By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2025 at 8:35 pm
Photo from Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, right, announced two dispatchers have been promoted to senior public safety dispacthers.
Mike Schultz and Jerry Bentley will serve in the roles. Both are long-time local volunteer firefighters, with Schultz a past chief at Kendall and Bently a past chief for Barre.
In their new roles, Schultz and Bentley will assist in overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Communications Division, with responsibilities including supervision, training, quality control, and managing materials related to FOIL requests and NYS Discovery requirements, Bourke said.
“Both Schultz and Bentley are highly experienced, dedicated, and well-respected professionals whose leadership and expertise will greatly benefit the Communications Division,” the sheriff said.
Provided photo: Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services dressed in purple and posed outside the County Administration Building in Albion as they participated in “Purple Thursday” to raise awareness of domestic violence.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services participated in “Purple Thursday” last week in recognition of survivors of Domestic Violence. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing awareness to domestic violence within our community.
Part of that awareness is reminding the community that domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse but can other forms like emotional or financial. Domestic violence is also not gender specific and can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation.
If you or someone you care about is a survivor of domestic violence in need of support, know that there are services available locally and at the state level. Please contact Orleans County Domestic Violence at 585-589-3159 during normal business hours, call the 24/7 NYS Hotline at 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121 or go to www.opdv.ny.gov.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 October 2025 at 8:21 am
Community faces challenges with housing, healthcare, lack of childcare, food insecurity
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado gets a tour of Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store during his visit on Tuesday. Here, he talks with Cassie Healy, manager of the store; Renee Hungerford, Community Action’s chief executive officer; and Jackie Dunham, chief operating officer.
ALBION – Staff of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee welcomed Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado to the main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store on Tuesday, where they shared their agency’s many services and struggles with budget cuts.
Delgado toured the store and visited with Renee Hungerford, CEO; Jackie Gardner, COO; Melinda Daniels, executive assistant; Ryan Lasal, director of Community Programming; Barbara Shine, board member; and Cassie Healy, Community Development and ROMA manager.
Hungerford explained the programs Community Action offers, saying the agency has come a long way in the last five years.
“We’ve rebuilt our programs to focus on the differences we can make with people and achieve meaningful outcomes, rather than focus on only services,” Hungerford said. “Our mission is to help people become self-sufficient. That means we partner with people and provide support as they help themselves. Resources are scarce, so outcomes are monitored to ensure services are meeting the objectives for which they are intended.”
Some of the programs discussed included High School Credit Recovery, the Prom Program, the new Fresh Start Center, Veterans’ Telehealth program, Case Management/Emergency Services, Head Start and Early Head Start, Project Salus, Child Care Resource Center, Weatherization, Cooling and Door-Through-Door Transportation services. Hungerford also shared information on the Holley Community Center, where a prepared meal is served five days a week. They are also working with Orleans County Mental Health to bring mental health services to the Holley Center.
Lasal spoke of the lack of childcare, which is an epidemic in Orleans County, he said. He said the demand is not even close to being met, and the county has run out of money from the Child Care Assistance Program to fund childcare programs. Community Action is doing its best to subsidize what they can to keep children in Head Start programs, but this is not sustainable, Hungerford said. Parents, including key staff members, are facing the decision of leaving a job due to the inability to afford daycare. This is then exacerbated as staff shortages impact what service that can be offered.
Staff of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee welcomed Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado to the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store on Tuesday. From left are Amanda DeSantis, chief of staff for Delgado; Melinda Daniels, executive assistant at Community Action; Delgado; Renee Hungerford, chief executive officer of Community Action; Jackie Dunham, chief operating officer at Community Action; Ryan Lasal, director of Community Programming; and Barb Shine, a member of Community Action’s board.
Hungerford also discussed the local shortage of healthcare services, saying the ratio of individuals to primary care doctors has been more than 13,000 to 1, and just recently dropped to a little under 10,000 to 1.
“Our agency has a strong focus on addressing the ‘social determinants’ of health, such as food insecurity and shelter, to help people stay healthy and try to minimize the burden on the healthcare system,” Hungerford said. “We are a Medicaid 1115 waiver participant, which expands services we are able to provide eligible customers.”
Dunham discussed the Weatherization Program, saying there is a waiting list of one year for people needing help with home improvements. They have a crew of four very dedicated and capable workers, she said, who are determined to make a home comfortable and affordable for a family to live in.
“The feedback we get from their work is ‘Wow!’” Dunham said.
Hungerford added there are concerns with many of their funding sources, including LIHEAP, which could impact the future of the Weatherization Program.
Delgado asked what their biggest concern was, and Hungerford said, “Food and housing.”
“Housing is a big problem,” she said. “When people come to us for emergency shelter, we have nowhere to put them, except in a motel. Housing has a complex layer of needs, in that we need emergency housing, transitional housing, first-time homebuyer support and support for people who own, but need to renovate and repair our aging housing stock. At the other end of the spectrum, if we could attract more businesses, we would need housing that is suitable for potential employees who could move into the area.
She also said we need to attract more businesses, because there aren’t enough jobs, especially well-paying jobs.
“Our population is declining and that is not good for the economy,” she added.
Delgado said his visit is part of his goal to visit Community Action agencies across the state.
“It’s important to touch as many agencies as I can to see what’s going on and to understand the growing need,” he said. “The numbers are growing and the lines are getting longer. I hear that everywhere I go.”
The lieutenant governor’s visit comes as Community Action of Orleans and Genesee celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Career Center will be holding a job fair this Thursday, October 16, at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina. More than a dozen companies with open positions have signed up to take part.
“There are companies all across Orleans County looking to fill vacant positions and they are willing to provide training for those who lack experience if the candidate is reliable and dependable,” said Kelly Kiebala, director of the Orleans County Career Center. “So job seekers should come with their resumes and be prepared to be interviewed on the spot.”
The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County YMCA located at 306 Pearl St. in Medina. Participating companies come from several different industries including factory work, healthcare, food service, customer service and more. There is no registration or appointment necessary to attend.
“This event is for people of all skill levels, so whether you are not currently employed or looking to take your career in a new direction, our job fair is a chance to see what opportunities are out there that could be the right fit for you,” Kiebala said.
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today announced the county has launched E-Notify, a way for county residents to be notified when new information in certain areas of county government is uploaded to the county website.
Residents need to sign up for the free service and can opt to receive the notification via email, text or both.
“We are continually looking for ways to make county government more accessible to our residents and we believe using E-Notify to proactively release information to those who wish to be alerted will greatly enhance our outreach efforts,” said Johnson. “So if you are interested in new county job postings or when DPW lists a new bid opportunity or want our latest press releases, you can choose those options.”
Right now, E-Notify offers seven different areas of county government where a person can receive notifications and Johnson said the county is looking to add others based on the areas of the website that seem to garner the most interest. These areas include emergency alerts, elections information, DPW bids and results and job postings among others.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2025 at 8:41 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is shown Thursday night lighted up in purple this month in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
County legislators last week issued a proclamation in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Legislators said that while 90 percent of domestic violence cases go unreported, 265 cases were reported to the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit in 2024, and 165 cases have been reported to the unit from Jan. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2025.
County Legislator Fred Miller last week presented a proclamation to Judianne Gearing, Domestic Violence Supervisor (left), and Kelley Ortiz, Domestic Violence Services Coordinator.
“Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, perpetrated by an intimate partner over another, to establish and maintain power and control,” according to the proclamation from the county. “Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women then auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined.”
The courthouse dome is lighted up in purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 2:35 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presents a commendation to Charlie last week for his volunteer efforts in building new bathrooms at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Robert Batt, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, joins for the presentation.
The Legislature praised Ricci “for the extra effort put forth in the construction and completion of building new bathrooms at the Orleans County Cooperative Extension. Your effort is an excellent example of an everyday citizens getting involved.”
Ricci did most of the site work for the project.
This photo from July 16 shows the new bathrooms under construction just before the start of the fair in late July.
The new bathrooms also had four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There is more space for the users. The bathrooms and showers are now all in one building.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:01 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Director Kristine Mostyn last week updated Orleans County legislators on an expansion to the Medina library that will add meeting rooms and a “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. County Legislator Bill Eick is in back.
ALBION – The libraries in Orleans Conty are seeking $1 per person in funding from the Conty Legislature. That has been the request in recent years, but the Legislature has kept libraries at $10,087 since 2011.
The four public libraries in Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina are collectively seeking $40,343. The county’s population was 40,343 in the 2020 Census.
One of the library directors, Kristine Mostyn of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, told legislators that libraries have changed to meet the needs of the community, offering more online service, meeting spaces and programs.
“We’re not just a warehouse for books,” she said.
Lee-Whedon has just started a $5 million construction project that will put a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.
The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.
There would also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.
Mostyn said the initial projections on the local tax impact have lessened after Lee-Whedon secured grants and raised $360,000 in donations from the community. Lee-Whedon has set a $500,000 fund-raising goal on the capital campaign.
Library leaders from the other libraries are expected to make a presentation next month to the Legislature, seeking for a funding boost.
The county was giving $29,914 to be shared among the four libraries as recently as 2002, but that dropped to $7,480 in 2003. Since then, the amount was raised to $12,587 in 2007, $13,617 in 2010, and then was cut to $10,087 in 2011. It hasn’t changed since then.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season begins this year on Nov. 3, with a tentative end date of April 7, 2026
Applications for HEAP will be available Nov. 3. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2026, through April 7, 2026.
If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 3. Applications will be available at the County Office Building in Albion, PathStone, Community Action, or Ministry of Concern; at the Community Center in Holley; or at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
You can apply online for HEAP by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov. If you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply through www.myBenefits.ny.gov or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.
If you are currently a Public Assistance or SNAP recipient, you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay with your HEAP grant.
For questions or to set up an appointment call (585) 589-3182. Appointments cannot be made before Nov. 3. If you are aged 60 or older, please call the Office for Aging at 589-3191.
You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature, in conjunction with the county Youth Bureau, will be hosting its 11th annual “Family Game Night” on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, located at 165 South Platt St. in Albion.
The event is free, however residents are asked to register in advance as seating is limited.
The event will feature free pizza, board games, prize drawings and other activities and promotions. There will be several display booths with county departments that will be providing information on various programs and services available to Orleans County families. Each family will also be given an opportunity to take home a free board game to start their own game night.
“Family Game Night has grown tremendously over the years, as many families love the idea of turning off all the electronic devices and taking part in an evening of old-fashioned fun,” said Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson. “At the same time, the event helps us highlight important information about the programs, opportunities and services available to residents.”
For more information or to register for the event, click here. Call the Legislative Office at (585) 589-7053 or send an email to Lisa.Stenshorn@orleanscountyny.gov with your name, phone number, address and number of people attending.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2025 at 4:25 pm
Provided photo: Those who attend the class will receive a free disaster preparedness kit.
KNOWLESVILLE – There is still time to register for citizens preparedness class set for this 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Trolley Building of the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Route 31.
September is National Preparedness Month, and the Emergency Management Office in Orleans County is working to educate the community on how to prepare.
The class on Thursday is free, but registration is required – simply to ensure that National Guard can bring enough emergency kits to distribute to those who attend.
The mission of these training classes is to give residents the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible. The course provides an introduction to responding to natural or man-made disasters.
Participants are advised on how to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies. Those who attend a class will be given a free NYS Disaster Preparedness Kit (one per family) containing key items to assist in the aftermath of a disaster.
“For our community, these classes are extremely beneficial in helping the everyday resident to prepare for the different weather events that impact us,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director. “The classes are taught by the Army National Guard and offer a quick synopsis of various events experienced regionally, the impact they had and how individuals and families can take steps to minimize the impacts of similar events in the future.”
To register for the event, visit www.prepare.ny.gov and click on the training calendar to find the event you would like to attend.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2025 at 9:36 am
Velocitii photo: Heather Smith, the CEO a partner at Velocitii, recently was recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Greater Rochester Chamber Inclusive Leadership Award.
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners, with Velocitii in Medina named Business of the Year.
Velocitii opened 11 years ago. It operates out of the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue in Medina.
Velocitii is a business process outsourcing company. It provides support for other businesses, handling calls for customers about plans, billing and troubleshooting. Velocitii works with companies in healthcare, waste management, hospitality, e-commerce, auto insurance and technology.
Velocitii was founded by Roger Hungerford in the Olde Pickle Factory, initially with six employees. Velocitii each of the past three years has been named a top workplace in the Rochester region, placing in the mid-size company category (125 to 300 employees).
The Chamber awards celebration will be Oct. 23 at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
The award winners include:
Business of the Year: Velocitii
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rita Zambito
New Business of the Year: Homestead Pest Control
Small Business of the Year: Bentley Brothers
Phoenix Award: Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory
Agricultural Business of the Year: RLW Cattle
Hidden Gem: Hurd Orchards
Business Person of the Year: Dan DeCarlo
Community Service Award: Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern
RSVPs are due by October. 18. For information about tickets, contact Director Darlene Hartway at director@orleanschamber.com or (585) 590-6430. Tickets also are available online through EventBrite.
Photo courtesy of Orleans County Crime Victim’s Office: Pictured in photo include Holli Nenni, commissioner of DSS; Terra McGaffick, DSS; Judianne Gearing, DSS, Alex Eaton, District Attorney’s Office; Don Draper, undersheriff; James DeFilipps, OCSD chief deputy; Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of DSS; Susan Howard, district attorney; Dan Punch, first assistant DA; Michelle Werth, Crime Victim coordinator.
Press Release, Orleans County Crime Victim’s Office
ALBION – The Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Social Services and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department on Monday gathered outside of the Public Safety Building to take part in the National Red Sand Project to help bring awareness to human trafficking and exploitation.
Today, 50 million people worldwide are being trafficked. Overlooked populations, most at risk of being trafficked, need support to not fall through the metaphoric cracks. The Red Sand Project fills sidewalk cracks to encourage people to question, connect, and take action against vulnerabilities that lead to human trafficking and exploitation.
Photo courtesy of Orleans County: Officials from 18 counties gathered for a group photo after being recognized by New York State Association of Counties for money management. Jack Welch, the Orleans County chief administrative officer, is shown in back row, third from right.
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
Orleans County was recognized at this week’s New York State Association of Counties Fall Seminar, held in Niagara Falls, with “cashVest 90+” Award.
This award is given to counties that receive a score of 90 or better for four consecutive quarters on several money management benchmarks. The honor recognizes counties that have taken proactive steps to maximize the value of every public dollar, strategically investing funds to generate new income and help ease the burden on property taxpayers.
“This award is really a testament to the hard work of County Administrator Jack Welch and Treasurer Kim DeFrank to mitigate risk while maximizing return on investment of public dollars that help fund county services,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson. “At a time when every level of government is faced with tight budgets, their sound fiscal leadership and ability to maximize revenue streams outside of tax dollars is more important now than ever.”
Orleans County was one of 18 counties across the state to receive the honor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 September 2025 at 9:02 am
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is shining a light on food/beverage businesses in Orleans County with a “Taste of Orleans” promotion at 20 locations.
“We are encouraging people to support local food and beverage establishments here in Orleans County,” said Darlene Hartway, the Chamber director. “We are hoping this social media event will showcase the multitude of wonderful restaurants, bars, farm markets and ice cream shops we have here in Orleans County.”
Taste of Orleans started on Aug. 24 and continues through Sept. 14. The Chamber and co-sponsor Orleans County Tourism encourage people to visit many of the local food/beverage businesses and post pictures of what they are eating and drinking, using the hash tag #tasteoforleans.
The Chamber will draw winners after Sept. 14 for participants to win gift cards from the participating businesses.
The businesses in the promotion include the Black North at Point Breeze, Coffee Pot Cafe in Medina, Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion, Confection Connection in Albion, Gilligan’s Galley in Kent, Mariachi De Oro on Medina, Mark’s Pizzeria and Tapped on Main in Medina, Mark’s Pizzeria in Albion, Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Partyka Farms in Kendall, Red, White & Moo in Holley, Roadies Pizzeria in Carlton, Serenity Spa in Albion, Shirt Factory/Newell Lounge in Medina, Sourced Market & Eatery in Medina, Tavern on the Ridge in Albion, Village House in Albion, Webber Cafe in Lyndonville, White Birch in Lyndonville, and Zambistro in Medina.
In the future, Hartway said she would like to see an event where people could taste food from many of the local businesses at one location at a festival. But, for now, she said the social media campaign highlights many of the food and beverage businesses around the county.
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is shining a light on food/beverage businesses in Orleans County with a “Taste of Orleans” promotion at 20 locations.
