By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2026 at 1:24 pm
Albion Middle School performed the musical March 13-14
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bailey Elliott is the soloist for “Sufferin’ Until Suffrage” during the Albion Middle School musical, School House Rock!
The Middle School Drama Department performed the show on Friday and Saturday. There were 25 songs that offered lessons in mathematics, grammar and citizenship.
The musical is based on the Saturday morning TV show from 1973 to 1985, where lessons were offered in 3-minute songs in jazz and animation.
“It was catchy, clever and somehow made grammar, math and the Preamble stick in our heads rent-free for life,” Albion musical director Carrie Kozody wrote in the show’s program.
Nadalee Ryan sings “I’m Just A Bill” about how legislation turns from an idea into a law.
Kinzie Rickner sings “Rufus Xavier Sasparilla” which is a song about pronouns.
Wyatt Ernst sings “Conjunction Junction,” a song about how some words connect other words, phrases and clauses.
Annabella Dusharm is the soloist in “Figure Eight,” which highlights the multiplication tables.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2026 at 1:06 pm
School officials will present public information session today at 5:30 p.m. in middle/high school cafeteria.
This rendering shows a redesign of the canopy at the front entrance of the middle-high school for Holley.
HOLLEY – The district will present a $22.9 million capital project to voters on March 24. Polls will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. in the middle/high school foyer.
Holley school officials will have a public information session about the project today at 5:30 p.m. in the middle/high school cafeteria.
Holley already has $4 million set aside towards the project and won’t need to raise additional local taxes for the project. The state’s building aid ratio for Holley is 91 percent, the district said.
The proposed project focuses on four areas: program spaces – athletics & performing arts; safety, security and technology; infrastructure improvements for comfort, reliability and function; and site & transportation improvements.
In a letter to the community, district superintendent Karri Schiavone and Board of Education president Trina Lorentz said the Holley community offered continued support of the district and its campus improvements. Holley recently completed a capital project that was approve din 2022.
“Building on those improvements, and in keeping with the district’s responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer resources, Holley is now proposing a new Capital Improvement Project to address additional facility needs,” Schiavone and Lorentz said. “By planning projects thoughtfully and proactively, the district can extend the life of its buildings, avoid more costly emergency repairs, and make efficient use of available funding. The proposed project would be fully funded by utilizing New York State building aid and existing district funds. Therefore, there will be no tax impact on our residents.”
The auditorium stage also would be significantly updated for first time since the school opened about 50 years ago.
The district provided this breakdown of the project:
Program Spaces: Athletics & Performing Arts
Providing A/C to Elementary School gymnasium
Refinishing gym floors at both ES and MS/HS
Rock wall improvements at the Elementary School
Replacing the auditorium stage rigging and curtains, and providing acoustic upgrades at the High School
Library upgrades at the Elementary School including a new circulation desk
Safety, Security and Technology
Camera system upgrades and replacements district-wide
Replacing fiber lines for data systems between the campus buildings
Audio/Visual upgrades at ES gymnasiums to improve educational experiences
Replacement of the canopy at the MS/HS for improved sightlines, lighting and security for visitors
Infrastructure Improvements for Comfort, Reliability and Function
Replacement of windows and masonry restoration at both the ES and MS/HS
Renovations to restrooms at both academic buildings to improve plumbing and infrastructure and also improve ADA access for all building occupants and visitors
Replacement of water softening system at the MS/HS
Providing A/C at data closets at both academic buildings
Site & Transportation Improvements
Repaving the parking lots around the bus garage
Utility and sitework improvements at the athletic fields to allow for a toilet facility to be installed
Providing a new scoreboard for the softball field
For more information on the proposed project, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2026 at 8:29 am
Gas prices went up 33.5 cents per gallon of regular unleaded in the past week, according to AAA. The price was at $3.306 a week ago and today it’s at $3.641.
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.72, up 24 cents from last Monday and by 72 cents in the past two weeks. The New York State average is $3.62, up 22 cents from last Monday and 61 cents in the past two weeks.
Diesel prices have also escalated, AAA reported. The national average is $4.99, up 33 cents while the New York average is $5.14, up 39 cents in the past week.
AAA issued this statement today:
“Spring Break season is here as the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 24 cents in the past week. Gasoline demand increases this time of year as the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road.
“Crude oil prices play a major role in what drivers pay at the pump, and prices have surpassed the $100/barrel mark again this morning (and multiple times last week). To help offset rising prices, the U.S. announced it will release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves. The move is part of a broader effort by the International Energy Agency to release a total of 400 million barrels of oil in response to the Iran turmoil, the largest emergency release in its history.”
Here are today’s average prices at counties in WNY:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2026 at 9:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The cast of Mary Poppins sings one of the iconic songs from the musical, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Ierlynn Maloney starred as Mary Poppins, center, in Kendall’s performances, which included a show on Friday and two on Saturday.
There were 28 students in the cast and another 16 in the crew. Melanie Langton was the show’s artistic director and producer, with Rebekah Yoder the music and instrumental director.
Karter May plays Bert. He is shown in the opening scene, introducing the audience to 17 Cherry Tree Lane, the home of the Banks family: George and Winifred Banks, their two naughty children Jane and Michael. They are also joined by a cook/maid, Mrs. Brill, and their house boy, Robertson Ay.
Things are not going well for the nanny, and she storms out. Mary Poppins arrives and takes charge of the Banks children.
Mary works magic in getting the two Banks’ children to behave better and respect their nanny. Kayla Minster, center, plays Jane Banks, and Savannah Stone plays the role of Jane’s brother, Michael Banks.
Noah Morehouse as George Banks and Adriana Schiavone is his wife, Winifred Banks. George is under intense stress at work as a banker, and Winifred feels she has shortcomings as a wife and mother.
Bert and Mary meet up at the park for a “jolly holiday.” Bert works as a chimney sweep and street lamp lighter, and in this scene his talents come out as a sidewalk artist. Karter May, Left, Ierlynn Maloney, right, are shown dancing with Madison Hults.
The group of children meet the enigmatic Mrs. Corry (center in red played by Riley Passer) who runs a magic sweet shop that also sells words , in this case “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The cast gave an energetic performance of the “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2026 at 4:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The varsity winterguard for Medina performs on Saturday during its ColorBurst home show at Medina Junior-Senior High School.
The top photo shows Natalie Herbert in blue and Mackenzie Poynter. They are two of the 15 members of the varsity winterguard.
Medina’s show is titled, “A Dream to Me.” It explores the balance “between control and chaos – between dreamer and the dream.”
The Medina winterguard is led by director Melissa Jaeger, instructor/choreographer and drill designer Kara Brown, and instructor/choregraphers Katie Crooks and Kaela Grosslinger, wth assistance from consultant Molly Beth Jaeger.
Maddie Voss carries a flag for the Medina winterguard on Saturday.
Skielair Montgomery looks up and gets ready to catch the twirling flag on Saturday for Medina.
Here are the scores from the competition:
• Novice – Gates Chili, 1st at 62.040
• Cadet – Lancaster 1st at 69.470; Medina JV, 2nd at 67.810; Batavia, 3rd at 65.880; and Marcus Whitman, 4th at 61.120
• Regional A – Greece RA, 1st at 80.000; Victor JV, 2nd at 76.960; Gates Chili RA, 3rd at 76.640; Ventures RA, 4th at 74.860; and Orchard Park JV, 5th at 65.260
• A1 – Marcus Whitman, 1st at 74.550; Hinsdale Headliners, 2nd at 74.320; and Medina Varsity, 3rd at 73.720
• Scholastic A – Victor Blue Devils, 1st at 86.670; Greece, 2nd at 84.340; Lancaster HS, 3rd at 81.450, and Orchard Park, 4th at 74.030
• Independent A – Batavia Varsity, 1st at 81.180
• Senior – Luminosa, 1st at 81.940
The Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcat Varsity Winterguard presented “Mine.” The show asks people to reflect on life’s everyday challenges and demonstrates how witnessing the resilience of others shapes the way we face our own obstacles. At the end of the performance the members each ripped up the paper with the obstacle they were facing.
The Marcus Whitman winterguard includes students from Marcus Whitman and Penn Yann school districts.
Greece High School performed “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall.”
Greece took first place in the Regional A Division.
Gates-Chili Regional A winterguard presented “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” which is inspired by the book by Dr. Seuss.
The Gates-Chili show gives a message of following your own path, embracing challenges and trusting the journey ahead.
Victor’s RA winterguard presented “A Sky Full of Stars.”
The Hinsdale Headliners presented a show “Lose Yourself” by Eminem with a western twist.
The Ventures Regional A Guard performed “Here Comes the Sun” with music by The Beatles.
The Heritage Hurricanes, all all-abilities guard team, includes performers from Heritage Christian Services and other community members. The group is directed by Medina native Melissa Jeager.
This member of the Heritage Hurricanes gives a peace sign after the performance ended. The Hurricanes’ show was set to “Hand Clap” by Fitz and the Tantrums.
New ‘Shakesbeer Steampunk Festival’ planned for Orleans County Fairgrounds on Oct. 17
Photo by Tom Rivers: Artisan vendors are along the Erie Canal in Albion on Sept. 26, 2025. There were about 10 different vendors in Albion for the debut Erie Canal Artisan Festival.
Press Release, The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
Call for Vendors for our upcoming 2026 festival season. There are multiple opportunities to share your craft with the region.
One of the goals of our festivals is to promote artists and artisans. Therefore, all items sold by vendors must be handcrafted. Third-party resale vendors are not permitted. Vendors are also welcome and encouraged to demonstrate their craft at their booths.
Saturday, June 20, 2026: The Just Kings Juneteenth Community Festival is a celebration for the community to come together to recognize an important moment in American history and celebrate community, culture and freedom.
We’re looking for local artisans, food vendors, small businesses, and community organizations to help make this celebration meaningful and vibrant. This is a wonderful opportunity to share what you offer, connect with the community, and take part in an event that highlights unity, culture and progress.
Saturday, July 11, 2026: The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival is a family-friendly music & arts festival located in downtown Batavia. With multiple stages, 30+ bands, vendors, artists, performances, food and children’s activities, there is truly something for everyone at this unique hometown event.
Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30, 2026: The Erie Canal Artisan Festival will celebrate the rich heritage, arts, and culture of the canal and Orleans County, with artisan vendors as the main attraction. The festival will take place at the Holley Canal Park in Holley, spanning over 2 1/2 days from August 28-30. For more information and to apply please visit https://goart.org/erie-canal-artisan-festival-information/
Saturday, October 17, 2026: The Shakesbeer Steampunk Festival is a one-day immersive event celebrating Victorian-inspired creativity, innovation, and culture. The festival features artisan and food vendors, live performances, specialty drinks, costume competitions, and interactive activities, appealing to Shakespear enthusiasts, steampunk enthusiasts, families, and cultural explorers alike.
A discount will be given to those vendors who register for multiple festivals (not including Juneteenth).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once approved, vendors will receive a notification and payment link. Spaces are limited, once capacity is reached we will no longer accept applications, so we encourage you to apply early.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We hope you will consider joining us for another exciting festival season!
These events are supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.
Funding for GO ART! is made possible in part with support from the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding for GO ART! comes from the Genesee and Orleans County governments, foundations, private donors, and members.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2026 at 9:12 pm
Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: The Big Dipper constellation is shown this evening at 8:17 over the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze.
A high wind warning ended at 5 a.m. today in Orleans County, but more gusty winds are headed our way.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory fom 5 p.m. on Sunday until 8 p.m. on Monday. South winds from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph are expected Sunday night. The winds become southwest Monday with a few gusts up to 50 mph, the Weather Service said.
The advisory includes Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Oswego, northern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
The high temperatures in the coming days include 51 on Sunday, 61 on Monday, 25 on Tuesday and 35 on Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2026 at 8:46 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Two very different characters – Shrek played by Aidan Kelley and Donkey played by Kallan Babcock – travel together to save a princess who is in a tower in a castle. They work together to get past a dragon to save her.
Shrek is a loner who is most at peace being alone in his swamp. He encounters Donkey and other banished fairytale characters who are sent to the swamp by Lord Farquaad. Donkey brings non-stop chatter and antics that get on Shrek’s nerves.
Holley performed Shrek on Friday night and has two more shows today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Holley Junior-Senior High School.
Kohle Pachla plays the pint-sized Lord Farquaad, shown with the Duloc Dancers. They perform “What’s Up Duloc?” Lord Farquaad makes a deal with Shrek to save the princess and then he will get his swamp back.
Fiona played by Isla Schultz has been locked away in the castle for 8,423 days or about 23 years. She sings, “I Know It’s Today” when her prince will come and rescue her.
These fairytale creatures are banished to the swamp by evil Lord Farquaad, who calls them freaks. The 3 Lil Pigs are played by Zoey Warner, Brianna Pellegrino and Grayson Kelley. Leo Ladd is the Big Bad Wolf.
Nico Unterborn plays the role of Pinocchio, whose nose stretches out when he tells a fib.
Donkey (Kallan Babcock) strikes a connection with the Dragon, which previously singed most of the princess’s rescuers. Others were held in captivity. Donkey and the Dragon sing, “Forever.” The Dragon is played by Lillian Haight, Nora Lindsay and Alexis VanAmeron.
Lord Farquaad (Kohle Pachla) is torturing Gingy (Layla Jones) into revealing the whereabouts of other fairytale creatures that are still hiding in his Kingdom so he can have them arrested as well.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2026 at 5:53 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Crosby’s in Holley at the former JP’s shows the gas prices for today, including the diesel price at $5.19 a gallon.
Gas prices have risen throughout the week in Orleans County, up 27 cents in four days since Monday.
On Monday, AAA reported the average price for regular unleaded was at $3.306 in Orleans County. Today, the average was at $3.576.
Here are the average daily prices in the county since Monday:
March 9: $3.306
March 10: $3.376
March 11: $3.482
March 12: $3.536
March 13: $3.576
AAA reports the average price in New York State was at $3.538 today, up 31 cents in past seven days and 54 cents in past month. The average price nationally was at $3.630 today, according to AAA.
Diesel at $5.024 today, up from $4.39 a week ago and $4.993 a day ago. A year ago it was at $3.959.
Gas prices have jumped since Feb. 28 as the war and conflict in Iran and the Middle East have pushed crude oil prices to about $100 per barrel.
Here are the average prices in Western New York counties, with Orleans County currently the highest among all those counties:
File photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Clarendon on April 21, 2018 on Holley Byron Road.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.
Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.
“Many of us are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,” Commissioner Lefton said. “That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban. The more careful you are with fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state.”
Even though some areas of the state are damp or remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise.
Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.
Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often must leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur.
Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.
Photos and information courtesy of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. is proud to announce the success of its first-ever “Miles for Smiles” Bowling Tournament, which was held at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
There were payouts awarded to the top eight teams. The event brought together sponsors, community members, bowlers, and volunteers for a fun-filled day while supporting an important cause.
Thanks to the generosity and support of the community, the event raised over $3,200, which will go directly toward supporting transportation services in Orleans County, helping ensure individuals and families have access to the transportation they need.
The organization would like to extend a special thank you to Randy Hanks and Curtis Foss of Oak Orchard Bowl for their outstanding support in hosting the event. From coordinating the lanes to ensuring every last bowler finished their game, their dedication played a key role in the success of the tournament.
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. would also like to recognize the generous sponsors and supporters who helped make the tournament possible: Info Advantage, Human Energies, Dunham Family Farms, Breese & Associates, LLC / DBA Subway, Orleans Community Health, Board member donation, and a community member donation.
In addition, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. extends its appreciation to the staff members, directors, and Board of Directors who volunteered their time throughout the event. Their efforts included organizing and selling basket raffle tickets, managing the 50/50 drawing, assisting with event setup and cleanup, and even putting together bowling teams in support of the cause.
A special acknowledgment goes to Melinda D. and Alishia F., who helped organize and build this fundraiser from the ground up. Their passion and commitment to addressing the needs within the community helped turn this idea into a successful and impactful event.
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. is grateful to everyone who participated, donated baskets or gift cards, volunteered, and supported the Miles for Smiles Bowling Tournament. The organization looks forward to continuing efforts that strengthen and support the Orleans and Genesee County communities.
Albion library will observe 126th birthday of organization on March 17
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association is celebrating an important milestone this month. The library commemorates its founding on March 17, 1900, and in 2026 marks 126 years of service to the Albion community.
During the March 17 celebration, patrons are welcome to stop by for a cookie provided by the Friends of the Library.
As the library celebrates its long history of community support, it is also inviting residents to help shape its future. Three four-year term positions on the Hoag Library Board of Trustees will be on the ballot this year. Those positions are currently filled by Mary Witkop, Rachel Hicks and Linda Weller.
Community members interested in serving on the board may stop by Hoag Library and pick up a nominating petition at the Circulation Desk. Completed petitions must be returned by Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
To be eligible to run, candidates must reside within the Hoag Library service area, which shares the same boundaries as the Albion Central School District.
Voting will take place Monday, May 4 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hoag Library. The library’s annual meeting will follow at 7 p.m., at which time the election results will be announced.
The Hoag Library Board of Trustees plays an important role in guiding the library’s mission, policies, and long-term planning so that Hoag Library can continue to serve the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the community.
Anyone interested in learning more about board service is encouraged to visit the library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2026 at 9:58 am
Photos Tom Rivers: Brandi Zavitz is shown last August working on a 32-foot-long mural at Medina Dog Park. She painted portraits of 69 dogs, 3 cats and Orly the Ox (the county’s bicentennial mascot). The mural will get bigger this year with 50 more dog portraits to be added.
MEDINA – The portraits of beloved pets at the Medina Dog Park will be expanded this year to include 50 more dogs.
Brandi Zavitz, a retired art teacher, has agreed to paint more canine companions. People need to pay $150 and send at least two pictures of their dogs, which can be living or deceased. The project is a fundraiser for the Medina Dog Park. The mural also has received funding through GO Art! The grant is less than last year’s amount which is why the portrait fee increased from $100 to $150.
There was an overwhelming response to the mural after it debuted last year. Many people were amazed how Zavitz painted dogs as superheroes with capes, or doing their favorite activities – carrying sticks, playing with balls, eating ice cream or watching a Bills game.
An application to have a pet included on the mural is available on the Friends of Medina Dog Park Facebook page. People can submit photos by May 30 to brandizavitz@gmail.com or text her at 585-798-9780.
In the application, people will be asked to describe their dog’s personality – whether affectionate, goofy, etc., and to note activities the dog enjoys with family.
Kye, Medina’s K9 for nine years, is shown with his super hero cape. He passed away from bone cancer in February 2022. Kye was an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois that served the Medina PD from 2012 to 2021.
Davis and Zavitz wanted a mural to enliven the park. They were talking about it in 2024. Some of the dogs that were regulars at the park had passed away since it opened in September 2020.
Zavitz has painted other murals in the community. She envisioned a mural where she would paint some of those dogs, giving them angel wings. Zavitz has long painted portraits of dogs and she wanted show their personalities and activities they enjoy.
She gave them superhero capes, tutu dresses, a Buffalo Bills jersey and other features to show their character. One dog enjoys sailboat rides so Zavitz painted a sailboat on the mural.
The mural was initially planned to be 24 feet long and would include 50 dogs. But there was a big response last year from the community that Zavitz added another 8-foot-section.
The Medina Dog Park is at fenced-in area on North Gravel Road, next to the village’s former compost plant, just south of Boxwood Cemetery.
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. is proud to announce the success of its first-ever “Miles for Smiles” Bowling Tournament, which was held at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
