Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – In response to the recent stop to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments due to the federal government shutdown, Orleans County Emergency Management, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), the county Department of Social Services, and the Orleans County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) have collaborated to create a new online, one-stop hub to help residents find free or affordable sources of food.

The hub also provides links to 211NY, CODE BLUE, and additional county social services and mental health resources.

The COAD, which is a coalition of local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and volunteers, recognized the growing need for a single reliable information source for residents. The group worked closely with the various COAD partners to develop a single location where residents can find information regarding food pantries, food drives, and free or reduced cost meals.

“This initiative reflects the county’s and COAD’s shared mission of strengthening community resilience,” said Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “By pooling resources and expertise, Orleans County is ensuring that residents know that help is out there and available to everyone.”

Residents, by clicking here, can access the resource center and explore the various options available to them.

“The halt to SNAP benefits has placed an added burden on many families across the county that are already facing economic challenges,” said Justin Niederhofer, director of Emergency Management. “This issue is impacting over 10 percent of our residents, so our goal is to ensure that every resident knows where to turn to get the help they need.”

Holli Nenni, commissioner of Orleans County Department of Social Services, wanted to remind SNAP recipients that any available SNAP benefits that remain on the SNAP EBT card are still available for use.

“Recipients can check their card balance online at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399,” said Nenni. “And, of course, we will release any updates from the SNAP division of the Office of Temporary and Disability as they become available.”

Provided photos: From left include Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Employee of the Year John Doyle, and Director of Personnel Katie Harvey. 

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Personnel

ALBION – The EAP Committee is tasked to recognize employees of the month. This is a very important and a very special occasion when fellow county employees are recognized for not only their service to the citizens of the county but to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond their duty.

The EAP Committee receives nominations from fellow employees and department directors and then the nominations are reviewed and discussed by the committee and a selection is made.

The employees of the months for the past year were:

• October 2024 – Craig Lane (Department of Public Works)

• November 2024 – Bert Mathes (Department of Public Works)

• December 2024 – Kathleen Bates (Office for the Aging)

• January 2025  – Cynthia Walter (Social Services)

• February 2025 – Dawn Hazel (Mental Health)

• March  2025 – Audra Fisher (Emergency Management)

• April 2025 – Maria Strathearn (Social Services)

• May 2025 – Dustin Wells (Sheriff)

• June 2025 – Shelby Willis & Page Smith (Sheriff-Dispatch)

• July 2025 – Samantha Lawson (Social Services)

• August 2025 – John Doyle (Sheriff)

• September 2025 – Gerald Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch)

Employee of the Month attendees include from left: Craig Lane (Public Works), Bert Mathes (Public Works), Kathleen Bates (Office for the Aging), Dawn Hazel (Mental Health), Audra Fisher (Emergency Management), Maria Strathearn (Social Services), Dustin Wells (Sheriff), Shelby Willis (Sheriff-Dispatch), Page Smith (Sheriff-Dispatch), Samantha Lawson (Social Services), John Doyle (Sheriff) and Gerald Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch). They were recognized at the Fairhaven Inn.

From this pool of candidates, a Department Head must make a recommendation to a separate committee to determine the Employee of the Year. The committee takes into consideration the service that an employee has performed before choosing the Employee of the Year.

Throughout the past year, our employee of the year has shown exceptional dedication to keeping the public, county buildings, staff, and visitors safe. His proactive approach, professionalism, and commitment to public safety have strengthened the sense of security for everyone in our community and workplace.

His attention to detail and quick actions have helped prevent incidents, reduce risks, and create a safer environment across our county. His calm and professional presence brings confidence and reassurance to all who interact with him.

This employee demonstrates consistent service, awareness, and dedication. His work to protect the public, county employees, and our buildings reflects both outstanding skill and a strong commitment to the safety of those who rely on them each day.

The Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County appreciate his service to the department and the community. His interactions with the public are thorough and professional. Qualities that make him deserving of this award.

I am pleased to announce this year’s Employee of the Year is John Doyle.

Congratulations!

Katie Harvey, director of personnel

Returns up 9.7 percent, 5^th highest among 57 counties outside NYC

Sales tax revenues are seeing strong growth in Orleans County through the first three quarters of the year, according to a report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The local sales tax revenues in Orleans are up 9.7 percent, from $17.46 million to $19.14 million, for the first three quarters. That is the fifth highest growth rate in the state.

The only counties that have a higher growth rate include Hamilton County at 12%, followed by the counties of Yates and Chenango (each at 10.4%) and Delaware (10.3%).

Among the GLOW region, Genesee County is up 7.0 percent from $41.57 million to $44.49 million.

Livingston County is one of the six counties that seeing a drop in sales tax revenue. Livingston is down 2.5 percent from $36.41 million to $35.51 million in the first three quarters.

Wyoming County also is down. It dipped 0.1 percent, from $19.94 million to $19.92 million.

The state comptroller reported that nearly 90 percent of counties experienced a year-over-year increase in collections, with close to one-third of counties seeing more than 5 percent growth.

Orleans has seen steady growth in each of the three quarters so far this year – up 9.2 percent in first quarter ($5.39 million to $5.88 million), 14.8 percent increase in second quarter (from $5.68 million to $6.52 million) and up 5.5 percent in third quarter (from $6.39 million to $6.74 million).

State-wide, local government sales tax collections totaled $18.2 billion from January to September 2025, an increase of 4.3% ($747 million) compared to the same period last year, DiNapoli reported.

“New York’s local sales tax revenues rose through September compared to last year, but federal policy actions create significant fiscal risk for municipalities amid signs of a slowing economy,” DiNapoli said. “Local officials who rely on these revenues should take advantage of the financial planning tools and guidance my office offers to help them bolster their fiscal resilience.”

Click here to see the comptroller’s report.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These spots offered some privacy for voters to fill out their ballots at Hoag Library on Tuesday.

It was a fairly light turnout for the local elections in Orleans County with 16.3 percent of registered voters casting ballots in the county.

There are 25,777 registered voters in Orleans County, and 4,189 voted either on Tuesday, through nine days of early voting or through absentee ballots.

There were only a few contested races in the county. This will likely be the last time the local elections will be held on an off year without the draw of a gubernatorial or presidential election. The state has pushed for most of the local elections to align on an even year when there is a bigger turnout for high-profile elections.

The presidential race in 2024 brought out 17,780 voters in Orleans County, more than four times the turnout in the latest election.

Many of the positions up for election on Tuesday will be back on the ballot in either 2026 or 2028. The terms were adjusted from two years to one year, or four years to three years so they will be up for election on even years in the future.

Among the 25,777 registered voters in the county, the enrollment by party includes 12,471 as Republicans, 5,070 as Democrats, 661 as Conservatives, 145 in the Working Families, and 947 in “other.” There are also 6,483 unaffiliated or “blanks.”

There were only a few contested races among the local elections today in Orleans County, and Republicans won all of them.

In Carlton, Ryan Woolston won a seat on the Town Board over Marlene Seielstad, a Democrat, by a 286-138 vote.

In Clarendon, three candidates were seeking two seats on the Town Board. Chris Caufield, 311 votes, and Fred Seeman III, 310, were elected. Cecelia (Pacheco) Stevens, a Democrat, received 125 votes.

In Shelby, an endorsed Republican was elected to the Town Board. John Pratt III received 405 votes to 143 for Mark Wambach, who was backed by the Conservative Party.

There were four other candidates who mounted write-in campaigns, but fell short of getting elected.

The results from the Board of Elections didn’t tally the write-in results by name. The BOE just notes the write-ins for each position.

John Fitzak, a Republican, was re-elected as county legislator for District 4, which includes the towns of Carlton, Kendall and most of Murray. Jeremy Ross was endorsed by Democratic Party as a write-in. There were 71 write-in votes opposing Fitzak.

Dirk Lammes Jr. was re-elected Murray town highway superintendent but there were 101 write-ins opposing him. William D. “Bill” Bosley Jr. ran a write-in campaign against Lammes.

In Barre, George and Iva McKenna both ran write-ins for the Town Board against Wesley Miller and David Allen, who were endorsed by the Republican Party and also ran under “Future for Barre.” Allen received 266 votes and Miller 265. The write-ins included 117 and 119.

The full local results include:

County

• Treasurer – Kimberly DeFrank – 3,052 votes
• County Legislator (at-large from west) – Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina – 2,817 votes
• County Legislator (at-large from central) – Don Allport of Gaines – 2,830 votes
• County Legislator (at-large from east) – Ed Morgan of Murray – 2,827 votes
• County Legislator (District 1) – Bill Eick of Shelby – 932 votes
• County Legislator (District 2) – Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville – 540 votes
• County Legislator (District 3) – Fred Miller of Albion – 389 votes
• County Legislator (District 4) – John Fitzak of Carlton – 913 votes; write-in 71

Town of Albion

• Town Supervisor – Richard Remley – 260 votes
• Town Council members – Arnold Allen, 240 votes; Sandra Bensley, 244 votes
• Town Clerk – Kim Hazel – 262 votes

Town of Barre

• Town Supervisor – Stephen Coville II, 285 votes; write-in, 93
• Town Council members – David Allen, 266; Wesley Miller, 265; and two write-ins, 117 and 115

Town of Carlton

• Town Council members – Charles Ricci, 323 votes; John Olles, 307 votes
• Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy, pick one) – Ryan Woolston, 286 votes; Marlene Seielstad, 138
• Town Clerk – Deborah Yokel – 336 votes
• Town Justice – Kevin Hurley – 336 votes
• Highway Superintendent – Kurt VanWycke – 327 votes

Town of Clarendon

• Town Supervisor – Marc Major – 320 votes
• Town Council members (pick two) – Christopher Caufield, 311 votes; Fred Seeman, 310 votes; and Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, 125 votes

Town of Gaines

• Town Supervisor – Tyler Allport – 187 votes
• Town Council members – James Kirby, 204 votes; Kenneth Rush, 192 votes
• Town Clerk – Janet Cheverie – 216 votes
• Town Justice – Charles Prentice Jr. – 200 votes

Town of Kendall

• Town Supervisor – Tony Cammarata – 306 votes
• Town Council members – David Gaudioso, 299 votes; Jeffrey Kinne, 297 votes
• Town Clerk – Tina Palumbo – 328 votes
• Town Justice – Debra Kluth – 332 votes
• Highway Superintendent – Eric Maxon – 347 votes
• Referendum – increase highway superintendent term from 2 to 4 years – 250 yes, 125 no.

Town of Murray

• Town Supervisor – Gerald Rightmyer, 387; write-in, 53
• Town Council members – Neil Valentine, 415 votes; Elaine Berg, 371 votes
• Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy) – Scott Lang – 380 votes
• Town Clerk – Cynthia Oliver – 423 votes
• Town Justice – Michael Christopher – 413 votes
• Highway Superintendent – Dirk Lammes Jr., 321 votes; write-in, 101

Town of Ridgeway

• Town Council members – Cliff Barber, 328 votes; Jesse Cudzilo, 294 votes
• Town Clerk – Hannah Hill – 349 votes
• Highway Superintendent – John Olinger – 336 votes

Town of Shelby

• Town Supervisor – James Heminway – 491
• Town Council members – Edward Zelazny, 453 votes; Lawrence Waters Sr., 412 votes
• Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy, pick one) – John Pratt III, 405 votes; Mark Wambach, 143 votes

Town of Yates

• Town Supervisor – James Simon – 182 votes
• Town Council members – William Jurinich, 187 votes; Harold Suhr, 156 votes
• Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy) – Steven Vann – 193 votes
• Town Justice – Donald Grabowski – 220 votes

State

Supreme Court Justice, 8th Judicial District (2 positions) – Shannon Heneghan,  3,397 votes; and Jorge deRosas, 3,109 votes

Referendum: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. This would allow skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park – 1,875 yes votes, 1,867 no votes

Photos by Tom Rivers: Part of the Orleans County Courthouse dome is illumined in green on Monday evening as part of Operation Green Light.

ALBION – Orleans County is joining in Operation Green Light, a campaign designed to show support for our nation’s veterans, raise awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocate for legislation that will strengthen counties’ ability to support veterans.

In honor of Operation Green Light, the dome of the courthouse will be lit green from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by placing a green light in a window of their home or business.

Orleans County legislators last week passed a resolution in support of Operation Green Light. Legislators said 44 to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life.

“Active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service,” legislators stated in the resolution.

The Orleans County Veterans Service Office can help veterans with anything they need including filing important paperwork, fighting for benefits, securing medical appointments and finding counseling. The office can be reached at (585) 589-3219.

Orleans County residents go to the polls today with voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There are positions up for election in each of the 10 towns as well as the seven Orleans County legislators and the county treasurer. There are 25,777 registered voters in the county.

Most of the polling sites are at town halls, although Albion votes at Hoag Library, part of Ridgeway uses the Volunteer Fire Company, and Carlton uses the Fire Company Rec Hall.

Here is a list of the polling sites:

• Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
• Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
• Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
• Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
• Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
• Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
• Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Town Hall/Highway Garage, 3840 Fancher Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, 11392 Ridge Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
• Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
• Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

ALBION – Orleans County had 425 registered voters cast ballots through nine days of early voting.

The general election is Tuesday and polls will be open in all 10 towns. But with early voting, there is one polling location at the Board of Elections office in Albion.

The totals included  54 on Oct. 25, 26 on Oct. 26, 58 on Oct. 27, 30 on Oct. 28, 48 on Oct. 29, 50 on Oct. 30, 66 on Oct. 31, 58 on Nov. 1 and 35 on Nov. 2.

The early voting total is down significantly from a year ago when 4,539 ballots were cast over the nine days. In 2024, the election featured the presidential race.

This time, the election is at the local levels and nearly all the positions are unopposed.

The only races among candidates on the ballot include:

Carlton Councilman – Marlene Seielstad, Democratic Party, and Ryan Woolston, Republican.

Clarendon Council members with three candidates for two positions – Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, Democratic Party, and Christopher Caufield and Fred Seeman, III, Republicans.

Shelby Councilman – John Pratt III, Republican, and Mark Wambach, Conservative.

There are some write-in campaigns as well. Jeremy Ross of Murray has been endorsed by Democratic Party as write-in candidate for County Legislator in District 4 against John Fitzak of Carlton, a Republican.

George and Iva McKenna are mounting a write-in campaign for Barre Town Board against Wesley Miller and David Allen, who have the Republican and “Future for Barre” lines.

In Murray, William D. “Bill” Bosley Jr., is seeking write-in votes to unseat Dirk Lammes Jr., a Republican, for highway superintendent.

The following proposal also is on the ballot: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. This would allow skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park.

A yes vote authorizes new ski trails and related facilities in the Adirondack forest preserve, while a no vote does not authorize this use.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Cyndi Stumer (center), deputy commissioner for the Orleans County Department of Social Services, accepts a proclamation from the County Legislature last week that declared November as “National Adoption Awareness Month.”

She is shown with Elizabeth Boring, foster care caseworker, and Legislator Fred Miller.

“Adoptive and foster care families open their hearts and homes, demonstrate great compassion and provide hope and love to children,” the proclamation states. “National Adoption Awareness Month helps to raise public awareness of the fact that there are children available who are waiting for caring families.”

Stumer said there are local children in foster care awaiting adoption.

“It is the desire of this Legislature and Orleans County Department of Social Services that all children awaiting adoption in Orleans County and beyond find permanent and loving homes,” the proclamation concludes.

For more information, click here to be directed to the Orleans County DSS.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a proclamation celebrating the first 200 years of the Erie Canal. Hawley attended Tuesday’s Orleans County legislature meeting and presented the proclamation to County Historian Catherine Cooper, second from right, Tourism Direct Dawn Borchert and County Legislator Ed Morgan.

The Erie Canal opened on Oct. 26, 1825 when Gov. DeWitt Clinton departed Buffalo leading a flotilla of boats across the canal to New York City. They reached that destination on Nov. 4, 1825.

The canal, brought new commerce, settlers and opportunity to New York tate, including Orleans County, Hawley said.

The waterway has played a critical role in connecting people and places across the state, and led to many thriving hamlets and villages.

Hawley noted the canal continues to have an economic, cultural and toruism role in the state. Orleans County also has seven of the 16 lift bridges on the canal, the most of any county.

County Historian Catherine Cooper also spoke during the presentation and noted Orleans County also is observing its bicentennial this year. She said there have been many events and efforts in the past year to highlight the county’s 200^th anniversary.

Most candidates for town and county positions are unopposed

Town and county positions are up for election on Nov. 4, and 266 people have already cast ballots in the first five days of early voting.

The Board of Elections at the County Office Building in Albion is the lone early voting polling location. Registered voters could cast ballots there since last Saturday. Early voting continues today until 5 p.m. and then again on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Most of the positions up for election do not have opposition, but there are some races around the county.

Here are the positions that are up for election:

State

Supreme Court Justice, 8th Judicial District (2 positions) – Shannon Heneghan (Dem, Rep, Con and Wor) and Jorge deRosas (Dem, Rep and Con)

County

Treasurer – Kimberly DeFrank, Republican

County Legislator (at-large from west) – Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina, Republican

County Legislator (at-large from central) – Don Allport of Gaines, Republican

County Legislator (at-large from east) – Ed Morgan of Murray, Republican

County Legislator (District 1) – Bill Eick of Shelby, Republican

County Legislator (District 2) – Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville, Republican

County Legislator (District 3) – Fred Miller of Albion, Democrat

County Legislator (District 4) – John Fitzak of Carlton, Republican (Jeremy Ross has been endorsed by Democratic Party as write-in candidate.)

Town of Albion

Town Supervisor – Richard Remley, Republican

Town Council members – Arnold Allen and Sandra Bensley, Republican

Town Clerk – Kim Hazel, Republican

Town of Barre

Town Supervisor – Stephen Coville II, Republican and “Future for Barre”

Town Council members – Wesley Miller and David Allen, Republican and “Future for Barre”

Town of Carlton

Town Council members – John Olles and Charles Ricci, Republican

Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy, pick one) – Marlene Seielstad, Democratic Party, and Ryan Woolston, Republican

Town Clerk – Deborah Yokel, Republican

Town Justice – Kevin Hurley, Republican

Highway Superintendent – Kurt VanWycke, Republican

Town of Clarendon

Town Supervisor – Marc Major, Republican

Town Council members (pick two) – Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, Democratic Party, and Christopher Caufield and Fred Seeman, III, Republicans

Town of Gaines

Town Supervisor – Tyler Allport, Republican

Town Council members – James Kirby and Kenneth Rush, Republicans

Town Clerk – Janet Cheverie, Republican

Town Justice – Charles Prentice Jr., Republican

Town of Kendall

Town Supervisor – Tony Cammarata, Republican

Town Council members – David Gaudioso and Jeffrey Kinne, Republicans

Town Clerk – Tina Palumbo, Republican

Town Justice – Debra Kluth, Republican

Highway Superintendent – Eric Maxon, Republican

Town of Murray

Town Supervisor – Gerald Rightmyer, Republican

Town Council members – Neil Valentine and Elaine Berg, Republicans

Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy) – Scott Lang, Republican

Highway Superintendent – Dirk Lammes Jr., Republican (William D. “Bill” Bosley Jr. is mounting a write-in campaign.)

Town of Ridgeway

Town Council members – Cliff Barber and Jesse Cudzilo, Republicans

Town Clerk – Hannah Hill, Republican

Highway Superintendent – John Olinger, Republican

Town of Shelby

Town Supervisor – James Heminway, Republican, Conservative

Town Council members – Lawrence Waters Sr. and Edward Zelazny, Republican and Conservative

Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy, pick one) – John Pratt III, Republican, and Mark Wambach, Conservative

Town of Yates

Town Supervisor – James Simon

Town Council members – William Jurinich, Republican and Conservative, and Harold Suhr, Republican

Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy) – Steven Vann, Republican and Conservative

The following proposal will be on the ballot: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. This would allow skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park.

A yes vote authorizes new ski trails and related facilities in the Adirondack forest preserve, while a no vote does not authorize this use.

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – In the interest of concern and transparency, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is making the community aware that due to ongoing funding uncertainty and the recent government shutdown, the agency is experiencing difficulty providing assistance at a level that matches the increased needs of our community.

Food insecurity in the region is skyrocketing, and the agency is exploring all avenues to ensure that food distributions and pantry services remain available to those who need it most.

However, upcoming challenges such as the loss of SNAP, HEAP heating assistance, rising healthcare costs, and unmanageable housing rental expenses are creating a crisis for families. Resources to assist with rent and utilities are running dry. Some funding streams have been suspended while others have been terminated altogether.

“Despite these setbacks, our team is doing everything possible to distribute the scarce resources we have,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our neighbors as winter approaches.”

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is a Medicaid 1115 participant. Medicaid recipients are encouraged to contact the agency for an 1115 screening, which may open alternative avenues of assistance for critical needs such as rent, utility assistance, and other health-related social supports.

How You Can Help

Donations of any size and volunteers are needed. Support at any level can make a real difference during this critical time. The number of families assisted at food distributions is growing at an unprecedented rate, volunteers for these and special holiday distributions are sincerely appreciated.

In addition to donations and volunteering, you can make a powerful impact by reaching out to your elected officials. Urge them to take immediate action to support reopening our government as well as support funding for programs like the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Weatherization Assistance, and Head Start. These programs are lifelines for families in need, and your voice can help ensure they remain funded and accessible.

To donate online visit: caoginc.org/donations

To volunteer, email: info@caoginc.org

To donate to our food pantries, contact Kristina Ettinger at:

Phone: 585-589-5605 x101

Email: kettinger@caoginc.org

Website: caoginc.org

The Community Action Promise:

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

‘This is a game-changer for us’ – SWAT commander Torry Tooley

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County’s Special Response Team did a demonstration on Tuesday evening at the Tavern on the Ridge, showcasing some of its tools and equipment including this drone.

The team includes nine members from the Sheriff’s Office and seven from the Albion Police Department. The team has several drones, including this one that is used to fly inside a house or other structure. The drone can be used to locate people and provide officers with a layout of the building.

The drone takes off inside the Tavern on the Ridge, looking for a suspect as part of the demonstration for the Orleans County Association of Municipalities, which includes officials from local village, town and the county governments.

Investigator Brian Marsceill of the Sheriff’s Office served as the pilot of the drone, guiding it through the hallway and around the restaurant to locate the suspect.

The Special Response Team moves in to locate the person. It was all part of a demonstration for local officials.

The Special Response Team is run through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The team operates on a $300,000 budget which goes to training, equipment and overtime costs.

Investigator Kevin Colonna, left, and Sgt. Torry Tooley show the screen that law enforcement see from one of the drones. Colonna is a certified pilot for the drones. Tooley is the commander of the Special Response Team.

They noted how the drones helped locate someone who stole items and fled from Walmart last week, first on a bike and then by foot.

That person was detected lying down north of Walmart along Gaines Basin Road. Officers were able to quickly find him with the drones.

The team has drones that can spot people at night through the heat detection and spotlights on the drone. Officers can give commands through the drones to people on the ground or in a house, telling them to surrender, stay put or give other commands.

One of the team’s drones can travel as far as 6 miles, and go up to 50 miles an hour.

Officers can get a live feed from the drones through their phones or the computers in their patrol cars.

The drones are very useful in locating suspects, but Tooley said they also can be used for missing people, including vulnerable elderly people or people with autism and disabilities.

Lt. Adam Hazel of the Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Torry Tooley show the local officials some of the tools for the Special Response Team including body armor, helmets with night lights, vision monoculars to see in the dark, a 40 mm gun that fires non-lethal bullets, door breaching tools (ram and Halogen tool), as well as several of the different drones.

Tooley said the new drones and night vision on the helmets are “a game-changer for us.”

The team is awaiting a Bearcat armored vehicle to be used on scene for some of the calls. That armored vehicle will be able to transport 10-12 people to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.

Chart on monthly SNAP benefits from NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

ALBION – Orleans County has 5,146 residents receiving SNAP benefits that are due to run out in a few days and won’t be refilled until the federal government shutdown is over.

That is a big concern for Holli Nenni, the county’s commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

“I’m scared people will go hungry,” she said. “We’re worried people literally won’t have food.”

In New York, there are 2.9 million SNAP recipients or 14 percent of the population. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program issues monthly electronic benefits through EBT cards that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores.

The SNAP benefits are for children, elderly and disabled residents, with eligibility and benefit levels based on household size, income and other factors.

The program dates back to the Great Depression in the 1930s, and has never been disrupted due to a budget stalemate. In The past during a budget shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has used emergency funds to continue funding the program, but the USDA said it won’t do that this time.

That has promoted attorneys general and governors from 26 states, including New York, to sue the USDA for suspending SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown.

Attorney General Letitia James said USDA can tap into contingency funds to keep SNAP going during the shutdown.

“Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” James said in a news release today. “SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running. There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families.”