By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2026 at 3:22 pm
Wood fired pizza mobile business will continue
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Alexander family completed a busy day Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate, the last one at 165 Platt St. for Dubby’s.
Brian and Rebecca Alexander opened the business about 5 ½ years ago. They said lease and building issues forced them to close Dubby’s Tailgate but they are hopeful Dubby’s Tailgate will be back at another location in the future.
“This is a bump in the road and not a dead end,” Brian said on Saturday night.
The top photo includes Brian and Rebecca and their five children as well as employee Madison Muckle at far right. Pictured from left include Brian, Maxine, Rebecca, Barrett, Abby, Michael, Lily Strickland and Madison Muckle. The Alexanders employed about 10 people at Dubby’s outside of their family over the years.
Dubby’s operated out of a 10,000-square-foot warehouse that proved a great venue for cornhole tournaments, parties, benefits, and other special events, including a wine-tasting after party with musicians for the Albion Merchants Association, Orleans County’s Family Game Night and the Home and garden Show for the Chamber of Commerce.
Rebecca Alexander cooked out of a wood-fired oven on Saturday. Her husband Brian and their daughter Abby also are shown in the busy kitchen. Abby said she racked up 18,000 steps by the end of evening.
Dubby’s will continue the wood-fired pizza mobile business that started about eight years ago. This Friday they will be at the Red Rocks Ponds RV Resort on Canal Road in Holley.
The Alexanders said they appreciated the strong community support for Dubby’s Tailgate, which featured the restaurant and many tailgate games, including cornhole, pool, “Fowling” a combination of football and bowling, Skeeball, darts and other activities.
The Alexanders said they are proud the concept as an “eater-tainment” business worked. They made many friends and were pleased to see the many benefits raise money for people in a health crisis.
Brian and Rebecca Alexander are shown by a Dubby’s Tailgate mural inside the warehouse that offered many games for people to have fun. Dubby’s hosted popular cornhole leagues and tournaments. Some of those tournaments had 100 teams, and brought in professional players.
Debbie Prest helped put on some of the benefits, and has been a loyal customer from day one at Dubby’s Tailgate. One of the benefits was in her honor after she was diagnosed with cancer.
“They have definitely contributed to the community and to everybody,” Prest said on Saturday at a counter inside Dubby’s.
She praised the Alexanders for not charging a rental fee to host the benefits, and they welcomed outside groups to cook chicken barbecues on site as additional fundraisers for the beneficiaries of the benefits even though Dubby’s didn’t get any direct revenue from the chicken barbecues.
Dubby’s also had plenty of space to put baskets up for raffle. Some of the benefits had well over 100 baskets and other larger items.
Prest said she admires how the family with five children works well together.
There were more than 150 baskets up for raffle on July 20, 2025 during a benefit at Dubby’s for Debbie Prest. Dubby’s hosted many benefits and community events in the past five years.
Tina and Jeremy Neal often would dine out at Dubby’s, meeting there for dinner after her Friday shift at Ace Hardware. Their late son Byron loved the cheese pizza at Dubby’s. His parents would often order that pizza in his honor.
“We adore these people,” Tina said about the Alexanders. “They are lovely people.”
On Saturday, Tina ordered pizza logs while Jeremy had an Uncle Tony pizza with meatballs and creamy garlic drizzle.
Mike Beach has been the cornhole league coordinator the past five years. Dubby’s proved a great venue for the league and tournaments. Albion is located between Rochester and Buffalo and the tournaments drew players from both metro areas.
Dubby’s also had space for 14 boards to be played at once. Most other tournament sites have space for 5 to 8 boards. Dubby’s also has the restaurant and bar on site, where many locations might just offer pizza slices and hot dogs.
“People love it here,” Beach said on Saturday after a final cornhole tournament. “It had the best of everything.”
He was happy to coordinate the league and tournaments, pleased to see people socializing in Albion.
“Here you had a place to hang out,” he said. “There was nothing like it. We’ve met so many people and had so much fun here the past five years.”
Brian and Rebecca said they want to recreate Dubby’s Tailgate at another location. They learned some lessons with the Platt Street location, and they know the business model works.
“We’re not going out because we weren’t unsuccessful,” Rebecca said. “We were just hitting our groove.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2026 at 8:55 am
This photo of the sunrise this morning was taking at Glenwood Lake in Medina by Kimberly Stawicki.
It’s going to be a sunny week in Orleans County. The forecast shows lots of sunshine.
Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 72, followed by a sunny Monday with a high near 69, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
Tuesday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 73, and then a sunny Wednesday with a high near 76.
The Weather Service said Thursday also will be sunny with a high of 81, followed by a partly sunny Friday with a high near 82, and a partly sunny Saturday with a chance of showers and a high near 80.
Robyn Ottaviano took this photo of the a nearly full Blue Moon on Saturday night in Medina.
Bob Barrett encountered a newborn deer in the weeds on the edge of his yard in Clarendon on May 28. “So cute,” he said. “Look but don’t touch… mama will be back!”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 May 2026 at 8:27 am
Provided photos: Kim Gray, left, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, is shown with the nominees for this year’s DAISY Award. They are Pamela Washak, Carol Martucci (winner), Karina Rotoli and Amy Strickland.
MEDINA – For the third year, Orleans Community Health has participated in the DAISY Award program, recognizing two nurses whose compassion, professionalism and dedication have made a lasting impact on patients and families throughout the organization.
The internationally-recognized DAISY Award program honors extraordinary nurses for the clinical skill and compassionate care they provide every day, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing.
Jennifer Adams, one of the recipients of the DAISY Award at Medina Memorial Hospital, poses with Kim Gray, chief nursing officer, after the awards ceremony last week.
This year’s award recipients are Emergency Room nurse Jennifer Adams and nursing supervisor Carol Martucci.
“The partnership with the DAISY Foundation underscores our commitment to acknowledging the exceptional work of our nurses who make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families every day,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are excited to join hands with the DAISY Foundation to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.”
In addition to Adams and Martucci, this year’s nominations included Danielle Gullo, Leann Balcerzak, Jill Kotzbach, Karina Rotoli, Lisa McQueen, Amy Strickland and Pamela Washak.
One nomination for Adams highlighted the comfort and reassurance she provided during a patient’s care experience.
“What stood out most was how she guided my care so seamlessly,” the nomination stated. “She anticipated my needs, ensured my comfort, and consistently checked in on my pain and anxiety. Nothing ever felt chaotic or uncertain because she created an environment of reassurance and compassion. It was clear she was not just performing tasks – she was caring for me as a whole person.”
A nomination for Martucci recognized her compassion and professionalism during a stressful medical situation.
“She compassionately explained my situation and reassured me I would be in good hands and all would be well,” the nomination read. “When I got to Unity, the ER doctors there looked over my chart and records and said, ‘Well, we really don’t have any further tests to do. Medina did everything.’ This brought a smile to my face and pride for my hometown hospital.”
Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Burns, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. “DAISY” stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.
The DAISY Award is presented through nominations submitted by patients, families and co-workers who wish to recognize nurses for the outstanding care they provide. Orleans Community Health congratulates all of this year’s nominees and thanks its nursing staff for their continued dedication to serving the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2026 at 6:43 pm
Logan Kast led the project for Eagle Scout rank
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Logan Kast, a Boy Scout in Troop 164 in Albion, led scouts today in putting a garden in behind UConnectCare’s residence for 25 women on Butts Road.
Logan, a junior in high school, has been in scouts since first grade. He worked to put in the garden for his Eagle Scout project.
He said he hopes the garden is therapeutic for the residents.
He has completed all of his merit badges and the project will fulfill the requirements to earn scouting’s highest honor.
Logan will follow his brother Tyler and father John as Eagle Scouts.
Jax Gotte works on the garden with other scouts. Other scouts who helped today, besides Logan Kast and Jax Gotte, include Stryker Braley, Leo Gotte, Jack Breuilly, Peter Stritzinger, Sebastian Stritzinger and Colton Durow, as well as scout leaders Jeff Braley and Ben Metcalf.
Logan Kast works on the garden with the other scouts. Logan appreciated local donations to the project, including brown mulch and gravel from Art Hill Construction, pavers from Kast Farms, flowers from Roberts Farm Markets and Kirby’s Farm Market, and a bench from Kathy Kast.
Logan said he plans to attend Texas A&M after he graduates from Albion to pursue range land management and wildlife biology. His brother Tyler and sister Sierra graduated from Texas A&M.
Logan said he is grateful through the opportunities through Boy Scouts.
“I love helping my community, being outdoors and being around nature,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2026 at 8:41 am
LYNDONVILLE – The school district is doing a budget revote on June 16, and the budget is the same as the one that was rejected on May 19 with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The Lyndonville Board of Education has held two budget meetings since the vote and the board opted to keep the budget unchanged in the revote.
The budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase is already below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.
The $19,194,000 budget would increase spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy would increase from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
The spending increase is largely driven by a capital project with state aid covering most of the expense.
The budget is voted down again Lyndonville would have to adopt a contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, in a message to the community acknowledged community feedback, including residents who raised concerns about rising taxes and cost of living.
Lyon said the district considered further lowering the levy and using more reserves to lower the property tax.
“After reviewing multiple options, the Board determined that the original proposal best balances: support for students, the district’s future financial health, and limiting the impact on taxpayers as much as possible,” she wrote to the community.
If the budget is voted down, Lyndonville would have to go to a contingency budget, which Lyon said would put significant restrictions on spending and future planning.
Those reductions could affect student programs, athletics, music, extracurricular opportunities, equipment replacement, and other student services, she said.
“These consequences are set by New York State law and would not be a local Board decision,” Lyon said.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has requested a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for counties in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Central New York, Southern Tier and the Western New York regions.
Following an early bloom due to warmer than normal temperatures, frost conditions in April 2026 significantly impacted many fruit operations, including apple, stone fruit, grape and strawberry growers. To date, producers that reported in these regions have experienced an estimated loss of more than $30 million. A Disaster Designation would allow affected farmers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans. The request was made to the USDA on May 20.
“New York’s growers are second to none and many have taken a significant hit, with some reporting upwards of a 100 percent loss of their crop and millions in economic loss,” Governor Hochul said. “This hardship follows a trend we are becoming all too familiar with — temperature swings that are indicative of our changing climate. This time, our fruit growers are taking the brunt of frost conditions that damaged already blooming buds and shoots.
“I urge the USDA to take swift action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward,” Hochul said. “I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York fruit.”
New York is a major specialty crop state. The apple, grape and stone fruit industries represent an important and large component of New York’s agricultural economy. New York ranks second in the country for apple production and third for grapes, for example. The apple industry alone generates $574 million in economic impact. These crops also play an important role in wholesale markets as well as retail and direct pick-your own sales.
Freezing temperatures that dipped below 23 degrees significantly damaged the primary and secondary fruiting buds and shoots of fruit crops, including apples, grapes, stone fruit — peaches, plums, cherries — pears and strawberries across the regions, particularly those in higher elevation, following warmer than average temperatures that brought many crops to bud early. In addition, early vegetable crops like onions sustained damages.
Damage varies from county to county and a survey conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that many growers are facing a wide range in losses — anywhere from 15 percent to 100 percent, with an estimated economic loss of more than $30 million to date.
A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Farmers are the backbone of New York’s economy, but as climate change worsens, extreme weather events are becoming more common and are wreaking havoc on growers across the state. These frost events are devastating for New York’s specialty crop and fruit sector, and a secretarial disaster designation would help ensure that impacted growers have the resources they need to recover. I urge USDA Secretary Rollins to swiftly consider and approve New York’s request in order to bring relief to farmers across New York.”
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), today sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul opposing a provision in New York’s Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The provision prevents sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies from partnering with federal authorities to identify, detain, and process illegal aliens who pose threats to public safety. New York included the prohibition as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget signed into law this week.
In her letter, Tenney argued that cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement is critical to protecting communities and warned that banning 287(g) agreements further entrenches New York’s sanctuary state policies while limiting the tools available to local law enforcement.
“Cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By prohibiting local law enforcement from participating in the 287(g) program, Albany is preventing sheriffs and local agencies from utilizing federal resources that are necessary to protect their communities. New Yorkers deserve policies that prioritize public safety and support law enforcement, not policies that limit their ability to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”
Provided photos: (Left) Master Food Preserver Eileen Sorochty shows how to measure headspace during last year’s Master Food Preserver Training. (Right) Master Food Preserver Albie Suozzi demonstrates how to use a jar lifter to remove processed jam from an electric water bath canner.
Press Release, Orleans County CCE Master Food Preservers
ALBION – Orleans County CCE Master Food Preservers are excited to offer two youth canning classes this summer.
The first class will be a Jam Making session offered on Saturday, June 13th, from 1-4 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of water bath canning and then use hands-on techniques to make their own strawberry jam. Youth attending the June Jam Making class can enter their jams as exhibits in the Orleans County 4-H Fair, July 27-August 1.
The second class will be a “Canning 101” class on Tuesday, August 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. Students will be given an overview of various canning techniques and have the opportunity to make their own quick pickles to take home. Both classes will be taught by Master Food Preserver Volunteers Albie Suozzi and Eileen Sorochty.
“I learned to process food at home at a very young age, and I see a need in the community for young people to acquire skills that their parents may not have necessarily learned,” said Eileen Sorochty. “We’re lucky to live in such an agriculturally-rich area where we can have fresh fruits and vegetables at the peak of the season.”
The youth canning classes are offered at a discounted rate of $5 per person. Attendees must be aged 8 or older, enrolled in 4-H (they can be enrolled the day of the class for an additional $5) and must be accompanied by an adult.
“I started cooking and baking with my mom around age 8,” said Albie Suozzi, “I think the interest is there and it’s a great time to get started!”
“Offering a workshop for youth that includes an adult caregiver has the potential to create a life-long shared interest between the two,” Sorochty chimed in. “I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my daughter when she was young and it’s still a hobby that we continue to bond over today.”
Details on all classes can be found at the Orleans CCE website Events page (click here). Pre-registration is required for all classes – spots are limited. To register or for more details, please contact the Orleans CCE Master Food Preserver coordinator Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265 ext. 125.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 May 2026 at 2:53 pm
Dawn Hollenbeck has started chemo for lymphoma
Provided photos
ALBION – Members of the Albion senior class had their “prank” on Thursday, but didn’t get into any mischief. Instead seniors stopped teachers and other visitors and asked for donations to park in the school lots.
The top photo shows one of their signs, and seniors Gideon Pask and Neveya Barnes.
The fundraiser took in $1,125.80 for the family of Dawn Hollenbeck, a mother of 14 who has been diagnosed with large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, stage 3. One of her children is Victoria Hollenbeck, an Albion senior. Mrs. Hollenbeck also has 11 grandchildren.
This group of seniors includes, from left: Victoria Hollenbeck, Abby Kincaid, Julia Button and Aubrey Gannon.
Dawn Hollenbeck started chemotherapy treatments last week. She and her husband Brian are long-time Albion residents.
Dawn worked for many years at Burger King and most recently at Taco Bell.
Her husband is disabled. He previously owned a pest extermination business.
The students were praised for rallying around the mother of a classmate.
There is a GoFundMe set up for the Hollenbeck family and additional fundraisers are being planned.
Hanna Kumalac, left, and Nisi Beltran Roblero helped with the fundraiser on Thursday.
Law enforcement banned from wearing masks; ICE kept from ‘sensitive locations’ without a warrant
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a sweeping set of laws to protect New Yorkers against aggressive federal immigration enforcement as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget.
These new laws will keep local law enforcement focused on keeping our communities safe instead of doing ICE’s job, protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers from federal overreach, and hold federal agents accountable.
“From day one, I have been clear: Flagrant abuses of power by ICE will not stand in New York. That is why we have enacted a comprehensive set of policies to hold ICE accountable, protect the constitutional rights and safety of every New Yorker, and ensure there’s no sanctuary for criminals in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “States like New York can and must be a guardrail and national leader against ICE overreach, and I’m proud to enact these strong, common-sense protections for New Yorkers.”
Measures included in the Enacted Budget build on the Governor’s previously introduced proposals to protect New Yorkers amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement.
Local Cops, Local Crimes
Prohibits local governments, state and local police, and state and local corrections from entering into 287(g) Agreements or similar agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local law enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes.
Local governments would also be barred from paying or otherwise contributing to the costs related to constructing, owning, or operating an immigration detention facility. They would also be prohibited from changing zoning to allow for construction or use of buildings as immigration detention centers without public input.
Bans Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks
Prohibits state, local, and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public. This excludes necessary tactical equipment, sunglasses, or medical masks from the definition of face covering. Willfully violating the statute would be an infraction, and subsequent willful violations would be a misdemeanor.
Holds Federal Law Enforcement Accountable for Constitutional Violations
Currently, New Yorkers can sue state and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights under federal civil rights law but actions against federal officials are much more limited under federal law. This would establish a state law under which New Yorkers can bring a lawsuit against federal, state, and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights.
Safeguards Interactions With Public Employees
Prohibits the use of state and local civilian agencies and public school resources, including employee time, for civil immigration enforcement activities. This includes a ban on questioning or investigating individuals solely for civil immigration purposes unless required by a federal judicial warrant or by law.
Also prohibits officials from disclosing personally identifying information to immigration authorities, granting them access to non-public areas of public facilities, or using immigration officers as interpreters, and would prohibit the release or transfer of a student into immigration custody even if a parent has been detained, unless specifically mandated by a judicial warrant or court order.
Keeps Immigration Authorities Out Of Sensitive Locations
Prohibits all civilian state, local, and school employees (including higher ed and K-12) from permitting access to any non-public area of a state-owned or operated facility to immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, meaning any state or municipally owned or operated facility including housing accommodations, parks, childcare facilities, preschools, hospitals, schools, dorms, healthcare facilities, community centers, libraries and shelters, cannot grant or facilitate access to any non-public areas of their facilities to immigration authorities without a warrant.
Also protects against voter intimidation and interference at polling locations by denying immigration authorities access to such sites without a judicial warrant, and empowers privately owned or operated sensitive locations, including hospitals, daycares, schools, housing accommodations, and houses of worship to do the same.
Protecting Every Student’s Right to Free Public Education
Ensures immigrant students can access education, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. Prohibits various practices, particularly around data collection and disclosure regarding immigration status, that could chill the exercise of that right by undocumented students.
Photo by Tom Rivers: These peach blossoms are shown on April 22, 2024 at the fruit orchards at Watt Farms on Route 98 in Gaines.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Planning and Development
ALBION – Orleans County is accepting enrollment of additional parcels in its existing, certified agricultural district during the month of June, pursuant to New York State Agricultural and Markets Law.
The annual 30-day window is for inclusion of property that consists of predominantly viable agricultural land. During this time period, land may only be added and not removed from County Agricultural District No.1. Presently, there are over 120,150 acres in County Agricultural District No. 1.
This opportunity supplements, but does not replace, enrollment in an existing agricultural district during a more comprehensive review process held once every eight years. In 2024, the County Agricultural District No. 1 went through its major eight-year review. The next eight-year anniversary review – the only time during which parcels can be both added and removed – will not occur until 2032.
Requests for inclusion in District No. 1 will be evaluated, in order, by the Orleans County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, the Orleans County Legislature, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. To enroll, owners must complete and sign a Letter of Intent for Annual Enrollment form. These are available from the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development (click here to see the form online).
Completed forms should be sent by July 1st to:
Corey Winters, Director
Orleans County Department of Planning & Development
14016 Route 31 West
Albion, NY 14411-9382
Please note that requesting enrollment during this 30-day time period is not a guarantee that an owner’s property will be added to Agricultural District No 1. Moreover, it will not automatically qualify your land for a reduced agricultural property tax assessment.
For information on obtaining a reduced agricultural property tax assessment, please contact your local assessor. Any qualifying lot must be included entirely rather than partially.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Thursday as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget to hold the line on rising utility bills and make historic investments in New York’s sustainable future.
With this budget, Governor Hochul is standing up for utility ratepayers with $1 billion in one-time energy rebates, strict accountability measures on utility companies and aggressive measures to increase New York’s clean energy supply to help keep the lights on and costs down.
As the Governor enacts measures to combat skyrocketing utility costs, she continues making record investments in New York’s nation-leading environmental protection initiatives, flood mitigation efforts and community preparedness amidst frequent extreme weather events.
“Dangerous policies coming out of Washington have sent the costs of power skyrocketing and New Yorkers need relief,” Governor Hochul said. “This Budget not only means enhanced protections and direct financial relief for ratepayers today, it prepares us for an even stronger tomorrow thanks to our historic investments in sustainability, grid reliability, infrastructure and resiliency. In this budget, we are proving that we can prioritize affordability without compromising our New York values.”
$1 Billion in One-Time Energy Rebate Checks
With New Yorkers struggling with high energy costs and record gas prices at the pump thanks to bad federal policies, the new budget includes one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) checks to help provide needed relief.
The POWER program will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The rebates will be issued as advanced credit checks and will be mailed out between September and December.
Who’s Eligible for a POWER Check?
You are eligible for a rebate credit check if, for tax year 2024, you:
Filed a timely New York State Resident Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2024
Were a full-time resident for New York State for Tax Year 2024
Reported income within the qualifying thresholds and
Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 May 2026 at 8:24 am
American Patriot docked in Rochester, Buffalo
Provided photo: American Patriot is first cruise ship in decades to dock in Buffalo.
A cruise ship will be passing near Orleans County as part of a Great Lakes & Thousand Islands cruise. The ship went from Rochester along Lake Ontario to Buffalo on Thursday.
The American Patriot, a 130-passenger cruise ship, is owned by American Cruise Lines. It docked in Buffalo on Thursday after leaving Rochester and will be Buffalo until Saturday at the Erie Street dock, near Erie Basin Marina.
This map shows 9-day Great Lakes & Thousands Islands Cruise from Syracuse to Buffalo with tickets beginning at $8,395.
It is the first cruise to visit Buffalo in decades. Passengers aboard the American Patriot are expected to tour the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Garden, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House and experience Niagara Falls.
Gov. Kathy Hochul praised cruise ship and its impact on tourism in New York.
“As we welcome the American Patriot, we are bringing new visitors, new revenue, and a new sense of pride to Buffalo,” Hochul said in a news release. “This is the first of many arrivals that will showcase our world-class cultural institutions like the AKG and the Darwin Martin House to travelers from across the country. We are proving once again that Buffalo is a premier destination, and with our future cruise terminal on the horizon, the best is yet to come for the Great Lakes.”
This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American-built and flagged cruise ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market, Hochul’s office said.
Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line, the governor’s office said.
American Cruise Lines President & CEO Charles B. Robertson said, “American Cruise Lines is looking forward to calling on Buffalo with our small ship, American Patriot. Buffalo’s investment in its waterfront inspires us to continue investing in our fleet on the Great Lakes. We are honored to be the first U.S. cruise line to visit Buffalo regularly and look forward to a growing partnership with the city.”
This year, American Cruise Lines is running seven cruises that embark or disembark from Buffalo:
The 9 day/8 night Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise that operates between Syracuse and Buffalo and explores the Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie
An 800-mile, 14 day/13 night American Great Lakes Cruise that operates between Buffalo and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and explores Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
Most dates in 2026 are already sold out. Dates for 2027 and 2028 have already been set and are available to book now.
Visit Buffalo President & CEO Patrick Kaler said, “The arrival of cruise ships to Buffalo harkens back to the city’s past, when passenger steamboats ferried thousands of passengers between Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit in the early 1900s. The return of cruise ships to Buffalo emphasizes the resurgence of interest in the city as a tourist destination. These passengers will experience the Queen City’s cultural institutions and culinary offerings and share the word once they’re back home.”
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A., with 28 small ships and 50-plus domestic itineraries on the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Great Lakes, and protected waterways around the country, from Alaska to Florida.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2026 at 9:10 pm
Ortt, Hawley say ‘bloated’ budget doesn’t address affordability crisis
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off on a $268 billion state budget today, a budget that was nearly two months past the April 1 deadline.
Hochul hailed the spending plan for putting New York on a path to statewide universal childcare. She also touted $1 Billion in one-time energy rebate checks.
Some other highlights from the governor include a record high $900 million investment in public safety funding, legislation to ban 3D-printed ghost guns and DIY machine guns, measures to reduce insurance rates for drivers, and no tax on tips.
“Working with my partners in the Legislature, we delivered an ambitious agenda that will lower costs for hardworking families, keep New Yorkers safe and create opportunity for all,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington continues to make life more difficult for New Yorkers, I’m doing everything in my power to make real, tangible progress on the issues New Yorkers are facing and I will always fight for the people who call this great state home.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:
“This budget not only failed miserably on timeliness and fiscal responsibility, but it also does nothing to address the real affordability crisis facing New Yorkers.
“It fails to rein in skyrocketing energy costs. It refuses to roll back unrealistic and expensive so-called “green” energy mandates that are driving up utility bills for families and businesses alike. It also fails to crack down on the fraud, waste, and abuse that continue to plague New York’s Medicaid system.
“Instead of addressing the issues that matter most to hardworking taxpayers, Albany Democrats remain focused on spending more of your money on giveaways, freebies, and politically driven handouts that do little to help the vast majority of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.
“This is a great budget for those who are in this country illegally. But it will do nothing to stop families, seniors, young professionals, and small businesses from continuing to leave our state in search of greater opportunity, affordability, and common sense elsewhere.”
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the newly enacted New York state budget, which spends over $268 billion, calling it another example of Albany’s out-of-control spending habits that continue to burden hardworking taxpayers while driving residents and businesses out of the state. The enacted budget represents a $13.7 billion increase over last year and has grown by over $100 billion over the last decade.
“Albany is living beyond its means while hardworking New Yorkers are paying the price,” said Hawley. “This budget continues a dangerous pattern of reckless spending while nearly one million people have already left New York this decade, and more are on their heels. Seniors relying on pensions, hardworking families and businesses both large and small cannot continue to carry the burden of the Majority’s misguided priorities. We should be focused on lowering costs, restoring affordability and making New York a place where people want to stay and grow.”
Hawley pointed to states like Florida and Texas, both of which have larger populations than New York, yet operate with substantially leaner state budgets. Hawley said New York’s growing tax burden and cost of living continue to put the state at a competitive disadvantage while families struggle with rising costs for groceries, energy, housing and insurance.
“I see families across New York tightening their belts, yet the Majority in Albany continues to spend money like there is no limit,” Hawley said. “Taxpayers deserve a government that lives within its means, prioritizes kitchen-table issues and respects the people footing the bill for this bloated budget.”
