Press Release, CSEA

ALBANY – CSEA and the State of New York today reached an agreement to extend to April 1, 2026, accrued vacation leave for Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (DOCCS) workers who were impacted by the recent illegal strike of corrections officers and corrections sergeants at multiple state correctional facilities across the state.

This agreement will allow CSEA-represented employees of DOCCS and the Office of Mental Health who were assigned to work in a DOCCS facility between Feb. 17, 2025, and April 1, 2025, who would other forfeit accrued vacation leave on April 12, 2025, to be given until the close of business on April 1, 2026, to use such excess vacation credits. Any such unused excess vacation credits as of the close of business on April 12, 2026, will be forfeited by employees.

CSEA had earlier secured increased overtime pay and safety protections for members impacted by the strike.

“We applaud Governor Hochul and her administration for extending accrued vacation leave for CSEA members who showed up to their jobs every day during the crisis,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “I also thank our union members, who stepped up in a tough situation and ensured the safety and security of the facilities and care of inmates while facing long shifts and exhaustive hours. CSEA will continue to push for safer working condition and resources that workers need to continue to do their jobs effectively.”

Tenney votes ‘yes’ while Morelle is a ‘no’

The House of Representatives in a party-line vote, 217-213, voted today to keep funding the federal government through Sept. 30. The vote averts a government shutdown on Friday, but still needs to pass the Senate.

Claudia Tenney, a Republican from Oswego, issued this statement:

“House Republicans passed a Continuing Resolution today that ensures President Trump’s America First agenda will be implemented. Americans overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and are eager to take the next steps to achieve the policy priorities of his campaign last year.

“While I do not favor Continuing Resolutions, it is essential to keep the government open so the reconciliation process will continue to move forward. If we fail to pass a reconciliation package that includes an extension of the Trump Tax Cuts, taxpayers in NY-24 will see an average tax increase of 25%. Expanding the permanency and the certainty of the Trump Tax Cuts is essential and a priority for President Trump and the future prosperity and security of the American people.

“Funding the federal government is a constitutional obligation, and House Republicans have upheld that duty. Once again, House Republicans passed several individual FY25 appropriations bills, while the Senate, under Chuck Schumer’s failed leadership, did not vote on a single appropriations bill. A shutdown would harm our servicemembers and their families, hinder CBP and ICE from securing our borders and deporting dangerous criminal illegal aliens, and severely cost taxpayers. Notably, Democrats voted for a nearly identical CR in December. Yet now, with President Trump in the Oval Office, they are voting to send our nation into a costly government shutdown and are putting their disdain for President Trump over the well-being of the American people.”

“While I am disappointed that this CR does not include my FY25 Community Project Funding requests, the CR fully funds essential government services while reducing discretionary spending to lower the topline number. By freezing spending at current levels, this clean CR is another step toward fulfilling the America First Agenda that Congressional Republicans and President Trump promised to the American people.”

Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester, opposed the Continuing Resolution. He issued this statement:

“House Republicans have rammed through a partisan spending bill that hands President Trump unchecked power to slash essential programs, forcing devastating cuts Americans fear.

“Ignoring their responsibility to craft a budget that meets the needs of working families, House Republicans have given Trump a green light to gut veterans’ services, slash Social Security retirement benefits, and strip healthcare from seniors and children—all to fund massive tax breaks to his billionaire friends.

“This isn’t just fiscally reckless—it’s a direct attack on the well-being of everyday Americans. It’s chaos by design, perfectly aligned with the President’s brand: Trump and his friends first, working families last.”

Photos and information courtesy of Christopher R. Martin

BROCKPORT – There have been many rumors floating that Brockport would be getting its own Chick-fil-A! It is no longer a rumor, rather a reality in the making.

Meet Aaron Reynolds and his wife Marcie, owner-operators of the newest Chick-fil-A store coming to Monroe County at the Corner of Rt. 19 and Rt. 31 in the Town of Sweden.

In an informal groundbreaking ceremony today, Aaron and Marcie, surrounded by family and the general contractor, dug into the ground indicating construction of the restaurant is to begin soon.

They stood in front of the sign announcing their latest business venture and they are looking forward to bringing numerous jobs to the area and of course, their famous signature chicken sandwich. They plan to open later this year.

ALBION – The Keitel Road underpass in Albion will be closed to traffic for about a month for work on the concrete walls, Albion Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said today.

Genesee Valley Transportation Company owns the bridge. It rebuilt the concrete walls on the Butts Road underpass in 2019.

GVT will start work next week on the Keitel Road underpass to rehab the concrete. Neidert advised north/south traffic to instead use Densmore Road.

Village seeking federal assistance to bring down cost to local taxpayers

File 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 has 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall.

MEDINA – Paying $3 million off over the next 20 years for a new ladder truck and addition to the fire hall will cost the average household an additional $100 in village taxes each year, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said during Monday’s Village Board meeting.

That is how it stands now if the village is unable to secure any grant assistance for the truck and the addition.

Medina is spending $1,698,995 with Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc. to build the new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. That truck is due to arrive between October and December, Sherman said. It will replace a ladder truck that is 29 years old.

Paying off the ladder truck with an annual bond payment will cost 46 cents per $1,000 of assessed property, she said. The average house is assessed for $129,000 in the village. Sherman said that puts the annual burden for the truck at $59.34 a year over 20 years.

She is pursuing federal assistance for the truck from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. An application to those offices is due March 31 and Sherman said the village should be notified in June whether any support will be coming towards the truck.

Medina also is looking at taking out a $1.3 million bond towards a fire hall addition for the new truck, which wouldn’t fit in the current fire station.

With that addition, if there aren’t any grants for Medina, the bond would impact the tax rate at 32 cents per $1,000 of assessed or $41.28 a year for the average. She said the village may pursue assistance for the addition from the Community Development Block Grant program through the federal Housing and Urban Development Grant program. Those applications open in May, Sherman said.

Together, for the two bonds, the impact would be $99.62 if the village is unable to secure outside funding for the truck and addition.

The Village Board is holding off on taking out finalizing a bond for the addition until it finds out more from the grant possibilities.

The mayor said it is unlikely the addition will be ready in time for the new truck. Village officials are looking at temporary housing for the truck. It will need to be in a heated building, she said.

7 students have been working with local manufacturers

Photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Pictured form left include Daniel Moore (Royalton-Hartland), Gavin Rignel (Newfane), Jeff Killion (Newfane), Tyler Kroening (Medina), Brady Christiaansen (Medina), Sophia Goyette (Medina), Roryer Brinson (Barker) and teacher Mr. Rakonczay.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students recently took part in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program’s (FLYAP) Signing Day.

Orleans Career and Technical Education Center teacher Bill Rakonczay and his classes have participated in the program for several years. FLYAP offers students a unique opportunity to “earn while they learn” by connecting high school juniors and seniors with leading manufacturers.

The program provides high school students with hands-on training, exposure to advanced manufacturing processes, job shadows and paid co-op experiences that lead to promising career paths.

For businesses, FLYAP helps address the shortage of skilled labor by introducing young talent into the workforce, fostering a pipeline of future employees who are ready to contribute from day one.

Seven students in Mr. Rakonczay’ s class were placed in paid co-ops at local companies though the Orleans and Niagara region. The seniors are now on the job in CNC Machining, Tool Making and advanced manufacturing trades. In addition to the part-time positions, the students are receiving dual enrollment college course credits, at no cost, through Monroe Community College.

“This is such a great opportunity for my students,” said Mr. Rakonczay.  “This partnership with FLYAP has allowed my students so many amazing opportunities and helped local businesses replenish and add to their workforce.”

Congratulations to Roryer Brinson (Barker) working with Niagara Precision, Sophia Goyette (Medina) working with J.W. Burg, Brady Christiaansen (Medina) working with 3B Manufacturing, Tyler Kroening (Medina) working with Voss Manufacturing, Jeff Killion (Newfane) working with Nuclear Alloys, Daniel Moore (Royalton-Hartland) working with E&R Machine and Gavin Rignel (Newfane) working with Pivot Precision.

‘Today, we can finally say this work stoppage is over and move forward towards making our prisons safer for all, supporting our correctional staff, and recruiting the correction officers of the future.’

Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans Correctional Facility is shown on Feb. 28. Corrections officers went on strike at Orleans, the Albion Correctional Facility and nearly all of the 42 prisons in the state.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update on the future of New York State’s correctional system following the end of the 22-day illegal work stoppage, creating a path to recover, recruit and rebuild the system moving forward.

The end of the strike follows four attempts at an agreement between DOCCS and NYSCOPBA that seriously addressed concerns regarding safety and compensation. More than 10,000 security personnel are currently working at correctional facilities at this time, answering the call of duty to protect their colleagues, their communities and the individuals in their custody.

Over 6,000 National Guard servicemembers continue to be deployed to maintain safety and security alongside the security and civilian staff. The Governor also signed an executive order barring the hiring into State service of individuals who are participating in the wildcat strike.

“My top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers — and I have been working around-the-clock to end this illegal work stoppage and restore safety in our correctional system,” Governor Hochul said. “We have taken unprecedented steps to protect public safety, and I am grateful to the National Guard and DOCCS personnel who stayed on the job, going above and beyond to protect their fellow New Yorkers. Today, we can finally say this work stoppage is over and move forward towards making our prisons safer for all, supporting our correctional staff, and recruiting the correction officers of the future.”

When the illegal walkout began, Governor Hochul deployed significant public safety resources to ensure the safety of civilian DOCCS personnel, Correction Officers who remain on the job, the incarcerated population and the surrounding community. The Governor mobilized more than 6,000 National Guard servicemembers across the State to staff prison facilities and authorized additional compensation for National Guard in recognition of their critical work.

On Saturday, DOCCS and NYSCOPBA reached the fourth and final agreement to end the illegal walkout. Despite not meeting the 85 percent return threshold, the State is recognizing components of this agreement as well as the March 6th agreement in full. Components of the agreements that the State will honor include:

• Allowing the Commissioner of DOCCS to exercise his existing discretion under the HALT Act and continue the temporary suspension of the programming elements of the HALT Act for 90 days from the date of the MOA.
• Minimizing and working towards eliminating 24-hour mandatory overtime.
• Establishing a committee to analyze each facility’s staffing and operational inefficiencies with the goal of providing more relief to existing staff.
• DOCCS shall not issue notices of discipline under the collective bargaining agreement for an employee who engaged in the strike so long as the employee returned to work by the deadline.
• Reiterating rescission of the 70/30 memo.
• Immediately reinstating the health insurance of any returning employee.
• Continue to pay the 2.5 times overtime rate originally established by mutual agreement on February 20, 2025, for 30 days from the date of the MOA.
• Allowing employees to purchase health insurance covering the full State share and employee share to the first day of AWOL/terminated health insurance.
• Establishing a committee comprised of representatives of NYSCOPВА and DOCCS and other parties to present recommendations to the New York State Legislature regarding changes to the HALT Act.

Any employee who did not report to work yesterday will be terminated, with about 2,000 termination notices going out. Governor Hochul also signed an Executive Order establishing a policy barring the hiring into State service of individuals who are participating in the wildcat strike and recommending their removal from the Central Registry of Police and Peace Officers for cause, which would prevent them from being hired as a Police or Peace Officer in state and local jurisdictions.

Attention now turns to the future to support staff at correctional facilities and recruiting the correction officers of the future. New York continues to expand efforts to increase recruitment and hiring of new correction officers. This includes:

• Supporting correction officer trainees at New York’s Correction Officer Academy
• Introducing Article 7 language in this year’s Executive Budget to amend the public officers law, in relation to residency requirements for certain positions as a correction officer, allowing recruiting from other states which would greatly expand the number of potential applicants.
• DOCCS has contracted with OGS Media Services on a large-scale social media recruitment campaign that includes a multi-channel approach including social media, multicultural digital, streaming audio, video and static ads to better familiarize the public on DOCCS mission. The campaign went live in February 2025 targeting upstate NY community college campuses and military bases.
• DOCCS Statewide Recruitment Unit has been running Recruitment Centers in various locations and currently is operating Recruitment Centers in the Destiny USA mall (Syracuse) and Champlain Centre mall (Plattsburgh).
• DOCCS launched an advanced placement initiative to attract applicants with Correction Officer experience into our Correction Officer ranks at a pay rate commensurate to their experience.
• In February 2025, the DOCCS Recruitment Unit collectively attended a total of 157 career fair and table events across colleges, high schools and community events.
• In July 2024, the Department launched “CNY200”, a regional hiring incentive promoting direct placement of Correction officer recruits to vacancies – a program that has been expanded to eight counties.
• The DOCCS recruitment team launched a new initiative to increase DOCCS applications into the NYS HELPs program, by collecting electronic resumes at career and community events and disseminating them to the facilities in their regions.

Provided photo

MEDINA – Scouts from Troop 35 from Medina spent this past Sunday afternoon picking up wreaths that were set on veterans’ graves on Dec. 14 as part of “Wreaths Across America.” The Medina community placed more than 1,200 wreaths on veterans’ graves that day.

Scouts removed two full dump trailer loads from three cemeteries which included Sacred Heart, St Mary’s and Boxwood. The Scouts set the wreaths on the south side of Boxwood for the DPW to then dispose of.

Press Release, State Senate Gop Leader Rob Ortt

Photo courtesy of State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt’s Office: Rob Ortt speaks during a news conference today in the State Capitol.

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Jake Ashby, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs, along with Senator Mark Walczyk and members of the Senate Republican Conference, sent a letter to President Donald Trump and General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, requesting federal activation under Title 10 of the New York State National Guard troops who have been deployed to maintain order in prisons.

Doing so would guarantee the Guard members called to serve in New York prisons will be protected with the same benefits and legal protections as active military members and ensure comprehensive health coverage, including receiving a disability rating to authorize continuing care through the VA. Currently, they are serving under state orders and are not eligible for certain federal benefits.

“Our National Guardsmen step up in times of crisis and play a vital role in keeping order, especially when the situation becomes dangerous due to circumstances lik​e unsafe working conditions in prisons,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Ensuring they have full benefits and adequate support if injured while carrying out their duties is crucial. They risk their lives to protect and serve, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re taken care of physically, mentally, and financially. This includes proper healthcare, compensation, and rehabilitation services for any harm they might face while working under these high-risk conditions. It’s the least we can do to honor their service.”

Correction officers began striking at dozens of prisons across the state the week of February 17th. Governor Hochul subsequently deployed more than 6,500 New York Guard members into the prisons to help maintain order for an indefinite period of time. Reports indicate the Guard members are working in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.

“Let’s remember why these servicemembers are doing this job in the first place: the conditions in our correctional facilities have completely deteriorated,” said Senator Jake Ashby. “They’re working in an extremely dangerous environment without extensive preparation or specific training. We have to protect them. Making them eligible for the same benefits as active duty military will provide them with the kind of comprehensive, ongoing health coverage they’d need and deserve should they suffer a serious injury.”

2,000 COs who remain on strike terminated

Jackie Bray (left), commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello speak during an online news conference this evening.

ALBANY – A three-week strike among corrections officers in state prisons is over, the commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner announced this evening.

Daniel Martuscello, the DOCCS commissioner, said 10,000 security staff – corrections officers and sergeants – are on the job today. That compares with 13,500 the day before the strike started. Martuscello said 2,000 COs have been terminated. They had until 6:45 a.m. today to report to work.

“The strike is over,” Martuscello said in an online news conference this evening. “After 22 days of this illegal strike, the governor and I are happy to report it is now ended.”

Martuscello and Gov. Kathy Hochul set a threshold for 85 percent of the workforce to report to duty today to meet conditions of a memorandum of understanding. The workforce is below the 85 percent, but Martuscello said he and Hochul will agree to the terms of that agreement.

“It’s time to recover, rebuild and recruit,” he said.

Some of the terms include a committee to review the HALT Act, which focuses on dealing with inmates in solitary confinement. The striking officers wanted the HALT Act rescinded, saying it has made prisons far less safe for staff and incarcerated people. The HALT Act has made it more difficult to punish inmates for breaking prison rules and harming staff and other incarcerated people, striking COs said.

The committee will include representations of the COs’ union, DOCCS and other parties and will make recommendations to the State Legislature about the HALT Act – Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act.

The HALT Act will be suspended for the next 90 days for programs within the prison, Martuscello said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Many of the corrections officers and sergeants were on strike at Orleans Correctional Facility and Albion Correctional Facility. These signs shown Feb. 28 outside the Orleans Correctional Facility stated the COs’ displeasure with the working conditions and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

DOCCS also will commit to 12-hour shifts as it works to rebuild staffing. Corrections officers on strike said there was too much mandated overtime, with some officers required to work 16 to 24 hours. The goal is to avoid 24-hour shifts, Martuscello said. Officers will be paid an additional $100 if they volunteer to work overtime on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

COs and sergeants will be paid a 2.5 overtime for 30 days from March 6.

DOCCS will be working on a better system to screen mail for contraband.

Officers and sergeants who returned to work by today’s deadline will not face discipline for being on strike. Because of the Taylor Law, the staff were not legally allowed to go on strike.

The commissioner thanked the 6,000 National Guard members for their work in the prisons during the strike. They will continue in a “security posture” and will be drawn down as staff return to work.

DOCCS will launch an ambitious recruiting effort. Part of that includes a $1,500 referral bonus to staff for recruits who complete the academy and on-the-job training and then another $1,500 if they complete a 52-week probationary period.

“I want you to know I heard you,” Martuscello said in comments addressed to the COs and sergeants. “Your safety, your family, your work-life balance are important to me. I’m committed to continuing to listening to your voices as we move forward.”

Photos and information courtesy of Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) visited T.J. Connor Elementary in Scottsville, Wolcott Street School in Le Roy and Dorothy B. Bunce Elementary in Pavilion on Friday for Read Across America Day.

Hawley read “There’s No Place Like Space” to students as they learned about topics such as the solar system. This event has been a longstanding tradition for Hawley and his office, and he is proud to be able to host it for another year.

“Read Across America Day highlights the important role books have in our classrooms,” Hawley said. “Through reading, our students are able to expand their minds and create a passion for learning. I want to thank all of the schools, teachers and staff members for making this event possible and for putting their time, talent and energy into educating the next generation.”

Coalition led by a new coordinator, Sue Gagne

Press Release

BATAVIA – The tri-county coalition dedicated to community health and well-being is back in the public eye – with a new name and a new coordinator.

Formerly the GOW Opioid Task Force, the GOW CARES Alliance has scheduled its first quarterly meeting of the year for 12:30 p.m. April 1 at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia.

The session is open to the public at no charge. Lunch will be provided.

Sue Gagne, who was honored in 2024 by state Sen. George Borrello as a New York State “Woman of Distinction” for the 57th District, has assumed the role of coordinator of the organization. Gagne, a registered nurse, has been active in the mental health and suicide prevention fields for more than two decades.

“Over the past several months, we have been working on the transition from the opioid task force into a more comprehensive group, broadening our focus to not only substance use but mental health, trauma and suicide prevention in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties and the surround area,” Gagne said.

She said the GOW CARES Alliance is dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities through broad-based, inclusive partnerships that support overall wellness.

GOW CARES Alliance members are from various sectors of the community, including public health, mental health, human services, local government, substance use disorder treatment and recovery agencies, law enforcement, EMS, faith-based groups, health systems and medical practitioners, education, businesses, concerned individuals, families, and individuals in recovery.

Gagne said representative from human services’ agencies are invited to set up resource tables at the April 1st meeting. This can be done by sending an email to Sherri Bensley, the group’s education workgroup co-chair, at sherri.bensley@geneseeny.gov by March 28th.

“All are welcome to support the effort to make our community a healthier place to live,” Gagne added.

Click here for more information to register, also by that date.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Clarice Assad collects sound near the Medina Waterfalls on Saturday afternoon. Assad, a Grammy-nominated composer, is working on a piece for the Albany Symphony to debut during a July 2 concert in Medina, celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

Several community members joined Assad in a walk along the towpath and around the Canal Basin. She wanted to hear their insights about the community.

Clarice Assad walks along the towpath with Daniel Rosentreter on the north side of the Canal Basin. Rosentreter, co-owner of the Coffee Pot Café, also developed a bluebird trail in Medina including several bird boxes along the canal.

Assad walked with the group on Saturday and also was out on her own earlier in the morning. She was collecting sounds of nature, wildlife and other environmental noise, including church bells in the distance.

Assad has been a professional performer since she was 7. She was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2009 and a Grammy in 2022. She has more than 90 compositions to her credit, including many commissions for Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Orquestra Sinfônica de São Paulo, ROCO, LA Philharmonic, Grand Teton Music Festival, Santa Rosa Symphony,  Metropolis ensemble, the Bravo! Vail Music Festival and the La Jolla Music Festival.

The group stops by the Big Apple along the canal. Assad also ventured over to the first quarry site for Medina Sandstone, John Ryan’s first commercial quarry in 1837. The quarry industry would bring thousands of immigrants to the community in the following century from Italy, Ireland, Poland and Britain.

Assad said she will take in what she heard and experienced in Medina as she works on the new piece.

People are also welcome to record their favorite sounds from Medina – a spot in the woods, birds singing outside their window, or other places that bring them comfort. Those sound files can be emailed to MedinaSoundArchive@gmail.com. Files can be in any format and should be under 5 minutes.

Clarice Assad welcomes a group of about a dozen people on the sound-gathering expedition. Stephen Shewan, a composer from Shelby, is next to Assad.

The Albany Symphony will be doing a concert with 35 musicians for the debut of Assad’s piece on July 2. The project is funded by the New York Power Authority and NYS Canal Corp. The Albany Symphony is planning five concerts which will all debut new compositions as part of the bicentennial.

The group walks along the towpath. While on their expedition, a bald eagle flew by.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The sun sets in a wooded area behind Medina High School on Saturday.

Warmer temperatures are headed to Orleans County this week.

The forecast from the National Weather Service for Orleans includes highs of 54 on Monday, 57 on Tuesday and 40 on Wednesday.

The highs will then be 55 on Thursday, 64 on Friday and 67 on Saturday.