Posted 20 March 2025 at 5:53 pm
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of NY
ROCHESTER – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tonya D’Agostino, 53, of Farmington, who pleaded guilty to HIPAA: unlawfully obtaining/disclosing individually identifying health information, was sentenced to serve one year probation by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. D’Agostino was also ordered to pay $13,410.42 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on March 23, 2023, D’Agostino mailed a USPS Priority Mail parcel to an individual in Medina, NY, which contained individually identifiable health information of four individuals.
D’Agostino did not have authorization to obtain or disclose the individually identifiable health information. She did this in an attempt to obtain $216,000 from the individual who received the parcel.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Naomi Gruchacz.
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By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2025 at 1:47 pm
BARRE/SHELBY – The Orleans Economic Development Agency held public hearings in Shelby on Tuesday and Barre on Wednesday for the tax incentives being offered Hemlock Ridge Solar/AES for its $400 million solar project that would be 82 percent in Barre and 18 percent in Shelby.
The company is slated to receive $6,230,000 in tax abatements in year one. AES won’t have to pay $4,930,000 in sales tax or $1.3 million in the mortgage tax. It also will be exempted from $63,583 in the local property tax.
Instead, the company will begin paying local governments nearly $40 million in a host community agreement over the next 30 years. The agreement starts with $900,000 the first year, which is $4,500 per megawatt in a 200 MW project. The amounts then increase 2 percent annually over 30 years.
Map from AES: The 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby would be along Crane, Townline and Burns roads near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The Orleans EDA also will be paid a 1.25 percent administration fee on a $400 million project or $4,519,804 with $750,000 upon execution of the project assistance agreement (within 30 days of the EDA board’s approval of the project) and then another $3,769,804 at the close of financing.
The agreement includes the following payments over 30 years to these taxing jurisdictions:
- The Town of Barre will receive $14,007,929 over 30 years for an annual average of $466,931, ranging from $295,200 in year 1 to $646,077 in year 30.
- The Town of Shelby will be paid $3,074,911 over 30 years for an annual average of $102,497, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
- Orleans County will be paid $7,923,242 over 30 years for an annual average of $264,108, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
- Albion Central School will be paid $10,407,330 over 30 years for an annual average of $346,911, ranging from $256,540 in year 1 to $455,575 in year 30.
- Oakfield-Alabama Central School will be paid $1,213,558 over 30 years for an annual average of $40,452, ranging from $29,914 in year 1 to $$53,123 in year 30.
- Medina Central School will be paid $2,363,633 over 30 years for an annual average of $78,754, ranging from $58,239 in year 1 to $103,423 in year 30.
AES also will pay $100,000 a year for 10 years to National Grid to help lower local electricity bills. That will be for $1 million total over 10 years.
As a percentage of the funds for the taxing jurisdictions, Barre will receive 35.9 percent, Shelby at 7.9 percent, Orleans County at 20.3 percent, Albion Central School at 26.7 percent, Medina Central School at 6.1 percent, and Oakfield-Alabama Central School at 3.1 percent.
The total community payments include $39,989,603 over 30 years with $38,989,603 to taxing jurisdictions and $1 million to National Grid.
The EDA board of directors is scheduled to vote at 8 a.m. on Monday on the tax incentive plan.
Kirk Mathes, a member of the Barre Town Board, speaks at Wednesday’s hearing in Barre, which was only attended by a few people. Steve Harling of the Planning Board is at left. Mathes said the Orleans Economic Development Agency should have better advertised the hearing. The EDA said the notices were on the EDA website and the agency met its legal requirements by posting in the official town newspaper, The Daily News of Batavia. The Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver don’t meet the requirement because they aren’t printed periodicals with paid subscriptions.
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By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2025 at 9:21 am
Orleans EDA offering $454K in incentives for project
Photo by Tom Rivers: Helena Agri-Enterprises will be expanding at 3956 Allis Rd. in Ridgeway. The company built its facility in 2017 to serve the local agricultural community.
RIDGEWAY – A business serving local farmers will be expanding on Allis Road in Ridgeway.
Helena Agri-Enterprises expects to break ground this spring on a new facility for blending and storing fertilizer. Helena estimates the new complex will be complete Dec. 31, 2026.
The new 15,000-square-foot facility will give Helena more capacity to serve farm operations of all sizes, especially the larger ones in planting season where there is often a small weather window to get fertilizer in the ground.
“This will eliminate bottlenecks,” said John Ivison, Helena branch manager.
Helena has been operating in Orleans County for about 22 years, first in Albion before building the new complex in Ridgeway in 2017.
The new building will have storage for 4,000 tons of product. That is enough plant food and fertilizer for about 30,000 acres.
The Orleans Economic Development Agency held a public hearing on Wednesday for financial incentives for the estimated $4,275,000 project.
The EDA is proposing $454,663 in incentives over 10 years while Helena pays $158,288 to local governments in a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes).
The company would get a sales tax exemption, saving Helena $261,200 or 8 percent on $3,265,000. It will get a sliding scale tax abatement over 10 years, with $35,175 exempted the first year and then 10 percent added over 10 years. Those exemption will save the company $193,463 in property taxes on the new facility over the decade.
Helena employs 15 people in Ridgeway and will add two full-time positions in the first year, and then a third position in year three with the average salaries at $55,000, according to its filing with the Orleans EDA.
Helena officials said the incentives will help mitigate the higher labor and energy costs in New York. Scott Gilliam, division manager for Helena, in a letter to the EDA board said the company’s labor costs are 20 percent higher in New York, and its energy expenses 15 percent more compared to the average in other states.
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Posted 20 March 2025 at 8:26 am
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Did you know that the only way to know if a child has been poisoned is to get them tested? There are often no clear signs or symptoms of lead poisoning. This is why testing children for lead is so important.
Lead is a metal that is harmful to our bodies and can cause serious health issues. “Children under 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County. “The health effects of lead poisoning are permanent and can affect a child into adulthood.”
Childhood lead poisoning can harm the brain and nervous system leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, organ damage, and at very high levels can be fatal.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be offering free finger-prick lead testing at the following immunization clinics this year.
Orleans County, 14016 Route 31 West, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411
- Tuesday, April 15
- Tuesday, June 17
Genesee County Health Department at 3837 West Main Street Rd., Batavia, NY 14020
- Wednesday, June 11
- Wednesday, July 9
All clinics are between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Testing is available for children ages 1-6. Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Please make an appointment by calling your local health department:
- Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
- Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
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By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2025 at 10:28 pm
Visitors will be allowed to meet with incarcerated people in the state prisons this weekend, the first time since thousands of corrections officers went on strike about a month ago. The strike lasted about three weeks.
There are 42 state prisons and all will allow visitors this weekend, except for Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone, Franklin County.
The visitations will resume for weekends only, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced today.
“The length of visits may be capped due to the volume of visitors expected,” DOCCS stated.
At the Albion Correctional Facility, visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the latest arrival time at 2 p.m.
At the Orleans Correctional Facility, the visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with the latest arrival at 2 p.m.
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Posted 19 March 2025 at 4:04 pm
Among the proposals includes exempting tips and overtime from state taxes
Press Release, NYS Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt
Photo courtesy of Rob Ortt’s office: State Sen. Rob Ortt speaks at a press conference today with his Republican colleagues on the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany.
ALBANY – In the wake of a staggering $259 billion budget proposal passed by Senate Democrats last week, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference today called for the inclusion of several pieces of legislation in the enacted budget that would provide relief and help ease the affordability crisis being faced by New Yorkers.
These bills, part of the Senate Republican Conferences “Liberate New York,” 2025 Legislative Agenda– are aimed at helping families and businesses who are struggling under high taxes and skyrocketing costs on everything from utilities to housing.
“The Senate Republican Conference understands that we can’t make New York more affordable by continuing to increase spending and taxes the way our colleagues across the aisle are doing – it’s unsustainable,” Ortt said. “In contrast, our plan looks to cut taxes for individuals and businesses, lower utility rates, and help New Yorkers keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets. We can’t spend our way to affordability, so it’s our hope that our colleagues will join us in these real actions that will have real results.”
A key component of the Senate Republican agenda is legislation that will help make New York more affordable by allowing hardworking New Yorkers to keep more of their own money in their own pockets. Included in the affordability agenda highlighted today are bills that would:
• S.587 (Martins) – Exempts state taxes from cash tips.
• S.850 (Helming) – Establishes the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act.
• S.1031 (Rolison) – Directs the Public Service Commission and the Comptroller to determine the cost of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates for each ratepayer and to establish a credit for ratepayers and businesses to cover those costs.
• S.1487 (O’Mara) – Providing a $464 million tax cut to support small businesses by raising the corporate tax threshold from $390,000 to $500,000 and lowering the rate to 2.5%; expanding the small business exemption to all PIT businesses, regardless of whether they have employees and increasing the threshold to $500,000, raising the exemption to 15%, and setting the exemption at 20% for farmers.
• S.3914 (Martins) – Exempts state taxes from overtime compensation.
• S.4487 (Ashby) – Supplementing the State’s existing child tax credit by providing a $1,000 “baby bonus” refundable tax credit for all parents of newborns.
• S.1559 (Palumbo) – Enacting the “Affordable New York Act,” which is designed to lower the tax burden on individuals in New York State. Specifically, this legislation doubles the current School Tax Relief (STAR) exemption and lowers the income tax rate on middle-income taxpayers by 2%.
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Posted 19 March 2025 at 1:41 pm
Press Release, Master Gardeners of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans Community Seed Share (OCSS), a program of the Master Gardeners at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be hosting their first annual Seed Swap this Saturday, March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The OCSS is a new project for Master Gardeners, spearheaded by Master Gardener Julia Bender. In addition to the Seed Swap this Saturday, the project includes a monthly education series dedicated to all topics in growing and saving seeds as well as the seed library housed in the Orleans County CCE office building. Learn more about the project at the Orleans County CCE website (click here).
An example of some of the donated seed packets that will be available at the Seed Swap Saturday.
The Seed Swap this Saturday will be an informal way for community members in Orleans County to share their own seeds as well as take some new-to-them seeds home. The Swap is open to anyone, but in the true spirit of a “swap,” Master Gardeners request that if people are planning to take seeds home, they should try to bring some seeds to donate in exchange.
“I think the Seed Swap this Saturday is more about community – connecting in real time with your neighbors and friends, discussing different plants and what and how you like to garden,” explained Julia Bender, a Master Gardener volunteer, who was asked why people might choose to come to the Seed Swap instead of just utilizing the Seed Share library on their own time, “It’s also an opportunity to chat with Master Gardeners, learn more about the classes we offer, ask questions, etc.”
Donated seeds can include hand harvested seeds from residents’ own gardens or purchased seed that they are not planning to use. There is no charge for the Seed Swap, and it is an open event- people can come and go at any time within the 1-4pm timeframe.
“The Seed Swap is about sharing the heritage of our community’s gardens and taking home the promise of tomorrow’s harvest,” summarized Bender, who started the project in memory of her mother, Sally Bender.
This first Seed Swap will be held this Saturday, March 22 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. in the “Buzz Hill” Education Center at the Orleans County CCE Office. Please contact Katie Oakes, Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator, at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265, ext. 125 with any questions.
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Posted 19 March 2025 at 1:26 pm
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, alongside Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7), introduced the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act to ensure that rural and remote communities maintain access to critical emergency services.
This legislation aims to provide adequate Medicare reimbursement for emergency service providers, helping them hire and retain EMT staff and modernize their equipment to continue delivering lifesaving care.
“Access to emergency services is critical in rural areas across the country, including NY-24, which spans 14 counties,” Tenney said. “However, lifesaving ambulance transports are often costly, placing a burden on patients and providers alike. The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act will help reduce these costs while ensuring that emergency care providers can continue delivering vital medical services to rural communities nationwide.”
Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Carol Miller (WV-1), Cliff Bentz (OR-2), Mike Carey (OH-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Marie Gluesenkemp-Perez (WA-3).
“When medical emergencies happen, we should feel confident that our first responders have the resources they need to deliver life-saving care,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “Unfortunately, inadequate Medicare reimbursement rates are putting a strain on ambulance service providers in the most vulnerable communities. The problem is particularly severe for rural communities like the ones I represent. This bill would adjust Medicare reimbursement practices so that vital ambulance services are available and accessible to all Americans.”
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Staff Reports Posted 19 March 2025 at 11:44 am
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has $2,500 available for a scholarship for either one Medina senior or it will be shared with two recipients at $1,250 each.
The award is based on a combination of academic achievements, community service, and work within the community. Conor Crandall was the recipient of the 2024 scholarship.
The club in 2022 boosted the scholarship amount from $500 to $2,500. The deadline to apply is June 30. The award of the scholarship(s) will be determined shortly thereafter.
Completed applications can be submitted via email to: medinanyrotary@gmail.com or by dropping off in person at Rotary Club of Medina, c/o Jennifer Hill at Art Hill Excavating, 4040 Bates Rd., Medina, NY 14103. Click here to see the application.
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Posted 19 March 2025 at 11:10 am
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – Are you 50 years or older and have a history of smoking for 20+ years? Don’t miss this opportunity for a life-saving lung cancer screening close to home.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is bringing their Early Detection Driven to You (EDDY) mobile screening unit to Orleans County. Screenings will take place on March 25, 26 and 27 at Albion Probation Department (456 West Avenue, Albion, NY 14411).
To find out if you are eligible, visit Roswellpark.org/Eddy or call 1-800-ROSWELL (767-9355).
If you can’t attend but are interested in lung cancer screening, contact Medina Memorial Hospital at (585) 798-8054 for more information on their services.
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By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2025 at 9:07 am
12 Canadian companies have sites in Orleans County
Photo by Tom Rivers: Michael Dobell, Orleans EDA chief executive officer, chats with John Misiti, the EDA board chairman, after Friday’s board meeting.
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency said it has heard from several of its manufacturers that they are concerned about tariffs, especially between the United States and Canada.
For some companies, the tariffs will significantly increase their operating costs because they use materials, including steel, from Canada. The Trump administration has imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum from Canada.
Canada responded with a retaliatory 25 percent tariffs on $30 billion worth of imported U.S. goods, including orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics and certain pulp and paper products. Canadians are also boycotting many American products and canceling travel plans to the US.
The EDA facilitated one phone call between a local manufacturer and a representative from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s Office, to share the negative impacts of the tariffs on the American business.
“We want to be responsive to our businesses,” said Gabrielle Barone, vice president of development for the EDA. “This is one way we can do it.”
Barone told the EDA board during its meeting on Friday that Canadian manufacturers have 12 sites in Orleans County. The EDA will continue to market Orleans County to Canada as a great location to operate on the other side of the border.
One company from Canada, BOMET Recovery, has an electronics recycling operation in Albion and has plans to build a new facility in Medina.
But Barone said the businesses are likely to hold off any big investments during a trade war.
“I think they are being extremely cautious,” she said.
John Misiti, the EDA board chairman, acknowledged many of the manufacturers in Orleans County are concerned about the tariffs. He is hopeful there won’t be more escalation of tariffs. More could be coming on April 2.
“Hopefully the bark is worse than the bite,” Misiti said about the impact. “It’s is creating uncertainty.”
Michael Dobell, the EDA chief executive officer, said he hears from local manufacturers and economic development officials in the state that there is worry over the tariffs, leading to higher operating costs.
“The ongoing theme among local manufacturers and across New York State is concern,” Dobell said.
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By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2025 at 10:25 pm
James White
LYNDONVILLE/MEDINA – Voters went to the polls in two villages in Orleans County today.
Lyndonville elected a write-in candidate, James White, over Steven Colon, who was on the ballot for a two-year trustee term.
White, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, received 53 of the 78 votes cast. Colon received 19, followed by 2 for Thomas Goetze, and 1 each for James Smith, Valerie Wells and Dennis Seekins.
White will fill a vacancy on the board created when Terry Stinson stepped down as trustee in August.
White’s term starts on April 1.
James “Scott” Bieliski, left, and Jess Marciano
Medina had two positions up for election but only James “Scott” Bieliski turned in enough petitions to be on the ballot. He was elected today with 201 votes.
The other two-year trustee position was determined by write-in ballots. Jess Marciano, an incumbent with nearly four years on the Village Board, was elected with 90 write-in votes, followed by 30 for Mike Maak. Others received one or two votes, said Judy Szulis, chairwoman of the election inspectors.
“I am very excited to serve the people,” said Bieliski, co-owner of a communications services business for hospitals and the healthcare system.
The trustees will be faced with putting together the village’s 2025-26 budget by the end of April. Bieliski said he is eager to get to work and join the board when the term starts April 1.
“I’ve already gone over the village budgets,” he said. “I have a good overview of where we’re at.”
Marciano didn’t circulate petitions to run for trustee. She instead was considering going for the Ridgeway Town Board. But she said she is happy to have two more years as a village trustee.
“I’m incredibly excited for the next two years,” she said.
Marciano won’t be pursuing the Ridgeway position this upcoming election “because that would be a disservice to the 90 people who voted for me today.”
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