Governor announces agreement reached on $268 billion state budget

Posted 7 May 2026 at 11:02 am

Reforms include lower auto insurance premiums, $1 billion energy rebate and path to universal child care

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Photo from Governor’s Office: Governor Kathy Hochul is shown speaking in March at the Long Island Builders Expo.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an agreement has been reached with legislative leaders on key priorities in the Fiscal Year 2027 New York State Budget.

With a conceptual agreement in place, the legislative houses are expected to pass bills that will fully enact these priorities in the coming days. Based on a preliminary assessment of the negotiated changes to the Executive proposal, the total Budget for FY 2027 is currently estimated at $268 billion.

The FY 2027 Budget does not raise income or statewide business taxes and maintains the Governor’s powers to make future adjustments if actions by the federal government require.

“I promised a Budget that works for working people and expands opportunities for all New Yorkers and I was not going to back down from that fight,” Governor Hochul said. “Alongside my partners in the Legislature, today we are delivering on that promise. This Budget includes sweeping changes to lower costs, enhance public safety, protect our communities from federal overreach and invest in the future of New York families.”

Providing Universal Child Care

In this State Budget, Governor Hochul is putting New York State on a concrete path to universal, affordable child care, beginning with committing to investments that will support the delivery of affordable child care to up to 100,000 additional children.

The Governor’s landmark investment will increase funding by $1.7 billion bringing the total FY27 investment to $4.5 billion for child care and pre-kindergarten services statewide.

These investments will:

Make Pre-K truly universal statewide with funding to make high-quality Pre-K seats available for all four-year-olds in New York by the start of the 2028-29 school year and increasing State grants to existing programs to ensure high-quality care.
Partner with New York City to launch the new 2-Care program and finally realize the promise of universal 3K access in New York City.
Enhance the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help defray childcare expenses for 230,000 New York families by providing an average benefit of $576.
Support the development of New York’s ‘First 3’ program, which will partner with counties to offer high-quality, affordable child care to children 0-3 regardless of income.
Make historic investments in the Child Care Assistance Program, delivering high-quality, affordable child care to tens of thousands of additional young New Yorkers that is capped at $15 a week for most families.
Support the child care workforce through early childhood educator preparation.

Alongside these commitments, the Governor will launch an Office of Child Care and Early Education to steer the implementation of high-quality, universal child care for New York families, and will work to enhance awareness of the Empire State Child Credit to ensure as many families as possible benefit from the Governor’s historic expansion of New York’s child tax credit, which increased the credit from $330 per child to $1,000 per child for children under four and $500 per child for children ages four through 16.

Lowering Auto Insurance Rates for Everyday New Yorkers

New Yorkers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, totaling just over $4,000 annually on average — nearly $1,500 above the national average. Car insurance rates are driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, with staged crashes and associated insurance fraud inflating everyone’s premiums by as much as $300 per year on average according to some estimates.

The final Budget will put money back in New Yorkers pockets via a series of common-sense legislative reforms that will ensure bad actors and fraudsters cannot exploit the system and will hold insurers accountable to ensure that their savings are passed on to consumers.

The final State Budget will:

Cap payouts for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of the incident, including uninsured motorists, drunk drivers, and drivers in the act of committing a felony.
Better define what actually constitutes a ‘serious injury’ so that damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress are reserved for those able to objectively demonstrate that they have suffered a serious injury.
Ensure that if a driver is found to be mostly at fault for causing an accident, they cannot claim outsized payments for damages.
Prevent insurance companies from exorbitantly raising rates by setting a legal threshold that prevents excess profits and returns savings to consumers.
Create new regulatory safeguards to prevent insurance companies from raising rates without seeking express approval from the Department of Financial Services.
Protect consumers by prohibiting insurance companies from setting rates based on extraneous, personal factors like homeownership status, occupation, education level or zip code.
These measures come in addition to the Governor’s whole-of-government approach to combatting fraud by tasking DFS, DMV, DCJS and NYSP with a more proactive and coordinated approach to enforcement.

Tackling Utility Costs

New Yorkers deserve reliable energy at a price they can afford, which is why the final State Budget includes a comprehensive energy affordability package designed to put money back into New Yorkers’ pockets and protect against future drivers of rate increases.

The final State Budget will include a one-time, $1 billion energy rebate to provide relief to New Yorkers dealing with rising energy costs.

The Budget also includes a Ratepayer Protection Plan comprised of a sweeping set of reforms to modernize the Public Service Law, demand strict fiscal discipline from utilities and empower the State to fight more effectively for lower bills. The Budget will:

Tie executive pay directly to customer affordability.
Require utilities to present a Budget constrained option that keeps their operating and capital costs below the rate of inflation when requesting a rate increase to ensure efficiency and affordability are prioritized.
Ensure customers do not foot the bill for hidden costs like lobbying, political contributions and unnecessary executive travel.

The final State Budget also includes measures to:

Invest millions more into the EmPower+ program, which has helped nearly 42,000 low- and moderate-income households across the state finance energy improvements, saving families about $600 per year on their utility bills.
Modernize the way utility rate cases are reviewed to help keep prices manageable.
Incentivize the use of smart technology to help reduce energy usage and bills.

In addition, the final State Budget will enact common-sense changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act that continues the state’s nation-leading commitment to clean energy and climate goals while at the same time prioritizing affordability.

Comprehensive Immigration Protections

Amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement by ICE, the final State Budget will include a comprehensive plan that will expand protections for New Yorkers, safeguard basic rights, and hold federal immigration officials accountable. The plan will:

Prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE for federal civil immigration enforcement by eliminating 287(g) agreements, barring state and local police from acting as civil immigration agents, or using taxpayer-funded resources or personnel to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement and detention.
Establish a state right to sue federal, state, and local officials, including ICE officers, for constitutional violations.
Deny ICE permission from entering sensitive locations – including schools, libraries, health care facilities, polling locations, and homes – without a judicial warrant.
Ban federal, state, and local law enforcement from wearing masks while on duty.
Strictly prohibit the use of state, local or school civil resources—including employee time—for civil immigration enforcement activities.
Ensure all students can access education without fear of ICE interference, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status.

Let Them Build

The final State Budget will include landmark reforms to cut red tape and speed up the building of critically needed housing and infrastructure projects that often face extensive delays and raise costs for New Yorkers. The Budget will include a series of common sense changes to modernize the fifty-year old State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to expedite critical projects that have been consistently found not to have any significant environmental impacts. By allowing projects that localities want to move forward that will not harm the environment to do so faster, these actions will make it easier and more affordable to deliver the new housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need while we continue to preserve our environment and conserve New York’s natural resources.

The Budget will:

Provide exemptions from duplicative environmental review for new housing that is desperately needed and does not result in significant environmental impacts. These exemptions will cut costs and speed construction. In New York City, qualifying housing in medium and high-density areas up to 500 units will be exempted, with projects up to 250 units exempted in the rest of the city. Outside of New York City, the exemptions would apply to qualifying housing of up to 300 units in urbanized areas, up to 100 units in non-urban areas, and up to 20 units in areas that have no zoning. Housing must be on previously disturbed land and connected to water and sewer systems upon occupancy.
Add further SEQRA exemptions for categories of beneficial projects including clean water infrastructure, public parks and trails, green infrastructure, and public schools within New York City.
Establish a clear, two-year timeline to complete an environmental impact statement, creating accountability and ensuring faster decisions for communities.
Overhaul overcomplicated bureaucratic processes to make it easier for communities to build without impacting or impairing local laws and processes related to local zoning and other environmental permitting.

Safe By Design

Building on New York State’s work to protect our children from digital harms such as addictive algorithmic feeds on social media and the distractions of cell phones within schools, the Budget includes nation-leading legislation designed to protect children from online predators, scammers and harmful AI chatbots integrated on online platforms.

The Budget will enact substantial protections for children across a variety of online spaces and gaming platforms, including:

Mandating platforms automatically apply privacy-protective settings for children by default, meaning non-connections cannot message kids, view their profile, or tag them in content.
Requiring children’s location settings to be inaccessible by default to people they are not connected with.
Requiring children under 13 receive parental approval for new connections on online gaming platforms.
Disabling integrated AI chatbots for children.
Instituting new financial protections relating to children’s expenditures on gaming websites, including parental limits on a child’s financial transactions.

Additional highlights of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget include:

Investing in Public Safety

Enacts a first-in-the-nation legislation requiring the development of regulations to ensure that every 3D printer sold in the State of New York includes technology that blocks it from printing a firearm, and strengthens criminal penalties for manufacturing ghost guns.
Requires firearm manufacturers to design guns in a way that prevents quick and easy conversion into DIY illegal machine guns.
Invests $352 million in gun violence prevention programs to continue successful efforts to drive down gun violence to their lowest levels in decades.
Establishes buffer zones to protect places of worship so New Yorkers can practice religion, a guaranteed right, free of harassment.
Prohibits nefarious drones near sensitive locations, including schools, and authorizing law enforcement to mitigate credible aerial threats, while creating additional pathways for the research and development of drone and counter-drone technology.

Reducing Costs and Putting Money in Your Pocket

Eliminates New York State income tax on tipped wages up to $25,000 per year, ensuring more money stays in people’s pockets.
Provides $395 million to ensure free breakfast and lunch for every K-12 student in New York, the second consecutive year for the highly successful Universal School Meals program.
Makes a college degree more affordable and accessible by investing more than $65 million in the Opportunity Promise Scholarship to not only make community college free for adult students pursuing associate degrees in high-demand industries, but expand it to four-year public institutions that offer associates degrees in high-demand fields.
An additional $250 million in capital funding to accelerate the construction of thousands of new affordable homes.
Provides $30 million in direct “tariff relief” for New York farmers to offset increased costs for equipment, fertilizer and supplies caused by federal tariffs.

Investing in Infrastructure and Local Communities

Create the state’s first Pied-a-terre tax program, a targeted surcharge on high value second homes and investor-owned apartments worth $5 million and up in New York City, which will generate at least $500 million in tax revenue annually.
Provide an additional $1 billion investment in climate priorities through the state’s Sustainable Futures Fund, with an emphasis on Environmental Justice programs.
A record level five-year, $3.75 billion funding commitment to clean water infrastructure, spurring housing growth and economic development projects across the state.
Nearly $40 billion in total school aid, a total increase of $10 billion since Governor Hochul took office, to continue to build on New York’s nation leading commitment to educating the next generation.
Provides $1 billion in new funding for existing Safety Net Hospitals to carry out transformative capital projects that promote financial sustainability.
Invests $500 million in additional support for distressed hospitals.
Historic $1 billion in total aid to support municipalities outside of New York City, mitigating the need to increase local taxes.
Continues the Governor’s “war on potholes” with $1.4 billion for maintaining and repairing New York State’s local roads and bridges.
$6 million for NY Kicks to capitalize on the momentum from the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament by building soccer pitches and other lasting infrastructure for youth recreation in disadvantaged communities across the state.
$10 million for the Saving Performing Arts and Cultural Experiences (NY SPACE) initiative which will provide grants to help nonprofit performing arts organizations acquire their venues.
$75 million to advance major transit projects reimagining Jamaica Station and expanding the Second Avenue Subway tunnel westward across 125 St.
$17.5 million to make Teen Mental Health First Aid training available to all 10th graders across New York State, a first-in-the-nation action.

Medina Memorial recognizes nurses, including retirees, during annual brunch

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 May 2026 at 8:52 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Posing for their pictures are, from left, Kerry Miller, Emergency Room nurse manager; Carol Martucci, a nursing supervisor; hospital CEO/CIO Marc Shurtz; and Rebecca Mannella, director of nursing in the North Wing.

North Wing residents Audrey Bieliski (a retired nurse) and Grace Boyer, 100, smile for the camera amid an arch of balloons. The occasion was the annual Nurses’ Appreciation Brunch at Medina Memorial Hospital on Wednesday.

MEDINA – Recognizing nurses, both active and retired, has been a long-time tradition at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Annually, for many years the hospital has recognized its nurses during Nurses’ Appreciate Week, and in recent years further honored them at a brunch.

Semi-retired nurse Charlie Smith said the first Nurses’ Appreciation Day was celebrated in 1998.

“We’ve celebrated Nurses’ Week for a long time, but this is the fourth annual Nurses’ Day Brunch,” said Lori Condo, assistant controller.

Between 40 and 50 nurses annually attend the event, said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services.

Nurses enjoyed an impressive brunch with punch, assorted pastries, fruit and hors d’oeuvres.

New this year was a giant balloon arch in the hallway for photo ops.

“As we gather for our Fourth Annual Nurses’ Day Brunch, there is a feeling in the room that is hard to put into words,” Gray said. “But we all recognize it – it is gratitude. It is pride.

“To our past nurses here today, your presence is a gift,” Gray continued. “You are the foundation of everything this hospital represents. You cared for this community through decades of change, often with fewer resources, but never with less heart. You didn’t just do the job – you lived it.”

To the current nurses of today, Gray said they carry that legacy forward in ways that matter more than they may ever fully realize.

“In a small rural hospital, nursing is deeply personal,” Gray said. “You care for neighbors, friends and sometimes your own family. The care you give today is rooted in the examples set by those who came before you, and together, you create something truly special – a continuous thread of dedication that spans generations.”

Gray paid tribute to three extraordinary nurses who were lost during the past year – Marcia Clark, Darlene Zeliff and Marian Miano.

“They were more than colleagues,” Gray said. “They were part of the fabric of this hospital and this community. Their hands cared, their voices comforted and their presence made a lasting difference in countless lives. Their legacy lives on through all of you.”

(Left) Corporate educator Christine Kropf, left, and Cindy Denniston, surgical nurse, share a laugh at the buffet table during the Nurses’ Day Brunch. (Center) Registered nurse Joseph Pietrzykowski, left, and semi-retired nurse Charlie Smith find plenty to talk about at the Nurses’ Day Brunch. Smith attended his first Nurses’ Appreciation Day in 1998. (Right) Karen Irwin, a registered nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, looks over the shoulder of Dorothy Casey, left, and Joanne Bracey, both retired nurses. Irwin retired last week.

Gray concluded by saying the day was more than just a brunch. It was a moment to reflect, to reconnect and to recognize something truly rare – the bond between past and present, the shared purpose and the enduring heart of nursing in a place that means so much to so many.

“Thank you for the lives you’ve touched, the compassion you’ve given and the legacy you continue to build every single day,” Gray added. “It is truly an honor to stand among you and celebrate you.”

Medina Memorial Hospital paid tribute to its nurses – both current and retired – at a brunch Wednesday. Audrey Bieliski, left, a retired nurse and resident of the North Wing, relaxes while retired nurses Jeanne Crane and Rosemary Pegelow share conversation. At the next table, Mary Lou Tuohey, former mayor Mike Sidari and his wife Brenda enjoy brunch and conversation.

Kim Gray at rear, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services at Medina Memorial Hospital, praises the nurses – both current and retired – during the annual Nurses’ Day Brunch on Wednesday.

Lyndonville tops Kendall in G-R softball

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2026 at 9:04 pm

Improving to 10-1, Lyndonville bested Kendall 12-7 in a Geensee Region League softball game played under the lights this evening on the turf field at Barker.

Arnie Sturtevant led Lyndonville at the plate with 3 hits including a double, triple and home run with 6 RBIs. Alexa Robinson and Hannah Fox both had a pair of hits and Natalie Rath and Rylan Townsend doubles.

Sturtevant had an RBI triple in the third inning, an RBI double in the fourth and a grand slam home run in the fifth.

Fox had RBI singles in both the third and fourth innings and Rath a two-run double in the second.

The Lady Tigers scored 4 runs in both the fourth and fifth innings.

Sturtevant also earned the win in the circle allowing 6 hits and striking out 9.

Kendall had a five run fifth inning which included a two-run single by Ella Cole a double by Teagan Shaw and an RBI single by Alayna Keirn.

Brooke Rodas also belted a two-run homer in the first inning for Kendall which is now 8-4.

Data center would bring jobs, enormous revenue and other benefits over 30 years

Posted 6 May 2026 at 8:00 pm

Editor:

Much has been reported regarding Stream Data Centers’ proposed project in Genesee County’s STAMP business complex. Unfortunately, the majority of it hasn’t been accurate.

Non-local opponents have traveled from far and wide to spread fear and misinformation. Using old industry data – and ignoring the cutting-edge technologies and best practices being employed – they’ve claimed it will damage the environment, increase residential energy rates, and result in the region “losing money” due to economic incentives.

None of that is true.

The truth is, Stream Data Centers will bring more than a half a billion dollars in property tax payments alone to the Town of Basom, Genesee County and Oakfield-Alabama School District over 30 years. This is over and above the thousands of construction jobs which will be filled over the project’s muti-year buildout, the money those workers will spend and sales tax they’ll generate, the 125 permanent jobs whose average annual salaries will exceed $100,000, and the dozens of additional contractors and vendors who will do business with Stream once they are operational.

Stream has already invested $130,000 in the district, working with school leaders to identify initiatives to best impact students and families. This includes the rebirth of its after-school program, paid agricultural summer internships, new high school CAD lab machinery, and new exercise equipment to enhance the district’s health and wellness.

They’ve also committed to operating their facility with rigorous environmental responsibility. Once their cooling system is filled, it requires no additional water; thus, its daily water use will be similar to a typical 125-employee office space, with standard sink, toilet and daily dishwasher use.

Speaking of dishwashers, that’s how quiet the facility will be. Stream has engineered this project to guarantee no more than 45 decibels of sound emanating at night – on par with a quiet residential dishwasher. During the day it will be not exceed 65 decibels, akin to normal human conversation.

There will be no problematic air or light emissions and their operations won’t harm local wildlife or habitats. Their designs incorporate eco-friendly lighting and windows, along with landscape architecture that will ultimately add native vegetation to the acres of currently abandoned farmland.

Moreover, Stream is not asking us to take their word for it. Members of the Alabama Town Board and Planning Committee have toured existing Stream Data Center complexes. Those representatives witnessed quiet, clean operations and asked whatever questions they wanted to employees – along with unscheduled visits to neighboring residents, who assured them of their unobtrusive presence, with several having no idea they lived near a data center.

Then there’s the project’s site: not on pristine, undisturbed lands, but on an established campus, in between a 17-acre, nearly complete electrical substation under construction since 2022; and the 50-acre Edwards Vacuum facility on Crosby Road which took nearly three years to complete. Some insist the construction will cause wildlife to leave the area. Yet, if construction has been happening for years – and none of it has left yet – why would it now if something is built between these established facilities?

Lastly, there’s the issue of energy, which is effectively already in place. Dedicated, high-power electrical lines pass through the property, forming the backbone of Upstate New York’s electric power grid. These lines are purpose-built for reliable, large-scale power delivery to major industrial users and operate separately from local lines that serve residential customers.

Stream has worked with utilities, state authorities and the state grid operator to ensure its thoughtful integration into the grid without impacting residential supply or rates. Stream is paying for the infrastructure to deliver this existing power to its facility. Moreover, it is subsidizing the remaining 100 megawatts in the STAMP park for future business projects. That’s enough electricity to power nine more projects the size of Edwards Vacuum – another proactive community investment.

It’s time we stop letting outsiders tell us what’s best for our community. Stream has come to Genesee County with an excellent reputation and a decades-long commitment. They’ve been open and fair neighbors at every turn. It’s time we welcome them – not fight them. Let’s sit down and have a rational discussion to discover how else Stream might benefit our community. Because the only way our region will lose money from this relationship is if we turn them away.

Thomas Snyder

Attica

Energy Systems Engineer and Genesee County landowner

Barker softball rolls with home run barrage

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2026 at 7:54 pm

Pounding out 20 hits, including 5 home runs, Barker rolled to a 25-10 win over Newfane in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game this afternoon.

Peyton Bradley led the Barker hitting barrage as she belted three home runs including a two run shot in the first inning, a three-run blast in the second inning and a grand slam in the sixth for a total of 9 RBIs.

Kaylee Stoll and Elise Monaco also banged out home runs while Madyson Flint had a double and a triple.

Flint had a total of 5 hits and Stoll 4.

League leading Barker improves to 9-2 while Newfane slips to 1-7.

Green’s qualifying round was a record setter

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2026 at 7:41 pm

Photo Courtesy of the Western Pa. Golf Assoc. – When Medina’s Melanie Green qualified for a spot in the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open on Monday by winning a qualifying tournament at the Shannopin Country Club near Pittsburgh her second round score of 65 proved to be a record setter. The round, which included 8 birdies and only 1 bogey, was the best ever by a female gofer at the course by 2 strokes. It also bettered the previous top competition round by 3 strokes. She is shown here holding the awards she received for winning the qualifying tournament and below the record setting scorecard.

Front-running Medina rolls past Barker as Woodworth hurls his second no hitter

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 May 2026 at 7:30 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Media’s Preston Woodworth hurled his second no hitter of the N-O season this afternoon as the Mustangs blanked Barker at Vets Park.

A huge early inning scoring burst provided more than enough offense to back the sharp no hit pitching performance of Preston Woodworth as Medina romped to a rainy 20-0 win over Barker in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game at Vets Park this afternoon.

In hurling his second no hitter of the N-O season, Woodworth struck out 14.

Medina took the lead for good in the first inning on a two-run single by Cam Fike.

The Mustangs then broke the contest wide open by exploding for 9 runs in the second inning highlighted by a two-run single by Woodworth and RBI singles by Carlos Doval, Ryan Pegelow and Aidan Papaj.

Kolton Fletcher and Lathan McEwen-Miller then both had RBI singles and Pegelow an RBI sacrifice fly in the third inning.

Fike and Papaj both had a total of 3 hits and Pegelow 2.

Medina stays perfect in N-O action at 8-0 and Barker slips to 4-7.

The Mustangs next visit the Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Friday.

Akron 4, Newfane 2
Akron improved to 5-4 in N-O action by edging Newfane (1-8) 4-2 as Gavin Miller hurled a 4 hitter with 8 strikeouts.

Conlan Luck had a two-run single in the fifth inning for the Tigers.

N-O Standings
Medina 8-0, Roy-Hart 8-2, Akron 5-4, Albion 4-3, Barker 4-7, Wilson 1-7, Newfane 1-8.

Cam Fike bangs out a two-run single in the first inning that put Medina on top to stay.

Ortt names cancer fighter from Lockport as ‘Woman of Distinction’

Posted 6 May 2026 at 5:40 pm

Teacher has raised nearly $50K for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office

Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt honors Tara Pfohl as a 2026 Woman of Distinction.

ALBANY – Last night, the New York State Senate inducted Tara Pfohl into its 2026 “Woman of Distinction” class. She is the nominee for the honor by State Senator Rob Ortt.

Pfohl is an educator at Starpoint Central School District, a fighter of breast cancer, and was recognized by the American Cancer Society as the 2025 Strider of the Year for her fundraising and advocacy efforts with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo.

Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate District is recognized for their contributions to their communities, and this year, Tara was Senator Ortt’s nominee from the 62nd Senate District.

“It is an honor and a privilege to nominate and induct such a dedicated, inspirational, and selfless woman to this esteemed program,” Ortt said. “Despite battling Stage 4 breast cancer, Tara refuses to surrender, and is instead out educating not only her students, but women throughout the community on the importance of how screenings and early detection can save lives. Tara’s dedication and advocacy sets her apart, and I’m proud to highlight her remarkable achievements through this program.”

Described by friends as generous, loyal, fierce, brave, courageous, and a force to be reckoned with, Pfohl has been battling breast cancer since 2013, but she hasn’t let it slow her down.

Since 2021, Tara has raised more than $48,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo, earning the distinction of top individual fundraiser for three consecutive years. She has used her platform to promote, educate, inspire, and remind others that research, early detection and community support is proven to save lives.

In a release from the American Cancer Society highlighting Tara’s contributions, they said:

“Even while undergoing weekly chemotherapy, Tara continues to advocate for others, share ACS resources, and ensure no one facing breast cancer feels alone. Tara Pfohl embodies what Making Strides is all about—turning her story into action and inspiring hundreds of others to join the fight to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

Tara’s battle with cancer has been a long one, and although she did go into remission following surgery and treatment early on, it did return as stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she is still a highly dedicated first grade teacher at the Fricano Primary School in the Starpoint Central School District, and her colleagues say that even if she has to be out for a day to receive chemotherapy or other treatments, she’s back the next day giving 110% to her students.

Throughout her battle with breast cancer, Tara’s family and friends are the support network she has relied on. Her sister Christa has been a huge partner – consoling her and taking her to many appointments and treatments.

Pfohl grew up in Pendleton, graduating from Starpoint High School and going on to attend college at the University at Buffalo then Niagara University. In her free time, Tara enjoys traveling with friends, listening to music (where her favorite quote “No dress rehearsal. This is our life” by The Tragically Hip comes from), watching the Buffalo Bills, and getting lost in a good book. She lives in Lockport with her dog, Willa.

Holley school budget proposes 2.5 percent tax increase

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2026 at 5:24 pm

3 candidates on ballot for Board of Education in May 19 election

HOLLEY – The school district is proposing a $32,687,000 budget that increases spending by 6.2 percent and would raise taxes by 2.5 percent.

The budget is up by $1,913,000 from the current $30,774,000. The budget maintains all existing programs.

The district will collect $201,768 more in property taxes – from $8,070,702 to $8,272,470. That is under Holley’s allowable tax cap of 4.112 percent, school officials said the district’s budget newsletter. Holley is under the tax cap by $130,100.

In a message to the community, Board of Education President Trina Lorentz and Superintendent Karri D. Schiavone said the district is presenting “a fair and balanced budget.”

“Our dedication to enriching the educational experience in Holley guides every step of this year’s planning,” the wrote in their budget message. “With a renewed emphasis on innovation, growth, and excellence, we’re working to build on our strong foundation and open doors to new possibilities that support students, educators, and our community.”

They said the budget is aligned with the district’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which reflects a shared commitment to achievement, empowerment, inclusion, responsibility and Engagement.

They said the budget prioritizes “high-quality instruction, safe and supportive learning environments, and responsible stewardship of resources to ensure long-term sustainability for our district.”

The tax levy is up to account for increases in contractual and inflationary costs, and “allows us to deliver high quality instructional and extracurricular programs that are expected in our community while remaining fiscally responsible and aligned with our long-term district goals.”

Voters will go to the polls from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19 at the Holley Middle/High School.

In addition to the budget, there are four propositions:

Proposition 2 authorizes replacement school buses – one large and one small with a wheelchair lift ($374,000)
Proposition 3 allows district to collect $217,703 for the Community Free Library
Proposition 4 authorizes the purchase of a vacant lot adjacent to Woodlands soccer field ($12,500)
Proposition 5 authorizes the establishment of a Capital Improvements Reserve Fund that will not exceed $10 million

There are also three candidates seeking three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get three-year terms while the one with the third most votes gets a one-year term. The three-year terms begin July 1, while the shorter term starts May 20 because it’s filling a vacancy.

The candidates on the ballot include:

Cecelia Pacheco Stevens – A CCA at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Pacheco Stevens has four children in the district. She has been an active volunteer at Holley events involving her children.

“I’m running to ensure every student feels supported, heard, and valued,” she said in the district budget newsletter. “I want to be a voice for all students including those who need extra help, those who thrive in the arts, and those who grow through sports. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every family deserves to feel connected to their school community.”

Eric DiLella – A retired resident, he volunteers with his therapy dog, visiting hospitals, nursing homes and Call centers for Goodwill.

“I am looking for more ways to support the community,” he said. “When we were raising our kids in the Holley School, it was difficult to juggle a job, kid’s activities, a house and the occasional coaching or scouting assist. Now that I am retired, I can do what I couldn’t do 20 years ago.”

Janet Klossner – She is self-employed at a daycare and also with a hobby farm. Klossner is currently on the Board of Education. She also teaches local fiber arts classes, and is a 4-H leader and barn superintendent who heads up the annual fiber auction at the County Fair.

“I am committed to the youth to ensure they receive a strong education and are prepared for future success, while also keeping taxes manageable for our community,” she said.

Firefighters respond to large debris fire far off road in Kendall on Tuesday night

Posted 6 May 2026 at 3:15 pm

Photos and information, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – On Tuesday, May 5th, the Kendall Fire District was dispatched at 7:54 p.m. for multiple reports of heavy black smoke in the area of Lakeshore Road. While responding from the fire station, Kendall 1 immediately observed large plumes of black smoke visible from a distance and advised Orleans County Dispatch of the conditions.

Upon arrival at 8:01 p.m., crews discovered a large debris fire approximately 2,000 feet off the roadway involving trash and tires being burned. The volume of smoke created visibility concerns for nearby homes and motorists traveling along the Lake Ontario State Parkway, Assistant Chief James Fox said.

One of the biggest challenges crews faced was accessibility. Due to the remote location of the fire, traditional fire apparatus could not safely reach the scene. Mutual aid assistance was requested from neighboring departments with specialized off-road capabilities.

The Brockport Fire District responded with an off-road brush fire unit, Clarendon Fire Company responded with their Argo utility vehicle capable of transporting manpower and equipment, and Shelby Fire Department provided additional off-road brush fire support. Additional manpower and tanker support were provided by the Murray Joint Fire District, Carlton Fire Company, Clarendon Fire Company, Shelby Fire Department, and Brockport Fire District.

Because the incident occurred in a non-hydrant area, a tanker shuttle operation was established to maintain a constant water supply. Kendall 34 served as the base pumper supplying the off-road vehicles operating at the fire scene. Approximately 8,000 gallons of water were used during suppression operations.

The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District provided district coverage for Kendall while crews remained committed to the incident. Firefighters operated for several hours extinguishing hotspots and ensuring the fire did not spread into surrounding vegetation and eliminating the environmental hazards. All units returned to service at approximately 12:04 a.m.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) responded to the scene and is conducting an investigation into the incident.

On behalf of the Kendall Fire Department, The Chiefs’ Office would like to thank all our neighboring departments and assisting agencies for their rapid response, teamwork and continued support. Incidents like this highlight the importance of mutual aid partnerships and specialized equipment when operating in challenging conditions.

Big load cancelled for today from Albion to Byron

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2026 at 11:26 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A transformer won’t be leaving Albion today after the trip was cancelled.

The 430,000-pound load was scheduled to go from Albion to Byron.

There was a late notification to National Grid about the trip. The journey has been put off until National Grid is available.

A new move date hasn’t been released. State police will provide an escort. The height of this load requires lifting most overhead wires and traffic control devices.

The transformer was delivered by train to Albion on Tuesday. It is currently on a trailer by Hamilton Street.

Most of the journey is planned for Route 98 from Albion to Elba, before the transformer heads down Lockport Road and reaches Byron on Byron Road.

Bobby Brown of Orchard Dale Fruit Company named ‘Apple Grower of the Year’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2026 at 10:42 am

Brown, whose roots at farm date back to 1804, recognized by American Fruit Grower magazine

Photos from Orchard Dale Fruit Company – Bobby Brown III of Waterport has been named “Apple Grower of the year” by the American Fruit Grower magazine. Brown and his family have been mainstays in Carlton for more than two centuries.

A local apple grower has been chosen by the American Fruit Grower magazine as the country’s “Apple Grower of the Year.”

Robert “Bobby” Brown III is co-owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Company. He is the eighth generation grower on the family farm, which dates back to 1804. He has embraced new technologies with precision agriculture on the farm and has been a key leader in the Lake Ontario Fruit packing facility on Route 104 in Gaines.

American Fruit Grower announced the honor for Brown today. He is the sixth apple farmer from New York State to receive the honir. Only Washington State has more honorees with 14. Brown also is the fourth grower from Orleans County to receive this distinction, following George Lamont in 1997, Darrel Oakes in 2004 and Roderick Farrow in 2017.

Bobby and Beth Brown are shown with their daughters Emaline and Addison.

The June/July print issues of American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower will feature Brown on its cover. The publications will formally present the award to Brown on July 17 at the Orleans County Apple Social.

Brown, 42, grew up on the grounds of Orchard Dale and worked closely with his late father Bob Brown and his uncle Eric Brown. The younger Brown graduated from Cornell in 2006 and returned to the 400-acre apple business. Bobby’s wife Beth joined the operation in 2013.

American Fruit Grower quotes Jim Bair, President and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association, touting Brown’s long family commitment to the apple industry.

“Bobby is not one to rest on family laurels,” Bair told the magazine. “His support for research, IFTA, and food safety prove his commitment to the industry and his fellow growers. Bobby was one of the first growers I met when I came to USApple. He impressed me then — and still does today.”

Brown has been a leader among the growers, serving with USApple, New York Apple Association, Farm Credit East, Lake Ontario Fruit (current president), Natural Resources Conservation Service, Horticultural Society, and the New York State Apple Research Development Program (current chairman).

Brown received nominations for the award from all sectors of the Western New York apple-growing community.

“He realizes that we all need each other for the western New York apple industry to thrive and survive these uncertain times,” said Michael Keller, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with Valent U.S.A. “Bobby is always one the first people to step up when issues arise, and he often takes point on many of these challenges. I think he believes that we all need to work together for the apple industry to run properly, and he’s willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the future of New York-grown apples.”

American Fruit Grower shares testimonials from other growers, includign Rod Farrow of Fish Creek Orchards in Waterport: “His development of new high-density super-spindle orchards is second to none in the U.S., and their farm is often a highlight of local, national, and international tours.”

Farrow said Brown has adapted the farm to new technologies, including precision spraying with vision data collection. Orchard Dale was one of the first farms to implement precision crop load management technologies, such as ATV-mounted cameras and drones.

Jason Woodworth of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport praises Brown for leading Lake Ontario Fruit during an expansion and addition of new employees.

Delay in start of trip for 430,000-pound oversize load from Albion to Byron

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2026 at 10:07 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A transformer is loaded and ready to go on a slow ride from Albion to Byron. The transformer was brought in by railroad to Albion on Tuesday. Today it is scheduled to travel by truck and trailer to Byron.

However, the journey is currently delayed. National Grid was notified late and the company needs to be present when its powerlines are touched.

The 430,000-pound load will disrupt traffic on Route 98. The transformer’s journey starts at Hamilton Street in Albion and then heads south to Allen Road, then east to Route 98. From there its south on 98 through Albion, Barre and to Elba.

Once at Lockport Road, the load will continue on North Byron Road to south on Searls Road to east on Tower Hill Road. The trip ends south on Byron Road in the town of Byron.

State police are providing an escort. The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.

The weight of the load will keep speeds to around 5 to 10 miles per hour with many stoppages, State Police said.

County legislators support ‘Buster’s Law’ creating state-wide registry of animal abusers

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2026 at 8:31 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is backing an effort to create a state-wide registry of people convicted of animal cruelty.

A bill for “Buster’s Law” in the State Senate has been introduced by Sen. James Tedisco, a Republican for the the 44^th District.

Tedisco’s Senate Bill 1563 would amend the Agriculture and Markets Law to establish a statewide animal cruelty registry maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Buster’s Law was named after Buster, a cat, was intentionally burned to death in Schenectady in 1997. The perpetrator who poured kerosene on the cat was later imprisoned for other crimes, including attempted rape, sexual abuse and unlawful imprisonment of a 12-year-old girl.

Buster’s Bill in 1999 made unjustifiable, intentional and violent acts of cruelty to companion animals a Class E felony crime. Tedisco and legislators have said animal cruelty offenses have long been recognized as indicators of broader patterns of violent behavior.

The proposed revision to Buster’s Law creates the state-wide registrythat would be made available in print and electronic form to law enforcement entities, district attorneys, humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal control officers, dog or cat protective associations, breeders, animal rescues, and pet stores conducting business in New York.

The bill would prohibit individuals required to register from owning companion animals or working in facilities where companion animals are present, including shelters, pounds, pet stores and zoos.

Orleans County legislators noted that counties are responsible for supporting animal control services, public safety functions, district attorney offices, and coordination with local humane societies and SPCA organizations. Counties would benefit from improved access to accurate, centralized information regarding individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, legisators said last week when they voted to support the registry.

Progressive organ concert on May 31 features churches in Medina, Lyndonville

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 May 2026 at 8:06 am

The organists in the concert include, from left: Tom Wenhold, Patricia Worrad and Aaron Grabowski.

Three talented local organists will be featured in the Cobblestone Museum’s Progressive Organ Concert on May 31.

Organists are Tom Wenhold from the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Patricia Worrad from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina and Aaron Grabowski from Holy Trinity (St. Mary’s) Parish in Medina.

The first concert at 2 p.m. will be at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, where organist Tom Wenhold will play the church’s Felgemaker pipe organ, built in 1913. The organ was purchased from the A.B. Felgemaker Organ Company, a major American organ builder originally founded in Buffalo in 1865. This grand instrument features more than 1,100 pipes.

In addition to more than 30 years of organ duties at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Wenhold is a Cobblestone Society member and has opened up his cobblestone residence on multiple occasions for the Cobblestone Tour of Homes.

The next stop on the tour will be at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina, where guests will be welcomed with a wine and cheese reception. At the church, famous for its inclusion in Ripley’s Believe it or Not as the “Church in the Center of the Road,” organist Patricia Worrad will treat guests to the dulcet tones of the 19th century Hook and Hastings pipe organ from Boston, MA.

The organ was rebuilt in the early 1960s by Schlicker Organ Company in Buffalo. Its tonal scheme is of the early neo-Baroque style with 18 ranks and two manuals.

“The musical selections for this portion of our concert have been specifically chosen to enhance the mild nature of this style with the warmth of the late 19th-century sound,” said Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum.

The third and last concert will follow at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Mary’s Church), where local music legend Aaron Grabowski will entertain with a well-curated concert designed to accentuate the organ’s French baroque temperament of pure tuning.

The organ was first installed in 1913 and has undergone many changes through the decades. As various parts have worn out, replacements have been made with contemporary equivalents. Of interest is the fact Grabowski is not only an acclaimed organist, but builds organs for Parsons Pipe Organ Builders in Canandaigua.

The concert will be followed with an optional dinner at Tavern on the Ridge at about 5:15 p.m., where owner and chef Chad Pike has selected a choice of three entrees for concert guests – cottage pie, French ham melt sandwich with arugula salad or Asian chopped salad with ginger chicken. Relish tray and dessert will also be served, and coffee or soft drinks are included. A cash bar will be available.

Reservations are required for dinner and may be reserved using the form on the last page of the Cobblestone newsletter, by visiting the website at CobblestoneMuseum.org or calling the museum at (585) 589-9013. Tickets for the concert are available now, and some will be available at the door. Tickets are $20 for the concert, or $50 including dinner.