By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2026 at 8:48 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has approved 2 percent raises for department heads and elected officials, with the increases starting June 1, 2026, and then in January 2027 and January 2028.
That matches what the county has offered in raises in recent years as part of its management compensation plan.
The raises were approved at last week’s County Legislature meeting.
“The Legislature desires to control costs and provide certainty for the budget process as it relates to compensation for management and elected officials,” according to a resolution that passed unanimously.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2026 at 8:56 pm
GCEDC calls pause on new projects ‘egregious infringement on our local decision-making rights’
The State Legislature is expected to pass a moratorium on new data centers, pausing projects for a year.
The Assembly and Senate could vote on the moratorium this week, and if it passes would then go to the governor.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center is working to site a nearly $20 billion data center at the STAMP site in the town of Alabama.
That project has been bitterly opposed by many environmentalists due to its presence by the wildlife refuge. The neighboring Tonawanda Indian Nation also has railed against the project, claiming it would be disruptive to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.
The GCEDC said the data center would bring about $700 million in municipal revenues over the next 30 years. Building the data center is expected to employ 1,200 construction workers over five years, with 125 employees then working at the site.
The project seeks about $1.4 billion in sales tax exemptions – $715,944,000 locally and $715,944,000 to the state. Stream also is seeking an exemption on the 1.0 percent mortgage tax, which totals over $31 million with $15,613,500 each locally and to the state.
STREAM US Data Centers would operate on 90 acres out the 1,250 acres at STAMP, and would consume 500 megawatts of electricity.
Mark Masse, president and CEO of GCEDC, issued this statement today about the roposed legislation for a moratorium on data centers:
“The proposed data center moratorium legislation is yet another effort by the New York State Legislature to thwart home rule and local decision making.
“In this instance, the data center project at the Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama could potentially have shovels in the ground in a matter of weeks pending local government approvals.
“The legislation requires the development of regulations to mitigate environmental impacts and to assess any cost increases to electricity customers due to power consumption.
“The proposed STREAM US Data Centers project is undergoing a thorough and rigorous environmental review.
“It has already been established that electric usage would not have any impact on residential utility bills, water consumption and discharge would be minimal due to a closed loop cooling system, the backup power source consists of a single propane generator per building, there would be minimal displacement of wildlife and while up to three studies are ongoing to assess noise impacts, information to date indicates that noise levels would meet all applicable local noise thresholds.
“If this legislation passes and prevents this development from moving forward at this stage, it would be an egregious infringement on our local decision-making rights.”
Democrats in the state Senate and Assembly want a one-year pause of new data centers so the state has time to enact strict regulations around their operations and energy use. Legislators want assurances the data centers and their massive energy consumption won’t spike rates for other users and won’t overwhelm the power grid.
If enacted, New York would be the first with a state-wide temporary ban on new large-scale data centers.
Congresswoman says former governor misled Congress about nursing home directive
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), today led a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting a status update and urging the Department of Justice to act on the criminal referral of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for allegedly making false statements to Congress regarding his administration’s handling of nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The referral, originally transmitted by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, stems from testimony Governor Cuomo provided before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic during its investigation into New York’s March 25, 2020 nursing home directive and the subsequent coverup of nursing home fatalities.
The Select Subcommittee reviewed approximately 550,000 pages of documents and conducted numerous witness interviews, ultimately concluding that substantial evidence exists indicating Cuomo made multiple materially false statements to Congress concerning his involvement in drafting a New York State Department of Health report, the report’s purported peer review process, and the role of outside individuals and organizations in shaping its conclusions.
The letter highlights the devastating impact of the nursing home directive, which resulted in more than 9,000 COVID-positive patients being admitted or readmitted to nursing homes, and notes that families across New York continue to seek answers and accountability for the loss of their loved ones.
“Thousands of New York families suffered unimaginable loss during the pandemic and deserve the truth about the decisions that were made and the actions that followed,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The evidence assembled by Congress raises serious concerns that former Governor Cuomo knowingly misled Congress while under oath in an effort to avoid accountability for one of the most consequential public health failures in New York history. No one is above the law, regardless of their position or political ambitions. The Department of Justice must follow the facts, provide transparency regarding this referral, and ensure that the American people can have confidence that justice is applied equally to everyone.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 June 2026 at 12:55 pm
Contributed Photo – Mia Herman
Barker High graduate and SUNY Niagara sophomore Mia Herman has been named to the All Western New York Athletic Conference softball squad.
Herman, who has been a two-year starter in the outfield for the Thunderwolves, has been named to the All-WNYAC second team.
On the season, she hit .338 with 2 doubles, 15 runs batted in, 11 stolen bases and 25 runs scored.
During her scholastic days at Barker she earned first team Niagara-Orleans All League honors her senior year.
The Thunderwolves posted a 13-20 overall record and competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Sub Regional. It was the Thunderwolves first double digit win season and first playoff appearance since 2023.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2026 at 9:32 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Clarendon Deputy Town Supervisor Allen Robinson, left, and Town Supervisor Marc Major stand by a new defibrillator, first aid station and emergency handbook at the Clarendon Town Hall. It is located inside the town courtroom.
Clarendon also has a Narcan kit among the emergency supplies.
The Clarendon Lions Club contributed $1,000 towards the new defibrillator. The Lions Club meets at the Town Hall and wanted to support the town for making the space available to the club.
The town also paid $800 and tapped into a $1,895 grant from AEDGrant.com. Town Supervisor Marc Major wrote the application in November and the grant was approved in December. The new defibrillator has a battery that lasts seven years. The defibrillator replaces one that had expired.
Major, a longtime Clarendon firefighter, also wanted a Narcan kit. He said he has administered that several times as a firefighter to someone having an overdose.
“If you can help somebody we’re lucky we can do it,” said Robinson.
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will host a free Lunch & Learn for individuals interested in becoming Certified Family or Youth Advocates on Tuesday, June 16, at 12 p.m. at the Crickler Executive Business Center, 319 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY.
The free informational session is designed for people who want to use their lived experience to support families, youth, and their community. Attendees will learn about the certification process, the role of Family and Youth Advocates, and how advocacy work can help others navigate challenges while building valuable skills and creating paid opportunities.
Registration is required with a light lunch provided. For more information, contact rfrank@wnyil.org or call (585)815-8501, x406.
About Independent Living of the Genesee Region
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is part of the WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies—a peer-directed organization dedicated to breaking down barriers, promoting civil rights, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. WNYIL achieves this through relentless advocacy, strong partnerships, impactful programs, responsible practices, and the incorporation of individual life experiences. For more information, visit: ILGR.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is demanding action to combat New York’s physician workforce shortage by addressing administrative backlogs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Currently, an administrative bottleneck within HHS’ Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is preventing hundreds of qualified, foreign-trained physicians from beginning their service around the United States, including at healthcare facilities in some of New York’s most rural and medically underserved areas.
“International medical graduates are absolutely critical to New York’s physician workforce, especially in rural areas of our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s healthcare providers cannot afford to lose qualified doctors to administrative red tape. I’m urging HHS to immediately address these backlogs so that New Yorkers can get the high-quality care that they deserve.”
International medical graduates make up over one-third of New York’s physician workforce, more than in nearly every other state. Persistent clinician shortages, which have been reported at medical centers across New York, have a devastating impact on patient care, increasing wait times, delaying patient care, and overburdening providers.
Physician shortages are particularly acute in New York’s rural and medically underserved areas. As Senator Gillibrand notes in her letter, “A 2025 report highlights that 16 of the state’s rural counties face alarming gaps in care, with several counties lacking even a single pediatrician or OB-GYN. On average, these counties have only four primary care physicians per 10,000 residents, which is less than half the statewide ratio.”
To improve care in these areas, New York hospitals rely on the J-1 visa waiver program, which allows international medical graduates to waive their two-year home residency requirement and stay in the United States if they commit to working in a Health Professional Shortage Area. However, monthslong delays processing J-1 waiver recommendations is exacerbating physician shortages, preventing hundreds of qualified physicians from beginning their service and creating challenges for New York hospitals creating staffing plans for the upcoming year. HHS has not provided a timeline for improvements of this process.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 June 2026 at 10:50 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina first baseman Cam Fike stretches to get the out on Bath Haverling’s Dylan Wenban during the Mustangs state Sub Regional victory this evening at Frontier High.
Clearing state baseball tournament hurdle No. 1, Medina downed Bath Haverling 5-1 in a Class B Sub Regional contest this evening at Frontier High School.
Preston Woodworth hurled a 1 hitter with 10 strikeouts on the mound for the Mustangs. “My fastball was working pretty well,” he said. “I was starting them with the fastball and putting them away with the slider.”
Preston Woodworth hurled a 1 hitter for the Mustangs.
Offensively, 8 players contributed to the Mustangs attack as Hadrian Batista had 2 hits and Aidan Papaj, Vinny Gray, Woodworth, Cam Fike, Kolton Fletcher, Carlos Doval and Ryan Pegelow each had 1.
“We’re putting the ball in play,” said Woodworth. “We’ve really improved so much.”
“We got it done,” added Papaj of the balanced offense. “We definitely picked it up for sure.”
Medina took the lead for good by scoring two quick runs in the first inning on RBI doubles by Woodworth and Fike.
“This win is a big step for us,” said Fike.
The Mustangs tacked on solo runs in the second inning on an RBI single by Gray, in the fifth on an RBI double by Doval and in the sixth on an RBI sacrifice fly by Fike. A single by Pegelow helped set up the second inning tally as did a single by Batista in the fifth.
Haverling’s run came on a balk call with two out in the seventh inning.
Medina will next face a familiar foe in the state Class B quarterfinals on Saturday at 1 p.m. back at Frontier High as the Mustangs will take on Oneonta (Section IV). Oneonta nipped the Mustangs 2-1 in last year’s regional at Frontier High. Oneonta defeated Bishop Ludden (Section III) 14-4 in another Sub Regional today.
Medina’s Ryan Pegelow is safe at second base before Haverling’s Dylan Wenban could get the ball.
Medina’s Aidan Papaj dives back to first base as Haverling’s Lukas Wightman awaits the throw.
Provided photo: Orleans Ready Mix donated all of the concrete, labor and topsoil required for a 60-foot-long ADA-accessible concrete pathway to the Marcy Mruczek Pavilion.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
LYNDONVILLE – Camp Rainbow is celebrating a significant accessibility enhancement thanks to the generosity and dedication of local community members and businesses.
On May 28, a new ADA-compliant sidewalk and concrete patio were completed at the Marcy Mruczek Pavilion, ensuring greater accessibility for campers of all abilities. The project was organized by Dr. Arthur “Doc” Mruczek, Sr., MD and his wife, Donna Dean Mruczek, who served on the board for 5 years and understand the importance of accessibility.
The Marcy Mruczek Pavilion was originally dedicated in 2012 in memory of Marcy Mruczek, who served as a counselor at Camp Rainbow for three years. The pavilion itself was constructed by Terry Garrigan Builders, a company specializing in pole barn construction.
The Mruczek family’s connection to Camp Rainbow extends beyond Marcy’s service as a counselor. Dr. and Donna Mruczek’s daughter, Patty, enjoyed Camp Rainbow and benefited from its programs and services. Their personal connection to the camp and appreciation for the opportunities it provides inspired their commitment to ensuring that all campers can fully access and enjoy the camp experience.
Located adjacent to Camp Rainbow’s athletic area, the pavilion serves as an important gathering and respite space for campers. Its shaded setting provides a comfortable place for individuals to rest, cool down, socialize, and enjoy camp activities while remaining close to the action. The newly completed project includes a five-foot-wide, 60-foot-long ADA-accessible concrete pathway leading directly to the pavilion, along with a concrete patio beneath the structure. These improvements ensure that campers who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices can safely and comfortably access and enjoy the space.
Dr. Mruczek said, “Marcy loved Camp Rainbow, and providing accessible access for all campers is a meaningful way to honor her memory and ensure everyone can enjoy this special place.”
The project was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Orleans Ready Mix. Owner Reginald Cichocki donated all of the concrete, labor, and topsoil required for the project. Additional support was provided by volunteers Brian Breuilly and James Klafehn, along with mason and laborer Jordan Heye, and Arc GLOW’s Facilities Manager, Joe Goewey, all of whom generously donated their time, expertise, and labor to bring the project to completion.
Camp Rainbow and Arc GLOW extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this important accessibility improvement possible.
Their commitment and generosity will help ensure that Camp Rainbow remains a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can enjoy meaningful recreational experiences for years to come.
About Camp Rainbow
Camp Rainbow is Arc GLOW’s summer camp program serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The camp provides recreational opportunities, social connections, skill-building experiences, and lifelong memories in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Arc GLOW is a public non-profit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Orleans Ready Mix donated resources to the project.
Call Charlie! also hauled materials for the improvement project.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 June 2026 at 10:32 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Sammy Conte tries to turn a double play during this afternoon’s state Sub Regional victory. He got the out on Gowanda’s Seth Geiger as Jonny Conte backs up the play.
Avenging an 8-1 loss in last year’s regional, Kendall bested Gowanda by a similar score of 8-0 in a Class C state baseball tournament Sub Regional contest this afternoon at Hamburg High School.
Nic Cole hurled the shutout scattering 5 hits and striking out 7. He registered his milestone 300th career strikeout in the fifth inning.
“I was mixing them really well,” said Cole of his pitches.
Nic Cole hurled Kendall to the shutout win.
Vinnie D’Agostino banged out 3 hits, CJ D’Agostino and Sammy Conte 2 each and Jacob Abrams, Cole and Mikey Colucci 1 each to lead the Eagles offense.
“It feels great,” said Vinnie D’Agostino of the win. “We really wanted revenge.”
The Eagles scored the only run they would need as it turned out in the second inning on an RBI sacrifice fly by Andrew D’Agostino. An error, a single by Abrams and a walk had loaded the bases to set up the opportunity.
Kendall then opened up some breathing room by erupting for 4 runs in the third inning on a two-run error, a bases loaded walk and an RBI sacrifice fly by Andrew D’Agostino. Singles by Vinnie D’Agostino and Sammy Conte and an error loaded the bases to set up the threat.
‘”That was really big getting those four runs,” said Cole.
The Eagles later capped off the win with 3 runs in the top of the seventh inning on RBI singles by Andrew D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino and a wild pitch. A single by Cole and a double by Colucci set up the scoring chance.
The victory propels Kendall into Saturday’s state quarterfinal game against Beaver River (Section III) at 4 p.m. at Frontier High School. Beaver River downed Charles O. Dickerson High from Trumansburg (Section IV) 14-1 in another Sub Regional today.
Kendall third baseman Vinnie D’Agostino tags out Gowanda’s Kyan Austin trying to go to third.
Kendall’s Mikey Colucci dives safely back to second base on a run down play avoiding the tag attempt by Gowanda’s Nich Smuda.
WAHSINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced that her office will host a webinar with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The AFG Program provides much-needed assistance to firefighters and first responders, helping fire departments and emergency response organizations fund training, equipment, protective gear, vehicles, and other critical resources.
The program is administered by FEMA and is designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and enhance public safety in communities across the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from a FEMA Fire Program who will provide guidance on the current grant application process and answer questions from prospective applicants.
“Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This webinar will help connect local departments and emergency personnel with federal resources that can strengthen their operations and better equip them to serve the people of Upstate New York.”
What: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Webinar
Interested participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance to ensure the presentation can be tailored to specific areas of interest. Questions may be submitted by email with your RSVP.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the results of a survey to collect feedback from nearly 600 educators statewide at the conclusion of New York’s first phone-free school year — and the numbers speak for themselves.
Teachers overwhelmingly report that without smartphone distractions their students are more active in class discussion, more engaged with their peers, and more focused on their assignments.
Schools across New York State implemented one of the nation’s strongest phone-free policies at the start of the school year in September 2025, in line with the requirements of the distraction-free schools law that was enacted by Governor Hochul in May 2025.
“I successfully fought for New York schools to go phone-free because our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling – and these survey results show our nation-leading policy is working,” said Governor Hochul. “Teachers overwhelmingly report that without constant smartphone distractions, students are more focused on learning and more engaged with their peers. These are results we can all be proud of, and I congratulate New York students and educators as we near the end of an outstanding school year.”
End-of-Year Survey Results
The Governor’s Office received 585 total responses, representing all regions across the state, grade levels, and roles in schools, to its end-of-year survey on distraction-free learning.
Some key takeaways from the results included:
Overwhelmingly positive reception: 80% said that implementing a phone-free policy has delivered positive results for their school.
Classroom behavior and engagement: 76% reported positive changes in classroom behavior, such as improved attention, respect for peers, and following directions, and 76% said student engagement increased. The most commonly observed forms of engagement were more active participation in discussions (311 respondents), improved peer collaboration (282), and better focus on assignments (273).
Educators reported improved effectiveness: 75% said their ability to teach effectively improved.
Social connections improved, bullying declined: 80% saw student social connections improve. 60% reported a decline in bullying and cyberbullying incidents.
More specific positive feedback included:
Teacher in the Capital Region: “Great improvement. Stick to your beliefs on this one. It is working. Kids are actually socializing, talking, discussing and it is really good to see.”
School support staff in Western New York: “It is just so wonderful seeing kids being kids again. Without the draw to the cell phone, the students are engaging with each other again. It is so heartwarming to watch!”
School Administrator on Long Island: “This has taught students to focus better and to be without their phones. It has encouraged more collaboration during free time (i.e. students playing board games with one another in the cafeteria)”
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Every student deserves a learning environment that is engaging and designed to support their success. Providing access to schools that support student focus helps ensure that students can fully participate in high-quality instruction, build meaningful connections with their peers and educators, and develop the knowledge and skills they need for the future. We remain committed to supporting efforts that foster positive school climates where teaching and learning remain at the center of the educational experience.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 June 2026 at 11:58 am
Provided photo: Volunteers join students with disabilities as they parade in the Special Tracks event Thursday at Wise Intermediate School.
MEDINA – The 2026 Special Tracks event took place at Wise Intermediate School on Thursday afternoon, with 49 kids signing up to participate.
Special Tracks for children with disabilities has taken place in Medina since 2006, with the exception of 2020 because of Covid restrictions.
Mary Lou Tuohey, whose daughter Nicole was born with Triple X Syndrone, first learned about Special Tracks when Nicole attended Summit Educational School in Amherst.
“They did Special Tracks there, but there was nothing like that here then for special education kids. I talked to the school here, but they said they couldn’t afford it,” Tuohey said. “Then the PTSA stepped in and did fund-raising for the event.”
Now Debbie Tompkins, secretary at the High School, funds it, Tuohey said.
Travis Phillips and Alex DiLaura now coordinate the event, and Tuohey supports it in the background, she said.
Tuohey said participation in Special Tracks has steadily increased. Students get to choose three events in which to take part. Choices are 40-, 60- and 100-meter runs, softball throw, distance kick, standing and running long jump and relay race. Favorite events are the 40-meter run, distance kick and softball throw, Tuohey said.
Each student gets a ribbon for each event in which they participate, a medal and certificate with their name, event and date on it. Participants also get a cookie from Hans’s Bakery and free pizza.
Buddy volunteers are sought for each child.
“It’s a lot of fun to see the kids’ faces when they compete,” Tuohey said. “Even if they don’t win, they get a ribbon and a T-shirt which reads, ‘Special Tracks’”. They get so excited.”
Originally, Special Tracks was managed by Pam Maryjanowski, retired gym teacher at Medina Central School. Maryjanowski has always had an interest in children and adults with special needs. Early in her career, she was instrumental in getting sleds built by inmates at the prison for sled hockey participants. She also ran the Special Olympics for a number of years. She just returned from Nassau County where she attended their physical challenge games. She directed the special games at Brockport for 14 years. As a graduate student, it was her job to organize the games at Brockport, she said.
Maryjanowski retired from the Medina School System six years ago, but continues to support games for the physically challenged.
“I’m happy to see Special Tracks still going,” she said. “I am thrilled there are still people willing to organize and recruit volunteers for this program.”
