Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – Keeler Construction in Barre has been trucking big rocks to Lakeshore Road in Carlton, part of a project to build a strong breakwall and harden the shoreline from erosion and future flooding from Lake Ontario.

It is part of a $2 million resiliency project that is 95 percent funded by the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.

Construction started on the project last month. Keeler will be putting in big boulders along about 1,500 feet of the shoreline, going east from Route 98 in Point Breeze. The shoreline will also be regraded and will have a new vegetative cover to help stave off some erosion and damage from the waves.

Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller on Wednesday during the County Legislature meeting holds a ceremonial ground-breaking shovel for the Lakeshore Road project. The shovel was signed by Kathy Hochul, who attended the ground-breaking celebration on July 26 in her role as lieutenant governor. On Tuesday, she took office as governor following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo.

She signed the shovel, “We are REDI,” which stands for the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.

DeRoller on Wednesday afternoon presented the shovel to John Papponetti, the county DPW commissioner and engineer. He worked on some of the engineering for the project. He said he will keep the shovel in his office at the DPW on West Academy Street in Albion.

$25K grant also funds push for healthy living skills

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

ALBION – The ACT program has been awarded a one-time $25,000 grant from the NYS Education Department New York State Cares for Communities initiative to support selected communities (students and families) most adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. ACT is part of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Orleans County was eligible for one of these initiatives and the ACT program submitted a proposal to address two stated goals: social-emotional learning and/or mental health services for students and digital literacy for students and families.

Due to Community Action’s track record of success in the community and strong relationships with partner organizations and families, we will be able to reach many with this one-time grant. These funds will be used to implement presentations within Orleans County to improve digital literacy of students and families while providing social and emotional support for healthy life skills.

During the coming year both of these goals will be addressed through in-person group learning opportunities (offered in a 3-part series at various times and locations) and a virtual series of workshops with similar/related topics.

In addition, social media will be used to provide ongoing information related to these topics. The primary target audience is students in grades 6-12 and their families. However, workshops will be advertised and available for any community members choosing to attend.

The ACT program looks forward to implementing these new learning opportunities and helping residents overcome identified barriers discovered during the pandemic.

CDC puts Orleans back in red zone for high community transmission

There are 30 new Covid-19 cases in Orleans County since Monday, and 64 more in Genesee. The number of active cases in the two counties has increased from 102 on Monday to 149 today, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported.

The active cases include 64 in Orleans (up from 49 on Monday) and 85 in Genesee (up from 53 on Monday).

In Orleans, the 30 new cases are in the age groups 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s,  and 60s.

There are currently two residents hospitalized due to Covid. The county is reporting 15 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

The CDC has changed Orleans from an orange zone with “substantial” community spread of Covid to the highest level of red. Genesee County also remains in the red zone.

Genesee County is reporting 64 new positive cases of Covid since Monday. Those new cases include people in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

There are currently 10 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid. The Health Departments also reported 21 more of the previous positive individuals completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

13 U.S. soldiers killed in bombings, with 18 more Americans wounded

Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Friday in memory of the soldiers and civilians killed in a terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport.

The attack resulted in 13 deaths of U.S. soldiers with 18 more wounded. There also were more than 60 Afghans killed and at least 140 wounded.

“The cowardly attack on innocent civilians and selfless service members at Hamid Karzai International Airport struck at the heart of our democracy and freedom itself,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “New Yorkers have sacrificed their safety to serve in Afghanistan since 9/11, and our thoughts are with the families of everyone killed in today’s horrific act—both the civilians seeking freedom and the service members working to defend that freedom.

“I’ve ordered flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, August 27, in memory of the service members and innocent civilians killed today,” Hochul said. “This memorial act is concurrent with the half-staff order already in place in honor of New York State Police Trooper James J. Monda, who died in the line of duty on the Great Sacandaga Lake on Sunday. I’ve also directed my team to follow the attack in Kabul closely should we learn that any of the victims were New Yorkers.

“I’ve travelled to Afghanistan as a member of Congress, and I can say with certainty that the people of Kabul and all the American service members and our allies working to protect innocent lives there right now are in New Yorkers’ hearts and prayers. May God bless them.”

Congressman Chris Jacobs issued this statement about the deadly bombings outside the airport in Kabul:

“The attacks that occurred today outside of the airport in Kabul are horrific and tragically took the lives of 12 American service members. My heart is with each of their families, and I ask every American to join me in praying for them and every American service member still in harm’s way,” Jacobs said.

“This heartbreaking situation is the direct result of the President’s reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan. This administration must immediately present a coherent plan to secure the area around the airport, safely return every American from Afghanistan and extend the deadline past 8/31 until this is completed, and bring the terrorists who committed these atrocities to justice.”

Rob Ortt, State Senate Republican leader, issued this statement:

“As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, it has been extremely difficult to watch the devastating loss of American lives in Kabul. My heart breaks for their families and loved ones.

“This terrorist attack is a painful reminder that extremists are intent on killing Americans. The President’s total lack of leadership has turned our evacuation efforts into an all-out retreat, empowered terrorists, and put America and her allies at risk.

“It is now up to this administration to find and bring to justice those who are responsible for this heinous attack on our fellow Americans.”

Sediment has built up since harbor last dredged in 2014

POINT BREEZE – Dean Marine & Excavating Inc. from Michigan is dredging the Oak Orchard Harbor today. The company started on the work Wednesday and the job is expected to take about three weeks.

The dredging barge is near the breakwall at the end of the Oak Orchard channel. The harbor last was dredged in August 2014, which it was done for the first time in 10 years.

Click here to see a video of the dredging this afternoon.

The state is funding the effort as part of the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.

The scope of the project includes:

• Approximately 250 by 90 feet of the entrance channel will be dredged to a depth of 8 feet below low water and approximately 700 x 150 feet of the lake approach channel will be dredged to a depth of 7 feet below low water.
• Anticipated volume of dredging is up to 8,100 cubic yards.
• Sediment dredged from the channel will be placed in a defined area approximately 1,300 feet to the east of the entrance channel

The dredging is being done with mechanical means and the dredging fleet includes a barge, excavator, and two dump scows. One tugboat and one workboat will be used to support the overall operation. A turbidity curtain is positioned to enclose the dredge area.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the dredging follows years of effort from the county and is part of regional dredging plan that includes many harbors on the south shore of Lake Ontario.

“As we look for ways to support and promote recreational activities along the shorelines of Lake Ontario, the dredging of Oak Orchard Harbor is vital to providing access to the over 400 boat slips and 6 launch lanes within the harbor,” Johnson said. “This project under taken by the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative demonstrates the commitment by the Governor to maintaining access to the navigable waterways that contribute to the success of the local fishing, boating and tourism activities within the Town of Carlton and Orleans County.”

Boating traffic can still use the harbor while the Oak Orchard is dredged the next three weeks.

The state has committed $15 million to have 20 harbors dredged on the southshore of Lake Ontario, including two sites in Orleans County. Besides the Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze, sediment will be scooped out at Johnson Creek in Carlton near Lakeside Beach State Park.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Brian Benjamin is the state’s new lieutenant governor.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the selection of Brian Benjamin for Lieutenant Governor. Senator Benjamin and Governor Hochul have previously worked together on several key issues, including fighting the opioid epidemic and boosting addiction recovery programs, supporting MWBE business owners and making it easier for New Yorkers to vote.

Senator Benjamin previously served as the New York State Senator for District 30, a district that encompasses Harlem, East Harlem, and the Upper West Side. He served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Revenue and Budget and Senior Assistant Majority Leader, where he distinguished himself as a leader in criminal justice reform and affordable housing. Senator Benjamin remains heavily involved in his community in Harlem.

“I believe that governing is about working together. Teamwork is the essence of effective leadership, and it is more important than ever as we confront the urgent problems facing the state,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is going to attract the best and the brightest – people who share my values of working hard for the people of this state and who will get the job done – and that includes the newest member Senator Brian Benjamin who has agreed to serve as my Lieutenant Governor. There is so much work to do, and I am grateful to have him by my side as we implement our vision for a safer, healthier and fairer New York.”

Senator Benjamin was born in Harlem to a Caribbean mother who came to this country seeking new opportunities. Though they didn’t have a college education, his parents were fortunate enough to find well-paying union jobs, which allowed them to provide Senator Benjamin and his siblings with a middle class upbringing. After graduating from high school in New York City, Senator Benjamin sought the quality education his parents had dreamed of providing him with, earning his undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Brown University and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

After school, Senator Benjamin returned to Harlem to build affordable housing, creating over a thousand units of environmentally sustainable, affordable housing at an MWBE while helping young people develop work skills and secure good construction jobs through community youth programs

“I want to thank Governor Hochul for trusting me with the incredible honor of serving alongside her as Lieutenant Governor,” said Senator Benjamin. “Governor Hochul is a collaborator who makes sure everyone has a seat at the table, and, like me, is laser focused on listening to the needs of New Yorkers and empowering local leaders. We have a strong history of collaboration that will help us to hit the ground running immediately as we help guide New York through this challenging moment in history.”

Emergency rooms also treat more people with drug overdose

Provided photo: Melissa Vinyard, a peer advocate at GCASA, shares her story of recovery at Wednesday’s Overdose Awareness Day at Austin Park in Batavia. Vinyard said drugs and alcohol use nearly killed her, but she sought help and now has been sober since Dec. 30, 2017.

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

BATAVIA – Over the 12 months prior to September of 2020, there were 90,237 opioid overdose deaths in the United States – a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

In 2020, there were 15 overdose deaths in Genesee County and seven in Orleans County.

Those staggering figures reveal the extent of the epidemic that continues to devastate society.

Healthcare and mental health professionals in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties on the front lines of this scourge came together on Wednesday afternoon at Austin Park for the annual International Overdose Awareness Day observance.

Representatives of a dozen agencies plus area residents whose lives have been affected by opioid use attended the event, which was to raise awareness and to remember those who have been lost due to an overdose.

Genesee/Orleans Public Health Director Paul Pettit shared that in 2020, 58 people from Genesee County went to the emergency room and 38 from Orleans went to the ER due to drug overdoses – both up from 2019.

“That can be attributed to Covid; people were isolated and feeling alone,” he said.

Pettit had encouraging words about the efforts of the GOW Opioid Task Force, an organization comprised of people from various sectors of the community.

“We’ve been working together for many years and are making great strides,” he said, mentioning an increase in the access to care and the amount of Narcan training being done. “We want to get more people trained. We have a medication that can save lives.”

He said that since 2018, about 3,500 people have been trained.

“We’re making gains but we still have a ways to go,” he said.

John Bennett, executive director of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, spoke about the impact of Overdose Awareness Day throughout the world, noting that events such as the one in Batavia are taking place throughout the state and in around 40 countries.

International Overdose Awareness Day was created in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia.

“As we come together today, not only think about those locally who have lost their lives, but this is a worldwide problem that’s killed over a million people,” he said.

Agencies taking part in the event included GO Health, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Erie County Health Department, Spectrum Human Services, The Recovery Station, Wyoming County Mental Health, Fidelis Care, Rochester Regional Healthy, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Horizon Health.

GOW Opioid Task Force Coordinator Christen Ferraro said the Old County Courthouse in Batavia will be lit up on Aug. 31 and signs commemorating awareness day will be placed in the front of the building.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday approved a five-year contract with 170 employees in the CSEA union.

The agreement doesn’t give any raises for 2020 through June of 2021. However, the employees will all get 50-cent hourly raises effective June 1, 2021, and then a 4 percent increase on top of that for the rest of 2021.

The agreement then gives the workers 2 percent annual increases in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

The 50-cent hourly wage increase was implemented due to minimum wage being hiked up to $12.50 an hour. The county needed to increase starting hourly pay for custodians and housekeepers from $11.94 to $12.73 due to the state increase in the minimum. That also prompted the county to increase the other wages to stay more competitive in the local labor market.

The new contract was delayed with uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic. The county last year had 20 percent of state reimbursements withheld, and there were concerns over a loss of sales tax revenue.

The state cuts eventually were at 5 percent, the county ended the year with a big increase in sales tax last year –up by 9.2 percent, from $17.7 million in 2019 to $19.4 million in 2020. For part of the year, however, sales tax revenues were lagging when many businesses were forced to close for in-person customers.

The county also implemented a temporary voluntarily workforce reduction of 40 employees last year due to concerns about plummeting revenue.

All of those issues made it challenging to craft a long-term labor agreement, said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer. He remains concerned about revenue in the future from the state and federal governments, especially if the pandemic is drawn out.

The new contract increases the deductibles for employees from $1,500 for a single heath insurance plan to $2,500, and $3,000 for a family plan to $5,000.

However, there are health reimbursement accounts at $1,400 for employees with single plans (with the county also eligible to be reimbursed $1,100 for those plans) and $2,800 for employees with family plans (county eligible for up to $2,200). Those accounts have the potential to reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees and also drive down some of the county’s health insurance costs, Welch said.

Businesses encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul announced changes to New York State’s $800 million Covid-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program that will enable more small businesses to apply for funding.

Starting on Wednesday, businesses with revenues up to $2.5 million can apply for grants, up from the previous threshold of $500,000. Additionally, the limitation for businesses that received Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans has been increased from $100,000 to $250,000.

“Supporting the small businesses across our state that got hit hard by the pandemic is a top priority for my administration,” Governor Hochul said. “We simply cannot have a full economic recovery if the small business community continues struggling to survive. With the Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program opening up to a greater pool of businesses, I strongly urge all the owners who qualify to submit their application so they can access this funding.”

Launched in June, the program initially focused on small and micro-businesses across New York State, which were largely left out of federal business recovery initiatives. Empire State Development and its partners have worked hard ensure that these businesses have the technical assistance – including guidance during the application process and support to overcome language barriers – they need to be first in line for this program.

To date, more than $48 million has been awarded to over 2,380 small and micro-businesses in all ten regions of the state. The modifications announced today ensure additional small businesses can more quickly access funding through the program.

Empire State Development and Lendistry, the minority-led Community Development Financial Institution that was selected to administer the program, will continue to accept and review applications. All current applicants – those who have not finished their applications, have not uploaded documents or have incomplete documentation – are encouraged to finalize their applications as soon as possible. Previously ineligible small businesses may start applying today, and those applications will start being processed on Wednesday, September 8. More information, including program guidelines and the grant application, can be found by clicking here.

Grants for a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 are calculated based on a New York State business’ annual gross receipts for 2019. Reimbursable Covid-19 related expenses must have been incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021 and can include payroll costs; commercial rent or mortgage payments for New York State-based property; payment of local property or school taxes; insurance and utility costs; costs of personal protection equipment necessary to protect worker and consumer health and safety; costs for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or other machinery and equipment; and supplies and materials necessary for compliance with Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Woodams family from Center Road, Kendall, pose in front of their hops field, which is nearly ready to harvest. From left are son Ethan, Kim and John Woodams and longtime family friend and helper Frank Mandigo.

KENDALL – Growing hops is a family venture for John and Kim Woodams of Center Road, and one which they are eager to promote any way they can.

On Tuesday, the Woodams hosted the first hops festival at their farm, in hopes of sharing their passion for the crop.

More than 100 breweries across New York state were invited, according to Kim Woodams. However, while many responded, most could not attend because of the shortage of laborers, they said.

“There is a high demand for hops, but we can’t find anybody to work,” said Josh Kimm, owner of Skaneateles Brewery. “With college kids looking at getting their school loans paid for by the government, why would they want to work?”

The Woodams are fortunate to have a family friend of more than 60 years, Frank Mangio, who helps any way he can, as do the Woodams children.

The Woodams have 10 acres of hops and plan to plant five more acres next year.

Larry Smart, a professor of Horticulture and Plant Breeding at Cornell University, attended the Woodams’s hops festival with Chris Gerling, a senior Extension Associate in the Department of Food Service at Cornell.

Smart explained the increase in popularity of growing hops is due to the laws being passed requiring brewers to buy a certain percent of hops from local growers. That number is currently 60 percent, but will increase to 90 percent in 2024.

He went on to say most hops grown in New York come from out west and don’t do well in New York’s climate. Hops grow well in the Pacific Northwest, because the climate is so dry. He said Cornell is trying to create hops that will grow well here in New York’s shorter growing season.

Several individuals interested in growing hops attended a hops festival Tuesday at the home of John and Kim Woodams. Checking out samples of the varieties the Woodams grow are, clockwise from left, Chris Gerling, a senior Extension associate in the Department of Food Service at Cornell; Josh Kimm, owner of the Skaneateles Brewery; Larry Smart, professor of Horticulture and Plant Breeding at Cornell; John Woodams; and son Ethan Woodams.

In spite of New York’s climate not being the most ideal for growing hops, their popularity is attributed to the fact people want local ingredients in their beer, along with the laws requiring brewers use a certain amount of locally grown hops.

Smart said he had never worked with hops before and attended the Woodams’ hops festival to learn as much as he could.

“I am happy to take this opportunity to learn from the growers,” Smart said.

Ken Greenwood of Avon accepted the Woodams’ invitation because he hopes to build or buy a brewery and wants to learn as much as he can about the industry.

“If I can buy a brewery, it will be between Buffalo and Syracuse, but if I have to build, it will be in Livingston County,” he said.

It was also revealed that the Cooperstown area was one of the original hops growing regions in New York state, due to the fact the Anheuser-Busch family once had a vacation home there and grew hops.

The Woodams planted their first hops five years ago and harvested a few last year. This year will be their first major crop, John said. They plan to start harvesting the first of the vines in about a week.

Concluding the hops festival was a catered lunch provided by the Woodams and sampling of several varieties of craft beers from the Skaneateles Brewery.

Photo by Tom Rivers: What I think is a cormorant is perched up high in the widewaters section of the Erie Canal along Presbyterian Road, east of Knowlesville, on Wednesday.

For the second straight day a heat advisory is in effect for Orleans County until 7 p.m.

The temperature is forecast to reach 88, but the heat index values will be in the mid to upper 90s, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

The advisory also includes Niagara, Monroe, northern Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego and Ontario counties.

The Weather Service said the hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

ROYALTON — The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of a woman who was killed after a head-on collision on Tuesday afternoon on Royalton Center Road.

Linda Drum, 58, of Royalton was pronounced dead at the scene of the 1:18 p.m. crash. Drum was southbound when she crossed the center line and hit a northbound vehicle head on, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Joshua Riley, 18, of Albion was in the northbound vehicle. He was taken to Eastern Niagara Hospital by Tri Town Ambulance for non-life threatening injuries.

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Accident Investigation Unit.

Judy Spencer, 65, was very dedicated to Hartland Volunteer Fire Company past 20 years

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Hartland Volunteer Fire Company is in mourning following the death of long-time volunteer firefighter Judy Spencer, who was killed when she was struck and run over by a Barker fire truck on Tuesday night.

HARTLAND – A Hartland firefighter who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday night was one of the most dedicated members of the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company.

Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti and Jonathan Schultz, director of Emergency Services & Fire Coordinator for Niagara County, speak during a news conference today at the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company.

Judy Spencer, 65, was struck and run over by a fire truck on Tuesday night, She responded to a scene of a hay bale fire in Somerset on Quaker Road, north of Route 18.

She was serving as a spotter for a Barker Fire Department rescue truck that was backing up. She was struck and run over at about 8:40 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“I would say this is a tragic, tragic accident,” said Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti during a news conference this afternoon outside the Hartland fire hall on Ridge Road.

Spencer had been a volunteer with Hartland for at least 20 years, said Bryan Ames, the Hartland fire chief.

“She was a great person,” he said. “She was very reliable. She was one of our top responders.”

Filicetti said the truck was inspected and no mechanical issues or problems were discovered. He didn’t fault the driver, stressing several times it was a “tragic accident.” He doesn’t expect any charges to be filed but an investigation is continuing.

Spencer’s death is the first line-of-duty death for a firefighter in Niagara County since 2012, said Jonathan Schultz, director of Emergency Services & Fire Coordinator for Niagara County.

He said about a dozen fire companies were called to the scene Tuesday night for 50 hay bales on fire. Firefighters were on scene until about midnight.

Hartland is currently not responding to any calls while the members grieve the loss of a much-loved firefighter.

“It’s a very challenging time for us,” Ames said.

Hartland also is mourning the death of one of its charter members. Merle Snell, 89, died on Aug. 21 and was a very active volunteer for Hartland for several decades.

Hartland Fire Chief Bryan Ames said Judy Spencer was among the most dedicated volunteers in the fire company.

Angel Gonzalez-Rodriguez, left, and Jeffrey VanEpps

ALBION – Two men have been charged with assault after getting in a fight with knives last night in the Village of Albion.

Albion police officers and the Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to 110 West Bank St. at 10:54 p.m. after a report of two men fighting with knives, and one with a laceration to the face.

Upon arrival, Albion Police were flagged down by a 35-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to the right leg, Albion Police Chief David Mogle said.

The Albion Fire Department and the Medina Ambulance responded to the scene and treated the 35-year-old man. The Medina Ambulance transported the man to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries due to the stab wound.

Albion police officers were given a description of the suspect and where the suspect lived. The Albion PD, with the assistance of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, took the suspect into custody without incident.

Jeffrey VanEpps, 43, of Albion was charged with one count of Assault in the 2^nddegree, one count of criminal possession of a weapon 4th, one count of Menacing 1st and one count of disorderly conduct. VanEpps was remanded to Orleans County Jail for CAP Court.

After further investigation, it was determined that the individual stabbed in the leg named Angel Gonzalez- Rodriguez, 35, of Albion had initially been involved in a fight with VanEpps over a cell phone, Mogle said. The two are neighbors.

During the fight Gonzalez-Rodriguez attempted to stab VanEpps, causing a minor laceration to VanEpps’ forehead, Mogle said.

Gonzalez-Rodriguez was later released from Strong Memorial Hospital and charged by the Albion Police Department with one count of attempted assault 2nd, one count of criminal possession of a weapon 4th, one count of menacing 2nd, one count of harassment 2nd and one count of sisorderly conduct.

“The Albion Police Department believes that this was an isolated incident between the two involved individuals and that there is no immediate further threat to the Albion community,” Mogle said.

“The Albion Police Department would like to thank the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Albion Fire Department, and the Medina Ambulance for their prompt response to assist with this incident,” he said.