Photos courtesy of Master Gardeners: The Orleans Community Seed Share Library is located in the hallway of the “Buzz Hill” Education Center in the Orleans CCE office. The building is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the public is welcome to select seeds anytime the building is open.
KNOWLESVILLE – On Jan. 18, a new seed library called the Orleans Community Seed Share (OCSS) will open at the Cornell Cooperative Extension offices on Route 31 at the fairgrounds.
Seed libraries collect and store seeds to share for free with the community, and the OCSS will offer a wide range of seeds for flowers, herbs, vegetables, and native plants.
“The OCSS isn’t just about growing plants. It’s about growing confidence, community, and connection,” says Julia Bender, the Master Gardener leading the seed library effort.
A program of the Orleans County Master Gardeners, the OCSS will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CCE Education Center, 12690 State Route 31, Albion. It will also offer monthly classes for both new and experienced gardeners.
The series of monthly classes, called Seeds to Splendor, will be held at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. The first class, on Jan. 18, will focus on garden planning and design. It will be followed by a Community Hour where Master Gardeners will welcome questions and help visitors interested in choosing seeds.
Seeds available in the OCSS library include those collected from home gardens by Master Gardener Volunteers and community members as well as generous donations from companies such as Baker Creek, CW Native Plant Farm, High Mowing Seeds, and Seed Savers Exchange.
The Seed Share will also host a Spring Seed Swap on March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. In addition to sharing seeds, the event will include seed starting demonstrations and more.
“We understand that starting can feel overwhelming,” Bender says. “That’s why we’ve created a supportive ecosystem to nurture every type of gardening dream. Our program embraces the full spectrum of growing — from the tiniest herb garden on a sunny windowsill to expansive native plant landscapes.”
An example of one of the drawers in the OCSS library shelf with seed packets available for pickup.
Bender created the Seed Share in memory of her mother, Sally Bender, an avid gardener who inspired her own love of nature and gardening.
“Every magnificent garden starts with a single seed and a heart full of hope,” Bender says.
To learn more about the Orleans Community Seed Share, visit https://orleans.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/orleans-community-seed-share-1, or contact Katie Oakes, Horticulture Educator, Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Program Coordinator, at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265, ext 125.
Sorting and repackaging seeds has been a team effort with many Master Gardener volunteers involved in organizing and dividing donated seeds.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve the constituents of the newly formed New York District 24,” Tenney said. “I will continue to be a transparent and aggressive advocate on behalf of all of my constituents.
“Our team is deeply committed to delivering outstanding results for NY-24, by implementing innovative and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our communities. Our team will continue to provide top-tier constituent services.
“House Republicans are eager to begin implementing President Trump’s agenda by making America secure and prosperous again. We are eager to hear from you and ensure that your views are represented in Washington. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am committed to upholding our Constitutional principles and delivering meaningful results for our nation and especially New York.”
Redistricting in 2024 has eliminated parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties and added parts of Steuben and Schuyler Counties to NY-24. As a result, Rep. Tenney’s district office in Victor is no longer within NY-24. To better serve the Finger Lakes Region, Rep. Tenney is opening a new district office in Ontario County.
Editor’s Note: Orleans County was divided in two districts, with the northern half in the 25th District that included Monroe County with Rep. Joe Morelle, and then Tenney’s district. But redistricting has put Orleans fully in the 24th District.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
ALBANY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today updated drought conditions across the state, returning all 62 New York counties to “normal” status.
In cooperation with the State’s Drought Management Task Force, DEC updated drought status from “Drought Watch” to “Normal” statewide, including New York City, after assessing recent precipitation and elevated levels of ground and surface water.
While statewide and regional hydrological conditions have notably improved, localized dry conditions may persist and despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water use and waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.
“Recent precipitation and the vigilance of New Yorkers who heeded calls to conserve water resources have alleviated dry conditions across the state,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions and work with New York City officials and localities across the state to identify any necessary steps and actions needed to help prevent additional shortages while New York State moves from a Drought Watch to Normal conditions.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2025 at 12:46 pm
There are new owners of the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Pennysaver following the retirement of Karen Sawicz.
The Pennysaver has been in her family since 1960. Her parents, Vincent and Gwen St. John, were the owners until Sawicz took over in 1989. She has worked at the business for more than 60 years.
The Pennysaver will now be owned and run by Featured Media and Genesee Valley Publications, which owns about a dozen weekly pennysavers. The Lake Country Pennysaver will be delivered by mail beginning with this weekend’s edition.
Sawicz also has been owner and publisher of the Orleans Hub. The online news site is focused on Orleans County and started in April 2013.
“The community has been my life,” Sawicz said today. “That has been my focus.”
She has strived to serve the community through the businesses and her civic efforts. She is past president of the Albion Chamber of Commerce and was the first president of the merged Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. She also was a long-time member of the Albion Rotary Club.
Sawicz pushed to start the Orleans Hub to give the community “hyperlocal” news coverage that was focused on Orleans County. She resisted charging subscriptions or having paywalls to access the news.
“The Orleans Hub is something the community needed,” she said today.
The Orleans Hub is now owned by Brad London, who has been with the site selling advertising since it launched on April 1, 2013.
London began working for the Pennysaver in January 2010 after running Wiggly & Jiggly’s, an English pub in Albion. He also has owned Brad London Productions, a DJ business, for more than 30 years and runs the karaoke contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
In recent years he has been the sales manager and general manager for the Pennysaver and Lake Country Media, which includes the Orleans Hub and a printing division based at the Pennysaver building, 170 North Main St. in Albion.
The Pennysaver site will continue to offer printing services for the community and serve as the office for the Orleans Hub.
“The Orleans Hub is a great product and it’s important to our community and I want to see it continue,” London said. “We have great relationships with our advertisers.”
Many of the advertisers have been with the Hub since it started. The news site last year topped more than 7 million pageviews.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) released her 2024 Year-End Report highlighting her 2024 achievements.
The report showcases her office’s casework successes, dedication to accountability and transparency, and notable legislative accomplishments.
“As we begin 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year our office had serving the people of NY-24,” tenney said. “Last Congress, we introduced 79 bills and cosponsored 577 bills, and in 2024 alone, we delivered more than $5 million in benefits directly to constituents.
“Additionally, we secured $19.7 million for projects across NY-24 through the Community Project Funding Program and explained hundreds of votes on my website to ensure transparency. Throughout this past year—and my entire tenure as your elected representative—I have been committed to serving our region with compassion, tenacity, transparency, and accountability. It is an honor to represent this community, and I look forward to continuing this important work in Congress. I encourage you to read our full report and, as always, feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns. We are here to serve you.”
Click here to see the full report here and highlights from each section below:
Constituent Services
Returned over $5 million in benefits or back pay to residents
Secured $19.7 million for projects across NY-24 as part of the Community Project Funding Program
Completed 2,586 Constituent Cases
Hosted 26 Mobile Office Hours
Provided 78 letters of support for federal funding opportunities and grants
Presented over 300 Proclamations, Congressional Record Extension of Remarks, and certificates to deserving veterans, Eagle Scouts, first responders and community members
Accessibility and Transparency
Explained 843 total votes in detail on the website
Replied to more than 60,000 messages from 33,000 constituents
Attended over 305 community events
Released several detailed legislative plans
Delivering Results for NY-24
Introduced 79 bills and cosponsored 577 bills on a range of important issues
Supported 11 bills that were signed into law
Backed 105 bills that passed the House of Representatives
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced three new policies that will put money back in the pockets of millions of New Yorkers.
Because of new laws championed by Governor Hochul, this week marks the first implementation of an increased minimum wage, the nation’s first paid prenatal leave law, and a ban on insulin co-pays for state-regulated insurance plans.
Governor Hochul has prioritized tackling the affordability crisis in New York, including by proposing the first-ever inflation refund, and will continue focusing on affordability in this year’s State of the State. A pregnant woman who earns minimum wage and is diabetic would have an additional $2,500 in their pocket as a result of these new initiatives.
“The new year has arrived — and so have three major new policies that will make a difference in the lives of working people,” Governor Hochul said. “The cost of living is just too damn high, so I’m doing everything in my power to make New York more affordable for families.”
Minimum Wage
Governor Kathy Hochul secured in the FY2024 Budget, a transformative plan to help low-wage New Yorkers keep up with the rising cost of living by increasing New York’s minimum wage for three years and then tying future increases to inflation. On Jan. 1, 2024 the State minimum wage increased to $16 in New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, and to $15 in all other parts of the State and is scheduled to increase by $0.50 per year on Jan. 1, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.
Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually by the three-year moving average of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region. An “off-ramp” is available in the event of certain economic or budget conditions. More information can be found on the State Department of Labor website.
First-in-the-Nation Paid Prenatal Leave Law
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, any privately employed pregnant New Yorker is now able to receive an additional 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal care. The New York State Department of Labor estimates that about 130,000 pregnant women per year will be eligible for this benefit, with about 65,800 of those being hourly workers.
Pregnancy-related health care includes: Physical examinations, medical procedures, monitoring, testing, discussions with a health care provider needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy, fertility treatment, and end-of-pregnancy care
The paid prenatal leave benefits are in addition to New York State Paid Family Leave, existing employer-provided leave and existing sick leave benefits, ensuring workers can receive the health care needed to address all pregnancy related care to create healthy outcomes without jeopardizing their employment or finances. The law applies to all private employers in New York State, with no minimum employee threshold, and is applicable to both full-time and part-time employees.
Eliminating Insulin Co-Pays on State-Regulated Insurance Plans
This initiative is the most expansive prohibition against insulin cost-sharing in the nation, providing financial relief to New Yorkers and improving adherence to these life-saving medications. With 1.8 million New Yorkers diagnosed with diabetes, the proposal is estimated to save eligible New Yorkers up to $1,200 per year, and an estimated $14 million in 2025 alone.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have medical expenses that are 2.3 times higher than people who do not have diabetes and the impact is even larger for communities of color, which face disproportionately high diagnosis rates.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2025 at 8:42 am
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans and Monroe counties from 2 p.m. today until 6 p.m. on Sunday with 6 to 12 inches of snow expected in the most persistent lake snows, north of Route 104.
The snow will be spread out in batches over three days, the National Weather Service said.
“Winds gusting as high as 30 mph today through tonight, and 40 mph Saturday through Saturday night, will produce areas of blowing and drifting snow,” the Weather Service said.
The blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility, making travel difficult on snow-covered roads, the Weather Service said.
“During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away,” the Weather Service said in the advisory. “Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility and road conditions.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2025 at 8:08 pm
The unemployment rate for Orleans County was at 3.5 percent in November, which continues a low rate throughout much of 2024.
The state Department of Labor reported the rate last week. The county has a labor force of 17,200 with 16,600 working and 600 on unemployment, according to the DOL.
That is below the state unemployment rate of 4.2 percent. The DOL reports a labor force of 9,643,600 with 9,239,500 working and 404,100 unemployed.
Among WNY counties, the unemployment rates for November include:
Orleans, 3.5 percent
Genesee, 3.0 percent
Wyoming, 3.4 percent
Livingston, 3.1 percent
Monroe, 3.4 percent
Niagara, 3.7 percent
Erie, 3.6 percent
Chautauqua, 3.8 percent
Cattaraugus, 3.7 percent
Allegany, 3.6 percent
Looking at the data going back 25 years in Orleans County, the unemployment rate is down significantly.
In November 2014 – 6.8 percent unemployment: labor force of 17,800 with 16,600 working and 1,200 unemployed
In November 2009 – 10.1 percent unemployed: labor force of 19,200 with 17,300 working and 1,900 unemployed
In November 2004 – 5.5 percent unemployed: labor force 19,800 with 18,700 working and 1,100 unemployed
In November 1999 – 4.6 percent unemployed: labor force of 21,100 with 20,100 employed and 1,000 unemployed
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their families.
“Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls or floors. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Fortunately, radon exposure is preventable through simple actions that homeowners can take.
Take Action to Protect Your Family:
1. Test Your Home for Radon
The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is by testing. Residents of Genesee County can receive a radon test kit at no cost to them, while supplies last, by contacting the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555. Residents in other counties can purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store, or at the NYS Department of Health (DOH) website. The EPA recommends testing every two years, or after major home renovations.
2. Mitigate High Radon Levels to lessen severity and reduce harm
If radon levels are found to be elevated (above 4 pCi/L), it is essential to take corrective action. Radon mitigation includes installing a ventilation system that reduces radon levels in the home. A certified radon professional can evaluate your home and recommend the best mitigation strategy.
3. Educate Your Friends and Family
Spread the word about the importance of radon testing and mitigation. Share resources and encourage neighbors to test their homes.
4. Health & Safety First
Radon exposure is preventable, and by testing and mitigating radon in your home, you can significantly reduce the threat of lung cancer caused by this invisible danger.
Radon Facts:
Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
Radon exposure is particularly dangerous for children and non-smokers.
Testing and mitigation are effective in reducing radon exposure and protecting health.
Major Amie P. Feroleto will lead State Police in 8 counties, including Orleans
Press Release, NY State Police
Major Amie P. Feroleto
BATAVIA – Major Amie P. Feroleto’s appointment today as the first female Troop A Commander in the 107-year history of the New York State Police is a landmark achievement.
She becomes the 28th Troop A Commander, bringing with her 22 years of dedicated service, extensive experience across multiple Troops and roles, and advanced educational credentials that underscore her exemplary leadership and commitment to public safety.
In her new role, Major Feroleto will oversee all State Police patrol and investigative operations across the eight counties of Western New York, managing over 400 sworn and civilian personnel. Troop A includes the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.
Since beginning her State Police career in 2002, Major Feroleto has steadily risen through the ranks. Her diverse roles have included Uniform Trooper, Sergeant, Station Commander, Lieutenant, and Captain. Additionally, she served in the Professional Standards Bureau, gaining valuable experience in oversight and accountability.
Major Feroleto holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s degree in criminal justice, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence. Her career, spanning service in Troops A, B, D, E, H, and K, demonstrates her adaptability and wide-ranging expertise.
This historic achievement not only recognizes Major Feroleto’s individual accomplishments but also sets an inspiring precedent for future leaders in law enforcement.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2025 at 11:13 am
Howard is first woman to serve as county’s top prosecutor
Photos by Tom Rivers: Susan Howard, the new Orleans County district attorney, signs the oath of office next to County Clerk Nadine Hanlon after a brief swearing-in ceremony this morning in the Orleans County Courthouse.
ALBION – Susan Howard was sworn in as district attorney this morning in a brief ceremony in the Orleans County Courthouse.
Many of the law enforcement officials, county department heads and staff of the District Attorney’s office attended the ceremony.
Howard succeeds Joe Cardone as DA. He served in the role for 33 years. Howard was Cardone’s first assistant DA since 2011. He told a crowd at the swearing-in that he has full confidence in Howard as she takes over as district attorney, the county’s top prosecutor.
“It is an historic day in Orleans County with our first woman district attorney,” Cardone told about 30 people at the swearing-in. “Susan, I know you are prepared to do this job. It is a very difficult job as you well know from many years already. I know you are prepared to discharge the responsibilities of district attorney and do justice for the people of Orleans County.”
Howard won a Republican primary in June against John Sansone and was unopposed in November for the general election.
Susan Howard says the oath of office, vowing to support the constitution of the United States, the constitution of the State of New York and to faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of District Attorney of Orleans County, according to the best of her ability. Howard’s sister Judy Schult holds the Bible while County Court Judge Sanford Church administers the oath.
Howard became a lawyer in 2004. She didn’t go to law school until she was 33. Before that she was a paralegal and a caseworker with the Department of Social Services.
Her father, the late Richard Schult, owned the Lakeland restaurant at Point Breeze. He also worked at Kodak and flipped houses. He often reached out to a lawyer for advice, Howard recalled in an interview in June.
Howard said she wanted to be that person who could help people through a problem. It wasn’t until she did an internship at the DA’s Office that she turned her attention to being a prosecutor. After that experience in 2000, she said she found her passion as a lawyer.
Susan Howard is congratulated by County Court Judge Sanford Church after she was sworn in as the county’s new district attorney this morning.
She said she is ready to get to work and is proud of a team of full-time assistant DAs. That includes Daniel Punch as the first assistant DA. Punch, the son of retired County Court Judge James Punch, has worked as an assistant DA the past 13 years in Erie County.
He welcomed the chance to return to his home county. His father was the DA before becoming the county judge.
“This is my hometown and I wanted to work with Sue,” Punch said after the ceremony. “It’s an opportunity to do good in Orleans County.”
The other full-time assistant Das include Alex Eaton and Katie Buckley. Eaton worked as an intern in the District Attorney’s Office with Howard. He has been working for the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. He is married to Joe Cardone’s daughter, Rosalind.
Buckley was working out of the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office.
“It’s a strong team,” Howard said. “We will hit the ground running.”
Photos by Marsha Rivers: Susan Howard gets a photo taken with her successor, Joe Cardone, after the swearing in ceremony at the Orleans County Courthouse. Susan Howard is pictured with current County Court Judge Sanford Church, left, and retired County Court Judge James Punch, who also is a former district attorney for the county.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2025 at 8:32 am
BARRE – The Town of Barre and Orleans County have reached an agreement for Barre to pay $29,906 to the county for assessing services in 2025.
The county is creating a new full-time assessor position in the Real Property Tax Services Office in Albion.
Barre’s previous assessor left the job for a full-time position at the Oakfield-Alabama school district. For 30 years, Barry Flansburg served in the role until retiring Sept. 30, 2022.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said working with the county ensures Barre will have an assessor. If the person assigned to Barre is unavailable, Barre can draw on other staff at the Real Property office.
Barre is the third town to contract with the county for the service. Albion and Gaines have paid the county for the service since 2007.
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department announced the line officers and schedule of events for 2025.
The department responded to 177 calls in 2024.
These are the line officers for 2025:
Fire Chief: Randy Davis
Deputy Fire Chief: Cole Hardenbrook
The following officers have been appointed for 2025:
Assistant Fire Chief: Richard Breslawski
Assistant Fire Chief: Bryan Hardenbrook
Captain: Jason Hardenbrook
Captain: Clayton Christ
Lieutenant: Tim Bidwell
Lieutenant: TBD
Safety Officer: James Fox
EMS Captain: Steven Balka
EMS Lieutenant: Sue Maslin
“We are committed to enhancing our response times, increasing our community engagement, and ensuring the safety of everyone in Kendall,” said David, the fire chief. “Our new officers are highly skilled and dedicated to making a positive impact.”
The Kendall Fire Department’s line officers are chosen for their leadership abilities, years of service, and passion for protecting the community. Their leadership will guide the department’s strategic goals and day-to-day operations throughout 2025.
About Kendall Fire Department:
Founded in 1912, the Kendall Fire Department is a dedicated team of professional and volunteer firefighters who serve and protect the community of Kendall. The department responds to fire, medical emergencies, and other disasters, and works continuously to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their families.
