By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2026 at 2:56 pm
MEDINA – Signs recently went up on Ohio Street saying “No Parking” and that’s for both sides of the street.
The Village Board on Nov. 24 approved no parking on the street after a resident said people parking on the street often trapped him in his driveway and made it difficult to see and maneuver traffic. The parking restriction was added for 525 feet of the street between Park Avenue and West Center Street.
But at Monday’s meeting, other residents said they didn’t know the no parking regulation was even being considered, or they would have spoken out at the public hearing.
Patricia Stacey said not allowing parking will force many older people who may have mobility issues to park on other streets and then walk to Ohio Street. Stacey said the sidewalks are in rough shape in parts of the area.
Stacey doesn’t have a garage or a double driveway so shifting around cars for her family will be a “nuisance” if they can’t park one briefly on the street.
“This is not New York City,” she said. “It’s Medina.”
Two other residents said the parking ban makes it difficult for them if they need to shuffle cars in their driveway and can’t park on the street.
Jessica Whitehair also submitted a petition to allow on-street parking on Ohio Street.
“This situation is particularly difficult for those living in apartments and households with limited driveway space,” she wrote in her petition. “The lack of street parking impacts the quality of life for many residents. Without easy access to parking, families may struggle with bringing groceries, lawn care, managing daily errands, or hosting social gatherings. The lack of street parking also compromises the safety of children as they are getting to and from vehicles and homes. Elderly and mobility-impaired residents are especially disadvantaged, as they might find it more difficult to walk from distant parking spots to their homes.”
Matt Anelli lives on Ohio Street and he supports the parking ban. He said Ohio Street is narrow, especially in the winter. If people park on the street it’s hard to get out of his driveway, he said.
There used to be a 2-hour limit on the street, but those limits can be difficult to enforce, village officials said.
Fire Chief Steve Cooley said there shouldn’t be parking allowed close to the intersection on Ohio Street because cars in the street would make it difficult for fire trucks to make the turn.
The Village Board will have a new public hearing at 6 p.m. on June 22 to repeal the law passed in November and change the street to parking on the west side of the street only.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2026 at 12:54 pm
Photo from shopgarage.com: Medina’s ladder truck is shown on an online site that sells fire trucks, emergency vehicles and equipment.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina’s ladder truck is officially for sale. It was listed this morning on an online site that sells fire trucks and other emergency vehicles and equipment.
The website, shopgarage.com, lists the 2025 quint fire truck with a 100-foot ladder for $2.4 million. That is about $700,000 more than Medina’s deal for the truck. Medina in March 2023 agreed to pay $1,698,995.
The Village Board on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, to begin the process of selling it.
Medina is working with a broker at shopgarage.com to get a big exposure for the truck, trying to get the biggest price possible, said Scott Bieliski, a Medina trustee. The broker gets a 5 percent fee or $120,000 if the truck sells for $2.4 million.
There is a lot of interest in the truck, Bieliski said during Monday’s Village Bord meeting. He said a contingent from Rochester, Minnesota was in Medina on Friday to look over the ladder truck.
Three of the five board members on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, saying the village can’t afford the truck and an addition on the fire hall to house it.
Shop Garage lists the following about the truck:
2025 Pierce Enforcer Quint
Located in NY
1,095 miles
Brand new, never used
100’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Platform
Engine: PACCAR MX-13
Horsepower: 510 hp
Front Suspension: TAK-4 Independent
Rear Suspension Air
Waterous Midship 2000 GPM pump
300 gallon tank
Harrison Hydraulic 10 kW generator
The fire truck is currently being kept in the DPW garage but will soon be moved to the compost facility on North Gravel Road. The DPW garage is busy with a lot of vehicles coming and going this time of year, said Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 May 2026 at 9:33 am
Darlene Zeliff
MEDINA – This year’s For Women Only, sponsored by Orleans Community Health, will honor a longtime nurse, who passed away from cancer.
Darlene Zeliff, who gave more than 40 years of compassionate service, left a lasting impact on the hospital and the community, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.
For Women Only is an empowering evening focused on cancer education, support, wellness and connection, and will take place June 2 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, beginning at 5 p.m.
The annual event brings together survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, families, and community members for meaningful conversations surrounding cancer awareness, advocacy, treatment, grief, healing and life after diagnosis.
“This year’s event is especially meaningful as we honor Darlene Zeliff,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services at Medina Memorial Hospital. “For more than 40 years, Darlene devoted her life to nursing and to this hospital. She represented the very best of nursing through her compassion, quiet leadership and unwavering dedication to her patients, coworkers and community. Her impact on generations of families and healthcare professionals will never be forgotten.”
The evening will feature speakers sharing personal experiences and insights on topics including detection and diagnosis, treatment and health advocacy, moving forward after treatment and grief and loss.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with healthcare and wellness professionals, visit vendors offering health and cancer support resources and enjoy special features, including basket raffles, networking opportunities and community support connections. There will also be light food served and a cash bar.
Organizers say the goal of the event is to create a welcoming environment where education, encouragement and shared experiences can empower individuals and families affected by cancer.
Community members are encouraged to attend this inspiring evening of education, remembrance and support.
For questions or to donate a basket, contact Lori Condo at (585) 798-2000.
More information is also available by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2026 at 9:24 am
Alexander family will continue food truck business
Photos by Tom Rivers: Rebecca and Brian Alexander are shown with one of their games – “soccer pool” – offered at Dubby’s Tailgate at 165 Platt St. in Albion. Dubby’s featured many backyard or tailgate games at a 10,000 square-foot warehouse, and hosted many cornhole tournaments.
ALBION – Dubby’s Tailgate, which has hosted many cornhole tournaments and community fundraisers the past five years, will be closing on May 30 “due to circumstances beyond our control,” the Alexander family posted on Facebook.
Rebecca and Brian Alexander opened Dubby’s in 2021, and turned a 10,000-square-foot warehouse into an “eater-tainment” business. They served up food cooked in a wood-fired oven while offering many backyard and tailgate games in the warehouse.
They opened Dubby’s after running a food truck for three years. Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza will continue as a mobile business, the family said.
“We are incredibly grateful for every single person who supported us, shared a meal with us, and became a part of the Dubby’s family,” the Alexander family stated. “We’ve made memories that will last a lifetime.”
They will be offering some closing specials in the coming days.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you from the entire Dubby’s family,” the Alexanders said. “We don’t see this as a goodbye, but rather a ‘see you later’ on the road!”
The mascots from McDonald’s, Grimace and Hamburglar, greeted kids inside Dubby’s on Oct. 9, 2025 for Family Game Night. There were 472 people registered, and the total attendance was likely even closer to 500. That is the most in the 11 years of Family Game Night. Dubby’s hosted many community events in the past five years.
Provided photo: Dubby’s Tailgate owners Rebecca Alexander, left, and Brian Alexander, right, are joined by American Cornhole League champions Miranda Coy and Lori Dool during a tournament on March 22, 2025. Dubby’s brought 108 teams to the area for the tournament. The 216 total players made it the biggest tournament so far for Dubby’s.
Many of the players came from outside Orleans County, including some American Cornhole league pros and the two top-ranked female players. Dool is a graduate of Lockport High School who now resides in Delray Beach, FL. Many of her family members came to Dubby’s in Albion to see her play in person.
More than 1,000 people went through Dubby’s on Jan. 27, 2024 at a benefit for Saul Harrison. Harrison was fighting myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells.
There was a big turnout for Harrison, who is still remembered as a powerful football player for Albion. But the 1992 graduate these days is known for his mild manner and gentleness as a youthcare worker for the county and a deacon at the Shiloh Church.
Dubby’s hosted many other benefits for the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2026 at 8:32 am
Propositions, candidates for Board of Education also on ballot
It’s school election day in Orleans County and around the state. Voters will cast ballots on proposed budgets, propositions and candidates for the Board of Education.
Here is a rundown from each district in Orleans County:
ALBION – The school district’s proposed 2026-27 budget will again be holding the line on property taxes, the 18th time in the past 20 years without a tax increase.
Registered voters in the Albion school district will go to the polls from noon to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. A district art show will also be on display at the library during the vote.
The district is proposing a $45,615,036 budget, which is up 1.93 percent or $864,551 from the current budget. The tax levy will stay at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
The vote today includes proposition one for the budget and proposition two to allow spending $1.5 million for buses.
Proposition three allows the district to collect $687,760 for Hoag Library.
There are also three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get five-year terms while the candidate with the third most votes gets a one-year term.
The candidates include: Kaitlyn Panek, Jaime Allport and Michelle Waters.
HOLLEY – The school district is proposing a $32,687,000 budget that increases spending by 6.2 percent and would raise taxes by 2.5 percent. The budget is up by $1,913,000 from the current $30,774,000. The budget maintains all existing programs.
Voters will go to the polls from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19 at the Holley Middle/High School.
The district will collect $201,768 more in property taxes – from $8,070,702 to $8,272,470. That is under Holley’s allowable tax cap of 4.112 percent, school officials said the district’s budget newsletter. Holley is under the tax cap by $130,100.
The tax levy is up to account for increases in contractual and inflationary costs, and “allows us to deliver high quality instructional and extracurricular programs that are expected in our community while remaining fiscally responsible and aligned with our long-term district goals,” school officials said.
In addition to the budget, there are four propositions:
Proposition 2 authorizes replacement school buses – one large and one small with a wheelchair lift ($374,000)
Proposition 3 allows district to collect $217,703 for the Community Free Library
Proposition 4 authorizes the purchase of a vacant lot adjacent to Woodlands soccer field ($12,500)
Proposition 5 authorizes the establishment of a Capital Improvements Reserve Fund that will not exceed $10 million
There are also three candidates seeking three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get three-year terms while the one with the third most votes gets a one-year term. The three-year terms begin July 1, while the shorter term starts May 20 because it’s filling a vacancy.
The candidates on the ballot include: Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, Eric DiLella and Janet Klossner.
KENDALL – The school district is proposing a $23,469,328 budget to the community. Kendall’s budget would raise taxes by 3.15 percent – from $5,162,224 to $5,324,835, an increase of $162,611.
The vote will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kendall Town Hall on May 19.
Kendall school leaders say many factors are driving the $2,045,169 budget increase for 2026-27: inflation, special education enrollments, instructional operation enhancements, shared services with BOCES, debt service, benefits, salaries, and minimum wage increases.
The debt service increased by 47.7 percent or $1,124,632 because Kendall will be issuing debt during June 2026 to pay for current capital project costs. However, this will be offset by a corresponding increase in building and transportation aid.
Kendall is using $150,000 more from its fund balance to lessen the need on property taxes, school officials state in the district’s budget newsletter.
State aid at $16,004,160 covers 68 percent of the school budget. The tax rate is projected at $10.29 per $1,000 of assessed property, which Kendall officials say in one of the lowest school tax rates in the area.
In addition to the budget, voters will be presented a proposition to use up to $390,000 from the vehicle capital reserve fund to purchase vehicles in the transportation program for the district, including passenger buses.
There are also two candidates for one five-year term on the Board of Education: Christa Bowling and David Warren.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district is presenting a $19,194,000 budget to the public. The budget increases spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26.
The tax levy will increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.
The budget includes an increase in state aid from $12,113,808 to $13,375,309. The district also plans to use more reserve funds – from $495,220 to $746,032.
There are other propositions on the ballot:
Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000
Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722)
Board of Education – Dana Goetze is the lone candidate on the ballot for a three-year term.
MEDINA – School officials have put together a $47,998,851 proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year.
District residents will go to the polls from noon to 8 p.m. in the Oak Orchard Primary School Gymnasium, 335 West Oak Orchard St.
The budget increases spending by 2.89 percent from the current $46,648,693. The tax levy, what the district collects in property taxes, would increase by 1.97 percent – from $9,170,809 to $9,351,474. The budget is again under the tax cap – for the 17th straight year.
State and federal aid are at $36,556,210 and covers 76.2 percent of the budget. Property taxes represent 19.5 percent of the budget.
School officials provided these highlights of the budget: Maintaining all existing programs, sports and extracurricular activities; continued commitment to providing school supplies for all students; review of current and future contractual obligations; purchases 2 full-sized buses and one half-sized bus; support for district strategic priorities; providing students with the most up-to-date programming and facilities; development of a new 5-year staffing plan; use of available reserves and fund balance to balance the budget
There are three candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education: Steven Blount, LuAnn Tierney and Mackenzie Sullivan.
Roy-Hart Superintendent Jill Heck: Photo by Rich Leader
MIDDLEPORT – Jill Heck, superintendent of the Royalton-Hartland Central School District, has been nominated for the 2026 Excellence in Leadership Award by the New York State Council of School Superintendents.
The nomination spotlights her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the children and families of Western New York.
The NYS Council of School Superintendents is a statewide professional organization representing public school superintendents.
With nearly 700 superintendents across New York State, the award process is highly competitive. This year, 20 nominations were received, with just four individuals ultimately selected. The selection committee emphasized that Heck’s nomination stood out and made a lasting impression.
Now serving her fourth year as district superintendent, Heck has demonstrated bold, systems-level leadership that has expanded educational opportunities throughout the district.
Under her leadership, Royalton-Hartland has strengthened agricultural education programming across all grade levels in the district and supported the development of a state-of-the-art Agriculture Land Lab, where students can engage in applied STEM learning, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and community engagement.
The program has earned statewide recognition as an Outstanding Agricultural Secondary Education Program, with students achieving success at the National FFA Convention, including first-place national honors and multiple American FFA Degrees.
Heck’s leadership extends beyond academics. In response to a regional childcare shortage, she fostered partnerships with community stakeholders in an effort to support working families by increasing access to much needed early childcare service. Additionally, she helped to secure nearly $236,000 in federal funding to enhance district-wide safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Regionally, Heck plays a key role in advancing professional development through the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association, uplifting superintendents across multiple counties and strengthening executive leadership practice.
Mrs. Heck’s leadership is comprehensive, measurable, and transformative, resulting in the advancement of workforce-aligned programming, expanding family support, securing critical funding, and elevating leadership across Western New York. She represents the very best of innovative educational leadership in New York State.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2026 at 3:50 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: A transformer is moved on a large trailer last Wednesday. This photo was taken when the oversize load was on Allen Road before turning onto Route 98. The transformer was taken to Byron for a solar power project.
ALBION – Another oversize load will be moved from Albion to Byron on Wednesday, a week after State Police provided an escort for a transformer for a solar project.
The load will be moved from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., starting again by the railroad tracks on Hamilton Street in Albion. The load heads south to Allen Road, then east to Route 98.
It will then go south through Albion, Barre and to Lockport Road in Elba. It then goes east on North Byron Road to Searls Road to Tower Hill Road and then Byron Road in Byron.
“The width of this load will obstruct oncoming traffic,” State Police said in a media advisory. “The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.”
The weight of the load will keep speeds to around 5 to 10 miles per hour with many stoppages.
Route 98 will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time to all traffic from Old Orchard Road to Lockport Road, State Police said.
“It is recommended that if you encounter this load, move to the shoulder of the roadway, into a driveway or parking lot or seek an alternate route of travel to your destination,” State Police said. “Lower your window and follow directions from State Police or escort vehicles.”
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Mental Health
ALBION – The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and the Orleans County Department of Mental Health is taking the opportunity to work with their local, regional and national partners to promote the many mental services available to residents.
“It is important that we are always talking about mental health and the services and supports available, as it is an effort to reduce stigma and reinforce the importance of reaching out for help for anyone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or are in emotional distress,” said Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health & Community Services.
Figura said drawing attention to mental health awareness begins with promoting the county’s Care and Crisis Helpline (585) 283-5200 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988. Both the local and National helpline are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
“The Care & Crisis Helpline and 988 are just a phone call away when we find ourselves, a family member, neighbor, or friend experiencing emotional distress whether its depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma or any other need that may be interfering with emotional wellbeing,” said Figura. “We want the people to know they are not alone.”
Figura said locally in Orleans County, there are many mental health supports and resources available to the residents of Orleans County. “These programs and services exist to support individuals and their families so if you feel you or someone you know may need assistance, please reach out to these resources for information and support.”
In collaboration with the Genesee/Orleans Health Department, Orleans County launched the Credible Mind Online Platform in 2026. This online self-directed learning and resource platform allows individuals to explore opportunities to improve their overall wellbeing, but specifically provides online education, support, and resource referrals to promote someone’s mental health wellness. Orleans County residents can access this resource at https://genesee-orleansny.crediblemind.com/
Orleans County Mental Health Department (click here)
New York State Office of Mental Health Licensed Article 31 Outpatient Clinic Treatment Programs offering individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and psychiatric services (to include psychiatric evaluation, psychiatric monitoring, and pharmacology). Open Access Hours for New Clients are Monday – Friday at 12:30 p.m.
New York State Office of Mental Health Licensed Article 31 Outpatient Clinic Satellite Sites at UConnect Care and Orleans County School Districts offering individual therapy at those host locations.
Health Home Care Management Programs serving both youths and adults. A program under New York State Department of Health, which looks to connect individuals to additional supports and resources to promote overall physical and emotional health wellness.
Crisis Supports & Resources
The Care & Crisis Helpline (585) 283-5200 serving Orleans County residents for any immediate mental health crisis needs 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk, 365 days/year.
988” National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or Text 988, Connect via chat at 988Lifeline.org or visit 988Lifeline.org for more resources.
Rochester Psychiatric Center MIT Team (mobile integration team) – Serves Adults only and is available Monday – Friday during business hours. Providing in home, community-based assessments, outreach and engagement efforts. Requests for the RPC MIT Team can be made through the Care & Crisis Helpline at (585) 283-5200.
Additional Programs & Resources
Mental Health Association of Genesee & Orleans Counties. Serving adults in Orleans County, through programs to include the Warm Line, Transportation, and Drop-In-Center https://mhago.org/
RIDGEWAY – Our photo at top shows Fred Grey’s white horse and surrey standing south of the Universalist Church, at 3064 North Gravel Rd. in Ridgeway.
Mr. Grey was the husband of Mary Pells, a granddaughter of Seymour Murdock, an early settler and one of the founding members of this church. A sandstone stepping-stone was conveniently placed by the corner at the front of the church. Drive barns, which would have provided shelter for horses and buggies, can be seen at the rear of the church.
“We, the inhabitants of the towns of Ridgeway and Yates, at a meeting at the house of Jasper Murdock on the 14th day of December 1833, organized as the First Universalist Society of the Towns of Ridgeway and Yates.”
Seymour B. Murdock, Philo Elmer, Daniel Hunt, Samuel Bidleman and Nathan Sawyer were the trustees of this newly incorporated church. At this first organizational meeting they also voted to raise $1,000 to build a church by January 1, 1835.
Julia Perry, wife of the entrepreneurial Joseph Perry who was a postmaster, shipping agent, and owner of the hotel and tavern at Ridgeway Corners, donated the site for the new church. The site was on the west side of what is now North Gravel Road, just south of the intersection with Route 104.
Contributions were solicited and pews were auctioned to raise money for the construction. Pew prices ranged from $10 to $65, while contributions ranged from $5 to $100.
The Universalist Church at Ridgeway was dedicated in June 1835 by Rev. L.L. Sadler. Rev. Charles Hammond was the first Universalist preacher at Ridgeway. He divided his time between Ridgeway and the Universalist Church in Middleport.
Ridgeway Universalist Church in the early 1950s
This small but active congregation celebrated its centennial on December 14, 1933. But as time went by it became more difficult to find pastors. Services were discontinued in 1961 following a period of decline. The New York State Convention of Universalists took over the building in 1961 and sold it to Faith Bible Baptist Church in September 1973.
Firefighters from Ridgeway, Lyndonville and Medina battled the early morning fire at the Faith Bible Baptist Church, with assistance from East Shelby and Middleport.
On October 11, 1993, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the 160-year-old structure. In June 1994, the Middleport construction company of Barden and Robeson started construction at the site of the original church. The new 7,400 square foot Faith Bible Baptist Church was dedicated on Sunday, January 8, 1995.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 May 2026 at 9:28 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the Wound Care Center has been recognized by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services, as a 2025 Center of Distinction.
To earn this designation, the Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate of 96 percent.
“Receiving the Center of Distinction award from Healogics is an incredible honor for our team at Orleans Community Health Wound Care Center,” said Lisa Albanese Klein, program director. “This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and clinical excellence our wound care team brings to patients every day.”
The Wound Care Center is located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in 30 days. Leading edge treatments at the Center include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.
An award ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. June 3 at the Wound Care Center, which opened in 2020.
“In just six years, our wound care center has grown from operating two days a week to caring for patients four days a week – a reflection of both the increasing need for advanced wound care close to home and the trust our community places in us,” Albanese Klein said. “Our 96% patient satisfaction score and 82% wound mix-adjusted comprehensive healing rate demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional care and achieving meaningful outcomes for those we serve.”
Albanese Klein continued to say, “This award belongs to our dedicated staff members who work tirelessly to support, encourage and care for each patient throughout their healing journey. We are proud to provide high-quality wound care close to home and remain committed to improving the health and well-being of our community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2026 at 9:03 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded gas at the Crosby’s on Route 31 in Holley was at $4.63 on Sunday.
Gas prices took another jump this past week in Orleans County, going from an average of $4.48 a week ago for regular unleaded to $4.62 today, according to AAA. The price has now gone up nearly 27 cents in the past two weeks.
Nationally, however, the price is unchanged in the past week, remaining at an average of $4.52 a gallon, while the average price is up 2 cents state-wide to $4.61 a gallon.
The average price has topped $5 a gallon in several states: Illinois, $5.054; Nevada, $5.248; California, $6.151; Washington, $5.778; Oregon, $5.338; Alaska, $5.285; Hawaii, $5.635. The lowest average price is in Texas at $3.975.
“The national average is sitting in the same range as it was in 2022, the year that gas prices hit record highs,” AAA said in a news release this morning. “Travelers are preparing to hit the road in record numbers this week, and drivers will be facing the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years. As of this morning, oil is trading between $106 and $111 per barrel, compared to $97 and $104 a week ago.”
The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.94, up 1 cent from last week, and up from $3.89 last year. The average national price for diesel is at $5.63, down a penny from last week, but up from $3.55 a year ago.
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
Orleans, $4.618
Genesee, $4.591
Monroe, $4.583
Niagara, $4.575
Erie, $4.595
Wyoming, $4.623
Livingston, $4.588
Chautauqua, $4.623
Cattaraugus, $4.579
Allegany, $4.588
The highest price in the state is in Manhattan (New York County) at $5.022, the only county above $5. The highest in upstate is in Essex County at $4.802.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2026 at 9:57 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Jeremy Arnold and his daughter Philomena, 13, pull a long invasive vine from the bushes near a rest area along the Erie Canal in Holley.
They were among 200 volunteers for today’s “Day of Impact” led by Holley Rotary Interact and EarlyAct Clubs at the school.
There are usually about 100 volunteers for the big day in Holley of picking up trash and doing special projects. There was an even bigger response with today’s efforts dedicated in memory of Eric Fredendall, who passed away from melanoma on February 17, 2026 at age 46.
Leah Fredendall thanks the big crowd that turned out for the “Day of Caring” in honor of her late husband. Mrs. Fredendall works as an aide in the elementary school. Her husband grew up in Holley, graduated in 1997 and insisted on raising their family in the community. After serving as a combat veteran in the US Marines during the Iraq War, he worked for Stockham Lumber driving the lumber truck and making deliveries, a job he thoroughly enjoyed, his wife said.
Mr. Fredendall was an enthusiastic participant in previous “Day of Caring” events, relishing oddball items he would find as part of the litter cleanup. He once found a piece of a hot tub in the canal.
“Eric was always a hands-on, hard worker,” his wife said. “He took great pride in Holley.”
They have two children – Cole, 16; and Lauren, 14.
The people wore orange shirts today that noted it was the 2026 Day of Impact and it was dedicated in memory of Eric Fredendall.
“It means so much to all of us,” Mrs. Fredendall said about honoring her husband with today’s community service projects.
Mr. Fredendall was at last year’s event, despite being sick with cancer. He didn’t want to miss the chance to help out.
“He looked forward to it because you could accomplish something and get something done,” she said.
Holley students paint red along the curb in front of the elementary school. These students include Miori Fisher, an eighth-grader at right, and Zoey Warner, a sophomore.
Zoey said she looks forward to the “Day of Impact” every year.
“It’s a way to bring our community together,” she said.
Samantha Zelent, the Interact Club advisors, thanked the students and other volunteers for joining on the community service projects. She said the community is very supportive of the Interact Club efforts throughout the year.
The group gathered at the elementary school parking before dispersing to tackle different projects.
These Holley students washed about 200 afghan blankets that were donated when a house was cleaned out in Holley. The people who donated the afghans also gave detergent and 200 dollars in quarters to have they all cleaned at the laundromat.
The students – from left Bailey Bibbins, Nora Lindsay, Kaeleigh Eiland, Olivia Kirkpatrick and Lillian O’Brien – also folded all of the blankets.
The afghans will be donated to the VA, nursing homes, and a few organizations that work with homeless people.
Matt Campbell cleans off the memorial bricks at the military tank by the VFW. Students and volunteers did landscaping and other cleanup work by the tank. Bricks also were placed there in memory of Eric Fredendall and Mark Morreall. Morreall was very active at the VFW and American Legion. He also worked with the Interact Club last year to make the landscaping by the tank one of the projects for the “Day of Impact.”
Don Pera, a retired Holley teacher and Eric Fredendall’s uncle, holds a garbage bag while volunteers put trash in it from a field in the Holley Business Park. Eli Prior, 11, and his sister Leah, 13, were among the litter hunters. They are in Fredendall’s family.
Volunteers picked up litter along every village street and the canal towpath within the Holley school district.
This group works on cleaning up the East Avenue canal welcome spot. It was overgrown on the stone pavers and also the bushes needed to be trimmed and some nasty weeds removed. Lewanne Nettles, in front with the shovel, was among the community volunteers to helped with today’s projects. The welcome area was a new project on the list this year.
Pat Fredendall, Eric Fredendall’s mother, stopped by the canal welcome area to pass out bottles of water. She saw her granddaughter there, helping clean up the stone pavers. Lauren Fredenedall, 14, is Eric’s daughter.
Pat Fredendall said she appreciated the big turnout today from the volunteers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2026 at 8:32 pm
Memorial bricks placed by military tank near VFW to conclude today’s ‘Day of Impact’
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Memorial bricks were set today in honor of Eric Fredendall and Mark Morreall by the military tank by the Holley VFW, where Morreall was a long-time leader.
“These are two amazing veterans,” Interact Club advisor Samantha Zelent said about Morreall and Fredendall. “They are two very special people to the Interact Club.”
Morreall passed away at age 69 on October 29, 2025. He was a US Army veteran who also was very involved with the American Legion in Holley.
Mark Morreall’s wife Susan is joined by son Sean Morreall after they set the brick in honor of Mark Morreall.
A group gathers near the tank to see the two memorial bricks be placed in honor of Mark Morreall and Eric Fredendall.
Eric Fredendall’s children – Cole, 16, and Lauren, 14 – place a brick with their father’s name by the tank. The Vietnam War era tank has been near the VFW since 2009.
Eric Fredendall passed away February 17, 2026 at age 46 from melanoma. He was a 1997 Holley graduate who then served as a combat veteran in the US Marines during the Iraq War.
The bricks were placed to conclude today’s “Day of Impact” in Holley, where about 200 students and other community members picked up litter and tended to other special projects in Holley, including landscaping work by the tank. Today’s “Day of Impact” was also dedicated in Fredendall’s memory.
Next year more bricks honoring veterans could be added by the tank on the “Day of Impact.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2026 at 5:55 pm
Provided photos
MEDINA – Jill Kelly, Julie Maryjanowski and about 20 members of the “Kindness Crew” were busy today painting a welcome message at the Medina Canal Basin and the bathrooms at Butts Park and State Street Park.
They also painted a few hydrants in the State Street area.
The basin wall got a major overhaul with paint and a message welcoming people to Medina.
Volunteers also painted the building at State Street Park and the bathrooms at Butts.
Mayor Debbie Padoleski said she appreciates the crew volunteering to help the community. Many of the volunteers aren’t even village residents, Padoleski said.
Some of the volunteers enjoy fellowship and some refreshments in the Canal Basin.
RIDGEWAY – Our photo at top shows Fred Grey’s white horse and surrey standing south of the Universalist Church, at 3064 North Gravel Rd. in Ridgeway.
