By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2026 at 1:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Fireworks burst in the sky at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Saturday night next to the Gondola Wheel, one of 12 rides at the carnival from Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville.
The fireworks show was bigger than in recent years with the Town of Kendall raising money for the show as part of a 250th anniversary celebration for the United States of America.
Henry Tomasino and Kourtney Marion both volunteered selling waffles for the Kendall Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday night. They did it as part of the 15-hour community service requirement needed to graduate from Kendall.
The food vendors for the fire department said they were busy all three nights, and ran out of some of the items.
The band Tryst closed out the carnival on Saturday, performing in front of several hundred people in and outside the beer tent. Here the band sings, “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith.
The game “I Got It” was busy on Saturday night.
This goose figurine was dressed up in patriotic red, white and blue near the waffle booth.
KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival included a Kiddie Parade today at 11:30 a.m., a procession in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
It started at the Methodist Church and concluded at the carnival grounds, which is celebrating the country’s anniversary. The Kiddie Parade was sponsored by The Tree House School of Play at Albion.
Chase Kludt trails a wagon in full costume. William Hardenbrook was Uncle Sam and enthusiastically showed off his sign.
After the parade, the children who appeared most patriotic were announced as winners. The competition was separated into age brackets, with one boy and girl victor per age group. The brackets were toddler, pre-k-kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade, and grades 3-6. Winners received ride bands for free entry onto carnival rides. The other parade participants retrieved ice cream coupons. All of the children were given freeze pops.
The winners of the toddler age bracket were Callie Burch and Caleb Partyka. The pre-k to kindergarten group’s were Jacob Mathes and Makenna Partyka. For 1st-2nd grade, the winners were Evelyn Robinson and William Hardenbrook. 3rd-6th grade victors were Chase Kludt and Travis Manners.
Makenna Partyka, right, and another girl pose for their photo. Caleb Partyka rides on the John Deere tractor in the background.
Before the parade kicked off, Katie Spohr of Kendall’s Happy 250th Birthday America Committee stated, “We’re hoping to have a great day. Looks like we’re starting to have a good turnout. I love it! This parade is just part of the fun. Our theme is patriotic, and we see a lot of red, white, and blue here today, so it’s great.”
Orly the Ox, the bicentennial mascot for Orleans County, made an appearance in the parade. The trailer features signs stating that there will be fireworks at 10 p.m. today at the carnival.
The path of the parade went from the Methodist Church to the 250th Birthday America booth. The booth featured multiple fun and patriotic stations.
Dave Bentley, part of Kendall’s Happy 250th Birthday America Committee, worked a raffle for a quilt. The Victorian Thimble & Petals was present, wearing historical reenactment garb. Black’s Mercantile showed off Civil War Weapons from 1861-1865, also in reenactment costumes. Jeff Kinne, one of the sponsors of the Happy 250th Anniversary America carnival, provided entertainment, singing patriotic country songs at the booth after the winners were announced.
The children had fun in the parade. Here, a boy celebrates.
Daughters of the American Revolution had multiple items to pick up when passing by. Its station had educational and fun activity bags, crayon packs, heart stickers, America 250 bracelets, and coloring books containing primarily Revolutionary War pages as well as a 4th of July page. Additionally, it contained four pamphlets for adults, each explaining a different facet of American history. One told the tale of the Pledge of Allegiance, and another provided fun facts about the Constitution.
Maggie Culmone of The ROC MUA paints a burger on Peytyn Green’s face. Peytyn is from Henrietta and participated in the parade.
Peytyn’s sister, Ophelia Martinez, posed for a photograph. She was also in the parade.
Robin Schepler, aka Gramma Robin, made balloon animals and figures. The options were many including a puppy, penguin, donkey, elephant, mosquito, daisy with a stem, flower, rainbow headband, jester hat, wand in superhero or heart variety, sword in two varieties, flag on a heart, historical gun, and patriotic hat. Maggie Culmone, a makeup artist for The ROC MUA, did face painting.
Tanner Rinas of Kendall is all smiles as he awaits his patriotic balloon sword. Gramma Robin is hard at work tying its pieces together.
The children were very excited to show off their patriotic spirit. Some even made custom signs.
Eden Lamay, one of the judges for the Kiddie Parade, said, “This is the first year we’ve done it in a long time.” Melissa Shultz, another judge, voiced to those who attended, “Thank you for coming out.” She added to those who couldn’t make it, “Make sure to check for next year’s kiddie parade. We’d love to see more.”
Korra Palumbo from Kendall, a carnival attendee, was all dressed up as Abigail Adams. Here, she carries an America 250 flag as she poses in front of the Victorian Thimble & Petals station.
Photos courtesy of Albion Alumni Foundation: Ingrid Lamont congratulates Nisi Beltran Roblero as she receives the Lamont Family Scholarship. It is awarded to a student who demonstrates high academic enthusiasm, involvement in their community and a strong sense of personal integrity.
Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $208,350 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2026 graduates during their annual Class Night ceremony. These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals after high school graduation.
The Foundation’s scholarship committee and some donors chose recipients for 59 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The donors and scholarship committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.
Two new annual scholarships were awarded for the first time this year in the areas of art and theater. Established by her family and friends, both of these scholarships are in memory of Kim Marie Nesbitt, a beloved high school art teacher who passed away in October, 2025.
Kim had a passion for art and she loved teaching. She could always bring out the best in her students and helped them to build confidence and find their artistic talent. She also played a role in the drama department shows as the set design coordinator. For many years she worked with students to design and construct sets for the fall and spring shows. It is our hope that these scholarships will help Albion graduates dream big and succeed in their endeavors.
Roger Hungerford meets with Albion High School Alumni Foundation board member Charles Nesbitt and President Steve Hicks before Class Night. Hungerford funded the Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship and was on hand for the inaugural presentation.
The new scholarships are:
The Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship – This annual award and scholarship was established in 2026 and presented to a high school student who has had an outstanding high school art career. It consists of a $500 Excellence in Art award and a $4,500 scholarship, which is renewable in the amount of $5,000 for up to three additional years.This scholarship is funded by Roger Hungerford, a dear friend of the Nesbitt family.
Hanna Kumalac accepts the inaugural Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship from Charles Nesbitt.
The Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship – This annual scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment and outstanding achievement in high school theater arts. It consists of a $5,000 scholarship. This scholarship is funded by the Nesbitt family and friends.
Charles Nesbitt congratulates Julia Button on receiving the Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship.
The Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our Albion Alumni members and the local community. We are grateful to them for their willingness to support so many Albion graduates through our scholarship program.
If you are interested in starting a scholarship or want to learn more about the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, please contact Steve Hicks, Albion Alumni Foundation President, at steve@albionalumni.org.
Congratulations to all 2026 scholarship recipients!
2026 scholarship recipients:
Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship – Julia Button, Alondra Santana Gonzalez, Juliana Newbould, Lindsay Crawford
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Justin Kania
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Golden Performance Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
Minier Family Scholarship – Xzavier Gerow
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Kaiden Froman
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Alondra Santana Gonzales
A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship- Gideon Pask, Hannah Kumalac, Juan Gomez-Roblero
Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship – Myles Beach, Neveya Barnes
Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship- Aubrey Gannon
Babbitt Family Scholarship – Abigail Kincaid
Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship- Kaiden Froman
Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship- Nathan Gibson
Craig Anderson Scholarship – Wesley Olles
Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero
Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Aubrey Gannon
Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Renzo Tomasi
Lamont Family Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Justin Kania
Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Tristian Tilbe
Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlynn Basinait
Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship- Nathan Gibson, William Plummer
Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Kailee Anstey
Stewart New Scholarship – Abigail Ferris
Dick Tower Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Madison Muckle
Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Hanna Kumalac, Logan Poupore
Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Ava Ludwick
Bradley James Shelp Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Abigail Kincaid
Jonathan Doherty Scholarship – Dejeanna Conner
Raymond M. Lissow Scholarship – Julia Button
Paganelli Family Scholarship – Madison Muckle
Coach Robert Ord “Power of Perseverance” Award – Tristian Tilbe
Sacco Family Memorial Musical Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship – Hanna Kumalac
Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship – Julia Button
(Left) Aubrey Gannon accepts the Moore Family Scholarship from board member Mollie Radzinski. Established by Ann R. Moore and Robert H. Moore, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement, school and community activities and potential for future accomplishment. (Right) Christine Fancher congratulates Gideon Pask on receiving the Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship. Ed was a very active Alumni Foundation board member and exemplified a life of service to his community. This award recognizes a student who exhibits traits of exceptional service and involvement in his community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2026 at 8:28 am
Cycle the Erie Canal heads east through Orleans on Monday
Photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists cross the lift bridge in Holley on July 14, 2025 as part of a 62-mile ride that day from Medina to Fairport. The Cycle the Erie Canal journey starts in Buffalo and the cyclists then go about 400 miles over eight days, ending in Albany.
MEDINA – More than 600 cyclists will leave Buffalo on Sunday and will be headed to Medina for the first day of the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal adventure.
There will be participants from 37 states and Canada on the ride, which will stretch about 400 miles over eight days on the way to Albany.
Orleans County communities welcome the cyclists with refreshments in Medina on Sunday, and then in Albion and Holley on Monday. The cyclists stay overnight in a tent city in Medina at the school district.
The ride is organized by Parks & Trails New York. It is the state’s largest multi-day bike tour. The cyclists will go 40 to 60 miles a day, visiting historic canal communities, local businesses and landmarks at the canal communities.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jose Corte of Long Island, left, and Yang Chen of Queens pose with their bikes in front of their tent, set up for the night in Medina at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School. This photo was taken on July 13, 2025, the end of the first day of last year’s Cycling the Erie Canal.
File photo: Saamir Rahman, materials manager and director of continuous improvement for Brunner, shows some of the brake components made by Brunner during a public tour in December 2024.
Press Release, Brunner
MEDINA – Brunner, a Hendrickson company, will host an open house and job fair on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility located at 3959 Bates Road in Medina.
The event will invite local community members to tour the operation, learn about Brunner’s continued growth in Medina and explore career opportunities with the company.
The announcement is intended to help local media and community audiences learn more about the investments being made at Brunner, including new manufacturing equipment that delivers automation capabilities and supports Hendrickson’s broader manufacturing strategy across its footprint. Brunner’s Medina facility is now adding capacity for a new product line, bringing an existing Hendrickson product into local production.
Brunner became part of Hendrickson in October 2023 and operates as a division of Hendrickson Brake and Wheel-End, supporting the commercial vehicle, bus and trailer markets with premium brake shoes and S-cams that complement Hendrickson’s broader portfolio. As part of Hendrickson’s reliable portfolio, Brunner’s growth in Medina reflects the company’s ongoing focus on manufacturing excellence, product expansion and long-term investment.
What attendees will see:
New manufacturing equipment delivering greater automation capabilities at the Medina facility.
How Brunner supports Hendrickson’s Brake and Wheel-End business and growing product portfolio.
Information on current job openings in manufacturing, plant operations and automation-focused roles.
A facility tour and the chance to connect directly with the Brunner team in Medina.
Brunner is seeking local talent to support its next phase of growth in Medina, including positions in manufacturing, plant operations and jobs specifically focused on automation. Local residents interested in long-term careers in manufacturing are encouraged to attend the open house and job fair to learn more about available opportunities, meet team members and get a firsthand look at the facility.
The July 18 event gives the Medina community an opportunity to see Brunner’s investments firsthand, learn how automation is shaping the facility’s future and explore new career opportunities with a Hendrickson-owned business that continues to grow locally. By opening its doors to the community, Brunner is putting its Medina growth story, product expansion and hiring needs front and center to support both awareness and recruitment.
ABOUT BRUNNER
Brunner, a Hendrickson company, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium heavy-duty brake components for the global commercial vehicle industry. Because every stop matters, Brunner has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and reliability, producing S-cams and brake shoes trusted by major OEMs and fleets.
Based in Medina, NY, USA, with manufacturing operations in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Brunner has served the transportation industry for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.brunnerbrakes-intl.com.
ABOUT HENDRICKSON
Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy‑duty mechanical, elastomeric, and air suspensions; integrated and non‑integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi‑leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and other components for the global commercial transportation industry. Based in Woodridge, IL, USA, Hendrickson has served the transportation industry for more than 100 years. Visit www.hendrickson-intl.com.
MURRAY – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the bridge that carries Transit Road over the Erie Canal in the Town of Murray, Orleans County, has been temporarily closed to traffic to facilitate bridge work.
Motorists should use the Densmore Road bridge to the west. Signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closure and NYSDOT will keep the public apprised regarding the reopening of the bridge.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:23 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – George Mann, a 97-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Navy, waves to people along the Kendall Road parade route on Thursday evening during the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade. He was joined in the car by veterans Pat Condo and Fred Conrad.
Many in the crowd clapped and showed their appreciation for Mann, Condo and Conrad, the three veterans in the car.
Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.
Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year.
Max Equipment Rentals brought a foam cannon to the parade to the delight of many kids.
Rich Harpole, owner of Foam Hippo, was happy to spread joy with the foam cannon.
Mattison Maxon is covered in foam while riding the float for Max Equipment Rentals.
Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.
Scouts in Pack and Troop 94 created a float with a Statue of Liberty.
Adele Mathes, a member of Troop 94, waves to a friend along the parade route.
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer promoted activities on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, including fireworks at 10 p.m.
Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley tosses frisbees to the crowd.
State Sen. Rob Ortt hustles to get a reload of candy.
The Safety Pup waves to people from the top of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s new armored vehicle, a Bearcat.
Some older John Deere tractors were part of the parade procession.
A woman signals for Kendall highway trucks to honk their horns.
A young dancer from Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin shows her moves.
Head Over Heels Dance & Acrobatics in Holley brought a big contingent for the parade.
A passenger in a Kendall fire truck tosses candy to kids.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – These kids are delighted to be on the “Little Wheel” at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Thursday. From left include Sylas Herring, 4, of Holley and Brody Buschang, 3, of Hilton.
This is one of 12 rides brought to the carnival by Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville. The carnival continues today and on Saturday.
Chris Casale sings “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the main stage of the carnival. There are bands performing each night.
Brynn Hardenbrook, 15, joins volunteers serving up hamburgers, sausage, fries and lots of other food. Carol D’Agostino, a long-time volunteer, is next to her.
The “Rock O Plane” ride flips people upside down.
Mackenzie Cooper, 12, tosses a ring during a game of Ring A Knife. She was on target and won a pocket knife. Her sister, 10-year-old Kayla, is next to her. Mackenzie had just played a soccer game for Kendall against Albion.
Elmora Arena, 2, of Greece rides the Merry Go Round and looks back at her mother.
Kendall firefighters are busy in the food pavilion. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis work the hot grill on Thursday evening. The hamburgers were served with peppers and onions.
The Gondola Wheel is a new ride at the carnival this year.
An open field has been transformed into a midway for the carnival.
Kids get on the Go Gator at the carnival. Kendall is the last community doing a firemen’s carnival in Orleans County.
These kids have fun on the Dizzy Dragon ride.
A hay bale by the Kendall Town Hall is decorated for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 5:05 pm
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Jim DeFilipps was commended and presented with a plaque from Mayor Mark Bower during Defilipps’ final meeting as a village trustee on June 29. He was on the board for over a decade.
DeFilipps, a former Holley police officer, chose not to seek re-election last month. Brenden Bedard has taken his position as a trustee. DeFilipps currently works as chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. He was deputy of the year in 2015 in New York State.
The photo at left shows DeFilipps with his children, Jake and Gianna. At right, Mayor Mark Bower presents DeFilipps with a plaque for his service.
The board also on June 29 accepted the resignation of Katie Niles as village treasurer and Sarah Lyons as the deputy clerk-treasurer. The board appointed Lyons to be the village treasurer at an hourly pay of $25.46 and Vesna McGlen to be deputy treasurer at hourly rate of $20 per hour.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 4:55 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstrom warning until 5:30 p.m. for Orleans County and northwestern Genesee County.
“Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Point Breeze to near Akron, moving east at 45 mph,” the Weather Service said.
The storm has 60 mph wind gusts. Locations impacted include Medina, Albion, Hamlin Beach State Park, Oakfield, Holley, Waterport, Lakeside Beach State Park, Point Breeze, Kent and Shelby.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 3:46 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for western Orleans County and Niagara County from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today. The warning also includes northwestern Genesee County and northeastern Erie County.
The storm could bring 60 mile per hour wind gusts. The Weather Service said to expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 2:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kurt Hobart of Medina sprays water from a fire hose with assistance from Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley this afternoon at Hoag Library.
Today was Fire Truck Day at the library and there was apparatus from the Albion Fire Department, Barre Volunteer Fire Company, Carlton Volunteer Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District, as well as an ambulance from Mercy Flight EMS.
Kara Bentley, a Barre firefighter, lets her daughter Adalynn, 3, sit in an Albion fire truck.
To see a schedule for the summer reading program at Hoag, click here.
ALBION – The Albion school district is pleased to introduce a new addition to its athletics program. Dylan Jay will assume the role of Athletic Trainer ahead of the fall 2026 season. He was appointed by the Albion Board of Education at the July 7 meeting.
Jay is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He joins Albion with plenty of high school level experience, previously serving as an athletic trainer for five years at Medina Central School and four years at Cheektowaga.
Jay grew up in East Aurora and earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport. Growing up, he played soccer, ran track at the collegiate level, and trained for the Winter Olympic sport of Skeleton post college.
He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the Albion community, building strong relationships and serving as a trusted confidant for athletes, parents and coaches. He is excited to support athletes in pursuit of their goals and hopes to help teams challenge league, section or state titles in the coming seasons.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Dylan aboard,” said Lauren Kinard, Albion athletic director. “He will be a great asset to our program and we are confident our athletes and coaches will benefit greatly from his expertise, presence and guidance.”
