By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2024 at 10:15 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati are in Albion today for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day.
More than 500 residents are expected to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents.
The top photo shows and EEI employee at the solvent station where oil, anti-freeze and solvents are collected.
The county has had a contract with EEI for several years for the household hazardous waste collection. The company has 22 employees in Albion today and they will take back two tractor-trailer loads of household hazardous waste.
The county typically pays the company about $18,000 to collect and remove the household hazardous waste, with the state then reimbursing the county about half of the costs.
EEI does the collection events for communities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Indianna.
The event is held at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion with residents signing up for appointments to dispose of their materials in a safe and environmental-friendly way.
EEI workers took all kinds of household hazardous waste, including pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints and empty propane tanks.
Orleans County Public Works Department employees remove tires from the back of a pickup truck. Andy Beach is pulling the tires off. Other highway employees include Vinny Zona, Cale Stinson Jr. and Keith Ward. Corey Winters, right, from the planning department also worked with the crew.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2024 at 4:21 pm
ALBION – Orleans County will be 200 years old next year. The county was officially “born” on April 15, 1825, when the State Legislature recognized Orleans as its own county, approving a separation from Genesee County.
The Orleans County Legislature wants to celebrate the milestone anniversary next year and named members to a Bicentennial Committee to help coordinate information and events for the bicentennial.
County Historian Catherine Cooper will serve as chairwoman of the group.
Other members include:
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
Mark Bower, mayor for Village of Holley
Doug Farley, director of Cobblestone Museum and Society
Nadine Hanlon, Orleans County Clerk
Melissa Ierlan, Town of Clarendon Historian
Lynne Menz, Orleans County Tourism coordinator
Susan Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion Historian
Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor
The committee is to be dissolved on Dec. 31, 2025, legislators stated in a resolution.
Cooper welcomes the community’s participation in the 200th anniversary next year. She would like to see many of the existing festivals around the county in 2025 include the bicentennial as part of a theme in parades and celebrations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2024 at 4:06 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature approved a new two-year agreement with the Albion school district to have a deputy from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office working as a school resource officer.
Matt Prawel from the Sheriff’s Office has been working as the SRO for Albion the past two years.
The new agreement runs from Sept. 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026. The Sheriff’s Office will be compensated $509.74 per day in the 2024 calendar year, $553.89 per day in 2025, and $601.99 per day in 2026.
Any additional hours requested by the school district for after-hours events will be an overtime hourly rate including incremental fringe expense rate of $60.73 per hour for the calendar year 2024, $66.02 per hour in 2025, and $71.81 per hour in 2026.
For the first two years of the agreement, the Sheriff’s Office was paid $502.10 per day in the 2022-2023 school year (about $91,000) and $510.26 per day in 2023-24. Overtime was $61.05 per hour the first year and $62.53 per hour the second year.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – Registration is now open for the Orleans County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Lilypad Safe Harbour Program, according to DSS Deputy Commissioner Cyndi Stumer.
The goal of Lilypad is to educate young people on healthy relationships and building self-esteem, while also teaching how to recognize red flags that will protect them from online predators. The program is open to those 12 to 21 years of age.
“Many can remember a time when the internet first gained traction and the online world was limited to your home computer,” Stumer said. “Today’s youth have the constant presence of cellphones and access to the entire world in a few seconds, connecting with strangers through Tik Tok, Facebook, online gaming and host of other platforms. And as we know too well, this connectivity is not without its own set of problems and dangers.”
The Lilypad program is structured to help protect young people form online predators, recognizing the signs of grooming and exploitation. The program consists of three sessions that will each cover a different topic. The sessions are scheduled for Sept. 19, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street in Albion.
“We approach each session in a manner that allows young people to feel comfortable discussing these serious topics,” Stumer said. “We will also be providing snacks, holding raffles and handing out prizes throughout the evening to lighten things up.”
Advance registration is preferred for planning purposes, however, walk-in registrations are also welcome. To register your youth for Lilypad, please contact Orleans County Safe Harbour at Safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov or by telephone at (585) 589-2837.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: County clerk Nadine Hanlon poses with three motor vehicle application examiners in their new work area. The department was closed this week for a complete remodeling. Behind the counter are Jillian Belgiorno, Danielle Derisley and Kasey Sprester.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 July 2024 at 9:36 am
ALBION – When Nadine Hanlon took office as Orleans County clerk in 2021, she knew one thing she wanted to do – update the Department of Motor Vehicles.
It had been years since the area had had any attention. Mauve paint was fading, a border of license plates rimmed the room, cabinets were falling apart, furniture was outdated and there were unneeded storage areas which could be put to better use.
As county clerk, the office of DMV falls under Hanlon’s jurisdiction, with deputy clerk Pam Boyer overseeing the office. Phase one of the renovation began in June with staff training and updating the break room and deputy clerk’s office. Two weeks ago, Hanlon gave the OK for the rest of the work to begin, necessitating the office close completely this past week.
Photos from Nadine Hanlon: (Left) This is how the customer service windows looked before a complete remodeling of the Department of Motor Vehicles this month. (Right) The entire customer service area of Orleans County’s Department of Motor Vehicles was redone while the office was closed this week. This is the customer service area, looking toward the east end of the room. It shows the new flooring in that side of the room.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: This is the DMV area after the renovation, with the new customer service windows in earth tones.
Work done by Buildings and Grounds of the county Department of Public Works included installing new flooring in all but the front of the office, installing new cabinets, removing the wallpaper border of license plates, painting the room in a neutral tone, new counters and chairs, and most importantly, putting up a partition to create a private room for testing.
Previously, those taking tests were exposed to noise from the rest of the room and had little privacy. Hanlon hopes now more people will consider coming to Albion for their motor vehicle transactions.
The renovation also required contacting the State Information Technology Service to move cables.
“What we’ve done is free up space, remove old cabinets, purge stuff we didn’t need any longer and create more storage for plates which have to be locked up and more security for paperwork,” Hanlon said.
County Clerk Nadine Hanlon, who oversees the Department of Motor Vehicles, shows off the room now partitioned off for testing.
The new space is brighter and creates a happier atmosphere for employees and customers, she said.
“Our number one thing is to give 100 percent to our customers,” she said. “Customer service is of utmost importance.”
While the office was closed to the public this past week, employees continued to do dealer work, check mail and take care of the drop box.
The Orleans County DMV office completes more than 3,000 transactions a month, Hanlon said.
Six motor vehicle application examiners serve customers. They are deputy clerk Pam Bower, Jillian Belgiorno, senior MV application examiner Danielle Derisley, Amber Skrip, Maritzka Knight and new hire Kasey Sprester.
The employees like their new office space. Skrip said it is “very open and bright.”
Derisley called it “very user friendly.”
“I couldn’t wait to see it finished,” she said.
The office will reopen at its regular hours on Monday. They are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with customers asked to be in line by 3 p.m. for new permits or 3:15 p.m. for others.
Motor vehicle application examiners Kasey Sprester and Amber Skrip are seated in the area where customer pictures will be taken.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2024 at 11:23 am
Lynne Johnson has been named vice chair of the Law Enforcement Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties.
ALBION – Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, has been named vice chair of the Law Enforcement Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties.
Johnson was appointed to the post during the NACo annual convention at the Tampa Convention Center in Hillsborough County, Florida. The convention from July 12-15 includes leaders from many of the 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs in the country.
Johnson of Lyndonville is in her fourth two-year term for the County Legislature chairwoman.
Johnson also is on the Public Safety Committee for the New York State Association of Counties, an organization working for 62 counties in the state.
“Additionally, Chairwoman Johnson has been a vocal advocate for improving access to high speed broadband in rural counties, launching the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance to definitively map broadband coverage needs in Orleans county and attract new investment from Internet Service Providers,” NYSAC posted on social media on Monday, highlighting Johnson.
“Congratulations Chairwoman Johnson on your new appointment and thank you for your service to Orleans County and counties across the state and nation!” NYSAC stated.
Press Release, Orleans County Local Development Corporation
ALBION – The Orleans County Local Development Corporation is pleased to announce registration has begun for the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP).
Beginning Sept. 19 and running through Nov. 21, MAP classes will be held on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion. This comprehensive business education initiative is funded in part by a Federal Community Development Block Grant and the OCLDC to foster small business growth and entrepreneurship within Orleans County.
Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who maintain a permanent residence in Orleans County, are encouraged to apply. The course fee is $300. However, financial aid is available for qualifying applicants based on financial need.
Participants will benefit from a new curriculum designed to provide essential business education, training, technical assistance, and access to potential capital resources.
Led by industry professionals, the course spans a 10-week period and covers topics such as: legal requirements for starting a business, forms of ownership, business plan development, taxation for sole proprietors, marketing and advertising strategies, bookkeeping and record keeping, banking essentials, pricing goods and services, and cost analysis.
“The Orleans Microenterprise Assistance Program is a resource for individuals looking to establish or expand their small businesses,” said Matt Holland, MAP manager. “We are committed to providing participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.”
Since 2002, there have been 544 MAP participants. Over 200 of them started a variety of businesses in Orleans County, while more than 120 were already in business.
About the Orleans County Local Development Corporation:
A division of the OEDA, Orleans County Local Development Corporation (OCLDC) is committed to fostering sustainable economic growth in Orleans County, New York. Dedicated to building a supportive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, OCLDC improves access to small business development opportunities, education, and training, while ensuring greater equity for our rural communities to thrive in the global marketplace.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2024 at 3:08 pm
About $3 million in state funds will go towards replacing two bridges and one culvert in Orleans County, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The projects in Orleans include:
$959,000 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Gillette Road bridge
$1.151 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Lakeshore Road bridge
$1.035 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Eagle Harbor-Knowlesville Road culvert carrying the tributary to Oak Orchard Creek
The governor announced $484 million state-wide has been awarded through the Bridge NY program, which includes 216 bridges or culverts in 137 communities. The bridges and culverts will either be replaced or receive major rehabilitations to enhance safety and improve the resiliency and sustainability of New York’s transportation infrastructure, Hochul said.
“As New York continues to experience the effects of climate change firsthand, we need to make critical infrastructure upgrades so our communities can withstand the extreme weather to come,” Hochul said. “Working closely with local governments, we are investing millions to harden more than 200 bridges and culverts across the State, enhancing public safety and make these structures ready for whatever mother nature can throw at us.”
As part of $33 billion capital plan adopted in 2022, $1 billion was committed to Bridge NY, effectively doubling the size of the program. The projects selected were picked based on input from Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the funding will support all phases of project delivery, including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction.
The projects approved last year in Orleans County included:
$1.295 million to Orleans County for the replacement of the Route 279 bridge over Beardsley Creek.
$1.535 million to Orleans County for the replacement of the Groth Road bridge over East Branch Sandy Creek.
$952,000 to Orleans County for the replacement of the Eagle Harbor Road culvert carrying the tributary to Otter Creek.
$1.038 million to the Town of Albion for the replacement of the Phipps Road culvert carrying the tributary to Otter Creek, Orleans County.
Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department
ALBION – The Orleans County Care & Crisis Helpline – (585) 283-5200 – will be down for two hours between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. this Wednesday, July 10th, according to Danielle Figura, Director of Community Services in the Orleans County Department of Mental Health.
The system will be undergoing scheduled maintenance during that time.
Figura said anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or mental health distress, and needs immediate support during that time, should call the Orleans County Mental Health Department at (585) 589-7066 or call or text the National Suicide and Crisis helpline at 988.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we recognize there is never a good time to do this maintenance work that takes our system down even for a couple of hours, but it is necessary to keep our system in good working order,” said Figura. “We do have our backup plans in place and encourage anyone who needs our help to call the alternative numbers.”
ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon today announced that the county’s Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed from July 22 through July 26 to complete Phase II of the DMV office renovations.
In addition, beginning Friday, July 19, the DMV will cease issuing new permits, enhanced and real IDs, and license renewals that require a photo, as the camera will be temporarily removed at that time.
During the week of closure, DMV staff will continue processing dealer transactions and items that are either mailed to the office or deposited in the drop box located outside the main entrance of the County Office Building.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but these are necessary renovations that will upgrade our office for both customers and employees,” Hanlon said. “If you have transactions that cannot wait, please visit us during the next two weeks or take advantage of the mail-in or drop box options that many people have found to be very convenient.”
According to Hanlon, the work done in Phase I – which was completed June 12 – and Phase II includes repainting the office, installing new floors, updates to the back office, and a new back counter for customers that has outlets for charging cellphones and hooks to hang belongings while completing their paperwork. The office will have ADA compliant counters.
“When we reopen on Monday, July 29, I think our residents will like the changes we have made,” said Hanlon, who noted the camera for licenses will not be available until Tuesday, July 30. “I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this work is completed.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: from left include Job Corps students Infinity Hall-Caswell, Trevon Stringer and Luke Kantor, Admissions and Career Transition Services manager for the Iroquois Job Corps.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 3:26 pm
ALBION – Students and a manager at the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby visited the Orleans County Legislature last week to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Job Corps program.
The local Job Corps is one of 120 across the country. Job Corps says millions of young people have been changed because of the transformative nature of the program.
Born out of the War on Poverty and signed into law as the Economic Opportunity Act on August 20, 1964, Job Corps has provided safe housing, education, career and technical training opportunities, and support services for deserving young people, Job Corps officials said.
The Iroquois campus can serve 225 students who are ages 16 to 24. They receive training in six main programs: brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant, and certified nursing assistant.
Students stay on campus and receive other education. Some of those programs include work towards an equivalency diploma, and driver’s education.
The local Job Corps is drawing more students from Western New York, including the rural GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming), Wayne, Monroe and Niagara counties, said Luke Kantor, Admissions and Career Transition Services manager for the Iroquois Job Corps.
“They can better themselves, earn their GED and a trade or skill,” Kantor told county legislators.
Two current students spoke to legislators last week and praised the program.
Infinity Hall-Caswell and Trevon Stringer are both from Rochester. Hall-Caswell is in the CNA program and will be going to GCC with a goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“It’s been a life-changing experience,” she said about Job Corps.
Stringer, 23, enrolled in Job Corps in the electrical program. He said Job Corps has built his confidence to live by himself and equipped him with more skills to be successful.
“I’ve seen a lot of violence and people on the wrong path,” Stringer said. “I didn’t want that for myself.”
Job Corps students do many projects in the community, including helping to build dog runs at the PAWS Animal Shelter, constructed benches and chairs for Medina Rotary, and painting rooms at the Shelby Town Hall.
The center also has a local community relation council and a workforce council. The workforce council includes union reps and business leaders who give insight on how Job Corps can best prepare students for careers when they graduate.
The Iroquois Job Corps will celebrate graduation on Aug. 16.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 9:22 am
County looking to do study for short-term, long-term options locally
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Association of Municipalities last week at the Clarendon Rec hall watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis.” The film is about an hour long and explores the world of EMTs and paramedics, and the collapse of the EMS system, while offering ways to save it.
CLARENDON – Officials in Orleans County last week watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis,” and could relate all too well to the film.
The county in 2022 experienced the end of COVA Ambulance and the volunteer ambulance through the Kendall Fire Department.
Seven towns in central and eastern Orleans County in 2023 started paying Monroe Ambulance in a contract for ambulance services. Medina Fire Department is the primary provider on the western end of the county. Medina often loses some of its paid staff to larger departments that offer bigger paychecks.
The documentary shows a profession with a high burnout rate due to low pay, the emotional toll of many traumatic and stressful calls, and danger through exposure to Covid and people overdosing on fentanyl and other drugs.
“This is a national issue, not just a New York or Orleans County issue,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county emergency’s management director.
He screened the documentary for the local officials last week and also for the community on June 20 at the Carlton Rec Hall. Niederhofer wants the local officials to keep discussing the issue, and the public to be aware of the challenges in providing the service.
EMS providers have a challenging business model, especially in poorer communities where there is a higher mix of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, where the reimbursements may only be 20 to 30 percent of the bill.
EMS providers also tend to only be paid of patients are transported, and not for responding to a scene where there isn’t a transport.
The documentary said ambulances should be able to bill for providing care, and not just for transports. If there was more revenue for the businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities providing EMS, staff could be paid a living wage, and not have to juggle two or three jobs, with some living out of their cars, the documentary said.
Orleans County may do a study of the local EMS system, and consider alternatives for how to best provide the service in the short-term and long-term. That study could look at what reimbursement rates are needed to make the service more viable, with more ambulances based locally so there is a better response time throughout the county.
The study could also look at a scenario where there are ambulances run by the county with staff who are county employees, looking to fill some gaps or augment coverage with the current system.
The county Emergency Management Office is applying for a grant to do the study, Niederhofer said.
“This is an issue that won’t go away,” County Legislator Ed Morgan said. “We can’t stick our heads in the sand.”
Medina is the only fire department with paid career firefighters in the county. They are cross-trained as both firefighters and for EMS services.
The Medina model could be looked at as an option around the county, not only for EMS, but also to shore up the firefighting response. Niederhofer said many of the departments have a shrinking base of volunteers who are getting older.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said she sees the county taking a bigger role in the challenge, with EMS and the fire service possibly becoming a county-run issue.
But Morgan said a feasibility study, looking at many options, will be an important first step to help the local officials with a plan for providing the services.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2024 at 6:18 pm
District attorney in Orleans County praised for strong leadership, innovative programs
Photo by Tom Rivers: Joe Cardone holds an award he was presented on Saturday by the New York Prosecutors Training Institute and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Cardone was named “Prosecutor of the Year.” The organizations cited his nearly 33 years as Orleans County district attorney, and his efforts to introduce innovative programs, restructure the local court system, and be a law enforcement leader for the community. “It’s a great honor,” Cardone said about the award. “These are fabulous and brilliant people.”
ALBION – The association of district attorneys around the state presented Orleans County DA Joe Cardone with the “Prosecutor of the Year” award on Saturday during a conference for the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York and its training arm, the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.
Cardone was picked for the award because of “his strong leadership, innovative programs, and impeccable character, enhancing the criminal justice in New York State for decades,” the group said in recognizing the Orleans DA.
Cardone is one of the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. He started the position in March 1992, when he was 34 and the job was considered part-time. It has been full-time for about three decades. Cardone has successfully prosecuted many murder cases and other serious crimes during his career.
He also has pushed to introduce a Drug Court (now known as Treatment Court) to reduce the severity of some felonies if people can successfully complete drug treatment programs. The court also imposes sanctions if people miss appointment or have lapses and use drugs.
Cardone also pushed to create a Traffic Diversion Program to reduce the severity of some traffic violations, which don’t take points off motorists’ driving records and also keeps more fine money in the local community (just over $2 million since 2011).
“It’s not all about convictions,” he said. “You have to show humility and compassion.”
He has since been elected to eight consecutive terms. He will be retiring from the position on Dec. 31, and intends to pursue some business interests and remain working as an attorney.
Cardone, a Medina resident, said being the district attorney in his home county for more than three decades has been a great privilege.
“I was bound and determined to make people’s lives better, for the both the victim of a crime and the defendant,” he said. “The goal of this office is to do justice.”
Cardone was also cited by the DAs’ Association for his efforts to restructure local justice courts. During his tenure the number of town and village justices is down from 24 to the current 12. Albion and Medina have dissolved their village courts, with the caseloads shifting to the towns in those municipalities.
Most towns have gone from two justices to one. Cardone is trying to bring a district court to a public vote, which would combine many of the court functions from multiple municipalities into a centralized location.
The County Legislature won’t put the issue to a vote this year because the State Legislature needs to first give the county permission to have a referendum. Cardone said Orleans has been a leader for the rest of the state in court efficiency through consolidation and dissolution.
Provided photos: (Left) Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone was joined by his family on Saturday when he accepted the “Prosecutor of the year” award at a ceremony in Bolton Landing. From left include Alex Eaton, Rosalind Cardone Eaton. Sophia Cardone, Jenifer Cardone, Joe Cardone, Michael Cardone and Alexis Barcena. (Right) Joe Cardone is presented with the award by Sean Smith, deputy director of the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.
Cardone will likely be succeeded in the office by Susan Howard, an assistant district attorney for the county since 2005. She defeated John Sansone in a Republican Primary last week. She also has the Conservative Party line in the November general election.
Howard has been a full-time first assistant DA since 2011. Sansone also worked as an assistant DA for Orleans since 2007. He resigned from the position last week, a day after he was defeated in the primary.
“John gave us many years of service,” Cardone said in his office during an interview on Monday.
Cardone didn’t pick a side publicly in the primary.
“I’m very appreciative of both Sue and John,” Cardone said. “They gave the county a choice at great personal and financial expense. I’m extremely sad for one and happy for the other.”
Howard has the skills and dedication to take the reins and lead the office on Jan. 1, 2025, Cardone said.
“She has been nothing but a significant force in this office,” Cardone said. “She will do a great job.”
Cardone said many attorneys and staff have contributed to the local DA’s Office during his career. He said the local law enforcement leaders and officers have been great partners, too.
“So many people have helped me along the way, great men and women of law enforcement,” he said. “From Sheriff (David) Green to Sheriff (Chris) Bourke, everyone has had the community’s best interest at heart.”
Cardone shared during the awards presentation that he is often motivated by the case of DeVante Boston, who was 4 years old when he was badly injured when his mother’s boyfriend threw him to the ground. David Ricks was convicted of first-degree assault in 2003. DeVante would live in a vegetative state for 15 ½ years, functioning at about a 6 month old level. He died at age 20 in 2017.
When DeVante died, Cardone brought a first-degree manslaughter against Ricks, who had served 17 years in prison. Ricks pleaded guilty and his sentence was extended to a maximum 25 years. (He is due to be released on Sept. 27, 2024.)
Cardone said he often found inspiration in the life of DeVante Boston, who was a cheerful presence despite his extensive injuries.
“I felt like he showed us, ‘If I can persevere, so can you,’” Cardone said.
These four are the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. From left Robert M. Carney, Schenectady County (since 1989); Joe Cardone (since March 1992); William J. Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County(since February 1992); and Joseph Fazzary, Schuyler County (since 1997).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2024 at 11:18 am
County also approves how it will spend $238K from opioid lawsuit
ALBION – Orleans County has been approved for $275,119 as part of a $462 million multistate settlement secured by Attorney General Letitia James from JUUL Labs Inc. for its role in the youth vaping epidemic that led to a dangerous rise in underage e-cigarette use nationwide, James said.
The Orleans County Legislature last week voted to accept its allotted money from the settlement. The funding must be spent on the approved uses as provided by the NYS
Attorney General’s Office, such as prevent youth and young adults from initiating vaping, support community, school, college and university-based anti-vaping programs, to help people quit vaping, enforce vaping laws and regulations, as well as research and surveillance, according to a county resolution.
The Orleans-Niagara BOCES also will receive $507,353 in the settlement. The Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES will receive $492,991.
Other nearby counties were approved for the following: Niagara County, $1,062,901; Genesee County, $366,508; Livingston County, $345,541; Monroe County, $2,293,678.
“JUUL preyed on young people across our state by putting addictive products into their hands and convincing them that they were harmless,” Attorney General James said in a statement last month, announcing the settlement funds. “Their actions put a generation of children at risk, fueling physical and mental health problems among young New Yorkers.”
The County Legislature last week also approved how it will spend $238,008 from distributors of multiple pharmaceutical companies that were sued for allegedly helping to fuel the opioid epidemic.
The settlement funds need to used for treatment programs, prevention, and other
strategies that may be categorized as restricted or unrestricted use, according to a County Legislature resolution.
The county approved spending the funds in the following areas:
$10,000 for Medical Examiners Fees for Service
$38,028 for equipment for Sheriff’s Office
$38,028 for equipment for Probation Department
$39,657 for special grants for County Jail
$64,295 for equipment for Major Felony Crime Task Force
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2024 at 12:21 pm
Job Development leader will continue in that role
Kelly Kiebala
ALBION – Orleans County is turning to an established leader in the county government to run the Orleans County Youth Bureau.
Kelly Kiebala, the director of Job Development for the county, last week added Youth Bureau director to her responsibilities. The County Legislature agreed to expand her work week from 35 hours to 40 as part of her added duties.
Kiebala has been director of Job Development the past nine years. She said that department already works to provide services and job opportunities for youths.
Orleans for about 30 years paid Genesee County to administer youth bureau services for Orleans using Genesee County staff based in Batavia. But that arrangement ended in December last year.
Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, led the youth bureau program on an interim basis.
The Youth Bureau administers funding to counties made available by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The Youth Bureau contracts with agencies and municipalities to provide prevention, intervention and recreation programming.
Some of the programs include Orleans Juvenile Adjustment Services, ARC Camp Rainbow, Hoag Library and the LIFE Program.
Youth recreation programs serve youth year round or during the summer months through drop-in programs and structured sports. The programs that receive state funds are Albion, Holley, Kendall and Medina recreation programs.
Before she was Job Development director, Kiebala worked the director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
