Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Once again, Governor Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature have shown how wildly out of touch they are with the needs of hardworking New Yorkers. This $254 billion budget is packed with outrageous spending and political window dressing that sounds good in a press release but does nothing to improve the quality of life in our state.

The so-called criminal justice “fixes” are toothless. The discovery and mask laws passed will continue to let violent offenders dodge accountability and walk free, putting public safety and law enforcement at risk. The MTA payroll bailout or “new business tax” could be the tipping point for companies that are already questioning whether the state’s high cost of doing business is worth it​, resulting in companies fleeing to more business-friendly states.

But the most outrageous move is the creation of a taxpayer-funded slush fund to cover the private legal bills of politicians. It’s Albany corruption at its worst, giving political insiders a blank check while working families foot the bill.

This budget is not just misguided—it’s offensive. Democrats who​ hold all the levers of power in Albany ​are incapable of governing and have continued to lead our state into crisis after crisis. Make no mistake this budget is unacceptable. The Senate Republican Conference will continue fighting ​for common-sense reforms that will make our state safer, stronger, and more affordable.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left include Medina Lions members Chris Keller, Jim Hancock and Julie Keller standing next to the sign promoting their annual Community Yard Sale and chicken barbecue the first Saturday in June.

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club is again gearing up for their annual Community Yard Sale, giant flea market and chicken barbecue on June 7.

The event, a major fundraiser for the Lions, was started at least 25 years ago, and has been a popular event ever since.

Last year’s event brought 60 vendors to the field west of the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue, where the chicken barbecue takes place. Also on the site is a food tend manned by the Lions Club, where Lion Chris Keller says they sell the best cheeseburgers in Medina, along with Sahlen’s hot dogs, chips and beverages. Keller and his wife Julie head up the food tent with a crew of volunteers.

Chris said 60 percent of the Lion’s membership participate in the day’s events.

As in the past, Pete Kaiser and Howie Gardner will be driving around town with the popular “Weinermobile,” selling hot dogs and cold drinks from the back of a pickup truck. Their theory is garage sale shoppers don’t want to leave the bargains to find something to eat. Having the Weinermobile on the streets allows them to grab a bite and not miss any bargains.

Vendors are already beginning to sign up for a spot to set up their wares. Anyone interested in reserving space in the flea market should contact Randy Reese at (716) 471-0524 no later than May 24.

Cat Holland is in charge of tickets for the barbecue and they can be purchased from her or any Lions member. Chickens will be sold from 11 a.m. until gone. Tickets may be ordered in advance by calling (716) 341-1743.

Another unique feature of the Community Yard Sale is the maps handed out at the four corners of Main and East and West Center streets, beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the sale. Cars can drive up, grab a map and make a free-will donation on the way through. Tim Moriarty and Dave Bellucci are responsible for handing out the maps, which show the location of garage sales throughout the village.

Residents wishing to have their sale located on the map should contact Lake Country Pennysaver as soon as possible to arrange for a small ad, which entitles their sale to be listed on the maps.

Money raised by Lions Club fundraisers is donated right back to the community, said Jim Hancock, overall event chair.

“We give away $10,000 to $15,000 yearly to 20 charities (mostly local), such as Camp Rainbow, Camp Badger, the New York State School for the Blind, Seeing Eye Dogs and Lions Club International, in addition to yearly scholarships,” Hancock said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, needs roof repairs and other upgrades. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is again seeking $2 million in federal funds towards the project.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced 15 projects she has submitted to the House Appropriations Committee in the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, including $2 million towards a new roof for the Orleans County Public Safety Building.

The CPF process allows municipalities and non-profits to submit federal funding requests for high-priority community projects with strong local support in New York’s 24th Congressional District, Tenney’s office said.

Each application was subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure that it is a sound use of taxpayer dollars and that applicants have a clear and accountable plan to spend funds on targeted projects within a year, Tenney said.

In Orleans County, county officials are seeking $2 million for the Public Safety Building for “vital improvements for safety and security.” Tenney also sought the $2 million last year.

“We very much appreciate the fact that Congresswoman Tenney recognizes the infrastructure needs of local governments and is working to secure $2 million in funding for the Orleans County Public Safety Building,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature Chairman. “Fixing a roof may be not be the most exciting project, but it was very necessary to maintaining that building and ensuring safe working conditions for our public safety team. We are very thankful Congresswoman Tenney delivered for us.”

A list of Tenney’s submitted FY26 projects also include:

• $2 million for the City of Lockport’s Phase III – Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks
• $1 million for the City of Oswego Police Department’s New Police Station
• $4,275,000 for Jefferson County’s Installation of Runway 10 Omni-Directional Approach Lights at Watertown International Airport
• $2 million for Schuyler County’s Emergency Operations Center
• $5 million for the Town of Lyons’ Resurgence of the Town of Lyons Canal Street District
• $3,300,000 for the Town of Phelps’ Sanitary Sewer Distribution Project
• $1 million for the Town of Throop’s Water Improvements Project
• $2,475,000 for the Town of Torrey’s Water District #2 Resource Improvements
• $10 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ work on Genesee County’s water needs
• $3 million for the Village of Geneseo’s Water and Sewer System Improvements
• $1,500,000 for the Village of Mexico’s Water System Improvements
• $3 million for the Village of Waterloo’s Sewer System Improvements and Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
• $4 million for Wayne County’s Rural Health Services Building Renovation
• $3 million for Wyoming County’s Silver Lake Dredging Project

“The Community Project Funding Process allows Congress to hear directly from municipalities and community leaders about their needs,” Tenney said. “This year, I submitted 15 projects on behalf of our district to improve essential infrastructure, enhance public safety, and revitalize our local communities. I remain committed to advocating for these projects throughout the appropriations process and will continue to be a strong voice for protecting your hard-earned tax dollars while representing our district in Congress.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Busch

MEDINA – St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medina drapes gold and white bunting over the church doors to celebrate the naming of a new pope today.

An American for the first time will serve as pope. Robert Prevost will lead the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV.

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Buffalo Diocese, issued this statement:

“Today, the Church throughout the world, the United States, Western New York, and the Diocese of Buffalo, rejoices at the historic election of the first pope from the United States, Pope Leo XIV.  I invite all to join me in prayer for our new pope as he begins his ministry as the successor of St. Peter. May Pope Leo XIV be guided by the Holy Spirit as he leads the Church and is a source of unity for believers.

“He has served the Gospel faithfully as a missionary and leader of the Catholic Church in Peru and devoted his ministry to the larger interests of our Church. It is a source of tremendous pride that in this complex and difficult age that the Holy Spirit has guided the Cardinal Electors to choose not only this fellow countryman, but a person of profound faith, broad perspective and hopeful vision.

“May the Lord in his infinite wisdom, abiding grace, and unconditional love, guide our new Holy Father as he assumes the enormous responsibilities that he has been chosen to bear. May he unite and inspire us to build bridges and always to see the good in one another, to serve the most vulnerable among us, and to proclaim boldly the Good News we have received as children of God.  As we all continue in this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope and in our commission as disciples of the Risen Lord, may the Lord bless our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.”

Press Release and photo from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – K9 Odin in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Odin’s vest was sponsored by Karla Kimmey of Charlotte, FL and embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of Zayla.”

Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009 and is a 501(c)(3) charity with a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, has provided over 6,030 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Donna Vanderlaan, a member of the board of PAWS Animal Shelter, and Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Fire Company, look at all the cats in cages waiting to be spayed.

EAST SHELBY – A spaying/neutering clinic originating in Cowlesville brought its services to East Shelby Fire Hall on Wednesday, where cats and dogs were spayed and neutered at reduced costs to the pet owners.

The clinic was the idea of Alycia Baran-Falbo of Cowlesville, founder of All-Star Animal Rescue.

A life-long animal lover, Baran-Falbo has been a vet assistant and has done animal rescue work for 20 years, during which time she became very aware of the problems with animals, namely, over-population and unwanted animals – problems she very much wanted to get to the root of.

Baran-Falbo collaborated with PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion and Friends of the Orleans County Animal Shelter to bring the mobile veterinary service to Orleans County.

Assisting were Donna Vanderlaan, vice president of PAWS, and All-Star Animal Rescue’s vice president Emilee Diebold of Tonawanda.

(Left) A vet’s assistant carries an unconscious dog from the mobile hospital van into East Shelby Fire Hall, where it will be monitored until awake. (Right) Alycia Baran-Falbo of Cowlesville, founder of All-Star Animal Rescue, comforts a dog which has just been neutered at a clinic Wednesday at East Shelby Fire Hall.

Vanderlaan knows Allen Turner, a member of East Shelby Fire Company, and asked him if they might allow use of the fire hall for such an event. He brought it to a meeting and they approved it, even offering to donate the use.

Vanderlaan said there were a lot of laws for dogs, but none for cats. The Orleans County animal control officer is currently working on some new directions to govern stray cats, Vanderlaan said.

“We have sections in Albion which are infested with stray cats,” she said. “They are everywhere.”

She said the ideal solution is “TNR,” trap, neuter and release.

Any cats who are able to be socialized, All-Star Animal Rescue will try to get them adopted. Those who are truly feral have to be returned where they were caught, Baran-Falbo said.

Mike Fuller stands next to the mobile animal hospital parked outside the East Shelby Fire Hall’s truck bay, where a spaying/neutering clinic was taking place Wednesday by All-Star Animal Rescue of Cowlesville, in collaboration with Paws Animal Shelter of Albion.

In order to control the cat population, All-Star Animal Rescue seeks donations from businesses and the public.

The big problem, according to Baran-Falbo and Vanderlaan, is that neutering and spaying are so expensive, and most people can’t afford it. The cost to have a dog spayed at a veterinarian’s office is between $500 and $1,500, while the cost to spay a cat is between $300 and $600.

Donations allowed All-Star Animal Rescue to spay 26 cats and neuter six dogs on Wednesday at a reduced cost, with mobile veterinary services provided by Dr. Jennifer Graf from Whiskers to Tail Affordable Veterinary Services in Cowlesville.

Vanderlaan said they collected cans and bottles, in addition to seeking donations, to be able to afford Wednesday’s Clinic.

“We have dates available and if enough donations come in, we would like to have another clinic here in the future,” Baran-Falbo said.

Services they perform always include spaying or neutering, rabies shot and distemper vaccine when needed.

Vanderlaan also shared information about Shannon Blount’s efforts in Medina to control the over-population of cats. Blount is head of the Medina Team of Cat by Cat Inc. that strives to help control the feral cat population with targeted TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) of community cats. For more information on Cat by Cat, click here.

Donations to support All-Star Animal Rescue and help fund a second clinic in Orleans County may be sent to them at 323 Kern Rd., Cowlesville, 14037; or by calling Baran-Falbo at (716) 208-8333 for instructions how pay online.

150 dresses and counting have been given out last 3 years

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Ayesha Way, a senior at Albion High School, checks out a dress which caught her eye at the Main Street store on Wednesday evening. (Right) Melody Snook from Holley High School models the gown she chose for her prom.

ALBION – Dozens of seniors in area schools will attend their proms this spring, decked out with beautiful gowns, stunning accessories and flattering makeup, thanks to Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store.

This is the third year store manager Cassie Healy has promoted a prom giveaway, in which donated prom dresses, accessories, makeup and hair products are given free to high school seniors in Orleans County and Batavia.

Kristalyn Taylor, a 16-year-old senior at Albion High School, picks out hair accessories and makeup for her prom.

Healy and her volunteers have already taken dresses to Niagara-Orleans BOCES, the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, Lyndonville High School and Holley High School. Upcoming events are scheduled Friday in Albion High School and Tuesday at Medina High School.

Last year Healy said they provided free prom attire for 52 girls. This year they have already given out 68 gowns, and that doesn’t count the number of gowns chosen Wednesday evening at the Main Street store or the giveaways scheduled  Friday at Albion High School and Tuesday at Medina High Schools.

Healy said the community has been very generous with their donations, and prom dresses are being donated all year. A section at the back of the store has been curtained off with tables full of makeup, jewelry and accessories, a backdrop for taking pictures and a changing room.

Also on site Wednesday night was Valerie Webb of Le Roy, a teacher at Holley, who volunteered to do on-the-spot alterations when needed.

Senior Ayesha Way from Albion High School was delighted with the opportunity to get a prom dress.

“Some prom dresses go for $400 or more, and not everybody can afford that,” she said.

Melody Snook, 16, a senior at Holley, shopped with her mom, who approved the dress she chose.

“I thought this was a wonderful opportunity for the girls,” said her mother Colleen Wiest. “I’ve seen nothing but happy faces coming and going. We had been shopping in the stores for a dress but couldn’t find her size.”

Healy said the dresses on her racks ranged from size 0 to 24, in all colors and styles.

Many of the girls also found shoes in their size to match their dress.

Store associate Anna Geldard helped girls to choose makeup, fake eyelashes and jewelry to complement their gowns.

“We have a very wide array of things to choose from, and girls are obviously very appreciative,” Geldard said. “I still have the pictures from my prom five or six years ago and I remember what a special day it was. Being able to be part of helping someone else get ready for their prom is very special.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The blossoms are out in Orleans County, one of the top fruit-producing counties in the state. These blossoms are at peach trees at Watt Farms on Route 98 in Albion.

Most of the fruit trees in the county are apple trees, which have white blossoms.

Farmers say the rainy weather has made it more difficult for pollination and to spray trees so far this spring.

‘We stand firmly with family farms impacted by recent events, as they have long-standing records of responsible, community-focused, and employee-first practices.’ – Grow NY Farms

An agricultural advocacy group says farmers and their workers are being mischaracterized after 14 farmworkers were detained on Friday in Albion.

The workers are employees with Lynn-Ette & Sons, based in Kent. The workers were on a bus and stopped at about 7 a.m. Friday on Route 98 in Albion, just north of the Erie Canal near Crosby’s. They are year-round employees and not in the federal H2A program for seasonal workers.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued this statement: “During a targeted enforcement operation on May 2, in Albion, New York, ICE Buffalo arrested 14 aliens from Mexico and Guatemala who are all in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, three of which are immigration fugitives who have been ordered removed from the United States. All 14 aliens are detained in ICE custody pending their removal proceedings.”

Grow NY Farms, a coalition of agricultural businesses, represents family farms, farmworkers and New Yorkers, seeking to build a viable and vibrant ag industry for future generations, while ensuring fair labor practices and support for the agricultural workforce.

Grow NY Farms issued this statement today:

“New York’s agriculture community stands in solidarity with the farmworkers and families impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions in Orleans County and other areas across New York State.

“These individuals are more than employees – they are neighbors, parents, and long-standing members of our communities, many of whom have been living and working here for years, and in some cases, decades.

“Their children attend local schools, they are passionate about agriculture, and their talent and contributions to our local food system, economy, and community cannot be overstated. Family farms strive every day to a provide a safe, stable, and rewarding working environment while complying with all local, state and federal regulations. That commitment includes protecting workers’ rights and supporting pathways for their voices to be heard.

“We stand firmly with family farms impacted by recent events, as they have long-standing records of responsible, community-focused, and employee-first practices. Any baseless accusations made about farms, or their employees, are irresponsible attempts to deteriorate progress that’s been made to ensure fairness for farmworkers. We are extremely disappointed in the actions and words by some to sow division at a time when unity and compassion are needed most.

“We call for a full and fair review of recent events, and for swift action to support the affected families. At the same time, we renew our commitment to protecting the voice, rights and dignity of all farmworkers, and building a stronger future for New York’s agriculture community.”

Budget will be down slightly in 2025 for Albion’s public library

ALBION – Voters in the Hoag Library service area of central Orleans County elected two trustees to the library’s board on Monday.

Kevin Doherty was elected to a four-year term with Dawn Squicciarini winning a two-term as a write-in.

Library leaders also held Hoag’s annual meeting and went over the budget for 2025. Expenditures total $687,350 with $657,560 to come from property taxes collected as part of the vote on May 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at Albion Central School.

Overall spending is down from the $693,150 in 2024, and the amount to be collected from property taxes is also down from $664,510. The taxes are down considerably from the $754,350 in 2021, the last year Hoag was still paying on the mortgage for a new library that opened in 2012.

Other funding in the 2025 budget includes $2,790 from Orleans County, $14,000 in contributions, $11,500 for services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines) and $4,000 in state library aid.

Some of the main expenses include: Payroll and benefits at $434,500 (63 percent of budget); Books and materials at $45,500 (Books, $27,000; Hoopla and online services, $11,000; and serials and audio visual, $7,500); operation and maintenance at $132,800 (utilities, insurance, maintenance and equipment); programs and services at $14,500 (adult and juvenile programming, publicity); and other expenses at $60,050 (professional services, contractual expenses, ALMS fee and contingency).

Other funding in the 2025 budget includes $2,790 from Orleans County, $14,000 in contributions, $11,500 for services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines) and $4,000 in state library aid.

Some of the main expenses include: Payroll and benefits at $434,500 (63 percent of budget); Books and materials at $45,500 (Books, $27,000; Hoopla and online services, $11,000; and serials and audio visual, $7,500); operation and maintenance at $132,800 (utilities, insurance, maintenance and equipment); programs and services at $14,500 (adult and juvenile programming, publicity); and other expenses at $60,050 (professional services, contractual expenses, ALMS fee and contingency).

Circulation for 2024 included 32,352 books, 9,792 non-books as physical items, 5,208 digital items through Hoopla, and 4,635 digital items through Libby.

Hoag also provided 69 homebound deliveries, 486 motorized documents, 155 ESL sessions, 178 GED sessions, 1,088 outside sessions, 4,394 items loaned through Inter-Library Loan and 6,495 items borrowed through Inter-Library Loan.

ALBION – The New York State Association of Counties on Monday highlighted Kim DeFrank as part of NYSAC’s weekly “Member Monday” feature.

DeFrank is also president of the NYS Treasurers’ and Finance Officers’ Association. NYSAC noted she became treasurer in 2018 after 25 years in the treasurer’s office.

“During her tenure she has led the county to receive four consecutive three+one advisors 90+ awards for exemplary leadership in public finance liquidity management,” NYSAC stated. “Congratulations Kimberly and thank you for the work that you and your colleagues do to safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen our counties!”

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families and friends.

Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

There will also be the potential for a White House visit on the trip. Those who are interested in the potential tour will need to register no later than June 10 to secure a background check.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. A noncommittal registration is required by June 10 for those interested in a potential White House tour for the purpose of a background check.

To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.

For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.