Press Release, Orleans County government

RIDGEWAY – The Orleans County Legislature, in conjunction with the county Youth Bureau, will be hosting its 12th annual “Family Game Night” on Thursday, October 8th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Ridgeway Fire Hall located at 11392 Ridge Rd. in Ridgeway.  The event is free but residents are asked to register in advance.

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.

“It’s hard to believe this is our 12th Family Game Night and I am so happy families continue to join us year after year as we promote turning off the electronics and engaging in a traditional board game,” said Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson.  “We also use the event as an opportunity for our departments to engage with residents on the programs, opportunities and services available through county government.”

For more information or to register for the event call the Youth Bureau at 585-589-2745 or send an email to OrleansCountyYouthBureau@orleanscountyny.gov with your name, phone number, address and number of people attending.

County seeks to highlight “Every Child Matters” and domestic violence awareness

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is shown last October when it was lighted up in purple in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The dome will again be lighted in purple from Oct. 2 to Oct. 16 for domestic violence awareness.

The courthouse top also will be illumined in orange from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 for “Every Child Matters Day,” which is recognized on Sept. 30 across Indigenous communities. The day is a time to reflect on the truths of U.S. and Canadian boarding school histories, honor survivors, and commit to healing, reconciliation and education, Orleans County legislators said in a proclamation.

Orleans County Legislator Don Allport on Tuesday presents a proclamation in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. He presented it to Kelley Ortiz, senior caseworker; Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of the Orleans County Department of Social Services; and Judianne Gearing, supervisor in DSS.

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, 249 cases were reported in 2025 and 248 cases so far this year from Jan. 1 to Sept. 1.

“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,” the proclamation states.

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

“Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects people regardless of socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, age, gender, education, employment status, physical ableness, marital status, or childhood history,” the proclamation stated.

Legislator Allport also presented a proclamation about “Every Child Matters Day” for Sept. 30 to DSS caseworker Isabella Gibbs and DSS Commissioner Shirley Mazourek.

The proclamation states that beginning in the early 1800s and lasting well into the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children were removed from their families and communities and placed in more than 500 government and church-run Indian boarding schools.

“Many endured the loss of culture, language, traditions and identity, and many children never returned home,” the proclamation stated. “These schools caused intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous peoples, families and communities today, while Indigenous nations, families, and cultures continue to demonstrate resilience, strength and survival.”

Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 to honor survivors of residential and boarding schools, remember the children who never came home, and recognize the enduring impacts of these institutions.

“The Orleans County Department of Social Services will continue to collaborate with Tribes and Indigenous-led organizations to guide this work in culturally responsive and respectful ways; and commits to listening to Indigenous students and families to guide ongoing efforts toward healing, equity and belonging,” the proclamation states.

The County Legislature also issued a proclamation that declared October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.” Legislator John Fitzak presents the proclamation to the county IT team that includes secretary Lily Kiebala, computer specialist Dan neary, senior computer specialist David Janus, system engineer Zach Reed, system engineer Don Mack, and IT director Ryan Woolston.

The Legislature and IT department encourage people to monitor your accounts, be conscientious of what you share online, keep computer software up to date, create unique passwords and change them regularly, install anti-virus programs and firewalls, and use mobile devices safely. Those are ways you can protect yourself from phishing, viruses, malware, and loss of sensitive data, they said.

“Maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play, and awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of Orleans County’s information, infrastructure and economy,” the proclamation states.

ALBION – Orleans County and about 50 people in the Sheriff’s Employees Association have approved a new three-year contract with raises from 2027 to 2029.

The union represents employees in the Sheriff’s Office who are not deputies, including 32 corrections officers, about a dozen public safety dispatchers and four clerical staff.

The current contract with the OC Sheriff’s Employees Association was ratified in 2022 and expires in December. The County Legislature today approved the contract following a vote last week by the union membership.

This was the third and final contract settled with county unions this year, following successful negotiations with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and CSEA.

“The Legislature is very happy to conclude our third contract negotiation this year and we commend OCSEA for working collaboratively to reach a deal that is good for their members and fair to taxpayers,” said Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer.  “As with our previous contracts, both sides used a list of 13 comparable counties from across the state as a barometer for negotiations which helped move things along.”

When looking at those comparable numbers from the 13 similar-size counties, Orleans County was paying clerical staff, correction officers and dispatchers less than the median of the 13 counties, Welch said.

To address this, in 2027 the county compressed the 2026 salary schedule down to four steps. That move created approximately a 4 percent increase for the clerical staff, an 8 percent increase for the correctional officers and a 6 percent increase for the dispatchers in each step.

The county also agreed to 2.5 percent increase every six months beginning January 2028.

“The contract structure will bring Orleans County to the median wages of the comparable counties in a way that is manageable with our budget constraints,” Welch said.

Money from Golisano paid for building, renovations at 438 West Ave.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Officials and supporters for Arc GLOW this morning cut the ribbon for the agency’s new office for Community Services and Self-Direction at 438 West Ave. Jill Pegelow, vice president of community services and self direction for Arc GLOW, holds the scissors for the ribbon-cutting. The Arc has moved some services over from its Caroline Street offices while keeping finance and compliance at Caroline Street.

ALBION – Arc GLOW celebrated new offices for its community services and self-direction programs today. Those services used to be based out of 122 Caroline St. in Albion.

But since last month they have been relocated to 438 West Ave., a site recently used for Serenity Spa & Holistic Center, and the Serenity Vitality Café. The previous owner, Doris Heydel closed the business after she moved back to Florida.

Arc officials said it was perfect timing when the building became available. The agency was cramped on Caroline Street. It wanted more room for its community services and self-direction programs, as well as a larger recreation area with a kitchen for individuals with disabilities. The Arc is keeping finance and compliance at Caroline Street.

The agency was able to purchase 438 West Ave. for $298,500 and make some renovations, tapping into a $5 million gift in 2024 from Thomas Golisano, the Paychex founder. On Sept. 17, 2024, he announced he was giving $360 million to 82 non-profit organizations in the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse regions.

Arc GLOW also has used some of his gift to acquire a building in Le Roy and turn it into a home for five people with disabilities. Arc GLOW dedicated the Golisano IRA home in Le Roy on May 15.

Martin Miskall, Arc CEO, said the Golisano funds have allowed the agency to expand services. He praised the Arc team for their commitment to expanding the agency’s presence and services in Orleans County.

“This new space allows us to strengthen local partnerships, increase accessibility for the individuals and families we support, and further our mission of helping people live fulfilling lives within their own communities,” Miskall said.

County Legislator Don Allport presents a commendation on behalf of the County Legislature for the new offices in Albion. Allport, a former board member and board president for the Arc of Orleans, said he appreciates the agency keeping a strong presence in Orleans County.

The Arc of Orleans County was founded in 1970. It merged with the Genesee County chapter in 2016. In 2021, Orleans and Genesee merged with the Livingston-Wyoming chapter to form Arc GLOW.

The agency now serves 2,000 people with disabilities in the four counties and employs 1,200 people.

Jill Pegelow, VP of community services and self direction for Arc GLOW, said she has been privileged to work for the Arc for 36 years. The new offices provide a welcoming environment for individuals and their families to access support, receive guidance, and collaborate with dedicated professionals who are helping people reach their fullest potential, Pegelow said.

“Every day our Community Services and Self-Direction teams help individuals pursue their goals, build independence, and create lives that reflect their unique interests, strengths and dreams,” she said. “Whether someone is looking for community connections, support navigating resources, or the flexibility to direct their own services, ur staff is here to help them succeed.”

This photo is looking out from the former kitchen space at the Serenity Vitality Café. The Arc said they will use the kitchen to teach people cooking skills, while the bigger lounge space will give people more space to relax and socialize.

Martin Miskall urged people to become members of the agency, even at $1.

“The more advocates, the better,” he said. “There is strength in numbers.”

‘Let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.’ – Rev. David Fish

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mike Donahue and the Honor Guard provided a dignified presence during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on Friday on the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 victims in New York City, Washington, DC and rural Shanksville, Pa.

About 9,000 more have died since from illnesses from being exposed to the toxic dust and hazardous air after the World Trade Center towers collapsed in NYC.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said the community will never forget the horrific event on Sept. 11, 2001. She said people history, even major events, are often quickly forgotten.

“To many of us gathered today, the events of 25 years ago seem like the happened yesterday,” Johnson told the crowd. Yet, we must remember that a whole generation has been born since those attacks – these are our emerging leaders and it is up to us to ensure the lessons we learned from 9/11 do not fade away to the dustbin of history, but rather are passed on to them.”

Johnson said the terrorists attacks were less than a year after a very contentious presidential election, with George W. Bush defeating Al Gore.

“Many were saying the country was hopelessly divided, a sentiment we hear quite often today,” she said. “Yet, in the aftermath of 9/11, the country came together as never before. When things are at their worst, America is at its best. This is a stark reminder that political identity should always take a back seat to one simple fact: We are all Americans.”

About 20 local firefighters stand together during the remembrance service outside the courthouse.

There were about 200 people in attendance for the half-hour service. That was more than double the number at the service a year ago.

During the Sept. 11 attack, 343 New York City firefighters were killed that day.

David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, shared an opening and closing prayer. Fish was a sergeant in the Army National Guard and spent about two years in New York City after Sept. 11 providing security and assisting in the aftermath of the attacks.

“Lord, help us to never forget,” Fish said. “But let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.

“Give comfort to those who still grieve. Strengthen those who continue to serve others. Watch over our first responders, members of our military, and all who place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others.”

A giant American flag was held up by ladder trucks from Albion and Murray. Traffic was closed on Main Street in between State Street and Park Street for the remembrance service.

These firefighters are pictured by the flag just before the service, which started at 6 p.m.

About 16 law enforcement officers from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department stand at attention during the service.

There were 72 law enforcement officers killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Justin Niederhofer, director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, shared a timeline from 25 years earlier.

On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the North Tower was struck in New York City. At 9:03, a plane hit the South Tower. At 9:37, the Pentagon was struck. At 9:59 p.m., the South Tower fell. At 10:07 a.m., Flight 93 crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.

“We were attacked and wounded beyond belief but not beyond repair,” Niederhofer said.

Sheriff Chris Bourke, back left, led the group in the pledge of allegiance and Scott Schmidt, right, gave the keynote address.

These firefighters are seen between members of the Honor Guard on the courthouse lawn. Orleans County has held a Sept.11 remembrance service every year since 2001.

Scott Schmidt, the Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, speaks during the service. He spent nearly three weeks with the federal DMORT team after 9/11 and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.

He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero. He noted the death toll continues to grow as more people die each year from their exposure to particulates while working at or near Ground Zero or from when then were fleeing the site where two skyscrapers collapsed.

“A 25-year remembrance is also known as a Silver Jubilee,” Schmidt said. “Silver is a precious metal, one worth saving and protecting. Much like the freedoms that our fore-fathers dictated to the world 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was created to save us from ruling powers of the kingdom of Great Britain. It was penned to provide freedoms and rights to the people of the United States. Among those rights were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those rights and freedoms which we all enjoy today, much like silver metal, are worth protecting.”

Schmidt said the group gathers to remember the 2,997 civilians and first responders killed on Sept. 11 after terrorists turned four commercial airplanes into “flying bombs of death and destruction.”

“Today we mourn for their families who will forever have an empty seat at the table and a vacant and void space when they reach out to hug their loved one,” he said. “We hope and pray this day and all days, that all the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 or in the days and year following due to related illnesses, we hope and pray that they have received the greatest reward from whatever or whomever their God happens to be.”

Brad Nudd plays Taps near the end of the service. He is on the steps of the County Clerks’ Building.

Doug Egling played “America the Beautiful” with the crowd then singing, “God Bless America.”

County has seen sales tax revenue jump by $8 million since 2019

Photo by Tom Rivers: Downtown Medina is shown in a recent photo. Medina’s Main Street is a vibrant business district.

ALBION – Orleans County continues to see growth in the local sales tax revenue, but not at the pace of the other rural GLOW counties.

The state comptroller has highlighted the sales tax revenue for the first half of the year among counties in the state, as well as the overall state growth.

Orleans County, in the first six months of 2026, is up by 2.8 percent or $340,000 from $12.41 million to $12.75 million.

Orleans is coming off a big sales tax year in 2025 when revenues jumped 9.3 percent or nearly $2.2 million from $23.42 million in 2024 to $25.59 million in 2025.

The revenue helps the county offset increases and helps hold down property taxes at the county level. The County Legislature also shares $1,366,671 with the 10 towns and four villages, a level that has been unchanged since 2001. The towns and villages collectively receive about 5 percent of the total.

The county has seen steady growth in sales tax in recent years. It has now gone up nearly $8 million from the $17.7 in 2019 to the $25.6 million last year.

Orleans County sales tax revenues

• $25.6 million in 2025
• $23.4 million in 2024
• $23.1 million in 2023
• $22.5 million in 2022
• $21.8 million in 2021
• $19.4 million in 2020
• $17.7 million in 2019

The comptroller’s office said overall inflation, including much-higher gas and fuel prices in 2026, are a factor in higher sales tax revenue so far in 2026, compared to 2025.

Aggregate sales tax collections for counties grew by 5.7 percent in the first half of 2026, year over year, with 52 of 57 counties outside of New York City experienced increases in first-half collections. More than half of those counties saw growth exceed 5 percent.

Among the GLOW counties, the growth in Orleans County is lagging behind.

• Genesee County is up 12.5 percent from $27.78 million to $31.26 million, an increase of $3.48 million
• Livingston up by 5.2 percent from $22.48 million to $23.64 million, an increase of $1.16 million
• Orleans up by 2.8 percent from $12.41 million to $12.75 million, up by $340,000
• Wyoming increased by 9.2 percent from $12.80 million to $13.97 million, an increase of $1.17 million

Neighboring Monroe County only saw 0.5 percent growth from $321.0 to $322.7 million, while another neighbor to Orleans, Niagara, is up 8.9 percent from $85.23 million to $92.78 million, according to the state comptroller.

Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Office

The Orleans Aware App provides alerts on emergencies, and also other health and safety information.

ALBION – The storms that ripped through Orleans County this week, including the tornado in the Town of Shelby, point out the need for residents to be able to receive real time emergency alerts, according to Scott Buffin, Deputy Director of Orleans County Emergency Management.

Orleans County Emergency Management joined the National Weather Service (NWS) yesterday to complete a damage survey from the tornado. NWS reported the tornado had a rating of EF1 with an estimated peak wind of 105 mph, a path length of 1.20 miles and a width of 200 yards.  Orleans County volunteer fire departments answered nearly 200 storm-related calls during the weather events.

“First, we are very thankful that such serious storms, including the tornado, did not lead to any serious injuries or deaths,” said Buffin.  “We also want to recognize the great work of the county’s first responders and emergency personnel, including those in the Orleans County 9-1-1- Communications Center who fielded a tremendous number of calls and did a great job directing resources. This was a team effort that continues as we deal with the aftermath of the storms.”

Buffin said the county’s Emergency Management Director Justin Niederhofer has made direct communication with residents a priority of his office, recognizing the importance of sharing information quickly in emergency situations. That is what led to the development of the Orleans Aware app to their smartphones.

The app provides alerts and other real-time information during emergency situations while also serving as a resource for other health and safety information. The app is available by clicking here.

Buffin also encouraged residents to follow Emergency Management on Facebook (click here).

“These are free communication vehicles that allow us and other agencies to quickly push out notifications as situations develop and change,” said Buffin.  “Do yourself and your family a favor and download the app and follow us on Facebook so you are prepared for the next emergency situation.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A giant American flag is displayed high over Main Street from the Murray and Albion ladder trucks on Sept. 11, 2025.

ALBION – Orleans County will again be holding a Sept. 11 remembrance service on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

There has been a remembrance service every year on Sept. 11 since the attacks, but the crowds have been getting smaller. Last year about 75 people attended the service outside the courthouse.

Scott Schmidt is hoping for a much bigger turnout this year. Schmidt is the keynote speaker for the service that starts at 6 p.m.

Schmidt, the Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, spent three weeks with the federal DMORT team after 9/11 and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.

He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero. He noted the death toll continues to grow as more people die each year from their exposure to particulates while working at or near Ground Zero or from when then were fleeing the site where two skyscrapers collapsed.

He would like to see more students and younger people at the remembrance service.

“The new kids in school don’t know what Sept. 11 is or what happened that day,” Schmidt said today. “I want bigger turnout, especially among students. I would love to see the courthouse lawn full like it used to be. It’s something we shouldn’t forget.”

The terrorists attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others. Terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the other into a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.

During the service, Schmidt and the speakers will remember the nearly 3,000 victims from the attacks, and highlight the bravery of the first responders who fled towards the danger to help others.

The service will include a welcome message from Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature; and opening and closing prayer from David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church; a timeline of Sept. 11 by Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County emergency management director; and a gun salute from the Honor Guard of the American Legion and VFW.

Doug Egling will play “America the Beautiful” and the crowd will join in singing, “God Bless America.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Ken DeRoller speaks on April 15, 2025 during the Orleans County Bicentennial celebration in the County Courthouse. DeRoller was a member of the county’s Bicentennial Committee.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature this week recognized for County Legislator Ken DeRoller with a “Special Recognition Award” for his 12 ½ years of service on the GLOW Workforce Development Board.

DeRoller was on the board during his eight years as county legislator. He retired from that position on Dec. 31, 2021. He then continued to represent the county on the GLOW board for another 4 ½ years.

“You were instrumental in keeping Orleans County present and involved in all aspects of the GLOW region activities,” county legislators stated in the award presented on Tuesday. “You were vocal and passionate about the regional Work Force Development efforts, along with foresight into the future needs of our County. Even as a retired legislator, you understand the need to present ‘in the room.’”

DeRoller, a Kendall resident, helped the GLOW Workforce Development Board to establish a non-profit organization to seek out grants. That gives the organization another funding opportunity at a time when federal funds are dwindling for traditional workforce development programs.

Kelly Kiebala, the county’s job development director since 2015, saw DeRoller’s advocacy up close on the GLOW board. DeRoller pushed the board to stay as a collaborative four-county effort, Kiebala said.

She recalled his mantra: “There would not be a GLOW without Orleans as the ‘O’ in GLOW.”

“Right for the start it was clear to me how committed he was – and is – to Orleans and the folks who live and work in our communities,” Kiebala said.