The United States has seen 1,288 reported cases of measles so far this year, the most in 33 years.

None of those cases are in Genesee or Orleans counties, which is at 0 for the year, said Nola Goodrich-Kreese, public health educator and public information officer for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out the latest data today, which shows a big uptick in measles, a disease that 25 years ago was declared eliminated in the United States.

Declining vaccination rates for measles, plus the disease’s highly infectious nature, has given it a resurgence, according to public health officials.

Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness, the CDC said. Before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400–500 people died in the United States each year, according to the CDC.

The CDC reports measles has been recorded in more than three dozen states, including New York State and New York City. The biggest outbreak is in Texas where there have been 753 reported cases.

The CDC says 162 people have been hospitalized in the U.S. and three have died from the measles.

Of those who contracted measles, 92 percent were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.

The age breakdown of the cases include 29 percent under age 5, 36 percent ages 5 to 19, and 34 percent 20 or older. (There are 12 cases or 1 percent where the age is unknown).

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kyle Stack, 39, of Medina pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2020, Stack possessed a cellular phone, which contained more than 4,000 images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included prepubescent minors less than 12-years-old and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Stack possessed a laptop, which contained more than 9,000 images and videos of child pornography.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7 before Judge Sinatra.

Chart from Sen. Schumer’s Office: These are a list of stations in Upstate NY that received funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting, that would be at risk if the plan to defund public media were to become law.

Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer

 As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s plan to claw back over $1 billion in federal funding for America’s public radio and television stations, which could devastate communities across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded the GOP block cuts that would hurt children, rural areas, and emergency preparedness in every corner of New York.

Schumer said that the GOP plan to strip funding from America’s public broadcasting would decimate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations including dozens in New York State. The senator broke down the impact of these cuts for Upstate NY public news outlets that receive funding from the CPB and vowed to lead the fight in the Senate against these alarming cuts.

“Our public TV and radio stations are the glue that keep so many of our communities connected & informed across Upstate NY and targeting them for radical funding cuts hurts all of Upstate,” Schumer said. “PBS and NPR and others are more than stations, they are a public service networks providing life-saving emergency alerts, educational content to children, and so much more at no cost.”

Funds for public broadcasting supports educational initiatives, rural areas, and disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. New York’s public TV and radio stations send emergency alerts during natural disasters, develop educational content, license music from local artists, and more.

These services are critical for New York’s communities. For example, with more severe weather across the country, timely weather alerts can save lives. In addition, for children not enrolled in formal pre-school, educational programming from public television ensures they can access educational content regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and teachers use worksheets and videos in local classrooms.

In New York State, dozens of recipients last year received more than $45 million in through the CPB, generating a significant local economic impact. According to NPR, the public broadcasting sector in New York supports nearly 4,000 jobs, including 1,125 direct positions, 1,271 indirect jobs through supply chain activity, and 1,321 induced jobs driven by household spending.

According to Northwestern University, nearly 55 million Americans have limited to no access to local news. According to PBS, 60 percent of its audience lives in rural communities, and its programming reaches more children than any of the children’s TV networks in a year. If passed, the GOP proposal would further limit access to local news for communities who depend on information from their local radio and television stations for vital information and services, devastating local communities who would get hit first and hardest.

Though historically funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been approved with bipartisan support, the House GOP last month passed legislation at President Trump’s request that would claw back more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal investments in the CPB.

Trump also issued an executive order stating no money from CPB can go to NPR, PBS or their affiliates which is currently being challenged in court. Trump’s FY 2026 budget request completely eliminates federal funding and closeout CPB.

File photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists stop by an interpretive panel in Ridgeway above the Canal Culvert on July 11, 2022. This is the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal.

Press Release, Parks & Trails New York

BUFFALO – The state’s largest multi-day bike tour kicks off on July 12 from Buffalo arriving in Albany on July 20.

Organized by Parks & Trails New York, the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal  bike tour brings together cyclists from 37 states between the ages of 8 and 84. Nearly 600 cyclists will travel 40-60 miles per day, visiting historic towns along the Erie Canalway Trail.

This year, the tour celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal and will culminate at a finish line festival at Quackenbush Square in Albany.

“The Erie Canalway Trail transports riders back in time,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York.  “The welcoming communities, captivating natural environment, and rich history of the region make Cycle the Erie Canal an experience like no other. Our cyclists ride away with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the state.”

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, July 12 – Pre-rides through the city of Buffalo.

Overnight location: Nichols School in Buffalo

Sunday, July 13 – Buffalo to Medina

Overnight location: Medina Central School

Monday, July 14 – Medina to Fairport

Overnight location: Center Park West in Fairport

Tuesday, July 15 – Fairport to Seneca Falls

Overnight location: Elks Lodge in Seneca Falls

Wednesday, July 16 – Seneca Falls to Syracuse

Overnight location: Burnett Park in Syracuse; Highlight: Erie Canal Birthday Party, Burnett Park

Thursday, July 17 – Syracuse to Rome

Overnight location: Fort Stanwix in Rome; Highlight: Rome Block Party, 100 – 200 blocks of West Dominick Street

Friday, July 18 – Rome to Canajoharie

Overnight location: Canajoharie High School in Canajoharie

Saturday, July 19 – Canajoharie to Schenectady

Overnight location: Schenectady Jewish Community Center in Schenectady

Sunday, July 20 – Schenectady to Albany

Finish Line: Quackenbush Square

“Cycle the Erie Canal is among the very best ways to discover all there is to love about the Erie Canalway Corridor: friendly people, extraordinary history, unbeatable recreation, charming towns and vibrant cities, and bucolic scenery,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “It’s also one of the best supported rides in the country. Parks & Trails New York does an incredible job of introducing hundreds of people each year to the joys of long-distance cycling along the canal that transformed America.”

Photos by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati were in Albion on Aug. 10, 2024 for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day. More than 500 residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents. The event returns on Aug. 16.

ALBION – Orleans County will again hold a popular household hazardous waste collection day.

The event returns Aug. 16 and is a chance to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents at no charge to residents.

The event is open to all Orleans County residents but registration is needed and can be done by calling the county Planning Office at (585) 589-3198 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The event will be at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion.  The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is reserved for tire collection only.

Acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires (limit 10), batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, oil-based paints and empty propane tanks.

Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical water, electronics, latex paint, tires on rims and commercial tires.

“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way.”

A state grant covers half of the cost with the county paying the other half. The county’s cost has been about $18,000 in recent years.

The County legislature approved the following agreement with Environmental Enterprises Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio: Aerosol Cans, $1.00 per pound; Anti-Freeze, $.23 per pound; Chemicals (labpacks), $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Acids, $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Bases, $1.20 per pound; Fluorescent Tubes, $1.00 per pound; Household Cleaners, $1.20 per pound; Miscellaneous Chemicals, $1.20 per pound;

Oil Filters, $.25 per pound; Organic Liquids, $.24 per pound; Oxidizers, $1.20 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticides, $1.89 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticide (dioxin precursors), $12.00 per pound; Poisons, $1.20 per pound; Resins & Adhesives (with cans), $1.20 per pound; and Waste Oil, $.20 per pound.

“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” Winters said.  “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”

Orleans County Public Works Department employees remove tires from the back of a pickup truck on Aug. 10, 2024. Residents are able to dispose of car tires at the event.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Our World,” officially kicks off today at 2 p.m., with an engaging performance by musician and teaching artist Dave Ruch, who will bring the history of the Erie Canal to life with music, storytelling, and audience interaction.

Reading logs and Nioga Library System passports will be available at the kickoff. With the Nioga Passport Program, participants can collect a stamp at each Nioga Library they visit. Once all stamps are collected, they’ll be entered into a system-wide raffle for exciting prizes.

This summer, Hoag Library will also be out in the community! Visit us at Bullard Park on Fridays in July for Art at the Park with stories and crafts, and look for StoryWalks at the library and throughout Albion.

Other exciting upcoming events include:

• Super Amy Variety Show – Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m.
• Fire Truck Visit – Monday, July 14 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Wildlife Rockstars Live Animal Show – Monday, Aug. 18 at 11:30 a.m.
• Yohe Wagon Rides & Farm Animals – Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Rainbow Yoga, Butterfly Wing Craft, Supersized Sorry, and many more activities for all ages

Participants are also encouraged to take part in the Community Art Mural, Color Jars, and the Collaborative Diamond Painting Project running every Friday.

For full program details, visit: www.hoaglibrary.org/srp

As part of the Hoag Music Series, Hoag Library is proud to present two free, all-ages concerts this summer:

• Dr. Petar Kodzas (classical guitar) – Saturday, July 19 at 12 p.m.
• Dr. Andrew Flory (theorbo) – Saturday, Aug. 16 at 12 p.m.

Both concerts are free and open to the public—don’t miss the chance to experience world-class musicians right here at Hoag Library!

Press Release, Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Program

BATAVIA – For the last 10 years, the Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Program (Tobacco-Free GOW) has worked with community leaders and youth champions to help reduce tobacco use in all three counties.

A new five-year New York State Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities grant for $1.8 million will build on the previous tobacco control and prevention work conducted by Tobacco-Free GOW. The contract from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control is one of three contracts awarded to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and will be administered under the direction of Maansi Bansal-Travers, PhD.

The Roswell Park tobacco-free programs support efforts to locally educate community stakeholders and youth in changing norms that lead to ending tobacco use among adults and children. Tobacco-Free GOW will continue to be operated by Community Engagement Coordinator Julie Calvert and Reality Check Youth Engagement Coordinator Brittany Bozzer.

“With their extensive contacts and experience in tobacco control, Julie and Brittany will be local leaders as we strive to create healthier communities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties,” said Program Director Dr. Maansi Bansal-Travers.

“I’m excited to continue my work in tobacco control for another five years and look forward to engaging local community leaders and the public to strengthen tobacco-related policies that prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said Calvert.

Bozzer added, “I have been so privileged to be involved with the many successes that the tobacco control program has had over the last eight years. My role in youth engagement helps me focus on creating a tobacco-free generation, a goal that will help save lives.”

Andrew Hyland, PhD, Chair of the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center added, “Roswell Park has a long history of leading national and regional tobacco control efforts. These contracts provide an opportunity to continue those efforts in an efficient way that employs local leaders as they strive to prevent youth smoking and create tobacco-free communities throughout Western New York.”

The primary goals of the tobacco control program are to:

• Reduce the impact of retail tobacco marketing on youth by educating communities about the manipulative marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.
• Establish tobacco-free community norms through clean outdoor air policies by working with communities to create more smoke-free parks, playgrounds and beaches.
• Lessen secondhand smoke exposure by working with landlords and tenants to implement smoke-free housing policies in multi-unit dwellings.
• Diminish the environmental impact of tobacco product waste by working with community stakeholders to reduce the plastic pollution generated from cigarette filters and e-cigarette cartridges, as well as holding the tobacco industry accountable for its environmental footprint.
• Monitor and address the challenges with industry-related influences and the changing tobacco product landscape with the continued rise of e-cigarette and nicotine pouch use.

All counties in New York State now have the resources of a community engagement program and a Reality Check youth action program through the Bureau of Tobacco Control. These contracts build on previous tobacco control funded work which supports the region’s public health efforts and provides more comprehensive programing across the state.

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control funds Tobacco-Free GOW to increase support for New York State’s tobacco-free norm through youth action and community engagement. Efforts are evidence-based, policy-driven, and cost-effective approaches that decrease youth tobacco use, motivate adult smokers to quit, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. The program is administered by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

Dr. Heather Lyon

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education has selected Dr. Heather Lyon as the next district superintendent. She will succeed Sharon Smith, who is retiring July 31.

Dr. Lyon began her career in education as a long-term substitute teacher for English Language Arts and has since served as a classroom teacher, staff developer, principal and school district leader. Most recently, she served as the Coordinator of Assessment and Data at Gates Chili Central School District.

She has worked with a wide range of students: those who speak English at home and those who are learning it for the first time; those who need additional support and those who are ready for advanced work; and those with special education plans, such as IEPs or 504s.

No matter their background, Lyon believes every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed. The Lyndonville school district is already a strong district with a proud history, and she is excited to be a part of it.

“I am looking forward to Dr. Lyon utilizing her strengths to construct and implement processes, policies, strategic planning, positive culture, and collaboration among stakeholders,” said Jerod Thurber, the board president.

He also expressed his gratitude to Smith for her time as superintendent for the district.

The Board of Education formally appointed Lyon at the board meeting on June 10. She will begin work on August 1.

The board would like to thank the Orleans/Niagara BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Taweepon Farrar for her time as the consultant and facilitator of the superintendent search.

Photos by Tom Rivers

POINT BREEZE – Dean Marine & Excavating Inc. from Michigan has big pieces of equipment in the Oak Orchard Harbor today. Dean has been scooping sediment from the harbor to make the channel more passable for boaters.

The Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $2 million contract to Dean Marine & Excavating to perform the dredging work at the oak Orchard and soon to follow, Great Sodus Bay.

A total of approximately 15,000 cubic yards of material from Oak Orchard is contracted to be dredged and placed in designated open lake sites. The harbor was last dredged in 2021. That followed a seven-year stretch when it was dredged in 2014.

Dredging of these harbors ensures accessible depths for vessels traveling the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating which supports more than $24 million in business revenue and labor income to the transportation sector combined, the Army Corps stated in a news release.

Oak Orchard Harbor is a shallow-draft harbor. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $6.8 million in business revenue, 94 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $6 million in labor income to the nation, the Army Corps said.

Great Sodus Bay also is a shallow-draft harbor on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $9.3 million in business revenue, 142 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $8.7 million in labor income to the nation

Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak said the dredging at Oak Orchard took a lot work and collaboration. Fitzak said the cooperation with our federal delegation, in particular Congressman Morelle, was key. Morelle’s district briefly included approximately the northern half of Orleans, but another redistricting has since put Orleans totally in Cluadia Tenney’s district.

“When redistricting brought Congressman Morelle to Orleans County, we were eager to take him on a tour of community assets and he was very interested in learning about our federal priorities,” Fitzak said.  “Among several issues, we focused on the importance of Oak Orchard Harbor to our local tourism and recreational economy and the need to ensure safe passage of boats through it. He was well aware of the dredging issue and wanted to help.”

Fitzak was also part of the local delegation that travels to Washington, DC each year to further lobby for community priorities.

“These trips allowed us to keep our top issues front and center, with federal leaders and paid off when funds were provided for dredging,” Fitzak said. “Our federal delegation delivered for us and we are very appreciative.”

This photo is from a boat launch looking north to the lake.

Legislature hires consultant to help present alternatives to public

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Murray Joint Fire District – led by in front from left, Pete Hendrickson, Rick Cary and Kevin Dann – march in the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade on June 26. In 2021, the Murray Joint Fire District combined the Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray districts.

ALBION – Orleans County has hired a consultant to assist local officials in looking at several options for providing EMS and fire service in the county.

Municipal Resource Inc. (MRI) of Plymouth, NH will work with the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency on a study looking at options to improve EMS and the fire service in the short and long term in the county.

MRI will be paid $71,807 for its work, with half of that coming from a state Local Government Efficiency grant. The other half will come out of Emergency Management’s budget.

Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director, said MRI will work with local officials from villages, towns, the fire departments and EMS providers. The study will look at options ranging from the current nearly all-volunteer fire service to having paid firefighters in all three battalions.

The Village of Medina is currently the only department with paid staff and they respond to fires and handle the EMS calls on the western end of the county.

Many of the fire companies and departments are short-staffed especially with responses during the work hours.

Niederhofer said there will be opportunities for public inut as the study moves forward in the coming months.

A long line of fire trucks participated in the Kendall parade on June 26, including a group from the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.

ALBION – UConnectCare has announced a ribbon cutting and an open house for the new 25-bed women and children community residence at 3597 Butts Rd., Albion.

The open house and ribbon cutting will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 13.

This will be the first residential program for women and their children for UConnectCare, formerly known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

The site will allow women, 18 and older, to receive services to aid in their recovery while in a residential setting.

Five of the 25 units will accommodate women with children younger than kindergarten. Up to two children can stay in those units.

UConnectCare awarded a $4.6 million grant from the state Department of Health for construction of the residence, which will total $5.2 million.

UConnectCare has seen more women in recovery and addiction programs during the opioid epidemic, with the prevalence of addictive painkillers, UConnectCare officials said.

The residence was built on part of a 9-acre wooded lot just outside of the Albion village limits.

UConnectCare will operate the facility, with staffing at all hours, seven days a week.