Photo by Tom Rivers: A chunk of Eagle Harbor Road in Albion had the east side shoulder wash out from the flooding last night. The west side of the road has held up, but the water passes over the road to the other side washed out a chunk of the road. Orleans County’s Department of Public Works has closed this part of the road to traffic and is seeking an engineer’s opinion on the next steps for getting it repaired. The culvert pipes underneath have been exposed from having part of the road washed out.

Local highway and emergency management officials were out assessing damage to roadways and public infrastructure from the flooding on Tuesday and overnight.

A section of Eagle Harbor Road in Albion seems to have suffered the worst damage. The chunk of the road was washed away from the flooding, forcing the Orleans County DPW to block traffic in this spot, which is between Route 31 and the Erie Canal. Local traffic can still use the road, but there are traffic barriers to deter traffic between Route 31 and Albion-Eagle Harbor Road.

Provided photos: Culvert Road at the tunnel going under the Erie Canal was full of stone, gravel and some debris that needs to be cleaned out, said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director.

Some of the culvert pipes on the side of the road were also knocked loose and exposed.

The Monroe-Orleans County Line Road was closed to traffic after being flooded.

This driveway and part of Monroe-Orleans County Line Road in Murray were washed out from the raging waters.

Firefighters were called to pump out 100 basements and respond to other storm emergencies, including two cars that got swept into ditches. This photo shows a backyard on Batavia Street in Holley.

Niederhofer said local officials will be tabulating the damages and costs from the response, and may be eligible for federal FEMA funding. The county could be part of a larger regional application for FEMA aid, he said.

Press Release and renderings courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club was recently notified by the Federal Aviation Administration that its sealed bid and proposal for the soon-to-be decommissioned Boeing 747 known as “Air Force One” has been accepted.

Club members were delighted by the decision, which marks the culmination of a two-year effort spearheaded by the Lions to secure this iconic piece of American history.

The successful proposal was grounded in the organization’s comprehensive plan to showcase the aircraft in a dignified and respectful manner, ensuring its historical significance is preserved for the public.

The effort was further strengthened by a substantial financial commitment from anonymous local donors, reflecting strong community support for the project.

The proposal and project are scheduled to officially kick off on Saturday, July 4, 2026, during the Lions’ annual Independence Day celebration, with a ceremonial groundbreaking planned just before noon.

Working in close partnership with the Village of Lyndonville and the Town of Yates, the Lions successfully secured the necessary financial backing and developed a proposal that will bring this iconic symbol of American freedom to Veterans Memorial Park in the Village of Lyndonville.

Due to significant space limitations, the Lyndonville Lions engaged the services of Canadian structural engineering firm Dewey, Cheatum and Howe to design an innovative plan to make this vision a reality. Club members have long sought a major attraction to draw visitors to the Town of Yates and Orleans County, and they believe this project has the potential to do just that.

The proposed engineering plan calls for the aircraft to be elevated on four large steel-and-concrete pillars, positioning it above the existing parking lot and mill pond on the west side of Main Street. To reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability, refurbished steel and concrete from the recently decommissioned Somerset Coal-Fired Electrical Generating Station will be incorporated into the project, emphasizing the use of recycled materials.

Project planners were also able to navigate several potential regulatory challenges. Several road blocks and red tape were sidestepped since none of the supporting piers will make contact with the water, certain Department of Environmental Conservation and EPA requirements did not apply and were waived.

The Town of Yates is excited by this project, noting that its over-water design preserves valuable taxable land. One remaining federal requirement will be addressed during the installation phase, when the aircraft is mounted atop the 150-foot pillars.

Originally, the aircraft was to be positioned facing south. However, after further analysis of prevailing wind patterns and migratory bird flight paths, the design has been adjusted, rotating the plane 90 degrees so that it will ultimately face east. Consulting engineers involved in this decision believe the revised orientation will enhance the visual impact, creating the impression of the aircraft descending toward Maple Avenue in the Village of Lyndonville.

The Lions have also reassured village officials that concerns regarding approach lighting and landing lights along Maple Avenue will not be necessary.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its appreciation to the Canadian government for granting a limited territorial exemption related to North American waterfowl flyways. This consideration reflects the unique status of the Canadian geese residing in the Lyndonville area, which are now considered largely domesticated and non-migratory. The Canadian government was happy to have Lyndonville keep these birds.

Overall, the small group of individuals involved in planning this project—who were sworn to confidentiality—will remain anonymous. It is anticipated that complaints may arise, and any such matters will be addressed at the village and town levels as appropriate.

The committee has proactively engaged with the No Wind Turbine Committee to address potential concerns. They have confirmed that the aircraft’s engines will be locked and sealed to prevent noise caused by prevailing winds passing through the turbines, and they will not be used for any form of energy generation.

In addition, the committee has received interest from both local and international investors regarding potential future enhancements to the project. While no decisions have been finalized, concepts under consideration have included a casino, an elevated bar and restaurant complex, a brewery, and even a hostel, all aimed at further enhancing the site as a destination.

The Lyndonville Lions would like to wish everyone a Happy April Fool’s Day!

Photos and press release from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – A crack in the shell of a bald eagle egg was spotted and confirmed late Wednesday morning in Basom at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The eagle parents and their nest have been the focus of a livestream run by the Friends of INWR.

There are three eggs in the nest. The first egg was laid at 5:06 p.m. February 20; the second at 5 p.m. February 23; and the third at 2:34 p.m. February 27.

Presuming the oldest egg is the one that cracked first, it took its time. Eagle eggs typically take 35 days or so of incubation before hatching.

To follow along with the eagle adventures, you can find a link to the livestream at FINWR.org.

‘The Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department remain committed to protecting the community and holding those responsible for violent and dangerous acts accountable.’

Press Release, Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department

ALBION – On December 17, 2024, the Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 207 Bates Road. A mother and her son were forced to evacuate the residence as a result of the fire.

A subsequent investigation determined that the fire had been intentionally set.

Through a coordinated investigative effort, Zachary Natale was identified as the responsible party and was arrested and charged with Arson in the Second Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree.

On April 1, 2026, the Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church sentenced Natale to 13 years in New York State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

This case is the result of a collaborative effort between multiple agencies. The Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department would like to recognize the following individuals and agencies for their assistance:

• Medina Police Department: Officers Meredith, McManus and Holtz
• Medina Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit: Investigators Cooley, Crooks and Seefeldt
• Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: Investigator Marsciell
• Orleans County Emergency Management: Director Niederhofer, Deputy Director Buffin, Investigators David Clary and Cole Hardenbrook
• Erie County Crime Lab
• Erie County Sheriff’s Office: Detective Scott Kuhlney and K9 Clipper
• Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, including District Attorney Susan Howard and staff

The Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department remain committed to protecting the community and holding those responsible for violent and dangerous acts accountable.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Kids displayed breakneck speed in hunting down Easter eggs on March 30, 2024. There were about 12,000 eggs scattered on the lawn.

ALBION – An Easter egg hunt with more than 10,000 eggs scattered about the Orleans Courthouse lawn has been canceled due to the muddy conditions and more rain in the forecast for Saturday.

The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries was planning its fifth annual egg hunt for Saturday. The church teams with the Albion Masonic Lodge which serves up free hot dogs and fries.

The Masonic Lodge will still be offering free hot dogs, easter baskets and eggs full of candy to children beginning at noon on Saturday until they run out.

Jeff Holler, one of the leaders of the Masonic Lodge and the egg hunt, said there wasn’t enough time to secure an alternative site for the egg hunt. The land at other locations, including the school’s artificial fields, would need board approval and there isn’t enough time before the next board meeting.

Holler said Royal Body Shop and the Masonic Lodge will try to have a backup site ready in the future if torrential rains make the courthouse lawn off-limits.

ALBION – Zachary Natale, 32, was given the maximum 13-year sentence today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Natale pleaded guilty to attempted arson in the second degree during court on Jan. 28 and admitted to setting a fire on Dec. 17, 2024 at 207 Bates Rd. That fire forced a mother and her 9-year-old son to evacuate.

That mother spoke in court today, saying she now constantly fears for her safety and doubts she will ever feel peace again after being forced to flee her home of 15 years.

Natale was ordered to pay $270,000 in restitution to an insurance company and also the $1,000 deductible for the damages from the fire.

Susan Howard, the district attorney, said Natale caused a “terrifying, horrifying ordeal” for the victims where they could have been killed, and also put local firefighters in danger.

Joanne Best, the public defender, said Natale is bipolar and schizophrenic and also was using drugs at the time of the crime. He spent nearly five months at the Rochester Psychiatric Center and has been restored (deemed competent to stand trial), Best said. He has also spent 304 days in the Orleans County Jail.

She said Natale takes full responsibility for the crime, but she asked the judge to not sentence him the full 13 years. She asked for eight years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. The sooner he gets out of prison, the sooner he can pay towards restitution, Best said.

She said Natale has a young son and received an award from the County Legislature for helping save the life of a person incarcerated in the county jail on Feb. 10, 2025 when he alerted corrections officer to an inmate who hanging in his cell. COs were able to get to the inmate in time to save his life.

“He is also a very caring and compassionate individual,” Best said about Natale.

Natale in court today apologized to the victims of the arson, and also to the responding firefighters.

“I see the damage I did,” he said. “There really is no explanation for it. I’m trying to do the best I can. My son doesn’t deserve to be without a father.”

Judge Church gave Natale the full 13 years, plus 5 years of post-release supervision as well as the restitution. The judge said Natale has a criminal history and doesn’t seem to be taken full responsibility for the danger he put people in who were in the duplex.

BARRE – An Easter Bunny jump planned for Saturday in Barre has been cancelled. The Bunny was going to descend from the sky, and gently glide down to greet children at the Barre Town Park.

The Barre Betterment Committee announced today the event won’t be happening after all.

Photos courtesy of Guin Panek

ALBION – A section of Eagle Harbor Road in Albion, north of Route 31, has been undercut from the flood on Tuesday night.

Otter Creek flooded over the road last night. The road has been closed due to the damage.

Local highway departments are out assessing the condition of local roadways, said Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County emergency management director.

Water is backed up on the west side of Eagle Harbor Road in the town of Albion, north of Route 31 and the railroad tracks.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The water from Proctor Brook is brown and moving fast this morning by the Cobblestone Museum along Route 98 in Gaines.

A flood watch continues today until 8 p.m. for Orleans and many Western New York counties. That flood watch started on Tuesday morning.

Heavy rainfall throughout Tuesday resulted in many flooded basements in Orleans County, and water pushing past the banks of creeks and streams.

“Heavy rain yesterday produced widespread 1 to 2 inch rainfall amounts, with localized amounts of over 3 inches where thunderstorms repeated over the same areas, said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “The heavy rain has ended, but water will remain high in low-lying areas, creeks, and rivers today.”

In Western New York, the flood watch continues in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Erie, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

“Most smaller creeks and low-lying areas will see improving conditions today as high water drains,” the Weather Service said. “Larger rivers and creeks will continue to run high today.”

These photos were taken at 7:35 a.m. today at the Cobblestone Museum.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Firefighters from the Kendall Fire Department are in Albion tonight helping to pump out basements after numerous calls for help from residents, especially on the west end of the village.

This photo is at a home on West Academy Street in Albion.

There have been numerous calls for assistance with flooded basements particularly in Albion, Holley and Clarendon. Firefighters in those communities are being assisted with crews from Kendall, Carlton, Barre and East Shelby.

Albion got an inch of rain this morning, then two more inches this evening. That rainfall has overwhelmed the storm sewer system with water shooting out of storm drains.

Part of Route 98 in Albion was flooded between Allen Road and Route 31A, prompting the road to be closed to traffic. This photo was taken about 11 p.m.

The Village of Medina Fire Department assisted the Medina DPW “responding to multiple calls tonight including downed trees, flooded roads, flooded basements and the usual emergency calls. Many departments across the county are also busy,” The Medina FD posted on Facebook.

“Use caution when driving, watch for hazards and do not drive through flooded roads. For non-emergency assistance, call the fire station at 585-798-1661.”

The Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company posted on Facebook last night that Ridgeway firefighters, as well as the majority of Orleans County firefighters were currently out fighting water in basements, flooding roadways and other hazards.

“Remember to check your basements for water & ensure your sump pumps are operational,” Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company stated. “If you need assistance please understand it could take an extended time to get to you as all agencies are inundated with incidents. Please use extreme caution in your travels if you must travel. Remember to never drive through a flooded roadway!”

Photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES – The honorable John Ninfo, a retired bankruptcy judge from Rochester, spoke with students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina.

Press Release, Orleans-Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Judge John Ninfo, a retired bankruptcy judge from Rochester, was recently the guest speaker at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.

Judge Ninfo started the national organization CARE (Credit Abuse Resistance Education) to educate young adults and others about the benefits of personal financial management and the consequences of credit abuse.

He and the other volunteers, which are comprised of professionals in bankruptcy, financial services, and business, volunteer their time by sharing true stories about financial distress and the impact it can have on one’s life.

He shared with the career and technical education students how a little over half of all adults are financially literate and how it has a profound effect on a person’s ability to save for the future and increases the risk of higher debt and less savings. He says that beginning financial education at an early age is critical to a young person’s long-term financial well-being.

Work-Based Learning Coordinator Susan Zola, who invited Judge Ninfo, says it was an impactful presentation.

“He talked to the students about financial security and how important it is for your peace of mind going forward as adults,” Zola said. “He gave them handouts with the top ten lessons on budgeting and told them cash is king and to avoid credit card debt. It was a very valuable lesson for them.”

Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt’s Office

ALBANY – Members of the Senate Republican Conference today sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging the inclusion of two pieces of legislation in the enacted budget that would provide real utility relief at a time when New Yorkers desperately need it.

The first piece of legislation, S.8461A, introduced by Senator Tom O’Mara would provide nearly $3 billion in bill credits to ratepayers using unspent funds collected from ratepayers by NYSERDA and utilities with PSC approval for green energy projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Financial Plan for NYSERDA detailed that NYSERDA had a total net position of $2,045,624,000 at the end of 2025. There was also $770 million being held in escrow by utilities for requisition by NYSERDA at the end of 2025 per the Department of Public Service.

The second, S.8463, introduced by Senator Rob Rolison would establish a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy gas tax holiday, which would provide real and meaningful relief to ratepayers that are paying residential electric rates 50% higher than the national average.

The call for the inclusion of these pieces of legislation in the final enacted budget comes on the heels of a recent report from NYSERDA warning of increases in utility costs in order to keep up with the green energy mandates laid out in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

“For years, the Senate GOP has consistently advocated for the repeal of the CLCPA because we see it for what it is – an unnecessary and extremely expensive burden on ratepayers,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Given the chance to take action and provide real relief, Albany Democrats instead doubled down on their out-of-touch climate policies, favoring radical environmentalists instead of standing up for struggling New Yorkers. These initiatives to provide relief to ratepayers must be a priority in the final budget.”

Press Release, Medina Police Department

Taylor Valovic

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department reports the arrest of an individual following an investigation into a reported incident.

On March 25, members of the Medina Police Department arrested Taylor Valovic, 30, of Medina and charged him with:

• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (New York State Penal Law §130.65)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (New York State Penal Law §260.10)

The charges stem from an investigation into an incident that was reported to law enforcement. Due to the nature of the case, no further details are being released at this time.

The defendant was processed and arraigned in Orleans County Centralized Arraignment Part and was released after posting bail.

The Medina Police Department reminds the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Miguel and Adryan (Cheeseboro) Ruiz are shown at the Helpee Selfee Laundromat in Albion on Sunday afternoon. They are the new owners of the business after Jim Scibetta and his late father Harry ran it for 52 years.

ALBION – There are new owners of a longtime Albion business at 131 South Main St.

For 52 years the Scibetta family owned and operated the Helpee Selfee Laundromat. Adryan (Cheeseboro) Ruiz, a 29-year-old Albion native, and her husband Miguel have purchased the laundromat.

Sunday was their first day in business after closing the site for a few days for cleaning and some repainting. They also put new seals on the drying machines to make the clothes dry faster.

Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz commended Jim Scibetta and his late father Harry for their more than half century of service to the Albion community.

“It’s been an honor working with Jim and his family,” Mrs. Ruiz said on Sunday at the laundromat. “I grew up right here in Albion, and being able to come back and invest in this community means the world to me. This is more than just a business purchase for us — it is a chance to give back to the place that shaped who I am, and to keep an important neighborhood staple alive and thriving for the next generation.”

The new owners live in Miami, Fla., but they visit Albion often and Mrs. Ruiz has family in town to help run the operation.

Mrs. Ruiz graduated from Albion in 2015. The then Adryan Cheeseboro was an honors student at Albion who was a cheerleader and track athlete. She also sang in the school chorus and select choir. She worked at Crosby’s in Albion for her first job while in high school.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental policy and law from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. She was working in Miami when she met her husband, who works in quality insurance management and as a mechanic.

Mr. Ruiz also is an entrepreneur who owned a car wash and has long had a dream of owning a coin-operated laundromat.

He often checks out the laundromats when he travels. While visiting his wife’s hometown he was impressed by the laundromat.

However, it wasn’t for sale. For three years they kept in touch with Jim Scibetta, the owner, letting him know they were interested if he ever wanted to sell.

Scibetta recently let them know he was ready and reached a deal with Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz.

“This is a true legacy business — one that so many families in Orleans County have relied on for decades — and we are honored to carry that tradition forward,” Mrs. Ruiz said.

The laundromat opens daily at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight. There were people waiting outside when it opened on Sunday at 5 a.m. after closing for the cleaning, painting and some work on the machines.

Provided photo: Miguel Ruiz, front  left, shakes hands with Jim Babcock. In back from left are Steve Babcock, Adryan Ruiz, Patricia Scibetta and Jim Scibetta. Steve and Jim are Patricia’s sons. They celebrated the change in ownership with this photo taken at Hoag Library.

Assemblyman says excessive borrowing burdens future generations

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced his opposition to the $10.6 billion debt service budget bill (A.10002-A), citing concerns over excessive borrowing and the long-term financial burden it places on New Yorkers, especially future generations.

“While this bill fulfills legally required debt payments, it is part of a much larger and troubling pattern of overspending and over-borrowing,” said Hawley. “New York is already one of the most indebted states in the nation. Continuing down this path only deepens the hole we are leaving for our children and grandchildren.”

The proposal provides funding to cover principal and interest payments on the state’s existing debt, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and other contractual obligations.

Hawley pointed to the state’s growing debt load, which is projected to reach $72.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2027 and nearly $99 billion within five years as a clear warning sign.

“Instead of tightening our belts and prioritizing responsible budgeting, Albany continues to rely on borrowing to fund its agenda,” Hawley said. “More than three-quarters of these debt service payments are going toward interest alone. That’s money not going to taxpayers’ needs, but to servicing a growing mountain of debt.”

Hawley also raised concerns about the state’s reliance on public authority debt, which accounts for approximately 96% of state-related debt and is often issued without direct voter approval.

“This lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning,” Hawley added. “New Yorkers deserve to have a say when the state takes on massive financial obligations that will impact them for decades.”

While acknowledging the necessity of meeting existing debt obligations, Hawley emphasized the need for a shift toward fiscal discipline and long-term sustainability.

“We must break this cycle of borrowing and start making responsible choices today,” Hawley concluded. “If we fail to act, it will be our children and grandchildren who are forced to pay the price.”