Photos from Orleans County Department of History collection: This leather pouch contains burial permits.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 27

CARLTON – Thanks to the Orleans County Department of Public Works crew, the Department of History collection has been moved to its new location at 162 South Main St., Albion.

The process of packing and unpacking invariably reveals some overlooked items, such as the soft leather pouch pictured above that is filled with papers. Upon examination, it appears that these are Burial Permits, that final document in the paper trail of life.

The handwriting on the first permit is somewhat difficult to decipher, but the stark word which follows the phrase “the cause of death” fairly leaps from the page: Murder. This document is none other than the Burial Permit for Emma Louise Hunt, whose murder was described in the Buffalo News on October 20, 1894 as “the most horrible thing that has ever happened in Orleans County.”

This burial permit was issued for Emma Louise Hunt, October 20, 1894.

Twenty-one year old Emma Louise Hunt was employed as a domestic by Joseph Van Camp, a Carlton farmer who lived on the east side of Sawyer Road in the town of Carlton. William Lake, aged 24, was a hired man also employed by Van Camp. William was enamored of Emma but she did not return his feelings.

After supper on Thursday evening, October 18, 1894, the Van Camp family went out to collect a relative and left Emma and William at the house. William asked Emma to accompany him to an I.O.O.F. oyster supper, she declined. She told him he was “a loafer and a drunkard.”  Enraged, he went to the barn for a hammer and proceeded to kill her in a brutal and frenzied manner. We will spare you the gory details of the crime and of the subsequent autopsy which were reported in full in the newspapers of the day.

Lake was apprehended within a few days. A letter of confession which he had written before he murdered Emma was found in his bedroom. He was arraigned before Judge W.C. Ramsdale. Attorney Thomas C. Kirby was appointed to represent him.

Supreme Court Judge Henry A. Childs presided at the trial which was held at  the Orleans County Courthouse from Feb. 13-15, 1895. Attorney Kirby claimed that his client was insane, but the letter of confession written prior to the crime was damming. Lake was convicted of murder in the first degree and was given the death sentence. He was removed to Auburn State Prison where he was electrocuted on April 4, 1895.

The Burial Permit was signed by Isaac N. Stebbins, Justice of the Peace. The undertakers were Mathes & Onderdonk who operated a furniture store at 48 N. Main St, in Albion. A large crowd attended the funeral on Saturday, October 21, 1894, when the mangled remains of Emma Louise Hunt were buried in the East Carlton (Kent) cemetery, less than 48 hours after her murder.

MEDINA – New York Lottery is reporting that a winning $8,393 Take 5 ticket for the Saturday evening drawing was sold at the Walgreens in Medina. The winning numbers were 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29.

It was one of four tickets for the grand prize. Other tickets were sold at an Amoco in Yonkers (Westchester County) , a Conger’s Little Food Market in Congers (Rockland County),  and a 7-Eleven in Miller Place (Suffolk County).

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The band, Yacht Club, gave a high-energy performance eon Saturday night at the Elks Lodge for “Rocktoberfest.”

The Albion Recreation Committee welcomed the band with proceeds from the event going to Albion’s July 3rd celebration with music, fireworks and other activities at Bullard Park. There was a $5 admission charge and the Elks served food and refreshments.

Yacht Club touts itself as “Western NY’s Premier Yacht Rock party band covering all your favorite Yacht Rock Classics from the ’70s and ’80s.”

The Elks hosted the concert that filled the lodge on West State Street.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Officers of the Orleans County Retired Teachers Association pose in front of a giant stained glass window at the West Barre United Methodist Church, where they held their annual meeting on Wednesday. From left are Georgia Thomas, immediate past president and executive board member; co-presidents Barb Dunham of Knowlesville and Gail Johnson of Albion, corresponding secretary; guest speaker Mary Beth Tyndall of Rochester, acting president of the Central Western Zone of Retired Educators of New York; Charlene Smith of Medina, treasurer; Ann Czajkowski of Barker, co-president; and Nancy Walker of Holley, recording secretary.

WEST BARRE – The group formerly known as the Retired Teachers’ Association held its annual meeting Wednesday at the West Barre United Methodist Church.

Ann Czajkowski of Barker, co-president, explained the group has a new name – Orleans County Retired Educators’ Association. The name was changed by the State Retired Teachers’ Association to encompass anyone who works in a school system, with the goal of increasing membership. This would include office personnel, janitors and bus drivers.

Czajkowski explained membership statewide has been declining and the new name will allow for others involved in education to be members. She also said the Orleans County group joined the Central Western Zone in 1976, making this year their 50th anniversary. The CWZ recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, Czajkowski added.

Ann Czajkowski, standing, president of the Orleans County Retired Educators Association, talks to members at their annual meeting Wednesday at West Barre United Methodist Church. Seated clockwise from her left are co-president Barb Dunham, guest speaker Mary Beth Tyndall of Rochester; and Ann’s husband Gene. At the table at right is Jo Ann Smith.

In addressing the group, Czajkowski explained community service is a big focus for retired educators.

“They are involved in their churches, food pantries and support for veterans. The guest speaker at last year’s meeting talked about the Honor Flights to see the military memorials in Washington, D.C.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could raise enough money to send a veteran,” Czajkowski asked. “The cost to go is $900 per veteran.”

Also discussed at Wednesday’s meeting was a change in bylaws and continued emphasis on new members. Each member in the room was introduced, with their school and years of teaching. Nearly all had taught more than 30 years, in learning institutions in Orleans County, Barker, Penfield, Roy-Hart and in Maryland.

“We all know someone who is eligible to join,” said Grace Kent of Albion.

Georgia Thomas was recognized for having made a raffle basket and delivered it for the Central Western Zone’s annual meeting for the last 10 years.

Guest speaker for the meeting was Mary Beth Tyndall of Rochester, acting president of RENY’s Central Western Zone. She explained why the state was broken up into 10 zones, with each zone made up of several counties. Orleans County is one of 10 which make CWZ. She also talked about the importance for retired educators to join both the state Retired Educators of New York and New York State United Teachers to work towards improving retirement benefits and protecting those already achieved.

Co-president Barbara Dunham read a short history of OCRTA’s 50 years of existence.

The Orleans chapter was organized through the efforts of Hazel D’Amico, who had been contacted by Edith Paul of Le Roy to enlist her help in reaching Orleans retirees to promote membership in the New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, founded in 1951.

OCREA’s co-president Barb Dunham of Knowlesville chats with Kay Van Nostrand of Medina prior to their annual meeting on Wednesday. Standing at rear is Gail Johnson of Albion.

D’Amico assumed this responsibility for a while and then asked Catherine Bartlett to become county chairperson for ORCTA. After distributing state membership materials to retirees for two years and attending Central Western Zone meetings and NYSRTA’s annual conventions, Bartlett decided there should be an Orleans County organization. She enlisted the assistance of retirees rom each school district in Orleans County, and the first meeting of the group was a pot luck supper at the Clifford Wise Junior High School in Medina on June 17, 1976.

A slate of officers was chosen to serve 1974-1975, with officers as Ed Devlin, president; Reta Dolan, vice president; Helen Gilmeister, recording secretary; Ruth Hall, corresponding secretary; and Elma Prince, treasurer. An official constitution was proposed Sept. 29, 1976 and adopted March 31, 1977.

Throughout its 50-year history, members of the Orleans County unit have concentrated on improving the status of active and retired educators, while contributing and also serving in numerous other community groups.

Presidents in the early years included Edward Devlin, Warren Towne, Howard Caldwell, Joanne Loughlin, Loyal Morse, Mary Vosler and Frank Berger. Berger served in the position for several terms, until turning it over to Georgia Thomas. Berger was also elected vice president of the Central Western Zone in 1996.

While membership in the Retired Teachers’ Association has been declining state-wide, Orleans County’s group has remained pretty steady, Czajkowski said this week.

Eligible retired educators are encouraged to join to support this organization, whose efforts have resulted in changes beneficial to them. This includes influencing legislative gains for all retirees in the state.

It should be noted that over the years, retired educators are and have been active in the affairs of their communities. Some have been recognized for various civil, social, church and educational contributions. Examples are migrant ministries, veterans’ services, volunteerism and election to political office.  As an example, one retired teacher became county historian and others had a school named after them – Towne Elementary School and Clifford Wise Junior-Senior High School.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Czajkowski and Tyndall reported they had presented Dunham with of a Recognition Certificate from CWZ for agreeing to accept the co-president’s position. The presentation was made at the annual meeting of CWZ in September.

Czajkowski also reported the Orleans Chapter had one life member – Vivian Ward.

Others who are committee chairs are Grace Kent, membership; Gary Kent, legislation and publicity; Kay VanNostrand, bylaws; Ruth Smith, health care, Eileen Wuethrich, friendly service; and Jeff Annable, audit and budget.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A 36-foot-long wall on the bathroom building at Veterans Park has a dramatic new look. Albion art teacher Kamie Feder and 11 of her students turned the white wall into a mural with a bald eagle, poppies, an American flag, and a soldier saluting.

Students worked on the mural from Monday through Wednesday.

Photos courtesy of Kamie Feder: The students are shown on Monday at the beginning of first day working on the large painting at the park, which is located at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street.

Here they are at the end of the first day on Monday.

Avah Tatu and Isabella Negron-Ortiz stencil the stars on the flag on the second day of work.

Students embraced the task of painting the mural. From the top to bottom shows Avah Tatu, Lillian Pike and Eli Patten.

Viktor Healy helped transform the wall into a patriotic display.

Press Release, Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) is looking to recruit more young people to serve on the county’s Youth Court and has sent letters to the county’s five school districts looking for interested students.

Youth Court is an alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement.

“Youth Court gives students who have made a mistake an opportunity to take responsibility, understand the consequences of their actions and find a path forward without entering the juvenile justice system,” said Jeannine Larkin, Youth Court coordinator for Orleans County Children & Family Services.  “The success of the program rests on the young people who serve on the Youth Court and make a commitment to helping their peers make better decisions.”

Larkin said the program currently has 19 members with each school district in the county represented. She said those interested in joining the program should see their school counselor or contact her directly at Jeannine.larkin@orleanscountyny.gov or call 585-297-0137 for applications and additional information.

Those who wish to serve take part in a six-week training seminar that will begin on Oct. 17 and run through Nov. 21 at the Dwight “Buzz” Hill Education Center on the Orleans County Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.  Participants will learn from trained professionals about restorative justice and how the legal system works from arrest through disposition of a case.

“This is a great program that helps those who participate develop valuable leadership skills and become positive role models for their peers,” Larkin said.  “It’s particularly gratifying when a young person who got into trouble, went through Youth Court and had a positive outcome, comes back to us to serve on the court to help others.”

Provided photos

HOLLEY/CLARENDON – This group of Holley students in the Interact Club was up early on Sunday to clean headstones at Hillside Cemetery. They were there after a school dance on Saturday and a day before the start of homecoming week.

The students take on the task at Hillside each year in one of their community service projects. They worked with Clarendon Historian Peter Turkow and also were assisted by Clarendon firefighters who brought two fire trucks with water to help clean the gravestones.

Interact Community Liaison Sal DeLuca helps Harrison Flanagan fill up a bucket of water.

These students brought lots of energy and passion to cleaning the gravestones and monuments.

Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Whitman

HOLLEY – The “Holley is Home” mural is done. Mary Jo Whitman, a Holley native and graduate, spent about six weeks diligently creating the mural on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.

Whitman, a Batavia resident, used a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural. She was approached by Holley mayor Mark Bower about a mural with Holley landmarks.

Whitman painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, the gazebo by the canal, the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts in the Public Square that incudes Sam’s Diner.

Holley with have a celebration soon for the new addition celebrating the community.

Whitman posted on Facebook that she enjoyed being in Holley while working on the project.

“Spending so much time there over the past month and half, I got to see so many faces I haven’t seen in decades, and meet so many new people,” she said. “I can’t even begin to express how amazing the community was to me. I’m not going to lie, I had some really tough and frustrating moments throughout the process. But it was the love, support and appreciation of the community that got me through those moments. So thank you everyone that stopped out, it really meant a lot to me.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Central Hall is now on the market and listed for sale at $229,000. The photo shows Debi Woodroe, owner of Woodroe Realty in Medina, and her husband Butch Balschmiter at about noon today putting their signs in the yard at 34 East Park St.

The County Legislature on Sept. 23 declared the building as surplus and retained Woodroe Realty to sell the building with a 2 percent commission.

The building used to include the County Treasurer’s Office but the treasurer moved to the former Bank of America site at 156 South Main St. in 2024. That is next to Subway.

The county also has moved the historian’s office and the Department of History’s artifacts from the site to 2,000 square feet of space on the side of a plaza next to Subway.

With Central Hall entirely vacated, the Legislature wants to sell it.

Central Hall, a solid red-brick building, was a school from 1882 to 1934, and then was used as the post for the American Legion until the site was bought by the county in 1980.

Debi Woodroe sees lots of potential at the building, which is zoned residential/commercial. It could be used as business offices or as a residence. There are two furnaces including one from 2024 and two entrances if the site were to be split into two apartments, she said.

There are seven parking spaces in back as part of the property, as well as a handicapped accessible ramp.

The roof was replaced in 2011, new windows and a chair lift to the second floor were installed in 2021.

“This building was very well built with lots of character,” she said.

For more information call Woodroe at (585)746-1663 or check her website by clicking here.

Nicole Tuohey again selling elephant links for $1, which includes a cookie

Photo contributed: Nicole Tuohey stands next to a pile of elephant’s links, which she makes and sells in Hans’s Baker to benefit Alzheimer’s research. The links are sold for $1 and come with an elephant cookie. She strings them down Main Street the night before the Alzheimer’s Walk, which is Oct. 10.

MEDINA – Alzheimer’s disease has been a big part of Mary Lou Tuohey’s life for more than a decade – dealing with it, dreading it, fundraising for research for it and promoting awareness of it.

On Oct. 10, the annual Walk to end Alzheimer’s will take place in State Street Park, with registration at 9 a.m. The walk will start at 10 a.m. A basket raffle is currently on display in the window at Hans’s Bakery. The drawing will take place after the last walker finishes.

One thing Mary Lou has been adamant about over the years is instilling in daughter Nicole the impact the disease has had on their lives and the need to support efforts to combat it.

That is why Nicole every year has sold “elephant links,” which she fastens together and stretches down Main Street. Her goal every year is to sell enough to stretch them down the block of downtown Medina.

Nicole started making the links when her mom owned Case-Nic Cookies and she sold them for $1 in the store. They also come with an elephant cutout sugar cookie, formerly made by Mary Lou, and now by Hans Rosentreter, who purchased the store and runs Hans’s Bakery there.

The elephant signifies memory (an elephant is said to never forget) and memory is what Alzheimer’s destroys.

Along with the links, Mary Lou started a basket raffle, with items displayed in her store window, and now in Hans’s window.

Tickets for the raffle are currently on sale at the bakery, with a unique system Mary Lou developed where supporters can buy their tickets even when the store is closed. A bucket outside the door is filled with envelopes in which there is a sheet listing all the baskets, which are displayed in Hans’s window. Customers put in their money ($10 per sheet) in the envelope, mark how many tickets they want in their chosen baskets, and drop the envelope in the mail slot in the door.

Every year, Mary Lou shares a story of her family’s history of Alzheimer’s and how it has affected Nicole.

Nicole’s grandma and grandpa both died of Alzheimer’s.

“For a total of 27 years, my mom watched her mom and dad fade away,” Nicole’s message reads. “She saw her dad, who was an engineer for Harrison Radiator for 30 years, owned his own business, loved to fish, fix cars and golf, and took care of his family, become a man who forgot who he was, wore diapers and only said, ‘What’s on the agenda?’ He ended up in a nursing home when Grandma could no longer take care of him.”

A few years later, Nicole’s Grandma Bradley became increasingly forgetful, got lost when driving and couldn’t take care of herself any more. She, too, had to go in a nursing home, where Mary Lou took Nicole to visit.

“Gramma didn’t know who I was,” Nicole shares. “She spoke ‘gibberish’ and the only thing Gramma did was cuddle the doll, Andrew, that her four children got for her. She loved Andrew, but didn’t know who her four children or seven grandchildren were.  Mom cried every time we left.”

Nicole tells her story because she worries and wonders if her mom will get Alzheimer’s disease.

“If she does, what will happen to me,” Nicole asks. “ I love her and need her.. I don’t want her to fade away from life like Gramma and Grampa Bradley did. I don’t want her to not know who I am.”

That is why Nicole sells her elephant’s links for Alzheimer’s, and stretches them down Main Street the night before the Alzheimer’s Walk. All the money raised goes directly to Alzheimer’s for research to help find the “link” to Alzheimer’s.

“I pray my mom does not have to suffer through this horrifying disease,” Nicole wrote in her message.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Toni Bradshaw entered these pumpkins – Freddy Krueger at left and E.T. at right – in a pumpkin-carving contest on Oct. 12, 2024 at the Orleans County 4-H fairgrounds. She won first place with E.T. The contest returns on Oct. 10.

Contributed by Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator

KNOWLESVILLE – Master Gardeners are calling for entries for their annual Pumpkinpalooza competition! This contest is open to the public and takes place during the Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, October 10th at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“When most people think of fall, they think of pumpkins! And scarecrows! Come enjoy both with us on Saturday, October 10th!” said Lisa Lancaster, Master Gardener and chairperson of the Pumpkinpalooza committee. “It’s a lot of fun and a great way to welcome fall! Plus, it’s all indoors so it’s a rain- or-shine event!”

Creative pumpkin designers of all ages can enter their exhibits in three categories – Best Carved, Best Decorated, and Best Painted. Gift certificate prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category.  Pumpkin entries must be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the Lartz Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds. Master Gardener volunteers will judge the entries and announce the winners at noon. Winners need not be present to win.

In addition to the public pumpkin contest,  Master Gardeners will also have free pumpkin painting available for children 12 and under, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last). All pumpkins for the painting activity are generously donated by Panek Farms in Albion.

“I think it’s so worthwhile to offer something free for children to enjoy,” explained Brenda Radzinski, Master Gardener and a key committee member of the event.

Master Gardeners are hoping to have their biggest turnout yet, so even if you’ve never been involved in the event before, get your creative juices flowing and prepare your pumpkin entry!  Examples of past entries included elaborate carved figures, painted fall landscapes, and a pumpkin fairy house decorated with flowers and miniature accessories.

“The joy on the kids’ faces when you watch them create their very own masterpiece is so rewarding at the end,” said Melissa Greean, Master Gardener and another lead committee member of the Pumpkinpalooza event. “We hope to have this event grow each year!”

Pumpkinpalooza ends at 1 p.m., but the Scarecrow Festival goes from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  There is a $12 cost per scarecrow with all supplies included. Both events will be held in the Lartz Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion.  For questions about Pumpkinpalooza or other Master Gardener events, call 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Gia Baker, 9, of Albion decorates a pumpkin on East Bank Street in Albion during last year’s Fall Fest in Albion. The event returns on Saturday with many activities.

Albion and Kendall will both be hosting fall festivals on Saturday with scarecrows, pumpkin painting and other activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Albion Merchants Association will have its Fall Festival in downtown Albion. People can make scarecrows, paint a pumpkin, browse local vendors, and enjoy music and other activities.

The scarecrows are usually attached to the light poles in the downtown during October. This year, they will instead be displayed along a fence at Bullard Park.

Albion will also welcome the band Yacht Club for a concert at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 428 West State St. This is a fundraiser towards the July 3^rd celebration at Bullard Park, which includes fireworks and other activities.

Mavis Williams, a member of the Kendall Scarecrow Committee, took the lead in creating this RIP scarecrow during last year’s scarecrow festival.

The Kendall Scarecrow Festival will be at the Kendall Community Park, 1941 Kendall Rd.

This year’s scarecrow contest has a theme of “Happy 250th Birthday America!”

The festival includes food, live music by Rebel’s Posse, raffles, games, hayrides, and other family-friendly activities with crafts, face painting, inflatables and pony rides. There will be a chainsaw carving demo by Jeff of Critters 3D.

Jeffrey Ghee also was charged Thursday in local drug investigation

Jeffrey Ghee

A Medina man who was charged in a drug investigation on Thursday also is facing federal charges in a bank fraud conspiracy.

Jeffrey Ghee, 39, is among 15 people in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation charged on Thursday after a multi-agency investigation conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

The charges were announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to court documents, the UGSN operated in Albany and elsewhere since at least September 2024. The complaint alleges that members and others associated with those gang members sought to obtain revenue for the gang through the commission of various crimes, including bank fraud. The criminal complaint further alleges that the defendants conspired together to defraud and attempt to defraud individuals, financial institutions, and the U.S. Treasury out of more than $620,000.

The criminal complaint charges the 15 defendants with participation in a bank fraud conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.

Ghee on Thursday also was one of four people charged in Orleans County after a search warrant by the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force and the FBI at 746 Church St. in Medina. Law enforcement seized over an ounce of cocaine, as well as cocaine packaged for sale, methamphetamine pills and parafluorofentanyl. They also seized digital scales, packaging material and over $1,300 in cash, the Task Force said.

Ghee was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (Class B felony); one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony); one count of tampering with evidence (Class E felony);  one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree (Class E felony); and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor).

Ghee was issued an appearance ticket returning to the Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. He was taken into federal custody and transported to Rochester to appear in federal court.

Pictured from left include Jeffrey Ghee, Brennan Callara, Erica Ghee and Terrence Wells

MEDINA – Four people in Medina have been charged today after law enforcement seized over an ounce of cocaine, as well as cocaine packaged for sale, methamphetamine pills and parafluorofentanyl.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force and the FBI, in a joint investigation, executed a search warrant at 746 Church St. in Medina. They also seized digital scales, packaging material and over $1,300 in cash, the Task Force said.

The following, all residents of 746 Church St., were charged:

• Jeffrey Ghee, 39, was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (Class B felony); one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony); one count of tampering with evidence (Class E felony);  one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree (Class E felony); and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor).

Ghee was issued an appearance ticket returning to the Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. Ghee was taken into federal custody and transported to Rochester to appear in federal court.

• Brennan Callara, 29, was charged with: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell; one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree; one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree; and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Callara was issued an appearance ticket returning for Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1.  He was transported to Orleans County Jail where he was held on a parole warrant.

• Erika Ghee, 47, was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third  degree, intent to sell; and one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree.

Ghee was issued an appearance ticket for Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. She was transported to Niagara County on an outstanding arrest warrant.

• Terrance Wells, 42, was charged with one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree.

Wells was issued an appearance ticket for Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1.

Assisting in this investigation was Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department, NYS DOCCS Office of Special Investigations, NYS Parole and the State Police.

Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation, the Task Force stated in a news release.