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1 new trustee among 3 elected for Hoag Library

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2026 at 8:51 am

Albion public library will seek $687,760 in May 19 vote, up from $657,560 for 2025

Photo by Tom Rivers: Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion, goes over the library’s budget during the annual meeting on Monday.

ALBION – Hoag Library has a new trustee following Monday’s election with Jessica George eking out a victory over Rachel Hicks with 26 votes to 25. Voters also re-elected Linda Weller with 32 votes and Mary Witkop with 29.

The trustees then met and again named Weller as board president and Witkop as the vice president. Dawn Squicciarini will serve as board secretary and George was picked to be the treasurer, a spot that was filled by Hicks.

There were 51 voters for Monday’s election. The trustees were elected to four-year terms.

The library also held its 126th annual meeting. Weller said the library has proven to be an important part of the community, offering far more than just loaning out books.

“The Hoag Library of Albion continues to stand as a vibrant cornerstone of the community,” she said. “Its success is not by chance – it is the result of dedication, care and collaboration of many people who believe deeply in its mission.”

Weller commended the staff for offering a variety of programs and making the library a welcoming place for everyone. She said the trustees have been committed to being good stewards of the budget and making the library “sustainable, forward-looking and responsive to the needs to today – and tomorrow.”

Hoag has a $721,550 overall budget for 2026 with $687,760 in the school district vote on May 19. That is up from the $657,560 through property taxes approved a year ago.

Other areas of the library funding include $2,790 from the county, $18,000 in contributions and donations, $9,000 in library services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines), and $4,000 in state library aid.

The library budget would be $75,000 higher if it still had a mortgage. But that was paid off in 2022 when Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife Courtenay gave a final $200,000 donation to the library. The couple has given $1 million to the library, including an initial $250,000 to help get it built in 2012. Their donations after the first $250,000 have allowed Hoag to pay off the mortgage well ahead of schedule, saving $75,000 a year. The mortgage was planned to go to 2035.

Betty Sue Miller, the library director, said the library continues to receive donations from the community. She noted Conrad Cropsey gave a large table and desk from his law office. He closed his office in downtown Albion and continues to work as a lawyer from his home in Barre. The table is up in the loft at the library and many people use it to play games or study. Cropsey’s desk is used in the local history room.

The Friends of the Library used its funds to buy a 3-D printer that is available to the public.

The circulation for 2025 includes: physical items – 29,775 books, 6,993 non-books, 62 HotSpots and 36 laptops. Digital items – Hoopla, 6,912 and Libby, 5,370. There were 1,777 new physical items.

Other highlights: 564 library programs and community outreach efforts; 827 notarized documents; 5,446 items borrowed through Nioga inter-loan; 4,253 items loaned out through inter-loan; 838-plus learning and support sessions at library for GED, ESL, tech advisor and other literacy programs; 1,480 public meeting room uses.

Miller said she is amazed how busy the three rooms are for meetings, concerts, events and smaller sessions.

“Imagine if this building had not been built with that space,” Miller said about the meeting rooms. “The people who built this were very forward-thinking.”

Waste heat from data center might be able to warm local homes

Posted 4 May 2026 at 10:28 pm

Editor:

In the continuing dialogue between citizens and the proposed data center, another factor to throw in the mix: In Europe and especially Ireland, Finland and Sweden, Microsoft and Google are recycling waste heat from their data centers to warm homes and businesses.

What if the data-center company was able to provide free heat to Orleans and Genesee County homes. Could that be something to negotiate? It works in Europe, why not in New York State?

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Va.

Member of Albion High School class 1960

Clarence stickmen post win over Medina

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 10:08 pm

Building up a commanding 15-0 halftime advantage, Clarence went on to down visiting Medina 19-2 in an interdivisional lacrosse game this evening.

Brayden Lewis and Gavin Dahlhaus each scored a goal for Medina as Landan Costich and Clayton Wagner had the assists.

Medina next hosts Wilson at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Mustangs complete key sweep over Rams; big night for Papaj on the mound and at the plate

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 9:01 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aidan Papaj, left, earned the win on the mound for the Mustangs in tonight’s key game against Roy-Hart as Jared Hy started on the mound for the Rams.

Defending champion Medina doubled its Niagara-Orleans baseball league lead by posting a key 4-1 victory over Roy-Hart at Gasport this evening.

The Mustangs improve to 7-0 with the win as the Rams slip to 8-2.

The win completes a home-and-home series sweep as the Mustangs also downed the Rams 8-1 at Vets Park this past Friday night.

Aidan Papj had a big night both on the mound and at the plate to lead the way for Medina.

On the mound he scattered 3 hits and struck out 16.

At the plate he banged out three hits including a double and a two-run single which highlighted the Mustangs decisive 4 run fifth inning. An error and an RBI single by Cam Fike plated the other two runs as a double by Jimmy Dieter and a single by Carlos Doval set up the threat.

Roy-Hart’s run came on a passed ball in the fifth inning.

Medina’s Lathan McEwen-Miller connects at the plate on a play which ended up driving in the Mustangs first run on an outfield error.

Barker tops Medina in N-O tennis match

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 8:38 pm

Improving to 6-1, Barker downed host Medina 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon.

Daniel Goodwin won at first singles for Barker which also swept the three doubles matches with victories by the duos of Oscar Dergel – Lucas Nestoros, Aaden Munn – Luke Fay and Nick Heideman – Aurora Wass.

Medina’s Talia Rupp won at second singles.

Akron 3, Albion 2
Akron edged Albion 3-2 in another N-O match as the Tigers swept the three doubles matches.

Albion got singles wins from Landon Graybill and Jillian LeBaron.

Barker 4, Roy-Hart 1
Barker bested Roy-Hart 4-1 this past Friday as Goodwin won at first singles and the Bulldogs same three doubles teams also all notched victories.

Big innings spark Albion past Newfane

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 8:12 pm

Two big scoring innings sparked Albion to a 12-2 win over Newfane in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.

Albion moved on top to stay by scoring 4 runs in the fourth inning on RBI singles by Will Plummer and Nick Luft, a sacrifice fly by winning pitcher Gavin Boyce and a passed ball.

The Purple Eagles later put a lock on the win by erupting for 7 runs in the sixth inning highlighted by a three-run home run by Nate Gibson.

Kaiden Froman had 4 hits on the day for Albion and Gibson 2.

On the mound, Boyce scattered 5 hits and struck out 8.

Albion is now 4-3 and Newfane 1-7 in N-O action.

Akron 2, Barker 1 (8)
Akron pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning on a bases loaded walk to nip Barker 2-1.

Akron is now 4-4 and Barker 4-6 in league action.

Wilson tops Medina in N-O softball; Barker scores key victory over Akron

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 6:41 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Wilson’s Lucy Madan puts the tag on Medina’s Samantha Heschke at second base during this afternoon’s game at Vets Park.

Scoring at least 3 runs in each of the five innings of the run rule contest, Wilson downed Medina 19-3 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game at Vets Park this afternoon.

Katie Hardy had 3 hits for Wilson as Lucy Madan and Mackenzie Hardy each had 2.

Wilson improves to 7-2 in N-O action and Medina slips to 1-6.

Barker 3, Akron 1
Barker scored a key 3-1 win over Akron which tightens up the N-O softball title race.

A two-run double by Kaylee Stoll in the fifth inning snapped a 1-1 tie and provided the margin of victory for Barker.

In the circle, Peyton Bradley and Madyson Flint combined for a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.

Barker improves to a league best 8-2 record just ahead of 7-2 Wilson as Akron slips to 4-2.

Roy-Hart 15, Albion 5
Roy-Hart improved to 4-2 in N-O action with a 15-5 win over Albion.

Grace Pearl had 3 hits including a double and 2 RBIs to lead the offense for Roy-Hart as Abby Fox and Brooke Corser both had singles.

Melia Prince and Aubrielle Barry both had a pair of hits for Albion.

Perfect pitching and a grand slam home run sparks Lady Tigers to victory over Lady Bees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 6:31 pm

Perfect pitching and a big home run highlighted Lyndonville’s 12-0 five inning run rule victory over Byron-Bergen in a Genesee Region League softball game this afternoon.

Arnie Sturtevant was perfect in the circle over the five innings for the Lady Tigers as she hurled a no hitter with no walks and 6 strikeouts.

The big hit was a grand slam home run by Rylan Townsend which keyed a 5 run first inning.

The Lady Tigers also scored 5 times in the third inning as Sturtevant had a two-run double and Brooke Robinson and Isabella Groves RBI singles.

Lyndonville improves to 8-1 in the league and 9-1 overall.

Oakfield-Alabama 22, Kendall 2
Oakfield-Alabama exploded for 15 runs in the third inning to key 22-2 G-R win over Kendall.

The Lady Hornets had a total of 17 hits.

Velocitii named one of top workplaces among mid-size companies in Rochester area

Posted 4 May 2026 at 2:19 pm

Press Release, Velocitii

Jeff Brandt

MEDINA – Velocitii, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the Top Workplaces 2026 award presented by Rochester Top Workplaces.

This year, Velocitii earned 14th place in the Mid-Size Company category, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to building a strong, people-first workplace culture.

This recognition highlights Velocitii’s ongoing dedication to fostering employee engagement, supporting professional growth, and strengthening a culture centered on collaboration and accountability. Over the past year, the company has continued to invest in initiatives designed to enhance the employee experience, including expanded engagement programs, structured feedback channels, ongoing leadership development efforts, and continued refinement of internal recognition and growth opportunities.

“At Velocitii, we believe the best outcomes start with empowered people. When our teams feel supported, connected, and equipped to succeed, that impact carries through to every client we serve.” said Jeff Brandt, CIO at Velocitii. “Being recognized as a Top Workplace once again is an honor, and it reflects the progress we continue to make in building a more efficient, supportive, and employee-focused organization.”

This achievement underscores the importance of prioritizing employee satisfaction and engagement within the competitive BPO industry. Velocitii’s continued recognition as a Top Workplace reflects its commitment to building a sustainable culture where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and thrive.

About Velocitii:

We partner with brands and organizations to create opportunities, find new customers, generate revenue, and build powerful connections at every touchpoint. Velocitii delivers a complete suite of business services and excels in designing solutions that align with client business goals, strategy, and financial objectives. We thrive on managing complex customer interactions. Our culture empowers our agents, leading to reduced attrition and consistent attainment of performance goals.

Local agricultural clubs tried to find way around alcohol prohibition a century ago

Posted 4 May 2026 at 9:48 am

492 bottles of beer seized from Kendall Hotel in 1914

Photo from Orleans County Department of History: This photo of the Kendall Hotel is dated 1935. Opened in 1901, the building escaped several destructive village fires. Later known as the Kendall Inn, it is now a restaurant named The Grove 1848.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 11

KENDALL – The Kendall Agricultural Club, which assembled at the Kendall Hotel in 1913-1914, played a role in the Temperance campaign leading up to Prohibition.

As early as 1912, six of the ten towns of Orleans County were “dry” or “no-license” to use the parlance of the day, meaning that the sale of alcohol was prohibited in these jurisdictions. The energetic lobbying efforts of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.) had secured these local victories.

However, not all residents were in favor of these restrictions. Taking advantage of a loophole in the 1896 NYS Liquor License Law, Farmers or Agricultural Clubs were organized in dry towns. One such was the Kendall Agricultural Club.

Incorporated in the summer of 1913, it had the stated goal of “the scientific study of agriculture and horticulture, the effect of insectivorous pests” and other farming questions. Club members were allowed access to the two hotel rooms rented at the Kendall Hotel. Members who paid $1 were given a ticket which allowed them 20 bottles of beer. They could also fill out continuous order vouchers directing the Bartholomew Brewing Company to deliver them one case of beer weekly.

Soon there were four other flourishing Farmer’s Agricultural Clubs in the county, three in the town of Gaines and one in Lyndonville.

However, the Temperance League was a force to be reckoned with. An article in the Buffalo Sunday Morning News of Feb. 8, 1914, mentions that the Orleans County Temperance League held their meeting with church temperance organizations to discuss lobbying plans for upcoming local elections at the Court House in Albion.

The article also mentions that several detectives had been employed by temperance leaders of the Town of Kendall to conduct investigations. Shortly after their departure, on January 16, 1914, Constable Louis J. Cady of the Town of Kendall filed a petition with the Supreme Court Justice, Cuthbert W. Pound, alleging that Warren C. Miller, Ida C. Miller, Ray Miller and Garret Rocque had liquor at the Kendall Hotel for the purpose of unlawful sale and distribution.

The following day, Constable William C. Singleton of the Town of Ridgeway seized 492 bottles of beer and one bottle containing whiskey from the Kendall Hotel.

In response, Norman Lindaler, Oscar Lind, William Scheplar, John H. Scheplar, Atley Stevens,  John J. Norton, Ray R. Miller, Thomas Jeffrey, William Scheik, Garret Recqua, Henry Scheik, Otto Greinke, Henry Scheplar, Charles Backus and Cornelius Fenner, each filed a claim that they were part owners of the seized beer.

They said that they were members of the Kendall Agricultural Club, a duly incorporated club, and that they each had their own beer at the hotel lawfully, that it was for their personal consumption, and not for sale or distribution.

Medina Daily Journal headline, Feb. 3, 1914

At a hearing at the Court House in Albion on February 16, 1914, Supreme Court Justice Cuthbert W. Pound of Lockport presided over the case of the State Commissioner of Excise against the 492 seized bottles of beer. An unusual case, it had no precedent in the district. At issue was whether “Agricultural Clubs” were operating as a pretext for the unlawful sale of alcohol and avoiding the excise tax law.

The four members of the club who testified confirmed the social aspects of their activities, though none could remember any occasion on which they actually discussed any aspect of agriculture.

Judge Pound heard the evidence of Raymond Miller, who conducted the Club, and of four members of the club whose testimony confirmed the social aspects of their activities. He then took the case from the jury and directed that “it appears without dispute that this alcohol was kept within the state for unlawful distribution and that the jury is directed to take proper judgement for seizure of the same and its turning over to the State Excise Dept. to be auctioned off according to the new law by that department.”

He also stated that he did not think that there was any evidence to show that Raymond Miller was guilty of unlawful selling of beer. He directed that the Kendall Agricultural Club and similar organizations were “illegal and had been perfected for the purpose of trafficking in liquors and the evasion of liquor tax law” (Buf. Enq., 2-17-14)

New York State Excise Commissioner Farley hailed the verdict as a severe blow to the evasion of the law by these so called “clubs” and in the enforcement of excise laws in dry towns.

100 participants try to solve murder mystery at Medina set in 1950s

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 May 2026 at 9:24 am

Photo by Renee Hemby: Erica Wanecski played the part of the musician Amanda Lynn for Medina Area Partnership’s Murder and Mocktails on Saturday. She serves up a drink at Medina Railroad Museum.

MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership’s annual murder mystery event, Murder and Mocktails, was an apparent hit – with the 13 businesses who participated and the more than 100 participants who tried to guess the guilty villain.

Photos courtesy of Ann Fisher-Bale: Jessica George and Nick Fitzak ham it up in front of a police-themed backdrop at the Medina Senior Center, where all attendees registered for Murder and Mocktails.

“It was a very well-organized event, from registration at the Senior Center and throughout,” said Cora Goyette of Medina, who decided to buy a ticket at the last minute. “There was eager participation among the ‘detectives’ with a sense of fun and community spirit. I was surprised how many non-Medina residents there were. The actors played their roles passionately, especially Georgia (Thomas) and Kathy Blackburn. It was great fun. Kudos to MAP.”

This was MAP’s fourth annual murder mystery event, in which participants checked in at the Medina Senior Center, where they received an investigator’s booklet and a goodie bag containing era-specific treats, said Ann Fisher-Bale, organizer of the event.

“Our 13 participating businesses did a great job embracing their characters and dressing for their ’50s era parts,” Fisher-Bale said. “For the first time, we offered mocktails and they were a big hit with attendees. Many commented they appreciated having the opportunity for a fun, non-alcoholic-related event. For some attendees, this event was an introduction to Medina and they said they had an enjoyable afternoon visiting our shops along the way.”

There was also an opportunity for a 1950s-themed photo at Alexandra Peracciny Photography, which attendees could take home with them.

Jessica George of Albion was among the participants with Nick Fitzak.

“The event provided a great opportunity to spend a day checking out local businesses and interacting with friends in the community,” George said. “We ultimately didn’t solve the crime, but it was so much fun trying to!”

Those who correctly guessed the murderer had their names put in a drawing for a prize pack valued at $200. Winner was Richard Lama of Basom.

And who murdered classmate May O’Ryll Powers? It was none other than the class jock, Jordan Michaels, portrayed by Brian Miller from Dream Vacations.

Brian Miller from Dream Vacations portrayed the class jock at the Medina Theater in Saturday’s murder mystery.

Gas prices jump 35 cents nationally in past week, 14 cents in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2026 at 8:14 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The average price for regular unleaded was up to $4.39 on Saturday at the Kwik Fill in Albion.

Gas prices climbed significantly again in the past week, up 35 cents nationally, 27 cents more in New York State and an average of 14 cents in Orleans County.

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.46, up from $4.11 a week earlier. A year ago, the price was $3.17.

The New York State average went from $4.19 to $4.46 since a week ago, according to AAA. A year ago the average was $3.10.

“Gas prices rose sharply with the arrival of May as oil prices increased amid continued tensions in the Middle East,” AAA said in a news release. “Gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years since 2022. This morning, oil prices range from $103 to $109 per barrel, compared to $97 to $108 per barrel one week ago. Oil is the main ingredient in gasoline, so oil prices have a direct impact on pump prices.”

Diesel prices are also on the rise with the national average at $5.64, up 19 cents from last week, and up from $3.55 a year ago. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.94, up 3 cents from last week, and up from $3.90 last year, AAA said.

Here are the average prices at counties in Western New York:

  • Orleans, $4.354
  • Genesee, $4.391
  • Monroe, $4.403
  • Niagara, $4.381
  • Erie, $4.417
  • Wyoming, $4.387
  • Livingston, $4.421
  • Chautauqua, $4.406
  • Cattaraugus, $4.344
  • Allegany, $4.399

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.837 in Manhattan. In upstate the highest prices are in northern New York, with Franklin County the most at $4.733 a gallon.

Late goal nips Medina Mustangs FC

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2026 at 7:30 pm

Playing with no subs, the Medina Mustangs FC dropped a narrow 1-0 decision at the Queen City Gunners this afternoon in a Buffalo District Soccer League Championship Division game.

The Gunners scored the game’s lone goal with five minutes remaining off a corner kick.

Now at 0-2, Medina next visits the Cattaraugus County FC on May 17.

Green has top 10 finish at Riviera Maya Open

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2026 at 2:59 pm

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green

Slowed a bit by a pair of late bogies, Medina’s Melanie Green still earned a top 10 finish at the LPGA Tour’s Riviera Maya Tournament in Mexico which concluded this afternoon.

With the bogeys on 16 and 18, Green posted a final round of a 2 over par 74 and finshed the four day tournament with a 5 under par total of 283.

She started the day at 7 under and kept that score heading into the final three holes as birdies on 5 and 15 offset bogies on 2 and 9.

Green opened the tournament with a sizzling 6 under par round of 66 on Thursday. She then had a 2 under par 70 on Friday and a 1 over par 73 on Saturday.

The top 10 finish is her second in 6 tournaments on this her debut season on the LPGA Tour.

Next weekend the LPGA Tour moves to New Jersey for the Mizuho Americas Open.