More than 1,000 ballots cast in first 2 days in Orleans County

Photo by Tom Rivers: The sign outside the Orleans County Office Building notes it is an early voting location.

ALBION – More than 1,000 voters cast ballots in the first two days of early voting in Orleans County.

Early voting goes for nine days, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, before the general election on Nov. 5.

The first day on Saturday, 647 voted early in eight hours, followed by 410 on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There were lines of people today around noon when the Orleans Hub stopped by the Board of Elections Office at 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.

Election workers said they were pleased to see such a big turnout. Early voting often draws a trickle of interest from the county’s 25,000 registered voters for local elections or less high-profile campaigns.

During the election about a year ago, the early voters ranged from 39 to 56 the first seven days.

Early voting also was huge four years ago during the presidential election. That was also during the Covid pandemic and many voters preferred to vote early, expecting smaller crowds at the BOE office.

In 2020, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, there 3,753 people who voted early over 9 days, an average of 417 each day.

The first two days of early voting so far are averaging 528.5 voters each day.

The remaining early voting schedule includes:

• Monday, October 28 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 29 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 30 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, October 31 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, November 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, November 3 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Press Release, Orleans County Board of Elections

ALBION – Orleans County Board of Elections Commissioners Michael Mele and Janice Grabowski today reminded residents that early voting for the Nov. 5 elections will begin Saturday, Oct. 26 and run through Sunday, Nov. 3.

Early voting takes place at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.

The early voting schedule is:

• Saturday, October 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 27 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, October 28 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 29 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 30 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, October 31 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, November 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, November 3 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“All indications are that turnout for this year’s elections will be very high, so early voting is just another way for people to cast their ballots,” said the commissioners.  “We do want to remind people that whether you choose to vote early or on Election Day, you must be in line before poll closing time to cast your ballot.”

The commissioners said the BOE staff has been preparing for this election season for some time, with all sorts of plans in place, including ballot security, polling location security and emergency backup.

“We have been working with our Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services team to prepare for any contingencies.  We want to be sure everyone has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and that our elections run smoothly.”

Those with questions about voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots or any other questions can call the Board of Elections at (585) 589-3274 or visit the BOE website (click here).

Jack Welch

ALBION – Orleans County officials are trying to close a $6 million budget gap for 2025, with six factors causing $5.97 million in increases.

The 2024 budget, approved last November, totaled $92,494,994 budget, and that resulted in a tax levy increase of 3.25 percent or $607,000 to $19,264,000.

Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer and budget officer, will file a tentative budget by Nov. 15. The spending plan faces some tough challenges, he said during Tuesday’s Legislature meeting.

He listed six main culprits:

• Health insurance is estimated to increase 20%, by another $1.4 million.
• NYS retirement is estimated to increase 12%, by another $360,000
• Public Safety Building roof repair at $1.2 million
• Social services up by 12%, another $1.7 million. That include $688,000 more for temporary homelessness in Safety Net, a 42% increase
• Mental Health Law expense (Section 730.30 – when a defendant is unfit for trial) is estimated to increase by 1,000% or $500,000
• Public Safety Dispatch consoles to be replaced at $810,000

Welch said he is particularly worried about the continued rise in costs for the temporarily homeless.

“The Public Assistance/Safety Net expense is related to our Emergency Declaration for Temporary Homelessness we have had since May 2023,” Welch said. “For last month, our out-of-county placement is 357 percent over July 2022. Total temporary homeless placements are 169 percent over July 2022. This trend does not show any sign of subsiding and is not unique to Orleans County.”

Rising sales tax revenue have helped the county in recent years to offset some rising expenses, but so far in 2024 the sales tax is behind the 2023 year-to-date levels.

 “We were concerned about a flattening of sales tax revenue, but a decrease in alarming,” Welch said. “The last time the county experienced sales tax revenue below the prior year was in 2016.”

ALBION – Orleans County has been awarded an $11,562,698 state grant to upgrade wireless internet service throughout the county.

The Orleans County Department of Planning and Development applied for the grant through 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).

The county recently completed a build-out of a wireless internet system. There are now 19 towers and the county will add two or three more, likely near Lake Ontario where there are gaps in internet coverage, county officials said.

Orleans has two years to complete the project, upgrading the internet infrastructure on all the towers so 100 Mbps is available in download and upload speeds. The grant also will include a digital literacy component to help people learn about the technology.

County legislators accepted the grant on Tuesday and accepted a bid of $11,216,500 from North Shore Networks LLC in Medina to implement the faster internet service.

That company is led by Duston Ellis, who worked over a decade in Kentucky for Broadlinc, helping run a high-speed internet service in a rural area.

Ellis moved to Medina to be near his wife’s family. He expects to hire a project manager and two technicians as part of the effort in Orleans County.

Provided photos: Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank accepts the gavel to serve as president of New York State County Treasurer’s and Finance Officers Association. She succeeds Kevin Gardner, right, the treasurer of Oswego County.

ALBION – Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank is serving as president of the New York State County Treasurer’s and Finance Officers Association.

DeFrank was sworn in as president on Friday at the organization’s annual meeting in Liverpool.

DeFrank has served as the county treasurer since Jan. 1, 2018. She worked in the treasurer’s office for 24 years before that.

She said the statewide association has been very helpful, providing a network of knowledge from other treasurers and finance officers around the state from counties of all sizes.

“I find this group to be extremely helpful in the positions that we hold,” DeFrank said. “There is no ‘employee manual’ to this job. Being involved with this organization is the best networking that exists.”

The association puts on an annual finance school, in conjunction with the State Comptroller’s Office.

“It’s 2 ½ days of informative classes where we can ask questions and obtain current information,” DeFrank said. “To me, there is no other better source of info than a colleague that has held the position for a while. They offer experiences and knowledge that for me far outweigh anything that is written.”

As president, DeFrank will preside over all meetings of the NYSCTFOA, appoint members of standing committees, create special committees, serve on the Finance School committee, and plan the annual summer conference.

Kim DeFrank and the Treasurer’s Office recently relocated the office from East Park Street to Main Street at the former Bank of America next to Subway. DeFrank paid to have a plaque made, listing all 31 treasurers in the county’s history, dating back to 1825.

Press Release, Orleans County DSS

ALBION – HEAP season begins this year on Nov. 1, with a tentative end date of March 31, 2025.

Applications for furnace repair or replacement are being accepted now. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2025 through March 31.

If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 1.  Applications will be available Nov. 1  in Albion at the County Office Building, 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 of your HEAP grant.

For questions or to set up an appointment call (585) 589-3182. Appointments cannot be given before Nov. 1. If you are over age 60, please call the Office for the Aging at (585) 589-3191.

You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting the following website www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

Photos and information courtesy of Orleans County Legislature, Youth Bureau

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature, in conjunction with the County Youth Bureau, hosted its 10th annual “Family Game Night” last week at Dubby’s Tailgate and the event was a tremendous success.

More than 340 people attended to play board games, enjoy free pizza and treats, and learn about county services.  The number of attendees is double from last year’s event and is the highest level of participation ever for the event.

“We could not be more thrilled with 100-plus families joining us for Family Game night,” said County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson. “I want to commend the Youth Bureau Board members, volunteers and county staff for organizing a great event that will hopefully continue to grow in future years.”

Several county departments were on hand to provide information on services that can help families including the Emergency Management Office (EMO), Job Development/Career Center, Mental Health, Office for the Aging, Personnel, Planning and Development, Probation, Public Health, Sheriff, Social Services – Child & Family Services, Soil & Water, and Tourism. In addition, Modern Disposal and Child Care Resource & Referral from Community Action took part as well.

Children were excited to see Grimace and the Hamburgler, courtesy of McDonald’s of Albion. Attendees were provided with two slices of Dubby’s pizza, an apple and a drink. The first 150 to arrive received complimentary passes to the Medina Railroad Museum.  All families took home their own board game to hopefully start their own family game night.

Sponsors for the event included Dubby’s Tailgate, Tops Friendly Markets, Singleyn Enterprises – McDonald’s of Albion, Evan’s ACE Hardware & Building Supplies, Medina Railroad Museum, Lyndonville Lions Club, Subway, and Case-Nic Cookies.

Photo and information courtesy of Orleans County DSS

ALBION – Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services wore purple today, October 17, for “Purple Thursday.” This is in recognition of survivors of domestic violence.

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing awareness to domestic violence within our community, as “Every1 Knows Some1” affected by domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse by a partner, it can also be emotional or financial,” said Judianne Gearing, supervisor of Orleans County domestic violence program. “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 Kelley Ortiz, Orleans County Domestic Violence Senior Caseworker, at 585-589-3159, call the NYS Hotline at 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121 or go to opdv.ny.gov.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) will be announcing a new arts and cultural facility in Orleans County, “a space that will serve as a creative hub for our community, fostering fiber arts, fine arts, performing arts, culinary arts, and much more!”

Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO Art!, will unveil the location and more details about the project on Oct. 29 at the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Hallock said GO Art! welcomes the community to be part of shaping the future of the arts in Orleans County.

GO Art! is asking people to fill out a survey about the project. Hallock said the bottom floor of the proposed facility includes a culinary kitchen, fiber arts gallery, and fiber arts store.

GO Art! wants to hear from the public about the best use for the third floor.

“This space will support a variety of arts and cultural programming, and your feedback will help us design a space that meets the community’s needs and interests,” he said in an email, inviting people to take the survey (Click here).

In the survey people are asked if they would support the following programs on the third floor?

• Fiber Arts Expansion (advanced techniques, weaving, spinning, felting etc.)
• Fine Arts (painting, drawing sculpture)
• Pottery
• Glass Blowing
• Performing Arts – Dance (ballet, modern, cultural dance)
• Performing Arts – Theater (acting, directing, playwriting)
• Performing Arts – Music (instrumental, vocal, songwriting)
• Literary Arts (writing workshops, poetry readings)
• Design Arts (fashion design, interior design)
• Tech Arts (digital design, coding, interactive media)
• Media Arts (photography, videography, film production)
• Folk Arts (basket weaving, quilting, cultural crafts)
• Programming for Adults
• Programming for Teens
• Programming for Children (6-12)
• Programming for Preschoolers (3-5)

The presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris gets nearly all the buzz and headlines in the upcoming election, but several other positions are on the ballot.

Early voting starts Oct. 26 and continues for nine days until Nov. 3. Polls will be open throughout the county on Nov. 5.

Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz are on the Democratic and Working Family lines, while Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance are on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Other positions on the ballot include:

Federal

• U.S. Senator (6-year term) – Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WF), Michael Sapraicone (R-C) and Diane Sare (LaRouche)
• Representative to Congress, 24th District (2-year term) – David Wagenhauser (D) and Claudia Tenney (R, C)

State

• Supreme Court Justice, 8th District (4 positions) – Henry Nowak (D, R, C, WF), Catherine Nugent-Panepinto (D, R, C, WF), Deborah Chimes (D, R, C) and Michael Norris (D, R, C)
• NYS Senate, 62nd District (2-year term) – Robert Ortt (R, C)
• NYS Assembly, 139th District (2-year term) – Stephen Hawley (R, C)

Orleans County

• County Clerk (4-year term) – Nadine Hanlon (R)
• District Attorney (4-year term) – Susan Howard (R, C)
• Coroner (4-year term for 3 positions) – Rocco Sidari (R), Scott Schmidt (R) and Julie Woodworth (R)

Carlton

• Town Clerk (1 year to fill vacancy) – Deborah Yockel (R)
• Council Member (1 year to fill vacancy) – John L. Olles (R)

The ballot also includes the state-wide proposition number one, which adds certain protections to the State Bill of Rights, covering ethnicity, national origin,

age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Also

covers reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

A “YES” vote puts these protections against discrimination in the New York State

Constitution.

A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature, in conjunction with the county Youth Bureau, will be hosting its 10th annual “Family Game Night” on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, located at 165 South Platt Avenue in Albion.  The event is free but 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 also will be several display booths with county departments who will be providing information on various programs and services available to Orleans County families. Each family will also be given a board game to take home to start their own game night.

“This has always been a well-attended event and we hope to see that again this year,” said Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson.  “As we always say, turn off the television, put your phone down, log off the internet and come join families from across the community for an old-fashioned evening of fun.”

Supporters of this event include Dubby’s Tailgate, Subway, Medina Railroad Museum, Evan’s ACE Hardware & Building Supplies, the Lyndonville Lions Club and Singelyn Enterprises – McDonald’s of Albion.

For more information or to register for the event 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.

Press Release, Office for the Aging in Orleans County

ALBION – The Orleans County Office for the Aging today announced it will be hosting several events for Medicare beneficiaries during the fall Annual Open Enrollment period which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review plan information and make educated decisions on what they want their coverage to be starting Jan. 1, 2025.

OFA will be hosting two Medicare Vendor Fairs at the Hoag Library.  Representatives from Medicare Advantage Plans will be present to assist people in understanding changes in current plans and discuss any new plans for 2025. They can also help those interested enroll in a plan. Health insurance counselors from OFA will be available to answer questions, screen for possible benefits and provide unbiased information unrelated to any particular plan.

The events at Hoag Library will be held on Friday, October 18 and Friday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hoag Library is located at 134 South Main St. in Albion. Attendees should bring their original Medicare Care and a list of both their prescription drugs and medical providers.

“Seniors are bombarded with information and solicitations for their healthcare insurance needs and with so many choices and potential program changes, it can get overwhelmingly very quickly,” said Melissa Blanar, Director of Orleans County OFA.  “The goal of these meetings is to really help people understand their choices and spend time answering questions so they can make the decisions that are right for them.”

In addition to the Medicare Vendor Fair, OFA will also be hosting two “comparison meetings” on October 23 and November 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Conference Room C of the Orleans County Administration Building in Albion. People can meet with an OFA health insurance counselor to review Medicare updates and get help in making their own comparisons between the different Medicare plans.

Those interested in attending any of these events are asked to register in advance by calling OFA at 585-589-3191.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse is being illumined in purple at night for the first half of October for domestic violence awareness month.

Orleans County Department of Social Services had 294 cases reported to the Domestic Violence Unit in 2023, and 196 from Jan. 1 to Sept. 1 in 2024. However, 90 percent of domestic violence goes unreported.

County legislators issued a proclamation about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting, “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.”

Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women than auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined, legislators said.