The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstrom warning until 5:30 p.m. for Orleans County and northwestern Genesee County.

“Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Point Breeze to near Akron, moving east at 45 mph,” the Weather Service said.

The storm has 60 mph wind gusts. Locations impacted include Medina, Albion, Hamlin Beach State Park, Oakfield, Holley, Waterport, Lakeside Beach State Park, Point Breeze, Kent and Shelby.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for western Orleans County and Niagara County from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today. The warning also includes northwestern Genesee County and northeastern Erie County.

The storm could bring 60 mile per hour wind gusts. The Weather Service said to expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kurt Hobart of Medina sprays water from a fire hose with assistance from Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley this afternoon at Hoag Library.

Today was Fire Truck Day at the library and there was apparatus from the Albion Fire Department, Barre Volunteer Fire Company, Carlton Volunteer Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District, as well as an ambulance from Mercy Flight EMS.

Kara Bentley, a Barre firefighter, lets her daughter Adalynn, 3, sit in an Albion fire truck.

To see a schedule for the summer reading program at Hoag, click here.

Press Release, Albion Central School

Dylan Jay

ALBION – The Albion school district is pleased to introduce a new addition to its athletics program. Dylan Jay will assume the role of Athletic Trainer ahead of the fall 2026 season. He was appointed by the Albion Board of Education at the July 7 meeting.

Jay is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He joins Albion with plenty of high school level experience, previously serving as an athletic trainer for five years at Medina Central School and four years at Cheektowaga.

Jay grew up in East Aurora and earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport. Growing up, he played soccer, ran track at the collegiate level, and trained for the Winter Olympic sport of Skeleton post college.

He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the Albion community, building strong relationships and serving as a trusted confidant for athletes, parents and coaches. He is excited to support athletes in pursuit of their goals and hopes to help teams challenge league, section or state titles in the coming seasons.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Dylan aboard,” said Lauren Kinard, Albion athletic director. “He will be a great asset to our program and we are confident our athletes and coaches will benefit greatly from his expertise, presence and guidance.”

MEDINA – The organizers of the Blue Thursdays concert series have cancelled this evening’s concert due to the high possibility of thunderstorms this evening.

Miller and The Other Sinners, a nationally touring band from Buffalo, was scheduled to perform today at the pavilion at State Street Park.

The first three shows have now been cancelled due to weather. The Dave Viterna Group was scheduled to kick off the series on June 18 followed by the Growlers Blues Band on June 25.

The remaining schedule includes the Pat Harrington Trio on July 16, Eric Weinholtz Band on July 23, and Grosh on Aug. 6.

The concerts go from 6 to 8 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Parade, rides and lots of food will kick off event

Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids enjoy the Caterpillar coaster ride during last year’s Kendall Carnival.

KENDALL – The annual Kendall Fire Department Carnival returns for three days of fun beginning today.

The carnival grounds open at 5 p.m. with food, then 6 p.m. the amusement rides will be open. The parade starts at 7 p.m.

Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville is the ride provider for the second year, and will have 12 rides. This time Knox is bringing a Gondola Wheel instead of a Ferris Wheel. The Gondola can fit four people, compared to two on the Ferris Wheel.

Last year was the return of the carnival after the fire department had a field days event in 2024. Kendall was unable to secure a ride company until Knox’s stepped in last year.

The community responded with big attendance all three days, making it one of the best carnivals for the fire department, said Bryan Hardenbrook, one of the co-chairman for the carnival. Cole Hardenbrook, Bill Hardenbrook and Phil D’Agostino also are co-chairs for the event.

This year’s carnival also includes special events on Saturday for the 250^th anniversary celebration of the United States. The Town of Kendall has organized those events, which include displays of patriotic memorabilia. The town also took the lead on Saturday’s fireworks show, which will be bigger than in the past for the carnival.

The daily schedule includes:

Today

• Grand Parade, 7 p.m. (begins at Kendall Elementary School)
• Ride Special, 6-10 p.m.
• Live music by Chris Casale, 6-8 p.m.
• Live music by These Guys, beginning at 9 p.m.

Friday, July 10

• Annual Auction, 5 p.m.
• Ride Special, 6-10 p.m.
• Live music by Highway 31, beginning at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 11

• Kiddie Parade, 11 a.m.
• Cornhole Tournament, noon
• USA 250th Celebration, noon-4 p.m.
• Ride Special, 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.
• Live music by Tryst, beginning at 9 p.m.
• Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Some residents say their groundwater is in short supply and not healthy for drinking

Photos by Tom Rivers: Barre Town Supervisor Steve Coville said the current financial implications are far too high for the property owners in Water District No. 10 for the district to move forward.

BARRE – The Town Board is dissolving Water District No.10 after the costs for constructing the district more than doubled from when the district was initially formed in 2019.

The town has been unable to secure enough in grant funding to bring down the costs to an affordable level for the 37 chargeable units in the district, town officials said during a public hearing on Wednesday. Water District 10 covers 23,350 linear feet or about 4 1/2 miles on Angevine, McNamar and Transit roads.

The Town Board intends to look at a larger district, including other parts of town without public water access. That would give Barre a better chance at more grant funding to help pay for the project, said Town Supervisor Steve Coville.

The board held a public hearing on Wednesday about the district’s dissolution. Some residents said the annual debt service of approximately $3,133 was far too high.

But other residents said they are desperate with water wells that often run low or yield poor-quality water.

Richard Edman tells the Town Board he brought the first petition to town officials, trying to get public water for Water District 10. He is concerned the well water is putting many peoples’ health at risk.

Richard Edman of Transit Road said safe drinking water for residents should be  top priority. He worries the poor quality water is ruining peoples’ health.

Brandon and Liz Gurnsey of Angevine Road said their well has often run dry. They have two children under age 3. They said they want to stay in barre to raise their family, but the lack of public water access has been very challenging.

“You’re putting people in an impossible situation,” Mr. Gurnsey said.

Coville, the town supervisor, said the costs are too much for the 37 equivalent dwelling units in the district. When the district was formed in 2019, the construction costs was estimated at $1 1. million with annual debt payment for each EDU at $508.16 per unit, plus about $300 annually for water use with another $60 maintenance fee.

But the construction costs skyrocketed after the Covid pandemic in 2020 and the cost of materials and construction have continued to rise, Coville said.

The total cost of the district is now at $2.7 million. That puts the debt service over 38 years for each EDU at $3,133.80 annually, plus water costing at least $345 a year with the $60 maintenance fee.

“That is an astronomical cost,” one resident at the hearing. “We don’t support that.”

Barre was approved for $616,600 in grants when the project was closer to the $1.1 million cost. Barre has twice applied for $1,624,800 state grants through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program, but has been denied.

“We want to help,” Coville told about a dozen residents at Wednesday’s public hearing. “We’ve done everything we possibly could. The numbers are just too big.”

Town Board members Kirk Mathes, Wes Miller, Margaret Swan, David Allen and Town Supervisor Steve Coville voted unanimously to dissolve Water District 10 and will instead try a bigger district that they said would have a better chance for grants.

Town officials said they tried to partner with Clarendon for a joint project that would have covered Water District 10 and part of Clarendon, but the Monroe County Water Authority denied having MCWA water go into Barre. The MCWA provides water in Clarendon while the Village of Albion provides Barre with water. The MCWA avoids out-of-district connections.

The Gurnseys on Angevine Road wondered if the Town of Barre Highway Department could provide the labor and install the district. But Coville said the department has other duties including patching roads, and Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, said the department shouldn’t devote so much time to a water district, rather than a project benefitting the entire town.

The highway crew did put in a small waterline with hydrants on Eagle Harbor Road to close a dead-end main. Those materials were paid for with federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Those ARPA federal funds were awarded by the federal government. Brooks said highway departments in the county have done the smaller projects through ARPA, but the larger water districts are done by contractors through the public bidding process.

Coville said Barre will discuss options for a new water district with its engineer. He said the town has already spent $129,293 towards Water District 10. The engineering and some of that work can still be used as the town looks at a larger district.

“It’s not like we’ve been sitting back,” Councilman Kirk Mathes said. “There’s not enough houses to get the costs down.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club organized a ceremony on Saturday to honor Nehemiah Spalding on the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Spalding is a Revolutionary War solider buried at Lynhaven Cemetery.

Pictured from left include Scott Goetze and John Follman of the American Legion, Lyndonville Lions Club President David Godfrey and Mike Fiegl.

Mr. Spalding volunteered in a militia in the Albany area for the Revolutionary War. He fought in multiple British scrimmages in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions.

Further records show his cooperation in several of the major Revolutionary War battles including the Battle of Oriskany, The Battle of Klock’s Field and the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.

Scott A. Goetze, a member of the American Legion in Lyndonville, presents a flag to descendants of Nehemiah Spalding. His family also was recognized as grand marshals of the Fourth of July parade.

Peter Wybron and his sister Nancy Gerhardt are 4th generation grandchildren of Spalding, and they live in Western New York. Other Spalding descendants also attended the ceremony which including a wreath-laying at Spalding’s grave.

Spalding’s family received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

American Legion members Scott Goetze, left, and John Follman fold an American flag that was presented to Nehemiah Spalding’s family.

Members of the American Legion served as the Honor Guard and did a 21-gun salute. Matthew Heinsler played Taps.

The Gates Pipe and Drum Band performed “Amazing Grace” at the end of a ceremony honoring Nehemiah Spalding.

MEDINA – A new event to promote family fun and healthy experiences, sponsored by Orleans Community Health, is scheduled to begin July 10.

OCH is excited to introduce Family Fun Fridays, a new summer series designed to bring families together through fun, active and educational experiences, while connecting with local organizations and health resources.

These free events, held every other week throughout the summer, will encourage children and families to stay active, learn healthy habits and discover programs and services available throughout Orleans County. Family Fun Fridays are part of Orleans Community Health’s ongoing Healthy Communities initiative, which focuses on prevention, education and community connection, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at OCH.

The program will take place in Medina and Lyndonville, with Medina events in the park located south of Medina Memorial Hospital, and the Lyndonville event in the pavilion at Yates Town Park.

Following is the schedule for Family Fun Fridays:

July 10 – Family Field Day (Medina)

In partnership with the YMCA, families will enjoy an afternoon of games, relay races, outdoor activities and friendly competition designed to keep children active, while having fun.

July 24 – Children’s Yoga (Medina)

Presented by Hometown Wellness, this event will introduce children to yoga through engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote movement, mindfulness, relaxation and overall wellness.

Aug. 7 – Family Fun Friday (Town of Yates Pavilion, Lyndonville)

Families from across the region are invited to enjoy activities, games and opportunities to connect with local organizations serving children and families.

Aug. 21 – Family Fun Friday Finale (Medina)

The series will conclude with another afternoon of family-friendly activities, community engagement and health and wellness resources.

Each event will feature interactive activities for children, along with information from community organizations that provide programs and services benefiting local families. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn about healthcare, wellness, education, recreation and other community resources available throughout Orleans County, Robinson explained.

“Family Fun Fridays are about creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together, while promoting healthy lifestyles and introducing them to the many organizations which help make our community stronger,” Robinson added. “We hope these events become a fun summer tradition that encourages families to stay active, build connections and discover resources that support their health and well-being.”

Community organizations and Orleans Community Health departments interested in hosting an informational table or providing a family-friendly activity are encouraged to participate.

In addition to Family Fun Fridays, Orleans Community Health is currently planning a Children’s Wellness Fair in Albion, further expanding opportunities for children and families to access health education, wellness resources and community support.

Family Fun Fridays are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Robinson at srobinson@medinamemorial.org or by phone at (585) 798-2000.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Several students from Orleans County are among the 267 who made the President’s List at Genesee Community College. Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The students from Orleans County include:

• Olivia Eaton of Medina
• Riezel Carino of Medina
• Leah Knab of Albion
• Sophia Albanese of Albion
• Ethan Hofmann of Albion
• Leanne Hofmann of Albion
• Rowan Hofmann of Albion
• Cheryl Root of Albion
• Lauren Rissew of Albion
• Alexander Zaczek of Albion
• Ashton Drought of Holley
• Khawla Saleh of Holley
• Joshua Bovenzi of Holley
• Emma Brady of Holley
• Taylor Frasier of Kent
• Keenan Washington of Kent

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.

MEDINA – A trio of scholar podcasters will present a new book on the History of Spiritualism in Lily Dale at Author’s Note in Medina and Woodward Memorial Library in Leroy.

Sarah Handley-Cousins, Elizabeth Garner Masarik and Marissa C. Rhodes visited Woodward Memorial Library at 6 p.m. July 6 and will be at Author’s Note today at 6:30 p.m. They will join in conversation to discuss and sign their most recent title, Spiritualism’s Place: Reformers, Seekers and Seances in Lily Dale. The book showcases their research on the world’s oldest and largest center for spiritualism.

Coming together from three separate states, the authors will delve into the intimate history of Lily Dale, located in Western New York and the birthplace of Spiritualism. It was also a hub in the development of women’s suffrage and temperance movements. Lily Dale is still the world’s largest community devoted to Spiritualism, the belief that existence continues after death, and that interaction with these spirits is possible.

The authors use those sites and themes to approach Lily Dale, not as debunkers, but as inquisitive researchers and storytellers, according to Julie Berry, a New York Times Best-selling author and owner of Author’s Note. At the same time, they also reflect on their own relationships, contending that it’s never quite possible to separate grief, hope, faith and friendship from understandings of the past.

The book is co-authored by Handley-Cousins, Masarik, Rhodes and another scholar and fellow podcaster, Averill Earls, who could not be at the event. The three who will be present will discuss their work, answer questions and sign books. The event today at Author’s Note is free and open to the public.

Averill Earls is associate professor of history at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. She is author of Love in the Lav and executive producer of “Dig: A History Podcast.”

Sarah Handley-Cousins is associate teaching professor of history at the University of Buffalo, and author of Bodies in Blue, executive editor of Nursing Clio and producer of ”Dig: A History Podcast.”

Elizabeth Garner-Masanik is associate professor of history at Brockport State College, author of The Sentimental State and producer of “Dig: A History Podcast.”

Marissa C. Rhodes is assistant professor of history at Saint Leo University in Florida. She is former managing director of A Journal of the Plague Year and producer of “Dig: A History Podcast.”

For more information, contact Author’s Note at (585) 798-3642.

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – The Class of 2026 tosses their caps after commencement on June 26.

There are 42 members of the Lyndonville Class of 2026, including Elena Barry, Alexandria Carvalho, Annalee Clark, Sebastian Clark, Irene Daniels, Emily Dill, Benjamin Doolan, Taleana Farrell, Austin Fonda, Jonathan Frasier, Zachary Freas, James Giarla, Jr.

Isabella Groves, Julius Heideman, Mathias Hoefer, Justin Holmes, Molly Ingersoll, Barbara Jary, Ayden Kepner, Ethan Ladd, Shyann Little, Emily Miner, McKinley Price, Lilly Raduns, Jamie Reynolds, Jillian Robertson

Brooke Robinson, Anthony Roman, Jr., Greyson Romano, Raul Sanchez Morales, William Schening, Andrew Schlegel, Colton Smith, Savannah Spoth, Lilly Temich, Rylan Townsend, Bryant Watson, Emma Wisniewski, Camdeon Wittcop-Howes and Nathan Woodworth.

Valedictorian Elena Barry, left, and Salutatorian Brooke Robinson both gave speeches during commencement.

Nathan Woodworth accepts his diploma and is congratulated by Dr. Patrick Whipple, the Board of Education president.

Lyndonville graduating seniors sing during the commencement program at the school auditorium.

Austin Fonda receives the first Mark D. Hughes Memorial Scholarship. He is congratulated by Shane Price, a teacher and former baseball coach at Lyndonville who worked and coached with Hughes for many years. The Mark D. Hughes Memorial Scholarship awards $2,000 to an individual that honors the legacy of a beloved educator, coach, and community pillar who spent over 52 years uplifting the students of the Lyndonville Central School District. Hughes passed away at age 75 on June 4, 2025.

Class of 2026 Awards & Scholarships

• Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarship: Colton Smith
• F. Edward (Ted) Powley Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Colton Smith
• Fred Large Memorial Scholarship: Greyson Romano & Rylan Townsend
• Harvey E. Anderson Section V Scholarship: Colton Smith
• Jones Family Memorial Scholarship: Austin Fonda
• Keith N. Bane Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Jonathan Frasier & Zachary Freas
• Louise Sidari Felso Scholarship: Lilly Raduns
• Lyndonville Teacher’s Association Scholarship: Emily Dill
• Lyndonville United Methodist Church Daniel Irwin Memorial Scholarship: Molly Ingersoll
• Medina Area Association of Churches Scholarship: Brooke Robinson
• New York Credit Union Association Scholarship: Colton Smith
• New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association Scholarship: Elena Barry
• New York State Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen’s Award: Colton Smith
• New York State Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship: Colton Smith
• New York State Series Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Elena Barry, Emly Miner & Rylan Townsend
• Niagara University Presidential Scholarship: Emily Dill
• Ontario Shores FCU Scholarship: Colton Smith
• Orleans County Farm Bureau Scholarship: Nathan Woodworth
• Patricia Bane-Blanchard Memorial Scholarship: Shyann Little
• St. Bonaventure University Friars Scholarship: Benjamin Doolan
• Scott Scharlau Memorial Award: Nathan Woodworth
• Steven Broadwell Memorial Award: Justin Holmes
• SUNY Geneseo Presidential Scholarship: McKinley Price
• Towpath Lodge #1193 Free and Accepted Masons Architecture and Geometry Award: James Giarla, Jr. & McKinley Price
• Trevor T. Cook Memorial Scholarship: Elisabeth Ingersoll, Emma Freas & Anastasia Hess
• U Connect Care Scholarship: Colton Smith
• Virgil Bogue-Catherine Flanagan Scholarship: Jamie Reynolds
• William Merritt Carpenter III Scholarship: Elena Barry

Lyndonville Area Foundation Scholarships

• Directors’ Scholarship: Emily Miner
• Foundations Choice Scholarship: Savannah Spoth & Emily Dill
• Frank B. Housel Jr. Scholarship: Benjamin Doolan, Isabella Grove & Colton Smith
• Josie Gracey Memorial Scholarship: Rylan Townsend
• Keegan S. Bayne Memorial Scholarship: Jonathan Frasier & Zachary Freas
• Mabel I. Stroyan Scholarship: Brooke Robinson
• Mark D. Hughes Memorial Scholarship: Austin Fonda
• Skinner-Wilson Scholarship: Elena Barry
• Trevor T. Cook Memorial Scholarship: Molly Ingersoll, McKinley Price, Lilly Raduns & Greyson Romano
• Lyndonville Employees Association Skilled/Service Trade Scholarship: Justin Holmes & Barbara Jary

Lyndonville Lions Club Scholarships

• Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship: Emily Miner
• Dr. Julius Layer Memorial Scholarship: Lilly Raduns

David Cook, president of the Lyndonville Area Foundation, presents a scholarship to Ben Doolan.

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Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has introduced the Combating Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies (CANADA) Act, legislation directing the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory restrictions on the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages through provincial liquor boards.

The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the investigation within 30 days of enactment to determine whether the Canadian provinces’ actions are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Nearly all of Canada’s provincial liquor boards have prohibited or restricted the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages, harming U.S. producers and limiting their access to an important export market.

The CANADA Act builds on comments from U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who stated that resolving the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory treatment of American alcohol producers would likely require an enforcement action.

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Ambassador Greer noted that only two countries had retaliated economically against the United States over the past year: the People’s Republic of China and Canada. The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with affected manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and federal agencies throughout the investigation while providing regular reports to Congress on the status of the enforcement effort.

“Canadian provinces cannot be allowed to hold American wineries, breweries, and distilleries hostage and attempt to ransom them,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “American wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other beverage producers deserve fair access to Canadian markets, not discriminatory treatment from one of our closest trading partners. Nearly all of Canada’s provincial liquor boards have unfairly targeted U.S. producers and harmed hardworking American businesses due to unrelated policy issues. Beyond the harm they’ve caused to American businesses, these prohibitions are an active impediment to a productive and smooth USMCA renegotiation process. Given that the Canadian provinces have refused to act in a constructive manner, I introduced the CANADA Act to ensure the United States takes the necessary steps to hold Canada accountable until the provinces decide to drop their unjustifiable import bans. America must always stand up for our producers, our workers, and fair trade.”

This legislation is also supported by the Wine Institute, American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), and Wine America.

“For too long, America’s craft distillers have been caught in the middle of a trade dispute that has nothing to do with them. We appreciate Congresswoman Tenney’s leadership in bringing renewed attention to the discriminatory treatment of U.S. craft spirits in Canada and hope this legislation encourages serious negotiations that restore fair market access for American producers.” – ACSA CEO Emily Pennington

“WineAmerica greatly appreciates Congresswoman Tenney’s steadfast support of the American wine industry,” said Executive Director Michael Kaiser. “Losing the Canadian market for our products has hurt wineries from Willamette Valley in Oregon to the Finger Lakes in New York. The CANADA Act is a good step to re-opening that market to American wines.”