Hochul’s ‘State of the State’ seeks more affordable, safer New York

Posted 13 January 2026 at 4:18 pm

Photos by Darren McGee/Office of Governor: Kathy Hochul delivers her 2026 State of the State Address today in Albany.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today delivered her 2026 State of the State address, outlining more than 200 initiatives to make life more affordable, keep New Yorkers safe, and expand opportunity.

The Governor’s proposal lays out a clear, actionable plan to meet the challenges families face today, while preparing New York for the road ahead. The Governor provides a path to universal child care, to lowering energy bills, protecting consumers, and confronting the rising costs that hit working families hardest. The plan continues to invest in public safety with strategies that work—including targeted enforcement, cutting-edge technology, and a mental health system that treats people with dignity while keeping communities secure.

“I’ve said from the beginning: Your family is my fight. And in this moment, when the future feels full of promise, but under real threat: your future is my fight as well,” Hochul said. “I fight everyday to make life more affordable, keep people safe, and expand opportunity — not shrink it. My 2026 State of the State lays out a clear, actionable plan to meet the challenges families face today, while preparing New York for the road ahead.”

Making New York More Affordable

Governor Hochul is committed to making New York a place where all our families can afford to live. Since taking office, she has moved aggressively to put money back where it belongs—in the pockets of working people. In 2026 she is doubling down on these efforts in ways people can feel. To do that, Governor Hochul proposes:

Putting New York State on a pathway toward achieving universal, affordable child care, increasing funding by $1.7 billion to provide care for children around the state
Cracking down on fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for everyday New Yorkers, and ensuring bad actors can’t get large payouts
Tackling rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for providers and expanding automatic discounts
Protecting renters by increasing the income eligibility limits for New York’s Rent Freeze programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities
Tackling utility costs by demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities, empowering the State to fight more effectively for lower bills, and supporting New Yorkers to make energy saving investments like weatherization and smart thermostats
Helping New Yorkers put food on the table with additional investments in the Department of Health (DOH)’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and tackling theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Eliminating State income taxes on tips
Freezing tuition for SUNY and CUNY students for the seventh year in a row

Gov. Kathy Hochul greets the crowd at her “State of the State” address today. In the background is an image of the Shark Girl character at Canalside in Buffalo.

Keeping New Yorkers Safe

During her time in office, Governor Hochul strengthened New York’s bail, discovery, and gun laws, invested record-level funding to support local and state law enforcement efforts, and secured funding to drive down gun violence, subway crime and pandemic-era surges in motor vehicle thefts, retail thefts, and other larcenies. Governor Hochul will continue to drive down crime and protect New Yorkers by:

Stopping illegal homegrown guns by strengthening New York’s nation leading gun laws and cracking down on illegal 3D-printed firearms and firearms that can readily be converted to DIY machine guns
Confronting the unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement by establishing a right to sue federal officers for Constitutional violations and protecting New Yorkers in sensitive locations
Protecting individuals from harassment and obstruction by advancing legislation to establish buffer zones around houses of worship and healthcare facilities while preserving the right to lawful expression
Sustaining record lows in subway crime by putting police on platforms, expanding SCOUT teams, and protecting riders through platform edge barriers
Enhancing resources that are available to support law enforcement officers and first responders, combat crimes, and ensure justice for New Yorkers

Investing in Critical Infrastructure New Yorkers Need

Governor Hochul has demonstrated that we can build at scale and with urgency so that New Yorkers get the housing, transportation, water, parks, and other infrastructure they desperately need. The Governor will build upon this progress by:

Building more housing by enacting common sense policies to tackle the housing shortage and bring down housing costs, and investing additional funding in building or preserving units and innovative manufactured home models
Delivering clean and safe drinking water led by a bold five-year $3.75 billion commitment to water infrastructure
Upgrading our parks by expanding green spaces across New York State to provide children and families opportunities to be outside, unplug and play, and spend time with loved ones

Cutting Red Tape To Better Serve New Yorkers

Governor Hochul is redoubling her commitment to saving New Yorkers time and money through an all-of-government effort to cut red tape and better serve New Yorkers, while making government work for all:

Launching the “Let Them Build” agenda, a set of common sense reforms to get the state out of the way of progress, allowing localities to build housing and other critical projects faster and more affordably while continuing to protect the environment
Reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to speed up the building of zoned and permitted housing while preserving environmental safeguards
Accelerating critical infrastructure projects that New Yorkers depend on
Establishing clear timelines and transparency for environmental review,
Making every New Yorker count in the 2030 census by planning early to ensure we get our fair share
Tackling outdated and burdensome government regulations

Protecting New York’s Consumers and Workers

For the past four years Gov. Hochul has pushed back on institutions that prioritize profit over people, and that fight continues today. Protecting consumers means protecting them online, as well; New Yorkers should be able to trust technology and safely interact with tools that work for, not against them. Governor Hochul will build on this work by:

Creating a new Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity & Trust (DIGIT), to serve as a central, authoritative body for digital safety and technological governance
Protecting New Yorkers’ personal information by cracking down on shadowy data broker industry
Requiring labeling for AI-generated content, protecting elections from misleading or deceptive AI content, and prohibiting misleading ‘discounts’
Ending taxes on tips for hardworking New Yorkers
Fighting workers’ compensation fraud and combating wage theft
Improving disclosures for student loan refinancing and setting cosigner standards for student loans

Driving Innovation and Economic Development by and for New Yorkers

Since taking office, the Governor has ushered in a new era of economic growth by prioritizing job creation, community development and economic revitalization. Governor Hochul remains committed to growing New York’s vibrant economy, bringing jobs back home, revitalizing communities, and cementing New York as the center for innovation:

Driving innovation and economic growth across the state through investments in, quantum technology, biotechnology, semiconductor chip design, and modern manufacturing
Launching Empire AI Beta and creating the first independent AI research center at SUNY Binghamton
Enhancing the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward
Launching the next phase of New York’s Autonomous Vehicle pilot program outside of New York City
Uplifting businesses statewide by eliminating outdated restrictions on dancing, modernizing the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, and investing in equity across the cannabis supply chain
Preparing SUNY and CUNY students for the workforce, connecting them to experiential work experiences, and expanding SUNY and CUNY Reconnect to cover additional in-demand fields such as logistics, air traffic control and transportation, and emergency management

Helping New York’s Students Learn and Thrive

The Governor is advancing a bold agenda that strengthens New York’s schools, universities and colleges, youth mental health services, and online safety:

Transforming math and literacy outcomes through evidence based instruction and professional learning
Creating an accelerated teacher preparation pathway for career changers
Establishing the inaugural Empire AI Student Challenge
Investing in high-impact tutoring to accelerate student success
Investing in Indigenous youth education and mentoring and leadership resources for young Black and Latina women
Doubling the size of the Empire State Service Corps on SUNY campuses
Enhancing supports to educate borrowers navigating the increasingly complicated student loan landscape
Directing SUNY and CUNY to develop standardized, system-wide policies governing emergency aid for students, and directing SUNY to permit additional flexibility over tuition liability policies in emergencies
Implementing statewide teen mental health first aid training; enabling kids to support their peers
Protecting kids from predators, scammers and harmful AI chatbots on online platforms
Safeguarding kids online by ensuring fair play in online sports betting and promoting responsible digital citizenship

Keeping New Yorkers Healthy

Where the federal government has prioritized draconian cuts that threaten the most vulnerable New Yorkers, Governor Hochul has invested billions to strengthen and stabilize health systems, expand coverage, lower the consumer cost of care, bolster the health workforce, and drive long-term transformational change within the health sector. The Governor will build on these investments by:

Strengthening safety net hospitals by investing in transformational partnerships
Bolstering patient protections by keeping drug costs down
Keeping New Yorkers safe by safeguarding our scientifically based vaccine policies and coverage from federal politicization
Strengthening cardiac emergency readiness across the state
Increasing support and resources for New York’s older adults

Securing New York’s Energy Future

Governor Hochul is proving to the nation that an energy transition can be reliable, affordable, and achievable. By treating energy policy as economic policy, the Governor is ensuring that decades from now, New Yorkers will inherit a stronger, cleaner, and more secure energy future. The Governor proposes to build on these efforts by:

Introducing the NYS Affordable Utilities Omnibus Legislation, to ensure oversight and accountability for utilities
Supporting consumers to make energy investments that save them money in the long-term, from investing in weatherization to money back in their pockets for smart thermostats
Requiring data centers to pay their fair share for the massive amounts of energy they consume
Investing in a nuclear reliability backbone for a zero-emission grid and ensuring New York’s nuclear power future is built by and for New Yorkers
Protecting New York’s energy grid from cyber threats
Supporting public schools looking to deploy more solar power
Establishing a sales tax exemption for electricity sold at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Supporting farms through the Sun and Soil Program

Protecting New York’s Environment

Today, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is once again setting the standard by embracing an ambitious, transformative vision for building a clean, resilient, and sustainable future. Governor Hochul’s environmental agenda remains clear: protect our natural resources, hold polluters accountable, and build more resilient communities. The Governor proposes to:

Continuing record investments in the Environmental Protection Fund to safeguard natural resources
Increasing New York’s commitment to clean water projects statewide
Investing in coastal resiliency for local communities
Mitigating flood risk through FloodSafe NY
Enhancing the implementation of waterfront revitalization plans
Expanding access to state parks for all New Yorkers
Establishing the New York State Parks Trades Corps

Ben McPherson of Medina becomes limited partner with Edward Jones firm

Posted 13 January 2026 at 1:17 pm

Press Release, The Jones Financial Companies

Provided photo of Ben McPherson

LOCKPORT – Ben McPherson, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Lockport, has accepted an invitation to become a limited partner in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P., the holding company for the St. Louis-based financial services firm.

“I am honored to be invited to become a limited partner in the firm,” McPherson said. “I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose – to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community.”

McPherson joined Edward Jones in 2019 and has served investors in Western NY for the past seven years. He is active in the community and currently volunteers with the Medina Rotary, Medina Area Partnership and the Orleans/GLOW YMCAs.

Edward Jones currently employs 50,000 associates throughout the United States and through its affiliate in Canada. This is the firm’s 18th limited partnership offering in its 100-year history.

Edward Jones is a leading North American financial planning firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s more than 20,000 financial advisors throughout North America serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.4 trillion in client assets under care as of Sept. 26, 2025.

3 Medina trustees would consider selling new ladder truck

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 11:13 am

Village Board not on same page for housing truck, putting it into service

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Village Board met on Monday at the Shelby Town Hall and discussed several issues. Pictured from left include Trustee Deborah Padoleski, Trustee Jess Marciano, Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess, Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Trustee Mark Prawel, Trustee Scott Bieliski and Village Attorney Matt Brooks.

MEDINA – A new ladder truck for the Medina Fire Department may not find a long-term home in Medina.

Three out of five Village Board members said they are open to selling the new $1.7 million truck which is too big for the existing fire hall.

Trustee Scott Bieliski said the truck turns into a $4 million expense when financing and an addition to the fire hall are all factored in. He said village taxpayers are already overtaxed to take on the added expense.

He would like to reach out to a broker to see what the truck would command on the market and instead have Medina purchase a smaller used ladder truck that would fit in the fire hall, or go without a ladder truck and rely on one from the neighboring Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Village Trustee Mark Prawel said taxpayers are already too stressed to take on payments for a new ladder truck and an addition to the fire hall to house it. Trustee Scott Bieliski, right, wants the village to look at selling its new ladder truck and finding a smaller used one that would fit in the existing fire hall.

Bieliski and trustees Deborah Padoleski and Mark Prawel all want to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value. Once it’s been used by the village, the value could significantly drop.

Village Attorney Matt Brooks advised the board that having the truck in Medina and not using it could open the village to a lawsuit. It could be considered negligence to have the equipment and not use it when there is an emergency.

The truck is currently in North Tonawanda after being built in Wisconsin by Pierce Manufacturing. The truck is being outfitted with specialized gear. Fire Chief Steve Cooley this morning said Medina firefighters are planning to begin training on the new truck in Medina on Feb. 13.

The truck doesn’t have a place to stay yet. Village officials are considering the compost facility on North Gravel Road, the DPW garage on East Avenue, or a lease from a private property owner.

The truck could also be kept outside next to the fire hall but wouldn’t be able to have water in the truck in case it freezes in the cold weather.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano said they are both committed to keeping the ladder truck and want to put a one-bay addition on the fire hall that is expected to cost $1.1 to $1.4 million.

Sherman said the village should spend $4,800 with an engineering firm to get more specific costs for the addition, figures that are needed for Medina to pursue grants and financing for the project. But she has been unable to get a full majority vote from the board to pay a firm.

“It is my charge to come up with a feasible way to get the truck and the addition,” she said. “I’m doing everything I can to make it affordable for the village.”

Padoleski said selling the truck is “a last-ditch effort” to spare Medina from taking on more debt.

“The taxpayers are not interested in buying this truck,” Padoleski said. “It’s too big and too much money. Not enough forethought was put into this.”

The annual debt payment for the truck will be about $130,000 over the next 20 years. Medina is scheduled to sign off on the financing Jan. 26 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is giving Medina the $1,768,000 loan with a 4 percent interest rate.

Trustee Prawel also said he hears from constituents that the truck is too much of an expense for residents already overwhelmed with bills.

“We got people who can’t pay their water bill,” Prawel said.

He has been on the board for almost two years. He said the fire truck and addition have dominated village board discussions, preventing the board from other issues, such as upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, and sidewalk replacements.

The board didn’t fill a position in the DPW in the current budget to try to minimize a tax increase.

“Our DPW is strained,” Prawel said. “We’re putting patches upon patches.”

Mayor Sherman said there could be unintended consequences to not having a ladder truck: higher insurance costs to residents and businesses. She said Fire Chief Cooley is trying to find out how Medina’s ISO ratings would be affected without a ladder truck in the village.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) rates a community’s fire protection capabilities from 1 (the best) to 10 (the worst). A lower score typically means lower-cost insurance.

The mayor said the ISO information should be available soon to help the board make a decision on the full impact of keeping the ladder truck and having it in a new addition, or not having the truck and what affect that would have on fire insurance rates in the village.

Trustee Marciano said she wants to see the board come together soon and move forward rather than remaining at an impasse.

“I want to see us work toward making a decision rather than no decision,” Marciano said. “This inaction will get us nowhere.”

Mainstream media, letter writers refuse to give Trump credit for many successes

Posted 13 January 2026 at 9:22 am

Editor:

As I peruse the various letters to the editor, I find it interesting how many diehard writers continue to concentrate on the Trump administration and digress on everything wrong with him and his policies.

Although his administration has boosted manufacturing jobs, secured the border, disrupted criminal networks, expanded addiction care access and raised public safety and industry standards, some people fail to concede any good he has done for our nation.

This intentional negativity is meant to divert not only from the truth but from the real issues presently affecting our nation. So after many months of waiting, reading and evaluating the content of such posts, it’s time to broaden the picture.

Let’s start with the explosive fraud brought forth by Nick Shirley in Minnesota, which at first seemed to be an untouchable topic by mainstream media. Only when it no longer could be denied, did they start covering this, but those good old boys just can’t tell the whole truth.

Instead they had to weave their sinister lies within each broadcast, article or newspaper. That was a total flop too. After awhile the picture became so clear and obvious that no denial or coverup could thwart the truth. The pressure cooker’s lid had popped and reality was unleashed. Fraud had become so rampant and apparent, the volcanic effect was now in full swing. New allegations were erupting every day and the initial revelation of daycare fraud had evolved into widespread corruption, abuse and misuse of taxpayer money.

It is estimated that $700 million was found in baggage by Somali couriers leaving the St. Paul International Airport. That’s around $2 million a day over a two year period. Most was transported by the Somali/ American couriers on flights to Somalia and the Middle East. Since the cash was legally declared, no immediate capture or arrest were rendered.

However the Feds are now investigating the movements of this money and suspect money laundering amidst large-scale fraud in Minnesota. Some probes have now indicated that some of this money was transferred to regions in Somalia controlled by al-Shabaab, a known terrorist organization. Is it any wonder Trump sent federal agents there to clean up this mess.

The complete abdication of accountability by the Walz administration shows the deep corruption, not only in the state Medicaid system but within the social services departments as well. Taxpayer money has been diverted from the most vulnerable to, in some cases, illegal immigrants who have been getting health care with other state only Medicaid funds.

When Waltz was warned to produce a corrective action plan by the end of 2025, he did so but his plan was inefficient and didn’t address the fraud and abuse. Hopefully the highest quality of healthcare there can be restored to the most vulnerable.

Venezuela – another misunderstood topic. Venezuela sits on 300 billion barrels of oil; worth over 17 trillion dollars. The US does not need their oil. China does. They buy over 90 percent of their crude from Venezuela. The oil does not need to be controlled by our enemies.

Trump understood something that some other countries didn’t. “Power does not come from owning energy, it comes from controlling who gets it.” So if China loses this gem – a Taiwan War could be avoided. This is called leverage or better still – strategy. Trump is reshaping alliances so peace can be preserved.

The last topic involves the ICE agents who are battered with verbal abuse and put themselves in harm’s way every single day. Their directive is to root out the criminals, the rapists and the illegals. They are doing their job and with any law enforcement organization, they should be treated with the utmost respect and admiration. Yet we see maniacs trying to impede their agenda. Those who choose to obstruct this mission and put fate into their owns hands must be ready to face the consequences.

Little by little, other independent investigators are coming forward with similar revelations in other states. The domino effect is now in full swing, as it should be. Every state needs to guarantee government accountability, adherence to the law and accuracy. This applies to all state agencies, local government and various private receivers of taxpayer money.

The State Comptroller, the Attorney General and the Department of Revenue need to step up their supervision/audit of taxpayer dollars. One would like to assume that this is already being done, but obviously after this fiasco in Minnesota, that’s not the case. It’s time to clean up this corruption.

Every state will undoubtedly be under scrutiny and as more and more fraud is investigated; the corruption which has plagued America for years will be exposed and those responsible should be held accountable and brought to justice.

Maybe it’s time to see the whole picture, to get out of the rut and admit that maybe, just maybe, Trump is trying to save America.

Mary Mager

Fairport, former Albion resident

Ortt, NY Senate Republicans, present ‘Save NY’ legislative agenda

Posted 13 January 2026 at 8:51 am

Provided photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt joins his Republican colleagues in the State Senate on Monday to present their “Save New York” agenda in the upcoming legislative session.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Monday unveiled “Save New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals for 2026 aimed at combating Democrat one-party rule in New York State.

The Senate Republican agenda prioritizes hardworking New Yorkers – the New Yorkers left behind by radical, progressive policies coming out of Albany.

New York State is in a time of crisis. The decisions made and policies pushed by Albany’s ruling party have delivered a state that is among the, if not the most unaffordable states in the nation, Ortt said.

A state that drives existing businesses out and discourages new opportunity at every turn. A state where the priorities of career criminals are placed above the needs of the law-abiding citizen. A state in a downward spiral. This is not the recipe for a sustainable future, Ortt said.

The Senate Republican Conference is offering a common sense alternative– a plan based in reality that will deliver a better New York for its hardworking citizens.

“New York is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and we should have people lining up who want to live and do business here,” Ortt said. “Instead, people are leaving thanks to dangerous and out-of-touch policies championed by far-left lawmakers that have turned our state into a dystopian nightmare. The Republican conference stands ready to Save New York and restore sanity through common-sense policies.”

“Save New York” is a plan to improve affordability, enhance public safety, and build a stronger New York for today and future generations:

Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity
Create a Safer, Healthier, More Responsible New York
Protect Students and Defend Parental Rights
Hold Government Accountable

More details of the New York State Senate Republicans’ “Save New York,” 2026 legislative agenda will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To read more, click here.

Steven Ploof, former chief deputy in Orleans, pleads guilty to reckless endangerment

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 8:33 am

Steven Ploof

ROCHESTER – Steven Ploof, who briefly was chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, pleaded guilty last Thursday to reckless endangerment in Monroe County. He allegedly threatened an FBI agent.

Ploof, 48, on Sept. 15 also was charged with attempted aggravated assault on a police officer, two counts of menacing a police officer, three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest.

Ploof, who worked 16 years for the Ogden Police Department, resigned from the Orleans County after being put on administrative leave relating to suspected drug use, according to Channel 10 News in Rochester. As chief deputy he was tasked with providing oversight of the Civil Division and the numerous local, state and federal grants managed by the Sheriff’s Office.

Ploof was accused of threatening an FBI agent after he allegedly left posters with threatening messages on the porch of an FBI agent assigned to FBI’s Rochester Resident Agency, Channel 10 reported.

While executing a state search warrant, Greece Police officers also found a threatening message towards the FBI written on Ploof’s bedroom wall.

Greece officers saw Ploof on Sept. 15 when they were doing a welfare check on him. Ploof then tried to hit them with his car, and attempted to turn a spray can into a makeshift torch, and had a machete.

The officers tased Ploof, detained him, and brought him to Rochester General Hospital. The next day, Ploof had escaped from the hospital, which prompted a lockdown.

Ploof also threatened his own family members, and made threats at his apartment complex, Channel 10 reported.

Ploof is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5.

Several from Orleans named to Dean’s List at Nazareth

Staff Reports Posted 13 January 2026 at 8:04 am

ROCHESTER – Several students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List at Nazareth University for the fall semester. Those students include:

Tyana Burroughs of Kendall
Hailey Crawford of Albion
Riley Tompkins of Medina
Raine Baker of Lyndonville
Kailie Regan of Holley
Faith Bennett of Albion
Olivia Belgiorno of Waterport
Ryder Jones of Medina
Makenzie McGrath of Medina

A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the Dean’s List at Nazareth.

Average gas prices fall below $3 in NYS; $3.22 average in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 9:45 pm

The average price for regular unleaded gas has dipped below $3 a gallon in New York State. AAA reported the state-wide price in NY is at $2.998 per gallon today. That is down from $3.03 a week ago and $3.14 a year ago.

Nationally, the average price is at $2.80 a gallon compared to $3.07 a year ago, according to AAA.

“The new year is bringing lowest gas prices the nation has seen since 2021,” AAA said. “While the national average is well below the $3 threshold, the New York average has reached that mark dipping just below $3 per gallon with prices in the state capital, Albany, at $2.98. In Central New York, Syracuse is also at $2,98 while Elmira’s average is $2.80. Prices in other areas should continue to drop if oil prices remain low. This morning, oil prices range from $58 to $63 per barrel.”

Diesel prices are also on the decline, AAA reported. The national average is $3.50 – down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $3.86, down a penny from a week ago.

Here are the average prices in WNY counties:

Orleans, $3.222
Genesee, $3.048
Niagara, $3.075
Monroe, $3.081
Livingston, $3.128
Wyoming, $3.172
Erie, $3.102
Chautauqua, $3.213
Cattaraugus, $3.065
Allegany, $3.186

Finney rallies late to down Kendall

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 January 2026 at 8:51 pm

Putting together a big fourth quarter scoring surge, CG Finney rallied to defeat Kendall 55-49 in a non league boys basketball game this evening at Kendall.

Trailing 39-35 at the end of the third period, Finney rallied to outpoint Kendall 20-10 in the decisive final period to claim the win and improve to 9-1.

Braelen Broome scored 7, including a three, to lead the way in the fourth quarter for the Falcons which also got threes from Judaea Danesi and David Maijas down the stretch.

Vinnie D’Agostino scored 19 on the evening and Ryan Gaesser 10 to lead the way for Kendall as Jonny Conte added 8, Sammy Conte 6, Jonas Rhodes 5 and CJ D’Agostino 1.

Kendall held leads of 15-11 at the end of the first quarter, 31-19 at the half and 39-35 at the three-quarter mark.

Vinnie D’Agostino scored 7 and Jonny Conte 6 on two threes in the opening quarter. Gaesser then tallied 8, including two threes, and Vinnie D’Agostino 6 in the second period.

However, the Eagles managed a total of only 18 in the second half as the Falcons rallied to tally 36.

Now at 6-3, Kendall next visits rival Holley at 7 p.m. Wednesday in a Genesee Region League game.

Community Action, Oak Orchard Bowl team up for new fundraiser

Posted 12 January 2026 at 5:14 pm

March 1 tournament will benefit agency’s transportation services

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is teaming up with Oak Orchard Bowl to host a first-time fundraiser to raise proceeds to support Orleans County residents with transportation services through Community Action’s Transportation System.

Community members are invited to lace up their bowling shoes and join an exciting No-Tap Bowling Tournament Fundraiser on Sunday, March 1, at Oak Orchard Bowl, located at 3291 Oak Orchard Rd. in Albion.

This high-energy event promises fun for bowlers of all skill levels while supporting a cause that keeps our community moving. All proceeds will stay local, helping to support essential transportation needs within the community.

In addition to no-tap bowling action, participants and spectators can enjoy basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle and prize payouts.

Whether you’re bowling for bragging rights, prizes, or simply to support your neighbors, this event is a great way to give back while having a blast.

Registration details

3 squads from 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with a $75 entry fee per team. The handicap is 90% of 225. If no average is established, women will use 150 and men will use 190. Payout is 1:6.

Reserve a spot by contacting Oak Orchard Bowl at 585-589-6900 or call Alishia at 585-297-8350.

If you would like to donate a basket, contact Melinda Daniels at 585-590-4042

Sarah Cassidy’s 300 game makes history

Contributed Story Posted 12 January 2026 at 4:47 pm

Contributed Photo – Sarah Cassidy rolls a 300 game making history at Oak Orchard Lanes.

By Mike Pettinella

Sarah Cassidy said her legs were shaking during the 10th frame of her first game earlier this week in the Tuesday Ladies Merchants League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

With nine straight strikes showing on the overhead scoring monitor, Cassidy stepped onto the approach on lane 9, needing three more strikes to record the first 300 game by a woman in the 65-year history of her hometown bowling center.

The 44-year-old right-hander overcame her jitters by placing the final three balls in the 1-3 pocket and carrying all 10 pins each time for the perfect game.

Cassidy bowls for the Pretty Sweet Bakery team along with Judy Ward, Pam Jenks and her daughter, Emily Cassidy – who, along with other league members, greeted her with hugs and high-fives as she returned to the settee area.

“It is pretty exciting,” said Cassidy, who admitted that nervousness began to set in after she posted her seventh consecutive strike. “People started noticing. Thankfully, Sue Boring was bowling next to us and she was able to calm me down.”

The 300 game eclipsed Cassidy’s previous high game of 284 and raised her average to 177. Her other games were 182 and 147 for a 629 series.

Last season, Cassidy, who is employed as a billing specialist for a law firm, had a 189 average.

“Things have been coming together lately,” she said. “I just missed a 700 series (recently).”

Community lost an honorable man with passing of Jim Zelazny

Posted 12 January 2026 at 3:18 pm

Editor:

We would like to acknowledge the passing of Jim Zelazny, who left us shortly before Thanksgiving.

Jim gave years of steady, principled service to the Town of Shelby. He was a regular presence at Town and community meetings for more than a decade. He followed the public record, stayed engaged, and did the unglamorous civic work that supports effective local government.

Behind the scenes, Jim helped create positive change in Shelby, often without credit or fanfare. He also served as the treasurer of the Shelby Republican Committee, a position that required sustained attention to detail and a strong respect for process.

Jim improved Shelby in practical ways, often behind the scenes and always with integrity. His contributions were not loud or performative. He was honest, direct, and acted in good faith. He listened carefully, took notes, and paid close attention to procedure. When a process slipped or transparency broke down, Jim asked questions and pressed for clarity. He supported lawful processes and accurate public recordkeeping because public accountability matters.

Jim Zelazny showed what it means to be an engaged citizen. He led without seeking attention and treated people with respect. The example he set is a reminder that communities are sustained by residents who stay involved, pay attention, and participate. A meaningful way to honor him is for more people to step forward and do the same.

We are grateful not only for the time Jim Zelazny gave, but for the friendship and the privilege of having known him.

Sincerely,

Gabrielle Barone

Andina Barone

Linda Limina

Medina

GO Health announces new online tool for mental health

Posted 12 January 2026 at 12:37 pm

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Genesee and Orleans counties are excited to share CredibleMind, a new online tool to help residents take care of their mental health and overall well-being.

This platform is offered through a partnership between Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments.

CredibleMind offers easy-to-use, confidential, and trusted resources for anyone, whether they are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or just want to support their mental wellness.

Residents can explore articles, videos, podcasts and self-check tools on more than 100 topics, including stress, relationships, sleep, mindfulness and grief. The platform works like a personal digital guide, using short assessments to suggest resources that fit each person’s needs and goals. It also helps residents connect with local mental health services.

“Taking care of mental health is an important part of overall health,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. “CredibleMind gives people a safe and easy way to get help anytime they need it.”

“We want to make it easier for people to get mental health care,” said Lynda Battaglia, Director of Genesee County Mental Health Department. “CredibleMind lets residents get help in a way that works for them. It can make asking for help less scary and more effective.”

“We want every resident to be able to take care of their mental wellness,” said Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health Department. “This partnership helps our community connect with mental health support, especially for people who may not know where to start.”

Residents can visit CredibleMind at Genesee-OrleansNY.CredibleMind.com to look at trusted resources, take self-checks, and find tools to support their mental health and well-being.

Albion seventh-graders hear from Sons of the American Revolution

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 10:31 am

Photos courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion teacher

ALBION – The Sons of the American Revolution visited seventh-graders in Albion Middle School last week and discussed solider life and gear, important events, uniforms, weaponry and other topics.

The SAR promotes patriotic, historical and educational themes, while perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War patriots. Promoting fellowship among their descendants, they seek to inspire the community with a reverence for principles of government foundered by our forefathers.

This year is the 250^th anniversary of when the United States of America declared its independence.

Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, Albion eighth-graders, are shown with members of the Sons of the American Revolution.

The two students are working on a burials’ list of Revolutionary War soldiers in Orleans County.

Tim Archer, service-learning teacher at Albion, also said students will be unveiling four roadside historical markers this year in the county that highlight local connections to the Revolutionary War.

The markers were funded through the Pomeroy Foundation.

Bruce Pritchett, a social studies teacher, and his students look over a rifle brought in by the Sons of the American Revolution.

Orleans County would benefit from more active Democratic Party

Posted 12 January 2026 at 9:20 am

Editor:

I suggest it is time for the Orleans County Democratic Party to become more active. Summer picnics are nice, but it should use other county Democratic parties as examples and hit the streets.

The Dems should hold rallies in all Orleans towns to make their views known, conduct marches to publicize its agenda and go door to door explaining the party platform.

In essence the Democrats have been doing the same thing election after election and expecting different results. And the results have been a disaster. Could it be time for new leadership with new ideas?

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Va.

Mr. Capurso is an Albion High School graduate, Class of 1960.