By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2026 at 10:10 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded was at $4.17 on Tuesday at the Crosby’s in Albion at the intersection of routes 98 and 31. The store gives a 5-cent discount for customers with the rewards card, which made the price $4.12. The cease fire with Iran dropped oil prices but the gas price didn’t go down as of this morning in Albion.
The average price for regular unleaded gas in Orleans County is at $4.12 today, according to AAA. That is up 11 cents from Monday when the average price was $4.01 a gallon.
The average price nationally is also up four cents in two days to $4.164 while the average state-wide is at $4.131, up six cents since Monday and nearly 15 cents from $3.985 a week ago.
The gas price could be coming down after Iran and the United States reached a two week ceasefire last night. That news sent oil prices down 18 percent to about $90 a barrel, the lowest price in about a month.
Today’s average diesel price in NYS was $5.957, up about 15 cents from a week ago when it was $5.806.
BATAVIA – Every successful business begins with a strong idea, but it’s the pitch that brings that idea to life. Whether you’re trying to win over customers or secure funding, your pitch needs to be clear, compelling, and memorable. That’s where GCC can help.
If you have a business concept you’re excited about but aren’t sure how it will resonate with others, consider taking part in GCC’s 8th annual “Business Idea Pitch Competition” on Thursday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus.
This free, public event invites aspiring entrepreneurs to present their ideas in a supportive, real-world setting. Participants will compete for prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place, with awards recognizing both the “most likely to succeed” and “most creative” concepts. A panel of local business professionals will evaluate each pitch.
“A well-crafted pitch is a critical step in turning an idea into a viable business,” said Dr. Lina LaMattina, director of Business Programs at GCC. “This competition gives participants the chance to develop their ideas, strengthen their presentation skills, and gain valuable feedback from experienced professionals.”
Those interested in participating or learning more must register by emailing Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu by Friday, April 10.
Many startups struggle due to limited business knowledge and experience. Rather than risking costly missteps, aspiring entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation through education.
Genesee Community College offers a range of degree, certificate, and micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship designed to help future business owners and investors succeed. Learn more by clicking here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2026 at 8:56 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: The king and queen of Dyngus Day were crowned Monday night at Sacred Heart Club in Medina. The new royal couple, Patty Jones and Chris Kozody, were crowned by last year’s royalty, Eileen Pettit and Eli Howard.
MEDINA – Dyngus Day couldn’t come and go without a celebration at the Sacred Heart Club.
Although the club on North Gravel Road doesn’t throw the big party they used to for the community, they still observe the traditional holiday for their dedicated members.
J.T. Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, and member Chris Kozody spent the weekend cooking the traditional Polish dishes for their Dyngus Day feast Monday night, which also included crowning of a king and queen.
Georgia Thomas, wearing a traditional red outfit for Dyngus Day, fills a plate with authentic Polish food at the buffet Monday at Sacred Heart Club.
Last year’s royalty, Eileen Pettit and Eli Howard, crowned the new king and queen, Chris Kozody and Patty Jones.
Kozody and Jones were both surprised, even shocked, to have been chosen, they said.
Kozody is a dedicated volunteer at Sacred Heart Club, where he cooks for fish fries and Dyngus Day, Thomas said. He also does the inventory and ordering.
Jones volunteers her time at almost every event, Thomas said.
“Whether it’s decorating or working the door or raffles, she is always there,” he said.
During the evening, members enjoyed the feast prepared by Thomas and Kozody, both of whom said they learned to cook from their family – Thomas from his father Ron, who was a butcher; and Kozody from his mom and grandma.
Kozody prepared sweet and sour cabbage and golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), while Thomas made lazy pierogis, smoked Polish sausage with kraut and fresh Polish sausage. An array of Polish sweets was provided by Hans’s Bakery.
There were also pussy willow branches for guests to take home, another tradition on Dyngus Day.
Thomas said Sacred Heart stopped running a big Dyngus Day celebration for the public several years ago when it became impossible to find a polka band.
Dyngus Day is steeped in tradition. It celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of Lent and the joy of Easter. Information provided by Thomas says many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian, Slavic practices. The custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of cleansing, purification and fertility. The same is true of the complimentary practice of switching with pussy willow branches.
Dyngus Day is associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko I and his court on Easter Monday in 966 AD. In more modern times, the tradition continued when on Easter Monday farm boys in Poland wanted to attract girls of their choice by throwing water on them and hitting them on the legs with twigs or pussy willows. On Easter Tuesday, the women would return the favor.
Chris Kozody, left, and J.T. Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, pose in front of the array of Polish dishes they cooked for Dyngus Day.
Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Ethan Mulcahy defeats Daniel Diaz to win the 8th grade bracket of Medina’s rock paper scissors tournament.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Seventh and eighth grade classes competed in a rock-paper scissors-bracket competition, creating a fun and spirited atmosphere among fellow students.
Students cheered each other throughout the rounds, adding to the excitement of the game.
The winners were announced in an assembly at the auditorium, where 7th grader Heather Daniels was named grand champion.
“It’s been a great way to make March, which can sometimes feel long, a little more enjoyable for students,” said Joe Byrne, president of the Medina Teachers Association.
Seventh-graders Jacob Lepkyj and Heather Daniels compete in the championship match of the 7th grade rock paper scissors bracket.
Seventh-grader Heather Daniels is crowned the Grand Champion of the Medina, junior high school rock paper scissors tournament.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are joining communities across the country to celebrate National Public Health Week from April 6-12. This week is a time to celebrate public health successes and learn how GO Health protects and supports the community.
This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, highlights the work GO Health does every day to keep our community healthy. Community members are encouraged to learn about our programs and services, including:
Children with Special Needs Program: Helps children with developmental, physical, or special health care needs get the resources they need to grow and succeed.
Community Health Services: Tracks diseases, collects health data, cares for mothers and children, and runs immunization clinics. Learn more: Immunization Clinics.
Lead Poisoning Prevention: Educates community members on lead hazards and manages grant programs to address lead-based paint and other home health risks. Learn more: Lead Grants.
Public Health Education: Provides health education and resources so community members can make informed choices for their wellbeing. The PHE team helps to lead the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), using resident feedback to guide programs. The 2025–2030 CHA/CHIP identified the following priority areas: Poverty, Anxiety and Stress, and Preventive Services for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control. Residents can review the full CHA/CHIP here: CHA/CHIP.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Builds a community ready for emergencies through training and education. Learn more: Emergency Preparedness.
Weights and Measures: Tests devices and fuel quality to ensure accuracy in commerce and fairness for everyone in our community.
In addition to learning about our programs, we encourage residents to explore CredibleMind, a confidential digital platform providing mental health tools and resources for community members. Check it out to get personalized guidance and resources to help you and your family thrive: CredibleMind.
“National Public Health Week is a great time to recognize the work our team does to keep the community healthy,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “I encourage community members to celebrate public health and learn more about programs that promote the health and wellbeing of youth, families, and the community. I also thank our staff, volunteers, community partners, the Board of Health, and County Legislatures. Working together, we make our community stronger and healthier.”
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2026 at 4:41 pm
MEDINA – A three-month major arts initiative, featuring 35 artists from around the world in Medina, needs “engagement guides” to welcome people to the arts attractions.
The Medina Triennial will run from June 6 to Sept. 7. The project has received funding from the New York Power Authority and other sponsors. The Triennial is expected to bring about 50,000 people to Medina over the three months.
The Triennial is hiring 10 engagement guides who will work Thursdays through Sundays and will be paid $19 an hour.
“In this role, Engagement Guides foster positive, meaningful relationships between the Village of Medina and the artists, artworks, ideas, and visitors that make up the Medina Triennial 2026,” the Triennial stated in a job posting.
The guides will receive thorough training and will be working in a dynamic, community-centered environment.
The guides will welcome village residents, community partners and all visitors to the Triennial. They will need to be familiar with the artists, artworks, exhibition sites, and Village of Medina attractions in order to help visitors connect to programs that match their interests, the Triennial stated.
For more information about the position, click here.
By Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach for OCH
As we look ahead to warmer, spring-like weather, it is the perfect time to reset and take an intentional approach to our health and well-being. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time, and getting started does not have to be complicated. By building a routine around a few simple, practical steps, you can set yourself up for long-term success.
Here are some basic things you can do to improve your goals:
Stay hydrated – drink water throughout the day.
Eat a balanced diet – make sure you are getting enough fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains (and try not to overdo it on the leftover Easter candy).
Move – aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Get enough sleep – prioritize 7 to 9 hours of quality rest each night.
Manage stress – carve out time to relax, recharge, and focus on yourself.
Practice good hand hygiene – no matter the season, always wash your hands.
Health screenings – stay on top of preventative care and recommended screenings.
Limit screen time and stay connected – step away from devices and spend meaningful time with others.
Listen to your body – do not ignore signs that something may be wrong.
Remember, improving your health does not require drastic changes overnight. Even small steps, like choosing water over soda, taking a short walk, or going to bed a little earlier, can add up. The key is consistency and making choices that support both your physical and mental well-being. Start today, stay committed, and give yourself credit for every positive step forward.
As you move through the season, consider setting small, achievable goals each week to keep yourself motivated. Whether it is adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals, scheduling that overdue check-up, or simply getting outside to enjoy some fresh air, every effort counts.
Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage healthy habits, and do not be discouraged by setbacks – they are a natural part of the process. Focus on progress, not perfection, and remember that investing in your health today can lead to a stronger, healthier tomorrow.
April 7 is World Health Day and a great opportunity to get started!
Photo courtesy of Arc GLOW: Lisa Bors, vice president of public relations and development for Arc GLOW, thanks Albion Subway owner Walt Breese and his employees for their support of a fundraiser for Arc GLOW on March 19.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
ALBION — Arc GLOW wants to extend its deepest gratitude to everyone who celebrated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March with a special thank you to Albion Subway.
On March 19, the Albion Subway held a food fundraiser to help raise awareness for Arc GLOW services as well as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
“We’re so incredibly grateful for all the support everyone has given us,” said Lisa Bors, vice president of public relations and development at Arc GLOW. “I want to give a special shout out to Walt Breese and his team for graciously holding a food fundraiser to not only help raise awareness of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but to support Arc GLOW programs and services.”
Arc GLOW is a non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. To learn more about their programs and services, visit ArcGLOW.org.
The Albion Subway also held a fundraiser on April 2 for the Albion Fire Department.
Image taken from Pixcams: This picture shows a bald eagle feeding a freshly caught fish to the remaining chick. A livestream of the bald eagle nest has seen a nig increase in traffic in the past week, including 144,000 views on Facebook.
Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
BASOM – One of the eaglets being watched by a camera at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has died, the refuge Friends group announced today.
“It’s so easy and natural to develop parental instincts for these chicks if you watch them for any length of time,” said Richard Moss, president of the Iroquois Friends group. “That makes a development like this hard to process. It’s a difficult lesson that observing nature is not a place for sentiment.”
The eaglet was knocked out of the nest bole proper by its mother’s foot on Monday morning and never made it back to get warm. The chick’s thermoregulation had not developed enough yet to allow it to survive outside the bole.
The six-day-old chick, the first eaglet to hatch, appeared healthy before the incident, was the largest and had been getting the most food.
The adults seemed largely oblivious that anything was amiss, despite the eaglet still being in the larger part of the nest and very close to the bole.
“This is quite rare,” said Emma DeLeon, vice president of the Friends group. “It can be tough to watch nature in action, but we observed some unusual behaviors today that we were able to share with some eagle experts.”
The second eaglet to hatch, INWR 2, still looks strong, the parents are behaving normally with it, and the Friends group is still hopeful that the third egg may hatch soon, Moss and DeLeon said.
You can watch the nest camera streaming through a link at the Friends website, FINWR.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2026 at 9:36 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Debbie Padoleski takes the oath of office as Medina mayor on Monday evening while her husband Tom Padoleski holds the Bible. Village Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess administers the oath in the Shelby Town Hall.
MEDINA – Mayor Debbie Padoleski took the oath of office and presided over her first meeting as Medina mayor on Monday.
Padoleski said the Village Board will be working on the budget this month and developing plans to address issues in the village.
She congratulated Jeff Wagner and Mark Prawel for their victories as village trustees. Both joined her in taking the oath of office on Monday.
“I am committed to accountability and transparency with the public and with each other,” she told the board members on Monday.
She said it will be a team effort among the board members. “We need to use our individual strengths and talents towards a more affordable village,” she said.
Mark Prawel takes the oath for another two-year term as village trustee. His wife Tina holds the Bible while Padoleski administers the oath.
Some of the appointments approved at Monday’s meeting include:
Deputy Mayor – Scott Bieliski
Fair Housing Officer – Jess Marciano
Village Historian – Todd Bensley
Clerk-Treasurer – Jada Burgess
Deputy Clerk-Treasurer – Miranda Herbert
Registrar and Deputy Registrar – Jada Burgess with Miranda Herbert as the deputy
Three appointments to Planning Board with five-year terms – Chris Goyette, Mary Lewis and Richard Moss with Dean Bellack as an alternate
Member of Tree Board for three-year term – Lisa Tombari
Member of Boxwood Cemetery Commission for three-year term – Jacob Hebdon
Member of the Minimum Standards Appeals Board for five-year term – Chris Busch
Three appointments to Parks Committee for two-year terms – Brooke Beatty and Randall Reese
Four appointments to Tourism Committee for two-year terms – Jim Hancock, Kelly Kiebala, Janet Smith and Barbara Gorham
Village Attorney – Matthew Brooks
Mayor Debbie Padoleski led her first meeting as mayor on Monday evening. She has attended numerous meetings over the years as the former village clerk-treasurer and the past two years as a village trustee.
Padoleski approved the following trustee liaison committee assignments:
Fire/Ambulance – Scott Bieliski
Police – Mark Prawel
Code/Planning/Zoning – Jess Marciano
DPW – Jeff Wagner
Employee Relations – Scott Bieliski, Mark Prawel
Clerk/Treasurer – Debbie Padoleski
Town of Ridgeway – Mark Prawel
Town of Shelby – Jeff Wagner
Orleans County – Scott Bieliski
Parks Committee – Jess Marciano
Boxwood Cemetery – Debbie Padoleski
Joint Recreation – Jess Marciano and Jeff Wagner
Tourism Committee – Debbie Padoleski
Waterfront Development Committee – Jess Marciano
Jeff Wagner is congratulated after taking the oath and joining the Village Board as a trustee for the first time. Padoleski, left, administered the oath while Jada Burgess held the Bible.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2026 at 8:35 am
Photos courtesy of Geno Allport
ALBION – A new team of Albion Village Board members took the oath of office and began their four-year terms on Monday.
The top photo shows the new Albion mayor, Tim McMurray, who is holding his granddaughter Celia. McMurray is joined at the swearing in by his daughter Kali, his girlfriend Erin Gallagher, and uncle Ron Albertson.
McMurray was elected on March 18. He previously served as a village trustee for four years. He is a Marine Corps veteran.
(Left) Jami Allport is a new village trustee. She took the oath of office while standing with her husband Geno and their daughter, Hensley. Mrs. Allport is executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. (Right) Kevin Sheehan took the oath of office and was joined by his three grandchildren – Charlotte, Wrenyn and Jack. Sheehan is a retired plumber and pipe fitter and has served an Albion trustee, deputy mayor and code enforcement officer. He also is a commissioner for the Albion Joint Fire District.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2026 at 9:57 pm
Fish will spend nearly month in pens, growing and imprinting on famed fishery
Photos courtesy of Isabella Zasa: The pipe provides a pathway for small Chinook salmon and steelhead from a DEC truck to pens in the Oak Orchard River.
POINT BREEZE – The state Department of Transportation delivered some precious cargo today to the Oak Orchard River: 165,000 fish that will be nurtured over the next month.
Charter boat captains and other fishing stakeholders will keep tabs on the little fish that will be fed while kept in pens at the Oak Orchard by Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina.
The volunteers have been leading the pen-rearing project at the Oak Orchard since 1998. It was the first on the southshore of Lake Ontario and now there are many, including one at Sandy Creek in Hamlin, the Genesee River, Sodus, Olcott and the Niagara River.
The fish will spend three to four weeks in the pens, growing in size which will increase their chances of surviving when they are released. They will be a little less likely to be eaten by other fish or predators when they are released from the pens.
They also will “imprint” on the Oak Orchard, and be more likely to return when they are fully grown and looking to spawn.
It will take about three years for the little fish to reach full size. For some of the Chinook that will be over 30 pounds. A good-size steelhead can weigh 15 pounds.
The DEC stocking plan for Orleans County includes:
150,000 Chinook in pens
35,000 Steelhead into the Oak Orchard River with 15,000 in pens plus another 20,000 direct.
6,000 Steelhead direct to Johnson Creek
22,500 Coho salmon direct at Oak Orchard River
37,100 brown trout direct at Lake Ontario
Some additional lake trout and Atlantic salmon at Lake Ontario
The DEC has team with the local community for the pen-rearing project since 1998. It was the first one on the southshore of Lake Ontario. Now there are several.
215 DOT crews will fill 175,000 potholes on state roads this month
Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: Governor Hochul, center, today joined NYS Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez (left) and Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare in Albany to announce a statewide road improvement effort after a brutal winter caused numerous potholes.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an unprecedented state effort to fill potholes and repave roads across New York State, following one of the coldest winters in recent memory.
This month, State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) forces will conduct a statewide push to address potholes on state roads. In April, 215 crews will place more than 8,000 tons of asphalt to fill an anticipated 175,000 potholes statewide. Plans are in place to fill hundreds of thousands more as the weather permits over the months ahead.
“We’ve had an unforgiving winter this year in New York, and the frigid cold and heavy snowfall can take a toll on our roads,” Gov. Hochul said. “That’s why we are stepping up with an unprecedented state effort to repave hundreds of miles of roadway and fill hundreds of thousands of potholes in the next few weeks alone. Our outstanding DOT and Thruway crews will not rest until every pothole in this state has been repaired.”
In addition, Governor Hochul highlighted that this week is the official start of paving season in New York, as NYSDOT crews commence the most ambitious year of road improvements in state history. Last October, the Governor announced record state investment to dozens of vital state roadways across New York State during the 2026 construction season. Leveraging the $800 million secured in the FY26 Executive Budget to augment the final two years of its five-year Capital Plan, NYSDOT will invest more than $600 million in more than 180 paving projects across the state to be completed in the upcoming paving season.
These projects, which total almost 2,150 lane miles, are in addition to the paving initiatives already scheduled as part of NYSDOT’s core programs and, taken together, represent the most ambitious annual road resurfacing program conducted in state history, totaling more than 4,000 lane miles of renewed pavement to give New York drivers a smoother, safer ride.
The Governor’s announcement today comes as statewide asphalt plants come online, with paving season beginning in most regions of New York.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Our crews have worked tirelessly this winter keeping our roads clear for New Yorkers during a brutally cold, snow and ice-filled winter. Now, as the weather transitions, we are moving from fighting snow and ice to carrying out one of the most robust construction programs in recent memory – anchored by record infrastructure and paving investments from Governor Hochul. Our forces are ready to kick construction into high gear in the coming months, with thousands of miles of smoother rides ahead for people in every region of the state.”
Last year the Department of Transportation forces filled more than 1.3 million potholes on state highways from Long Island to Buffalo and every area in between. From mid-February through April 1, 2026, DOT forces have already laid down more than 1,400 tons of asphalt on state roads across New York, filling more than 28,000 potholes during that period.
Many areas of New York experienced some of the coldest winter seasons in recent memory, with the downstate region seeing its snowiest winter in at least a decade, contributing greatly to the freeze-thaw cycle that forms potholes on roads across New York State. Crews have been out for many weeks now, balancing continued snow and ice response efforts, which began in October, with pothole repairs as the weather has allowed them to do so.
