Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Courtesy of NYS Thruway Authority: Consumers are receiving text messages that are presented as an attempt to collect tolls.

Governor Kathy Hochul today is warning New York consumers of E-ZPass text message scams. Consumers have reported receiving SMS text messages attempting to collect tolls.

These fake texts are often sent from an international number and request the consumer to reply with “Y” to receive a link and contain an unofficial website. Consumers should be aware that E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail will never send a text or email requesting sensitive personal information such as credit card, birthday, Social Security number or other personally identifiable information.

“Public safety is my top priority, which is why I’m urging New Yorkers to take caution against senseless scammers sending fake E-ZPass text messages in an attempt to collect money for fake, unpaid tolls,” Governor Hochul said. “Consumers should know that E-ZPass, or Tolls by Mail, will never send a text or email requesting personal, sensitive information.”

If you are unsure about a message you received, call E-ZPass directly at 1-800-333-8655 or Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400. You may also directly access the official websites from your browser at: EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com.

If you receive a fraudulent or suspicious SMS text message of any kind and have questions, you can contact the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm; excluding State Holidays. Consumer fraud complaints may also be filed at any time with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

 Tips to follow if you or someone you know receives a fraudulent SMS text message:

• Don’t reply to text messages from unknown numbers. It could lead to a scam. Be wary of unsolicited messages from unknown senders that request personal information or payments and don’t respond to the message.
• Don’t click on any links in the message or attempt to access a website through the text.
• Delete and report the message using your phone’s “report junk” option. Forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider. Use the reporting features that are built into devices or email platforms. Reporting suspicious phishing messages is one of the most efficient methods for protecting you as it helps identify new or trending phishing attacks.
• Block the sender’s email address or phone number.
• Remember, it’s always better to be cautious. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a message, avoid engaging with the sender.

Clicking a link from a fraudulent text message puts your personal information and money at risk. Scammers may be able to:

• Install ransomware or other programs in your device that can spy on your online activity or hold your device hostage by encrypting your data and demanding payment to unscramble it.
• Gain access to your personal or sensitive information — including passwords, credit card numbers, banking PINs, etc. This information can be used to take out loans or credit cards in your name or perform other fraudulent financial transactions.

A wind advisory has been issued for Orleans County from 7 p.m. today through 6 p.m. on Monday.

The National Weather Service says there will be west winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

The advisory includes all of western and northern New York.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”

Press Release, Niagara County Farm Bureau

LOCKPORT – On March 14 the annual Agribusiness Outreach Forum will be held at the Niagara County Cooperative Extension.

It is sponsored by the Niagara County Center for Economic Development, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, Niagara County Farm Bureau, the Niagara County Small Business Development Center and National Grid. As with past years,  there will be two parts to the program.

First is a series of workshops. These include building your agribusiness through marketing and networking, mastering the art of find, writing and being awarded Ag grants, understanding state and federal priorities for CCE, and recruiting and retaining H2A workers.

Throughout the day, various agricultural organizations will have displays and personnel on hand to answer your questions. In the past year, these have included to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, Empire State Development, Farm Credit East, NCCC Small Business Development Center, National Grid, NY FarmNet, NYS Department of Ag and Markets, NYSERDA, NC Dept of Economic Development and IDA, Niagara County Farm Bureau, NC Soil and Water Conservation District, Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and the Farm Service Agency.

This year’s facilitator is Niagara County Farm Bureau President Kevin Bittner.

“This event is designed to bring together farmers across the region for educational sessions on topics important to agriculture,” he said.

In addition to learning about the various topics, he enjoys the networking with other farmers, companies and agencies. Because this is geared to new and growing farms,  there are many long term benefits to the community.

Every year this forum has concentrated on various topics.  Past presentations have focused on energy, creating business  plans, health care for migrant workers, and ag district laws and regulations. At the end of the day, participants are invited to give suggestions for next year’s program.

Registration is free. Click here for information to sign up.

By Randy LeBaron

Jason Cogovan, left, discusses The Medical Loan Closet in Medina with Randy LeBaron.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this day right… TOGETHER!!!

First and foremost I want to thank everyone who reached out to tell me they were glad to have Refill back. I appreciate you all and look forward to sharing more positive stories and highlighting the people and organizations that make me glad to be a part of Orleans County.

On that note, today I want to share about a valuable resource that many may not be aware of. I am talking about The Medical Loan Closet which is located at 711 Park Ave. in Medina inside The Olde Pickle Factory. The Loan Closet is run by the Medina Lions Club and I had a chance to sit down and have coffee with Jason Cogovan who co-chairs The Loan Closet with fellow member Dave Bellucci.

Jason, who has only been a member since 2023 after retiring from his work in Corrections, said that he was interested in joining the Lions Club because it was something his grandfather had been very involved with and he really connected with their motto, “We Serve.”

Jason describes the Lions Club as a non-political service organization that helps local communities and the world. Just this past year the organization helped with the Medina Yard Sale, helped people in need of glasses and hearing aids, had over 400 calls to The Medical Loan Closet, and even sent surplus inventory to Ukraine to help people in need in that war-torn country. In addition to the many other events that the Lions Club assists with each year the members are encouraged to take turns being on call with The Loan Closet two weeks at a time to oversee pick-ups and drop-offs.

The Medical Loan Closet is located at 711 Park Ave. at the Olde Pickle Factory in Medina. (The Kendall Lions Club also runs a medical loan closet for people in eastern Orleans County.)

Not long ago I called in myself to inquire about getting a lift chair for a friend who fell in her home, resulting in badly bruised knees and a broken neck. Having to wear a neck brace for 7 weeks along with complications with her knees made leaning back, and getting out of, her recliner very difficult so a specialized chair was suggested.

After making the initial call I was able to put my friend Jeanne Martillotta of Albion and her husband Walt in touch with Jason who was able to provide them with not just any chair but one that had belonged to Jason’s father Ray and which has already been used by a few different individuals since being donated. Jeanne was very thankful for having access to the chair during a difficult time and will now be bringing it back to The Closet for the next person to use.

Jeanne Martillotta appreciates use of a recliner after a recent injury.

When borrowing something from The Loan Closet there is a contract signed by the community member which includes an estimation of how long the item will be used for before being returned. Jason said that people are very appreciative of having access to these items and seem happy to return them for the next person to use.

There have also been times, including this past week, where Jason is driving to The Closet after picking an item up only to get a call requesting that exact item. When asked who could borrow from the closet Jason said the only requirement was to have a need. Though The Loan Closet is primarily promoted throughout Orleans County it is not uncommon to get a request from another county without a Loan Closet and Medina is happy to help.

Another thing I asked Jason, since the Medina Lions Club does not charge any fees for these services, is if they accept donations. His response was that they do but that it’s not necessary because the reality is that the items are already being donated for free by community members and even the space where the inventory is stored has been generously donated by Roger Hungerford, the owner of The Olde Pickle Factory. The Lions Club simply view themselves facilitators making it possible for community members to help other community members.

Currently, The Loan Closet has an inventory of hospital beds, lift chairs, wheel chairs, walkers, canes, scooters, commodes, shower safety equipment, etc. along with other supplies such as bed sheets, adult diapers, and more.

Although assistance in transporting items may be possible depending on the circumstance it is recommended that individuals plan to provide their own way of picking up or dropping off items.

So, if you or someone you know either has a need or has something to donate all you need to do is call (585) 205-3502 and a member will be happy to assist you.

See you in 2 weeks!

Pastor Randy

A forecast of snow, sleet and ice has some churches cancelling Sunday morning services.

The following are closing on Sunday:

• Canalside – North Point Capel in Albion (online service happening at 10:30 a.m.)
• First Presbyterian of Albion (annual meeting rescheduled to March 9)
• The Vine in Medina (formerly Calvary Tabernacle Church)
• Gaines Carlton Community Church (retirement reception for Pastor David Beach will be rescheduled)
• First Baptist Church of Albion
• Christ Episcopal in Albion
• St. Peter Lutheran Church in Medina
• Concordia Lutheran Church in Kendall
• Oak Orchard Assembly of God in Medina
• Trinity Lutheran Church in Medina
• Disciples United Methodist Church in Clarendon
• Eagle Harbor Methodist Church
• Yates Baptist Church
• Barre Center Presbyterian Church
• Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
• Lyndonville United Methodist
• New Hope Community Church in Medina (First Baptist Church of Medina)
• The Grove United Methodist Church in Medina

The forecast calls for 5 to 10 inches of snow with most of the new snow accumulation occurring later Sunday morning through Sunday night and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Total number down about 8,000 from previous year; Iceland Gull joins the count for first time

Photos courtesy of Celeste Morien: Bird counters spotted a Northern Cardinal, left, and a Blue Jay.

By Celeste Morien, count compiler for Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count

BASOM – The Audubon Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count was held on Dec. 27. Weather was warm for the date, with an actual low (26F) higher than average and an actual high (43F) much higher than average.

The maximum snow depth was 2 inches. Moving water was partly open and marshes were frozen following cold earlier in the week. The day was precipitation free and clear until afternoon clouds moved in over the region.

Forty-one counters found 70 species, two less than last year and just over 12,000 individual birds, almost 8,000 fewer birds than in 2023. Counters logged 49 hours on foot and 57 hours by car. Counters walked 58 miles and drove 494 miles by car.

 A celebratory dinner was held at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge after the count. Hearty thanks go out to the many participants who volunteered to devote their day to an assessment of local bird populations. Many thanks to our sponsor, Friends of Iroquois NWR, for graciously providing the meal for all who participated. Special thanks to Iroquois Refuge Staff Manager Tom Roster for providing the venue. Many thanks to Park Ranger/Visitor Services Manager Logan Sauer for managing our arrangements and to Refuge Biologist Paul Hess for coordinating coverage with enthusiastic Fisheries Staff in covering the many diverse areas of the refuge. Last but not least, a big thank you to NYSDEC Winter Raptor Survey Coordinator Elena Greco for coordinating, and raptor survey volunteers for counting on the winter raptor survey team that evening.

Participants made high counts of 16 species and found one new species, Iceland Gull on Glenwood Lake in Medina.

High counts for the following species were Cackling Goose (34), Bald Eagle (32), Sandhill Crane (18), Iceland Gull (1), Rock Pigeon (689), Red-bellied Woodpecker (94), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4), Merlin (4), Blue Jay (283), Common Raven (9), Tufted Titmouse (46), Carolina Wren (14), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Golden-crowned Kinglet (39), White-throated Sparrow (125) and Hermit Thrush (2).

There were 965 Dark-eyed Juncos in the annual bird count.

The lower count of total individuals can mostly be attributed to lack of open water for any lingering waterfowl. A good number of our high counts can likely be attributed to our warming winter temperatures and southern species that have moved northward and successfully adapted.

Here are the numbers for species seen in the count:

• Cackling Goose – 34
• Canada Goose – 794
• American Black Duck – 23
• Mallard – 21
• Common Merganser – 11
• Great Blue Heron – 2
• Northern Harrier – 5
• Sharp-shinned Hawk – 6
• Cooper’s Hawk – 4
• Accipiter sp. – 4
• Bald Eagle – 32
• Red-tailed Hawk – 62
• Buteo sp. – 1
• Sandhill Crane – 18
• Ring-billed Gull – 24
• Herring Gull – 13
• Iceland Gull – 1
• gull sp. – 5
• Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) – 689
• Mourning Dove – 363
• Eastern Screech-Owl – 3
• Great Horned Owl – 2
• Barred Owl – 1
• Long-eared Owl
• Short-eared Owl – 2
• Belted Kingfisher – 2
• Red-bellied Woodpecker – 94
• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 4
• Downy Woodpecker – 129
• Hairy Woodpecker – 36
• Northern Flicker – 47
• Pileated Woodpecker – 13
• American Kestrel – 9
• Merlin – 4
• Peregrine Falcon – 1
• Northern Shrike – 6
• Blue Jay – 283
• American Crow – 243
• Common Raven – 10
• Horned Lark – 347
• Black-capped Chickadee – 319
• Tufted Titmouse – 46
• Red-breasted Nuthatch – 16
• White-breasted Nuthatch – 89
• Brown Creeper – 18
• Carolina Wren – 14
• Winter Wren – 1
• Golden-crowned Kinglet – 39
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet – 1
• Eastern Bluebird – 79
• Hermit Thrush – 2
• American Robin – 768
• Northern Mockingbird – 3
• European Starling – 3,904
• Cedar Waxwing – 27
• Yellow-rumped Warbler – 17
• American Tree Sparrow – 440
• Field Sparrow – 2
• Song Sparrow – 18
• Swamp Sparrow – 33
• White-throated Sparrow – 125
• White-crowned Sparrow – 3
• Dark-eyed Junco – 965
• Snow Bunting – 833
• Northern Cardinal – 189
• Red-winged Blackbird – 131
• Common Grackle – 1
• Brown-headed Cowbird – 25
• Purple Finch – 2
• House Finch – 67
• White-winged Crossbill – 2
• American Goldfinch – 193
• House Sparrow – 238
• Other unidentified bird species – 150

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

ROCHESTER – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Friday joined University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology leadership at the University of Rochester to highlight the impact of President Trump’s recent attempts to cut National Institutes of Health funding on the universities and the local economy.

The University of Rochester receives hundreds of NIH grants to study cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, aging, mental health, children’s health, and much more. Slashed funding would force researchers to abandon this critical work and extinguish hope for patients and families looking for cures. This funding cut could also put thousands of jobs across New York State at risk; NIH funding supports roughly 30,000 jobs in New York State alone.

“New York is home to top notch universities that attract the world’s best scientists conducting cutting-edge research,” said Senator Gillibrand. “President Trump’s attempt to radically cut funding for the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as other research institutions, is irresponsible and short-sighted. It will imperil research that saves lives and is guaranteed to hurt our economy and the thousands of New Yorkers employed by local research institutions. These cuts are facing strong bipartisan opposition, and I am working across the aisle with my colleagues in the New York delegation, including Congressman Morelle, to call on the Trump administration to reverse them.”

Last week, the Trump administration announced that it would slash billions in federal funding for research institutions nationwide by imposing a cap on “indirect costs” for research associated with NIH grants. Indirect costs are expenses that are essential for scientific research, and include the construction and maintenance of research facilities, the purchase of costly scientific tools, and support staffing for major research projects.

The University of Rochester is set to lose $40 million in funding for indirect costs, and Rochester Institute of Technology is set to lost $10 million, which would cripple their ability to continue to conduct much of their research.

New York institutions are expected to lose $850 million in total. While a federal judge has temporarily paused these cuts from going into effect, they have created chaos and confusion for the New York institutions that rely on a steady and stable flow of NIH funding.

“I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for her leadership in opposing these draconian cuts and for her tremendous and unwavering support to our Rochester scientists, doctors, and patients,” said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President of the University of Rochester. “Arbitrarily and abruptly cutting groundbreaking biomedical research that has led to countless breakthroughs and that saves, extends, and improves human lives is no way to make government more efficient. It is detrimental to our efforts to improve health in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region and in the Southern Tier, threatens the future health of all Americans, and puts in jeopardy the nation’s position as the scientific and clinical research leader of the world.”

“NIH-funded research forms the backbone for scientific innovation in medicine, driving discoveries that improve lives and strengthen our nation’s global leadership in healthcare and related technologies,” said David C. Munson, President, Rochester Institute of Technology. “To remain competitive, universities must have the resources necessary to support groundbreaking research, including the associated indirect costs, such as laboratory facilities and infrastructure, compliance, and administrative assistance.  Indirect costs are not optional; they are fundamental to sustaining a research environment where faculty, staff and students can focus on advancing knowledge and solving the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two free snowmobile weekends for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to rev their engines and explore what New York has to offer.

New York State will waive registration fees for out-of-state snowmobilers Feb. 28-March 2 and March 7-9, encouraging out-of-state visitors to come ride the more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State.

“New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails, making it the perfect place to explore everything from snow peaked mountains and endless forests to pristine valleys and the Great Lakes,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the beauty our state has to offer, and we’re making it easier with free snowmobiling weekends for adventurers to see it for themselves.”

During the weekends, the registration requirement in New York is waived for already properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. Participants in these free snowmobiling events must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/province and must carry any applicable insurance as required.

Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the State’s trails — from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There are 65 teams playing indoor soccer Friday and today at the Ben Kirby Memorial Tournament. The top photo shows McKinley Knight of Albion trying to get the ball past a Brockport player in the high school gym.

There are teams from Albion, Attica, Batavia, Brockport, Buffalo, Canandaigua, Holley, Newark, Pavilion and Warsaw in the tournament. That is approximately 500 players from grades 3 and 4 up to adults in the open division. With other spectators, well over 1,000 people are expected for the tournament, which also includes games at the elementary school gym.

Some of the volunteers at the tournament include from left Peter Borello, Kyler McQuillan, Wendy Kirby, Stacey Braley and Nisi Beltran Roblero.

Borello coaches and coordinates the tournament. He said Albion’s location in between Rochester and Buffalo helps bring in the out-of-town teams.

The Albion Soccer Club organizes the two-day tournament which honors the memory of Ben Kirby of Albion. He was a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology when he died in a car accident on Nov. 6, 2017. He was 21 at the time, in his senior year majoring in software development. Kirby played youth soccer for Albion and also on the school teams.

Some of the proceeds go towards a $500 Ben Kirby scholarship given to a student nominated by one or more of the teachers in the Albion High School. Three of the scholarships are awarded each year.

The tournament includes sponsorships from Kirby’s Farm Market, A & J Kirby Farms and Oak Orchard Health.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County from 10 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. on Monday.

There are 4 to 7 inches of snow and sleet expected and ice accumulations around three tenths of an inch. Winds will gust as high as 50 miles per hour, the Weather Service said.

Much of upstate New York is under a weather advisory for the weekend.

The high and low temperatures in the forecast in the coming days include 32 on Saturday with an overnight low of 29, followed by a high of 3 3on Sunday with a night-time low of 15. On Monday, the high is forecast to be 20 with an overnight low around 8 degrees. Tuesday will get up to 16 with a low around 8.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) continued his annual Valentines for Veterans program this Valentine’s Day, connecting local students with veteran residents at The New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.

Hawley collected handmade valentines from students at Jackson Primary School and personally delivered them to the veterans.

“This event is a great opportunity every year to show my appreciation for our veterans and all of the sacrifices they have made to keep us free,” said Hawley. “As a veteran myself, I know the hard work and dedication these brave men and women have given over the years, and I hope events like this can serve as a way to give back.”

Hawley’s day began at Jackson Primary School, where he visited Mrs. Vaccarella’s Kindergarten class, discussing veterans and the six branches of the military before thanking the students for their heartfelt cards. He then visited a joint classroom for Mrs. Wolff and Mrs. Conroy, where students also created valentines and performed a special Valentine’s Day song for the veterans.

Finally, Hawley delivered the valentines to the residents of the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia, personally thanking veterans for their service.

“This program connects students with our veterans, and in turn, our veterans receive messages of gratitude, such as ‘Thank you for your service,’” Hawley added. “It’s a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

OSWEGO – Four students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at SUNY Oswego. These students have attained grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying at least 12 academic credits.

The students from Orleans County include:

• Brandon X. Boyce, Medina, majoring in psychology
• Miles W. Hartway, Medina, majoring in wellness management
• Alex E. Stahl, Medina, majoring in operations management and information systems
• Isabella R. Zasa, Knowlesville, majoring in public relations

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Official photos for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and President Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day Holiday Establishment Act to officially designate June 14 as a federal holiday to commemorate President Donald J. Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day.

Born on June 14, 1946, President Donald J. Trump’s birthday coincided with Flag Day, which is observed annually and recognizes the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official US flag in 1777. This legislation would permanently codify a new federal holiday called “Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day” on June 14 to honor this historic day.

“No modern president has been more pivotal for our country than Donald J. Trump,” Tenney said in a news release. “As both our 45th and 47th President, he is the most consequential President in modern American history, leading our country at a time of great international and domestic turmoil.

“From brokering the historic Abraham Accords to championing the largest tax relief package in American history, his impact on the nation is undeniable. Just as George Washington’s Birthday is codified as a federal holiday, this bill will add Trump’s Birthday to this list, recognizing him as the founder of America’s Golden Age.

“Additionally, as our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we should create a new federal holiday honoring the American Flag and all that it represents. By designating Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day as a federal holiday, we can ensure President Trump’s contributions to American greatness and the importance of the American Flag are forever enshrined into law.”