ALBION – A day after announcing the Albion Main Street lift bridge was on target to reopen on Dec. 26, the reopening has been pushed back slightly.

Village Trustee Joyce Riley said she was notified today by the state Department of Transportation the bridge won’t be ready Dec. 26, but should open very soon.

The DOT and village will wait until the reopening is certain before putting out a date.

The bridge has been closed to traffic since Nov. 14, 2022. When it closed, the DOT estimated it would reopen in 18 months or the spring of 2024.

But there have been delays in getting materials for the project, pushing the completion back.

The bridge was originally built in 1914. It is one of 16 lift bridges on the Erie Canal, and one of seven in Orleans County.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

While many people find the holidays to be joyful, they can be a difficult and a stressful time for some. This is especially true for those who battle with mental health or substance use difficulties.

During this season, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments want to encourage everyone to be proactive and to know where to get support.

“This can be a challenging time for many people,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We want people to look out for others and know where to go for support.”

Tips for mental health well-being during the holiday season:

• Accept your feelings: It is okay to feel overwhelmed or sad. Allow yourself to process emotions without judgement. Help is available.
• Stay connected: Reach out to friends, family or someone you trust.
• Set boundaries: It is okay to say no to things you can’t take on.
• Take breaks: Listen to music, take a walk, or do something you enjoy.
• Maintain healthy habits: Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol. Instead, consider using healthy substitutes such as exercise or relaxation methods.
• If you use drugs, never use them alone and always have someone with you.
• Carry naloxone (Narcan), which can save a life during an opioid overdose. For free naloxone, text KIT to 877-535-2461.

“Help is always available and just a call away,” stated Danielle Figura, director of Orleans County Mental Health. “Reaching out to someone you trust or calling the Care & Crisis Line (585-283-5200) can be the first step toward hope and healing.”

Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis can promptly prevent a crisis from occurring.

“Warning signs are often missed, dismissed or overlooked until it’s too late,” stated Lynda Battaglia, director for Genesee County Mental Health. “It is vital to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations. Be proactive so that together we can ensure that no one feels alone or without hope.”

Know the signs of a mental health crisis. Risk factors include:

• A history of depression, anxiety or trauma.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
• Lack of social support or healthy relationships.
• Access to dangerous items like firearms or medications.

Warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
• Making concerning statements about self-harm.
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, acting anxious, giving away possessions, or reckless behavior.
• Trouble sleeping.

How to help others:

• Ask questions: Check in with them and offer support.
• Listen without judgement: Be a good listener and show compassion.
• Reassure them: Remind them that they are not alone and that help is available.
• Secure dangerous items: Remove access to weapons or pills.
• Carry naloxone (Narcan) to respond to an emergency.

The following are some mental health and substance use resources available:

Orleans County Mental Health

14014 State Route 31 Albion, NY 14411

(585) 589-7066

Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Genesee County Mental Health

5130 East Main St. Rd., Suite 2 Batavia, NY 14020

(585) 344-1421

Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk-in hours from Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit and chat at 988 Lifeline.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1) or text 741741.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free 24-hour helpline that can provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups. To find a local treatment facility, visit FindTreatment.gov. To find support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, visit Samhsa.gov/find-support.

If you or anyone you know needs additional support during this time or anytime of the year, Care & Crisis Helpline at (585) 283-5200 or call or text 988 the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

This is OOH’s second warming center, following one at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

Provided photo: The Brockport First Baptist, at 124 Main St., will serve as a warming center during Code Blue, when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.

BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health, which runs a warming center at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, is opening a second warming center – at Brockport First Baptist, 124 Main Street, in the heart of Brockport.

The Monroe County Department of Human Services collaborated with OOH to make this warming center possible. This collaboration addresses the needs of people without housing when the temperature is below 32 degrees (“Code Blue”).

If an individual needs evening shelter during Code Blue, they can call (585) 340-1355, and have access to a warm, safe place to stay. The Brockport Community Warming Center is open as needed during the week, on weekends, and overnight.

During holidays, the Center is open 24 hours a day. People who stay at the Brockport Community Warming Center will also have access to services from Monroe County and local non-profits, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their well-being.

To stay warm during the day when the Warming Center is not open in Brockport, people can go to the Seymour Library, 161 East Ave, Brockport, during regular business hours.

“December 23 marks the opening of the Brockport Community Warming Center,” said Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health. “Oak Orchard is proud to participate in this effort to make this valuable resource open to the public. We could not make the Brockport Community Warming Center a reality without the support of Monroe County. We are so grateful to them and all the volunteers who made this a reality. Oak Orchard will be responsible for staffing and coordinating the opening of these community resources.”

On January 16th at 1 p.m. we will be having a grand opening with a ribbon cutting at the Brockport Community Warming Center. More details to come.

In 2023, Oak Orchard successfully opened the Orleans County Warming Center, serving 63 people who used the site on the 110 Code Blue days. New York State mandates that if the weather drops below 32 degrees, it’s considered “Code Blue,” and the community must provide shelter.

These Warming Centers will provide a safe haven for adults during frigid temperatures. If children need shelter, we will not turn them away; instead, we will work with the Department of Social Services to find a safe place.

Also, it will be available to seniors living in substandard housing who have their power shut off due to their inability to pay. They can find warmth and people to assist them with advocacy, transportation, and the resources needed to return to their homes.

Press Release, Medina Police Department

MEDINA – On April 29, a burglary occurred at the Orleans Ford car dealership on S. Main Street in the Village of Medina.

During the burglary, there was significant property damage, and a 2022 Ford F-450 pickup truck was stolen. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the stolen vehicle had been transported to Florida.

The vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner in May. The investigation determined that two individuals from Buffalo entered the dealership, damaged property inside, and then stole the truck, transporting it to Buffalo. The third suspect flew from Florida to Buffalo on the morning of the burglary, took possession of the truck and drove it to Florida.

On July 26, Nasib Karazhyev, 30, of Buffalo, was arrested for Burglary 3rd (D Felony), Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony), Criminal Mischief 2nd (D Felony), and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th (E Felony). Karazhyev was arraigned through the Centralized Arraignment Process and released on his own recognizance.

Following grand jury proceedings, county indictment warrants for the above charges were issued for two additional suspects:

Luis Guilarte, 29, of Naples, Florida, was arrested in Collier County in Florida on Dec. 13.  On Dec. 18, Guilarte was extradited to New York and is currently awaiting arraignment on these charges through the Centralized Arraignment Process.

An indictment warrant has also been issued for an additional suspect, Craig Lynch, 23, of Buffalo. Lynch was recently extradited to North Carolina and is currently being held in the New Handover County Jail on an unrelated homicide charge.  The indictment warrant has been forwarded to N.C. as a detainer if he is being released on their charges.

The Medina Police Department Officers leading this investigation were Felicia Holtz and Jonathan McManus.  The Medina Police Department would like to thank the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (FL), Niagara and Erie County Crime Analysis Centers, Niagara Falls Transit Police, Lancaster PD, U.S. Secret Service, and the Orleans and Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

Photos and information courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club

The Lions Club decorated a tree and served hot dogs and hamburgers during Lyndonville’s festival of Christmas trees on Dec. 7.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions had a busy month of December to wrap up their 2024 agenda.

On Dec. 7 the Lions furnished hot dogs and hamburgers to a hungry crowd attending the Village of Lyndonville Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. The day long activities included a morning brunch, an extensive craft show and various other venues for people to visit.

The evening culminated with the arrival of Santa courtesy of the Lyndonville Fire District.  Cool temperatures and a bitter cold north wind did not stop attendees from seeing Santa flip the switch as he illuminated over 85 Christmas trees in the village park.

The Lions held their final meeting of 2024 on Dec. 11 which was followed by their annual Christmas dinner party. All of the participants were treated to Christmas melodies performed by Mr. Kevin Clark from Lockport.

His Christmas performance includes a Christmas trivia challenge, name that tune contest and as always, a closing session of Christmas caroling.

During this event the Lions collected Christmas presents to be donated to the Genesee/Orleans Ministry of Concern.  The Club also financially donates to this organization throughout the year to support the needed work they carry out all year long.

The Lions Club held their Christmas Party on Dec. 11 at the White Birch.

On Dec. 12 the Lions carried out their annual poinsettia delivery for shut-ins in the Town of Yates.  Annually, the Lions provide a small bit of holiday cheer with the delivery of a poinsettia plant to local shut-ins during the Christmas season.

On Dec. 13, the Lions supported the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. A monetary donation was given from the club along with sessions of Lions Club and Leo Club members ringing the bell at Tops Market in Medina.

Donors were treated with a heartfelt holiday thank you and candy canes. The Salvation Army is the largest non-government provider of social services in the United States and one of the top five worldwide. The Lyndonville Lions were proud to support their efforts.

Lyndonville Lions Club members, Julie & David Godfrey and Jeff & Lynne Johnson, rang the Salvation Army Red Kettle at the Tops in Medina.

The Lyndonville Lions would like to thank all those who have supported the Lions during the year. The club is actively planning for 2025 and further details of upcoming events will be forthcoming in the near future.

During this time of year, we are reminded of the biblical verse from Luke 2:11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

We wish all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We ask that God continues to bless you and your family and this great nation we live in.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has been reappointed deputy minority leader and received his committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session.

“Right now, New Yorkers are facing record-high inflation and costs at the gas pump and checkout line,” Hawley said. “As elected officials, it should be our primary goal to ensure working families cannot just get by, but thrive in our state. I’m proud to be able to continue this work as both a committee member and leader in our conference to bring common-sense policies back to New York.”

Hawley will be a member of the Agriculture, Insurance, Rules, Veterans’ Affairs and Ways and Means Committees. Hawley is proud to have received these appointments and looks forward to bringing common-sense policy back to Albany.

“I am proud to once again announce the appointment of Assemblyman Steve Hawley as Deputy Minority Leader,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski). “His proven leadership and wealth of experience will be invaluable to our conference as we navigate the challenges of the 2025 Legislative Session. I have every confidence in his ability to remain a strong voice for a better, more affordable New York.”

Orleans County could get 2 to 4 inches of snow on Friday and the temperatures will plummet into a deep freeze over the weekend, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.

The temperatures will then warm up next week, including a high of 39 on Christmas.

Today is forecast for a high of 30, followed by a high of 32 on Friday. Saturday will reach 22 with an overnight low of 10, followed by a high of 18 on Sunday with an overnight low of 8.

Monday will be sunny with a high of 27, followed by a high of 36 on Tuesday and 39 on Wednesday (Christmas).

ALBION – After more than two years of being closed and under construction, the Main Street lift bridge is expected to reopen to traffic on Dec. 26, Village Trustee Joyce Riley said today.

The state Department of Transportation and contractors working on the project were hoping it could reopen on Dec. 19, but another week will be needed, Riley said.

The bridge has been closed to traffic since Nov. 14, 2022. When it closed, the DOT estimated it would reopen in 18 months or the spring of 2024.

But there have been delays in getting materials for the project, pushing the completion back.

The bridge was originally built in 1914. It is one of 16 lift bridges on the Erie Canal, and one of seven in Orleans County.

The rehabbed bridge has new high-strength galvanized steel to replace the steel floor system and select truss members. The project also included upgrades to the mechanical and electrical components of the lifting mechanisms, with improvements to the lift tower.

The bridge railing and guide rail on the bridge approaches have been improved and the bridge has been repainted.

The DOT accepted a $28.3 million construction bid for both the Albion and Brockport lift bridges with Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport as the general contractor for both bridges.

The Brockport bridge also has been delayed. It was scheduled to reopen in September but has been pushed to February.

This photo from Dec. 8 shows the view on Main Street on the south side of the bridge. The closed bridge has diverted most of the traffic to village side streets and the Ingersoll Street lift bridge.

He has served in role while working as nurse supervisor at Medina Memorial Hospital, volunteering as Ridgeway firefighter

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a “Special Recognition Award” from County legislature to Charlie Smith in honor of his 30 years as a county coroner. Smith is retiring from the role on Dec. 31.

ALBION – Charle Smith is leaving his office as county coroner with praise from county legislators and his colleagues.

Smith on Tuesday received a “Special Recognition Award” from the Orleans County Legislature for his 30 years as coroner.

Smith started as a coroner on Jan. 1, 1995. He typically handled 20 to 25 calls a year where he determined the cause and manner of death, and then prepared the death certificates. He also generally did another dozen calls a year that were phone releases with hospital nurses where the death was not unexpected.

“You always responded with empathy and afforded dignity to the decedents, family members and others involved in these situation,” according to the award from the Legislature. “Although a challenging role, you have represented Orleans County and assisted many families during a difficult time.”

Smith said the job of coroner has been “interesting and challenging.” A coroner needs in-depth medical knowledge. Smith graduated from Buffalo General School of Nursing in 1975. He also has attended many trainings through the NYS Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve the people of our county,” Smith told county legislators on Tuesday when he was presented with an award.

County Legislator Don Allport reads a proclamation declaring Jan. 19-25  as “Medico-legal Death Investigations Professionals Week.” He presents it to from left: Chief County Coroner Scott Schmidt, incoming coroner Julie Woodworth, and retiring coroner Charlie Smith.

Coroners are typically called to a scene when a person dies who isn’t under direct care of a doctor or at a nursing home.

Smith served in the role while working as a nurse supervisor at Medina Memorial Hospital and as an active firefighter with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. He will continue with the hospital and fire company after retiring from coroner.

Smith has worked at the hospital for 35 years, and has 52 years with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. He also worked two years as a flight nurse with Mercy Flight.

Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, said Smith has been “a pillar of the community” doing a “yeoman’s job” as coroner.

Julie Woodworth, a nurse who has worked with Smith at Medina Memorial Hospital, will take his spot as coroner beginning Jan. 1. She was elected on Nov. 5.

She praised Smith’s ethics, dedication and service.

“Charlie’s decades of service have been defined by professionalism, compassion and an unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of adversity,” Woodworth said.

Smith said he plans to spend more time with his wife and family, and also expects to go on more fishing, hunting and camping trips.

Jeff Cole will continue as handler following Otto’s retirement

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Cole, left in front, and Sheriff Chris Bourke introduce Odin, a Belgian Malinois, to county legislators during Tuesday’s Legislature meeting.

Jeff Cole introduces Odin to county legislators and officials on Tuesday. Odin has been trained for tracking and searches, and soon will be certified for drug detection.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department has welcomed Odin, a K9 that is already trained in tracking and searches. Odin will finish his certification later this month for drug detection.

Odin, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, is paired with K9 handler Jeff Cole. Odin has been in a narcotics detection school the past 10 weeks at the City of Rochester. Odin has been working with Cole the past 3 months.

The dog is from Holland and was imported by Upstate K-9 Boarding Kennels in Hilton.

Cole worked with the Sheriff’s Department’s previous K9, Otto. That dog retired after 8 ½ years in August.

Odin was paid for through community donations and a forfeiture account from the District Attorney’s Office.

Sheriff Bourke said Odin and Cole will be available to assist other departments in the county and in neighboring counties when needed.

“It’s a great asset to the Sheriff’s Department to have a K9 available,” he told county legislators.

Village officials say lower pay in Medina makes it difficult to keep and recruit officers

Photos by Tom Rivers: Christian Navas takes the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday evening during the Medina Village Board meeting. Navas was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. He is holding his daughter Layla while his other daughter Mackenzie smiles. Navas’ wife Stephanie holds the Bible during the oath.

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department has promoted two officers within the department.

Christian Navas and Jake Reeves both started with Medina in 2016. Navas has been promoted to lieutenant and Reeves to sergeant. Both were sworn to their new positions on Monday during the Village Board meeting.

Navas fills the lieutenant position that has been vacant since Todd Draper moved from that position, the department’s second-in-command, to police chief in June 2023. Navas has been a sergeant with Medina PD since 2021.

Reeves has been Medina’s K9 handler since 2020. He will continue in that role with Phoenix, a Belgian Malinois.

New Medina Police Department Sgt. Jake Reeves gets helps with his collar brass insignia from Lt. Christian Navas and Police Chief Todd Draper. Reeves’ wife Dana watches after Reeves took the oath of office for his promotion.

The two officers were praised for their long-term commitment to the Medina PD, especially during a time of frequent turnover at smaller police departments.

“Both are great people in our department and they live locally,” said Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

The board accepted the resignation of Kyle Daly, who has left to join the Ogden Police Department. Alexandra Reigle of the Albion PD also has joined the Ogden PD. They were both sworn in at Ogden on Monday. They both live in Monroe County.

Police Chief Todd Draper said of the department’s 10 officers right now, seven have less than five years of experience at Medina. He said the pay in Medina is significantly less than at many of the Monroe County departments.

Many of the new officers for Medina live out of county, Draper said. They ultimately want to work closer to where they live, he said, when asked about the turnover in Medina.

Medina Police Chief Todd Draper administers the oath of office to Jake Reeves on Monday. Reeves was promoted to sergeant. He has been with the Medina PD since 2016 and will continue as the K9 handler, which he started in 2020.

The starting pay in Medina is $50,430, while some of the Monroe County departments are offering more than $100,000 for officers with at least three years of experience.

“The pay is definitely an issue we just can’t compete with,” Draper said in responding to a question from a community member at the board meeting. “The pay is a substantial difference.”

Draper said having more local candidates for the positions would help, but he said only 11 people took the recent Civil Service test to be a police officer and only one was a local resident.

Village Trustee Jess Marciano said the Village Board faces “intense pressure” to try to keep taxes as low as possible, while facing intense pressure to offer services, including police protection.

She praised Navas and Reeves for their long-term commitment to Medina, especially when they could earn more elsewhere.

Lt. Christian Navas holds his daughter Layla while being sworn in as lieutenant for the Medina PD. He joined Medina PD in 2016 and was promoted to sergeant in 2021. His daughter holds up her hand while watching her father take the oath.

Mayor Sherman said Medina started offering a better retirement system recently to police officers, hoping that would be an incentive for officers to make it a career with the department. But Sherman said many of the younger officers would prefer to be bigger paychecks while working.

“The younger people want their money now,” she said.

She said the board continues to seek a balance on what the community can afford and what it needs to be competitive with other municipalities and businesses.

“We’re doing the best we can to pay them what we can,” Sherman said.

Rob Ortt

ALBANY – Rob Ortt again has the backing of his Republican colleagues in the State Senate to serve as the minority leader.

He was re-elected to the post on Monday. He has been the Republican leader of the State Senate since 2020.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to make New York a more affordable, safer, and healthier state for hardworking families,” Ortt said in a statement. “I thank my colleagues – and the millions of New Yorkers they represent – for their continued trust in my leadership of this Conference.”

Democrats have a solid majority of the 63-member State Senate, but Republicans have made some in roads in recent elections, breaking the Democrats’ super-majority or two-thirds of the votes.

Ortt, a former North Tonawanda mayor, was elected to the State in 2014. His district includes all of Orleans and Niagara counties, and part of western Monroe County.

“I am incredibly honored to once again earn the support of my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference to serve as Minority Leader,” Ortt said. “As we approach the New Year and a new legislative session, we are energized and ready to confront the challenges created by Albany’s failed one-party rule.”