday, October 10th!” said Lisa Lancaster, Master Gardener and chairperson of the Pumpkinpalooza committee. “It’s a lot of fun and a great way to welcome fall! Plus, it’s all indoors so it’s a rain- or-shine event!”
Creative pumpkin designers of all ages can enter their exhibits in three categories – Best Carved, Best Decorated, and Best Painted. Gift certificate prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. Pumpkin entries must be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the Lartz Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds. Master Gardener volunteers will judge the entries and announce the winners at noon. Winners need not be present to win.
In addition to the public pumpkin contest, Master Gardeners will also have free pumpkin painting available for children 12 and under, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last). All pumpkins for the painting activity are generously donated by Panek Farms in Albion.
“I think it’s so worthwhile to offer something free for children to enjoy,” explained Brenda Radzinski, Master Gardener and a key committee member of the event.
Master Gardeners are hoping to have their biggest turnout yet, so even if you’ve never been involved in the event before, get your creative juices flowing and prepare your pumpkin entry! Examples of past entries included elaborate carved figures, painted fall landscapes, and a pumpkin fairy house decorated with flowers and miniature accessories.
“The joy on the kids’ faces when you watch them create their very own masterpiece is so rewarding at the end,” said Melissa Greean, Master Gardener and another lead committee member of the Pumpkinpalooza event. “We hope to have this event grow each year!”
Pumpkinpalooza ends at 1 p.m., but the Scarecrow Festival goes from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There is a $12 cost per scarecrow with all supplies included. Both events will be held in the Lartz Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion. For questions about Pumpkinpalooza or other Master Gardener events, call 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2026 at 8:32 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Gia Baker, 9, of Albion decorates a pumpkin on East Bank Street in Albion during last year’s Fall Fest in Albion. The event returns on Saturday with many activities.
Albion and Kendall will both be hosting fall festivals on Saturday with scarecrows, pumpkin painting and other activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Albion Merchants Association will have its Fall Festival in downtown Albion. People can make scarecrows, paint a pumpkin, browse local vendors, and enjoy music and other activities.
The scarecrows are usually attached to the light poles in the downtown during October. This year, they will instead be displayed along a fence at Bullard Park.
Albion will also welcome the band Yacht Club for a concert at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 428 West State St. This is a fundraiser towards the July 3rd celebration at Bullard Park, which includes fireworks and other activities.
Mavis Williams, a member of the Kendall Scarecrow Committee, took the lead in creating this RIP scarecrow during last year’s scarecrow festival.
The Kendall Scarecrow Festival will be at the Kendall Community Park, 1941 Kendall Rd.
This year’s scarecrow contest has a theme of “Happy 250th Birthday America!”
The festival includes food, live music by Rebel’s Posse, raffles, games, hayrides, and other family-friendly activities with crafts, face painting, inflatables and pony rides. There will be a chainsaw carving demo by Jeff of Critters 3D.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2026 at 8:00 am
Jeffrey Ghee also was charged Thursday in local drug investigation
Jeffrey Ghee
A Medina man who was charged in a drug investigation on Thursday also is facing federal charges in a bank fraud conspiracy.
Jeffrey Ghee, 39, is among 15 people in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation charged on Thursday after a multi-agency investigation conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
The charges were announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, the UGSN operated in Albany and elsewhere since at least September 2024. The complaint alleges that members and others associated with those gang members sought to obtain revenue for the gang through the commission of various crimes, including bank fraud. The criminal complaint further alleges that the defendants conspired together to defraud and attempt to defraud individuals, financial institutions, and the U.S. Treasury out of more than $620,000.
The criminal complaint charges the 15 defendants with participation in a bank fraud conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.
Ghee on Thursday also was one of four people charged in Orleans County after a search warrant by the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force and the FBI at 746 Church St. in Medina. Law enforcement seized over an ounce of cocaine, as well as cocaine packaged for sale, methamphetamine pills and parafluorofentanyl. They also seized digital scales, packaging material and over $1,300 in cash, the Task Force said.
Ghee was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (Class B felony); one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony); one count of tampering with evidence (Class E felony); one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree (Class E felony); and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor).
Ghee was issued an appearance ticket returning to the Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. He was taken into federal custody and transported to Rochester to appear in federal court.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2026 at 6:49 pm
Pictured from left include Jeffrey Ghee, Brennan Callara, Erica Ghee and Terrence Wells
MEDINA – Four people in Medina have been charged today after law enforcement seized over an ounce of cocaine, as well as cocaine packaged for sale, methamphetamine pills and parafluorofentanyl.
The Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force and the FBI, in a joint investigation, executed a search warrant at 746 Church St. in Medina. They also seized digital scales, packaging material and over $1,300 in cash, the Task Force said.
The following, all residents of 746 Church St., were charged:
• Jeffrey Ghee, 39, was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (Class B felony); one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony); one count of tampering with evidence (Class E felony); one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree (Class E felony); and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor).
Ghee was issued an appearance ticket returning to the Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. Ghee was taken into federal custody and transported to Rochester to appear in federal court.
• Brennan Callara, 29, was charged with: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell; one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree; one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree; and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.
Callara was issued an appearance ticket returning for Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. He was transported to Orleans County Jail where he was held on a parole warrant.
• Erika Ghee, 47, was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell; and one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree.
Ghee was issued an appearance ticket for Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. She was transported to Niagara County on an outstanding arrest warrant.
• Terrance Wells, 42, was charged with one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree.
Wells was issued an appearance ticket for Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1.
Assisting in this investigation was Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department, NYS DOCCS Office of Special Investigations, NYS Parole and the State Police.
Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation, the Task Force stated in a news release.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2026 at 3:48 pm
ALBION – A Rochester man with no prior criminal history was sentenced to five years of probation in Orleans County Court for having cocaine in Albion.
Tamage Faison, 19, pleaded guilty on June 17 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree for having cocaine on March 4.
He could have faced time in state prison, but County Court Judge Sanford Church followed the sentencing parameters in a plea agreement and gave Faison five years of probation. District Attorney Susan Howard also said she supported probation in this case.
“Thank you for the opportunity and for your consideration,” Faison said before he was sentenced.
In other cases in County Court on Wednesday:
• Javon Presley, 37, of Niagara Falls was arraigned on multiple charges after he allegedly broke into a Medina home on Feb. 14 and took a debit card and $970 in cash.
He was arraigned on second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree robbery, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.
He entered not guilty pleas to the charges. Presley has posted bail at $2,500.
• The judge found that Raymond Stanley, 50, of Holley violated terms of his probation and could face up to nine months in jail when he is sentenced on Nov. 18.
Stanley has been on probation for petty larceny. He acknowledged he was in an accident on an E-bike because he was “stoned” on April 23, missed four probation appointments, used cocaine, used marijuana three times, used alcohol, and went to Genesee County without probation permission.
• Eric McGill, 43, of Albion was offered a plea deal where he would face up to three years in state prison for making a terrorist threat and one year for criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree. The agreement would be a maximum three-year cap to satisfy the charges.
McGill, formerly of Medina, faces multiple charges from two incidents in June.
On June 13 during the Albion Strawberry Festival 5k/8k race on East State Street, McGill allegedly became angry that East State Street was temporarily closed to traffic due to the race.
He allegedly had a sledgehammer intentionally putting people in fear, according to the DA’s office. McGill allegedly threatened to knock out a recruit police officer that was assisting with traffic control. He also allegedly threatened to drive through the course.
Two days later on June 15, McGill allegedly contacted Orleans Correctional Facility and told someone there he wasn’t afraid to use a gun at the prison. He then allegedly showed up outside the prison and made a pointed gun gesture towards the prison. and not afraid to use gun, made pointed gun gesture toward facility. He had a Byrna less-lethal pistol.
He was charged with displaying a dangerous instrument, making a terroristic threat, criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd and 4th, and aggravated harassment in second degree.
McGill faced new charges from last week when he was entering the building and being screened to go into court. When he went through the metal detector, it alerted to metal. He was asked to take off his belt and allegedly got belligerent with security staff, throwing his belt at an officer and then allegedly took off running
He has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. Those charges aren’t part of the plea offer.
Provided photo: This swimmer enjoys the pool at Camp Rainbow on Townline Road in Ridgeway.
Orleans Community Connects is pleased to announce its support of Camp Rainbow through a grant that helped fund essential staff positions for the camp’s summer program.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Orleans Community Connects,” said Lisa Bors, vice president of Public Relations and Development from Arc GLOW. “The funding allowed us to maintain key staff positions that otherwise would not have been covered, helping us provide a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for our campers.”
This support enabled Camp Rainbow to employ two of its three lifeguards, a music counselor, a science counselor, a teacher, and a camp nurse. The funded staff members played a vital role in the camp’s daily operations, providing water safety supervision, educational enrichment, creative programming, and healthcare services throughout the summer.
“Orleans Community Connects is committed to investing in programs that positively impact children and families throughout our community,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “We are proud to support Camp Rainbow and help provide the staffing needed to deliver high-quality educational, recreational, and health services to local youth.”
Through partnerships like this, Orleans Community Connects continues to strengthen community programs that promote youth development, learning, health and well-being.
File photo by Tom Rivers: People step inside the Mount Albion Cemetery chapel as part of a tour of the cemetery on Aug. 30. The chapel is getting a $225,000 restoration. The Medina Sandstone Society is helping to pay for a new floor for the building that was constructed in 1875.
Press Release, Medina Sandstone Trust
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Trust is accepting grant applications for programs that benefit the Village of Medina, Town of Ridgeway, and Town of Shelby communities.
Applicants must be a 501c3 nonprofit, municipality, or school district residing or working within Orleans County.
Consideration will also be given to projects within the entire Orleans County area that focus on the preservation of historical structures, especially those constructed from Medina Sandstone. Grant requests generally range from $500 to $1,000, but larger requests will be considered for preservation projects.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2026 at 8:39 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Congresswoman Claudia Tenney holds a press conference on Monday outside the Orleans County legislative chambers with Wayne County Sheriff Rob Milby, Genesee County Sheriff Joe Graff, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke and Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard.
ALBION – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has been holding roundtable discussions with law enforcement leaders across the 24th Congressional District, including one in Albion on Monday.
Other roundtables discussions this week were held in Lyons on Wednesday and Canandaigua on Tuesday.
“Our sheriffs, police officers, prosecutors, and other law enforcement professionals understand the public safety challenges facing our communities because they confront them every day,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Over three days and across NY-24, I heard directly from the men and women responsible for keeping our communities safe about the obstacles they face, the impact of policies coming out of Albany, and what they need to do their jobs effectively. Their experience should help shape public safety policy. I will continue working in Congress to ensure local law enforcement has the tools, resources, and support they need, and Albany should be listening to the people confronting these challenges on the ground.”
Tenney, during a press conference in Albion, said law enforcement agencies are often understaffed, especially in state prisons. She pushed back on the “Local Cops, Local Crime Act” that went into effect on Aug. 25 and banned 287(g) agreements where local law enforcement assist with federal civil immigration enforcement.
The ban on those agreements was championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who wants local law enforcement resources to not be diverted to helping ICE, which she said is carrying out unprecedented aggressive immigration enforcement.
“ICE can no longer commandeer locally-funded police to aid an out-of-control federal agency with an $85 billion budget,” Hochul said on Aug. 25 when the Local Cops, Local Crime Act took effect.
But Tenney, joined by law enforcement Monday at a press conference in Albion, said local police should be encouraged to cooperate with federal agencies. Tenney said the governor’s policies are making the state less safe.
The congresswoman said it should be “common sense” for the local law enforcement to cooperate with other agencies.
Wayne County Sheriff Rob Milby said the state action, banning 287(g) “convolutes things for our officers out there.” He said the new law from the state can lead to hesitation and a delayed response “which can get somebody hurt.”
The Wayne County sheriff is among 15 sheriffs who have filed a lawsuit against the state after the ban on 287(g) agreements was enacted by the state.
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said Orleans isn’t in a 287(g) agreement with ICE, and no ICE detainees are held in the County Jail. Orleans does have an agreement with the U.S. Marshals where that agency can keep people in the local jail.
Milby said it is clearly “overreach” from the state, dictating how local communities utilize their law enforcement resources. He called it a violation of “home rule.”
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said he feels fortunate to have strong backing for his department from the local County Legislature, Congresswoman Tenney, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt.
Bourke said his department will assist federal agents if requested.
“We are not trying to be immigration agents,” Bourke said. “But when a federal law enforcement operation is taking place and then request assistance, we certainly will help them.”
The roundtable discussions were closed to the press at the three locations this week. After speaking with law enforcement for about 90 minutes in Albion, Tenney held a press conference and restricted to questions to law enforcement issues with nothing to be asked off topic.
The congresswoman was asked about ICE enforcement and how the agricultural industry is vulnerable to losing employees who are critical to harvesting crops.
Tenney said she supports the legal guestworker program with H2A and wants it expanded for dairy farms. Her office is willing to farmers and their workers with visas.
“But if we have a criminal illegal alien who’s in this community, those are people that are a threat to our communities and are a threat to not only communities, farmers and other ag workers when we have someone that’s a gang member who’s actually trying to hide between the legal immigrants that are here,” she said.
Tenney said she wants law enforcement leaders and officers to have the tools to do their jobs, going after “bad people in our communities.”
“There seems to be sort of an anti-police sentiment that’s been going on for the last number of years in our state,” Tenney said in Albion. “That concerns me because we have rural communities that are also impacted by crime, and especially, one of the worst things that we face in our communities is the continued prevalence of illicit drugs, fentanyl and things, coming across our borders that are hurting our communities, killing our children, making our communities less safe.”
