By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2026 at 2:53 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Today was the annual Orleans County household hazardous waste collection event and about 525 to 550 residents signed up for the chance to get rid of old tires and leftover chemicals, batteries, oil and solvents.
The top photo shows Henry Haiens of Albion getting rid of a trailer load of old tires with help from Kevin Herring (center), an Orleans County Building and Grounds employee, and Devin Bruno, a motor equipment operator with the county Highway Department.
Andy Beach, a MEO in the Highway Department, uses a loader to move bigger farm tractor tires. Today’s collection for the first time allowed the larger tractor tires and also took tires that were on the rim.
The county contracts with Modern Disposal Services to take away the tires. The local towns dropped off tires earlier in the week. Corey Winters, director of the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development, said he expects the pile had about 7,000 tires. The Planning Department manages the annual household hazardous waste and tire collection.
The event also for the first time was held at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office on County House Road, which was spread out with more space compared to the Orleans County Highway Department in the village of Albion.
Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at the household hazardous waste collection event at the EMO site.
More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.
Residents were able to safely get rid of pesticides, motor oil & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, and empty propane tanks.
The county typically pays the company about $18,000 to collect and remove the household hazardous waste, with the state then reimbursing the county about half of the costs. The tire removal is a separate contract with Modern Disposal Services.
At left showcases January from the 2026 Orleans County Calendar featuring “Winter Wonderland at Medina Falls” by Robyn Ottaviano, while the photo at right shows February, featuring “Year Round Travelers” of a horse and buggy passing by the Lyndonville Shoe Tree. Photo by Isabella Zasa.
Press Release, Orleans County Tourism
ALBION – Orleans County Tourism has opened its annual call for photo submissions, encouraging the community and visitors to share their favorite images of the county.
Selected photographs may be featured in the organization’s 2027 marketing materials, including the travel guide, calendar, fishing calendar, social media and other promotional campaigns.
Submitted photographs must be taken within Orleans County and highlight a tourism-focused subject, such as the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, museums and historic sites, outdoor recreation, natural scenery, annual events or other attractions. Images should capture the destinations, experiences and landscapes that showcase what makes Orleans County a fun and memorable place to visit.
Images selected for use will receive appropriate credit. Those chosen to represent a month in the 2027 calendar or featured on the travel guide cover will also receive an Orleans County Tourism swag bag. Individuals whose images appear in the calendar will receive five complimentary copies.
Entries must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2026, via email or mail. The official rules and entry forms can be downloaded by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2026 at 4:45 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation last week where the County Legislature proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month in Orleans County.
From left from the Department of Social Services include Commissioner Shirley Mazourek, Child Support Specialist Corina DeFilipps, and Senior Child Support Specialist Danielle Kickbush.
In the proclamation, legislators state that the county is committed to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of children.
“Parents have the most critical role in the development of their children, and an obligation to provide safe, loving and secure environments in which their children can grow and flourish,” the proclamation states.
Parents have an obligation to support their children, financially and emotionally, legislators said.
The county’s Child Support Enforcement Program and child support professionals play a vital role in assisting parents in achieving and maintaining economic security for their children, the proclamation states.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2026 at 1:45 pm
Assemblyman says Orleans ‘has played a vital role in shaping the economic, agricultural, and civic life of New York State and the nation’
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley last week presented a formal proclamation to the Orleans County legislature in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Pictured form left include Assemblyman Hawley, County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, County Historian Catherine Cooper and Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson.
Orleans County was established in 1825 and is situated along the historic corridor of the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario, the proclamation notes.
The county “has played a vital role in agricultural and civic life in New York State and the nation,” Hawley states in the proclamation. “Generations of residents of Orleans County have answered the call of service, contributing to the defense of our freedoms in every major conflict in American history and continuing to uphold the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and duty that define our nation.”
He also praises the Orleans County’s “rich agricultural heritage that has helped feed New York State and beyond, strengthening local economies while preserving the traditions of hard work, stewardship of the land, and community resilience that remain central to the American identity.”
Orleans County’s towns and villages also have long embodied the spirit of American self-government through strong local leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, and a commitment to preserving history while preparing future generations for success, Hawley said.
“As the nation reflects on 250 years of progress, challenges, and shared achievement, Orleans County stands as a testament to the strength of small communities in shaping the broader story of New York State and the United States of America,” Hawley states in the proclamation.
He also presented a 250th anniversary proclamation to the Genesee County Legislature and will be presenting one to Monroe County officials on Aug. 14 at the Town of Clarkson’s Good Neighbor Day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2026 at 9:36 am
Some residents say tower fall zone at water treatment plant includes private access road
Photo by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Rick Stacey on Monday tells the Carlton Planning Board his shares his concerns about a new 150-foot-high tower that is planned on land by the Village of Albion Water Treatment Plant on Wilson Road in Carlton. From left include Planning Board members Valerie Beam, Robert VanWuyckhuyse, Chairman Bill Quaranto, secretary Brenda Mufford and member David Warren.
Stacey said neighbors weren’t notified of the project, and the fall zone for the tower cuts across a private access road for Oak Orchard on the Lake.
Contractors are already on site working on the project, and have used private land without permission to access the site, Stacey said.
The Town of Carlton Planning Board on Monday approved a revised site plan that now uses the driveway for the Village of Albion Water Treatment Plant as the access road. The board approved a special use permit, too. The rest of the project hasn’t been changed from the site plan approved on April 1 by the Carlton Planning Board.
The tower is part of a $11,216,500 contract from North Shore Networks LLC in Medina to implement the faster internet service. The county in November 2024 was awarded a $11,562,698 state grant to upgrade wireless internet service throughout the county.
The funding came through the Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. This will allow the county to increase wireless internet speeds from the current 25 Mega Bit Per Seconds (Mbps) to 100 (Mbps).
There are currently 19 towers for the high-speed internet system. There are new towers planned for Carlton and Ridgeway, as well as equipment to go on a grain silo in Clarendon.
Stacey, however, said the Carlton site is on a village-owned property that doesn’t allow a fall zone without going onto neighboring private property. He addressed the board on Monday, sharing concerns from four other property owners as well – David Coleman, Gary and Ruth Smith, Steve Nesbitt, and Brett and Arora Browning.
He asked the Carlton Planning Board to order an immediate stop work order on the construction, saying it’s a clear violation of the 1 ½ times fall zone violation.
Stacey said there is a 34-foot survey boundary discrepancy that puts the fall zone on private property. He asked for the town attorney to initiate an independent review of the survey discrepancy. He also said the town faces legal exposure because code enforcement officer Kevin Sheehan lacked the certification to approve the project. Sheehan also has a conflict of interest as a trustee for the Village of Albion, which owns the land and the water treatment plant, Stacey said.
He requested the full public record for all Carlton building permits, environmental reviews for the project and the precise grant application layout that was submitted to the state.
Planning Board Chairman Bill Quaranto said Monday’s meeting wasn’t a public hearing. He gave Stacey five minutes to present his comments, but stopped him after five minutes.
When the board went through a lengthy resolution to approve the project with a revised plan for the access road, Stacey interjected there were legitimate safety concerns for residents. If the tower falls, it could block the access road for Oak Orchard on the Lake, Stacey said.
Town Attorney Bridget O’Toole warned him more than once to refrain from making further comments because it wasn’t a public hearing.
Stacey, after the meeting, said he intends to file an injunction and seek to have the project stopped at the current location. He said there other spots in Carlton where the tower could meet the network needs, including by co-locating on a tower on McCutcheon Road near Kendrick Road.
The Planning Board in its resolution on Monday said the location by the water treatment plant is within “the technically feasible area necessary to provide the intended broadband service and line-of-sight microwave backhaul.”
The county evaluated other suitable structures and existing towers or co-location but with the Carlton site there was no existing structure to provide both the required wireless coverage and line-of-sight connectivity to adjacent wireless hub sites, according to the Carlton Planning Board resolution.
“The municipal utility site is the most appropriate reasonably available location based upon the network design, existing public infrastructure, municipal ownership, surrounding land uses and available space for the facility and required fall zone,” according to the resolution passed by the Carlton Planning Board.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2026 at 8:46 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, presents a proclamation last week to Eddie Eagle, a gun safety mascot, that designates August 2026 as “Firearm Safety Awareness Month.” They are joined by Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director.
The Eddie Eagle mascot was developed by the National Rifle Association to teach children about gun safety.
The proclamation from the County legislature states that firearm safety is a “shared responsibility” among firearm owners, families, educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, sportsmen, firearm instructors, retailers and community organizations.
Responsible firearm ownership includes safe handling, secure firearm storage and child access prevention, the proclamation states.
“Orleans County supports educational efforts that encourage lawful firearm ownership, promote responsible firearm ownership and handling, responsible hunting traditions, recreational shooting safety, suicide prevention awareness, secure firearm storage, and the protection of children and vulnerable individuals,” the proclamation states.
County legislators said Firearm Safety Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness, promote voluntary safe storage practices, encourage community education, and strengthen partnerships dedicated to preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths through education and responsible ownership.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2026 at 8:03 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a proclamation to the team at Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center, which recently earned the designation of “Wound Care Center of Distinction” by Healogics.
The Wond Care team includes program director Lisa Albanese, medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, clinical nurse manager Teresa Clark, nurse practitioner Amanda McDonald, RN Kristen Warriner, LPN Melissa Neuman and office manager Budena Hess.
This is the second time, the Wound Care Center has been designated a “Center of Distinction” by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care. The honor was earned for having achieved 82% wound mix adjusted CHR with a patient satisfaction rating of 96%.
The Wound Care Center has grown from a small program operating just two days a week into a four-day-a-week center. Patients who once had to travel out of county to get this kind of care can now receive it at Medina Memorial.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2026 at 10:03 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature and District Attorney Susan Howard, second from right, last week presented “Commendations of Excellency” to first responders and investigators in a Medina arson case.
Zachary Natale, 32, of Medina pleaded guilty to the crime and on April 1 was sentenced to 13 years in state prison by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church. Natale also was ordered to pay $270,000 in restitution.
Natale admitted to setting a fire on Dec. 17, 2024 at 207 Bates Rd. That fire forced a mother and her 9-year-old son to evacuate.
Howard during the April 1 sentencing said Natale caused a “terrifying, horrifying ordeal” for the victims where they could have been killed, and also put local firefighters in danger.
Howard and County Legislator Skip Draper, right, praised the first responders for preventing a loss of life from the blaze. Howard and Draper also commended law enforcement and fire investigators for their work which led to a conviction in the case.
Pictured from left include: officer Dustin Meredith – Medina Police Department, Sargeant Jonathon McManus – Medina Police Department, Investigator Chris Seefeldt – Medina Fire Department, Investigator Jacob Crooks – Medina Fire Department, Chief Steven Cooley – Medina Fire Department, Investigator Scott Kuhlmey – Erie County Sheriff’s Department with K-9 Clipper, Investigator Dave Clary – Orleans County Emergency Management, Investigator Brian Marsceill – Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney Susan Howard, and Legislator Skip Draper.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2026 at 4:00 pm
County accepts $1.5 million electrical bid for project after $4.8 million in bids approved in April
File photo by Tom Rivers: The current emergency management office was built as an early 1960s bomb shelter. It has a leaking roof and a shortage of space.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has accepted a $1.5 million electrical bid, the last piece for a new Emergency Management Office.
The Legislature on April 28 accepted three bids for nearly $5 million for the project: $3,931,000 for general construction by the Watson Construction Group Inc. of Albion; $360,000 for plumbing/fire protection by McGrain Mechanical of Rochester; and $547,500 to McGrain Mechanical of Rochester for HVAC.
An electrical bid was approved on Tuesday for $1,525,000 from the Watson Construction Group Inc. of Albion.
That puts the total construction expense at $6,363,500.
The new building will be one-story and 7,700 square feet. It was downsized from a proposal for a 17,000-square-foot building. Initially county officials sought a new building that was 11,000 square feet for offices and classrooms, and another 5,600 square feet for equipment storage. That complex would have topped $12 million.
The county has been awarded a $2 million federal grant secured by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
The new building will be west of the current structure that is about 3,000 square feet. Most of the current EMO building is underground and is prone to flooding after heavy rains. It isn’t handicapped accessible and is tight on space. County officials eventually want to have that building demolished but that isn’t part of the construction bids.
The new building will include offices for the EMO’s three full-time staff, a classroom for training for firefighters and other first responders, and space to have the backup 911 dispatch system.
ALBION – Orleans County is now accepting applications for New York State Office of Children and Family Services grant funds related to Youth Development Programming (YDP), Youth Team Sports (YTS) and Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF). Funding for the new program year runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Kelly Kiebala, Orleans County Youth Bureau administrator, said there are separate applications and required documents for each funding source which can be found on the Youth Bureau website at https://www.orleanscountyny.gov/youth.
Kiebala said the Youth Bureau will be holding a workshop on Wednesday, August 12th from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Administration Building in Albion for anyone interested in applying. To register for the workshop or for assistance in filling out the application and any related questions, please call 585-589-2767 or email OrleansCountyYouthBureau@orleanscountyny.gov.
“We want to ensure that youth organizations across the county that provide such valuable services to our young people pursue this funding, and we particularly encourage groups that have never applied before to do so,” said Kiebala. “If you are considering submitting a grant application, I hope you give strong consideration to attending our workshop so we can help you through the process.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 9:49 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature this afternoon approved a new five-year contract with 160 employees in the CSEA union, giving them a significant pay boost.
Under the agreement, employees will receive an immediate wage increase of 2 percent for 2026 and then 2 percent in 2027, combined with shifting steps, resulting in a 4.7 percent increase.
Then employees will receive a 2 percent increase every six months until the end of the agreement.
The county was on the low end of the pay scale with neighboring counties, including about $2 per hour less than next door Genesee County, said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer.
The CSEA union represents most of the county employees outside of the Sheriff’s Department. The contract was overwhelmingly ratified by CSEA members. The agreement runs retroactively from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2030.
“We value our workforce and believe these are reasonable and necessary increases that will help Orleans County remain competitive with surrounding counties, recruit and retain qualified employees, and ensure the continued delivery of the vital public services county residents rely upon,” Welch said. “We also believe the agreement is mindful of taxpayers and the need to remain under the property tax cap.”
The new agreement builds upon the parties’ previous one-year contract, which transitioned employees to the New York State Health Insurance Program and resulted in significant health insurance savings for the county and the employees.
The agreement also adds CSEA Employee Benefit Fund dental and vision plans to the contract for the first time, with the county paying for individual vision coverage while employees can pay for family coverage and have the option to purchase dental coverage themselves through payroll deductions.
The agreement also allows part-time employees, who were not previously included in the regular salary step process, to advance through the salary schedule based on their compensated hours.
“This agreement reflects the strong communication between our negotiating team and the membership throughout the process,” said CSEA Orleans County Unit President Heather Jackson. “Our members remained engaged, shared their priorities and helped us shape an agreement that recognizes their years of service and the value of the work they perform for Orleans County every day.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2026 at 9:12 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Tracy Chalker, Clarendon highway supervisor, said the town’s costs are up significantly for plowing and salting roads.
CLARENDON – The 10 towns in Orleans County are seeking a 30 percent increase for plowing and salting county roads.
Orleans County currently pays the towns $7,218 per mile in an agreement that ends Dec. 31. That price however isn’t nearly enough to cover the towns’ expense for plowing and salting, said Tracy Chalker, the Clarendon highway superintendent. He also is president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
Chalker said the costs of fuel, salt, labor and plow trucks have all increased dramatically since the last agreement was approved five years ago.
The towns aren’t seeking to make money by plowing the roads for the county, but they do want to cover their costs, Chalker told the Clarendon Town Board on Tuesday.
“We’re not looking to make a profit but the Town of Clarendon and the other towns shouldn’t have to eat the costs for the county,” Chalker said.
Clarendon plows 14.94 miles of county roads, for 29.88 lane miles. Those roads include Upper Holley Road, South Holley Road, Fancher Road, Hindsburg Road and section of New Guinea Road.
The highway department did 150 plow runs last winter, using 6,723 pounds of salt every time on the county roads, Chalker said.
He tallied the costs at $123,798 for the 14.94 miles for a per mile cost of $8,286. Chalker said those calculations are light on the total expense because employee benefits aren’t included.
The towns are seeking a 30 percent increase or $2,165 more per mile in 2027, for $9,383. They then want a 5 percent increase each following year in the five-year agreement.
The $7,218 rate per mile adds up to $107,836 for Clarendon, leaving a significant deficit, Chalker said.
Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer, has shared a letter with the 10 towns, listing what other nearby counties pay towns for plowing and salting. Welch said Orleans County is paying slightly more than other counties. Welch reported the following: Orleans at $7,218; Monroe at $7,010; Genesee at $6,954; Wyoming at $7,000; and Ontario at $6,954.
Clarendon officials noted that most other nearby counties share far more in sales tax than Orleans County does with towns and villages. Orleans hasn’t increased the share to municipalities since 2001.
The Clarendon Town Board passed a formal resolution on Tuesday seeking the 30 percent increase for 2027 to plow and salt county roads, with 5 percent increases to follow from 2028 to 2031. Clarendon and the other towns also are seeking a 30 percent increase in mowing the sides of county roads. They are currently paid $759 per mile.
“I think that’s reasonable because the county isn’t sharing the sales tax,” Town Councilman Chris Caufield said about the 30 percent increase.
The county currently doesn’t have plow trucks or the personnel to plow and salt their own roads. Chalker said the towns just want a fair deal to cover their costs.
“We want to stay on good terms with the county,” he said. “We want to work with them. We don’t want to beat them up.”
Agency will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fair next week to discuss services
Press Release, Orleans Community Connects
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans Community Connects, Inc. is helping residents gain the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world through its free Digital Skills Education program, providing friendly, local support that empowers individuals and families to confidently use technology in their everyday lives.
The program is delivered by the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and is available to all Orleans County residents.
As more essential services move online, digital literacy has become critical for accessing healthcare, employment opportunities, government resources, financial services, and staying connected with family and friends. Through free group classes and personalized one-on-one assistance, participants can learn how to safely navigate the internet, use email and video calling platforms, access telehealth services, search and apply for jobs, and protect their privacy online.
“Digital skills are no longer optional – they are essential for participating in everyday life,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “Our goal is to ensure every resident has the confidence and support needed to take advantage of the opportunities available online. Come visit us and NSN at the Orleans County Fair July 27th through Aug 1st inside the Lartz building for more information on these programs.”
In addition to digital skills education, Orleans Community Connects, Inc. is helping bridge the digital divide by connecting residents to affordable high-speed internet service through North Shore Networks, with plans starting at $25 per month, helping ensure that households have access to the connectivity needed to learn, work, and stay engaged.
The initiative is supported through ConnectALL, New York State’s historic effort to expand broadband access, affordability, and digital equity across the state. Funding for the deployment of internet service and Digital Skills Education was awarded to Orleans County through the ConnectALL program.
Residents interested in learning more about FREE Digital Skills Education or affordable internet options can visit OrleansCommunityConnects.org/Programs or call 585-283-4224.
About Orleans Community Connects
Orleans Community Connects, Inc. is dedicated to strengthening community connections and expanding access to resources that improve quality of life for Orleans County residents. Through partnerships with local organizations, the initiative works to increase digital inclusion, connectivity, and access to opportunities that support education, employment, healthcare, and community engagement.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
Provided photo: Orleans County Legislators Lynne Johnson and Skip Draper, near center, join other county leaders from across New York for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans.
Press Release, Orleans County government
Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Legislator Skip Draper today joined a delegation of county leaders from across the state to represent New York at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans. Thousands of county officials from across the United States are taking part in the event.
The conference includes dozens of committee and caucus meetings, educational workshops, general sessions and more. Sessions will offer learning and practical insights on the full range of county responsibilities and domestic policy issues.
“The breadth of subject matter experts discussing issues that impact us locally makes this conference extremely important and worthwhile,” Johnson said. “Just today, conference topics included accessing federal transportation dollars, using data to improve youth mental health services and new strategies for affordable housing. These are the real nuts and bolts issues of governing and thankfully, it’s completely free of partisan politics.”
Johnson said that two sessions were of particular interest to Orleans County. The first was the Great Lakes Regional Forum, where Johnson shared information on the joint county dredging council she helps lead with Niagara County.
The second was a meeting of Justice and Public Safety Committee where officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) did a presentation on the proliferation of 3-D weapons. Johnson, who noted she and Draper both serve on the committee, said ATF officers will be coming to Albion to instruct local law enforcement on the issue.
Legislator Draper said that beyond the impressive guest speakers and presenters, the conference offers ample opportunity to talk with county leaders from different parts of the country on addressing mutual issues and challenges.
“Orleans County’s participation in the conference with other New York officials strengthens our ability to share ideas, learn what’s working in other communities, and return with proven solutions that benefit the people we serve,” said Draper.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents the interests of America’s counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation’s intergovernmental system. With a membership of thousands of county elected and professional officials, NACo brings together leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.
Press Release, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
John Fitzak
ROCHESTER – The Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC) has approved its Executive Committee leadership for the upcoming term, reaffirming its commitment to supporting their membership, which includes the 9 counties and 188 municipalities across the Genesee-Finger Lakes region.
John Fitzak of Orleans County has been reappointed as chairman. Fitzak, a carlton resident, is an Orleans County legislator.
Fred Wille of East Bloomfield in Ontario County will serve as vice chairman, and Nathan Rudgers of Covington in Wyoming County has been reappointed as treasurer.
G/FLRPC works in partnership with local governments to provide technical assistance, planning support, and access to regional resources. The organization’s leadership helps guide these efforts to ensure municipalities have the technical assistance, tools, and information needed to address local priorities and opportunities.
“I’m excited to be reappointed as Chair of G/FLRPC,” said Fitzak. “Our region’s strength comes from collaboration at the local level. I encourage municipalities to reach out to G/FLRPC (info@gflrpc.org) to better understand the full range of services our staff provide and how we can support your community’s goals.”
Municipal leaders are encouraged to connect with G/FLRPC staff to learn more about available services, including planning assistance, grant support, data analysis, and regional coordination initiatives.
G/FLRPC remains committed to working closely with local governments to strengthen communities and advance shared regional priorities.
