SHELBY – A person has died and another seriously injured after two stabbings in Shelby at 4643 South Gravel Rd.

Another man, who allegedly stabbed the other two individuals, is in custody, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

Law enforcement was dispatched to scene at 11:55 a.m. for report of a disturbance in Shelby Center. The responding deputy encountered an aggressive individual who was covered in blood, Bourke said. The man came at the deputy, who used a taser to try to subdue the man, the sheriff said.

That man remained aggressive, but was able to be put in the back of the police car. He is being interviewed by law enforcement and is now being cooperative, Bourke said.

There were two people inside the house and one was dead from stabbing wounds. Another man suffered more than 20 stabbing wounds, and remains alive but with severe injuries, Bourke said.

The man was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance due to mercy Flight being unable to fly its helicopter due to the weather conditions.

Law enforcement remain on scene to process the evidence. Route 63 has been closed between Alabama Road and Oak Street.

The sheriff said a news release will be forthcoming with more details.

Due to the bitter cold weather and wintry conditions, the following churches have announced they will not be having services on Feb. 8.

• First Baptist Church of Albion
• Gaines Carlton Community Church

Photos by Tom Rivers: More than 200 supporters of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina attended a fundraising gala on a bitterly cold Friday night. These supporters place there tickets in the hopes of winning some of the items in the basket auction. About 120 items were in that auction, plus about 50 others (mostly library book shelves, chairs and tables) available in a live auction.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sharon Kleinhans, left, library clerk, hands an auction brochure to Georgia Thomas as the start of the gala to support Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

MEDINA – The first gala to support Lee-Whedon Memorial Library was a resounding success Friday night, according to library director Kristine Mostyn.

Mostyn said the gala was the idea of the Capital Committee in charge of fundraising. More than 200 people purchased tickets to the event, which featured hors d’oeuvres from Hans Bakery and Zambistro Restaurant, beverages, music by DSP Jazz, a silent and live auction and a basket raffle.

Cynthia Kiebala, president of the library board of directors, announced they had exceeded their $500,000 goal in community donations toward the library expansion, which is expected to be completed in June. She thanked the staff and all the supporters who donated art, crafts, books and gift certificates for their auction and basket raffle, as well as monetary donors.

Lee-Whedon celebrated a ground-breaking last Aug. 22 for a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet. The project will cost $5.2 million.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, an art gallery, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There will also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

The state is contributing nearly $1.7 million in New York State Public Library Construction Aid grants to the $5.2 million project. In December, Lee-Whedon also received $25,000 in funding from the Garmin Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

With the more than $500,000 in community donations that leaves about $3 million to be financed for the project.

“I’m very impressed with the number of people that came out tonight for us,” library director Kristine Mostyn said. “There is a great level of support in the community for the library.”

One of the guests at the gala was Ruth Cleveland of Medina who is a member of Friends of the Library.

“I come here a couple of times a week,” she said. “I like to work on the jigsaw puzzles. This is a happy place.”

(Left) Lee-Whedon president Cynthia Kiebala welcomes the more than 200 guests who attended the fundraising gala Friday night. (Right) Wes Pickreign, a retired Medina school principal, solicits a bid from the audience during Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s auction at their gala Friday night. The event raised about $18,000, topping the $15,000 goal. The funds will reduce what is needed from the local community in financing for the expansion project.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said she brought her kids to the library when they were little.

“Now I bring my grandchildren,” she said. “When I was working at the high school I used to tutor students here after school. They were always willing to share their space with us.”

Wes Pickreign stepped up as auctioneer for the evening’s live auction of library furniture and shelving. A highlight of the auction were two whimsical tables, one resembling a stack of books and the other a hamburger. After a lively bidding war, they were sold for $210 and $220, respectively.

Many of furnishings will be replaced as part of the capitol project. The book shelves that are about 7 feet tall will be removed for new ones about 5 feet tall to make the books easier to reach for patrons.

The library will close on March 23 and reopen on May 2 to complete the work on the inside.

Staff of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library posed for a picture prior to welcoming guests to the first ever gala Friday night at the library. From left are Kristine Mostyn, director; Jessica Kozlowski, library clerk; Lisa Pritchard, tech services; Sharon Kleinhans, library clerk; Marna Grimes, page; Darlene Schepis, library clerk; Samantha Covis, assistant director; Joy Cameron, Amanda Wolford and Kelsie Stahl, library clerks; and Tricia Mumau, children’s services.

Guests enjoy conversation and refreshments at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s first fundraising gala Friday night. From left are Brian Grimes, David Boice (shaking hands with Tom Zangerle) and Linda Pickreign, who is a board member of the library. At right is Wes Pickreign, who served as auctioneer for the evening.

Supporting Lee-Whedon Memorial Library at its gala Friday night are, from left, Theresa Pierson of Royalton, Shelly Budziszewski of Middleport, Liz Bednarz of Gasport and Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville. Pierson and Budziszewski visit the library often with their children, who love to read and take part in library programs. Bednarz loves crafting and visits the library to take part in their adult craft program. Chizick enjoys Finally Fridays at the library.

Photos by Tom Rivers: There were about 120 items in the basket raffle, including many treats, books, gift certificates and art work. The book in the center, Last Call, is by Renee Lama and chronicles 150 years of restaurants, hotels and taverns in the Medina area.

Elizabeth Cooper created a doll showing love for Lee-Whedon Memorial Library that was among the items in the auction. It was included with a book about one-room schoolhouses in Shelby, written by Alice Zacher.

Sharon Klienhans, right, greets the gala attendees and hands them their paddles for the auction.

Wes Pickreign served as auctioneer and drummed up support from bidders for many of the library’s furnishings that will be replaced, including the circulation desks, several tables, chairs, metal and wood shelves, cabinets and work stations.

Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Steven Miles (Royalton-Hartland) is shown with Steve Blask, a teacher from North Tonawanda High School.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

It was an awesome day on Thursday in Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program.

For their first time, students in the senior and junior classes took part in Dream It Do It Western New York TCAM (Teacher, Counselor, Administrator and Manufacturer) Camp.  The camp was a fun and informative opportunity to provide content and context pertaining to exciting careers in manufacturing that are in our region. The students enjoyed networking with local manufacturers and educators.

Dream It Do It Western New York includes over 1,615 manufacturers, employing 70,000 people and generating $26.8 billion in manufacturing shipments per year. Students learned that manufacturing in the WNY region accounts for 12% of the total workforce which is well beyond the 8% national average.

Over the next 10 years, industry estimates indicate that due to retirements and growth there will be a substantial shortage of qualified employees to fill this gap. Dream It Do It Western New York Partners with local school districts in the area and BOCES to address the workforce needs of manufacturers through the coordinated efforts of stakeholders and resources.

At Thursday’s event, component school district counselors, teachers, college representatives and local manufacturers’ employees partnered with Mr. Rakonczay’ s students with some hands-on technology experiences and a tour of Edwards Vacuum in Wheatfield.

It was a great opportunity to see new technology and learn about products that were made locally and explore career opportunities.

“I was honored to host the first Dream It, Do It TCAM Camp,” says Mr. Rakonczay.  “It was a great opportunity to show local educators and counselors what we can do.”

Tyler Rothwell, a student at Royalton-Hartland, is shown with Roy-Hart staff Eliza Feocco and Michele Parker at the “Dream It Do It Western New York TCAM Camp.”

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

Kirk Thomas Jr. and Nevada Nichols face multiple felony charges for allegedly stealing electronics from Walmart stores in Albion, Batavia and Brockport.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrests of two individuals following a multi-agency investigation into an organized retail theft scheme targeting department stores across Orleans, Genesee and Monroe counties.

Kirk Thomas Jr., 41, and Nevada Nichols, 33, both of Batavia, were charged in connection with multiple thefts from Walmart locations in the region on Jan. 12 as a result of a coordinated investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the Albion Walmart reported a theft on Jan. 6 in which more than $1,400 in merchandise—primarily electronics—was stolen. Surveillance footage showed a male and female suspect leaving the store in a white BMW with no license plates.

Further investigation revealed the same suspects were involved in additional thefts at Walmart locations in Albion, Brockport, Batavia and surrounding areas, resulting in thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.

Through coordinated investigative efforts, including surveillance review, intelligence sharing, vehicle identification, investigators identified Thomas and Nichols as suspects.

The vehicle used in the thefts was located and secured by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and search warrants executed by Orleans and Monroe County investigators resulted in the recovery of stolen property.

On January 12, Thomas and Nichols were taken into custody with the assistance of New York State Parole.

In Orleans County, both defendants were charged with:

• Two counts of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (A Misdemeanors)
• Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (E Felonies)
• Enterprise Corruption (B Felony), stemming from an alleged ongoing pattern of organized retail theft activity

Nevada M. Nichols was released on an appearance ticket in the Town of Albion Court. Nichols was also arrested and released by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Batavia, and by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Sweden.

Kirk A. Thomas Jr. was held in custody by Orleans County pending a bail hearing. Thomas has an extensive criminal history in New York State, having been previously arrested 48 times for similar offenses and convicted of eight felony crimes.

Additional charges for both are anticipated from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, and Walmart Asset Protection for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation coordinated by Orleans County Sheriff’s Investigator Brian Marsceill.

This case highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in addressing organized retail theft and protecting local businesses.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and some of his colleagues have sent a letter to Governor Hochul, urging her to direct NYSERDA to return billions in unused funds from their Climate Investment Account directly back to ratepayers who are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills.

The 2025 fiscal year budget and financial plan for NYSERDA indicates they have a surplus of more than $2 billion and projected in future years to even reach $3 billion. At last week’s Joint Budget hearing on Energy and Environmental Conservation, Senate Finance Ranker Tom O’Mara urged NYSERDA President Doreen Harris to return these funds to ratepayers as a bill credit. These bill credits would provide immediate relief to overburdened ratepayers who were required to contribute these surplus funds in their utility bills.

“Albany Democrats continue to dream up new ways to tax New Yorkers and billions of ratepayer dollars – taken to fund the Green New Scam – are sitting unused. It’s time NYSERDA parted with its slush fund, and returned that money to ratepayers to give real immediate relief to New Yorkers who desperately need a break,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

The letter was also signed by Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of the Energy and Telecommunications; Senator Tom O’Mara, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance; and Senator Mark Walczyk, member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.

“There is no rationale for not using these off-budget surplus funds to provide ratepayers with credit on their utility bill,” the letter reads. “It is particularly timely because of the increased supply costs that will result from the current bout of frigid weather. Returning these unspent funds would provide short-term assistance but does not resolve the long-term problem of increasing rates. It is, however, an important recognition of the problem and provides immediate cash relief.”

MEDINA – Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral and Gift Shop in Medina, knows the winter months are difficult, especially this year with so many bitterly cold days and very limited sunshine.

She said winter days are especially hard for senior citizens in nursing homes and assisted care facilities.

She posted on the Creekside Floral Facebook page about “Plants with Purpose.” She wanted to give a blooming plant to senior citizens at Orchard Manor, the North Wing of Medina Memorial Hospital and The Willows. She asked for $10 sponsors for each plant, a Kalanchoe.

The community responded, sponsoring 198 plants to cover all of the residents at the three sites. They also went over the limit by 35 and counting. Lewis has added The Villages of Orleans in Albion for “Plants with Purpose.”

She will deliver them by mid-week next week, in time for Valentine’s Day.

“I just wanted to brighten their day,” she said. “The winter months are some of the dreariest. We need more kindness in the world.”

Lewis thanked the sponsors for their quick and generous response. If she runs out of the Kalanchoe plants for everyone at The Villages, she said she would find other valentine-themed gifts for them. For more information about being a sponsor, call 585-798-1200.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today will be holding his 5th Annual National Pizza Day Police Appreciation Program.

Hawley will be providing pizza to law enforcement officers across the 139th Assembly District. This gesture complements his ongoing efforts in Albany to advocate for policies that support and equip our law enforcement officers.

Pizza will be delivered to the following 11 departments:

• Albion Police Department
• Batavia Police Department
• Brockport Police Department
• Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
• Holley Police Department
• Le Roy Police Department
• Medina Police Department
• Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – Zone B Substation
• New York State Police – Troop A, Albion Barracks
• New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters (Batavia)
• Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

Hawley will personally deliver pizza to the Batavia Police Department, New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters in Batavia, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in Batavia.

Extreme cold advisory also in effect tonight through Sunday morning

Photo by Marsha Rivers: A motorist drives on Ashwood Road in Carlton last week during frigid temperatures.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold advisory and also a winter weather advisory for Orleans County.

The winter weather advisory started at 7 a.m. today and continues until 7 p.m. on Saturday. Orleans County is expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow during that time period.

The advisory also includes Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow, the National Weather Service said.

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. tonight until 10 a.m. on Sunday with bitterly cold wind chills between 15 and 24 below zero expected.

“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” the Weather Service said. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”

The high temperature today in Orleans County is forecast to reach 27 but will drop to around 0 overnight.

Saturday is forecast for a high of 6 degrees and overnight low around 0, with Sunday’s high at 11.

HAMLIN – The Town of Hamlin is the euchre champ for 2026 against its card-playing rival, the Town of Kendall.

The towns have been playing euchre in a tournament since 1954. They for three Wednesdays, usually with 60 to 80 players.

Hamlin had the most points the first night, and then Kendall stormed back to claim the most points last week.

This week was the tie-breaker and Hamlin squeaked out a win, besting Kendall by 198 points. Both towns tallied more than 4,000 points over the three days.

Hamlin gets bragging rights for a year and also was treated to a fish fry by the losing team.

“In the words of Bills fans everywhere, ‘Wait ’til next year,’” said John Becker, chairman of the tournament for Kendall.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Anglers try to catch salmon and trout in the Oak Orchard River in Carlton on Oct. 20, 2023.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York.

The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).

“Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to affordably explore, unplug, and get outside,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State’s waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation, hosting memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy. In addition to the many health benefits associated with recreating outdoors, fishing can provide more opportunities to connect with family and friends, something that seems harder and harder to do with increasing demands on time in today’s world.”

DEC’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give New Yorkers who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State Fishing License.

Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit DEC’s website.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has issued a reminder to the community that Friday is Wear Red Day.

“We encourage the community to show their support for heart health by wearing red on Wear Red Day this Friday,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at OCH.

This national day of awareness shines a spotlight on heart disease – the leading cause of death for men and women – and encourages everyone to take simple steps toward a healthier heart.

By wearing red, community members help raise awareness, spark conversations and demonstrate a shared commitment to preventing heart disease and stroke. Orleans Community Health is proud to stand with residents, patients and partners in promoting heart-healthy habits that can make a lasting difference, according to Robinson.

Following are simple tips for a healthy heart:

• Stay active by aiming for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week.
• Choose heart healthy food, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Manage stress through relaxation, mindfulness or enjoyable activities.
• Know your numbers. Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption.

“Small lifestyle changes can have a bit impact on heart health,” Robinson said. “Wear Red Day is a great reminder to take care of your heart and encourage loved ones to do the same.”

Everyone is urged on Friday to “Go Red for Heart Health” and help build a healthier community for all.

Residents, businesses worry about costs of taxes, health insurance, utilities

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kelli Nicholas Owens gave some of the highlights of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget during the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Luncheon last Friday at the Fair Haven Inn in Gaines. Owens is executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Behind her are Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, and State Sen. Rob Ortt.

GAINES – Speakers at the annual legislative luncheon for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce said costs of living and doing business in the state – from utilities, health insurance, taxes, child care – are all straining peoples’ wallets making in difficult to get ahead.

Gov. Kathy Hochul presented a $260 billion executive budget that includes $4.5 billion for childcare and also eliminates taxes on tipped wages up to $25,000. The governor’s budget does not include a tax increase and makes “unprecedented funding” in law enforcement, said Kelli Nicholas Owens, executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said bringing down the costs to live and do business in the state should be a top priority for elected officials, especially for the governor and State Legislature. He said the state’s Medicaid program is a budget buster and some of the benefits should be reined in to reduce the costs. Medicaid provides health coverage to more than 7.5 million people in the state and costs about what Florida and Texas spend on the program combined, despite those states each having more people than New York, Hawley noted.

She provided some highlights of Hochul’s budget, including an additional $1.7 billion for prekindergarten and childcare, during the legislative luncheon last Friday that was attended by about 50 people.

 “I think we can all agree that something needs to be done about childcare, especially in the rural areas,” Owens said.

Universal childcare is also an economic development issue, helping more parents to be able to work at a time when there are shortages of employees around the state, Owens said.

Hochul also is targeting fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for New Yorkers, and aims to reduce rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for insurers. She wants expanded discounts for homeowners and housing providers who invest in damage mitigation measures for their homes or multifamily properties.

The governor also is demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities for lower bills.

“The governor is really trying to get to those pocketbook issues that affect everyday Americans,” Owens said.

Some attendees of the luncheon said the high costs in the state are causing people to go elsewhere.

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said the governor and State Legislature need to bring down the costs of living in the state, and resist bailing out Buffalo, New York City and other municipalities that get themselves into financial woes.

“The problem is everything is more damn expensive – cars, food, energy, insurance,” Ortt said.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, second from right, said Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature need to get serious about the affordability crisis in the state that is forcing many residents and businesses to flee to other states. Other speakers at the luncheon up front included, from left, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Allison Barkowski, representing Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the state needs to cut back.

“We cannot continue to be all things to all people,” he said.

He said the election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, as New York City mayor has concerned many in the state’s largest city and some have said they will move out of NYC. Hawley said he hopes those people will find their new homes in upstate New York, rather than another state.

Ortt would like the governor to do more to bring down costs, but he acknowledged it is a difficult state to govern and build consensus. However, Ortt said Hochul knows the small towns like Holley and Kendall and needs to be thinking more of those places when she pushes policies statewide.

Owens, the state official representing Hochul, urged the rural areas to build a strong coalition to bring a louder voice to Albany. Owens used to work for New York Farm Bureau and she saw how that organization reached legislators in Albany through its Taste of NY Reception and Lobby Day. This year it will be Feb. 9-10.

Owens suggested the chambers of commerce in rural areas band together and be part of the Farm Bureau outreach effort.

Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, said Orleans has been able to consistently stay under the state-imposed tax cap that generally allows about a 2 percent tax increase. But Welch said the county budget continues to be dominated by state mandated expenses that are more than 100 percent of the tax levy.

The county has seen more than a million-dollar increase in one of those programs: Mental Health Law Expense 730.30, where people deemed unfit to stand trial are committed to a facility. That can cost $30,000 to $50,000 a month per person.

The “730” expense went from $57,000 in 2023 to $367,000 in 2024 (with $50,000 budgeted). This year the budget was increased to $550,000 but the county was at $1,267,000 in 2025 with December’s bill yet to arrive. The budgeted amount for 2026 is $1.5 million. The cost used to be a 50-50 split with the state, but the state made it a 100 percent county expense.

The county has expanded its work week from 35 to 40 hours a week for county employees to help make up for a worker shortage and also to lessen the need to buy more health insurance policies, which has been another big cost on the county budget, Welch said.

“We’re trying to get as much efficiency as we can with what we have,” he said.

Tony Cammarata, Kendall town supervisor, said there has been a gradual residential push from the Town of Greece going west into Hilton and Hamlin. He expects Kendall to see residential and business growth, especially with the expansion of public water and sewer in the town.

“We’re next in line,” he said about the western migration from Monroe County.

County Historian Catherine Cooper highlighted how the county this year will be observing the 250^thanniversary of the United States declaring its independence. This follows a very busy 2025 when the county celebrated its own bicentennial and also the 200^th anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal.