Ploof, former chief deputy in Orleans County, pleads guilty to threatening FBI agent and family

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 February 2026 at 8:27 am

Steven Ploof

ROCHESTER – Steven Ploof, who briefly was chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, could be sentenced to up to six years in prison and fined up to $250,000.

Ploof on Thursday in federal court pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to threatening to assault a member of the immediate family of a federal law enforcement officer. Ploof did so with intent to impede with the law enforcement officer while engaged in the performance of official duties, or with intent to retaliate against such law enforcement officer on account of the performance of official duties, said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo of the Western District of New York.

Ploof, who worked 16 years for the Ogden Police Department, resigned from the Orleans County in June 2023 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 on September 15, 2025, went to the Ogden residence of an FBI special agent and his family. When he arrived at the house, Ploof placed two posterboard signs on the front porch. One sign read “Corrupt FBI AGENT!” and the other sign read “I Want To (expletive) Your Kids!” Video of Ploof placing the two signs on the front porch was obtained from a residential security system, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greece Police Department, Ogden Police Department and the Orleans County Sherriff’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 18 before Judge Vacca.

Fencing will be scaled back but part of East Bank Street will remain off limits

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 February 2026 at 5:50 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A block of East Bank Street from Main to Platt streets has been fenced off since Tuesday night after a roof collapsed earlier that day at 20 East Bank St.

An engineer with Glynn Geotechnical Engineering reviewed the building this afternoon and deemed it structurally sound and not in danger of collapse, said Chris Kinter, the village’s code enforcement officer.

He expects about half of the fencing will be able to be removed on Friday, from Main Street to just before 16 East Bank St.

Frank Corso owns the buildings that include the storefronts and upper-floor apartments from 16 East Bank to 28 East Bank. Those areas remain off limits while contractors will work to put a temporary roof over 20 East Bank to keep out the water and snow, Kinter said.

“It’s not a permanent solution,” Kinter said today just after 5 p.m.

Once the weather is better, Kinter said Corso will be working to put a new roof on the building.

The fenced off area also will include the village municipal parking lot at the corner of East Bank and Platt Street. That lot is next to Corso’s building at 28 East Bank.

Kinter said he would like to see the fenced off area eventually be reduced to just the spot at 20 East Bank St. Once the work is complete on the building, that fencing could also be removed.

The sidewalk has been open on the north side of the street. About half of the fencing is expected to be removed on Friday, which should allow parking by the buildings from Main Street to about halfway down the block.

2 charged in Medina for allegedly selling cocaine

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 February 2026 at 3:16 pm

Jayleen Negron, left, and Quincy Byrd both are facing felony charges for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

MEDINA – Two people in Medina have been charged after an investigation in the sale and distribution of cocaine in Medina, the Orleans County major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting.

Jayleen Negron, 31, and Quincy Byrd, 30, both have been charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felony) and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree (C felony).

A search warrant was executed at Negron’s residence at 228 Eagle St., apartment B, and law enforcement seized a quantity of cocaine, packaging, scales and other drug paraphernalia. The warrant was executed by the Task Force, the Orleans County Special Response Team, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Medina Police Department.

Byrd, a resident of 816 Park Ave., apartment 2, is currently on parole with the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. he was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court by Shelby Town Justice Edward Grabowski and was committed to the county jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50.000 bond. Byrd is to return to Ridgeway Town Court on March 9 at 9:30 a.m.

Negron was released on an appearance ticket pursuant to the New York State bail reform law, returnable to the Ridgeway Town Court on March 2 at 9:30 a.m.

The Task Force said further arrests and charges are pending in this case. Assisting in the investigation include Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Albion Police Department K9 Unit and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Barker to host sectional opener Friday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 February 2026 at 2:07 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anthony Taliaferro and his Barker teammates will open Section VI playoff competition at home Friday evening against Cassadaga Valley.

Section VI boys basketball playoff competition will get underway on Friday evening as No. 12 seed Barker will host No. 13 Cassadaga Valley at 7 p.m. in a Class C contest.

The victor will advance to face No. 5 Cattaraugus/Little Valley on Tuesday February 24.

Both teams bring identical 6-14 regular season records into the sectionals.

Offensively Barker is led by the quartet of Anthony Taliaferro who has scored 334 points for a 16.7 average. Donovan Hefferon (204 points, 10.2 ave.), Carter DerSarkissian (169 points, 8.9 ave.) and JJ Prynn (166 points, 8.3 ave.)

Taliaferro has also grabbed off 150 rebounds, Prynn 138, Hefferon 99 and DerSarkissian 77.

Cassadaga Valley is led by Mason Debo who has scored 236 points (13.1 ave.), Connor Main who had tallied 151 points (8.4 ave.) and Brody Hawkins who has scored 141 points (8.3 ave.). Debo has also pulled down 184 rebounds and Hawkins 125.

Also on Friday evening No. 11 Roy-Hart will visit No. 6 Springville at 7 p.m. in a Class B1 game.

The Rams went 5-15 during the regular season and the Griffins 12-8.

The winner will face No. 3 East Community (9-10) on the 24th.

Burlison race in Albion unveils medal, announces 10K option for March 21

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 February 2026 at 12:28 pm

Wolfpack Multisport unveiled this year’s medal for finishers of the Wayne A. Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness Run/Walk on March 21. The race is named in honor of the late Wayne Burlison, an Albion music teacher who passed away from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

ALBION – The annual Wayne A. Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness Run/Walk has been a slightly longer 5K in Albion since 2015.

The organizers of the race have announced the event this year on March 21 will also have a 10K option.

Wolfpack Multisport, the race organizer, today also unveiled the medal for finishers of the race. It has a jazz band theme with a trombone.

The race is named in honor of Wayne Burlison, an Albion music teacher who was also active in the marching band. A race has been held in his honor since 2015.

The 3.17-mile race is a little longer than a typical 5K at 3.1 miles. The distance symbolizes the 3 months and 17 days Burlison lived from when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer until his death at age 36 on March 26, 2014.

He was active in several musical groups in the community and also helped start the Albion Running Club. He lost more than 150 pounds through better nutrition and exercise. The walking trail at Bullard park is named in honor of Burlison and also the late Judy Christopher, who owned Phoenix Fitness and also organized the Albion Strawberry Festival 5K for nearly 20 years.

The Burlison 5K race starts on Clarendon Road near the elementary school. The course goes to Mount Albion Cemetery and then back to the school. For more information on the race and to sign up, click here.

Medina man pleads guilty to assault on jail COs, gets more time in prison

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 February 2026 at 11:11 am

ALBION – A Medina man currently in state prison pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday to attempted assault, an E felony, to two jail corrections officers.

Patrick Casanova, 32, is currently serving a 2- to 4-year sentence in state prison at Five Points Correctional facility in Romulus, Seneca County. His earliest release date is listed as May 27, 2027.

His plea on Wednesday could add another 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison. Casanova was in the county jail on June 13, 2025 when he allegedly refused to move and stiffed up. That required two corrections officers to try to move him. A scuffle then ensued.

Casanova is currently in prison after pleaded guilty in 2023 to second-degree assault. He admitted to punching a woman in the face, which fractured her orbital bone and damaged her sinus.

In other cases in County Court on Wednesday:

• A Medina man was arraigned on second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon after being charged for having a loaded “ghost” gun.

Reginald Kendrick, 50, was charged after law enforcement on Nov. 12 seized a loaded unbranded polymer “ghost” semi-automatic 9 mm pistol with an extended 30-round magazine.

Kendrick is a prior felon after being convicted of selling cocaine in October 2016.

He pleaded not guilty to the new charges in court on Wednesday. He has posted $1,000 bail.

• Daniel Fritz III, 37, of Clarendon was assessed as a level 3 sex offender by Orleans County Judge Sanford Church.

Fritz is currently at the Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, Oneida County, serving a 2- to 4-year sentence for grand larceny. He and a co-defendant were convicted of taking a safe from a Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside.

Fritz also pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct. The judge assessed Fritz as level 3, the highest level, and he will need to be monitored when he is released from prison.

Tenney met with Orleans officials for 2 ½ hours, hearing about challenges providing services in rural county

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 February 2026 at 9:31 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: Congresswoman Claudia Tenney speaks during Tuesday’s Orleans County Legislature meeting.

ALBION – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney spent 2 ½ hours meeting with Orleans County legislators and department heads on Tuesday, hearing about the challenges of providing services in a rural county.

Orleans is part of the 24^th Congressional District in New York, which includes all or parts of 14 counties, stretching from Niagara County to northern New York.

Tenney praised the team of county legislators and department heads and said some of the successes in the county should be emulated around the state.

Orleans County, for example, has one of the lowest error rates in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Tenney said. The federal government funds SNAP, which provides low-income individuals and families with food benefits.

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 changed how SNAP is administered, with states penalized that exceed a 6 percent payment error rate.

Tenney, during Tuesday’s County Legislature meeting, said New York State has one of the highest error rates in the country, but counties like Orleans “are significantly less than the state.” She doesn’t want Orleans to be penalized based on the overall state’s error rate.

She said the new changes imposed by the federal government have put more workload on the county’s DSS staff. She favors giving the smaller counties more time to implement the changes.

Tenney said the county struggles to provide services due to a limited tax base and the crushing weight of state mandated programs, including Medicaid, which costs the county more than $8 million a year.

She would like to see the state rein in the costs of Medicaid without hurting needy people around the state.

County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson thanked Tenney for spending the afternoon in Albion meeting with the department heads and county legislators.

“You spent a lot of time in Orleans County and we can’t tell you how much we appreciate that,” Johnson said.

The congresswoman said the Orleans County team “is hitting it out of the park” for local residents, finding cost savings in providing local services.

Johnson, contacted today, said the county reached out to Tenney about stopping by and hearing the concerns from the county level.

“We appreciate her willingness to take the time to truly listen and better understand the priorities of Orleans County,” Johnson said. “She spent two and half hours meeting with our department heads and legislators, attentively hearing firsthand about the challenges and needs facing our community. Her thoughtful questions, engaged presence, and approachable demeanor made the discussion both meaningful and productive.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney complimented the county’s team of department heads and county legislators.

Pressure free throws lift Eagles past Irish

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 February 2026 at 9:16 pm

Clutch free throw shooting in the final 20 seconds earned Kendall a thrilling 67-64 victory over host Notre Dame in the Genesee Region League boys basketball season finale this evening.

Vinnie D’Agostino and CJ D’Agostino both made two pressure free throws in the final 20 seconds to earn the Eagles the narrow win.

CJ D’Agostino finished with a game high 24 points as Jonny Conte added 12, Noah Morehouse 10, Vinnie D’Agostino 8, Sammy Conte 7 and Ryan Gaesser 6.

TJ Cephus led the Irish with 16.

Kendall took an 18-13 first quarter lead but Notre Dame rallied back to grab a slender 30-28 advantage at the half.

The contest was deadlocked 49-49 at the end of the third period.

Kendall finishes the regular season at 14-6 and Notre Dame at 16-4.

New board members join Orleans Community Health Foundation

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 February 2026 at 8:55 pm

Provided photo: Six of the seven new board members of Orleans Community Health Foundation posed for a picture shortly after their election. From left are Kenny Bieber, Danielle Figura, Andrew Meier, Lisa Christiaansen, Jesse Cudzillo and Elizabeth Landis. Missing from photo is Jeff Pasnik.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation has elected seven new members to its board of directors for the 2026-2028 term.

“These individuals bring a broad range of professional expertise, community insight and a shared commitment to advancing health and wellness across Orleans County,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing for Orleans Community Health.

The newly appointment board members are Andrew Meier, business owner and attorney at Webster, Schubel and Meier; Lisa Christiaansen, co-owner of Mark’s Pizzeria; Jeff Pasnik, Council representative of North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters; Kenny Beiber, owner of Weed Man; Danielle Figura, director of Orleans County Mental Health Department; Jesse Cudzilo, CEO of Reneu Wellness Club and former director of the Orleans County YMCA; and Elizabeth Landis, assistant vice president of human resources at GOBEL.

Meier brings expertise in elder law, legal services, grant writing and a strong focus on the aging population. His strengths include fundraising and deep community connections.

Christiaansen offers a strong focus on services for families and the school population, with strengths in community outreach and local engagement.

Pasnik is focused on supporting services and families and is known for his active participation in community events and outreach efforts.

Beiber brings a valuable perspective on outreach to underserved areas, helping ensure the Foundation remains inclusive and responsive to community needs.

Figura collaborates with multiple agencies and organizations and brings strengths in identifying and supporting potential grant opportunities.

Cudzilo contributes a focus on wellness and engagement with health and wellness initiatives throughout the community.

Landis brings professional expertise in human resources and organizational leadership. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Medina, further strengthening the Foundation’s connection to community service and civic engagement.

“These new directors reflect the diversity, dedication and expertise of the communities we serve,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation. “Their collective strengths will help guide the Foundation’s mission and expand its impact across Orleans County.”

New board members join existing members – Jeanne Crane, president; Gloria Snyder, vice president; Clark Godshall, treasurer; Pamela Canham, secretary; Shannon Blount governing board chair; Marc Shurtz, OCH president/CEO; Matthew Backlas; Nicole Goyette; Matthew Kennedy; Barbara Outten; Scott Robinson; and Sandra Walter.

The Orleans County Health Foundation looks forward to the leadership and collaboration of its 2026-28 board as it continues to support programs and initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the region.

4 contractors submit bids for Maple Ridge Road pedestrian bridge, sidewalks

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2026 at 8:37 pm

Long-awaited project comes in under budget

Photos by Tom Rivers: A pedestrian bridge will soon be built across the Oak Orchard Creek along Maple Ridge Road (Route 31A) in Medina. This area will get about 2,000 feet of new sidewalks.

MEDINA – Four contractors submitted bids by today’s 3 p.m. deadline for a new pedestrian bridge and about 2,000 feet of sidewalks on Maple Ridge Road.

The bids were opened at the village office by Jason Watts, Medina’s superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

The bids include:

$837,448 by RJT Construction Services in Rochester
$943,088 by Keeler Construction in Barre
$977,000 by Rochester Earth Inc. in Churchville
$1,058,485 by C.P. Ward in Scottsville

The bids will be reviewed and the Village Board may choose the bidder during its meeting on Monday. Village officials were pleased with the bids, and said the project will be under budget.

The new bridge and sidewalks have been several years in the waiting. The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.

That is covering 80 percent of the project. The remaining 20 percent will be paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500). The money comes from a revolving loan fund that was administered by the Orleans Economic Development Agency. The state in 2019 required funds be ended with the money staying in the community for projects if they are for handicapped accessible initiatives or if they assist a neighborhood that is predominantly low-income.

The section of Maple Ridge Road by the creek has become busier with a housing development, several new businesses and also the GCC campus center. There are also about 200 available acres in the area being promoted for development by the EDA.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the project will make it much safer for residents and cyclists along that stretch of Maple Ridge. The spot by the creek, in particular, has a very narrow space for pedestrians and cyclists. The pedestrian bridge will be north of the busy road.

The sidewalks will go 200 feet east of the Intersection of Maple Ridge Road (NY 31A) and South Main Street (NY 63), and then to 1,900 feet east of the intersection of Maple Ridge Road (NY 31A) and South Main Street (NY 63).

The Barton & Loguidice firm worked on the design of the bridge, and worked to secure easements from utility companies and property owners.

Jason Watts, superintendent of the Medina Department of Public Works, opens bids from four contractors this afternoon. Miranda Herbert, the village’s deputy clerk, records the bid amounts.

Tigers down Saints in regular season finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 February 2026 at 8:25 pm

Closing out the regular season on a high note, Lyndonville downed host Lima Christian 60-57 in a non league boys basketball game this evening.

Lane Woodworth scored 21, Colton Smith 13 and Quincy McClinsey 10 to lead the Tigers.

Lyndonville built up a 37-22 half-time advantage as Woodworth tallied 15 during that stretch.

Still up 48-37 at the three-quarter mark, the Tigers had to turn back a fourth quarter comeback bid by the Saints which had a 20-12 scoring edge down the stretch.

McClinsey scored 6, Lyric Raduns 3, Atticus Mank 2 and Smith 1 in the final stanza to help the Tigers close out which proved to be a narrow win.

Lyndonville will take a 5-15 record into the upcoming Section V Class D playoffs.

Pembroke 50, Holley 34
Avante Walker scored 17, Cam Mosier 8 and Blake Coleman 5 for Holley in the Hawks 50-34 regular season ending Genesee Region League loss to Pembroke at Oakfield-Alabama.

N-O girls basketball teams will meet in two sectional opening contests

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 February 2026 at 2:22 pm

Four of the Niagara-Orleans League’s seven girls basketball teams will be colliding in the opening round of the Section VI playoffs.

In Class B, No. 12 Roy-Hart will visit No. 2 Akron and in Class C No. 14 Barker will visit No. 3 Wilson, both at noon on Saturday.

Also in Class B, No. 14 Medina will visit No. 3 Salamanca and No. 16 Newfane will visit No. 1 Olmstead, both at noon on Saturday.

In Class A2, No. 5 Albion will visit No. 4 Iroquois at 6 p.m. on Tuesday February 24. The winner will face top seeded Depew in the semifinals on Saturday February 28 at Buffalo State.

2 sentenced to state prison for crimes in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2026 at 2:08 pm

MEDINA – Two men from Medina were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Nasir Shine, 23, of Medina was sentenced to five years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision for possessing a weapon while on federal probation.

Shine allegedly had a Glock-style pistol with 21 bullets on Aug. 25, 2025. Medina police were dispatched to 751 Church St. that day after a caller reported a man had pulled a gun and threatened multiple individuals. Medina police detained Shine, who had the Glock-style pistol with an extended magazine in a backpack.

Shine was probation after being convicted in 2022 for being part of a fentanyl distribution network with his mother Ebony Shine and his brother Emmanual Taylor.

Another Medina man was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in prison for assault after allegedly stabbing another person on Nov. 7, 2024.

Deante Johnson, 22, was allegedly in a fight in the parking lots outside Cusimano’s Pizzeria and the Medina Inn on Maple Ridge Road. Johnson allegedly stabbed another person in the side who was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. That victim was treated and released.

Johnson’s case has been slowed in the court system after he spent 261 days in the Rochester Psychiatric Center after a psychiatric evaluation in January 2025 said he was incompetent to stand trial. He also has spent more than 200 days in the Orleans County Jail.

His attorney, Public Defender Joanne Best, asked Judge Church to give Johnson time served in the case and not have him go into the state prison system.

She said Johnson’s mental health is much improved, and he would stay on his medication and get counseling if he allowed to be in the community and not face additional incarceration

Judge Church said the state prison sentence of 1 ½ to 3 years was the minimum he could do given Johnson’s prior felony history for attempted assault in 2022.

The judge also revoked Johnson’s probation and sentenced him to 364 days in the county jail for violating probation. That sentence can be served concurrently with the state prison sentence. The judge said the time at the county jail and psychiatric center can count towards the sentence if that is deemed appropriate by the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.