By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 2:21 pm
Village Board also approves Boxwood at Night event for Oct. 3
File photo by Tom Rivers: Sandra and Tom Philbrick portray Susan and John Bland at the Bland family plot during the Boxwood at Night event on Oct. 5, 2024. The Philbricks live in the Bland family home on West Center Street. Boxwood at Night returns on Oct. 3.
MEDINA – The Village Board on Monday authorized spending $22,800 to remove seven trees in Boxwood Cemetery.
The board also approved spending $8,500 to reset two monuments that are in a precarious position. The money comes from two cemetery funds.
The Boxwood Cemetery Commission was initially eyeing about $36,000 be spent to repair the Newell retaining wall. But Jake Hebdon, the leader of the commission, said the group is very concerned about the seven dead trees and wants them removed because they pose a danger to the public, and the monuments and headstones at the cemetery.
Hebdon urged the Village Board to make it a priority to have the trees removed before Boxwood hosts two Medina cross country races in the falls and the Boxwood at Night event on Oct. 3.
“Due to liability issues the trees should take major precedence,” Hebdon said at Monday’s Village Board meeting. “If we could green light that ASAP that would be fantastic.”
The Village Board approved the $22,800 bid from Lakeshore Tree Service in Gasport to remove the large trees, which include maple, beech and oak.
The board approved paying Brigden Memorials in Albion $8,500 to take care of two large monuments that are close to toppling over. That includes the Hedley monument and a spire for the Fuller family.
Brigden will need to put in new concrete footers and move the monuments, dissembling and then resetting them.
The village has been the caretaker of the Boxwood Cemetery since about 1850, even though the site is outside the village. Mayor Debbie Padoleski said will reach out to Town of Ridgeway officials about helping to support the cemetery, which is in the town.
The Village Board also gave its blessing for the Boxwood at Night event on Oct. 3. The event features dramatic lighting around the cemetery, as well as music and highlighting some of the prominent people in the cemetery. Boxwood at Night is the biggest fundraiser for the Friends of Boxwood.
Todd Bensley, one of the Friends members, said past events helped raise money to refurbish a stained-glass window in the chapel. He is hopeful a new memorial will be ready by Oct. 3 for the 107 people buried in a potter’s field. Only 28 have head stones. The Friends wants to list all 107 people.
The village approved closing the cemetery at 2 p.m. on Oct. 3 to allow for setup. The DPW will deliver five traffic barricades at the cemetery entrances and Glenwood Boat Launch. The DPW also will bring two garbage barrels near the boat launch and deliver two light stands.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of a five-year labor agreement with the United University Professions (UUP) which includes approximately 42,000 SUNY faculty and professional employees. The agreement, which runs until July 1, 2031, was approved by 98 percent of UUP members who cast ballots.
“This agreement invests in the hard-working members of the United University Professions, recognizing their contributions to SUNY while also underscoring my administration’s support for New York’s public university system and its talented workforce,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank UUP’s dedicated members for ensuring that students at our state universities continue to grow and thrive by preparing them for the challenges ahead through a world-class education and the support they need, which in turn is a worthy investment in New York State’s future.”
The ratified contract includes raises in each of the five years of the agreement, as follows: 4.5 percent, 4 percent, 3.5 percent, 3 percent, and 3 percent. The contract also includes boosts to location pay and several other unit-specific payments.
Members also will gain 20 hours of paid pre-natal leave and an increase in the cap for sick leave accumulation. The agreement also includes health insurance provisions eliminating certain co-pays and incentivizing the use of in-network providers. This reduces projected plan costs for services and will help reduce future premium increases for our employees.
United University Professions President Frederick E. Kowal said, “I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her willingness to work with us on an agreement that recognizes the important work our members do, in our teaching, student support, healing and life-changing research. The governor understands the importance of public higher education, appreciates the central role of unions in building a middle class and shows a deep affinity for workers in these challenging times.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 12:22 pm
Police department at half strength with 6 out of 12 officers
File photo by Tom Rivers: Miles Erickson is shown taking the oath of office on June 26, 2023 when he joined the Medina Police Department. He has resigned to join another law enforcement agency.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department is down another officer after Miles Erickson submitted his resignation, effective Aug. 6, as a police officer. That puts Medina at half strength, with only six officers out of 12.
Village officials said another officer is expected to resign soon, further reducing the staff to five officers.
Medina police officers are in a contractual impasse with an arbitrator trying to reach a new contract between the village and the police union. Officers have been without a new contract for over three years.
Medina officers are paid significantly less than at other departments, including the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department, where the pay gap is $20,000 or more a year. In Medina, the starting pay is $50,930. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has a base salary of about $75,000.
Medina officers have recently left to join the Sheriff’s Office and Albion PD.
Mayor Debbie Padoleski said she has seen some of the speculation on social media, where people are wondering if the Medina PD could be shut down. She said there are no plans to dissolve the department.
The Village Board will soon be interviewing candidates for police chief, and she is hopeful an arbitrator will help resolve the contractual impasse.
Erickson’s departure follows the resignations of Police Chief Christian Navas and Sgt. Jacob Reeves, who have joined the Sheriff’s Office. The Village Board accepted their resignations on July 13.
Tim Zeiner, a village resident, asked the board on Monday if it would consider a study about possibly dissolving the police department. He said Medina often hires new recruits, puts them through the police academy, and them sees them leave for higher-paying departments.
He said dissolving the Medina PD and contracting with the Sheriff’s Office for extra patrols in the village could be an option for keeping experienced officers working in Medina. Either look at dissolving, or give the Medina officers pay increases to be on par with other local departments, Zeiner said.
The mayor said her goal is to rebuild the department and keep the Medina PD. The Village Board on July 16 appointed Sgt. Jonathan McManus to serve as sergeant in charge, handling the administrative duties until a new police chief is hired.
“There are no plans by this board to dissolve our police department,” Padoleski said at Monday’s Village Board meeting.
This image of a newly built Opera House is from the 1879 Illustrated History of Orleans County. Note there originally were three balconies: two on the front of the building and one over the West Center Street stairway entrance.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 21
This portrait of Don C. Bent also is from the Illustrated Historical Album of Orleans County in 1879.
MEDINA – In the late nineteenth century, the construction of opera houses proliferated in small towns throughout the country. Generally located in prime downtown locations, these buildings were mixed-use with commercial or retail premises on the ground floor, performance or meeting space above. Few, if any, of these opera houses ever hosted classical opera performances but were so named to claim culture and sophistication.
Bent’s Opera House in Medina was opened to the public on Feb. 28, 1865. Named for its builder, Don Carlos Bent, it has seen many incarnations over the years and still retains its imposing presence as a Main Street anchor. Though Bent died in 1875, his name and legacy endure. Purchased in 2016 by Roger Hungerford and his wife, Heather, the building has since been fully restored.
Don Carlos Bent was born on December 2, 1815, the youngest son of Elijah and Susanah Bent. Some sources cite his birthplace as Orleans, Jefferson County, NY, while others list Shelby, Orleans County. At any rate, the Bents were early settlers in Shelby. Elijah was present at the first town meeting held at Ellicott’s Mill in Shelby on April 7, 1818.
In 1833, he purchased property located on the curve on the approach to Shelby Center. The family built a distinctive home there which still stands at 4536 South Gravel Rd. According to information provided by Miss Edith Colman, whose family later owned the property, the current gambrel roofed barn was constructed in 1928-29 and “was paid for just before the banks closed.”
Don C. Bent inherited the house and 100-acre farm in 1847. He and his wife Hannah Drew had one daughter, Frances M., who predeceased him. Mr. Bent bequeathed the farm of 100 acres to his two granddaughters, Julia M. Gates and Anna B. Gates, “share and share alike.”
He bequeathed the remainder of his estate to his wife Hannah. At the time of his death in 1875, his granddaughters were aged 14 and 13. Julia married Dr. DeWitt Green of Buffalo on June 10, 1885. Walter Colman purchased the property from Julia in 1908 for $6,438. (E. Colman).
Mr. Bent had other business interests besides farming. He had acquired the strategic Main Street corner property in 1854 following a fire which had demolished the previous structure. Opened to the public on Feb. 28, 1865, Medina’s opera house was “larger than Ringuberg Hall in Lockport, Boardwell’s in Albion and slightly larger than the Corinthian Hall in Rochester.” A history of the Opera House prepared by Orleans Renaissance Group in 2013 chronicles the range and variety of shows, performances and meetings hosted in the dramatic third floor public hall.
The first floor has been home to a variety of businesses over the years: Fred A. Sheeley’s Opera House Pharmacy in the 1890’s, Theodorakos Brothers candy, confectionary and ice cream establishment in the 1900’s and subsequent Olympia Lunch operated by the Calafates Brothers. The W. T. Grant variety store occupied the space from 1945 to the early 1970’s when it relocated to the new Maple Ridge Plaza.
Liberty National Bank opened a branch on the first floor in 1972. The location survived several corporate takeovers and name changes: Liberty National Bank, Norstar Bank, Fleet Bank and finally Bank of America which closed in 2009.
Our photographs chronicle some of these changes:
Bedecked in bunting for Old Home Week, August 19-26, 1906
All quiet on Main St., this photo must have been taken on a Sunday. Heritage Men’s Shop, to the north of Bent’s helped date this photo to the late 1970s – early 1980s.
Don C. Bent is buried in Boxwood Cemetery, along with his wife, Hannah, and his parents Elijah and Susanna.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 July 2026 at 9:30 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Madison Flor, left, downed eight ears of corn to win the corn-on-the-cob eating contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair to take first place. Next to her are Reagan Flor and Jericho Hartman.
KNOWLESVILLE – The second annual corn-on-the-cob eating contest was a highlight at opening night Monday of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Nine entrants signed up to participate, with Madison Flor, 26, winning by eating eight ears of the corn the fastest, completing the challenge in about 5 minutes. She won $25 in fair bucks.
Youngest competitor was Miriam Richardson, 3, whose head could barely be seen above the table.
The contest is a new feature, having been started last year to replace the pie-eating contest. Corn was donated by Rush’s Farm Market in Carlton.
Nine contestants signed up to participate in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest Monday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. From left are Stephanie Taylor (not visible), Anthony Snell, Miriam Richardson, Robert Richardson, Lane Richardson, Madison Flor, Reagan Flor, Jericho Hartman and Mitch Schaffer (behind contest organizer Kayla Dengler).
This is just one of the changes in programming at the fair, according to Robert Batt, a life-long 4-H’er and director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
One change will be the elimination of fireworks this year. Instead, the fair is planning a laser light show, pending approval from the FAA, Batt said.
“Everybody has fireworks,” he said. “And they are disruptive to the animals, they pollute the air and they take up half of our main parking lot.”
The laser show will take place on two 30-foot screens, accompanied by music.
Also new is a tram to take elderly or disabled from the parking lot on Taylor Hill Road to attractions on the fairgrounds.
Another new feature will be professional wrestling on Saturday night, instead of a band.
“This is all included in the admission cost to park,” said Abby Smith, who is in charge of communications.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 9:08 am
ALBION – The Village of Albion Recreation Program is cancelling today’s tennis and baseball camps due to rain and unsafe conditions, said John Grillo, the recreation director.
An update will be posted about whether the camps will be on for Wednesday.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 July 2026 at 8:44 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Freas, left, a retired Marine and head of the Orleans County Honor Guard, and Tom Snyder, who served in the U.S. Navy, fold a flag to ready it for the flag-raising signaling the start of the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.
KNOWLESVILLE – The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair opened Monday night with the traditional flag-raising by the Orleans County Honor Guard, featuring veterans from all posts in the county.
Jim Freas, who is organizer of the Honor Guard, said he has been doing it for at least 20 years.
Dave Kusmierczak, a member of Medina’s American Legion Post, welcomed fairgoers and shared the fair has been an annual event in Orleans County for 70 years.
Nic Mroz, director of Orleans County Veterans’ Services, said the fair is a time for community to come together and celebrate. It is also meaningful to recognize the men and women who served their country, he said.
Mroz also reminded veterans of several upcoming events of interest to them – a golf tournament Aug. 17 and a Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue at the YMCA in Medina, free to veterans. They must stop at the Y in advance, however, and pick up their free ticket at the front desk. Tickets for the public to purchase are $16.
Navy veteran Tom Snyder, left, stands at attention after Louis Craston, Army National Guard, raised the American flag opening the 2026 Orleans County Fair. At right is Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, who led efforts last year for a new flagpole and a monument paying tribute to all six branches of the military.
Madelyn Elliott of Medina wowed the crowd with her rendition of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Next, Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, praised those involved in obtaining a new flag pole and monument for the area, especially all the posts in Orleans County. He thanked those who spearheaded fundraising and those who donated time or materials or gave a discount.
Caton Conde, president of the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension board, extended her welcome and said there are so many people to thank. She said faith in God and memories make us strong in hard times.
“It is the memories I’ve made here that I cherish,” she said.
State Sen. Rob Ortt said it is the memories made at fairs like this which get us through tough times. While the country celebrates 250 years, he said it is things like the Orleans County Fair and the memories made here which bind us together.
“It is great to meet young people who go through 4-H and then go on to other walks of life,” Ortt said.
Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard salute as the American flag is raised Monday night near the Dwight Hill Education Building. Seen in the second row at right are Senator Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley reminded the audience of his involvement in 4-H and background in farming.
“4-H taught me all the important things in life,” he said.
He also shared he will be in the fair’s dunk tank on Tuesday.
Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson next spoke on her memories of 4-H.
Fair Queen Mackenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to visit the exhibits by 4-H’ers.
“I remember when my oldest daughter took part in the frog jumping contest at the fair,” Johnson said “We still talk about that today.”
Fair manager Marty Zwifka thanked the fair board, saying he couldn’t have a better board. He also reiterated the changes at the fair this year, and said the board put 100 percent in the fair.
“I love to see the children here and their exhibits,” he said. “They are our future..
Fair Queen McKenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to check out the exhibits of 4-H’ers.
“They have worked very hard at them,” she said.
McGrath, 18, has been in the 4-H program since she was 4 years old.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 8:15 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Asher Dix, 9, of Medina sings “One More Chance” by Michael Jackson during the opening night of karaoke at the fair.
8 a.m. – 4-H English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Swine Show at Livestock Show Arena
10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand Opens at Fry Stand
Marilyn, one of the rescue dogs at Pompeyo’s Ranch, was called a “diva dog” by dressing up and walking on her hind legs. Pompeyo’s featured many rescue dogs doing stunts – jumping over hurdles, hopping on their hind legs and leaping from up high into their trainer’s arms. Pompeyo’s has been featured on America’s Got Talent!
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion
12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
1 to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
2 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Trivia by the Junior Fair Committee at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
Lew-E the Clown gets ready to do a trick where he ties a knot on a rope with one hand. He is performing outside by the Trolley Building.
4 p.m. – Dog Grooming and Handling: Junior Judging at Dog Show Tent
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
5 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristbands during this session at Midway
5 to 6 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Basketball Free Throw Contest at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
5 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Live Action Contest: Survivor at Orleans Hub Stage
Jeremy Neal makes the first Byron Sundae of the fair on Monday in the Farm Bureau booth, which serves milkshakes, ice cream cones and sundaes. The Byron Sundae has vanilla ice cream, peanut butter sauce, peanut butter cups, hot fudge sauce and whipped cream. Byron Neal was a very active presence at the fair. He passed away on April 14, 2023 at the age of 8 after a brave battle with cancer.
5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show at Livestock Show Arena
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion
6:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair Committee at Tram Stop (Assemblyman Steve Hawley from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and then Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo, from 7 to 7:30 p.m.)
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
This group is back volunteering in the 4-H Fry Stand. From left include Corie Strickland, Rita Helsdon, Pat Daniels, Sheryl Watts and Jane Read. Read has been volunteering at the fry stand for nearly 50 years.
7 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
7 p.m. – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs!- a show full of Magic and Laughs!- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair
Phoebe Allen of Barre sings “Man or Muppet” from the Muppets.
Claire Streicher, 9, of Strykersville competes in a driving competition with a miniature horse. She is sitting in a cart with Carissa Klossner, 18, of Clarendon. This is Claire’s first year in 4-H.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 2:08 pm
Screenshot
Provided photos
ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recently presented three $1,000 scholarships to students who graduated in 2025. The scholarships are awarded after successful completion of their first year in college.
Lions Club member Kevin Howard presents the scholarships to Oliver Beach, left, and Mallory Ashbery. Mallory Kozody also received a $1,000 scholarship.
Mallory Ashbery is a student at Nazareth University in Rochester, majoring in psychology.
Oliver Beach is an agricultural business major at Cobleskill. He wants to be the sixth generation in his family to work on the Elba muckland.
Malory Kozody is a student at Keuka College, studying early childhood education and special education.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 1:34 pm
Photo courtesy of Karen Conn
Some members of Albion’s Class of 1986 met on Saturday at classmate Tom Snyder’s home in Medina for their 40th reunion.
Pictured from left include Tom Snyder, Joan Navarra Mrzywka, Carmine Calabria, Karen Kenney Conn, Frank Nash, Shawn Arnett, Cindy Arnett, Scott Gillette, Jill Harris Darling and Pam Tortorice Wadhams. Robin Neal also attended the reunion.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 July 2026 at 1:11 pm
ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has announced it will soon be relocating its offices from 29 East State St. in Albion to 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, the Arnold Gregory Complex.
To facilitate the move, GOMOC will be closed to the public beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m., according to executive director Jami Allport. The organization will reopen at its new location at 9 p.m. on Aug. 5. Staff will be working diligently throughout the closure to relocate, unpack and prepare the new office so services can resume as quickly as possible.
Allport cited the need for more space as reason for the move.
“The move represents so much more than a change of address,” Allport said. “It represents growth, opportunity and our continued commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Genesee and Orleans counties.”
GOMOC extends its deepest gratitude to the Albion First Presbyterian Church for opening its doors and allowing the organization to utilize office space during the past two years. Their generosity and partnership provided a welcoming place for GOMOC to continue serving the community during a time of transition, Allport said. The kindness and support shown by the church congregation will always hold a special place in the organization’s history, she said.
As GOMOC begins this new chapter, there is something especially meaningful about the organization’s new home. The office will be located in what was once the maternity ward at Arnold Gregory Hospital – a place where countless families experienced some of life’s most joyful and unforgettable moments.
“It was a space designated to welcome new life, offer hope, provide compassionate care and support families during moments of both celebration and uncertainty,” Allport said. “Today, while the purpose of the space has evolved, its spirit remains remarkably similar. Just as the maternity ward once nurtured new beginnings, GOMOC seeks to help individuals and families begin new chapters of their own, offering encouragement, resources and the support needed to move toward stability and self-sufficiency.”
Allport said it feels incredibly fitting that their ministry’s new home is a place that has always represented care, compassion and new beginnings.
“While babies may no longer be born within these walls, hope will continue to be,” Allport said. “Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcomed, supported and reminded that brighter days are possible.”
Although GOMOC’s address is changing, its mission remains the same – to provide compassionate assistance and empower individuals and families to overcome life’s challenges with dignity and hope, Allport said.
Community members are encouraged to update their records with GOMOC’s new address at 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, Albion. The office phone is (585) 589-9210, and Facebook page will show updates during the transition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 12:16 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Domoy Farms in Oakfield harvests Triticale last Friday along Route 63 by Dunlap Road in Shelby. Triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a disaster declaration for 32 counties, including Orleans, due to extreme spring weather that damaged crops.
Apple, stone fruit and grape crops suffered from the weather that damaged fruit buds, causing an estimated $30 million in damages to growers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The declaration allows growers to seek low-interest emergency loans through the USDA. The declaration includes counties in the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Capital, Central New York, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and the Western New York regions.
“New York’s growers experienced significant damage early this year with some losing an entire growing season and reporting tens of millions in economic loss,” Hochul said. “I would like to thank the USDA for taking this action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward. I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York’s growers.”
Orleans County saw damage to fruit trees during a frost and freeze from April 19 to April 21.
A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs. Farmers can contact their local FSA office. In Orleans County, the FSA office is at 446 West Ave. in Albion with the phone number: (585) 589-5320.
Deputies applied tourniquets, lifesaving medical aid
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
Alyssa M. Canne
CARLTON – Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies on Saturday at approximately 11:42 p.m. responded to a residence in the Town of Carlton following a report of a domestic incident involving a victim who had sustained severe lacerations.
Deputies were the first to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, they located the victim suffering from significant lacerations and life-threatening blood loss. Deputies immediately applied tourniquets and continued providing lifesaving medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. The victim was subsequently transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Following an investigation that included witness interviews, evidence collection, and the execution of a search warrant, Alyssa M. Canne, 34, of Lyndonville was charged with the following offenses:
Assault in the First Degree (Class B Felony)
Menacing in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor)
Canne was transported to the Orleans County Jail for centralized arraignment.
Sheriff Chris Bourke commends the initial responding deputies for their professionalism, composure, and decisive actions under extremely stressful circumstances. Their prompt response and immediate medical intervention are believed to have saved the victim’s life.
The investigation was led by Chief Deputy Tooley, Investigator Marsceill, and members of the Sheriff’s Office midnight shift. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Carlton Fire Company and Mercy EMS.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 10:35 am
$4.33 average price in Orleans is highest in WNY
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gas prices are up in the past week. These are the prices on Sunday at the Crosby’s in Holley on the west side of the village.
The average price of regular unleaded gas is up 11 cents in the past week nationally, from $4.00 to $4.11, while the average price in New York State is up 8 cents to $4.23 a gallon, AAA reported today. A year ago the national average was $3.15 while the state average was $3.17 a gallon.
In Orleans County, the price increased by 9 cents from $4.245 to $4.333 a gallon, AAA reported.
“Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump,” AAA said in a news release. “Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the high $90 per barrel range last week. This morning, oil prices range from $85 to $91 per barrel. Higher oil prices could continue driving up pump prices during the second half of summer.”
Here are the average prices at counties around Western New York (Orleans is the highest):
