By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 January 2026 at 8:14 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced it has been awarded a grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to expand pediatric services, live-saving education and family support programs for children in Orleans County.
The funding will help OCH deliver a holistic and equitable approach to pediatric wellness, addressing critical needs in a rural community where child poverty, limited transportation, high infant mortality rates and a shortage of medical providers continue to impact families. More than 1,500 children and families are expected to benefit within the first year of the initiative, according to information provided by Scott Robinson, director of Marketing for OCH.
“Families in our community deserve access to care and education that protect children’s health and empower parents,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “This generous grant allows us to expand resources beyond the clinic walls – bringing safety education, mental health support and essential pediatric equipment directly to the families who need it most.”
The project supported by the Garman Family Foundation will include:
Free Infant CPR and Newborn Care Classes for parents and caregivers, eliminating the need for families to travel long distances for live-saving training.
A Pediatric Wellness Fair, offering education and health resources for local families.
Mental Health and Behavioral Support Tools, including the certification of a pediatric nurse practitioner in the evidence-based COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) program and the use of anxiety-reducing tools during visits.
Preventative Child Safety Resources, including helmets, first aid kits and coping tools to reduce emergencies and injuries.
Important Clinical Upgrades, including pediatric exam tables and an infant warmer for safe and effective care.
A New Children’s Reading nook and Books Distributed at Well Visits to promote early literacy and development growth.
Leah Brunner, pediatric nurse practitioner who serves children in both OCH’s Medina and Albion offices, shared how the funding will enhance care from the moment the families walk in the door.
“Parents want to feel confident caring for their children, and kids deserve a safe, supportive place to grow,” Brenner said. “With this grant, we can offer families more education, more tools and a more welcoming pediatric environment. It strengthens care for every child who comes through our doors.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt
ALBANY – Following disturbing reports of widespread fraud involving taxpayer dollars in Minnesota, members of the Senate Republican Conference have penned a letter to the Governor’s Office urging her to immediately hire a private professional services firm to conduct a truly independent audit of programs administered by state agencies to ensure that public funds are only being distributed to authorized organizations and individuals, and utilized for authorized activities.
Further, Senate Republican Leader Ortt will be introducing a bill to require an independent audit of New York State government programs by a professional third party and to mandate that all findings of fraud or abuse will be promptly referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
These actions follow recent revelations of rampant fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars uncovered by investigative reporting in Minnesota, including schemes that reportedly involved sham daycare centers.
“If Governor Hochul isn’t alarmed by what’s happening in Minnesota, New Yorkers will lose even more trust in how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “The Governor must do her job and guarantee this isn’t happening here. If nothing is amiss, there is no excuse for refusing a comprehensive, independent audit. Failing to act would be an extreme disservice to taxpayers.”
An independent audit is necessary to root out all similar schemes currently underway here in New York, Ortt said. For example:
$68 million in Medicaid fraud committed by a Brooklyn adult daycare operator uncovered by the Department of Justice in August.
The State improperly paid over $2.6 billion in Medicaid premiums for people who do not live in New York.
$13 million in Medicaid fraud for transporting patients to medical appointments.
$7 million in Medicaid fraud for fraudulent billing.
“This issue is especially urgent given that dozens of counties across New York have already exhausted their allotted state funding for the Child Care Assistance Program,” the Republican senators state in the letter. “At a time when resources are strained, it is essential that available funds are protected and directed exclusively to those who truly need assistance. Moreover, with reports that your administration may advance a proposal for universal pre-kindergarten in the upcoming legislative session, ensuring these programs are efficient, transparent, and free from fraud should be a shared priority for all New Yorkers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 5:55 pm
MEDINA – The Village of Medina will be hosting a major arts initiative this year, with 50,000 people expected to visit Medina to see works by 35 different artists showcased at 12 sites in the community.
The Medina Triennial is the first initiative of its kind in the region. It will feature artists from around the world from June 6 to Sept. 7 to see the exhibits and public programs.
The Triennial welcomes the community to see how they can volunteer and be a part of the event. There will be a complimentary brunch and information session at the Triennial’s headquarters on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The Triennial “Hub” is located at 345 N Main St. (the former NAPA Auto Parts building).
“We’ll be answering frequently asked questions and announcing volunteer/employment opportunities in a very casual sit-down style conversation,” said Federico Rosario, Community Engagement & Programs Coordinator for the Triennial. “This event is an opportunity to hear about the Triennial’s goals and upcoming volunteer and work opportunities.”
The Triennial is an initiative of the New York Power Authority with funding from other sponsors, too.
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Carla and Terry Woodworth were recognized for Overall Best Holiday Display Award. They received a commemorative plaque and a bottle of champagne.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lions from Lyn“Who”ville were busy at their Hall.
They were readying awards for those who honored the call.
Those who hung lights, wreaths and Holiday balls.
Those who strung lights from trees and from walls.
The awards went to some but could have been given to all.
Some displays were massive and some were small.
The Lions traveled the roads to view them all.
Some displays had lights, some had bows and some had nothing, nothing at all.
The Lions recognize them come one and come all.
The winners of awards held them high and they held them tall.
So, the Lions would like to say thank you and Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to all.
The Lyndonville Lions continued a much-anticipated recognition of the Holiday Spirit shown by the Village of Lyndonville and Town of Yates residents. Three categories were awarded in the village and town as the best holiday decorations were singled out.
Winners received a plaque that recognizes the hard work undertaken by those decorating their homes for the Christmas season. They were supplied with a bottle of bubbly to help them celebrate their achievement and the New Year. There were several displays in and around town noted to be worthy of honorable mention.
Best Single-Color Lighting Display
Best Holiday Inflatables Display
Currier & Ives Award – Most Traditional Display
Best Holiday Display in the Town of Yates
Best Holiday Display in the Village
The Lions would like to thank all for participating in the holiday illumination project in and around Lyndonville during the Christmas Season. We would encourage all to take a moment to view the holiday decorations and enjoy the season.
May God continue to shed his many blessings on our residents and we wish everyone a Happy New Year!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 2:27 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Clarendon Town Board met this morning for the 2026 organizational meeting. From left up front include Town Councilman Fred Seeman, Councilman Chris Caufield, Town Clerk Susan Colby, Town Supervisor Marc Major, Councilman Allen Robinson and Councilman Bruce Hovey.
CLARENDON – The Clarendon Town Board met this morning for its annual organizational meeting where appointments are made and salaries set for different positions in the town government.
The board held off on making appointments to three positions that have been held by Melissa Ierlan. She was charged on Tuesday by State Police with two felonies – falsifying business records in the first degree and second-degree grand larceny with property value exceeding $50,000.
Ierlan has been serving as Clarendon’s code enforcement officer and building inspector, the administrator of Hillside Cemetery and also the town historian. She also is president of the Clarendon Historical Society, which is separate from the town government.
Town Supervisor Marc Major said he has no comment at this time about the allegations against Ierlan. The State Police also hasn’t provided any information except listing the charges on the daily blotter report.
Fred Seeman, Ierlan’s husband and a town councilman, said State Police have provided little information to him and Ierlan except to say the allegations involve the Historical Society.
The board during the organizational meeting tabled filling the code officer/zoning inspector at a salary of $44,440; the cemetery caretaker/administrator at an annual salary of $7,293; and the town historian at a salary of $1,950.
Some of the other appointments include:
Cemetery maintenance for $7,150, Tracy Chalker
Dog enumerator at $2,280, Susan Colby
Planning Board Chairman – David Griggs, with Patrick White as deputy chairman
Deputy Town Supervisor at $1,298, Allen Robinson
Cleaning Service at $65 a week, Michelle Chalker of Save Time Cleaning
Water Superintendent at $10,402, Tracy Chalker
Water District billing clerk at $20 an hour, Donna Moore
Water District collection clerk at $5,244 annual salary, Linda Barrett
The board also set the following pay rates and salaries:
Highway superintendent, $66,977; foreman in highway department, $31.32 per hour; full-time motor equipment operator, $30.73 an hour (top rate) and $30.59 an hour for other MEO; part-time MEO, $22.73 an hour; part-time cemetery laborer, $17.14 an hour.
Assessor, $27,281; assessor clerk/bookkeeper to the supervisor, $27,891; town clerk/tax collector, $47,114; primary deputy town clerk, $21 an hour; secondary part-time deputy, $16.20 an hour; part-time records deputy, $16.20 an hour.
Planning Board chairman, $126 per meeting; members, $31 per meeting; Board of Assessment Review, $150 per hearing day; secretary to Board of Assessment Review, $250 annual salary; four town council members, $4,202 annually; town supervisor, $12,988; budget officer, $806; town justice, $16,200; court clerk, $20 an hour; registrar of vital statistics, $408 annually.
The board also named the Suburban News/Westside News as the official newspaper to carry legal notices; Five Star Bank as the official town bank; the mileage reimbursement rate at 70 cents per mile; and meal reimbursement for meetings/conferences not to exceed $68 per day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 12:28 pm
State-wide the cases decline but hospitalizations are up
The flu continues its rampant spread locally and state-wide. A week ago it was big news in New York when the number of confirmed flu cases was the most since 2004, when the state began to weekly track flu cases.
The number of new flu cases is down a week later, from 72,133 to 49,153. That is a 32 percent drop.
However, the number of people hospitalized by the flu has increased 24 percent from 3,666 a week earlier to 4,546, according to the state Department of Health.
The DOH also is reporting a pediatric death from the flu this week. There have now been two pediatric deaths from the flu thus season, according to the state DOH.
While the new cases were down statewide, in Genesee and Orleans counties the new cases increased from 217 for the week ending Dec. 20 to 224 in the week ending Dec. 27, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
In Genesee and Orleans, both counties show the number of younger people getting the flu is declining, but still high. In Orleans the flu cases for people 0-19 dropped from 571.3 per 100,000 to 440.4, while the cases for people 60 and older went from 76.5 per 100,000 people to 181.7 per 100,000. In Orleans, the overall rate of new flu cases per 100,000 people is 196.5, the same as the previous week.
In Genesee, the cases for 0-19 year olds dropped from 553.9 per 100,000 people for the week ending Dec. 20, to 446.2 for the week ending Dec. 27. The cases for people 60 and older increased from 249.3 to 324.1 during that time period. Genesee’s overall flu rate is at 252 per 100,000 people, up from 239.9 the previous week.
State health officials said flu typically peaks in January so the cases may continue to rise.
The Department of Health encourages people to get the flu shot, and take antivirals if it’s been less than 48 hours since symptoms began.
People are also urged to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
People are advised to stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with people who are ill.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 10:57 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The former Medina Savings and Loan, which has been a Generations Bank site since 2018, is now ESL Federal Credit Union, effective Jan. 1. The bank is located on Maple Ridge Road.
MEDINA – ESL Federal Credit Union is now officially open in Medina after acquiring the assets of Generations Bank.
The two organizations announced an acquisition deal in September 2024. Generations merged with the former Medina Savings & Loan in 2018.
Completion of the deal allows ESL to significantly grow its presence throughout Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, adding eight new locations.
ESL now has 33 full-service branches throughout the Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region including a new branch presence in Cayuga, Orleans and Seneca counties while expanding its footprint in Ontario County. ESL now holds more than $9.8 billion in assets and has more than 1,000 employees.
“We’re excited to complete the acquisition of Generations Bank, marking a significant milestone for ESL and for the communities we serve,” said ESL President & CEO, Faheem Masood. “We look forward to building new relationships with employees, customers, local businesses and partners that are now part of our shared home. We also commit to investing in the people and places across Cayuga, Ontario, Orleans, and Seneca counties.”
Conversion of Generations accounts is expected to take place on Feb. 1. Post closing, the credit union membership grows to approximately 459,000 total members, and nearly 18,200 businesses.
The deal required regulatory approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC), National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), with all regulators providing approval in 2025.
Before ending its presence in Medina, Generations Bank officials on oct. 21 presented $50,000 in donations to nine organizations in the community. The grant recipients included Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (Albion), East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company (Medina), Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund (Medina), The Lee Whedon Memorial Library (Medina), Medina Emergency Food Pantry (St. Peters Lutheran Church), Operation Honor (Medina), Orleans Community Health Foundation Inc. (Medina), Orleans County YMCA (Medina), and People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans County (Albion).
Governor cites affordability measures with Middle Class tax cut, higher minimum wage, and expanded Child Tax Credit
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Kathy Hochul
With the new tax year beginning today, Governor Kathy Hochul is informing New Yorkers about a number of tax relief and affordability measures that will begin in the new year.
The Governor is also announcing that in her upcoming FY2027 Executive Budget proposal, she will put forth legislation that eliminates state income taxes on up to $25,000 of tipped income in tax year 2026, which follows federal guidance.
This effort is a continuation of the Governor’s Affordability Agenda. Since taking office, the Governor has advanced policies that have put over $9 billion back in the pockets of New York households through tax relief efforts.
“As we welcome in the New Year, affordability remains my top priority and I am doubling down on my commitment to put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “Starting today, tax rates for the vast majority of lower and middle-class New Yorkers will be cut, families with children will see a sweeping increase in the child tax credit, and minimum wage workers across the state will see their wages go up. I’m kicking the new year off with a proposal of no state income tax on tips, continuing my efforts to make New York more affordable for hard working New Yorkers.”
Over the last 5 years, the costs on everyday essentials like groceries, insurance, utility bills, and goods and services has increased significantly, and Governor Hochul has heard directly from New Yorkers how difficult it can be to make ends meet. As a result, the Governor created her Affordability Agenda, which has delivered over $9 billion in tax relief to New York’s individuals and families since taking office. This most recent proposal of No Tax on Tips, is the latest in a series of efforts to put money back in New Yorkers pockets.
Middle Class Tax Cuts
In the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured a middle class tax cut, which, beginning January 1, 2026, will deliver nearly $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8.3 million New Yorkers. This will provide savings to taxpayers earning up to $323,000 for joint filers. When fully phased in, the middle class tax cut will deliver hundreds of dollars in average savings to nearly 77 percent of filers — representing three out of every four taxpayers.
Sweeping Increase in Child Tax CreditIn the FY2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul continued her efforts to expand New York’s child tax credit, providing critical financial support for more than 2.75 million children statewide. This latest expansion doubled or in many cases, tripled the current credit, offering up to $1,000 annually per child under four and up to $500 per child aged four to 16. This latest expansion marked the largest increase in the credit’s history, significantly surpassing the previous maximum of $330 per child. The expansion will be phased in over two years, with New Yorkers receiving expanded benefits starting in 2026 for children under four and extending to older children in 2027.
Increasing the Minimum Wage
Included in the FY2024 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul created a transformative plan to help low-wage New Yorkers keep up with the rising costs of living by increasing New York’s minimum wage for three years and tying future increases to inflation. Beginning January 1, 2026, New York State’s minimum wage increased to $17.00 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $16.00 per hour in the rest of the state. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earned and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region — the most accurate regional measure of inflation.
Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda
This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda which delivered a $2B Inflation Refund program, delivering up to $400 to over 8.2 billion New Yorkers, and universal free school meals, saving parents and families up to $1,600 a year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 January 2026 at 11:41 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans Correctional Facility is shown on Feb. 28. Corrections officers went on strike at Orleans, the Albion Correctional Facility and nearly all of the 42 prisons in the state. The strike lasted 22 days.
Orleans Hub completed another year of covering local news in Orleans County. We started nearly 13 years ago on April 1, 2013 and haven’t a missed a day since.
Last year we reached 6,493,347 pageviews and averaged exactly 7,500 visitors to the news site each day.
We remain the county’s leading source for local news, covering community events, sports, local governments, county court and other breaking news in Orleans County.
The most-viewed articles tend to be tragedies or crime-related. They are a small percentage of the 3,422 articles we posted last year.
Here is the list of the 15 most-viewed articles in 2025:
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
ALBION – Independent Living of the Genesee Region will host a Free Resource Fair on “Pathways to Stability” on Thursday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion.
The event is open to the public and designed to connect community members with essential resources and services.
The fair will feature free clothing, smartphones and SIM cards (eligibility required), and access to local agencies and service providers, including housing support, healthcare, employment services and crisis resources.
Attendees must be 18 years or older to receive a free smartphone and must receive support through DSS or Medicaid. Required documentation includes a valid New York State ID, photo benefit card, and a current piece of mail.
Participating organizations include PathStone, Homeless Alliance of Western New York, RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, VA Suicide Prevention, GO Health, Genesee ACE Employment, the Child Care Resource Center, Cancer Services Program of GOWN, Rochester Regional Health – Healthy Living, Orleans County Office for the Aging, Living Opportunities of DePaul, and more.
For more information or to request accessibility accommodations, contact Rebecca Batt, Program Specialist, at (585) 815-8501, Ext. 417.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is part of the WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies, a peer-directed organization dedicated to breaking down barriers, promoting civil rights, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.
WNYIL achieves this through relentless advocacy, strong partnerships, impactful programs, responsible practices, and the incorporation of individual life experiences. For more information, visit: www.wnyil.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 January 2026 at 9:48 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 25, 2023 shows Fran Gaylord, president of the Holley Fire Department, presenting a president’s award to Kevin Dann for all of his assistance, including helping to organize the department’s roster on the computer. Gaylord has retired East Battalion Deputy Fire Coordinator and Dann has been appointed to the part-time position.
HOLLEY – With the retirement of Fran Gaylord as the deputy fire coordinator for the east battalion, a long-time leader of the Holley Fire Department/Murray Joint Fire District will be stepping into the position at the county level.
Kevin Dann, a past Holley fire chief, starts today as the deputy fire coordinator in the position at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.
Dann of Holley has more than 25 years of experience in the fire service. He is currently the assistant fire chief for the Murray Fire District and works full-time as a firefighter/EMT in the Town of Greece. He also works part-time as a public safety dispatcher for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
“Deputy Coordinator Dann will be a great addition and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team,” the Orleans EMO announced on its Facebook page.
“I would also like to congratulate Fran Gaylord on his well deserved retirement after over 25 years of service and dedication to residents of Orleans County,” Justin Niederhofer, EMO director, said. “You will surely be missed but I’m sure we will still see you running a pump at the next fire.”
The flu continues its rampant spread locally and state-wide. A week ago it was big news in New York when the number of confirmed flu cases was the most since 2004, when the state began to weekly track flu cases.
Completion of the deal allows ESL to significantly grow its presence throughout Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, adding eight new locations.
