Orleans contingent writes resolution that gets backing of NACo
Provided photos: Orleans County Legislators John Fitzak, Lynne Johnson and Skip Draper are shown at the NACo conference in Philadelphia.
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
PHILADELPHIA, PA. – Orleans County Legislators Lynne Johnson, Skip Draper and John Fitzak today announced that the National Association of Counties (NACo) has passed a resolution, authored by the three lawmakers, opposing closure of Job Corps centers across the country. The vote took place yesterday at the NACo annual conference in Philadelphia.
Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson, joined by Legislator Skip Draper, presents the resolution opposing Job Corps closure at the NACo conference.
“It’s no secret that we consider the Iroquois Job Corps center in Medina hugely important to creating pathways to employment for many young men and women,” Johnson said. “It was extremely gratifying to see other counties across the country feel the same way about Job Corps centers in their regions and joined our effort to save them.”
Legislator Skip Draper said, “The Iroquois Job Corps trains hundreds of students each year for jobs in the building trades, and Job Corps centers around the country train over 50,000 students annually. If the federal government’s desire is to reduce people’s reliance on social services programs, and instead move them into meaningful work, then cutting Job Corps does not make any sense.”
With yesterday’s vote on the Orleans County resolution, support to maintain Job Corps now becomes a priority for NACo’s lobbying efforts in Congress.
“As the old saying goes, there is strength in numbers,” said Legislator John Fitzak. “With the full weight of NACo and its member counties behind efforts to save Job Corps, we stand a much better chance of building a coalition of federal representatives to preserve this important program.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2025 at 11:29 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jay Lazarony, retiring director for the GLOW Workforce Development Board, receives a “Special Recognition Award” from County Legislator Fred Miller during a recent Legislature meeting.
ALBION – The leader of the GLOW Workforce Development Board has pushed to be bring in training funds to help residents develop skills for in-demand local careers.
Jay Lazarony led the GLOW organization the past eight years, and worked 20 years before that as a youth counselor for the Genesee County Job Development Bureau. He has retired, and has been praised for his efforts to connect GLOW residents to job training.
He also was one of the driving forces in the GLOW With Your Hands career exploration events that showcased careers in the trades and local manufacturing, and also in healthcare.
The Orleans County Legislature recently presented Lazarony with a “Special Recognition Award” for his career in workforce development.
Lazarony, in an interview today, said it has been a rewarding career “to provide people with a restart, an initial start or just a change in their work status.”
The GLOW WDB works with BOCES to connect residents to training. That training can make a huge difference for people in getting a new career or a step up at the jobs. GLOW has secured about $500,000 a year each of the past five years for job training in the four local rural counties.
“A small training could be the difference in them getting a new career with a family-sustaining income,” Lazarony said.
When he worked for the Genesee County Job Development Bureau, Lazarony said the office would ring a bell every time someone landed a job through the bureau’s help. That signified a new start, a chance at a family-sustaining career.
Lazarony said those jobs are available in the GLOW region, but more residents need training to be hired at these positions.
“I think there are great careers locally but there is a skill gap,” he said. “We have to get them trained first. We’re fighting for funding for training. It’s not that nobody wants to work. It’s just that they’re not up to speed yet.”
Lazarony praised the work of the job development agencies in each of the four counties. In Orleans, Kelly Kiebala is director of the Job Development Agency.
The overall GLOW Workforce Development Board has a new leader in Tracy VanVleck, the executive director who is based in Batavia.
Lazarony said she worked with him his final month in the position. He is confident she will be a good fit for the four counties.
“She will take it in a direction that is positive and very good for all of GLOW,” Lazarony said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 17, 2024 recognized award winners for 2024. The group includes, front row, from left: Lisa Christiaansen, Tapped on Main in Medina; Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; Jenna Pangrazio and Brody Hoffmeister of Rudy’s in Medina; Marisa and Matthew Burch, Chop’s Shop Bar & Grill North in Lyndonville; and Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service. Back row: Brian Christiaansen of Tapped on Main, David Mitchell; Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group in Albion; George Lacey and Samantha Tillman of Captain’s Cove in Carlton; Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market in Medina; Rex Harvey, Ray Laine and Lori Laine of Frontier Heating & A/C Service.
Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 27th annual business awards.
• Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Last year’s winner: Frontier Heating & A/C Services.)
• Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. (Dave Mitchell received the award in 2024.)
• Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility. (Tapped on Main – Mark’s Pizzeria won the award last year.)
• New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year. (Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville won last year.)
• Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres. (Community Action of Orleans and Genesee received the honor in 2024.)
• Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Roberts Farm Market in Medina won the award in 2024.)
• Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year. (Rudy’s Diner in Medina won last year.)
• Hidden Gem –This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County. (Captain’s Cove in Point Breeze won the honor in 2024.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2025 at 8:52 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati were in Albion on Aug. 10, 2024 for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day. More than 500 residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents. The event returns on Aug. 16.
ALBION – Orleans County will again hold a popular household hazardous waste collection day.
The event returns Aug. 16 and is a chance to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents at no charge to residents.
The event is open to all Orleans County residents but registration is needed and can be done by calling the county Planning Office at (585) 589-3198 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The event will be at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is reserved for tire collection only.
Acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires (limit 10), batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, oil-based paints and empty propane tanks.
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical water, electronics, latex paint, tires on rims and commercial tires.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way.”
A state grant covers half of the cost with the county paying the other half. The county’s cost has been about $18,000 in recent years.
The County legislature approved the following agreement with Environmental Enterprises Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio: Aerosol Cans, $1.00 per pound; Anti-Freeze, $.23 per pound; Chemicals (labpacks), $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Acids, $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Bases, $1.20 per pound; Fluorescent Tubes, $1.00 per pound; Household Cleaners, $1.20 per pound; Miscellaneous Chemicals, $1.20 per pound;
Oil Filters, $.25 per pound; Organic Liquids, $.24 per pound; Oxidizers, $1.20 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticides, $1.89 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticide (dioxin precursors), $12.00 per pound; Poisons, $1.20 per pound; Resins & Adhesives (with cans), $1.20 per pound; and Waste Oil, $.20 per pound.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” Winters said. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
Orleans County Public Works Department employees remove tires from the back of a pickup truck on Aug. 10, 2024. Residents are able to dispose of car tires at the event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2025 at 9:28 am
Legislature hires consultant to help present alternatives to public
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Murray Joint Fire District – led by in front from left, Pete Hendrickson, Rick Cary and Kevin Dann – march in the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade on June 26. In 2021, the Murray Joint Fire District combined the Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray districts.
ALBION – Orleans County has hired a consultant to assist local officials in looking at several options for providing EMS and fire service in the county.
Municipal Resource Inc. (MRI) of Plymouth, NH will work with the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency on a study looking at options to improve EMS and the fire service in the short and long term in the county.
MRI will be paid $71,807 for its work, with half of that coming from a state Local Government Efficiency grant. The other half will come out of Emergency Management’s budget.
Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director, said MRI will work with local officials from villages, towns, the fire departments and EMS providers. The study will look at options ranging from the current nearly all-volunteer fire service to having paid firefighters in all three battalions.
The Village of Medina is currently the only department with paid staff and they respond to fires and handle the EMS calls on the western end of the county.
Many of the fire companies and departments are short-staffed especially with responses during the work hours.
Niederhofer said there will be opportunities for public inut as the study moves forward in the coming months.
A long line of fire trucks participated in the Kendall parade on June 26, including a group from the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.
Photos courtesy of Sheriff Chris Bouke: Sheriff Chris Bourke on Sunday gave kids a sendoff for a week of camp at Keuka Lake.
Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Each summer, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Jeannine Larkin at O.C. Child and Family Services identify children from across Orleans County to attend the NYS Sheriffs’ Summer Camp.
Orleans County kids will join excited kids from across New York State when they arrive at Keuka Lake for a full week of adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories. They’ll stay until the following Saturday, experiencing 7 days of camp life—many for the very first time.
Campers are boys and girls aged 9–12, selected by their local Sheriff’s Office from families who might not otherwise be able to afford this opportunity. It’s more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to grow, lead and connect.
During the week, they’ll:
Swim, fish, kayak, and canoe on beautiful Keuka Lake
Try archery, sports, and team challenges
Participate in K-9 demos, safety programs, and campfire nights
Earn certificates for positive achievements—from mastering new skills to keeping their cabins clean and showing kindness to others
The camp is completely free for families, thanks to the generosity of those who support the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute. Every county in New York sends campers—and by summer’s end, hundreds of young people will have gained new confidence, new friends, and a lasting connection to their community.
Sheriff Christopher Bourke would like to thank everyone for their generosity throughout the year. Donations play an important part in facilitating the operation of NYS Sheriff’s Institute Summer Camp.
Small business, private non-profits can apply by July 28 for federal disaster loans
Press Release, Small Business Administration
Orleans County has been included in a disaster declaration from a high wind and hail storm on Aug. 11, 2024. The declaration also includes Cayuga, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Seneca and Wayne counties.
The Small Business Administration said small businesses and private non-profit organizations in New York have until July 28 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the high winds and hail.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private non-profits with financial losses directly related to the disaster.
The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
The loans are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or non-profit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.
The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 5:46 pm
Task Force to receive ‘2025 Achievement Award’ from National Association of Counties
Photo by Tom Rivers: District Attorney Susan Howard speaks during last week’s County Legislature meeting about a National Association of Counties award for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. Legislator Skip Draper is at right.
ALBION – The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force will receive a national award for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.
The Task Force has made over 1,250 arrests and participated in 2,800 investigations since 2007, and has a near 100 percent conviction rate, said District Attorney Susan Howard. The Task Force operates under supervision of the District Attorney in Orleans County.
“The specialized unit is especially adept in the application and execution of search warrants, and is poised to assist other local law enforcement agencies in the effort to ensure successful prosecutions at all levels,” she said.
The National Association of Counties will present Orleans County with a “2025 Achievement Award” during its national meeting July 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.
Howard praised the task force, led by supervising investigator Joe Sacco, for its work with local state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“They kind of work in the dark but they need to be recognized,” Howard said. “They work so hard behind the scenes keeping on community safe.”
The Task Force also includes investigators Corey Black and Brett Sobieraski. Black has just retired from the Task Force after several years.
“Members are experienced investigators that have worked in law enforcement an average of 20 to 30 years prior to joining, thus bringing with them a high level of experience,” Howard said. “The Task Force focuses on the war against drugs, but also handles homicides, assaults and any other type of criminal investigation.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 1:33 pm
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson is thanking county employees and law enforcement for a peaceful resolution to a bomb threat on Monday at the Orleans County Mental Health Building.
Daniel T. Morehead, 30, of Holley has been charged with making a terrorist threat, placing a false bomb in the 1stdegree, menacing 2nd degree, attempted assault on a police officer and harassment 2nd degree.
Johnson issued the following statement:
“Yesterday’s bomb threat and subduing of the suspect at the Orleans County Department of Mental Health thankfully ended without incident and I want to thank our Sheriff’s Office and all the other agencies that aided, including the New York State Police, the Albion Police, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, NYS D.E.C Police and our Emergency Management and Probation departments, for their tremendous efforts.
“Sheriff Bourke and his leadership team were extraordinary in controlling the situation and their use of technology, especially the drone, was amazing.
“This event shows we live at a time when incidents can seemingly happen at any time and any place. We are fortunate that our public safety professionals have the training, skills and determination to protect the health and well-being of our community.
“I also want to acknowledge our County Administrator Jack Welch and the Department of Mental Health for being prepared for such a situation and implementing proper protocols to ensure employee safety. Our Mental Health staff have a very difficult job and these types of threats are always a concern. Know we appreciate all that you do.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2025 at 2:41 pm
County Office Building, Mental Health closed to public while law enforcement investigates ‘credible threat’
Photos by Tom Rivers: Public access is currently closed to the Orleans County mental Health Building on Route 31 after someone made a bomb threat today at about noon.
ALBION – A person has been arrested after making a bomb threat today at the Orleans County Mental Health Building.
That building has been evacuated and the employees are on lockdown and sheltering in place next door at the County Office Building.
Law enforcement is on the scene investigating “a credible bomb threat.”
Access up the driveway off Route 31 to the county buildings is closed to the public.
No other information is available.
Yellow caution tape is on the side of the County Office Building facing the Mental Health Building.
Orleans County is blocking access up the driveway leading to the County Office Building and the Mental Health Building. These photos were taken at about 2:25 p.m.
Sgt. Torry Tooley is commander of the Special Response Team at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The SRT includes members from the Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department.
ALBION – Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is proud to announce the appointment of Sergeant Torry Tooley as Commander of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT).
The SRT is a specialized unit comprised of members from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Albion Police Department, trained to respond to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.
Sergeant Tooley brings 16 years of law enforcement experience to this leadership role. He is a certified NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Advanced Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and is also certified as a SWAT Operator and Tactical Team Leader through DCJS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.
Over the years, Sergeant Tooley has served as an SRT Team Leader, earning the respect of his peers and a reputation as a knowledgeable, skilled and dependable leader. His extensive training, practical experience, and dedication to excellence make him well-suited for this critical position.
As SRT Commander, Sergeant Tooley will oversee all aspects of team training, support grant management and equipment procurement efforts, and lead the planning and execution of tactical operations. Given that SRT deployments typically occur during high-risk, high-pressure situations, strong and capable leadership is essential. Sergeant Tooley embodies the professionalism and expertise necessary to ensure the safety of both team members and the community.
Sheriff Bourke expresses his confidence in Sergeant Tooley and appreciates his commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Orleans County. Sheriff Bourke remains dedicated to protecting those who live in, work in, and travel through Orleans County by maintaining highly trained, well-led specialized units such as the SRT.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2025 at 8:52 am
Orleans County Legislature passes resolution in support of program
Provided photos: Students at the Iroquois Job Corps Center learn in programs for brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant and certified nursing assistant.
June 30 won’t be the day that Job Corps centers shut down. A federal judge on Wednesday said the centers don’t have to close while a lawsuit is in federal court.
Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced on May 29 that 99 privately run centers would go on “pause” due to what she said were low graduation rates and high incidents of violence. She said Job Corps is not cost-effective. She set June 30 as the date for the centers to close, with students to be sent home earlier on June 6.
But U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said the Department of Labor can’t dismantle a program that Congress established and set aside funding to run. A preliminary injunction nationally will allow the centers to stay open while litigation continues.
The Job Corps program was founded in 1964 to help teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.
“Once Congress has passed legislation stating that a program like the Job Corps must exist, and set aside funding for that program, the DOL is not free to do as it pleases; it is required to enforce the law as intended by Congress,” Carter wrote in the ruling, according to the Associated Press.
Carter directed the DOL to stop removing Job Corps students from housing, terminating jobs or otherwise suspending the nationwide program without congressional approval, the AP reported.
The DOL said it was pausing the Job Corps, not shutting it down. But the judge disputed that.
“The way that the DOL is shuttering operations and the context in which the shuttering is taking place make it clear that the DOL is actually attempting to close the centers,” Carter wrote.
The judge said closing the centers harms students. They lose the progress they’ve made towards their education and certifications, with some plunged into homelessness. That is a big contrast from the “minor upheaval” described by government lawyers, he said.
County Legislature calls Job Corps ‘a vital resource’
The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution in support of keeping the Job Corps program open and at full capacity. The center has room for 225 students. The center assists students in earning their high school diplomas and learn skills in various fields – certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting.
County legislators said the Job Corps program for more than 60 years “has been a staple in assisting young adults obtain life skills, earn high school diplomas, receive on the job training in healthcare, construction and other in-demand fields.”
The Iroquois Job Corps has a $17 million impact annual economic impact locally, legislators said. Students also have completed many projects in the community at municipal buildings and parks in Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties, “thus saving the cost burden having been put upon the local property taxes.”
“Orleans County Legislators view the Iroquois Job Corps Center as a vital resource to the county by means of assisting up to 225 young adults at a time, employing 100 local residents, and providing an estimated $17 million annual economic impact on our local economy,” the resolution states. “The Orleans County Legislature does hereby oppose a ‘phased pause’ and closure of the Iroquois Job Corps Center in our County.”
Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, has been a member of the community council at the Job Corps.
She said many of the students come from difficult circumstances and Job Corps helps them to learn skills and get jobs.
“They are contributing members of our society,” Johnson said.
The Medina Village Board also considered a resolution in support of Job Corps on Monday, but it failed to get three votes to pass. Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano wanted to state Medina’s support of the program.
“I think there is a lot of value to that program,” Marciano said.
Trustee Scott Bielski said he had to abstain because his company works with the Job Corps and he didn’t think it was proper for him to vote on an issue where he has financial gain.
“I support the Job Corps 100 percent,” he said.
Trustee Deb Padoleski said she was uncomfortable with the village weighing in on the issue.
“It feels like political activism to me,” she said.
Trustee Mark Prawel wasn’t at the meeting.
Mayor Sherman said Job Corps students were planning to do projects at City Hall and the Village Office this year to gain work experience. Students in recent years built the pavilion at State Street Park and made several Buddy Benches at Medina parks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2025 at 8:46 pm
Provided photo: Kendall’s 57 graduates and one honorary foreign exchange student in the Class of 2024 celebrated commencement on June 28, 2024 in the school auditorium.
Orleans County’s school districts will be giving high school seniors a big send off with commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.
About 400 graduates will receive their diplomas.
The commencement ceremonies include:
• Albion is graduating 139 students this year. The ceremony speakers are Linda Weller (Acting Board of Education President), Mickey Edwards (Superintendent), Kenadie Patten (Class of 2025 President), Zackary Baron (Salutatorian) and Tye Talbot (Valedictorian).
The ceremony is planned to be outside on football field beginning at 7 p.m. with the high school gym the back-up in case of rain.
• Holley has 67 students graduating on Saturday during commencement at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.
Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.
The Salutatory address will be given by Natalie Amelia Foose and the Valedictory address will be delivered by Allison Renee Merle.
• Kendall has 53 seniors graduating at 7 p.m. Friday with a ceremony in the school auditorium. Carolyn Sweeting, who retired as a Spanish teacher in 2023, has been picked by the class to be the commencement speaker.
The top two students academically also will give speeches, including Valedictorian Colby Hughes and Salutatorian Isabella Goodrich.
• Lyndonville has 30 students graduating on Friday during a 7 p.m. ceremony in the auditorium. Valedictorian Addison Dillenbeck and Salutatorian Madison Davis will each give an address.
• Medina has just under 100 graduates receiving diplomas at 7 p.m. on Friday at Vets Park. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the ceremony will be inside in the auditorium.
The speakers will be Dan Owen DeVera, the valedictorian, and Cameron Kenward, the salutatorian.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2025 at 10:15 am
ALBION – It was a small turnout with nine days of early voting in Orleans County. Only 78 people cast ballots ahead of the June 24 primary in the towns of Barre, Shelby and Yates. That is less than 1 percent of the eligible registered voters, said mike Election, Republican election commissioner.
The county by state mandate needs to provide nine days of early voting. This time it was from June 14 to June 22. The polling location is in Albion at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building.
There were 33 voters for the primary in Barre, 40 for Shelby and five for Yates.
For the primary on Tuesday, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the town hall in each of the three towns: Barre Town Hall at 14317 W Barre Rd.; Shelby Town Hall at 4062 Salt Works Rd.; and Yates Town Hall at 8 S Main St.
The primaries include:
Barre: Two candidates for the town supervisor position – Scott Burnside and Stephen Coville II. Four candidates for two positions as town council member: George McKenna Jr., Wesley Miller, David Allen and Iva McKenna.
Shelby: Two candidates for town supervisor: James Heminway and Scott Wengewicz. Four candidates for two spots as town council member: Vassilios Bitsas, Lawrence Waters Sr., Edward Zelazny and Michael Moriarty.
Yates: Three candidates for two Town Board seats: Harold Suhr, William Jurinich and Terry Chaffee Jr.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 June 2025 at 2:31 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Ricky and Katrina Standish stand near the banks of Lake Alice on family-owned property, of which they have become managers. Katrina recently graduated from the Spring 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program, which she took to help them run a business.
ALBION – The Spring 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program class recently graduated 11 aspiring business entrepreneurs, whose prospective new businesses are very diverse, according to MAP director Matt Holland.
“We had an excellent group of businesses this year, from a wide variety of backgrounds and stages of business,” Holland said.
This included agriculture, retail, food service, property rental and maintenance – some of which are concept, startup or have been open for more than two years.
“I believe this diversity benefitted group discussions and collaboration,” Holland said. “All of them were enthusiastic and worked hard drafting their business plans. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for their businesses.”
Holland took over leadership of MAP when Diane Blanchard retired in 2023. He said MAP is education and he has always enjoyed education.
“Most importantly, because small businesses are the backbone of a small town area,” he said.
Jeremy Bow of Kent signed up for the Microenterprise Assistance Program to take advantage of the resources they offer. He has started a new business, JB’s Stump Grinding.
They didn’t restart the MAP program until 2024, Holland said.
“We took a step back to see if any changes had to be made and what we could do to get small business centers involved – with the EDA,” he said. “Small business centers bring great programming to the class.”
The Microenterprise Assistance Program has graduated 569 individuals to date. Two graduations are held a year, always with a similar curriculum, Holland said. They teach the basics a business person should know, including legal, marketing, financials, bookkeeping and pricing.
“We always have an entrepreneur come in and tell the class what it’s like to be in business,” Holland said.
One such businessman was Kyle Brent, who just built a new modern building for his business, KJ Motorsports in Middleport. The class was very impressed with his story, starting his business in his home, right out of high school.
“Sometimes a person takes the class and realizes they don’t want to be in business,” Holland said.
The newest graduates and their businesses are Ellen Blanc, Paws Only Grooming; Jeremy Bow, JB;s Stump Grinding; McKenna Christ, The Grove 1848; Megan Davenport, GH Grooming and Spa; Duane DeRoller, Liberty Meadows; Emma Drisdom – Emma’s Nail Room; Shawn Malark, North Star Ammo and Defense; Deborah Mannix – Seasonal Retail; Katie and Christopher Oakes – LynOaken Upick LLC; Alicia Sargent, Medicare Advocacy Center; and Ricky and Katrina Standish, RKScapes (rental property, landscaping and property management).
Two of the recent graduates shared their stories of becoming entrepreneurs.
Graduate Katrina Standish and her husband Ricky both have full-time jobs at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, but recently took over management of property her father owns, mostly on the banks of Lake Alice. Katrina registered for the class, but Ricky came along also.
“The class helped us understand a business plan,” Katrina said.
“They also hook you up with an attorney, who connected us with the Small Business Legal Clinic at the WNY Law Center,” Ricky said.
The couple plan to expand their rental holdings to include Amish shed cabins, accessible to the water for fishermen, as well as a fire pit, canoe and kayak rentals and golf cart rentals. This is something Katrina has always dreamed of, she said.
“I think MAP was a great opportunity for us,” Katrina added.
Jeremy Bow is also employed full-time, but decided to start a side business after discovering how expensive it would be to hire someone to grind up a bunch of stumps in his yard.
“I picked up a stump grinder to do my yard, and then started helping my friends,” Bow said. “At first I thought I’d take care of my stumps, then go help my friends and sell the grinder. But, last fall I decided to get an LLC form and insurance.”
He enrolled in the MAP class, something he said he wishes he had done sooner.
“MAP showed us a lot of resources out there I didn’t know existed,” Bow said. “I also met a lot of class members in all phase of business. Some don’t have a business yet, just a business concept. We shared ideas with some who are fully established and some whose business is still in the works.”
He was impressed with how much they learned – about the paperwork involved, how to motivate employees and the importance of taking good care of your employees.
“Some questions brought up were things I’d never thought of,” Bow said. “There are so many things you don’t know. They don’t make it easy to start a business, but MAP covered a lot of the bases and showed us where help is available. It’s a very good program.”
Bow said he hopes by being affordable and doing a good job, his new business will be successful. His goal is to buy a dump trailer and mini skid-steer so he can clean up after a job.
He wants no dissatisfied customers, he said.
Applications for the next MAP class will be accepted beginning July 15. The fall class will begin the first Thursday in September.
