By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2025 at 9:00 pm
Kathy Hochul
ALBANY – Gov. Kathy Hochul today came out against steep rate hikes proposed by the New York Power Authority.
NYPA is pushing for increases that is says are necessary to keep up with increased maintenance and operations costs.
Municipalities, school districts, businesses and nonprofits across New York State benefit from NYPA’s current preference power rate of $12.88 per megawatt hour.
The proposed rate hikes would take effect as follows: $17.61 for 2025, $21.66 for 2026, $26.72 for 2027 and $33.05 for 2028.
Hochul today urged NYPA to suspend the rate hike, saying it woud make the state less affordable.
“Today, I’m calling for an end to the Power Authority’s unacceptable proposal to raise electric rates on its customers statewide,” Hochul said. “Too many New Yorkers are already falling behind on their energy bills and I will do everything in my power to reign in these astronomical costs.
“While I recognize the Power Authority’s critical importance in providing invaluable, clean, baseload power from its large hydroelectric power plants Upstate, I expect NYPA to go back to the drawing board, shelve this existing proposal, and figure out a better way forward.”
The governor’s public comments were applauded by State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
He issued this statement: “My colleagues and I in Western New York and the Southern Tier called on NYPA to reconsider disastrous rate hikes that would have been detrimental to communities and businesses in our districts that rely on low cost power.
“The proposed increases would have only led to more businesses closing their doors and more New Yorkers fleeing for more affordable states. Today’s decision by the Governor to suspend the rate hike is welcome news for residents who are struggling to make ends meet amidst already soaring energy costs.”
The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance & Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier also praised the governor for pushing back on the rate hikes.
“We thank and appreciate Governor Hochul recognizing the disastrous impact the NYPA rate proposal was going to have on manufacturers and ongoing economic development initiatives across New York State,” the groups said.
“We look forward to continued dialogue with NYPA. NYPA has historically provided cost competitive, reliable and clean power that has helped keep manufacturers in New York State. As manufacturers operating in a high cost, high tax, high regulatory State, affordable and reliable NYPA power has helped manufacturers compete domestically and globally while retaining and growing jobs.
“We also thank those leaders from the manufacturing sector, and our Western New York delegation of elected leaders that have conveyed their concerns directly to NYPA, to their peers and to the Governor.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2025 at 8:28 pm
SHELBY – The Town of Shelby Republican Committee has endorsed candidates for the Town Board and County Legislature.
The committee is backing Scott Wengewicz for another term as town supervisor. The committee picked Mike Moriarty and Vassilios Bitsas for Town Board. One incumbent, Stephen Seitz Sr., isn’t seeking re-election.
The committee also endorsed incumbents for positions at the county level, including Kim DeFrank for treasurer; Skip Draper of Medina for at-large legislator from the western end of the county; Bill Eick for a district that includes most of Shelby, and all of Barre and Clarendon; and Lynne Johnson of Yates for legislator, representing a district that includes Yates, Ridgeway and a small portion of Shelby.
MT. MORRIS – Arc GLOW’s Lisa Bors has been promoted to vice president of public relations and development.
Bors was hired in January 2023 as the director of public relations and development to lead the agency’s efforts to increase community awareness and private support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Lisa has proven herself to be mission-driven and connected to the community,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW CEO. “In a short time, she has already accomplished many important initiatives helping to grow community awareness for Arc GLOW.”
Bors and her husband, Hans, reside in Orleans County. She earned an associate’s degree in non-profit management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Empire State College. Bors came to Arc GLOW with over 20 years’ experience in public relations and development in higher education. She is a graduate of Leadership Orleans, Class 2024, and a member of Leadership Genesee’s Class of 2025.
Bors will continue to lead a team responsible for advancing the mission and vision of Arc GLOW to include new marketing and branding strategies, and communicating and educating our communities about the agency while increasing financial support.
“I am honored and overjoyed to be part of an organization that is mission and vision driven. Arc GLOW is needed in our communities — and we need our communities to help us,” Bors said. “I have met so many incredible people since I began in 2023, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the agency and the individuals and families we serve.”
Arc GLOW is a non-profit serving up to 2,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. It covers 2,400 square miles, one of the largest geographical chapter of The Arc New York. It offers a variety of services, and more information can be found online at ArcGLOW.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2025 at 4:12 pm
LYNDONVILLE – Two village residents have turned in petitions to run for a trustee position on the Village Board. The petitions needed at least 27 signatures from registered voters in the village for a candidate to be listed on the ballot in the March 18 election.
Steve Colon and Thomas Goetze both turned in petitions by the 5 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, said Teri Buffin, the village clerk/treasurer. Colon is running under the Village of Lyndonville Party while Goetze chose the Apple Party.
The position up for the election is a two-year term that was most recently held by Terry Stinson. She stepped down from the post in August.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2025 at 11:22 am
MEDINA – Only one person turned in petitions to run for a trustee position on the Medina Village Board. Tuesday was the deadline to turn in petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in the village.
James “Scott” Bieliski is the lone person to turn in the petitions. He will run under the independent “For the People” party.
There are two trustee positions up for election in Medina. The spots are for two-year terms for positions currently filled by Jess Marciano and Diana Baker.
Neither Marciano or Baker circulated petitions. Marciano said she will consider running a write-in campaign to stay on the board and keep projects moving forward, including the purchase of a new ladder truck and an addition on the fire hall. Marciano helped lead the effort to downsize an addition on the fire hall from an estimated $6 million a year ago to the latest estimate at about $1 million.
The election on March 18 is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center on West Avenue. The winners in the election will start their terms on April 1.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Attention all Orleans County parents and caregivers, there will be a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event on Saturday, March 29th at the Orleans County Public Safety Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.
Our certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect your car and/or booster seats to ensure that your child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.
For child passenger safety seat questions, please contact certified technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2025 at 2:52 pm
Lynn Creasey
MEDINA – The Senior Citizens of Western Orleans have $15,000 to install air conditioning at a former train depot, which serves as a meeting place for the seniors.
Lynn Creasey, president of the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, said the building is often too hot during the summer for seniors to comfortably socialize for cards, games and meals.
The group has $15,000 saved and is willing to pay for the costs of AC wall units, Creasey told the Village Board on Monday.
He has secured two bids from contractors for the project and is expecting two more.
Village Board members want to hear from Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, first before forging ahead. The board wants to make sure the existing utilities can handle the additional AC and see if Watts has any input on the project.
The building was originally constructed in 1908 as the NY Central Depot. It has been the home of the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans since 1968. Creasey said the seniors have done several improvements to the building over the years, including a fresh coat of paint about three to four years ago.
Creasey said the organization survives on donations, but is committing the funds to the project so the seniors can use the site during the hot summer weather.
By Jason Klein, Fifth Grade Teacher at Clifford Wise Intermediate School
MEDINA – At Clifford Wise Intermediate School in the Medina Central School District, two talented fifth-graders, Iszabella Eaton and Fiona Oakes, are making waves with their creative storytelling.
Both students in Mr. Klein’s class have discovered a shared love for writing, a passion that has sparked not only their individual creativity but also an inspiring collaborative effort.
Medina Central School District, an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school district, emphasizes “A Portrait of a Graduate,” a vision to equip students with 21st-century skills, character traits, and social-emotional competencies needed for success in college, career, and life. Iszabella and Fiona exemplify this vision as they channel their creativity, teamwork and determination into a shared writing project.
Fiona’s passion for storytelling began in third grade, where journaling became a daily habit:
“I have always loved making up stories and imagining things,” she said. “In 3rd grade, my teacher had us write in a journal every day, and she gave us feedback that helped me improve. This past summer, I even wrote a whole play!
“My idea for a Christmas story came to me this past holiday season. It’s about a girl trying to get home who meets unexpected friends on the way. I knew I needed help, so I asked Iszabella to join me. We’ve been friends forever, and she makes writing even more fun. She always has great ideas, and our story is turning out amazing. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters as they make their journey home. I hope one day it gets published. I might want to become a writer when I grow up!”
Iszabella, who has been crafting stories since she was 7, shared her journey:
“I love to write stories and books,” she said. “Ever since I was 7 years old, I made little children’s books. They were at least two pages long! But when I got older, I wrote better books. In 4th grade, I shared a story about a family of five with my teacher, and he encouraged me to keep writing. That encouragement made me a better writer.
“Now, in 5th grade, I’m working on a Christmas story with my best friend, Fiona Oakes. She has amazing ideas and always makes me laugh. Writing together is really stepping up our friendship. I hope Medina will love our book—it’s a story you can enjoy all year round. One day, I’d love to become an author!”
Their shared story, which combines humor, emotion, and the spirit of friendship, is a testament to their creativity and collaboration. Both girls credit their teachers for inspiring them and hope their work will one day reach a wide audience.
As Medina Central School District continues its mission to develop well-rounded, future-ready graduates, Iszabella and Fiona’s story shines as an example of what can be achieved when young writers are encouraged to dream big and work together. Keep an eye out for this duo’s work—it’s bound to be something special!
NORTH TONAWANDA – Eighteen string students from the Royalton-Hartland Central School participated in the recent Niagara County Music Educators’ Association honors ensembles.
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.
Lily Pabon-Rosa, Addyson Kiner-Ronson, Simon Fournier, Tessa Degenhardt, Josephine Silsby, Lydia-Grace DeMaison and Hailey Pasnik participated with the Junior/Senior All-County Orchestra on Feb. 7-8 at Starpoint Middle School.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2025 at 10:34 am
A 2021 Medina High School is among the new graduates for the State Police Academy.
Jack Rutkowski, now of Pine Bush in Orange County, graduated last week from the academy.
Eric Miller of Medina also was in the class. Oliver Valenti of Akron also completed the 216th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The new State Troopers increases the State Police ranks to 5,034 sworn members.
Rutkowski was a Boy Scout in Troop 35 in Medina, and played on the school’s soccer and baseball teams.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the six designated Free Fishing Days in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy these affordable outdoor recreation opportunities statewide.
Free Fishing Days will take place on: Feb. 15-16 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), June 28-29, Sept. 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).
During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.
“Free Fishing Days in New York’s waters are a great, affordable way for residents and visitors to explore new places and provide an opportunity for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether casting a line in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers, New York offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation and allows for memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy.”
The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.
Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit the DEC website.
‘The Trump administration is stealing from our children, our teachers, and our families to give tax breaks to the wealthy’
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
Kirsten Gillibrand
NEW YORK – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined union leaders, elected officials, students, parents and educators to warn of the disastrous consequences of President Trump’s threat to shut down the United States Department of Education.
If the department closes, the resulting chaos would mean over 2.6 million K-12 students at 4,800 New York schools could lose federal funding, Gillibrand said. This includes half a million New York students with disabilities who could lose nearly $1 billion in annual support, as well as nearly a quarter million English learners at New York schools who could be deprived of an annual $66 million that supports their education.
“President Trump’s threat to shutter the Department of Education is a reckless and unconstitutional move that would jeopardize the programs that help New York’s kids, families, schools, and communities thrive,” Gillibrand said in a news release. “The Trump administration is stealing from our children, our teachers, and our families to give tax breaks to the wealthy. It is jeopardizing our nation’s academic progress and our role in the global economy at the expense of our children, and we cannot stand for it. There should be no debate – defunding education defunds our future, and I will do everything in my power to protect the Department of Education.”
The Department of Education serves students across the country by:
Providing funding to support the nation’s most vulnerable students through Title I grants
Funding special education programs for students with disabilities
Administering Pell Grants for low-income college students
Supporting school improvement programs to improve education outcomes
Funding programs to promote mental health and after-school activities
These programs could be in jeopardy if the Department of Education were shut down. Even a temporary disruption could be devastating for students, their families, and educators.
If the department is shut down, the impact on New York families would be devastating:
Over 2.6 million K-12 students at 4,800 schools throughout the state could lose federal funding
525,000 New York students with disabilities could miss out on $984 million in annual support
Schools could be deprived of $12 million in mental health supports
392,000 New York students could lose the $1.9 billion in Pell Grants that help them afford college
247,000 English learners at New York schools could be deprived of an annual $66 million that support their education.
