By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 8:14 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aurora Owczarczak won the 100 and Bryson Ford the 110 Hurdles during today’s home meet against Roy-Hart.
Both schools came away with a victory as Medina and Roy-Hart split in a Niagara-Orleans League track meet at Medina this afternoon.
Medina won the boys’ meet 81-60 and Roy-Hart took the girls competition 73-56.
The Medina boys had seven individual event winners including Cole Hughes (1600 and 3200), Timothy Zeiner (Shotput), Jerrell Nealy (High Jump), Aleks Seefeldt (800), Jonathan Dix (Pole Vault), Nathanael Rutledge (Discus) and Bryson Ford (110 Hurdles).
Tysen McCaa was a triple winner for the Roy-Hart boys in the Long Jump, Triple Jump and 400 as Jase Waters won the 100 and Chris McOmber the 400 Hurdles.
The Roy-Hart girls had a trio of individual event double winners including Julia Rohde (1500, 3000), Kylie McOmber (Long Jump, Triple Jump) and Lily Isabel Pabon-Rosa the Shotput and Discus. The Lady Rams also had Jillian Ossont win the 400 Hurdles, Addy Carr the 400 and Taylor Alvord the 800.
For Medina, Aurora Owczarczak won both the 100 and 200 as Cayla Seever took the 100 Hurdles and Payton Denniston the High Jump.
Medina’s Cayla Seever bested Roy-Hart’s Kylie McOmber in the 100 Hurdles.
Roy-Hart’s Jase Waters, right, won the 100. Roy-Hart’s Anthony Adinolfe, left, placed third.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 7:51 pm
Albion scored a sweep over visiting Newfane in a key Niagara-Orleans League track meet this afternoon.
Defending champion Albion won the boys meet 91-42 as Hunter Huscher doubled in the 100 and 200.
The Purple Eagles also got wins from Adam Burgio (110 Hurdles), Wesley Olles (800), Austin Huscher (Long Jump), Jon Money (Discus), Noah Harrison (Triple Jump), Tristian Tilbe (1600) and Jackson Snook (Shotput).
Payton Wrightman doubled for Newfane in the High Jump and Pole Vault.
The Albion girls nipped Newfane 71-70 as Isabelle Truelson doubled in the 100 and 200 and SeMya Tilford in the Shotput and Discus. The Purple Eagles also had Mia Standish win the 400 Hurdles and Sophia Wendt the Triple Jump.
Eden Hillman was a quadruple winner for Newfane in the 800, 1500, 3000 and Pole Vault.
The Wilson girls downed Barker 86-50 as Savannah Jones was a triple winner in the 100, 200 and Triple Jump.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 7:04 pm
Nic Cole pitched and hit Kendall to a 3-1 Genesee Region League victory over Alexander this afternoon as the Eagles stay undefeated at 9-0.
On the mound, Cole hurled a 2 hitter with 12 strikeouts.
At the plate he accounted for all of the Eagles runs with an RBI single in the first inning, which followed a double by Vinnie D’Agostino, and a two-run single in the third, which followed singles by Jonny Conte and CJ D’Agostino.
Attica 19, Lyndonville 5
Attica exploded for 9 runs in the first inning and 10 more in the second to key a 19-5 win over Lyndonville in another G-R contest.
Newfane 11, Wilson 10
Newfane used a 6 run seventh inning rally to edge rival Wilson 11-10 in a Niagara-Orleans League game.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 6:55 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Izzy D’Agostino is safe at home ahead of a tag by Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson during the Lady Eagles win over the Mustangs this afternoon at Vets Park.
Big early inning scoring bursts keyed both Kendall and Lyndonville to softball victories this afternoon.
Kendall erupted for 8 runs in the second inning in route to posting a 16-1 win over Medina in a non league game at Vets Park. A two-run single by Teagan Shaw, an RBI triple by Brooke Rodas and an RBI single by Adrianna D’Agostino highlighted the uprising.
The Lady Eagles later capped of the win with 5 runs in the sixth highlighted by a three-run double by Izzy D’Agostino.
Kourtney Marion hurled a 2 hitter with 1 strikeout in the circle for the Lady Eagles.
Lyndonville 9, Elba 4
Lyndonville used a big 7 run second inning to key a 9-4 Genesee Region League win over Elba.
A walk and a single by Emily Dill ignited the big inning which then got run production on a single by Brooke Robinson, 3 errors, a fielders choice play and a ground out.
Robinson had a total of 3 hits and Dill 2.
In the circle for the Lady Tigers Arnie Sturtevant pitched a 4 hitter with 7 strikeouts.
Medina’s Molly Cook puts the tag on Kendall’s Alea Barrett to get the out at second base.
This is in response to Mr. Schmidt’s letter about the county legislators at the SCOPE meeting. Thank you legislators for coming to the meeting.
The meeting was going fine until a man in attendance spoke up and came off as rude, arrogant, condescending and the smartest man in the room. A cheerleader for the Legislature.
He went on to lecture and make all kinds of suggestions of what we should do, even donate money to the legislators. People were asking after the meeting who was that jerk. What were the legislators expecting? Adulation? Softball questions? Love letters?
They are in a room full of people that are rabid constitutionalists applying first amendment rights. Who believe that document is the law of the land. That do not trust government and apparently them. That have paid attention to what they are doing and not doing.
They want pushback from our local leaders against Albany. They are disgusted by the land that was purchased. They are appalled by the surveillance, taxes and a government that is more concerned with not laying people off than funding the DA’s office to prosecute criminals, and one question that was not asked was why is the CAO not an elected position?
One legislator blew off the very valid comments of one member as “we all know Terry” like what he says is some kind of joke. Then the question of dividing NY was pushed off on Steve Hawley. Dividing NY has to come from all the counties all getting together and refuse to enforce, pay, or obey the dictates of Albany. Never going to happen.
Our government does not have the rebellious fortitude anywhere of the founding fathers, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. So, what is expected of frustrated constituents? This is why people don’t vote.
Term limits would help but why would the wolves vote to relinquish their power? You can watch the meeting in full on YouTube then you can decide if the room was negative or hostile. Click here to see the video.
During Earth Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that an additional $30 million is now available for consumers to use towards the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle (EV) in New York State.
This announcement reinforces the State’s commitment to improve access to zero-emission electric vehicles and enhance affordability — while helping to reduce vehicle pollution and provide cleaner air in New York communities.
“As the federal administration continues to roll back support for clean air and electric vehicles, New York State is leaning in to prioritize benefits that reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs while reducing harmful emissions,” Governor Hochul said. “At a time when gas prices at the pump have soared in the wake of the war with Iran, electric vehicles will help make driving more affordable for New Yorkers.”
This funding is available through the Drive Clean Rebate Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which provides consumers with a point-of-sale rebate at the time of vehicle purchase or lease from a participating dealership. The amount ranges from $500 to $2,000 off of the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of a battery-powered EV or plug-in hybrid, with a higher rebate available for longer-range EVs.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is proud to partner with dealerships statewide on the Drive Clean Rebate to lower EV costs for New York drivers and their families. Newer models cover impressive distances of over 200 miles, are quiet, comfortable and a solid option for car buyers who are looking to lower costs now — especially in this current economic landscape.”
NYSERDA compared the price of gasoline with electricity rates, and results show that New Yorkers can save from 40 percent to almost 70 percent annually by driving an electric car or SUV. For example, instead of paying well over $4.00 per gallon at the gas pump, an EV driver would pay as little as $1.33 for an equivalent amount of electricity.
New York State Automobile Dealers Association President Bob Vancavage said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul, we continue to take action to get more EVs on the road in New York State, which is especially important during the current volatility of gasoline prices. On behalf of NYSADA’s nearly 1,000 dealers across New York we are appreciative of the State’s continual efforts to clean our environment.”
Since its launch in 2017, Drive Clean Rebate program has issued over 228,000 rebates to consumers, contributing to approximately 324,000 EVs on the road statewide. More than 60 EV models are covered and new models are added to the program every year. Over the last five years, an average of more than 20 new models were added to the eligible vehicle list every year.
Consumers can use NYSERDA’s EV Calculator for Passenger Vehicles to run side-by-side comparisons of electric vehicle models, including the vehicle range, price after incentives and other specifications. The calculator also factors in electricity rates and driving habits to generate tailored results and provides recommendations for EV charging equipment and when to charge for optimal savings. NYSERDA also provides consumers with fuel market data through the Weekly Transportation Fuels Dashboard.
The Drive Clean Rebate complements New York State’s efforts to provide easy access to electric vehicle chargers. Currently, the state has more than 19,000 public chargers installed statewide — more public chargers than any other state except for California — and thousands more semi-public charging stations at workplaces and multifamily buildings across the state.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 April 2026 at 1:24 pm
Provided photos: Right to left, Eric Seppala, Center Director, and David Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary, students Alphonzo Snow, Arletys Arrigo and Sienna Jack, who holding their certificates; and Job Corps Operations Director JT Thomas.
MEDINA – The Iroquois Job Corps in recent years has made it an annual mission to support the VFW Post in Medina on Veterans’ Day.
To show their appreciation, Medina VFW Auxiliary president David Berry today presented the Job Corps with certificates honoring the services provided by the Iroquois Job Corps students.
Annually, students from Job Corps make and bring Veterans’ Day cards to the VFW for veterans. Volunteers from Job Corps pass out the cards, help set up tables for the free lunch for veterans and their families, serve lunch and then assist with clean-up, according to JT Thomas, operations director at the Job Corps.
David Berry, president of the Medina VFW Auxiliary, presents a certificate to Alfonzo Snow, honoring him for the service he provided to veterans on Veteran’s Day.
This year on Veterans’ Day, the sidewalks were covered with snow and student Alphonzo Snow quickly volunteered to shovel all of the sidewalks around the building leading up to the doors, so veterans and patrons would not fall. Besides their volunteering efforts, students that day donated a patriotic bench the carpentry students had made for the VFW.
Berry, Thomas and Center Director Eric Seppala are planning some community service opportunities which will have more students from Iroquois Job Corps working with the Medina VFW Auxiliary to help with local clean-up projects around Medina.
The carpentry students at Iroquois Job Corps also built, and donated a patriotic bench to the Medina VFW Veterans on Veteran’s Day. Veterans from left are Tom Snyder, Eric Delano, Jim Freas, Louis Chraston, Pat Little and Mike Harmer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2026 at 12:02 pm
The following face felony drug charges, from left: Raymond Austin, Cassandra McGuire, Justin Colburn and Jeremy Hucknall.
BARRE – Four people are facing felony charges and two others have been arrested on misdemeanors after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the Town of Barre.
The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force on April 15 executed a search warrant at 13913 W. Lee Road. Police seized a quantity of crack cocaine packaged for sale, drug paraphernalia, numerous long guns and $1,270, the Task Force stated in a news release.
The following four people – Raymond Austin, Cassandra McGuire, Justin Colburn and Jeremy Hucknall – were each 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 fourth degree (Class C felony) and three counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree (Class A misdemeanors).
Austin, 40, and McGuire, 35, live at 13913 W. Lee Rd. Colburn, 38, lives on Caroline Street in Albion and Hucknall, 39, lives on Maple Ridge Road in Medina.
Austin and McGuire also were both charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th (Class A misdemeanor). Austin also was arrested on a bench warrant from the Albion Town Court.
In addition, two others – Preston Stone III, 60, and Tina Stone, 57 – were arrested on one count of Criminal Nuisance in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor). They both live at 13913 W. Lee Rd.
Tina Stone was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor).
All six of the defendants were issued appearance tickets to the Town of Barre Justice Court on May 21 at 6 p.m.
Assisting in the investigation were Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office (K-9, Drone Unit, Road Patrol and Investigations), Niagara County Drug Task Force and the New York State Department of Corrections Office of Special Investigations.
Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation, the Task Force said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2026 at 10:21 am
Foundations will be asked to support GO Barn!, which has been approved for $7.8 million state grant
Rendering by Red Green Design: The three-story GO Barn! building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiatives.
KNOWLESVILLE – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is working on applications to foundations to back a new building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, a project that could top $20 million.
Go Art! is seeking to build the Go Barn! at the fairgrounds. It was awarded a $7,793,000 state grant in May 2025.
Gregory Hallock, the Go Art! executive director, said he is seeking $15 million more from other foundations.
“We’re applying for grants like you wouldn’t believe,” he said Friday during a celebration when Go Art! presented $165,685 in state funding to local artists and cultural programs in Orleans County.
GO Art! is proposing the new building at the fairgrounds to serve as a dynamic hub for arts, culture and community engagement in Orleans County, including: a multipurpose arts and cultural center inspired by the historic Wells Barn design; a dedicated space for fiber arts, workshops and artisan programming; and a greenhouse, designed to grow plants for fabric dyeing and art creation.
“It is happening,” Hallock said about the ambitious project. “We are still working on it. We’re raising money.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Gregory Hallock, executive director for the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, speaks during Friday’s award presentation to artists and organizations in Orleans County. GO Art! presented $165,685 in grants for projects and programs in Orleans County. The awards celebration was held at GO Art!’s historic building at 201 East Main St. in Batavia.
The building is planned for the west end of the fairgrounds near Taylor Hill Road. The fairgrounds is an ideal location for the cultural center, located between Medina and Albion, Hallock said.
The building would have flexible or adaptable space that could be used for many things. Hallock and Go Art! envision two art galleries, artist studios and a residence where artists could bunk instead of driving home in the wee hours of the night. Hallock would like to the building to be used for many art forms – culinary, folk, horticultural, literary, visual, muli-media and more.
The facility would be accessible and inclusive to all community members, Hallock said. The GO Barn! would have hands-on programs in arts, agriculture and sustainability that would provide workforce readiness. Hallock said GO Art! wants to partner with local schools and organizations in “fostering a lifelong learning environment.”
The Go Art! website says $14,960 has been donated towards the project so far. Click here for more information on how to support Go Art!
Linda Knipe, the Go Art! board president, praised Hallock for securing several grants for arts and cultural programs in both Orleans and Genesee counties.
“Gregory has been a prolific grantwriter, and he is good at it,” she said.
Knipe would like to diversify the funding for GO Art! and be less reliant on grants. She welcomes sponsorships and donations to assist the local arts council.
“We are seeking more contributors,” she said. “We can use everyone in the two counties to really talk up GO Art! and get people to support us.”
Linda Knipe, GO Art! board president, said the organization has been successful securing grants for programs in Genesee and Orleans counties. She urged the community to support GO Art! through sponsorships and donations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2026 at 8:21 am
Arts organization says requests exceeded $385K allotment for 2 counties
Photos by Tom Rivers: Rob Klino, president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, accepts a grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts on Friday. The funding supports a Boxwood at Night program on Oct. 3 that includes light displays, musicians and portrayers dressed in period costumes. The grant was among several presented by Jodi Fisher (center), the program director and Statewide Community Regrant co-coordinator for GO Art! Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, represented State Sen. Rob Ortt and gave certificates to the grantees. Go Art! administers the funds as a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts. It was developed in 1977 to ensure that the state’s cultural funding would reach every part of the New York State.
BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council presented $165,685 to artists and organizations in Orleans County on Friday, funding that will go to concerts, arts programs and other projects boosting cultural life in the county.
GO Art! presented funding awards on Saturday to Genesee County artists and organizations. Altogether the two counties for the second straight year received $385,000.
This year’s funding allowed for an increase in the maximum awards, up from $5,000 to $7,500. The program also allowed for restoration of a mural for the first time. Arthur Barnes, an artist from Millville, will use a grant to give a major facelift to his iconic mural in the Medina Canal Basin of two mules pulling a packet boat. That mural is at least 25 years old.
Gregory Hallock, executive director for GO Art!, said the two counties together receive the largest amount of funding outside of Manhattan in the State Council of the Art’s regrant program. The Statewide Community Regrant Program (SCR) was developed in 1977 to ensure that the state’s cultural funding would reach every part of the New York State.
Hallcok said there were more applications in the two counties this year, and the $471,955 in requests topped the amount available. That should help GO Art! when it applies for funding next time. GO Art! can show the state there is more demand in the two counties than the existing funding levels.
The $385,000 in both 2025 and 2026 is above the $336,000 in grants for artists and community events that celebrate the arts in 2024. That was up from $210,000 in 2023, and well above the $70,000 that was available for the two counties back in 2019.
Lyndonville Lions Club leaders David Godfrey and Lynne Johnson accept the grant for a summer concert organized by the Lions Club. The grants were presented by Jodi Fisher and Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper.
GO Art! distributes the funds on a 60-40 split between Genesee and Orleans, with Genesee getting about 60 percent based on its larger population. In the 2020 Census, Genesee had 58,388 residents compared to 40,343 in Orleans County.
Hallock said he hopes the state will continue to boost the funding for the program in 2027.
“I don’t know what will happen next year,” he said at Friday’s grant award celebration. “We’ve been on a steady increase and hopefully that will continue.”
He praised Jodi Fisher, the program director and Statewide Community Regrant co-coordinator, for her extra work in assisting the many applicants through the grant process.
Linda Knipe, GO Art! board president, also said Hallock has been very successful in applying for grants to boost arts and cultural programs in the two counties.
Kendall Town Board members David Gaudioso, center, and Barb Flow, left, accept the grant for the Town of Kendall to add murals on the south side of the Town Hall.
The grant recipients in Orleans County include:
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library – Finally Fridays! Concert series during winter
• Yates Community Library – More Than Just Books concert series
• Brandi Zavitz – For the Love of Dogs Mural II at the Medina Dog Park
• Lyndonville Lions Club – I Hear the Music concert
• Village of Holley – Village of Holley Canal Series and festivals
• Arthur Barnes for restoration of a mural of two mules pulling packet boat in Medina Canal Basin
John Grillo, the Village of Albion recreation director, accepted three grants for programs in the community, including a summer concert series on Wednesdays at Bullard Park, a July 3rd Independence Day celebration at Bullard, and the Albion Summer Festival on Aug. 1 at Bullard which will feature six bands.
• Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum which is adding music to nightly light show at the Oak Orchard Lighthouse
• Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events – Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park
• Village of Albion – Village of Albion Summer Concert Series
• Friends of Boxwood Cemetery – Boxwood at Night, “See the Cemetery In a New Light” on Oct. 3
• Albion – July 3rd, Independence Day Celebration
• Sheyanza Basheer – Brush & Giggles arts program at Lyndonville Central School
• Tegan Leach – Sharing the wonder of fiber arts, workshops at Hoag Library
• Laura Jackett – Art in library workshops
Brandi Zavitz receives a grant to expand a mural at the Medina Dog Park. She created a mural last year that is 32 feet long. She painted portraits of 69 dogs, 3 cats and Orly the Ox (the county’s bicentennial mascot). The mural will get bigger this year with 50 more dog portraits to be added.
• Shabeeha Raushad – Colors of Lake Alice, a children’s book
• Town of Kendall for murals on south side of Town Hall
• Valerie Collins – “Keepers of the Land,” paintings of family farmers to be displayed at Hoag
• Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association – 2026 Hoag Music Series
• Mary Jo Whitman for mural “Holley is Home” on Heath building in Village of Holley
• E-YAH-Pah-Hah Wind Quintet – Classical music series in Albion including 2 commissioned pieces
Sheyanza Basheer received funding for “Brush & Giggles,” an arts program at Lyndonville Central School.
• Community Free Library in Holley for art program
• Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County – blacksmith demonstrations and the AppleJack Band at county fair
• Friends of Orleans County Marine Park – Popup and jam, a marketplace at the Marien Park with music and vendors on Sept. 12
• Friends of Orleans County Marine Park – artist Terri Wood is creating a fisherman selfie sign for fishermen to pose with their catch
• Orleans County Tourism – restoration of Charlie the Chinook, a 13-foot-long fiberglass fish that will remolded and repainted
• Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, Barre Betterment Committee – 2026 Barre Betterment Committee public events
• Judd Sunshine – Erie Canal Songwriting Project at Medina Central School
• Janet Klossner – leading classes on “All Things Fiber”
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, accepts a grant to fund blacksmith demonstrations and a performance by the AppleJack Band at this summer’s Orleans County 4-H Fair.
HOLLEY – Citizens’ Climate Lobby will host a meeting in Holley on Monday, May 4, from 6 to 7 p.m.
The meeting at the Community Free Library is open to the public. The library is located at 86 Public Square. For information about the Holley meeting, contact robertdotjohnson@rochester.rr.com.
Attendees will discuss how they feel about climate change. We will discuss climate change, causes and effects of climate change, actions people can take to address climate change by advancing our policy agenda in the Congress and personal actions, too.
We welcome anyone who is serious about solving climate change as a volunteer. We work with members of Congress across the political spectrum to find common ground on climate change action.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national nonprofit organization with local chapters across the country. The group has been the primary catalyst for the energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. To learn more about our work, visit citizensclimatelobby.org.
I am writing regarding the most recent SCOPE meeting. The opportunity for the community to come together, share concerns and seek solutions can only have positive results.
It was appreciated that our county-elected Legislators Lynne Johnson, Ed Morgan and Don Allport attended to give input and rationale to many issues presented.
However, while disagreement is often natural and necessary, practical solutions resulting in a change of mind, and or, a change of a course of action, come about when dialogue is respectful and not hostile.
While a few in the audience appeared hostile and negative, it was encouraging that most were respectful and offered constructive suggestions for many issues raised.
Hopefully future meetings will continue to emphasize transparency, civility and open discourse.
Public engagement in various issues presented are best received where people know that their input is valued and appreciated.
Thank you to all who organized and participated in last week’s SCOPE meeting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2026 at 6:51 pm
Parents, caregivers also welcome for child seat safety check on April 25
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will again be participating in the National Prescription Drug Tack Back Day on Saturday.
People are welcome to dispose of unwanted prescriptions drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 13925 Route 31 in Albion.
The Sheriff’s Office also on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be offering a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event at Public Safety Building.
According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives, he said.
The Sheriff’s Office will have passenger safety technicians will inspect car seats and booster seats to ensure that a child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of multiple individuals following a series of investigations conducted in conjunction with the Department of Social Services into alleged public assistance fraud.
As a result of these investigations, several subjects were charged with offenses including Welfare Fraud, Petit Larceny, Grand Larceny, Criminal use of a public benefit card and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.
The following were charged: Anne Bennett, Lawrence Worsley, Bobbie Taylor, Caitlyn Dehond, Anthony Gross, Stella Gresham, Billie Doxey, Jason Walsh, Shunieka Williams and Edward Ladue III.
It is alleged that the individuals collectively received $35,468.69 in public assistance benefits to which they were not entitled.
All subjects were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Albion Court at a later date.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with the Department of Social Services to investigate and prosecute fraud-related offenses.
