By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2025 at 10:12 pm
Provided photos
PEMBROKE – Keeler Construction in Barre had a crew paving in Pembroke today and the group proudly displayed an American flag in honor of the victims from the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks 24 years earlier.
Terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people after hijacking four planes and crashing two in the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, DC and one at a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.
Keeler was out paving Route 77 in Pembroke. Driving the paver is Jason Bessel and standing on the back are Justin Windnagle and Ron Croft.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 September 2025 at 8:18 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) World-renown Jack the Ripper researcher Michael L. Hawley and author Julie Berry hold copies of their books prior to the launch celebration Monday night of Berry’s latest novel, If Looks Could Kill. At right is Valerie Fleshauer, a former student of Hawley’s, who introduced him to Julie and her husband Phil. Hawley opened the evening with a short talk on his research of Jack the Ripper suspect Francis Tumblety. (Right) Berry and Hawley share a hug after their presentations at the launch party Monday night for Berry’s newest novel which was influenced by Hawley’s research.
MEDINA – Julie Berry’s launch of her latest book If Looks Could Kill brought out a crowd of more than 100 people on Monday to Author’s Note, the bookstore she owns at 519 Main St.
“Such a tremendous show of support from Medina and the surrounding communities, and from faithful friends of the bookstore,” Berry said. “The most amazing things at Author’s Note are the people who work here and the people who come here.”
She thanked the book club members who are so vital to the store’s support, and gave special thanks to her team, including Olivia Marchese and Erica Caldwell who worked tirelessly to create beautiful, festive and meaningful decorations to set a celebratory tone.
A New York Times’ Best-Selling author, Berry got the idea for her latest book while remodeling the book store after she had bought it.
“I started thinking about murder and exploring a murder story and violence against women,” Berry said. “It is shocking the percentage of women who will experience violence in their lives.”
Then she started thinking, “What if women had the ability to pay back men who hurt them?” That thought resulted in a Medusa image. Medusa is described as “representing a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.” Her famous feature is her hair of snakes.
“In the myth, Medusa had no power to control her power,” Berry said. “I wanted a Medusa for the 21st century, who could control her power – could turn it on or off and manipulate the extent of its effects. I went into this book wanting female revenge. But I don’t believe in discriminate or over-reaching justice. I believe everybody deserves the opportunity to heal, learn and change, but if I was going to move this story forward with the vengeance I still wanted, I needed a very bad villain.”
She picked lower Manhattan as the scene for her newest endeavor, and there was Jack the Ripper, she said.
“I was angry and Jack the Ripper was just what I needed for my book about where to find peace, hope and trust, especially in the darkest of times,” Berry said.
Author and Jack the Ripper researcher Michael T. Hawley gives a slide presentation on why he believes Francis Tumblety, who is buried in Rochester, was Jack the Ripper.
Then, through Lindy Hop dancing with her husband Phil, she met Valerie Fleschauer, a scientist at the University of Rochester’s laser lab, who had been a student of Jack the Ripper researcher Michael L. Hawley. Fleschauer connected Berry with Hawley, who is an expert on Jack the Ripper, and in particular, the suspect Francis Tumblety.
Hawley has appeared on the Travel Channel, Ghost Hunter and History Channel, among others. He said every claim that Tumblety could not be Jack the Ripper has been debunked. We don’t know if he was the Ripper, but Hawley believes the objections raised against him don’t stand up to the facts.
“To my mind, there is no reason to think Tumblety, who is buried in Rochester, could not be Jack the Ripper,” he said.
In concluding, Berry said Medusa is a power women can use and turn on and off.
“That is the power I want people to feel when they read this book,” she said. “Find your inner monster and ‘Medusify.’ Confidence makes a difference. Insisting you are going to be heard makes a difference.”
Scott Robinson and his wife Alix Gilman were among those who attended the launch.
“The launch of Julie Berry’s If Looks Could Kill at Author’s Note was a reminder of what makes Medina and Western New York so special,” Alix said. “Julie is an intoxicating trifecta of intelligence, talent and wit – but most of all, her heart and sense of justice and unparalleled. Events like this celebrate the incredible depth of talent and knowledge we have right here in our community, and the magic of gathering together to honor it.”
“This event was just the boost of faith, confidence and adrenaline I needed to take this tour nationwide,” Berry said. “That was Medina’s gift to me, and I’m grateful.”
Berry is now travelling on a 29-stop nationwide tour of her book. Click here for more on her book and the tour.
Photo courtesy of Orleans County: Officials from 18 counties gathered for a group photo after being recognized by New York State Association of Counties for money management. Jack Welch, the Orleans County chief administrative officer, is shown in back row, third from right.
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
Orleans County was recognized at this week’s New York State Association of Counties Fall Seminar, held in Niagara Falls, with “cashVest 90+” Award.
This award is given to counties that receive a score of 90 or better for four consecutive quarters on several money management benchmarks. The honor recognizes counties that have taken proactive steps to maximize the value of every public dollar, strategically investing funds to generate new income and help ease the burden on property taxpayers.
“This award is really a testament to the hard work of County Administrator Jack Welch and Treasurer Kim DeFrank to mitigate risk while maximizing return on investment of public dollars that help fund county services,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson. “At a time when every level of government is faced with tight budgets, their sound fiscal leadership and ability to maximize revenue streams outside of tax dollars is more important now than ever.”
Orleans County was one of 18 counties across the state to receive the honor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2025 at 12:08 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Doris Heydel holds a French frappe coffee at the Serenity Vitality Café, which she opened last week at 438 West Ave.
Heydel also is owner of Serenity Spa & Holistic Center. She opened that business in June 2023. She offers numerous services at the site, from massage, anti-aging treatments with facials and skin care, pain treatments, reflexology, meditation, yoga and holistic life coaching.
The new café fits in with her mission at the spa and holistic center. She wants to help people lead healthier lives.
“Health is 80 percent of what we eat,” she said. “We wanted to bring healthy choices.”
Doris Heydel is shown at the café which has plenty of space for people to relax. The café has a room available for meetings and small parties.
The new café offers smoothie bowls, toasts, smoothies, grab-and-go items (including gluten-free options), healthy soda and health shots.
Heydel’s husband Lionel is a chef and he said soups, including a daily vegan option, should be added soon to the menu.
The café is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 on Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Wednesday.
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning celebrated a grand opening Serenity Vitality Café. From left include Allison Barkowski from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office, Chamber director Darlene Hartway, Doris and Lionel Heydel, Chamber social media director Courtney Henderson, and David Gagne, board president for the Chamber.
Hartway praised Doris Heydel for adding the café to the site, which already has a very popular spa and other holistic health services.
“It’s great to have more healthy options for the community,” Hartway said about the café. “It fits well with her business. It’s wonderful to have this option.”
Doris Heydel accepts a citation from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for opening the new café. She was presented the certificate from Allison Barkowski, operations and outreach director for Tenney.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2025 at 8:59 am
ALBION – A Lyndonville man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday to felony aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Jason Dusett, 50, is being held in the county jail for a parole violation. In January 2019 he was sentenced to four years in state prison for first- and second-degree sexual abuse.
In the DWI charge, he was stopped on June 12 and a state trooper recorded Dusett’s Blood Alcohol Content at 0.19 percent, more than double the legal limit. Dusett has a previous DWI in Victor in 2018.
He pleaded guilty in County Court on Wednesday and faces up to 6 months in the county jail when he is sentenced on Nov. 12.
In another case in county court on Wednesday:
Richard Kress, 37, of Albion pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree and faces a maximum 1 to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 19.
Kress and a co-defendant, Daniel Fritz III of Clarendon, are accused of taking a safe from a Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside. There will be a restitution hearing. District Attorney Susan Howard is seeking $5,000 in restitution for the victim of the crime.
Fritz has pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree and could be sentenced to up to 2 to 4 years in state prison.
In cases in court last week, Joseph Reamer, 53, of Medina was arraigned on first-degree rape, forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree. He posted a bail bond for $20,000.
Charles Santiago, 37, of Albion also pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for having a loaded Taurus handgun on April 13 without a permit.
Santiago faces a split sentence of up to 6 months in the county jail and five years of probation when he is sentenced on Nov. 19.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2025 at 8:22 am
Photos courtesy of Melissa Ierlan
CARLTON – A historical marker highlighting the “Ancient Mound” built by the Algonkian Indians in Carlton has been refurbished with fresh paint.
Dave and Dar Krull are shown with the marker at their home on Oak Orchard River Road. They are with niece Kailah, and great-nieces Sidney, Shelby and Rylee Ierlan.
Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon recently stripped the marker down and repainted it. The marker notes Algonkian Indians built this Ancient Mound in the second period or Polished Stone Age. It was excavated in 1932-’33 by Charles Wyman Palmer. The marker was installed by State Education Department in 1932.
Located on Oak Orchard River Road about 1 ½ miles west of The Bridges. It’s at the south end of a long private driveway and not visible from the road.
Ierlan has refurbished about 40 historical markers in recent years.
These photos show some of the marker’s transformation before it received its final coat of blue and yellow paint.
Image courtesy of GO Art! – Bryan White created this sculpture of an owl.
BATAVIA – GO ART! is thrilled to announce an open call for submissions for the upcoming Art of the Rural exhibition, celebrating the creativity and perspectives of rural life.
This juried exhibition will take place at GO ART! Seymour Place, located at 201 E Main St., Batavia, from Oct. 8 to Nov. 29. The opening reception will take place on Oct. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., at which time cash prizes will be awarded to selected artists.
Eligibility: This exhibition is open to all artists. All submitted works must be original and created by the submitting artist. Previous submissions are not permitted. All media are accepted, but works must not exceed 26” x 30” in size. (Very limited space for sculptures, call for info.)
Theme: The theme of the exhibition is Art of the Rural, inviting artists to explore and express the essence of rural life through their creations.
Submission Details: Artists may drop off their works at GO ART! between Oct. 1-4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All entries must be accompanied by a completed submission form and the required fees.
GO ART! members may submit up to 5 works for $30.
Non members may submit up to 3 works for $30, with an additional $5 fee for each extra work (maximum of 5 works).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2025 at 1:21 pm
Board needs to tackle budget, expects to appoint acting town supervisor next week
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Shelby Town Board met on Tuesday for the first time since July 8. Pictured from left include new town councilman John Misiti, town attorney Kathleen Bennett, and board members Linda Limina and Ed Zelazny.
SHELBY – For the first time in about two months, the Shelby Town Board was able to convene and hold a meeting on Tuesday.
The board wasn’t able to function after three of the five members resigned in mid-July, leaving the board without a quorum to conduct business.
John Misiti takes his spot on the Town Board. He was appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sept. 5 and gives the Town Board a needed third member to conduct town business and hold a board meeting.
It took a special appointment by Gov. Kathy Hochul to fill a seat and give the board a needed third member to vote to pay bills and tend to other town business.
The governor appointed John Misiti, a retired sales manager who also is chairman of the board for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
Misiti, in his comments at the meeting on Tuesday, said he wants to put aside any in-fighting at town hall, and focus on the town’s finances while ensuring there isn’t a hostile work environment for the board members and employees.
“We’ve been in a state of paralysis here since essentially July 15,” Misiti said. “The acrimoniousness has to end.”
The board was unable to function following the resignations of Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz and board members Jeff Schiffer and Stephen Seitz Sr., who was also the deputy town supervisor. (The Town Board on Tuesday voted to accept those resignations. The board also approved a resolution to change the locks on the town supervisor’s office.)
Misiti joins Linda Limina and Ed Zelazny on the board. They said they would pick an acting town supervisor at their meeting on Sept.16, and that person wouldn’t be one of the current board members.
An acting supervisor is needed to certify the town’s budget for 2026, a document that needs to be finalized by Nov. 20.
The board met for 56 minutes on Tuesday, and there wasn’t a cross word exchanged the whole time. Residents commented they appreciated a shorter meeting focused on the issues facing the town.
John Parada spoke at the meeting and he said most of the previous board meetings often stretched past two hours.
About 40 people attended the Town Board meeting on Tuesday. The meeting ended after 56 minutes, far shorter than many of the meetings so far this year that often topped 2 hours.
Besides appointing an acting town supervisor on Sept. 16, the board also will work on the town budget for 2026.
Misiti said the board needs to get a handle on the town finances.
“The financial standing is the first priority to make sure we have money to finish the year out,” he said.
Town Justice Ed Grabowski thanked Misiti for agreeing to be on the board until Dec. 31 to allow town business to move forward.
Garbowski also shared with the board that Shelby has armed security officers for court nights. Three of those officers will be getting recertified next week for firearms.
The town pays the COPS security firm $56 per hour for security for a minimum of a four-hour shift plus mileage for the security officers.
Mark Wambach, left, and John Pratt III speak during Tuesday’s meeting. The two will face each other during the Nov. 4 election to fill one of the vacancies on the Town Board.
Wambach is backed by the Conservative Party while Pratt has the Republican line. The winner will get the final two years of Jeff Schiffer’s term.
Wambach asked the board if it would be presenting a list of priorities. Misiti responded that the finances are the immediate concern, and also accepting new flood maps for the town that were prepared by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). The board needs to finalize those so people in town are eligible for flood insurance.
The town will have a hearing on the flood maps at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16.
Pratt thanked the three current board members for their willingness to serve the town.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2025 at 10:04 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Trey Lewis, a development manager with the Broadway Group in Huntsville, Ala., speaks during a public hearing Tuesday about the company’s request for a variance for parking at a proposed new store in Albion. Behind him are members of the Albion Zoning Board of Appeals, from left: Jeannette Riley, Tony Wynn, Chairman Craig Tuohey and Trellis Pore.
ALBION – The Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a proposed Dollar General that would allow the company to have fewer parking spaces require din the village code.
The Broadway Group wants to build a new 10,640-square-foot Dollar General across from the high school. The building would be required to have at least 53 parking spaces as a retail business.
Broadway is proposing to have 35, which the company said is more than enough parking and would also allow for more green space on the site.
The village code requires one parking spot for every 200 square feet of building space.
The ZBA held a public hearing about the variance request on Tuesday afternoon. Many of the speakers said they didn’t think a Dollar General across from the school was a good fit. They also questioned if there was enough room on the lot for tractor trailers to make deliveries and then turnaround without backing out onto Route 31.
Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said the Zoning Board of Appeals was only dealing with the variance request for parking. The Village Planning Board will consider the traffic flow issues and truck turnaround as part of the site plan.
Now that the variance has been approved, the Broadway Group can work on detailed drawings for the site plan. That plan could be before the Village Planning Board in October or November.
Fred Piano and his wife Annette live two houses from the proposed location for the Dollar General. They questioned if there is enough space on the lot for tractor trailers to safely turn in and out of the site. Mrs. Piano also said the 4 p.m. public hearing wasn’t an ideal time to have a meeting for public input.
She said the variance sets a precedent for other projects where developers could seek a reduction in parking.
Trey Lewis, a development manager for the Broadway Group, said the state Department of Transportation has approved similar size driveways for Dollar General stores in New York, including some that are smaller than the proposed 36-foot-wide driveway for the Albion store.
The company works with Fagan Engineers in Elmira on many of its New York projects. Brian Grose from Fagan was on the phone for the hearing and noted the DOT approval for similar Dollar General stores. He said the site is big enough to accommodate tractor trailers in turning around on site.
Lewis said there would typically be two deliveries a week to the store.
The Broadway Group wants to knock down this building at 327 East Ave. and build a new 10,640-square-foot Dollar General across from the high school.
Mike Neidert, the Albion highway superintendent and a resident of East Avenue, urged the Broadway Group to consider another site in the village, rather than across from the school.
“Although it’s zoned commercial, this is a more neighborhood setting,” he said. “It might be zoned for it, but I don’t think it’s a good fit for it. The location isn’t the best.”
He suggested the other end of the village where there already are many retail businesses.
Putting a store across from the school spreads out the business district, encroaching on homes, he said.
“We’re losing our village to businesses that have more money than we do,” he said.
He noted Crosby’s knocked down a house recently next to its store at the intersection of routes 98 and 31, saying it would be used to add parking.
Another East Avenue resident, Jan Erakare, also questioned whether the site for a new Dollar General was a good fit for the community. He said there are already similar-type stores in Albion, but at least those are farther away from the school campus.
“It’s very dangerous to put these in front of a school,” he said.
Jason Dragon, an East Avenue resident, said the Dollar General will introduce more traffic delays on an already busy stretch. Allowing the variance for reduced parking will stay with the site long term, and there could be a different use at the site in the future.
“You should stick to the codes because future uses may very well need those parking spaces,” he said.
Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said the village’s requirement of one space every 200 square feet may be too onerous. He would like the village to evaluate that threshold as part of a review of its comprehensive plan.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for the 2025 First-Generation College Celebration initiative.
GCC is the only school in New York State to receive this national recognition. The grant, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, will enable GCC to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community.
“First-generation students embody determination, resilience, and the courage to pursue new paths for themselves and their families,” said Christina Mortellaro, director of the TRIO Adult Educational Opportunity Center at GCC. “This grant allows us to celebrate their accomplishments while expanding the support and resources they need to succeed, both in college and beyond.”
The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on November 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. By receiving this grant, GCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like GCC to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”
Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments: “We are thrilled to partner with GCC and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We’re especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities.”
Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.
GCC will host its First-Generation College Celebration on Wednesday, November 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. The event, presented in the style of a resource carnival, will be open to the public. Additional details will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information about GCC’s initiatives for first-generation college students, please contact Christina Mortellaro, director of the TRIO Adult Educational Opportunity Center at csmortellaro@genesee.edu or by calling 585-343-0055 x6491.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2025 at 1:12 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – A garage was destroyed by a fast-moving fire late Tuesday night at 2806 Lattin Rd. in Gaines.
The fire melted some siding and the soffits on the house next to the garage, but the house was spared from serious damage.
There were no injuries to the three people and their two dogs at the house.
The fire badly damaged a pickup truck and also melted part of the front of a SUV.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 11:42 p.m. Firefighters from Albion, Carlton, Medina and Murray responded as well as Orleans County Emergency Management and fire investigators.
