Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Gov. Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced three new policies that will put money back in the pockets of millions of New Yorkers.

Because of new laws championed by Governor Hochul, this week marks the first implementation of an increased minimum wage, the nation’s first paid prenatal leave law, and a ban on insulin co-pays for state-regulated insurance plans.

Governor Hochul has prioritized tackling the affordability crisis in New York, including by proposing the first-ever inflation refund, and will continue focusing on affordability in this year’s State of the State. A pregnant woman who earns minimum wage and is diabetic would have an additional $2,500 in their pocket as a result of these new initiatives.

“The new year has arrived — and so have three major new policies that will make a difference in the lives of working people,” Governor Hochul said. “The cost of living is just too damn high, so I’m doing everything in my power to make New York more affordable for families.”

Minimum Wage

Governor Kathy Hochul secured in the FY2024 Budget, a transformative plan to help low-wage New Yorkers keep up with the rising cost of living by increasing New York’s minimum wage for three years and then tying future increases to inflation. On Jan. 1, 2024 the State minimum wage increased to $16 in New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, and to $15 in all other parts of the State and is scheduled to increase by $0.50 per year on Jan. 1, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.

Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually by the three-year moving average of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region. An “off-ramp” is available in the event of certain economic or budget conditions. More information can be found on the State Department of Labor website.

First-in-the-Nation Paid Prenatal Leave Law

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, any privately employed pregnant New Yorker is now able to receive an additional 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal care. The New York State Department of Labor estimates that about 130,000 pregnant women per year will be eligible for this benefit, with about 65,800 of those being hourly workers.

Pregnancy-related health care includes: Physical examinations, medical procedures, monitoring, testing, discussions with a health care provider needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy, fertility treatment, and end-of-pregnancy care

The paid prenatal leave benefits are in addition to New York State Paid Family Leave, existing employer-provided leave and existing sick leave benefits, ensuring workers can receive the health care needed to address all pregnancy related care to create healthy outcomes without jeopardizing their employment or finances. The law applies to all private employers in New York State, with no minimum employee threshold, and is applicable to both full-time and part-time employees.

Eliminating Insulin Co-Pays on State-Regulated Insurance Plans

This initiative is the most expansive prohibition against insulin cost-sharing in the nation, providing financial relief to New Yorkers and improving adherence to these life-saving medications. With 1.8 million New Yorkers diagnosed with diabetes, the proposal is estimated to save eligible New Yorkers up to $1,200 per year, and an estimated $14 million in 2025 alone.

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have medical expenses that are 2.3 times higher than people who do not have diabetes and the impact is even larger for communities of color, which face disproportionately high diagnosis rates.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans and Monroe counties from 2 p.m. today until 6 p.m. on Sunday with 6 to 12 inches of snow expected in the most persistent lake snows, north of Route 104.

The snow will be spread out in batches over three days, the National Weather Service said.

“Winds gusting as high as 30 mph today through tonight, and 40 mph Saturday through Saturday night, will produce areas of blowing and drifting snow,” the Weather Service said.

The blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility, making travel difficult on snow-covered roads, the Weather Service said.

“During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away,” the Weather Service said in the advisory. “Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility and road conditions.”

The unemployment rate for Orleans County was at 3.5 percent in November, which continues a low rate throughout much of 2024.

The state Department of Labor reported the rate last week. The county has a labor force of 17,200 with 16,600 working and 600 on unemployment, according to the DOL.

That is below the state unemployment rate of 4.2 percent. The DOL reports a labor force of 9,643,600 with 9,239,500 working and 404,100 unemployed.

Among WNY counties, the unemployment rates for November include:

• Orleans, 3.5 percent
• Genesee, 3.0 percent
• Wyoming, 3.4 percent
• Livingston, 3.1 percent
• Monroe, 3.4 percent
• Niagara, 3.7 percent
• Erie, 3.6 percent
• Chautauqua, 3.8 percent
• Cattaraugus, 3.7 percent
• Allegany, 3.6 percent

Looking at the data going back 25 years in Orleans County, the unemployment rate is down significantly.

• In November 2014 – 6.8 percent unemployment: labor force of 17,800 with 16,600 working and 1,200 unemployed
• In November 2009 – 10.1 percent unemployed: labor force of 19,200 with 17,300 working and 1,900 unemployed
• In November 2004 – 5.5 percent unemployed: labor force 19,800 with 18,700 working and 1,100 unemployed
• In November 1999 – 4.6 percent unemployed: labor force of 21,100 with 20,100 employed and 1,000 unemployed

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their families.

“Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls or floors. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Fortunately, radon exposure is preventable through simple actions that homeowners can take.

Take Action to Protect Your Family:

1. Test Your Home for Radon

The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is by testing. Residents of Genesee County can receive a radon test kit at no cost to them, while supplies last, by contacting the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555. Residents in other counties can purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store, or at the NYS Department of Health (DOH) website. The EPA recommends testing every two years, or after major home renovations.

2. Mitigate High Radon Levels to lessen severity and reduce harm

If radon levels are found to be elevated (above 4 pCi/L), it is essential to take corrective action. Radon mitigation includes installing a ventilation system that reduces radon levels in the home. A certified radon professional can evaluate your home and recommend the best mitigation strategy.

3. Educate Your Friends and Family

Spread the word about the importance of radon testing and mitigation. Share resources and encourage neighbors to test their homes.

4. Health & Safety First

Radon exposure is preventable, and by testing and mitigating radon in your home, you can significantly reduce the threat of lung cancer caused by this invisible danger.

Radon Facts:

• Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
• Radon exposure is particularly dangerous for children and non-smokers.
• Testing and mitigation are effective in reducing radon exposure and protecting health.

Resources:

• For more information on radon testing and mitigation services, visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/ or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at https://www.epa.gov/radon.
• The National Radon Hotline, 1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236), is available for guidance on radon testing, mitigation, and professional services in your area

Major Amie P. Feroleto will lead State Police in 8 counties, including Orleans

Press Release, NY State Police

Major Amie P. Feroleto

BATAVIA – Major Amie P. Feroleto’s appointment today as the first female Troop A Commander in the 107-year history of the New York State Police is a landmark achievement.

She becomes the 28th Troop A Commander, bringing with her 22 years of dedicated service, extensive experience across multiple Troops and roles, and advanced educational credentials that underscore her exemplary leadership and commitment to public safety.

In her new role, Major Feroleto will oversee all State Police patrol and investigative operations across the eight counties of Western New York, managing over 400 sworn and civilian personnel. Troop A includes the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

Since beginning her State Police career in 2002, Major Feroleto has steadily risen through the ranks. Her diverse roles have included Uniform Trooper, Sergeant, Station Commander, Lieutenant, and Captain. Additionally, she served in the Professional Standards Bureau, gaining valuable experience in oversight and accountability.

Major Feroleto holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s degree in criminal justice, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence. Her career, spanning service in Troops A, B, D, E, H, and K, demonstrates her adaptability and wide-ranging expertise.

This historic achievement not only recognizes Major Feroleto’s individual accomplishments but also sets an inspiring precedent for future leaders in law enforcement.

Howard is first woman to serve as county’s top prosecutor

Photos by Tom Rivers: Susan Howard, the new Orleans County district attorney, signs the oath of office next to County Clerk Nadine Hanlon after a brief swearing-in ceremony this morning in the Orleans County Courthouse.

ALBION – Susan Howard was sworn in as district attorney this morning in a brief ceremony in the Orleans County Courthouse.

Many of the law enforcement officials, county department heads and staff of the District Attorney’s office attended the ceremony.

Howard succeeds Joe Cardone as DA. He served in the role for 33 years. Howard was Cardone’s first assistant DA since 2011. He told a crowd at the swearing-in that he has full confidence in Howard as she takes over as district attorney, the county’s top prosecutor.

“It is an historic day in Orleans County with our first woman district attorney,” Cardone told about 30 people at the swearing-in. “Susan, I know you are prepared to do this job. It is a very difficult job as you well know from many years already. I know you are prepared to discharge the responsibilities of district attorney and do justice for the people of Orleans County.”

Howard won a Republican primary in June against John Sansone and was unopposed in November for the general election.

Susan Howard says the oath of office, vowing to support the constitution of the United States, the constitution of the State of New York and to faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of District Attorney of Orleans County, according to the best of her ability. Howard’s sister Judy Schult holds the Bible while County Court Judge Sanford Church administers the oath.

Howard became a lawyer in 2004. She didn’t go to law school until she was 33. Before that she was a paralegal and a caseworker with the Department of Social Services.

Her father, the late Richard Schult, owned the Lakeland restaurant at Point Breeze. He also worked at Kodak and flipped houses. He often reached out to a lawyer for advice, Howard recalled in an interview in June.

Howard said she wanted to be that person who could help people through a problem. It wasn’t until she did an internship at the DA’s Office that she turned her attention to being a prosecutor. After that experience in 2000, she said she found her passion as a lawyer.

Susan Howard is congratulated by County Court Judge Sanford Church after she was sworn in as the county’s new district attorney this morning.

She said she is ready to get to work and is proud of a team of full-time assistant DAs. That includes Daniel Punch as the first assistant DA. Punch, the son of retired County Court Judge James Punch, has worked as an assistant DA the past 13 years in Erie County.

He welcomed the chance to return to his home county. His father was the DA before becoming the county judge.

“This is my hometown and I wanted to work with Sue,” Punch said after the ceremony. “It’s an opportunity to do good in Orleans County.”

The other full-time assistant Das include Alex Eaton and Katie Buckley. Eaton worked as an intern in the District Attorney’s Office with Howard. He has been working for the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. He is married to Joe Cardone’s daughter, Rosalind.

Buckley was working out of the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office.

“It’s a strong team,” Howard said. “We will hit the ground running.”

Photos by Marsha Rivers: Susan Howard gets a photo taken with her successor, Joe Cardone, after the swearing in ceremony at the Orleans County Courthouse. Susan Howard is pictured with current County Court Judge Sanford Church, left, and retired County Court Judge James Punch, who also is a former district attorney for the county.

BARRE – The Town of Barre and Orleans County have reached an agreement for Barre to pay $29,906 to the county for assessing services in 2025.

The county is creating a new full-time assessor position in the Real Property Tax Services Office in Albion.

Barre’s previous assessor left the job for a full-time position at the Oakfield-Alabama school district. For 30 years, Barry Flansburg served in the role until retiring Sept. 30, 2022.

Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said working with the county ensures Barre will have an assessor. If the person assigned to Barre is unavailable, Barre can draw on other staff at the Real Property office.

Barre is the third town to contract with the county for the service. Albion and Gaines have paid the county for the service since 2007.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department announced the line officers and schedule of events for 2025.

The department responded to 177 calls in 2024.

These are the line officers for 2025:

• Fire Chief: Randy Davis
• Deputy Fire Chief: Cole Hardenbrook

The following officers have been appointed for 2025:

• Assistant Fire Chief: Richard Breslawski
• Assistant Fire Chief: Bryan Hardenbrook
• Captain: Jason Hardenbrook
• Captain: Clayton Christ
• Lieutenant: Tim Bidwell
• Lieutenant: TBD
• Safety Officer: James Fox
• EMS Captain: Steven Balka
• EMS Lieutenant: Sue Maslin

“We are committed to enhancing our response times, increasing our community engagement, and ensuring the safety of everyone in Kendall,” said David, the fire chief. “Our new officers are highly skilled and dedicated to making a positive impact.”

The Kendall Fire Department’s line officers are chosen for their leadership abilities, years of service, and passion for protecting the community. Their leadership will guide the department’s strategic goals and day-to-day operations throughout 2025.

About Kendall Fire Department:

Founded in 1912, the Kendall Fire Department is a dedicated team of professional and volunteer firefighters who serve and protect the community of Kendall. The department responds to fire, medical emergencies, and other disasters, and works continuously to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.

Coming soon in 2025:

• Water Rescue Capabilities
• April – Easter Egg Hunt, Spring Raffle
• August – Gun Raffle
• November – Turkey Raffle

Orleans Hub tops 7 million pageviews in past year

The Orleans Hub topped 7 million pageviews for 2024. The 7,213,288 pageviews is down from the 8,198,018 in 2023.

We are aware the site has been slow in loading for several months and we are working to resolve the issue.

We remain the county’s leading source for local news, covering community events, sports, local governments, county court and other breaking news in Orleans County.

The top 10 most-viewed articles tend to be tragedies or crime-related. They are a small percentage of about 3,500 articles we post a year.

Here are the most-viewed article from 2024:

1. Kendall mourns loss of special education teacher

2. Former inn on 104 gets new life as Tavern on the Ridge

3. First responders work to recover body in canal in Murray

4. Man dies in fire in trailer at Oak Orchard Estates

5. Pickup truck pulled from canal in Medina; No sign of driver

6. 2 charged in death of Genesee sergeant at Batavia Downs

7. Driver of pickup truck that went into canal located, issued citations

8. Winter storm hits Orleans with whiteout driving conditions

9. Wrong-way driver charged in fatal accident on McNamar Road in Barre

10. Body of man, 39, recovered from canal in Hulberton

Two local state legislators and the union for corrections officers have condemned the beating of Robert Brooks by COs at the Marcy Correctional Facility on Oneida County.

Robert Brooks died on Dec.10 after a beating from corrections officers at Marcy while Brooks was handcuffed with his hands behind his back. Video shows Brooks shows officers pushing, kicking, grabbing and pulling Brooks by his neck.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“The incident at Marcy Correctional Facility was appalling and should not be tolerated. I’ve spoken with numerous correctional officers in our community over the last few days who are equally disgusted and outraged by this tragedy. These events do not represent the overwhelming majority of our hardworking, dedicated and professional corrections officers. Those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement:

“I am sickened by the brutal and senseless attack at Marcy Correctional Facility. The footage is absolutely appalling, and these violent actions cannot be tolerated. While this incident will understandably outrage New Yorkers, it’s important to recognize that this horrific event does not reflect the dedicated service of the countless correction officers who risk their lives every day to maintain order and safety in our prisons. Those responsible must be held fully accountable – there is no excuse for this behavior.

James Miller, director of public relations for the NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, issued this statement:

“NYSCOPBA’s Executive Board has reviewed the video footage released by the Attorney General regarding the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility.  What we have witnessed is reprehensible .

“It is clear to all of us that these actions are a disgrace to our profession and have put everyone inside our facilities at risk. As correction officers and sergeants, we have a duty to protect every person inside a correctional facility. At all times, we must be ready to stop those seeking to do harm, and that includes fellow staff.

“We, as an organization, stand in complete defiance of the callous disregard for the suffering that we have all witnessed on this video. NYSCOPBA will continue to fulfill its legal obligation to defend all members from all administrative charges, regardless of severity or public outcry. However, as more information becomes readily available, NYSCOPBA must continue to focus its efforts on advocating on behalf of those members who dutifully come to work every day and act with the professionalism and selflessness demanded of them.”

MEDINA – A major highlight of Orleans Community Health in 2024 was the announcement at Treasure Island in November of the creation of Medina Healthcare Center, a transformative outpatient facility set to open in the new year within Medina Memorial Hospital.

This new center is designed to address the critical healthcare needs of Orleans County residents, many of whom face significant challenges in accessing primary and specialized care locally, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.

Overall cost of the new facility is $1.9 million, of which $600,000 has already been raised. The Foundation has aggressively been pursuing federal funds and public and private grants. This is in addition to fundraising efforts soliciting donors and events, such as Treasure Island and the Gala.

The Medina Healthcare Center will be located in the former Behavioral Health and Comprehensive Medical Rehab wings of the hospital. That is in the southern and southwest area of the first floor, Robinson said. As part of the final project, the south parking lot will be repaved, a new entrance added to the south and an elevator installed.

The newly opened Ear, Nose and Throat Center is already part of the expansion and the project team has been meeting with primary care providers, Robinson said. Services, such as primary care, will also begin earlier than completion of the project.

“We’re going to do everything possible to bring services to the community, especially those they are already in need of,” Robinson said. “If an opportunity presents itself, we’ll do everything possible to make it happen now.”

The Medina Healthcare Center will offer a comprehensive range of services, starting with the launch of the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic which opened in November. Primary care services are slated to begin in the first part of 2025, addressing a pressing need in Orleans County, which currently has one of the worst primary care-to-patient ratios in New York state.

“Our community has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing healthcare access,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “The community’s continued support allows us to make meaningful strides toward making the Medina Healthcare Center a reality, bringing critical outpatient services right here in our community.”

The planned renovations include 13 state-of-the-art exam rooms, a dedicated procedure room and a consultation area, in addition to improved parking facilities, all aimed at providing efficient, patient-centered care in one accessible location.

As Orleans Community Health embarks on a capital campaign to fund this project, the initial steps are already underway. With continued community support, Orleans Community Health is working to expand primary care services as quickly as possible, ensuring timely access to essential care for Orleans County residents.

The Medina Healthcare Center represents a beacon of hope and programs, filling a crucial gap in outpatient healthcare services and reinforcing the hospital’s role as a cornerstone of community well-being.

Information provided by the hospital states, “This new state-of-the-art facility will transform outpatient care in Orleans County.”

Anyone who would like to help make this project a reality may contribute by logging on to Support the Medina Healthcare Center – Orleans Community Health.

ALBION – As 2024 comes to a close, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern’s director Jami Allport is reflecting on the impact they have made, with support from the community.

“This year, thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to provide services for 403 families and 1048 individuals,” Allport said. “In 2024, we have had many changes. We moved our office space in April (for which we are so happy and thankful), rebranded and relaunched our youth program, started our homeless outreach program and worked to increase our presence in the community.

“We have had some great times with our Mental Health Walk, the county-wide Recreation Day, pop-up play dates and parades. We loved being able to play games with kids and families before football games, and providing brand new school clothes for more than 80 children, Christmas gifts for more than 60 children and prom tickets for seniors. The outpouring of donations to help support our un-homed friends in the warming center has been nothing short of amazing. None of the would have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our community.”

As the agency looks to the future, key areas of focus for GOMOC are:

• The issue of homelessness, how it looks in our communities and how we can work together to begin to make a positive impact on this community.
• Providing long-term solutions to the people we serve. We do not want to just be a temporary “band aid,” but rather facilitate real change for the community.
• Continuing to partner with others in the community to identify gaps in care and work to fill those gaps.
• Providing much-needed support to the schools in Genesee and Orleans counties and to the youth they serve.
• Continuing to support the community members in need with rental assistance, furniture, prescription co-pays, personal care items, gas vouchers, bus passes and advocacy.

To their volunteers, donors, partners and supporters, Allport said their time, energy and contributions have made a real difference, and they are so grateful for each and every one of them.

“Your commitment has helped us create positive change, and for that, we are truly thankful,” Allport said. “As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for the work we will continue to do together. Our journey isn’t over – we can’t wait to see what we will achieve in the coming year.”

Allport concluded with a “thank you” to everyone for being part of their mission and pushing to make the community a better place.