By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 3:43 pm
ALBION – Two people were sentenced to incarceration today in Orleans County Court.
Reginald Lucas, 37, of Albion was given a 1- to 3-year in state prison after he committed several probation violations.
Judge Sanford Church revoked probation for Lucas, who was on probation for third-degree burglary. He admitted to failing to report to probation four times, not maintaining gainful employment, not going to substance abuse counseling or completing anger management counseling through a certified provider.
Lucas has already been in the jail for 240 days. His attorney, public defender Joanne Best, asked the judge consider time served as the sentence or up to a year in the county jail. She said Lucas has completed classes in the jail and has been working to better himself.
“I apologize for my actions that got me here,” Lucas told the judge. “I’m deeply ashamed. I take responsibility for my actions. I’m working very hard at change.”
Judge Church gave Lucas a state prison sentence, saying he did very little to meet the terms of being on probation.
• In other cases, Austin Buzard, 27, of Carlton was sentenced to up to 364 days in the county jail for probation violations. Buzard was on probation after being convicted of second-degree attempted assault. He admitted to using cocaine, consuming THC, not being truthful with probation, being dismissed from two domestic violence counseling programs, and other violations.
“I’m sorry,” Buzard told the judge during sentencing. “I’m trying to do better in my life.”
•Richard Neal, 36, of Medina was arraigned for felony driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was charged by State Police on Aug. 25 after allegedly driving a motorcycle on Route 31 in Ridgeway while intoxicated and without a license.
• The judge issued a warrant for Devon A. Robinson, 32, of Rochester who was scheduled to be sentenced but didn’t show up in court.
Robinson faced up to five years in state prison for criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He admitted in a prior court appearance to having an ATV valued at more than $3,000 that he knew was stolen. The Arctic Cat ATV was taken from Hulberton Road in Holley on July 26, 2024.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that President Trump end his tariff chaos and refund American consumers and small businesses what they paid in tariff cost increases.
“New Yorkers deserve better than President Trump’s tariffs and cost-increasing chaos. Prices are up for housing, groceries, electricity, and other everyday essentials because of President Trump’s tariffs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Last week, the Supreme Court confirmed what Democrats have been saying for months—President Trump’s tariffs are illegal. I’m demanding that the Trump administration follow the law, end these harmful tariffs once and for all, and refund small businesses and consumers for the costs they incurred from the illegal tariffs.”
Senator Gillibrand’s demands follow the Supreme Court’s decision last week to strike down President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs. These illegal tariffs generated over $130 billion in revenue, an estimated 96% of which came from American businesses and consumers, and affected nearly all imported goods. Trump’s overall tariff scheme costs New York families $4,200 per household annually.
This week, Senator Gillibrand demanded that the Trump administration immediately begin issuing refunds to small businesses for the additional costs they incurred from the illegal tariffs and ensure that those funds are passed through to consumers.
Senator Gillibrand has opposed President Trump’s tariffs since the start of his administration. Last year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s Tariff Tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 11:56 am
Melissa Ierlan
ALBION – Melissa Ierlan was offered a plea deal today where she would not face any jail or prison time in a felony grand larceny case. She would need to pay full restitution, a figure determined to be $102,752 by the state comptroller’s office.
Ierlan, who worked many years as the Clarendon code enforcement officer and cemetery administrator, also has been president of the Clarendon Historical Society. In the Historical Society role she is alleged to have falsified records to steal $102,752.
On Dec. 30, she was charged with first-degree and second-degree grand larceny with property value exceeding $50,000. The most serious charge carries a maximum of 5 to 15 years in state prison.
As part of a plea offer today, if she pleads guilty to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, she would not face incarceration. The offer was presented by Assistant District Attorney Daniel Punch.
Ierlan appeared in court with her attorney, George Muscato. He asked for time to consider the offer. Ierlan wasn’t given a date for her next court appearance.
Ierlan appeared this morning before County Court Judge Sanford Church, who is serving as acting town court judge because the Clarendon Town Justice Thomas DiFante recused himself.
The case remains at the local court level and not at County Court. If Ierlan declines the plea offer, the case is expected to go to the grand jury which could issue an indictment and put the case at the county court level.
The criminal complaint against Ierlan says she took more than $50,000 from the Clarendon Historical Society between Dec. 16, 2020 and Sept. 27, 2025 while acting as president and financial controller.
Ierlan is accused of falsifying meeting minutes in order to collect on a $102,752 life insurance policy of a community member who died.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 8:53 am
ALBION – There will be a candidate forum on March 5 where the public can hear from the two candidates running for mayor and the three seeking village trustee positions.
The forum starts at 6 p.m. at Hoag Library. The event is sponsored by the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media with Michael Bonafede, a former Albion Board of Education president, serving as moderator.
Candidates will give opening and closing statements, and respond to questions from the public. The forum follows the League of Women Voters format and isn’t a debate.
The election will be on March 18 with a mayor and two trustees to be elected. The terms are all for four years.
The two candidates for mayor include Tim McMurray, who is backed by the Republicans, and Joyce Riley, who has the Democratic Party and independent “Vote for Albion” lines. McMurray and Riley are both currently trustees on the Village Board.
The Republicans also supported Kevin Sheehan and Jami Allport for village trustee. Issac Robinson also is seeking a trustee position under the independent “Vote for Albion.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 8:21 am
‘America is back on track,’ Tenney says while Schumer says Americans see past president’s ‘con job’
Donald Trump shown in his official White House portrait.
President Donald Trump gave the longest State of the Union address in the country’s history on Tuesday night at 1 hour, 47 minutes.
The president claimed the country has experienced an economic turnaround with trillions of dollars in investment from businesses, higher wages for workers and falling inflation.
He said the border has been sealed from undocumented immigrants and crime has plummeted.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s State of the Union address:
“The State of the Union address revealed Donald Trump is in a State of Delusion. Donald Trump painted a delusional portrait of America that hardly any working American would recognize.
“Americans have never seen a State of the Union so disconnected from reality. The president’s rhetoric and the country’s reality are worlds apart. Donald Trump failed to acknowledge in his speech the reality millions of people face every day with higher costs, unaffordable housing, more chaos, and more corruption. Instead he blamed the ills our country faces on everyone but himself.
“President Trump rattled off lie after lie in a nearly two hour long speech that tried to paper over his equally long list of failures and broken promises. Americans aren’t fooled by the rhetoric. They’re not convinced by his con job. They’re not better off because of his bloviating.
“Americans know the destruction Donald Trump has done over the last year. They know they don’t want more of the same. Senate Democrats will keep fighting for a brighter future for American families and we will fight to hold the Trump administration accountable.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) issued the following statement on the State of the Union Address.
“President Trump’s State of the Union made it unmistakably clear: America is back on track and the state of our Union is strong. After years of reckless spending, soaring inflation, open borders, and weak leadership, we are finally restoring strength, stability, and common sense. Inflation has come down dramatically from the Biden-era 40-year high to 2.4 percent, gas prices have fallen to a four-year low, and mortgage rates are easing. Under President Trump, private sector job creation is booming by growing real opportunity for American workers.
“House Republicans worked with President Trump to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering historic relief for the American people. This bill provided an expanded deduction for seniors, and cut taxes for hardworking Americans earning between $55,000 and $80,000 by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and by permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit. Families are keeping more of their hard-earned money and small businesses are hiring and investing. We are investing in rural healthcare, strengthening Medicaid by removing waste, fraud and abuse, modernizing air traffic control, unleashing American energy production, and securing our border after years of chaos. These are the results that matter to families across Upstate New York.
“Under President Biden, inflation crushed middle-class families, energy costs soared, and our enemies were emboldened. President Trump has reversed course with peace through strength, energy dominance, secure borders, and pro-growth economic policies that put American workers first. The State of the Union is strong and getting stronger because we are focused on lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and restoring accountability in Washington. I will continue working alongside President Trump to deliver policies that strengthen our economy, secure our nation, and ensure the people of NY-24 are never left behind again.”
Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) issued this statement:
“Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to perpetuate dangerous lies, spew hateful rhetoric, and sow chaos and uncertainty into the lives of average Americans. It is clear the President is living in an alternate reality where he is not responsible for tackling rising costs, expanding access to healthcare, or addressing any of the other challenges people face.
“Instead of caring for the long-term prosperity of working families, Donald Trump is engaging in reckless foreign policy, endangering the lives of American servicemembers, jeopardizing the security of our elections, and enriching himself and his billionaire friends.
“The American people deserve better than this. The President of the United States took an oath to serve the interests of all Americans, not just the rich and powerful. It’s time for Donald Trump to take that oath seriously. Until then, I will continue fighting for policies that uplift middle class families, protect our freedoms, and ensure the long-term success of our democracy.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) made the following statement:
“Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but instead, he has delivered chaos, uncertainty, and unaffordability. Life is more expensive than ever for working families across New York and the nation, with prices for everything from housing, groceries, electricity, and health care skyrocketing.
“Instead of delivering on his campaign promises, Donald Trump and Republicans have used their power in Washington to undermine the American people by cutting $1 trillion in health care funding to give tax cuts to billionaires and triple ICE’s budget. Trump ran on lowering costs and focusing on families, but he and Republicans have spent their year in power doing the exact opposite, and Americans are paying the price.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2026 at 4:31 pm
Fire departments from 5 states so far have expressed interest in ladder truck
Provided photo: Medina firefighters train on the new ladder truck for the department about two weeks ago. The truck is currently in Tonawanda for outfitting and some electrical tweaks and will stay in the DPW building when its back in Medina. The truck isn’t being detailed with lettering for Medina Fire Department.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board is trying to determine the next steps with how it will proceed with possibly selling the fire department’s new ladder truck.
Three of the board members – Deborah Padoleski, Mark Prawel and Scott Bieliski – voted on Feb. 9 to declare the ladder truck as surplus to start the process of a possible sale.
The board on Monday morning met with the village’s bond counsel, financial advisors, and attorney to discuss protocol in following municipal law, should a majority of the board decide to sell the truck.
If the truck is sold and the loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture paid off, the village would still be out $42,000 in a financing charge.
The village also could face potential tax payments if it sells the truck and makes a profit, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.
The USDA representative and other village advisors said declaring the new truck surplus and then moving to sell it seems unprecedented with no past experiences to guide the involved parties.
“We are trying to get on the same page in a very unusual circumstance,” Sherman said during Monday evening’s board meeting.
Sherman said the village was advised it is obligated to try to maximize the purchase price for the $1.7 million ladder truck.
The sale could happen through an auction, sealed bids, or RFPs (request for proposals). The village could hire a broker to help with the sale.
Padoleski said her goal is to at least get enough money to pay off the truck. She sees the truck as unaffordable for village taxpayers, especially when the cost of addition is included in the overall cost. Medina might need to spend over $1 million for a one-bay addition to the fire hall because the new truck doesn’t fit in the current fire hall.
The truck issue has garnered headlines in the region and in national fire house magazines and blogs.
Sherman said fire departments have reached out to Medina from nearby Brockport, and the states of Idaho, Michigan, Alabama and Pennsylvania. They want to be informed if Medina decides how it will put the truck up for sale.
MEDINA – The application for Medina’s Full Day Universal Pre-K (UPK) program is now available on the Primary School’s website or by going to oak.medinacsd.org and looking under “News and Announcements.”
Parents of children not already enrolled in UPK who are interested in enrolling their child in kindergarten for the 26-27 school year are also asked to complete the application form.
To be eligible for UPK, children must be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2026. To be eligible for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by Dec. 1, 2026.
For any families looking to learn more about the full-day UPK program, the Medina School District will be hosting an information night on Thursday, March 12th from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m., held at Oak Orchard Primary School. Childcare will be provided for any children eligible to attend school in the 2026-’27 school year.
Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. and the evening will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. There will be a brief general session for adults in the auditorium, and then participants will visit scheduled locations throughout the building. Please plan to arrive by 5:30 and stay for the duration, in order to receive all the information prepared.
Families interested in learning more about Medina’s UPK program are encouraged to attend the information night. If you are unable to attend, information will be shared afterward on Oak Orchard Primary School’s website.
Timeline for UPK application, acceptance, registration, and screening:
February 23 – April 1: UPK applications accepted by calling the Oak Orchard Main Office, or through our website, starting on Feb. 23.
Thursday, March 12: UPK Information Night 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at Oak Orchard Primary
April 8: Families notified of acceptance into UPK Program or if program capacity is reached, that lottery is to be held.
Week of April 6: Lottery held, if needed, and registration packets mailed.
Week of May 18 – May 21: UPK Student Screening, applicants should bring all registration materials to the screening. A parent and the child are expected to attend the screening. Applicants will be contacted by phone to schedule their screening time.
Any questions can be directed to the Oak Orchard Main Office by calling 585-798-2700, option 3 and then 0, between 7:30-3:30, Monday through Friday.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that applications will open for the Empire State Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program, which provides critical financial support to eligible newspaper and broadcast media businesses operating in New York State.
Administered through Empire State Development, the program offers up to $30 million annually in tax credits to help local media outlets create new jobs and retain existing employees. Information about the program and how to apply can be found here.
“Local newspapers, broadcasters and journalists are the backbone of our democracy. They inform our neighbors, elevate community voices and hold our leaders accountable,” Governor Hochul said. “This program will deliver meaningful support to newspaper and broadcast media businesses, keep reporters on the beat, strengthen local coverage and ensure New Yorkers have the trusted information they need.”
The program offers a tax credit with two components:
New Job Creation Component (up to $4 million available per year): A credit of $5,000 per net new full-time job created year-over-year, up to $20,000 per business.
Existing Jobs Component (up to $26 million available per year): A credit equal to 50 percent of annual wages per employee retained, with a maximum credit of $25,000 per employee and $300,000 per business.
To ensure that the program is available to assist media businesses of all sizes, funding will be divided evenly, with 50 percent of funds made available to smaller businesses with 100 or fewer New York-based employees, and the remaining 50 percent allocated to larger businesses with more than 100 New York-based employees. The program will be accepting applications through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application. The application period for program year 2025 will close on April 25. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The program will provide direct assistance to print, digital, and broadcast media businesses across New York, and provide support to this critical industry.
Empire State Local News Coalition Founder and Executive Director Zachary Richner said, “The landmark Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program will not only sustain the crucial local news ecosystem in our state, but also support thousands of local jobs. We thank Governor Hochul and all of the elected officials who championed this legislation, which has become a model for states across the country. Our coalition is proud to have spearheaded the advocacy that made this program a reality, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Governor on this important, first-in-the-nation initiative.”
New York State Broadcasters Association President David L. Donovan said, “This innovative tax credit program benefits all citizens in every community throughout New York by helping to preserve locally produced broadcast news and public interest programs. Local radio and TV stations bring communities together and provide life-saving information during emergencies. We thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her forward-thinking approach to ensure citizens in the Empire State remain informed about their government and the communities in which they live.”
New York News Publishers Association President Diane Kennedy said, “Newspapers connect the residents of New York State, from rural small towns to our largest cities by providing timely, accurate information about the events that affect their lives. Governor Hochul’s tax credit initiative will keep journalists on the job, covering the town boards, high school sports, city governments and art communities that serve as the web of civic life in communities throughout the state. Governor Hochul recognized the loss of newspaper jobs resulting from the dramatic change in the media ecosystem and stepped forward to help newspapers to build a bridge to a future in which local news can thrive.”
New York Press Association Executive Director Bryce Jacobson said, “The true beneficiaries of this program are New Yorkers themselves — people bound together by shared neighborhoods, cultures, languages, and traditions. By supporting community-based media outlets as they invest in their workforce and strengthen how they gather and share news, this program helps ensure that local journalism remains accessible and at the forefront. It reinforces the vital role these outlets play in representing and connecting communities across New York — online, in print, and on air.”
Rebuild Local News Coalition Chair Steven Waldman said, “This landmark effort to help preserve and revive community media in New York has now begun! It will provide meaningful support for news organizations that hire and retain local reporters and other media jobs. We thank Governor Hochul and the legislature — and truly appreciate the efforts of the staff at ESD to create a high-quality program. We urge all local media groups to apply!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2026 at 11:35 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald performs “Bue Suede Shoes” and other classics from a stage on Main Street on Aug. 27 during the Super Cruise. Buchwald is shown looking through the side windows of a 1965 GMC pickup owned by Jim Stone.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved the schedule for the 2026 cruise nights. The Friday car shows will again be held at the parking lot of the Medina Senior Center on West Avenue.
For the third year, Rollin Hellner will be organizing the cruise nights and sponsoring the events through his business, The Walsh.
“We has a very successful year last year,” Hellner told the Village Board on Monday. “It was the largest car count ever.”
He would like to bring in more than 300 cars for the Super Cruise on Main Street on Aug. 26. Last year’s event drew 289 cars. Hellner said Terry Buchwald, an Elvis impersonator, will be back for the Super Cruise.
Hellner was asked about having the Friday car show back at the Canal Basin, but he said he wants to keep the event at the Senior Center parking lot.
Here is the 2026 schedule for Cruisin’ in Medina:
May 29: Opening cruise
June 5: Country Truck Night
June 12: Corvette Night
June 19: Mustang Night
June 26: Hot Rod Night
July 3: Bike Night
July 10: British/Foreign Night
July 17: Camaro Night
July 24: Mopar Night
July 31: Cruisin’ at the Fair (in Knowlesville at 4-H Fairgrounds)
Aug. 7: Van Night
Aug. 14: 50s Night
Aug. 21: ’60’s and ’70’s Night
Aug. 26: Super Cruise with Elvis (on a Wednesday on Main Street)
The events are from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on a Friday and are at the Senior Center parking lot on West Avenue unless otherwise noted.
Many onlookers wanted a close look at this 2023 Vanderhall owned by Rick and Judy Overholt during the Super Cruise last summer. Vanderhall Motor Works manufactures these three-wheeled autocycles, which have two wheels in the front and one in the back.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 February 2026 at 11:03 am
MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership is embarking on a new year with a new slate of officers and exciting list of events for 2026.
In recent elections, those elected to the 2026-27 term were Amy Crandall, president; Marc Shurtz, vice president; Sara Flansburg, secretary; Riki Lake, treasurer; and board members Mary Lewis, Michael Snyder and Patrick Weissend.
“These individuals bring a diverse range of experiences, expertise and perspectives that will help guide the Medina Area Partnership as it continues to support local businesses, promote community development and strengthen our regional economy,” said representatives of the Nominating Committee.
Crandall is assistant vice president/market manager of Orleans County Generations Bank; Shurtz is CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health; Flansburg is owner of Blissett’s; Lake is logistics and finance manager for C&H PC; Lewis is owner of Creekside Floral and Gift Shop; Snyder is CFO of MDS Consultants and co-owner of Main Liquor and Modern Mercantile; and Weissend is vice president and Community Banking Manager of Tompkins Community Bank.
Members of the Nominating Committee were Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health; Cindy Robinson, owner of English Rose Tea Shoppe; and Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. Both Scott Robinson and Cindy Robinson previously served as president of MAP and were instrumental in its founding.
MAP extends is appreciation to the Nominating Committee for its service and to all board members – past, present and future – for their continued dedication to the Medina community.
The Medina Area Partnership was founded in 2020 as a spinoff of the former Medina Business Association, whose members were required to operate within the village limits. The move to a name change allowed for the organization to be a single standalone entity, whose membership includes businesses and organizations within the 14103 zip code, as well as those who have a vested interest in the area. This could include businesses outside of Medina.
The idea came from collaborative work done by the Medina Business Association’s board of directors and committee chairs. The original board consisted of the committee chairs of the previous MBA. While there is a board that acts as the governing body of MAP and has liaisons to different committees, much of the work is done at the committee level. This allows for more members with different skills and expertise to be involved in a variety of focus points, Scott Robinson explained.
Since its forming, MAP has taken on the events previously sponsored by the Medina Business Association and expanded to include more and new successful activities. These include Wine About Winter (which sold out 800 tickets on Feb. 7); the Easter Bunny on March 28; a Murder Mystery and Dapper Day May 2; Medina Scavenger Hunt May 24 – Aug. 31; the Enchanted Faery Festival June 20; Medina Sidewalk Sale Aug. 1; Ale in Autumn, Sept. 26; Beggar’s Night, Oct. 30: Moonlight Madness, Nov. 19; numerous events during Olde Tyme Christmas, Nov. 28; Holiday Open Houses, Dec. 2-6; and the Peppermint Trail (holiday-themed shopping event), Dec. 5-25.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2026 at 8:36 am
MEDINA – The Village of Medina won’t have a referendum on changing the village elections as part of the March 18 vote this year.
Jess Marciano, a village trustee, has decided to wait a year before introducing a resolution for the board to put the issue to a public vote. Marciano wants to move the village election from the third week in March to the third week in June.
But Marciano doesn’t want the issue to be rushed on the public or the village employees. She also heard from village office staff who believe June is already a busy month for the employees.
“More things need to be evaluated and employees need more time,” Marciano said during Monday’s board meeting.
Marciano said moving the election back would be better for incoming trustees and the mayor who would then start their terms on July 1 instead of April 1. With the March election, board members start their terms on April 1 and immediately face the difficult task of putting together the village’s budget by the end of April.
Marciano thinks it would be better for the new members to ease into their roles and learn about the village departments before having to hammer out the budget.
A later election season would also mean candidates would be seeking petitions and campaigning during much warmer weather, rather than the often bitter cold of January, February and March.
Marciano and Mayor Marguerite Sherman have stated support for moving the elections to June while trustees Deborah Padoleski, Mark Prawel and Scott Bieliski said they prefer the current timing. Padoleski, Prawel and Bieliski said it’s better for new board members to put together the village budget rather than getting handed a spending plan that didn’t have their input.
One village resident, Tim Zeiner, said he hopes the issue will eventually go before the voters for them to decide.
Group came to aid of French special operations forces in northern Iraq
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jean Sanon: U.S. soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, stand in formation during an award ceremony in Rochester on Sunday. Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who came to the aid of French special operations forces during an Aug. 28–29, 2023, mission in northern Iraq were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star by Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general for Army. Pictured from left include Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott of Rochester, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor of Blasdell, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg of Rochester, Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco of Lockport, and Sgt. Jedediah Estrada of Horseheads. Missing from photo is Sgt. Zachary Albright of Elba, who is an Albion graduate.
Press Release, New York National Guard
ROCHESTER – Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who helped rescue 34 French special forces during an August 2023 firefight in Iraq, received the French equivalent of the Bronze Star, during ceremony on Sunday at Army Aviation Support Facility 2 in Rochester.
The soldiers, assigned to Bravo Company of the 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, were presented with the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star.
Sgt. Zachary Albright
The aviation soldiers were honored for providing rapid aerial support to French special operations forces who pinned down under enemy fire near Hawija, Iraq, on the night of Aug. 28 and 29, 2023. The French unit was conducting a mission against ISIS terrorists.
Major General Michel Natali, the New York National Guard’s assistant adjutant general, Army, who presented the French medals, praised the Soldiers for their quick response in loading up and moving a French quick reaction force of 30 troops into the fight.
“We’re very proud of what they’ve done as aviators, but I’d say more importantly, I’m very proud of them being New York National Guard Soldiers,” Natali said after the ceremony.
“The operation they were involved in happened in the dark of night,” he told reporters.
“The French government did not have to recognize our soldiers, but they went that extra mile to identify our soldiers who were working that evening to keep their soldiers safe. We’re very appreciative of what the French government has done in recognizing our troops,” Natali said.
The medals were authorized by French General Thierry Burkhard, then France’s Chief of National Defense Staff, in March of 2024.
At the time of the mission, the New York Army National Guard aviation crews were on standby at Erbil Air Base as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational effort to counter Islamic State terrorist operations in the region.
When the approximately 35 French Special Forces troops took casualties and requested reinforcement and extraction, two CH-47F Chinook helicopters crewed by the Rochester-based Bravo Company launched in support.
Within 30 minutes, the aircrews loaded approximately 30 French commandos to relieve them and flew nearly 70 miles to the objective area then stayed nearby, ready to provide follow-on support.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident, who served as air mission commander during the operation, said uncertainty upon arrival created immediate challenges.
“The biggest challenge was not knowing the situation on the ground or what support we had until we got on station,” said Scott, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002.
He added that once they made radio contact and confirmed their location, they adjusted the grid, coordinated with the other aircraft and their crews, and identified the support available to them.
Scott said that the crew’s preparation and cohesion were critical to executing the mission successfully.
“I’m most proud of the way the crew came together,” he said. “They had the aircraft ready to go. While I was receiving the mission, the crew was already preparing the aircraft.”
Once Scott briefed them, they conducted a short planning session on the way and were ready to execute.
Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident who served as a door gunner during the mission, said the recognition carries lasting personal meaning.
“Afterward, I read the French press release about the death of Sgt. Nicolas Mazier, [the] paratrooper with the French commandos who was killed in combat,” Estrada said. “I’ve remembered him ever since.”
“Being honored by the French government is a way for me to continue honoring his legacy – not just what our unit was able to do, but what we accomplished together with our partner force,” Estrada said.
“It really brings together why we were there and what we were working to defeat,” he added.
Recognized during the ceremony were:
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident, is a 42-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002. He was commissioned as an Aviation Warrant Officer in 2009. He is a recipient of the Air Medal W/C Device, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor, a Blasdell resident, is a 35-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2009. He was commissioned as an Aviation Warrant Officer in 2015. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal W/C Device.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg, a Rochester resident, is a 38-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2007. He was previously a flight engineer with the unit until he commissions as a pilot in 2019. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal
Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco, a Lockport resident, is a 40-year- old helicopter maintainer and crew chief who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2004 and served until 2012. He reenlisted in 2019, again as an aircraft mechanic. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal W/C Device.
Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident, is 36-years-old. He enlisted as a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist and went through flight progression as a door gunner with the unit. He entered the New York Army National Guard in 2019. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
Sgt. Zachary Albright, an Elba resident, is a 22-year-old helicopter maintainer and crew chief who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2022. He has since been warranted commission as a WO1 in 2025 and is currently in flight school to become an Aviation Warrant Officer. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal W/C Device and Army Achievement Medal.
The French National Defense Medal, known as the Medaille de la Defense nationale, was established April 21, 1982, by then French Minister of Defense Charles Hernu to recognize honorable and meritorious service in support of France’s national defense.
The medal is awarded in three grades, bronze, silver and gold, reflecting increasing levels of distinguished service. The gold grade recognizes particularly distinguished contributions to national defense.
When accompanied by a bronze star device, the medal signifies the recipient was officially recognized at the regimental or brigade level for notable operational service during multinational missions.
The decoration may be awarded to both French service members and allied military personnel and serves as a symbol of professional excellence and international military cooperation.
Detachment 1 of Bravo Company operates seven CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
The unit falls under the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade’s 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and has conducted numerous deployments overseas and disaster response operations here at home.
Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency
ALBION – Applications are now available for the Spring Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP), a 10-week business development course offered through the Orleans County Local Development Corporation.
The MAP program supports aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage small business owners by providing practical training in business planning, finance, marketing, and operations. The program is designed to strengthen the local economy by expanding access to small business education across Orleans County.
Classes will be held Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning April 2 through June 4. Sessions will take place at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
The course fee is $300. Financial assistance is available based on demonstrated need.
Graduates from recent MAP cohorts pursued local ventures ranging from retail to beauty and wellness, landscaping, property management services, and specialty manufacturing.
Applications will be accepted through March 13, and can be done online (click here).
For questions about MAP program requirements contact Matt Holland at the Orleans Economic Development Agency, (585) 589-7060 ext. 1.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2026 at 10:20 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport last week presented a proclamation declaring March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” He presents the proclamation to representatives from the Arc GLOW.
From left include Arc board member Marlene Hill of Medina; Mary Lou Touhey, mother of person supported; Nicole Touhey, a person supported; and Lisa Bors, VP of Public Relations and Development for Arc GLOW.
March is Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month highlights the inclusion, contributions, and potential of people with developmental disabilities.
The former Arc of Genesee Orleans and Arc of Livingston-Wyoming merged in 2021 to form the new Arc GLOW. This is the first four-county chapter of The Arc New York. This follows the merger in 2016 of the former Arc of Orleans and Genesee Arc.
In Orleans County, Arc GLOW has three homes for individuals with disabilities, operates Orleans Enterprises Work Center in Albion, day habilitation programs, Meals on Wheels/Nutrifare in Albion and Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway. Several programs and departments also share space with the finance department on Caroline Street in Albion, Arc GLOW officials said.
The original ARC of Orleans County formed about 60 years ago.
“March is designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to highlight the abilities and achievements of people with developmental disabilities, while raising awareness of the challenges they face,” according to the proclamation form the County Legislature. “People with developmental disabilities are an essential part of our community, bringing unique talents, perspectives, and strength to Orleans County.”
