Photos courtesy of Albion PD: Marvin Russ is shown in the portrait at left, and also at right in a picture off of a home camera system, showing the clothing Marvin was wearing when he left early this morning.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department said a 22-year-old disabled man is missing. Marvin Russ Jr. was reported missing from 25 Lydun Drive.

Marvin was observed by a neighbor leaving his residence around 6 a.m. and running down the road towards Brown Road.

Marvin was last seen wearing a blue shirt and dark blue pants with “23” written on them in red.

Marvin is about 5’5″ and 140 pounds. He is deaf, disabled and developmentally delayed, the Albion PD said.

Anyone with any information regarding Marvin Russ’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Albion PD at (585) 589-5627 or through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (585) 589-5527 or 911.

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Photo by Tom Rivers: Jay Lazarony, retiring director for the GLOW Workforce Development Board, receives a “Special Recognition Award” from County Legislator Fred Miller during a recent Legislature meeting.

ALBION – The leader of the GLOW Workforce Development Board has pushed to be bring in training funds to help residents develop skills for in-demand local careers.

Jay Lazarony led the GLOW organization the past eight years, and worked 20 years before that as a youth counselor for the Genesee County Job Development Bureau. He has retired, and has been praised for his efforts to connect GLOW residents to job training.

He also was one of the driving forces in the GLOW With Your Hands career exploration events that showcased careers in the trades and local manufacturing, and also in healthcare.

The Orleans County Legislature recently presented Lazarony with a “Special Recognition Award” for his career in workforce development.

Lazarony, in an interview today, said it has been a rewarding career “to provide people with a restart, an initial start or just a change in their work status.”

The GLOW WDB works with BOCES to connect residents to training. That training can make a huge difference for people in getting a new career or a step up at the jobs. GLOW has secured about $500,000 a year each of the past five years for job training in the four local rural counties.

“A small training could be the difference in them getting a new career with a family-sustaining income,” Lazarony said.

When he worked for the Genesee County Job Development Bureau, Lazarony said the office would ring a bell every time someone landed a job through the bureau’s help. That signified a new start, a chance at a family-sustaining career.

Lazarony said those jobs are available in the GLOW region, but more residents need training to be hired at these positions.

“I think there are great careers locally but there is a skill gap,” he said. “We have to get them trained first. We’re fighting for funding for training. It’s not that nobody wants to work. It’s just that they’re not up to speed yet.”

Lazarony praised the work of the job development agencies in each of the four counties. In Orleans, Kelly Kiebala is director of the Job Development Agency.

The overall GLOW Workforce Development Board has a new leader in Tracy VanVleck, the executive director who is based in Batavia.

Lazarony said she worked with him his final month in the position. He is confident she will be a good fit for the four counties.

“She will take it in a direction that is positive and very good for all of GLOW,” Lazarony said.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Thursday penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling on her to declare a state of emergency amidst increasing concerns surrounding the reliability of the state’s electrical grid and skyrocketing energy costs affecting all New Yorkers.

The letter also calls on the Governor to use her Executive Authority to suspend laws enacted under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) that have placed more demand on the grid and more of a financial burden on New Yorkers – including electric vehicle and bus mandates, bans on natural gas hookups, the repeal of the “100 foot rule” and the Cap and Invest program.

Just last week, the Governor admitted that it is impossible to achieve the current objectives of the CLCPA without hurting ratepayers, and the president of NYSERDA pointed to the need for an updated energy plan that continues to include fossil fuels.

“A one-size-fits-all energy policy does not work – we need reliable and affordable energy alternatives and a diverse energy portfolio is necessary to properly address unique needs across diverse regions,” Ortt said. “The industry has already raised concerns about the inability of the grid to keep up with the increased demand caused by burdensome all-electric mandates. New Yorkers were left in the dark just a few weeks ago amidst a dangerous heat wave. We need to stop the insanity of the CLCPA and revisit smart and diverse energy policies that will meet the unique needs of our state and ensure accessible and affordable energy options for all New Yorkers.”

Ortt is one of 18 senators to sign the letter to the governor.

“This is a pivotal moment for our state’s energy future. We urge you to act now to protect the stability of our energy grid and the economic well-being of all New Yorkers,” the letter concludes.

ALBION – The Albion Joint Fire District, which officially started on Jan. 1, faces many tasks – some big and some small – as the new entity overseeing fire protection for the towns of Albion and Gaines as well as the Village of Albion.

The five fire commissioners voted Thursday evening to seek bids for a quint ladder truck. That truck would replace a ladder truck from 1994 and also a fire engine from 1991. The quint would have the ability to pump water and carry some water, while also deploying a ladder that would stretch 110 feet.

The commissioners could vote to accept a bid at their next meeting on Aug. 14. The truck is expected to cost about $2.2 million. It will be a major purchase for the district.

Commissioners are weighing other costs that are far less, but still important. During Thursday’s meeting, commissioners discussed having a new sign on the fire hall on Platt Street. It may just be lettering that states Albion Joint Fire District. Commissioners are seeking a defined proposal for the sign.

They also have received two proposals to develop a website for the fire district, with ongoing IT support and maintenance. One proposal was for $1,995 to set up the website with a $95 monthly maintenance. That would also provide at least 40 email addresses for the district. Another informal quote was for $980 to set up the website with $185 for host maintenance for the whole year. Commissioners want more details on the proposals to make sure the services being offered are similar.

The joint district also is considering purchasing Class A formal uniforms for some of the members. President Scott Papponetti said two companies have not responded to repeated requests for proposals for the uniforms while another, MES, has proposed $800 for each uniform and would come to Albion to fit the firefighters with white buttoned shirts, jackets and pants. The Class A’s also include a hat, belt, neck tie, coat and hardware on the collar with a firefighter’s badge number.

These uniforms are worn at parades, funerals and other special events, such as the Sept. 11 memorial service.

MES also could provide the Class B uniforms with polo shirts, T-shirts and other less formal clothing.

The fire district has $9,000 budgeted for the Class B’s. The district also received $36,313 from the Village of Albion from its insurance company. That money for insurance coverage was approved as part of the village budget for a full fiscal year, from June 1 to May 31. That was when the fire department was part of the village budget. But the fire district started in Jan. 1, with the fire department moved out of the village budget.

The insurance payment had already been approved towards the fire department for 2024-25. That unexpended money was turned over to the district. Commissioners are considering using some of it towards Class A uniforms.

The commissioners want a more detailed proposal from MES on what their quote entails and the costs.

The commissioners also discussed the possibility of new sprinklers and an alarm system in the fire hall.

The board also is looking to adopt a policy for non-members being on fire trucks. The commissioners want to allow family members to be in trucks for parades, and to continue having other community members on the trucks, especially when elementary kids are given a ride on a truck for winning fire prevention contests. Al Cheverie, chairman of the  commissioners, said a policy should state that a firefighter or parent of a child would need to be assigned to a kid getting a ride on a fire truck.

Kevin Sheehan, a fire commissioner, said those rides and allowing children of firefighters to ride in the trucks during parades may pay off down the road in firefighter recruitment.

“Having kids involved is how we get the next generation of firefighters,” he said.

The commission on Thursday accepted one new member, Christina Irwin.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Fire trucks for the Albion Joint Fire District head down Main Street in the June 14 Albion Strawberry Festival parade. The fire district is working towards a new quint ladder truck that would replace the ladder truck in front from 1994 and the fire engine behind it from 1991. The new quint ladder truck could pump water and carry water to fire scenes. Albion’s current ladder truck doesn’t have the ability to carry or pump water.

ALBION – The Albion Joint Fire District is seeking proposals for a new ladder truck. It will replace one that is currently 31 years old.

The new truck, however, is expected to take as long as four years to be built and delivered due to a backlog among the fire truck manufacturers. The new fire truck also is expected to cost about $2.2 million.

Al Cheverie, the fire district chairman, said the costs for new apparatus have escalated in recent years. The Village of Medina, for example, agreed to pay $1,698,995 to Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc. for a new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. That was June 26, 2023. Medina’s truck is expected this December, about a 2 ½ year wait.

The fire district will put a notice to bidders in The Daily News of Batavia, the district’s legal newspaper. That is expected to be posted next week, with the bids due 12 days after that. If the legal notice can be posted on Tuesday, Cheverie said the bids will be due on July 27. Cheverie said the fire district commissioners should be able to accept a bid at their Aug. 14 meeting.

The bid specifications for the truck will be available to bidders through secretary Rachel Hicks once the legal notice is posted.

The fire district is seeking a quint ladder truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. The quint also has the ability to pump water and carry 300 gallons on the truck. The current ladder truck doesn’t pump or carry water, and has a 103-foot-long ladder.

“This will have everything we need for the initial attack,” Cheverie said about the new quint ladder truck.

Cheverie said the new truck will allow the fire district to take two older trucks out of service – a 1994 ladder truck and a fire engine from 1991.

The new truck will fit in the existing fire hall. Cheverie said the new truck will actually be a little bit smaller because the ladder is in four sections instead of three.

The fire district budget for 2025 established an “Apparatus Repair & Replacement Reserve” and a $250,000 was put in the reserve fund the first year.

The two older trucks have held up well for the Albion Fire Department but Cheverie said they will need extra care to make it four more years.

“We will have to band-aid them as best we can to keep them in service,” he said.

Editor’s note: This article was updated to state the truck will have a 100-foot ladder, not 110 feet as originally stated, and will have capacity to carry 300 gallons of water, not the 500 to 800 as originally stated.

Fire commissioner Kevin Sheehan, left, makes a point during the Albion Joint Fire District meeting today in the Albion fire hall. Listening from left include Chairman Al Cheverie, Commissioner Dave Buczek and Treasurer Victoria Tabor. Other commissioners, not pictured, include Chris Kinter and Craig Lane.

Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) stands alongside owners John and Sarah Bonczyk, Village of Brockport Manager Erica Linden, Brockport Mayor Ben Reed and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing & Communications Xander Rohring.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

BROCKPORT – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recognized the Lift Bridge Book Shop on Wednesday for its induction into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.

The shop, which opened its doors in 1972, has been a staple of the community, starting as a small store for paperbacks and bestsellers and becoming a hub for new and used books, toys, games and art supplies. Hawley is proud to be able to bestow this honor upon the Lift Bridge Book Shop and is grateful for its contributions to the community for over 50 years.

“For decades, the Lift Bridge Book Shop has served as a gathering place for our community,” said Hawley. “Since the day they first opened shop, they’ve been committed to enriching the lives of everyone who walks through their doors. I’m proud to recognize this incredible local business for its induction into the Historic Business Preservation Registry and thank the Lift Bridge team for their lasting impact in Brockport and beyond.”

The Historic Business Preservation Registry highlights New York businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.

Ridgeway, Middleport and Hartland putting on fundraiser for first time with WNY Pro Pullers

Photo by Tom Rivers: Adam Conley of the Hartland Fire Company drives a fire truck in the July 4 parade in Lyndonville while also promoting the July 26 truck and tractor pull in Hartland.

HARTLAND – Three volunteer fire companies are joining for a new fundraiser for the groups: a big truck and tractor pull on July 26.

The event will be at the Hartland Town Park, behind the Hartland fire hall on Ridge Road. Ridgeway, Middleport and Hartland fire companies are putting on the event – “Rumble on the Ridge” – with big trucks and tractors from the WNY Pro Pullers beginning at 6 p.m.

Earlier in the day from 1 to 5 p.m. there will be a “pull what you brought” event at $20 per pull that is open to the community..

Middleport and Hartland approached Ridgeway about being in the pull and hosted the event, said Tyler Luckman, fire chief for Ridgeway which used to host a lawn mower pull.

But they ultimately decided Hartland was a better location for the event. The three fire companies will organize and staff the event, which proceeds to be divvied up by thirds.

“We are super excited about this,” Luckman said. “We’re hoping to do this as an annual thing.”

Admission is $20 at the door with children 12 and under for free. Tickets will be paid at the door. There will be concessions available with hamburgers, cheese burgers and hotdogs as well as beer, pop and water.

Luckman said the three departments work together on mutual aid at some fire and emergency calls. The tractor pull will be a way for them to strengthen that bond and get to know each other even more.

“One of the goals is to increase that camaraderie,” he said.

This will be the first ever truck and tractor pull at the Hartland Fire Company. The WNY Pro Pullers will have the following categories of pullers: Light Pro Farm, LLSS, 466 Hot Farm, Unlimited Street Diesel Trucks, 10500 Too Hot Too Farm, Modified Two Wheel Drive Trucks.

Click here for more on the WNY Pro Pullers.

Provided photo: Albion police officer Sean McElhinny and Mary Brzustowicz from Autism Up are shown on Wednesday when Brzustowicz gave a presentation to law enforcement and other human service providers.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department hosted a representative from Autism Up on Wednesday for a discussion about how to best respond to calls for people with autism or who are on the spectrum.

The Albion PD announced it will have “Sensory Bags” in its patrol cars which can assist in helping to calm people down with autism who are feeling stressed or overstimulated.

The Albion Police Department hosted the presentation from Autism Up. Other agencies that attended included the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s deputies, dispatchers, animal control officers and chaplains). Albion Special Education teachers, district superintendent Mickey Edwards and representatives from the Child Advocacy Center also attended the session.

“We at the Albion Police Department are so grateful for Mary to come out and give us this knowledge,” the Albion PD stated about the presentation from Autism Up. “We at the Albion Police Department are dedicated to providing the best service, interactions and have an understanding of all of our community members.”

Governor seeks feedback from businesses facing uncertainty from higher fees on imported goods, loss of Canadian tourists

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Amid the economic turmoil created by President Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new tariff resource guide (click here) to keep New Yorkers up-to-date on programs available for business owners who have been impacted by tariffs.

Additionally, the Governor announced a survey (click here) to allow business owners the opportunity to share how their businesses have been impacted by the federal government’s recently announced tariffs.

“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Hochul said. “No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.”

Tariffs Impacts on the Economy and Tourism

Governor Hochul has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the state who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada.

Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State.

Overall, cross-border traffic from Canada has plummeted since Trump implemented his tariff policies. The most recent data shows that there were 400,000 fewer Canadian visitors in May compared to the same period in 2024.

Bridge crossings over the Ogdensburg Bridge and the Champlain crossing in May were down 30 percent during that same time period from last year. In a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66 percent of tourism businesses report a drop in Canadian customers and one in four businesses in the region may cut staff as a result. Reservations are down at hotels, campgrounds, local marinas, golf courses and other businesses that rely on visitors from Canada.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 17, 2024 recognized award winners for 2024. The group includes, front row, from left: Lisa Christiaansen, Tapped on Main in Medina; Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; Jenna Pangrazio and Brody Hoffmeister of Rudy’s in Medina; Marisa and Matthew Burch, Chop’s Shop Bar & Grill North in Lyndonville; and Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service. Back row: Brian Christiaansen of Tapped on Main, David Mitchell; Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group in Albion; George Lacey and Samantha Tillman of Captain’s Cove in Carlton; Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market in Medina; Rex Harvey, Ray Laine and Lori Laine of Frontier Heating & A/C Service.

Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 27th annual business awards.

Nominations are due by Sept. 1 and can be emailed to director@orleanscountychamberofcommerce.com mailed to OCCC, PO Box 501, Medina NY, 14103 or entered on a Google Form (click here).

The categories include:

• Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Last year’s winner: Frontier Heating & A/C Services.)

• Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. (Dave Mitchell received the award in 2024.)

• Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility. (Tapped on Main – Mark’s Pizzeria won the award last year.)

• New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year. (Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville won last year.)

• Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres. (Community Action of Orleans and Genesee received the honor in 2024.)

• Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Roberts Farm Market in Medina won the award in 2024.)

• Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year. (Rudy’s Diner in Medina won last year.)

• Hidden Gem –This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County. (Captain’s Cove in Point Breeze won the honor in 2024.)

For more information check the Chamber website or Facebook page.

Provided photos: Lorraine Pera is shown last week celebrating her 100th birthday which is today. Pera is also shown greeting her life-long friend, Pauline Stazie, who is 99 and will be 100 in January.

HOLLEY – A Holley woman turns 100 today. Lorraine Pera is well known in the community. She lives in the village and regularly drives, goes shopping, attends Mass, socializes with friends and family and is part of community events.

“I’m amazed every time I’m in her presence,” Holley Mayor Mark Bower said in a message today on the village’s Facebook page.

Lorraine LeStorti Pera is Bower’s aunt. She was born on State Street in Holley and had an identical twin, Edna Ruggeri, who passed away three years ago.

Pera graduated with Holley’s Class of 1943 and went on to work 25 years at Kodak.

She is a proud mother to her son Don, a retired teacher at Holley. Pera has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bower issued a mayoral proclamation in honor of Pera’s 100^th birthday. She also received a proclamation from State Sen. Rob Ortt and a greeting from Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“I hope you have the chance to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with good friends and family,” Hochul said in her letter. “You are an inspiration to us all and your wisdom continues to make you a living treasure to everyone fortunate enough to know you. As you look back on a century of memories and experiences, I send my best wishes for a wonderful celebration and continued happiness.”

Holley, in cooperation with the towns of Murray and Clarendon, has recognized residents who are 90 or older. The next celebration for those residents is being planned for Setember 2026.

“Let’s always celebrate, honor and respect our most elder residents, family members and friends,” Bower said.

Lorraine Pera is shown with her family during a party in her honor. From right to left include her son, Don Pera; daughter-in-law, Liz Pera; great-granddaughter, Leah Prior; granddaughter, Karyn Prior; Lorraine Pera; great-grandson, Caleb Prior; grandson, Jeffrey Pera; grandson-in-law, Eric Paskowski; great-grandson, Eli Prior; and grandson-in-law, Steve Prior.