By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2026 at 1:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association on Saturday presented the March All-County Music Festival, featuring 245 students from Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
The top photo shows trombonists in the elementary band.
The OCMEA brought in guest conductors who worked with students on Friday and Saturday before the concert on Saturday afternoon. The music teachers in each district also prepared the students in the weeks leading up to the big concert.
Amanda Burdick leads the elementary band, which included 85 students. Burdick has been teaching band the past 20 years at Lewiston-Porter.
On Saturday the All-County band performed the “Cape Breton March,” “On the Colorado Trail,” “The Water is Wide,” and “Builder’s Dream.”
Becki Place, a vocal music teacher and choral director at Fred W. Hill Elementary School in Brockport, served as guest conductor of the Junior High Chorus.
The chorus included 89 students. They sang, “Cantar!” “Hava Nashiram,” “Seed to Sow,” and “Amazing.”
The students sang with lots of hand movements during the song, “Seed to Sow.”
The senior high band was led by guest conductor Bill Tiberio, who has worked as a music teacher for 42 years, with the first four at Auburn and the past 38 at Fairport High School.
Zach Busch, Holley’s junior-senior high band teacher, joined the senior high band with his trombone. There were 71 students in the senior high band. They performed “English Folk Song Suite,” “On the Banks,” and “Groovitude.”
Lyndonville Lions Club, American Legion sponsor students who will spend week at Morrisville
Provided photo: Thomas Blake, Will Arlinton and Calvin Cook will be going to the 2026 New York State Boys State Program. They are shown with representatives from the American Legion and the Lions Club in Lyndonville.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recently partnered with the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner American Legion Post to sponsor three students from Lyndonville Central School to attend this year’s New York State Boys State Program.
Boys State is a long-standing program organized by the American Legion that gives high school juniors the opportunity to learn about state government and the responsibilities of civic leadership. During the week-long program at Morrisville State College, students participate in hands-on activities that teach leadership, civic responsibility, and teamwork while gaining a deeper understanding of how government operates.
The program aims to inspire the next generation of leaders while helping students develop skills that will benefit them as they prepare for their senior year and future careers.
The Lyndonville Lions Club has long supported the American Legion’s efforts to send local students to the Boys State Program by covering transportation costs for Lyndonville High School participants as well as students from surrounding schools in Orleans County.
Through the continued efforts of the American Legion and the Lyndonville Lions to encourage student participation, Lyndonville Central School has seen an increase in interest in attending Boys State. This year, three students from Lyndonville were selected to participate, marking the highest level of participation from the school.
Each year, the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner American Legion Post sponsors one student to attend the program. This year, the Lyndonville Lions Club was asked to assist with the remaining two students and unanimously voted to cover the $900 cost to support their participation.
Students attending 2026 New York State Boys State Program: Thomas Blake, Will Arlinton and Calvin Cook.
In other activities, the Lyndonville Lions Club, working with the Lyndonville Central School Leo Club, recently screened more than 140 students at the school for visual acuity concerns. Students identified with potential vision deficiencies will be referred to local ophthalmologists for further evaluation, with the initial visit covered by the Lyndonville Lions.
Research has consistently shown a strong connection between good vision and successful learning in school. This ongoing project supports the Lions Club’s mission of promoting vision health in the community.
The effort also complements the Lions Club’s upcoming Annual Free Vision Screening and Eyeglass Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at the White Birch in Lyndonville. Doors will open at 9 a.m., and community members are invited to receive eye exams, glaucoma screenings, and vision checks for glasses.
The event will once again be supported by members of the Kenmore Lions Club, along with volunteers from several surrounding Lions Clubs.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would also like to announce its upcoming Mother’s Day Rose Sale. One dozen long stem red roses will be available for $20.
Advance orders may be placed by calling Harold Suhr at 585-281-4646. Roses can be picked up at the White Birch in Lyndonville on May 7 and 8. For additional information, please call the same number.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2026 at 9:18 pm
16 stops gave tasting of wine, beer and mead
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – These friends were out today at Albion’s annual Sip N’ Stroll. From left include Brandi Buzard, Shelby Buzard, Mary Kay Jenks, Peggy Lyman and Shanna Johnston.
In back at left is Tracy Birge, co-owner of Autumn Moon Farm in Bergen. They are all in Argento’s Bakery & Deli, one of 16 stops that served wine, beer or mead.
There were 379 people on the Sip N’ Stroll, believed to be the most in its history and topping the 357 from last year.
The Batavia Pedal Party carries a group of people down Main Street.
Dominic Wilder of Albion gets a taste of wine from Ken Kibler of Main Street Winery in Arcade. Christina Tilbe is behind Wilder at the Downtown Browsery. She said she enjoyed seeing so many people having fun in Albion.
Sam Kingsbury performs at Wish and Wonder Tattoo on East Bank Street. A grant from Go Art! paid for six musical performers during the event. Other musicians included Sebastian Erakare at Hearth & Home Real Estate, Andy & Mandy at 39 Problems, Jim Aina at Arnold’s Auto Parts, Steve Novak at The Lockstone/Tinsel, and V3 at Dubby’s Tailgate.
David Mantle from the Thousands Islands Winery serves wine at Wish and Wonder Tattoo.
“It’s really fun,” said Andrew London, Wish and Wonder owner and a first-time host for the event. “People like the vibe.”
Darian Papia of Becker Farms in Gasport serves tastes of wine to Marie Wehling, Mollie Radzinski and Crystal Hallenbeck. They are at 101 East Bank Street.
The check-in crew greets people at Dubby’s. Right to left include Marlene Seielstad, Brenda Benjovsky, Tara Neace and Kim Hazel. Seielstad was chairperson of the event.
She noted it’s the biggest fundraiser for the Albion Merchants Association.
“It brings more than 350 people to downtown Albion and through the doors of the businesses,” she said. “They have a great time and it showcases our businesses.”
The wheelbarrow full of wine bottles was a prize. The wheelbarrow was donated by Luddy’s, with the wineries also donated bottles of their wine.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2026 at 4:14 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The candidates for mayor in Albion – Joyce Riley and Tim McMurray – speak during Thursday’s candidate forum at Hoag Library. Riley is running under the Democratic Party and independent “Vote for Albion” lines, while McMurray has the backing of the Republican Party. The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on March 18 at the Village Hall at 35-37 East Bank St.
ALBION – The candidates for the upcoming Village of Albion election all said they are ready to work hard for the community, but they said it takes more than a Village Board for Albion to move forward with challenges with becoming more affordable, increasing housing options, attracting businesses and improving the quality of life.
The candidates – Joyce Riley and Tim McMurray for mayor, and Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan for trustee – urged more community participation in the village government, civic organizations, youth programs and other groups.
The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, with voting at the Village Hall on 35-37 East Bank St.
Riley and McMurray have both been on the board for nearly four years as trustees. The current mayor, Angel Javier Jr., isn’t seeking re-election. Riley is backed by the Democrats and the independent “Vote for Albion” lines while McMurray has the Republican line.
Riley worked as a registered nurse and later supervised an ambulatory surgical unit in Washington, D.C., overseeing 200 employees. When she retired, she moved back to Albion in 2015. She is the oldest of 10 siblings. She praised her parents for her upbringing.
She has served on the Albion Board of Education, and boards for Hoag Library, Orleans Community Health Foundation and the Cobblestone Museum. Riley said she will put in the time to research issues and move projects forward.
“It requires more than great ideas,” she said. “It requires a commitment to the process and seeing it to completion. I have the determination to see it to the finish line.”
She acknowledged village taxes and water rates have gone up significantly in recent years. But she said the big increases should be over. She said the village didn’t have reserves for needed equipment purchases, such as two new dump trucks, and upgrades to the water treatment plant. The village has begun setting aside funds in reserves which should lessen a tax jolt in the future, Riley and McMurray both said during a candidate forum on Thursday at Hoag Library.
The village’s tax levy is up $612,407 over the past three years – 21.5 percent. The tax levy went from $2,851,056 in 2022-23 to $3,463,463 in 2025-26. The fire department also was moved out of the village budget in 2025 when Albion formed the Albion Joint Fire District, which is its own taxing entity.
The village tax rate is currently at $15.99 per $1,000 of assessed property. Riley said if she is elected mayor she would fight hard to keep the upcoming budget at a $15.99 rate.
The new terms start on April 1 and the budget needs to be adopted by April 30 for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
About 50 people attended the forum at Hoag Library with Michael Bonafede serving as moderator. The forum can be viewed on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page. The forum was sponsored by the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media.
McMurray has been very involved in the community as a youth football coach the past 18 years, and through other events, including the Strawberry Festival and lighted parade in December. He served in the Marine Corps. McMurray worked at the former Chase and North American Mortgage call center in Albion, as well as in construction. He most recently was with Sanzo Beverages as a merchandizer stocking beer.
He has attended numerous local events and conferences in Albany to reach out to other local and state officials to build support for the village.
His campaign is focused on better “communication” from the board to the community. He wants to start livestreaming the board meetings so people can see the board’s decision-making and know what issues are before the village government.
He also wants to canvas local business owners about their needs.
“Communication is key,” he said. “It’s paramount.”
He wants to be mayor to help Albion become more vibrant in its business and residential districts. He noted the recent closing of the Thrive freeze dry complex on East Avenue. He said he would work with the Orleans Economic Development Agency to find a new business for that site on East Avenue.
“I feel our village has been stagnant for the last umpteen ears,” he said. “Turning the village around is my biggest point.”
He wants Albion to update its comprehensive plan with lots of community input. That plan can be a guide to the future, including updates to the business district, perhaps allowing awnings and more modern colors with paint.
The trustee candidates include, from left: Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan. Allport and Sheehan are on the Republican line while Robinson is on the independent “Vote for Albion” line.
Many residents are quick to complain on Facebook, but they can be ambassadors, spreading positivity about Albion, Issac Robinson said.
He moved to Albion about 15 years ago with his wife to be near her family. Robinson is a former Army medic who used to own the Robinson’s Redemption business in Albion near Walmart. He owns a bottle redemption business in Lockport and works in the arcade industry.
He is running under the independent “Vote for Albion” to give people a choice in the election. Two trustee terms are up for election. Jami Allport and Kevin Sheehan both are backed by the Republican Party.
Robinson sees many strengths in Albion, but he said the frequent complaining by residents is self-defeating. He called on residents to post positive reviews of businesses and spread positivity. Albion needs to share its “pride” in the community, he said.
Taxes are high for village residents, and he said he wants to maintain services without overwhelming taxpayers.
He thinks there would be more participation from residents at meetings by moving the starting time back from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kevin Sheehan has been active in the community for about 30 years, from youth sports, as a previous Village Board member, as a current fire commissioner and other roles with COVA Ambulance and the Orleans County Auxiliary Police. Sheehan said the community needs the younger adult generation to be step forward with helping to run and lead the community.
“We’re losing future generations,” he said. “The residents are losing touch with the village.”
Sheehan, a former Albion code enforcement officer, said village officials can be creative in helping businesses succeed in Albion. He was the code officer when Dubby’s Tailgate opened its food and entertainment business in a former warehouse on Platt Street. He sees potential in many sites around the community for businesses and housing.
Sheehan is retired as a union plumber and pipefitter. He said he has the time and expertise to help with many of the issues facing the Village Board.
As the community is aging, Sheehan said there should be more housing options for seniors, including “cluster homes.” He was on the board with the redevelopment of the former grammar school on East Academy Street into senior apartments.
Jami Allport said many residents feel left out of the decision-making by the board. She said she would bring their voice to the board’s discussions. She works as executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and also as Albion’s cheerleading coach at the school.
“People should always feel comfortable approaching their elected officials,” she said.
Many local families feel the financial stress from escalating taxes and other costs, Allport said.
The village needs to avoid any future sharp increases in taxes and rates because it can be very hard on many residents, she said.
She would like to see the village poll existing businesses on how they are doing, what are their concerns and what they see as the strengths in Albion. The village should also reach out to businesses that have closed or moved to other communities, she said.
The candidates from left include Joyce Riley, Tim McMurray, Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan. D.J. Button in back worked the sound board during the forum.
The candidates were asked if they see opportunities for shared services with other governments.
Robinson only sees animal control as a realistic possibility. The village has a part-time animal control officer, and that service could be taken over by the county, Robinson said. Ending other village departments “would be a huge loss to the community,” he said.
Riley said she was instrumental in a shared service agreement between the town of Albion and the village for code enforcement that saved both municipalities money. She has been working with Gaines officials on a grant proposal for shared water billing.
McMurray said municipalities could join together in buying equipment for leak detection in waterlines and sewerlines.
The collapse of a roof at 20 East Bank St. last month forced about 15 residents out of their apartments and temporarily closed some first floor storefronts. Candidates were asked about code enforcement and what can be done to prevent other buildings from a roof collapse or disrepair.
Riley said the code enforcement officer can issue violations and send letters, and often will need support from the village attorney if the issue goes to court. She would like to see Albion implement a vacant building registry, where owners of vacant buildings pay the village an annual fee and need to provide a plan for the site. Medina has a similar law that has helped reduce the number of vacant sites.
“It works in other places,” Riley said. “The question is does the village want it to work here?”
McMurray said a simplified code would help property owners, who now see many redundancies in the village property maintenance rules. He urged community members to alert code enforcement to roofs and porches that are shot.
Allport also said neighbors can make complaints to have code enforcement check on properties.
Robinson said it comes down to enforcing the code.
Sheehan, a previous code officer, said the code officer would need to be invited by the owner to inspect a roof or upper level apartment, or would need a warrant to check inside.
Michael Bonafede, the debate moderator and a former Board of Education president, thanked all the candidates for their willingness to be on the board.
“It’s about putting people together who can work together as a team and get things done,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2026 at 9:36 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
The downtown clock on Main Street in Albion is shown on Friday night.
It’s almost time to “spring forward” and turn the clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. The clocks officially spring forward at 2 a.m. tonight.
Local fire departments also urge people to replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries, and families should discuss home emergency plans.
AAA warns that as Americans “spring forward” and set their clocks ahead one hour, they will be losing an hour of sleep. The change in daylight hours means motorists could experience drowsy driving and added distractions behind the wheel, AAA said.
Drowsiness impairs drivers in several ways, AAA said:
Reduced alertness: Makes it harder to react quickly to hazards. Just one hour less than the expert-recommended minimum of 7 hours of sleep increases a driver’s risk of crashing.
Impaired judgment: Increases the risk of making poor decisions on the road. Sleep deprivation increases a driver’s risk of making many ordinary mistakes, leading to crashes. Those deprived of sleep by 4+ hours have an impairment similar to those over the legal BAC limit.
Hazardous Microsleeps: Can cause momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and failure to respond to dangers on the road.
Self-Perception of Drowsiness: Previous Foundation research found that drivers often underestimate their drowsiness, putting themselves and others at risk.
AAA advises getting enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. Motorists should avoid driving when tired or sleepy, AAA said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2026 at 9:37 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kyler Preston steers the Batavia Pedal Party down Main Street in Albion for the Sip N’ Stroll on March 15, 2025. The pedal bar and a bus helped move people to the stops at the event. The Batavia Pedal party will be back for the Sip N’ Stroll on Saturday (March 7).
Provided photo: The souvenir glass features a barn quilt, which is popular in the local area, especially in Kendall.
ALBION – Saturday will be a big day in downtown Albion with several hundred people expected for the annual Sip N’ Stroll.
There will be 16 stops for people to sample wine, mead and beer. The Sip N’ Stroll starts at 4 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate. It is organized by the Albion Merchants Association and is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The AMA wants to build on last year’s event which sold 362 tickets.
“We’re hoping for 400,” said Natasha Wasuck, the AMA president.
There will be six musical performers at the event, and they are funded through a grant administered by GO Art!
Tickets at the door are $30, and are $28.52 online. Click here to purchase a ticket online.
Participants can travel by pedal bar or shuttle bus if they prefer not to walk. Wasuck noted the weather will be in the 60s.
Image from Sheriff’s Office drone: These 2 men fled on foot from law enforcement on Feb. 25 before being taken into custody.
Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke
MEDINA – On February 25, agents with U.S. Border Patrol conducted a targeted enforcement operation in the Village of Medina, resulting in the arrest of two male subjects.
During the operation, the two males fled on foot. U.S. Border Patrol requested assistance from the Medina Police Department and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. A coordinated perimeter was quickly established, and the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division deployed its unmanned aerial system (drone) to assist in locating the fleeing individuals.
Within minutes, the drone located the two males in a wooded area as they were being pursued at a distance by officers. Law enforcement personnel converged on the location and both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
The individuals have been identified and have prior convictions in the United States, including felony racketeering and making terroristic threats. One of the males has been identified as a member of the MS-13 gang and has previously served a federal prison sentence. He is being prosecuted by U.S. Border Patrol under Title 8 U.S.C. § 1326 (Reentry of Removed Aliens).
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to assisting our fellow law enforcement agencies when requested, particularly in efforts to locate and apprehend convicted criminals. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to proactively creating safe and secure neighborhoods throughout Orleans County.
‘This performance brings world-class ballet directly to our rural community’
Photo by Richard Termine: New York Theatre Ballet will do two student matinee performances and a public event in Elba later this month.
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
ELBA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will present New York Theatre Ballet performing the classic ballet The Firebird in a special regional engagement at the Elba Central Schools Auditorium on Friday, March 20.
The day will include two student matinee performances serving hundreds of students from across Western New York, followed by a public evening performance at 7:30 p.m., which will conclude with a talkback with the dancers and artistic team. The school auditorium is located at 57 South Main St. in Elba.
“This performance brings world-class ballet directly to our rural community,” said Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO Art! “Opportunities to see professional classical dance without traveling to a major city are rare in our region. We are thrilled to make this experience accessible to students, families, and community members.”
Founded in 1978, New York Theatre Ballet is widely recognized as New York City’s leading chamber ballet, presenting both classical masterworks and contemporary choreography to audiences nationwide. Their production of The Firebird, set to music by Igor Stravinsky and based on Russian folklore, tells the magical story of Prince Ivan, the mystical Firebird, and the defeat of the immortal sorcerer Kostchei. The ballet blends storytelling, music, costume, and movement to create a theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
The engagement is part of GO Art!’s ongoing work to expand access to professional performing arts in rural Western New York, connecting nationally recognized artists with audiences and students across Genesee and Orleans Counties and the broader GLOW region.
Student Matinee Performances
Two school-day performances will introduce students to professional ballet through New York Theatre Ballet’s acclaimed “Once Upon a Ballet” educational series, designed to engage young audiences while maintaining the artistry of professional performance.
Students attending the matinees will also participate in a post-performance talkback, allowing them to ask questions and learn about careers in the arts directly from the dancers.
Public Evening Performance
The community is invited to attend the 7:30 p.m. evening performance, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience a professional touring ballet company locally.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, and $10 Youth and Veterans. Tickets are available through GO Art! at: https://square.link/u/Xn4PSJn8.
Regional Leadership in Dance
The performance also reflects GO Art!’s growing leadership in dance across New York State.
Earlier this month, Gregory Hallock was selected through a competitive statewide search to become one of the newest members of NYS DanceForce, a consortium of dance advocates dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity across New York State.
Each DanceForce member receives an annual allocation to design residency projects that bring professional dance artists to communities throughout upstate New York.
Hallock’s appointment will allow him to further expand opportunities for dance artists and audiences across rural regions, building on initiatives like the New York Theatre Ballet residency in Elba.
“The work we are doing locally is part of a larger effort to ensure that communities outside major cities have meaningful access to professional dance,” Hallock said. “Being part of NYS DanceForce will allow us to build even more opportunities for artists and audiences across Western New York.”
About GO Art!
GO Art! (Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and creative opportunities throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. Through performances, festivals, cultural programs, and partnerships with schools and community organizations, GO Art! works to ensure that high-quality arts experiences are accessible to residents across rural and small-city communities.
Funding Support
This performance is funded in part by the Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today provided an update on recent casework efforts to assist constituents located in the Middle East and shared important resources available to Americans abroad who may need assistance or guidance from the U.S. government.
Rep. Tenney’s office has successfully helped dozens of constituents located overseas, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait, helping them navigate communications with the U.S. State Department and secure safe travel arrangements back home.
Her office regularly works with federal agencies to help constituents obtain timely information, connect with embassy officials, and access the resources available to U.S. citizens abroad.
“Helping constituents navigate urgent situations overseas is an important part of the work our office does every day,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am grateful our team was able to assist constituents in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates and help ensure they were able to return home safely. For Americans currently abroad, the State Department offers several important resources that can provide guidance, updates, and support during emergencies.
“Our office will continue working closely with federal agencies to assist constituents and ensure that Americans traveling or living overseas have access to the information and help they need. We are grateful to the State Department, and our regional partners in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Kuwait for their help getting Americans home safely.”
Americans currently overseas who need assistance or guidance from the U.S. government are encouraged to utilize the following resources:
State Department Crisis Intake Form – Used to notify the U.S. State Department and request assistance or information during emergencies abroad: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – Allows U.S. citizens abroad to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and receive important security alerts and updates: https://step.state.gov.
Travel.State.gov – Americans traveling or living abroad should regularly monitor Travel.State.gov and communications from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for country-specific updates and safety guidance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2026 at 8:18 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Fireworks reflect in the Erie Canal on July 2 after a performance by the Albany Symphony in Medina as part of the celebration for the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary. That concert attracted 1,000 people. There were many special events last year in the county for the bicentennial of both the canal and Orleans County.
ALBION – Orleans County set a new record high for bed tax in 2025, despite concerns that some Canadians might cut back on their traveling to the region.
Last year was a big year for celebrations in the county with the bicentennials of both the Erie Canal and Orleans County, as well as an active year for concerts, festivals and other events.
The Seneca Chief travels along the Erie Canal between Middleport and Medina on Sept. 25. The vessel is a replica of the maiden canal boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the canal in 1825. There were celebrations along the canal system during the Seneca Chief’s 33-day journey last year from Buffalo to New York City.
The county imposes a 4 percent occupancy tax on lodging establishments, and that bed tax generated $119,501.51 in 2025, said County Treasurer Kim DeFrank.
This is the fourth straight year the tax has topped $100,000 for the county.
Here are the totals in recent years:
$119,502 in 2025
$116,712 in 2024
$119,003 in 2023
$111,548 in 2022
$79,102 in 2021
$58,438 in 2020
$58,424 in 2019
$51,002 in 2018
$45,374 in 2017
There are about 200 rooms for rent in the county, including at hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals.
Orleans County imposes a 4 percent bed tax on top of the 8 percent sales tax.
The county sets aside the bed tax to fund the tourism department and initiatives to bring in visitors. The increase in funds allowed the county to hire a sportsfishing coordinator in December 2022, filling a position that had been vacant for nearly five years. Ron Bierstine promotes the county’s top tourism draw of sportsfishing attending more of fishing shows, including in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The county also has stepped up its digital advertising on Facebook to promote events in Orleans to attract more visitors to the area. The tourism department promotes local festivities, museums and other attractions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2026 at 4:46 pm
Lynne Menz to get Lifetime Achievement award, while Albion group supporting Bullard Park named “Organization of the Year”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Lynne Menz speaks on Sept.7, 2019 during a dedication ceremony for a bronze statue and memorial to the soldiers who trained at the Medina Armory, which is now a YMCA on pearl Street in Medina. Menz’s late father, Bill Menz, had the vision for the monument and pushed to get it done.
Provided photo: This lamppost was made from old, discarded steel from the lift bridge in Albion. Bill Schutt turned it into a lamppost that is now at Albion’s Erie Canal Park between the two lift bridges.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced the winners of the annual Genean Awards for artists, cultural supporters and organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties.
Lynne Menz of Point Breeze will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years with the Orleans County Tourism Department, and as a very active volunteer with the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Association and Medina Sandstone Society.
Menz helped her father, the late Bill Menz, make a bronze statue of a soldier a reality outside the YMCA in Medina, which formerly was used as the Medina Armory to train soldiers.
GO Art! has named Bill Schutt of Basom, Genesee County as its “Individual Artist of the Year.” One of his projects was creating a lamppost in Albion that was made from old discarded steel from the Main Street lift bridge. He makes art from recycled metal.
The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Inc., a not-for-profit organization, will be honored by GO Art! as its “Organization of the Year.”
G-ACRE runs the annual Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival, featuring about a dozen bands and performers over two days in August. G-ACRE also has been a fundraising arm for recent improvements at the park, including new basketball and pickleball courts.
The Genean Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. on March 28 at GO Art!, 201 East Main St., Batavia.
The awards include:
Lifetime Achievement in Orleans County: Lynne Menz
Lifetime Achievement in Genesee County: Maryanne Arena
Supporter (of the Cultural Sector) of the Year: Raeann Engler
Individual Artist of the Year: Bill Schutt
Honorable Mention: Lily Renz
Organization of the Year: Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE)
Volunteer of the Year: Andrea Hofmaster
Basketball players try out the new courts in Albion on Oct. 26, 2023, the day the courts opened. The Greater Albion Recreation Committee and Events Inc. secured the funding for the project.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2026 at 3:09 pm
Images submitted to Village of Medina Planning Board: The Medina Triennial will affix artwork on the Medina Theater as part of the upcoming Medina Triennial art initiative. The Planning Board approved the sign during its meeting on Tuesday.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board has approved a temporary sign for the Medina Triennial and also a certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 339 North Main St.
The sign will be 20 by 22 feet and will be a temporary display of artwork. It will be attached on the side of the Medina Theater at 601 Main St., near the back of the building facing Proile Alley.
Medina Triennial organizers expect to put the sign up in late May before the start of the Triennial on June 6. The arts initiative brings 35 works of art from artists around the world. The triennial runs until Sept. 7.
The Planning Board approved the sign until the end of September. The sign will be printed on a vinyl material and fastened on the building “in the least invasive way possible,” said Matt Hollenback, head producer for the Triennial.
Mark and Michael Zambito are seeking to put in new, larger windows at 339 North Main St., a site that was recently used by Patriot Guns and Mystic Dragon’s Lair.
The smaller windows will be replaced with bigger ones that will be either vinyl or aluminum that will have black frames.
The white coverings above the windows will be painted black. The Zambitos said there is missing and deteriorating bricks near the doors that they would like to wrap in a matte finish to prevent further damage to the bricks.
They said repointing the bricks and matching them with the existing ones could be difficult. Planning Board members said there may be usable bricks that match once the smaller windows are replaced with larger.
They encouraged the Zambito brothers to try to repair the brick work as part of the project.
The Zambitos said the work on the building in phase one of what they plan to be bigger improvements at the site.
