Provided photos: Orleans County legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak are shown outside the U.S. Capitol during the National Association of Counties’ Annual Conference.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

WASHINGTON, DC – Orleans County legislative leaders along with over 2,000 elected county officials nationwide attended the annual five-day conference for the National Association of Counties in Washington DC from February 9-13 and returned home yesterday.

The annual conference was at the Washington Hilton Hotel brings together elected officials from over 3,000 counties to focus on federal policy issues that impact county residents.

“We are fortunate to have effective representation in Congress and in the US Senate for our County,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson. “It is important that we advocate to as many of our federal leaders as we can who sit on powerful committees.”

Also attending were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and John Fitzak. The conference focused on Broadband, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Workforce Development, Health Care and Public Safety policies. The conference also was attended by President Joe Biden, who addressed the attendees Monday morning.

Orleans County legislators, along with Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, far left, take part in a discussion with staff for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, Orleans County officials met with Chiefs of Staff from the county’s two Congressional Representatives, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney NY-24 and Congressman Joe Morelle NY-25. They also met with key Agriculture Committee Members, Congressmen Nick Langworthy NY-23 and Marc Molinaro NY-19.

Discussions centered around Orleans specific needs and more funding for emergency management, first responders, seniors, infrastructure, public safety, harbor dredging and broadband projects. The Agriculture Committee is key to funding many projects in rural America.

“One of the most effective ways to represent our county on the federal level is to meet in person here in Washington,” Johnson said. “Working with staff from our representatives’ offices, we can better articulate our county’s needs. We are always appreciative of the financial support that we receive on behalf of our residents and are grateful to our representatives in Congress.”

The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.

Photos courtesy of Roy-Hart Central School: The Intermediate All-County Orchestra includes, from left: Blake Houseman, Reyna Sanchez-Cacique, Emilie Tetrault, Samuel Glyshaw, Nevaeh Genet, Tessa Degenardt and Priscilla Baez.

Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School

MIDDLEPORT – Seventeen string students from the Royalton-Hartland CSD participated in the Niagara County Music Educators’ Association honors ensembles.

Lily Pabon Rosa, Jackson Lederhouse, Emily Duewiger, Simon Fournier, Morgan Mill, Addyson Knier-Ronson, JoseDaniel Pabon Rosa, Hailey Pasnik, Abigail Glyshaw and Josephine Silsby participated with the JR/SR All-County Orchestra on February 2-3 at Lockport High School.

Blake Houseman, Reyna Sanchez-Cacique, Emilie Tetrault, Samuel Glyshaw, Nevaeh Genet, Tessa Degenardt and Priscilla Baez participated with the Intermediate All-County Orchestra on February 9-10 at Niagara-Wheatfield High School.

All of the students auditioned in December at the NCMEA All-County Auditions at Lockport High School. Based on their audition score, they were selected to participate in their respective Honors Ensemble.

The Jr/Sr All County Orchestra includes, from left: Lily Pabon Rosa, Jackson Lederhouse, Emily Duewiger, Simon Fournier, Morgan Mill, Addyson Knier-Ronson, JoseDaniel Pabon Rosa, Hailey Pasnik, Abigail Glyshaw and Josephine Silsby.

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department is working with a grantwriter on federal grants to help pay for equipment, a ladder truck and an addition to the fire hall.

The Village Board in August hired G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing for $7,990 to write up to five grant applications for the fire department.

G & G is working on three right now. That includes a grant for $100,422 towards a compressor/fill station and also 20 SCBA cylinders. The total cost of that equipment is $105,444. The village share would be $5,021 if Medina is successful getting the grant, Fire Chief Matt Jackson advised the Village Board on Monday.

The compressor-fill station would cost $68,486 and would allow firefighters to fill the cylinders right at the station, rather than going to the county Emergency Management Office in Albion.

Medina has 40 of the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) that are breathing-air cylinders. The Fire Department wants to replace half of those 40 bottles, with the next half to be replaced in five years. The 20 bottles cost approximately $36,958, Jackson said.

The Village Board is expected to approve the grant application at its Feb. 25 meeting. The application is die March 8.

Jackson said the village also is working with G & G to pursue assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a new ladder truck and an fire hall addition.

Medina voted on June 26 to spend $1.7 million to buy a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc., with a delivery time expected to take 2 ½ years.

The board on Aug. 14 authorized seeking a bond for up to $5.6 million to finance the fire hall addition. The board hasn’t determined the scope of that project yet.

Another fire truck from 1990 also should be on schedule for a replacement in the near future, Jackson said.

He also would like to pursue a grant for a specialized laundry machine to clean turn-out gear and remove any carcinogens.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Timoth J. Collmer, left, Department Commander, shakes hands with Jim Wells of Lyndonville, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post in Medina. (Right) Peter DeAngelis Jr. Department Detachment Commander, and photographer Chip Rayno (seated) wear a hard hat to deliver DeAngelis’ message of “working hard” at the Genesee and Orleans Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner.

BATAVIA – The American Legion Department Officers’ Annual Testimonial Dinner was a joint event between Orleans and Genesee counties Tuesday night at Batavia Downs.

This is the first time the two counties have combined their annual dinner, said Cathy Fox of Medina, Orleans County’s Auxiliary President. She cited the reasons of declining memberships and the convenience for state dignitaries, many of whom live in other parts of the state, who didn’t have to attend two events.

American Legion dignitaries who attended the event included New York State Department Commander, Timothy J. Collmer; Department President, Karen St. Hilaire; and Sons of the Legion Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis Jr.

(Left) Cathy Fox, Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary President, chats with Diman Smith, right, 8th District Detachment Commander, and Daryl Vestreate, Detachment Cive Commander of the 7th and 8th District. (Right) Kathryn Kindle of Middleport, the American Legion’s Department vice commander of the 7th and 8th District, greets Peter Huth, of Medina adjutant at the Genesee and Orleans Counties Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner Tuesday at Batavia Downs.

The head table was escorted into the banquet room by Wallace Kornow of Genesee County. David Rumsey, master of ceremonies, introduced the head table and distinguished guests. These included Robert Elkins, Genesee County American Legion Chaplain; Nelson Oldfield, 8th District Commander; Kathryn Kindle, Department Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County Commander; Timothy J. Collmer, New York State Department Commander; Karen St. Hilaire, Auxiliary Department President; Pattie Galley, 8th District Auxiliary President; Cathy Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary President; Peter DeAngelis Jr., Sons of the Legion Department Detachment Commander; Daryl Vestreate, Detachment Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District; and Diman Smith, 8th District Detachment Commander.

Rumsey and Jim Wells, commander of Medina’s Butts Clark American Legion Post, presented a reading and remembrance in honor of POW/MIAs.

As each guest at the head table introduced the person next to him/her, they shared their pleasure in touring the New York State Veterans Home earlier in the day, and enjoying lunch there.

Photo courtesy of Chip Rayno, American Legion College: Part of the head table is shown during a patriotic song at Batavia Downs on Tuesday. From right to left are Cathy Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary President; Pattie Galley, 8th District Auxiliary President; Karen St. Hilaire, Auxiliary Department President; David Rumsey, master of ceremonies; Timothy J. Collmer, Department Commander; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County Commander; Nelson Oldfield, 8th District Commander; Kathryn Kindle, Department Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District; and Robert Elkins, Genesee County American Legion Chaplain.

DeAngelis, who joined the Sons in 1998, has held various officers in the group, chairs four committees and has been director of his post. His wife is an Auxiliary leader, as well. To stress his theme of “working hard” for the Sons, he donned a hard hat.

He also urged squadrons to share what they do with the Legion’s newsletter and website. His projects include supporting youth. He announced the next National Commander will be Bill Clancey from New York.

Karen St. Hilaire of Onondaga County, Auxiliary Department President, was lauded as a staunch supporter of the American Legion. She has served her community as a firefighter, and a retired critical care nurse. She continues to chair many committees. She explained the reason for the lighthouse pin she passed out to everyone.

“I love lighthouses, and my pin sends the message, ‘Light the way,’” she said.

Timothy J. Collmer, Department Commander, accepts a donation from Phil Warne from the Sheret American Legion Post in Albion.

St. Hilaire promotes the Auxiliary’s “Warrior Assistance Program,” which awards up to $1,200 to active or retired military who are facing financial hardship.

She also stressed the importance of membership, saying it is the most important thing in the entire Legion family. Legion posts in Genesee County are at 75.11% of their quota, while Orleans County posts have 95.97%. She said it is important for Legions, Auxiliaries and Sons to work together to recruit new members.

“We recruit new members, but where we fall short is we fail to retain them,” St. Hilaire said.

She also encouraged all groups to submit their reports to their representative so they can take them to Washington. This is how laws get passed to benefit the Legions’ members, she said. She added that 100% of all donations to the Legion remain with programs in New York state.

Karen St. Hilaire, left, Auxiliary Department President, accepts a gift from Orleans County Auxiliary President Cathy Fox.

Nelson Oldfield, 8th District Commander, added his message regarding membership.

“We need to bring our numbers up,” he said. “We are only as strong as our membership.”

The next speaker was Kathryn Kindle of Middleport, Department Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District, who said she is serving her first year in the Genesee and Orleans districts. She next introduced Timothy J. Collmer, Department Commander, who visits each county across the state to share Legion stories. He served 21 years in the Army, and has been dean of the American Legion College of New York. He is a member of Nunda Fire Department and Dansville Moose Lodge.

“It has been a great day in Batavia today,” Collmer said. “The Vet’s home is a wonderful place.”

He urged everyone to support the Legion by logging on to www.legion.org/action and send a message to Washington every day.

“We have to let people know what the Legion does,” he said.

He added the importance of “buddy checks” on fellow veterans, and spoke of the suicide rate for veterans and the suicide prevention program with the VA.

“This is very important,” he said. “Just to let them know how we care about them.”

He explained the New York Military Assistance Program and encouraged making donations to these programs that benefit veterans.

Genesee County Legislator Gregg Torrey, second from left, representing State Senator George Borrello, presented certificates of appreciation to distinguished American Legion guests, Timothy J. Collmer, Karen St. Hilaire and Peter DeAngelis Jr. Certificates were also presented by Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Andrew Dugan, representing State Senator Robert Ortt.

The evening concluded with presentation of gifts by the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.

The Genesee and Orleans American Legion families consist of – in Batavia – American Legion  Commander Ryan Ditacchio, 1st Vice Commander David Rumsey; Finance, Wallace Kornow; and Veterans Service officer, William Joyce; American Legion Auxiliary president, Sharon DeBottis; secretary, Sharon DeBottis; and treasurer Mary Ann Neider.

In Orleans County, officers are Commander, Peter Huth; 1st Vice Commander, Al Pulcino; adjutant, Peter Huth; Finance, Peter Huth; and Veterans’ Service Officer, Nancy Traxler.

Sons of the American Legion Commanders are Squadron 35 in Albion, Peter Hennekey; Squadron 204 in Medina, Chuck Eaton; Squadron 529 in Holley, Salvatore DeLuca; and Squadron 575 in Bergen, John O’Grady.

The evening’s events, which included an Italian buffet, were organized by Cathy Fox and Ryan Ditacchio.

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York

BATAVIA – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force is holding its second in a series of training conferences to educate the public as well as members of law enforcement, the legal community, and non-government organizations that provide services to victims and survivors of human trafficking.

The second training conference is scheduled for today from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Genesee Community College, Conable Technology Building, 1 College Drive, Batavia, NY 14020.

The conference will cover a victim-centered approach to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting trafficking cases and responding to trafficking victims and survivors. Presentations will include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, the intersection of domestic violence trafficking, and minor victims, and services and resources that are available for victims and survivors. Additional conferences will be held in the coming weeks and months throughout the Western District of New York.

More than 27 million people around the world endure the abuse of human trafficking and forced labor, including thousands of people right here in the United States. For more information on sex and labor trafficking, including services and resources, click here.

The Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and International Institute of Buffalo, brings together law enforcement and social and legal service agencies to collaborate on human trafficking cases. The Western District of New York includes the 17 counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Rev. Dr. Don Algeo, pastor of the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, offers the benediction and a closing blessing at this evening’s Ash Wednesday service at the First Baptist Church of Albion.

Several churches in the Albion Ministerium planned and led the service.

Algeo has a cross of ashes on his forehead. The ashes are from the burnt palms from the palms from about a year ago on Palm Sunday.

Ash Wednesday starts a 40-day Lenten season for Christians around the world.

Lent is a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter, which this year will be celebrated on March 31.

Algeo gave the sermon during this evening’s service.

The Rev. Marsha Rivers, left, and the Rev. Susan Boring sing “Lord, Have Mercy” during the service. Rivers is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion and Boring is pastor of the Eagle Harbor Methodist Church.

The Baptist Church at 30 West Park St. will host Lenten luncheons beginning next Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Those luncheons continue until March 20. They are free and include soup and sandwiches, with singing and devotionals after lunch. Churches take turns preparing the meals and sharing a message.

HOLLEY – William Kelly of Holley, a member of the New York Army National Guard, has been promoted to the rank of first sergeant, announced Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York.

Kelly is assigned to the Company B, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

A wind advisory has been issued for Orleans County from 4 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.

The advisory also includes Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

There will be west winds 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph, the Weather Service said.

“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result.”

Cayuga dethrones Wyoming County as state’s top ag producer

Photo by Tom Rivers: Farm equipment heads down Route 31 in Ridgeway on Sept. 19, 2023. Agriculture is a huge economic driver in Orleans County.

Orleans County saw a big jump in farm revenue in the 2022 census, and the county’s $233.6 million puts it as the 15^th-leading county in the state for ag revenue.

The county’s revenue for farm products sold totaled $233.6 million, up 50.4 percent from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million

The county’s ag bounty is only about half of the state’s top county for agricultural revenue. Cayuga tops the 62 counties at $461.9 million. Cayuga also dethroned Wyoming as the state’s agricultural king.

The ag census is done every five years. During the previous census in 2017, Wyoming was the top ag producer at $307.5 million, followed by Cayuga at $287.9 million, Genesee in third at $234.9 million, Suffolk at fourth $225.6 million and Wayne in fifth at $221.3 million.

With the new ag census, Genesee drops from third to fifth, while Wayne jumps up two spots to third place.

Overall, statewide ag revenue was $8.04 billion in 2022, up by 49.7 percent from the $5.37 billion in 2017.

The 2022 Ag Census was released on Tuesday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Here are the ag revenues for the 62 counties in NYS:

• Albany – $47.9 million
• Allegany – $69.8 million
• Bronx – D (withheld)
• Broome – $54.1 million
• Cattaraugus – $144.8 million
• Cayuga – $461.9 million
• Chautauqua – $242.0 million
• Chemung – $34.5 million
• Chenango – $123.0 million
• Clinton – $325.8 million
• Columbia – $111.2 million
• Cortland – $108.1 million
• Delaware – $66.8 million
• Dutchess – $45.1 million
• Erie – $192.0 million
• Essex – $11.8 million
• Franklin – $149.0 million
• Fulton – $9.4 million
• Genesee – $359.7 million
• Greene – $25.0 million
• Hamilton – D (withheld)
• Herkimer – $93.1 million
• Jefferson – $238.9 million
• Kings (Brooklyn) – D (withheld)
• Lewis – $178.6 million
• Livingston – $288.1 million
• Madison – $190.7 million
• Monroe – $101.1 million
• Montgomery – $126.1 million
• Nassau – $8.8 million
• New York (Manhattan) – D (withheld)
• Niagara – $156.9 million
• Oneida – $190.1 million
• Onondaga – $271.5 million
• Ontario – $293.6 million
• Orange – $95.6 million
• Orleans – $233.6 million
• Oswego – $68.9 million
• Otsego – $62.6 million
• Putnam – $1.5 million
• Queens – $285,000
• Rensselaer – $61.9 million
• Richmond (Staten Island) – $79,000
• Rockland – $4.0 million
• St. Lawrence – $270.4 million
• Saratoga – $115.5 million
• Schenectady – $6.4 million
• Schoharie – $63.5 million
• Schuyler – $68.1 million
• Seneca – $110.4 million
• Steuben – $251.8 million
• Suffolk – $364.2 million
• Sullivan – $37.5 million
• Tioga – $67.0 million
• Tompkins – $89.8 million
• Ulster – $105.5 million
• Warren – $2.5 million
• Washington – $263.0 million
• Wayne – $381.5 million
• Westchester – $11.6 million
• Wyoming – $421.0 million
• Yates – $152.4 million

Note: “D” is used in the ag census for a county with few farms to avoid disclosing information on individual producers.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted her groundbreaking State of the State proposal to fight retail theft, as larceny offenses continue to rise, especially in New York City.

This initiative would utilize proven crime-fighting strategies that have been used to drive down violent crime and gun offenses since Governor Hochul took office in 2021.

“Public safety is my top priority, and I won’t rest until every New Yorker feels safe on our streets, subways and storefronts,” Governor Hochul said. “Over the past three years we’ve made incredible progress on driving down violent crime and fighting the scourge of gun violence. Now, we’re using those same strategies to take on the quality-of-life issues like retail theft and property crime.”

Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget includes a plan to fight retail theft and property crime, including by launching a Retail Theft Joint Operation with all levels of law enforcement. The Joint Operation would coordinate a unified law enforcement response, modeled on the successful Interstate Task Force On Illegal Guns.

The plan also includes:

• Introducing legislation to establish criminal penalties for online marketplaces and third-party sellers that foster the sale of stolen goods and increase criminal penalties for assaulting retail workers.
• Setting up a New York State Police Smash and Grab Enforcement Unit. The Executive Budget includes $25.2 million in new funding to deploy a dedicated State Police team to build cases against organized retail theft rings and create a new State Police enforcement unit dedicated to this purpose.
• $10 million in funding for DAs to prosecute property crime cases and deploy dedicated Retail Theft Teams in District Attorney (DA) Offices.
• $5 million in additional State funding to build the capacity of local law enforcement efforts to combat retail theft.
• $5 million for a Commercial Security Tax Credit to help business owners offset the costs of certain store security measures.

President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Stuart Appelbaum said, “The safety of our members has never been more important. Retail workers face growing workplace issues they never imagined, and more importantly never signed up for. Ensuring the workers who help us provide for our families can go to work each day and return home exactly as they left is a basic requirement that cannot be overlooked. It has never been more important that we confront this issue head on and we applaud Governor Hochul for taking on this important issue.”

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association

ALBION – A 22-year-old inmate serving a seven-year sentence for robbery, attacked two officers when they attempted to frisk him for contraband at the medium-security correctional facility last week.

On Feb. 7, the inmate was ordered to put his hands on the wall and submit to a pat frisk. The inmate became argumentative with staff and came off the wall and elbowed an officer in the shoulder.

The inmate was pushed back on the wall by the officer but continued to be combative. The inmate was forced to the floor in a body hold and OC spray was administered with no effect.

A second officer attempted to force the inmate’s arms behind his back. The inmate bit the officer on the hand, breaking the skin on the officer’s pinky.  A third officer responded and assisted in forcing the inmate’s arms behind his back, where handcuffs were applied. Once in handcuffs, the inmate became compliant.

The inmate was brought to his feet and escorted to a Special Housing Unit where he was decontaminated.

Two officers were injured in the incident. Both were treated by facility medical staff. One officer sustained a back injury and remained on duty after treatment. The officer who was bit, sustained a laceration to his pinky, near his knuckle. Medical staff deemed the laceration to be a significant exposure and the officer was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

The inmate was convicted in 2021 in Westchester County for Robbery 1st and Attempted Robbery 1st.

 “Senator Salazar and the legislators that supported taking away consequences for inmates are to blame for the daily attacks on our members like what happened at Orleans,” stated Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President.

“Their support of bail reform and the HALT Act have already increased violence in our communities and inside our state prisons. They continue to advocate for the inmates, rather than supporting the hard working men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep New York communities safe.

“This inmate will get more attention for biting an officer than the everyday convict just doing his/her time. If the safety of the men and woman that work and live in prison is a top priority, how do these policies make sense?

“Anyone working inside the walls and fences know that certain legislators only care about making felons happy, rather than the employees working there. This logic is inexcusable and needs to change, today is biting a finger, tomorrow will be something different, someone is going to die working for the State of New York and certain lawmakers and their convict coddling policies will be the reason!”

Belson admits he made mistake in filing petitions, thinking the deadline was today

John Belson

LYNDONVILLE – Tuesday was the deadline to file petitions to run in the March 19 village election which includes the mayor and two trustees.

At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, only two people turned in petitions signed by at least 25 village residents. Danny Woodward Jr., a current trustee, and Steve Colon will be on the ballot running for trustee.

The big surprise was no petitions were turned in for mayor. John Belson, the mayor since 2016, said he made a mistake and thought the deadline was today. Ann Marie Holland, a current trustee, also missed the deadline on Tuesday, thinking she had until today.

Both had petitions signed and intended to turn them in today. However, now they will have to run as write-in candidates to be re-elected.

Belson said this morning he will run as a write-in. He said the village has made big strides recently, with investments on Main Street, from a new Dollar General to Robert Smith’s transformation of three buildings in the downtown which are used for a hotel, the Webber Kitchen Collaborative and additional office space. Belson also said the village has upgraded its sewer system, and now should look to replace some of the 100-year-old water mains.

“We’ve done a lot with the village,” he said. “We’re on our way back.”

Belson is a Kodak retiree who has a part-time job delivering auto parts for Carquest in Medina. He previously was the Yates town supervisor.

Holland also confirmed she will be running as a write-in for trustee.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of H.Res. 863, impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

H.Res. 863 passed the House by a vote of 214-213.

“The historic impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas will send a message to the Biden administration that the American people will hold them accountable for willfully refusing to enforce the laws of the United States,” Tenney said in a press release.

“The Mayorkas impeachment today follows a months-long investigation into the record-breaking 8 million illegal border crossings that have happened under his watch. I recently joined local elected officials from our community and the former New York Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director to discuss the severity of this crisis that continues to shatter records and squander taxpayer resources, turning every community into a border community.

“As one of the first members of Congress to call for Secretary Mayorkas’ impeachment, I firmly believe that today’s impeachment vote is a crucial step forward for our nation. Every day that Secretary Mayorkas is in office, he threatens our national security. On behalf of New York’s 24th Congressional District, I voted to impeach Secretary Mayorkas and reiterated my commitment to ensure Congress takes all necessary measures to secure the border.”

Greg Bennett and Jeff Holler will be lone names on ballot for March 19 election

ALBION – No additional candidates have emerged to run for the Albion Village Board. Today was the deadline for candidates to file petitions to run as independent candidates. No one submitted petitions by 5 p.m. today, said Tracy VanSkiver, the village clerk-treasurer.

Two candidates were previously endorsed. Greg Bennett and Jeff Holler both secured the Repulbican endorsement on Jan. 29, and Bennett also was backed by the Democrats on Jan. 23.

Bennett and Holler will appear unopposed on the March 19 ballot.

Bennett works as a locksmith at the Albion Correctional Facility. He has been there nearly five years. Previously, he worked a decade for Baxter Healthcare in Medina. He also has been a long-time youth baseball coach.

Holler worked as an executive chef for 25 years, and then head cook for 13 years at the Orleans Correctional Facility. Since he retired in 2014, he has been a very active member at the Masonic Lodge. He also has been a busy volunteer for the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, especially with the efforts to cook Thanksgiving meals and also an Easter egg hunt and prize giveaway.

Holler and Bennett are running for four-year terms for positions that are currently filled by Chris Barry and David Buczek, who aren’t running in next month’s election. Barry has been on the board nearly four years while Buczek was appointed in December by Mayor Angel Javier Jr. He is filling the remainder of Zack Burgess’s term.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina has seven candidates who will be on the ballot for three positions in the March 19 election.

That is a far cry from recent elections where candidates have been unopposed.

Medina will have a new mayor on April 1 because Mike Sidari isn’t seeking re-election after 8 years.

He was elected in 2016, running with Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott. This time, Sherman is running for mayor with Elliott again seeking trustee. Sherman is recently retired as a special education teacher and Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms.

They are joined on “The Village Party” by Debbie Padoleski for a trustee position. Padoleski retired in June 2021 after 41 years in Medina’s clerk’s office, including the final eight years as clerk/treasurer.

Three other candidates are running as a team with “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Michael Maak, a retired captain in the Medina Fire Department, is running for mayor. Maak has previously made unsuccessful bids for election as Ridgeway town supervisor and county legislator.

He is joined by Mat “Austin” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik who want to be trustees. Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga.

Mark Prawel, a retired Medina police officer, also turned in petitions to run as a trustee under the “United Party.”

The terms on the board are all for two years. Candidates needed to turn in petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in the village to be on the ballot. Today at 5 p.m. was the deadline to submit petitions.