Union for firefighters says board inaction puts public safety at risk

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March 2023 when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only had 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall. This truck has been out of service since June due to mechanical problems. Medina has new fire truck but it doesn’t fit in the existing fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition to the fire hall but hasn’t moved forward with that project.

MEDINA – The Village Board is moving Monday’s meeting site from the Shelby Town Hall to the Medina High School auditorium due to a large crowd expected.

The union representing Medina’s career firefighters has been urging the public to attend the meeting and share their concerns about public safety as some of the board members favor not putting a new ladder truck into service and selling it.

Trustees Deb Padoleski and Mark Prawel said during the Jan. 12 meeting they favor selling the truck.

They think the cost of the truck, plus for an addition to house it, is too much for village taxpayers.

Trustee Scott Bieliski also said he wants to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value in case it’s sold. He wants to reach out to a broker to see what another municipality would pay for the truck, and if a smaller used ladder truck is available that would fit in the existing fire hall.

The new ladder truck doesn’t fit in the current fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition that is expected to be in the $1.1 to $1.4 million range. Bieliski said that price seems too high for only a one-bay addition.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano both said they support buying the new ladder truck for $1.7 million and moving forward with the addition (while pursuing grants to help offset the costs for the addition).

Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley is expected to present the results of a report from 2020 looking at the ISO ratings for the community and how they would be impacted without a ladder truck – and the potential for higher insurance rates in the village.

“Important decisions affecting public safety in our community are being discussed,” the firefighters union stated on their Facebook page. “This is your opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and make your voices heard. We will be there before and after the meeting to talk with you and answer your questions. Come get facts and data, not rumor and rhetoric.”

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the high school.

Photo by Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: In Latham this morning Governor Kathy Hochul updates New Yorkers on extreme weather.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a State of Emergency ahead of extreme cold and a massive winter storm set to impact areas statewide this weekend.

Extreme cold moves in Friday night, with statewide feels-like temperatures in the negatives Friday and Saturday night. Sunday morning, a large winter storm will begin to impact the state and continue until Monday, with New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, lower North Country and parts of Central New York seeing the potential for 12 to 18 inches of snow. Western New York and the upper North Country will see snowfall totals of six to 12 inches.

Editor’s note: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Orleans County from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday with 10 to 15 inches of snow expected.

“Winter in New York is nothing we can’t handle, but it is important to take the risks that come with extreme cold seriously,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, especially with the danger that comes with being stranded in these cold temperatures. If you must travel, be sure to leave yourself extra travel time and pack your car with supplies like blankets, water, and snacks. Safety is always the top priority, so make sure you are ready to face this storm.”

In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees.

Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,692 supervisors and operators. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice response and preparation activities. All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,624 large plow trucks
• 148 medium duty plows
• 52 tow plows
• 337 large loaders
• 37 snow blowers

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 685 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 345 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 10 tow plows
• 65 loaders
• 114,000+ tons of salt on hand

Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

ALBANY – Newly released data from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) shows continued reductions in inmate violence and staff use-of-force incidents statewide, reinforcing what NYSCOPBA has long warned: unsafe policies drive violence, and commonsense corrections practices reduce it.

According to DOCCS’ January 22, 2026 update, incidents of inmate-on-staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and overall use-of-force declined during 2025. A significant factor in those reductions was the suspension of HALT-mandated programming in many facilities for part of the year due to chronic understaffing, which limited inmate movement and reduced opportunities for violent encounters.

NYSCOPBA has consistently maintained that overcrowded programming, uncontrolled inmate interaction, and the lack of meaningful discipline under HALT created a volatile and dangerous environment inside state prisons. The suspension of HALT programming, combined with other negotiated policy changes, such as the implementation of legal mail scanning, directly contributed to the decrease in assaults reflected in the DOCCS data.

“For years, our members have been forced to work in unsafe conditions created by misguided policies that ignored staffing realities and common sense,” said NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers. “The DOCCS data released today confirms what we have said all along — when HALT programming was suspended and inmate movement was reduced, assaults went down. When contraband was addressed by implementing the aforementioned programs, the numbers went down. These results were entirely predictable.”

NYSCOPBA cautioned that while the reductions are encouraging, they are fragile and reversible if failed policies are reinstated without regard for staffing and safety.

“This should be a wake-up call to the lawmakers who pushed HALT through despite repeated warnings from correctional professionals,” Summers added. “If the goal is safer facilities for staff and inmates alike, then policies must be based on reality, not ideology. We remain committed to working with DOCCS on solutions that actually work and finally put safety first. A starting point would be to take the recommendations of the HALT Committee that was jointly formed between NYSCOPBA, DOCCS and other state Labor Unions.”

KENDALL – Due to weather conditions, all after-school activities and events have been canceled today at Kendall Central School.

In addition, tonight’s Cole Circus event has been canceled. Refunds for pre-purchase tickets will be issued next week, the school district said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: East State Street is blanketed in snow on Thursday morning with the Presbyterian Church in the background.

Orleans County is facing three different weather advisories.

A cold weather advisory just went into effect at 10 a.m. and continues until 10 a.m. on Saturday. There will be bitterly cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below zero in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties.

“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” stated the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”

A second weather advisory begins today at 3 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday. The winter weather advisory calls for 3 to 5 inches, with gusts as high as 40 miles per hour producing blowing and drifting snow.

This advisory includes Orleans, Monroe, Wayne and northern Cayuga counties.

“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”

A winter storm warning goes into effect from Saturday night through Monday evening with heavy snow expected. Snow will develop from south to north Sunday morning through midday, with the heaviest snow later Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, the Weather Service said.

The following are facing drug charges, from left: Richard Button, Jerry Robinson, Jr. and Alaina Reece.

ALBION – Three people have been charged after an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine throughout Orleans County from the city of Rochester.

They were charged following a vehicle stop in the village of Albion. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and the Albion Police Department executed a search warrant on the driver and the vehicle.

Another search warrant was then executed by Task Force members, the Albion PD and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at 431 West State St., lot #19 in Albion. Police arrested two people on drug charges with a third person from Rochester also charged who was allegedly the supplier of the fentanyl and cocaine.

Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

The following were charged:

Jerry Robinson Jr., 36, of Lincoln Street in Rochester, who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree (AII felony), and one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (C felony).

Richard Button, 35, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).

Alaina Reece, 25, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).

Robinson was held in the county jail for CAP court, awaiting an appearance in Orleans County Court in front County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Button and Reece were released on appearance tickets due to bail reform laws. They are to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10.

Additional arrests and charges are pending in this case, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.

Assisting in the investigation include District Attorney Susan Howard, the Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

Provided photo: Jim Doyle will lead a class at Hoag Library where people can make music with a mountain dulcimer.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is bustling this winter season with a full schedule of engaging programs that combine creativity, music and essential community services.

Participants recently completed the popular “Make Your Own Mountain Dulcimer” classes, crafting their own instruments from start to finish. Due to strong interest, future dulcimer-making classes are in the works, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact the library.

In addition, music lovers can join Learn a Dulcimer Song with Jim, held on the first Tuesday of each month. This casual session does not require registration, and participants may bring their own dulcimer or use one provided by the library.

Hoag Library will host the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Assistance Program in February, March, and April, offering free tax help by appointment. Registration is required by calling the library.

Additional February programs include a Red Cross Blood Drive on Feb. 21 (register here) and Advance Planning 101 with the Center for Elder Law & Justice on Feb. 27, covering healthcare proxies, power of attorney, and wills.

Rounding out the season, the Hoag Music Series returns March 28 with a performance by the Medusa Quartet of Toronto.

For full program details and updates, visit the Hoag Library website or contact the library directly.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Prezioso, left, and Mario Campana stand among some of the antique furnishings in their new store on East Center Street in Medina.

MEDINA – Two local businessmen have combined their talents to open a new store, located on East Center Street and aptly named Just East of Main.

Michael Prezioso and Mario Campana are owners of the store, which offers an eclectic mix of furniture, art, home décor and clothing, with the anticipation of adding a larger selection of items when they open up the space next door which formerly housed Corky’s Bakery.

Prezioso, formerly of Buffalo, and Campana, formerly of Niagara Falls, each have a background in business – Prezioso in big box marketing and advertising and Campana in big box retail. Campana also does estate sales.

The couple first became familiar with Medina in 2015 when a friend came to shop at a lily & a sparrow and fell in love with the village, Prezioso said.

“We had lunch and just loved this quaint little village,” he said.

They first purchased the former Corky’s building on East Center Street in 2019, and started renovating the building, Campana said.

Next, they bought the building at 116 East Center St., which housed Ashlee’s Place until it closed in 2024 after 33 years.

“When Angie (Waldriff) decided to retire, we started renovating this building,” Campana said.

(Left) This is just a sampling of the one-of-a-kind furniture, elegant china and artwork for sale at Just East of Main Street, located in the store which housed Ashlee’s Place. (Right) The latest business to open in Medina is an antique and vintage shop featuring furniture, collectibles, artwork, clothing and home décor.  It is aptly named Just East of Main Street, being located on East Center Street in the space formerly occupied by Ashlee’s Place.

Prezioso and Campana brought back the original floor and ceiling and exposed an original brick wall. The building was built in 1890, but a new façade was built after a fire in 1902. At the time, the building was owned by Mahar Furniture. Prezioso and Campana are interested in the history of the building and if anyone has newspaper clippings or pictures from the olden days, they would love to see them.

“We really believe in rebuilding and restoring architecturally significant homes and buildings,” Prezioso said.

“We have also purchased the former Houseman Funeral Home on Park Avenue and started renovating that,” Campana said.

“As we expand into Corky’s building, a larger selection of antique furnishings and vintage clothing, toys and primitives will become available,” Prezioso said.

Their current store, which opened Nov. 29, 2025, has exceptional brands of furniture, such as Ethan Allen, Kittenger, Henkel-Harris and other American made brands.

“For us, it has been really nice here,” Campana said. “Medina is a community of shops that support each other’s business efforts. We have been very well received by the community and a lot of repeat buyers.”

Collectibles, antiques and more are on display at Just East of Main Street, where renovation exposed the original brick wall.

Both Prezioso and Campana commended the Village Board for being so helpful when they were planning their renovations, especially retired code enforcement officer Marty Busch and current officer Dan Gardner.

In addition to their new venture in owning a retail store, Prezioso teaches art in his studio on the third floor of the furniture building and at Carnegie Library in North Tonawanda.

Just East of Main Street is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from January through March; from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in March through December; and by appointment all year-round by calling (716) 566-8032.

Donevan Harrison, left, and Marshella Johnson

ALBION – Two people are facing felony drug charges after cocaine, cash, scales and drug paraphernalia were seized after a search warrant at 431 West State St., Lot 29, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force executed the search warrant with assistance from the Orleans County Special Response Team, Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Donevan Harrison, 39, and Marshella Johnson, 42, both of the above address each have been charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felony), 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (D felony) and 1 count of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree (A misdemeanor).

Harrison and Johnson were both released on their own recognizance and issued appearance tickets to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10. No bail could be set due to the state’s bail reform laws, the Task Force said.

The Task Force, in a news release, said District Attorney Susan Howard and the Orleans County K9 unit assisted in the investigation. Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force, said more arrests and charges are pending.

84 card players on first night, with 2 more days in 71^st annual tourney

HAMLIN – There was a big turnout on Wednesday for the opening day of the 71^st annual Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament.

There were 84 players, which John Becker of Kendall believes is a record.

The Hamlin team is in a slight 184-point lead after the first day of card playing. Hamlin hosted the opener at Merritt Hall and the action shifts to the Kendall Fire Hall on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. and then it’s back to Hamlin the following Wednesday.

The town with the most points after three days will be declared the winner. There is no trophy, just camaraderie and fun (and possibly a free fish fry paid for by the losing team).

Kendall won last year’s tournament by 158 points – 4,437 to 4,279. Last year there were at least 70 card players each if the three nights, but never got into the 80s. In 2024, the participants were in the 50s and 60s.

The two towns have kept up the tradition for generations. The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.

The tournament started in 1954 when a group of farmers from Kendall and Hamlin stopped to play cards after attending a farm show in Rochester.

They had so much fun playing cards and drinking beer that the euchre tournament became an annual event. It remains popular and has expanded from a one-evening tournament to being spread over three Wednesdays in the dead of winter.

Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge

ALBION – In an effort to help Orleans County residents who needed help obtaining necessary items to stay clean and healthy, the Albion Elks Lodge purchased $4,000 worth of cleaning supplies and hygiene items. These items were given to families on January 4, 2026.

A grant from the Elks National Foundation was used to purchase items like shampoos, soap, razors, paper towels, cleaning solutions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.

“It’s such a great feeling to assist our residents that truly need it,” said Mike Jenks, Exalter Ruler of the Albion Elks Lodge.

The Albion Elks Lodge received over $11,000 worth of grants in 2025, and are anxious to help the community again in 2026.

Senior Center in Medina offers many activities, chances for residents to stay connected

Provided photo: Medina attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law, spoke to members of Medina Senior Center at their January luncheon meeting.

MEDINA – Members of the Medina Senior Center meet regularly on the second Monday of the month, with a business meeting at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a speaker or program.

Meetings alternate between pot luck and a prepared meal for $8. The Feb. 9 meeting will be ham and scalloped potatoes, followed by speaker Brittany Dix from Hospice of Orleans County.

At the January meeting, guest speaker was local attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law. Meier shared a wealth of information for seniors on financial planning, such as the benefits of a trust, having a will and avoiding probate.

A will does not avoid probate, Meier said. He explained how complex and time-consuming probate can be.

He also stressed the need for every senior to have a power of attorney, regardless of their health. In the event of an unexpected illness in which a senior cannot act on his own, without a power of attorney the courts will appoint a guardianship and will likely go to probate. This can be costly and time-consuming, Meier said.

Another topic of interest was protecting a senior’s investments in the event a senior has to enter a nursing home or assisted living. Meier said it is never too late to protect one’s assets.

Another interesting note was the fact that a person in a nursing home is allowed $50 of their money to spend monthly. That figure hasn’t changed in 30 years, Meier said.

Anyone wishing more information on financial planning for their senior years may contact Meier at either of his offices in Medina or Lockport.

The Medina Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day.

A coffee and crafts session is led by Robin Wehling at 10 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. January’s project will be making Valentine cards, and February’s will be St. Patrick’s Day shadow boxes.

The Orleans County Office for the Aging conducts a popular exercise class at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month and at 10 a.m. the other three Wednesdays.

Euchre games have become very popular, with a full house nearly every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Games begin at 1 p.m. and the cost is $2.

Any senior is welcome to join the Senior Center for $10 a year. A raffle for awesome prizes takes place at the monthly dinner meeting, and only members may participate.

The community is reminded the Senior Center accepts donations of cans and bottles and they may be dropped off at the Center, and at Medina Bottles & Cans on East Center Street or JCo Returns on South Main Street and designated for the Senior Center.