Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

Terrian A. Huss

ALBION – This morning at 9:24, officers from the Albion Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at 217 South Main St. in the Village of Albion.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Terrian Huss, who remained at the scene. Huss, 34, advised officers that he had cut another individual during an altercation and stated that he no longer possessed the knife. Officers detained Huss while the circumstances of the incident were investigated.

The victim sustained a deep laceration to his chin measuring approximately two inches in length. Mercy EMS responded to the scene and evaluated the victim before he was transported for medical treatment.

During the investigation, Albion Police officers and deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office interviewed multiple witnesses who observed the incident. Officers also reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business, which allegedly showed Huss displaying a knife and advancing toward the victim. A copy of the surveillance video was obtained and secured as evidence.

The knife believed to have been used during the incident was recovered and logged into evidence.

At approximately 9:36 a.m., officers also determined that Huss had been involved in a separate larceny incident that occurred at a neighboring business approximately ten minutes prior to the assault. As a result of that investigation, Huss was additionally charged with Petit Larceny.

As a result of this investigation, Terrian Huss was arrested and charged with:

• Assault in the Second-Degree Class D Felony
• Menacing in the Second-Degree Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Endangerment in the Second-Degree Class A Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct violation

Huss currently is an Albion resident. He was transported to the Albion Police Department for processing and subsequently remanded to the Orleans County Jail pending arraignment.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Albion Police Department at 585-590-5627.

All charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

ALBION – Two people from Rochester pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday to felony drug charges.

Both have no prior criminal history.

Tamage Faison, 19, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree for having cocaine in Albion on March 4.

As part of a plea agreement, there are no sentencing promises. He could face a 1 to 2 ½ year sentence in state prison or the judge could sentence Faison to the county jail or probation.

Faison will be sentenced on Sept. 23.

Another Rochester resident, Malcolm Power, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Power, 21, was found passed out in a car in Medina on May 14 with drugs in his backpack, said Susan Howard, the Orleans County district attorney.

Power could get a split sentence on Sept. 23 with up to six months in jail and 5 years of probation.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Part of a big tree came crashing down in the Village of Albion this afternoon, knocking out power to the neighborhood.

This tree is at the corner of Liberty and West Park streets. National Grid, the Village DPW, Albion Joint Fire District and Albion Police Department were all on the scene.

National Grid reported the power went out in the village for 786 customers at 1:24 p.m. It is estimating the power will be back on at 5 p.m.

The Grid said 943 customers are currently without power in Orleans County.

A high wind warning remains in effect until 8 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandi Zavitz was at the Medina Dog Park on Wednesday evening, creating a new mural that will feature portraits of about 35 dogs.

The new mural will have a celestial theme and will include many dogs that will be painted with angel wings, to signify they have passed away, said artist Brandi Zavitz.

She painted a 32-foot-long mural last year that included 69 dogs, 3 cats and Orly the Ox (the county’s bicentennial mascot).

The requests kept coming to be included on the initial mural. The 35 dogs are mostly requests from 2025. Zavitz wanted to include them on the new mural.

Like last year’s mural, she will pet them with personality, showing them doing some of their favorite things. She expects there will be tennis balls, and squirrels to chase in the new mural that will be 8 feet high and 16 feet long.

There was an overwhelming response to the mural after it debuted last year. Many people were amazed how Zavitz painted dogs as superheroes with capes, or doing their favorite activities – carrying sticks, playing with balls, eating ice cream or watching a Bills game.

Zavitz enjoys painting on site and chatting with people and seeing their dogs scamper about the dog park, which is on North Gravel Road near Boxwood Cemetery.

Zavitz sketched out some of the dogs on the board for the mural. She expects to complete the project in mid to late July.

Bryan McDowell sent in this photo of a swan and baby swan that he took behind the Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.

A high wind warning is in effect for Orleans County and much of Western New York until 8 p.m. today. There will be southwest winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 mph expected.

“Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The fully leafed out trees will result in more tree damage than with similar wind speeds during the colder months of the year, the Weather Service said.

There is also a beach hazards statement in effect until Saturday morning. The Weather Service said strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected at the beaches in Niagara and Orleans counties.

The high temperatures in the forecast include 77 today, 75 on Friday, 74 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday.

Brandon Johnson brings back dance studio for 23^rd year

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandon Johnson, owner of the Dance Theater, is joined by Amazie Phillips in cutting the ribbon for Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts. It is located at 415 West Ave., Suite #4.

Johnson at age 19 opened Dance Theater and for 22 years the studio was on Main Street. He moved to Florida about a year ago and worked as a judge at dancing competitions. He is glad to be back in his home community working with local dance students.

Brandon Johnson welcomes people to the grand reopening celebration for Dance Theater. His staff of dance instructors includes Alaina Sproile, Makenzie McGrath, Lizzy Zacher and Carly Voelker.

McGrath was a student at Dance Theater for 13 years. She is currently studying music education at Nazareth University. She said the community will respond to having Dance Theater back. Dance Theater served about 120 students from ages 3 to 18.

“It’s good they have this opportunity back,” McGrath said. “Dance is good for the mind and body.”

She said Johnson is very organized, and is a skilled teacher who is very good a showmanship. Most of all, he creates a welcoming environment, McGrath said.

During an open house, kids were able to try an obstacle course on one side of Dance Theater.

The studio will be offering summer camps before the fall season kicks off. Johnson announced the recital theme for 2026-2027: “Gingham and Glitter, a Homecoming Country Celebration.”

Johnson has emailed and messaged many of the dance families that have been with Dance Theater. He is pleased so many have been enthusiastic about his return.

“Dance Theater has always been more than just a place to dance,” Johnson said. “It is a place where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, last friendships are formed, and creativity and performance come to life.”

Johnson said Dance Theater will provide a positive, welcoming and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.

The studio provides classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro and technique to dancers ages 3 to 18 years old.

Brandon Johnson meets with families during the grand opening celebration on Wednesday evening.

He said he enjoyed working as a judge at dance competitions for 18 weeks last year, but the experience confirmed his true calling in running his own studio and being a dance teacher.

“As a judge I offered critiques and corrections,” he said. “I loved it, but it reminded me my place is in a classroom where the kids can create dance.”

ALBION – Two people were sentenced in Orleans County Court today, and another person pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1,000 in merchandise from Wal-Mart.

Alexander Senko, 31, of Albion was sentenced to 10 years of probation and will be on the sex offender registry. Senko pleaded guilty on April 1 to third-degree rape. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl in 2023 when he was 29.

The victim of the crime spoke in court and said Senko manipulated her and sexually abused her.

“I lost my friends, my confidence and myself,” she said. “He twisted to my mind to think I was special.”

Senko apologized in court to the victim and her family.

“My lack of good, sound decision-making will forever haunt me,” he told County Court Judge Sanford Church.

The judge issued an order of protection for the victim for the next 10 years. Senko also will need to pay $1,425 in court fees and fines.

In another sentencing, Wilfred Barnes, 66, of Carlton was given five years of probation plus four months of weekends in jail for felony driving while intoxicated. He was stopped on Nov. 26 on Ridge Road in Gaines and registered a BAC of 0.12 percent, which is above the legal limit of 0.08. Barnes has a previous DWI in 2020.

Judge Church also revoked Barnes’s driver’s license for a year and will require an inter-lock ignition device that measures his BAC when he drives in the future.

In another case, Nevada Nichols, 31, of Batavia pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony.

She admitted to stealing $1,413 in merchandise from the Albion Wal-Mart, which is above the $1,000 threshold for fourth-degree grand larceny.

The charge could carry 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison, but Nichols could receive time in the county jail or probation when she is sentenced on Sept. 23.

In another case, the judge said he is considering revoking the probation for an Albion man and having him spend a year in the county jail.

Allan Bieber, 22, was sentenced in December to 10 years of probation for third-degree rape for having sex with a 15-year-old girl at St. Joseph’s Park on South Clinton Street on April 25. Bieber is a first-time offender.

He has missed many of his appointments for probation, sex offender counseling and mental health counseling. Those appointments are terms of his probation.

Judge Church will have Bieber appear in court on June 24 to decide if the probation will be revoked.

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been restored on Route 63 leading into the village.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – After several years of absence, the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been fully restored.

Several years ago, a severe winter storm accompanied by high winds destroyed the long-standing wooden signs that greeted visitors entering our community. Over time, the damaged signs fell into disrepair and were eventually removed.

Recognizing the importance of these landmarks, the Lyndonville Lions Club adopted the restoration of the signs as a community service project. The club launched a campaign to bring back these iconic symbols that proudly welcome residents and visitors alike to the small hamlet of Lyndonville.

Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and helped make the restoration of the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs a reality.

Sponsors of the Lyndonville Lions Club generously provided the funding necessary to complete the restoration project, with all donations earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction and installation of the signs. The restored signs proudly display the names of local civic organizations, religious institutions, and governing bodies that are an important part of the Village of Lyndonville community.

The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to extend a special thank you to Mayor John Belson, a

fellow Lions Club member, and the Village Department of Public Works for providing the hard work and dedication needed to erect the signs. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and equipment was instrumental in bringing this project to completion.

The Lions would also like to express their sincere appreciation to The Print Shop in Medina for their outstanding service and expeditious work in producing the individual organizational signs in time for the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual July 4th Celebration.

This restoration project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents work together for the betterment of Lyndonville.

The restored “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs once again stand as a source of community pride and a warm greeting to all who visit our village.

In other club news:

The Lyndonville Lions Club is pleased to announce that planning for its 52nd Annual July 4^th Celebration is well underway and the event will be moving forward as scheduled. Residents and visitors can expect additional details regarding the day-long celebration in upcoming Lions Club press releases.

The club would also like to highlight its long-standing commitment to supporting local students through higher education scholarships. The Lyndonville Lions Club sponsors two of the oldest continuously awarded scholarships presented to graduating seniors of Lyndonville Central School.

Since 1970, the club has awarded two $1,000 scholarships annually in memory of two individuals who were pillars of the Lyndonville community.

The Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Julius “Doc” Layer Memorial Scholarship recognize graduating seniors who exemplify the enduring qualities these two respected men embodied throughout their lives. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, humanitarian service, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The names of this year’s scholarship recipients will be announced during commencement ceremonies at Lyndonville High School. The Lyndonville Lions Club is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing and supporting young leaders who demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom.

MEDINA – The opening concert in this season’s Blue Thursdays series at State Street park in Medina has been cancelled due to the rough weather conditions forecast for tomorrow.

“After consultation with the band, local meteorologists and other factors, Blue Thursdays regrets that we must cancel Opening Night with the Dave Viterna Group,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “There are many moving parts to an outdoor event of this scale and after weighing all factors – wet conditions, high wind gusts, exposing instruments/equipment to the elements, lingering showers during set up and the gig, it was decided it would be best to cancel. We appreciate your understanding and support!”

The series will kick off next week  with the Growlers Blues Band and continues with Thursday evening concerts beginning at 6 p.m. until Aug. 6.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 2 a.m. tonight until 8 p.m. Thursday for Orleans County and most of Western New York.

There will be .south winds from 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected late tonight through Thursday morning, becoming  southwest during the day Thursday, the Weather Service said.

Climate Solutions Accelerator taking tiny home on 11-day tour of Rochester region to promote sustainability

Photos and information courtesy Climate Solutions Accelerator

ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting the Tiny “PowerHouse” on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tiny home is making a 11-day tour of the Rochester region.

Climate Solutions Accelerator is bringing the home to communities in the region, offering a free, hands-on opportunity to learn how energy works inside the home and explore practical ways to save energy, improve comfort, reduce waste, and prepare for cleaner energy choices.

The featured exhibit, the Tiny PowerHouse, is an interactive tiny home designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to make energy education easy to see and understand.

Visitors can step inside and explore common sources of energy loss, practical efficiency upgrades, and clean energy solutions that can support more comfortable, efficient, and energy-smart homes.

Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, DIY projects, and indoor air quality.

The Tiny PowerHouse Tour in Roc is designed for renters, homeowners, families, students, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and anyone interested in learning more about home energy use. Visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how homes lose energy, what improvements can make a difference, and what steps may help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces.

The exhibit is free to visit and will be available at locations throughout the Genesee-Finger Lakes region from June 16–26.

Tour Schedule:

• June 16: 12 to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 17: 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Sodus Farmers’ Market – 58 W Main St, Sodus, NY 14551
• June 18: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library – 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411
• June 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lyons Connections on the Canal – NY-14 & Empire State Trail, Lyons, NY 14489
• June 19: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Farmers’ Market – 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
• June 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broccolo’s Emissions Control Event – 2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
• June 22: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at MARC of Baden Senior Center – 86 Vienna St, Rochester, NY 14605
• June 23: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 24: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 25: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lockdown on Violence Event – Lewis St YMCA – 53 Lewis St, Rochester, NY 14605
• June 26: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center Open House – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

Location moved from DPW to County EMO on West County House Road

Photo by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at a household hazardous waste collection in Albion on Aug. 16, 2025. EEI employees are at the solvent station where oil, anti-freeze and solvents are collected. More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Office today announced that registration is now open for the county’s annual household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event, which will be held on Saturday, August 8.  The event is open to all Orleans County residents but you must register in advance.

Please note the event location has changed to the Orleans County Office of Emergency Management Complex located at 14064 West County House Road West in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. slot is reserved for tire collection only.

Mandatory registration can be done by calling the county Planning Office at 585-589-3198 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office.  “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.”

Winters said acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents,  batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, empty propane tanks, and new for 2026 tires consisting of Passenger, Commercial, Heavy Duty, Agriculture, and Tracks) (limit 10 passenger and 10 of the other types.)

Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical waste, and electronics.  If you have questions regarding a specific item, please call the Planning Office.

“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” said Winters.  “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Provided photos: Orly the Ox, the Orleans County mascot, went kayaking last year on the Oak Orchard Creek by the Medina waterfalls. Cyclists are shown riding on the Oatka Trail in Genesee County.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), in partnership with Orleans County Tourism and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, are excited to announce the start of the Genesee and Orleans Counties (GO) Adventure Challenge. This new program encourages people to be more active while exploring places across both counties.

The GO Adventure Challenge invites people of all ages to stay active by completing activities and visiting locations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to support healthier lifestyles, build stronger community connections, and highlight the many great places in our area.

“This challenge is a fun way for residents to focus on their health while discovering everything our communities have to offer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We are excited to see participants enjoy local parks, trails, businesses, and public spaces in new ways.”

Participants can join at their own pace and track their progress using an activity log. The challenge includes different levels:

• Level 1: Complete 135 hours of physical activity
• Level 2: Complete 135 hours of physical activity and visit at least five locations in each county

At the end of the challenge, participants will submit an attestation form to confirm they completed their chosen level. They will also choose whether they would like a patch or sticker to recognize their accomplishment.

“Collaborating with our neighboring counties allows us to better showcase the outdoor experiences available to both visitors and residents,” said Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director. “We’re excited for participants to explore, stay active and find new places to enjoy through the GO Adventure Challenge.”

“We are proud to partner on the GO Adventure Challenge to encourage people to get out and experience the great destinations, scenic views, and local spots throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Kelly Rapone, Genesee County tourism director.

The GO Adventure Challenge supports ongoing efforts to improve health, prevent illness, and build community connections in Genesee and Orleans Counties. It is also planned to be an annual program.

For more information, including participation materials and submission details, please visit https://www.orleanscountytourism.com/genesee-orleans-go-adventure-challenge.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the state’s enacted budget after updated financial documents revealed total spending is nearly $9 billion higher than the amount originally cited when the budget was approved. The increase pushes total state spending to $277 billion.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t accept this continued overspending of their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Hawley. “New York’s budget has nearly doubled in just 12 years and now exceeds the budgets of Texas and Florida, even though each of those states has a larger population than New York. The budget has also grown nearly $9 billion beyond what was originally presented to taxpayers, even after it was already passed as the largest in state history. Albany has to stop adding costs after the budget is set and start respecting what taxpayers can actually afford.”

Hawley believes these billion-dollar additions are just an example of how the budget process in New York needs serious repairs, especially at a time when residents are trying to save every dollar.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Author’s Note, a bookstore on Main Street in Medina, hosted a book talk from two graphic novel authors and illustrators on Tuesday evening.

Graphic novels are the fastest growing segment in market share and popularity among youth literature, said Julie Berry, owner of the bookstore.

Niki Smith is the creator of the book, “Midsummer Sisters.” She flew in from Munich, Germany to attend the book discussion. Smith also said she was visiting friends in Rochester.

Smith presents a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters, Berry said.

Smith also is the author and artist of The Deep & Dark Blue and The Golden Hour.

Katie Risor of Syracuse is author and illustrator of “Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.” The book is the sequel to Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party.

Risor, a Texas native, said her illustrations are inspired from her growing up years in Texas and also her more recent experiences in Syracuse and Upstate New York, especially the lakes, trees and state parks.

The Welcome to the Forest series includes endearing forest friends. Risor’s stories are a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.

Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note, welcomes the two authors and illustrators to the bookstore at 519 Main St. in Medina.

HOLLEY – Village of Holley residents elected Brenden Bedard and Rochelle Moroz to four-year terms as village trustees today.

Bedard received the most votes at 137, followed by Moroz at 102. Ron Vendetti was a close third at 93 votes.

Bedard works as assistant director for the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments. His father, Kevin Bedard, has previously served as a Holley village trustee.

Moroz was re-elected to another term. She has been on the board for nearly a decade.

She was the only candidate who waited outside the village office for the votes to be tallied. The results were announced at about 10 p.m., an hour after the polls closed.

“I like to represent the village,” Moroz said.

She takes frequent walks around the community, and enjoys hearing from residents.

She was pleased to see a good turnout today.

Rainey Losee, the Holley village clerk, also said it was a good showing from the village voters.

“I’m proud of our village residents coming out and having their voices be heard,” she said after the results were announced.

Bedard will replace Jim DeFilipps on the board. DeFillipps didn’t seek re-election after 10 years on the board.

The new terms will start on July 1.