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Free tobacco cessation class offered in Orleans County

Posted 26 May 2026 at 1:56 pm

Adult smoking rate in Orleans, 25.2%, nearly triple state average

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year. Millions of people also live with smoking-related illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.

Smoking can also harm people who do not smoke. The CDC reports that secondhand smoke causes about 40,000 adult deaths and 400 infant deaths each year in the United States. Breathing in secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and breathing problems.

Adult smoking rates in both Genesee and Orleans Counties are higher than the New York State average of 9.9%, at 17.8% in Genesee County and 25.2% in Orleans County. This puts residents at greater risk for serious health problems caused by tobacco use and secondhand smoke.

“The good news is that quitting smoking has both immediate and long-term health benefits,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Quitting can be hard, but support and encouragement can help. We want residents to know they do not have to quit alone.”

The Orleans County Health Department is offering a free Tobacco Cessation Class Series to help community members quit tobacco products. Participants will receive support, resources, and simple strategies to help them quit and stay tobacco-free.

Classes will be held at Hoag Library on Wednesdays from June 3rd through July 8th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each session will last approximately one hour.

Benefits of quitting smoking include:

  • Healthier heart and lungs
  • Lower risk of cancer and other diseases
  • Easier breathing and more energy
  • Helping protect family members from secondhand smoke
  • Saving money that was spent on tobacco products

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to register by filling out the following registration form: Tobacco Cessation Class Inquiry Form.

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Youth Bureau to celebrate young people, and adults who make an impact on kids

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2026 at 12:34 pm

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Bureau will have its 44th annual youth recognition banquet next week on June 3 and will be honoring 11 youths, while also presenting awards to adults who make a difference with kids.

The event will be June 3 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the program starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 and reservations are due today.

“For more than four decades, Orleans County each year has recognized amazing young people who are doing some extraordinary work in support of our community,” said Kelly Kiebala, Youth Bureau administrator.  “Celebrating young people for their service doesn’t just honor what they’ve done, it sends a powerful message that leadership begins with helping others.”

The 2026 Youth Recognition Awards honor those young people who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.

Receiving awards are: Neveya Barnes, Isabella Bresett, Elizibeth Conner, Izabella Garcia, Nora Lindsay, Colton Smith, Logan Callara, Krysta Laitenberger, Maya Tatar, Winter English and Madison Hults.

In addition to the youth recognition awards, Jami Allport will receive the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations. Allport is a cheerleading coach at Albion and the executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern.

Jonathan and Brie Trembley of Albion will receive the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to adults who serve the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.

The Trembleys are youth leaders at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 4-H club leaders for the Cornell Cooperative Extension and work with the Albion marching band.

To make a reservation or for questions, please call 585-589-2767 or email OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleansCountyNY.gov.

Gas prices down a penny in Orleans in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2026 at 10:43 am

The price for regular unleaded gas was down a penny in Orleans County in the past week from $4.618 on May 18 to $4.608 today, according to AAA.

The national average price is $4.49, down three cents from last Monday, while the statewide average is $4.59, down two cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13, AAA reported.

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

  • Orleans, $4.608
  • Genesee, $4.573
  • Monroe, $4.562
  • Niagara, $4.556
  • Erie, $4.590
  • Wyoming, $4.623
  • Livingston, $4.598
  • Chautauqua, $4.614
  • Cattaraugus, $4.589
  • Allegany, $4.586

Diesel prices are also on the decline this week, with the national average at $5.58, down five cents from last week, and the New York average at $5.91, down three cents from last week.

“Gas prices are down across the board coming off the Memorial Day holiday,” AAA said today in a news release. “Despite pain at the pump, AAA projected 45 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day this year, which set a new Memorial Day weekend travel record with 39.1 million people driving and 3.66 million flying to their destinations.”

Republican economic policies are hurting agriculture, WNY businesses

Posted 26 May 2026 at 8:51 am

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy’s economic policies are hurting Western New York.

Their tariff policies are driving up cost of supplies and equipment for farmers. Fertilizer prices have increased between 4.7% and 37.6% according to a report from the National Corn Grower Association released last July, before the war with Iran.

Meanwhile, exports by New York dairy farmers declined by 12% in the first half of 2025 and soybean exports dropped from 985 million bushels in 2024 to 218 million bushels in the first eight months of 2025. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation farm bankruptcies in New York are increasing.

The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Association (BNMA) survey showed that Ms. Tenney’s and Mr. Langworthy’s tariffs are increasing cost of material and supplies harming manufacturing across Western New York.

Manufacturing Association of the Southern Tier found that more than 80% of their respondents reported that tariffs were increasing cost of raw materials. Peter Ahrens, Chief Operating Officer of the BNMA, reported that “the data shows far more manufacturers are struggling than benefiting under current trade policies.”

Small businesses that depend on tourism like lodging and hotels, rentals and restaurants are significantly hurt by the Republican’s policies. New York State Department of Labor reports that unemployment is increasing in Western New York.

It is no surprise that Moody’s Analytics put the possibility of a recession starting in the next 12 months at 49% before the war with Iran now with oil prices going up they predict a recession by more than 50%.

Farmers, manufacturing, and small business are all negatively affected by Republican economic policies. Your fuel costs are skyrocketing; food costs are increasing and the rise in inflation is eating your income.

While your economic condition worsens, Ms. Tenney and Mr. Langworthy are taking your tax dollars to fund a vanity ballroom for $1 billion dollars, a Triumphal arch for about $15 million, and their war in Iran for over $29 billion.

Now they are contemplating pulling $1.776 billion from the treasury, of your money, for the President’s slush fund to reward his supporters. Republicans are not working for the needs of Western New York.

William Fine

Brockport

Community welcome to Self-Advocacy Day this Saturday

Posted 26 May 2026 at 8:29 am

5th annual event in honor of Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper

Press Release, Orleans County Self-Advocate All Stars

KNOWLESVILLE – Join us for a welcoming day of learning, sharing, and community connection as self-advocates, families, and local partners come together to celebrate leadership, inclusion, and the voices of people with lived experience.

The 5th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trolley Building at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, Route 12690 Route 31, Albion.

Self-advocates, families, friends, community partners, and anyone who wants to support inclusion are encouraged to attend.

The schedule includes:

  • 10 to 10:10 a.m. – Welcome and opening remarks by Andrew Johnston, president of Orleans County Self-Advocates All Stars
  • 10:10 to 10:20 a.m. – Junior Self-Advocacy Welcome from Logan Gerling, president of Junior Self-Advocacy All Stars
  • 10:20 to 10:30 a.m. – Tribute to Jonathan and Gladys by Russel Johnson, SANYS
  • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Special Guest Presentation by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. (SANYS)
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Community Connection: Enjoy a meal together and take time to meet others in the community.
  • 12:30 to12:45 p.m. – Community Safety Presentation by Susan Howard, Orleans County District Attorney
  • 12:45 to 1 p.m. – Emergency Response Overview by Pam Cherry, Mercy Flight
  • 1 to 2 p.m. – Community Connection Activities: Join in interactive activities designed to help people connect, learn, and have fun together.
  • 2 to 2:20 p.m. – Community Media Spotlight by Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub
  • 2:20 to 3 p.m. – Closing Activities: Wrap up the day with reflection, conversation, and time together.

We would love to see you there. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact: Terry Kingdollar, family support specialist, at (585) 261-8734 or tkingdollar@arcglow.org.

Honor Guard honored vets at sites before Albion Memorial Day parade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2026 at 8:09 am

Provided photo

ALBION – VFW Post 4635 Commander Mike Donahue plays Taps at the Carlton Cemetery with the Honor Guard before the Memorial Day parade on Monday.

An Albion Joint VFW-American Legion Honor Guard offered a gun salute at the following locations:

  • The Orleans Vets Club
  • Veterans Park at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street
  • Old Saint Joseph’s Cemetery
  • New Saint Joseph’s Cemetery
  • Mount Albion Cemetery
  • Fancher World War II Monument
  • Otter Creek Cemetery
  • Waterport Cemetery
  • Carlton Cemetery
  • American Legion Post 35

Medina marks Memorial Day with big parade, ceremony

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2026 at 5:16 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The flags are raised at State Street Park in Medina for a Memorial Day ceremony that started at noon. The flags were raised while the national anthem was played by the Medina Marching Band.

The ceremony is held by the World War I cannon at State Street Park.

The crowd stood at attention while the anthem was played.

The parade procession heads down East Center Street where American flags and Hometown Hero banners lined the street.

The Honor Guard provided a dignified presence at the ceremony and also did a gun salute.

Jim Freas served as the emcee of the service in Medina. The names of Medina veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day were read during the service.

Bill Morgan, a member of the American Legion and VFW, marched with a group of veterans in the parade, which started at the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue and went to State Street Park.

Carmen Stalker, drum major or the Medina Marching Band, leads the group down East Center Street.

The Medina Marching Band played patriotic music during the procession.

The marching band passes by the VFW on East Center Street.

The Medina Lions Club celebrated scholarship winners, Lilah Class (left) and Mackenzie Sword.

Jarred Saj carries the American flag in the parade.

Medina’s new Mini Mustang Band made its debut during the parade. The band includes students in grades 5, 6 and is co-led by teachers, Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch (in front behind banner).

Dave Sevenski marched with the Knights of Columbus and passed out treats along the route.

A big contingent from Medina youth sports teams marched down Main Street.

Rollin Hellner, owner of The Walsh, drove a vintage fire truck in the parade.

Albion remembers the fallen with Memorial Day parade, service

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2026 at 3:52 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Casimer Pruski, a member of the Knights of Columbus, marches in today’s Memorial Day parade in Albion. Behind him Joe Pawlak holds a sign, “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.”

Veterans march down Main Street in Albion on their way to East Avenue and the front of the middle school where there was a Memorial Day service.

Phil Warne of the American Legion carries the American flag in the parade.

Boy Scouts marched in the flag with Stryker Braley carrying the American flag and Graham Firby holding the flag for Troop 164.

Rob Conner drives an Albion fire truck in the parade.

The Albion marching band performed in the parade.

The drum majors for the band this year include Gideon Pask and Hanna Kumalac.

The marching band heads down South Main Street past Hoag Library.

Medina to host familiar sectional foe Fredonia Tues.; Albion, R-H, Kendall also in action

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 May 2026 at 2:50 pm

Photo by CHeryl Wertman – Media’s Jimmy Dieter, shown here banging out a base hit during Sunday’s sectional open win over Newfane, and his Mustang teammates will host Fredonia in the Class B quarterfinals at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Vets Park.

It will be a very familiar postseason matchup as No. 2 seed defending champion Medina hosts No.10 Fredonia in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class B baseball tournament at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Vets Park.

It marks the third straight year that Medina and Fredonia have met in the sectionals.

In 2024 Medina nipped Fredonia 4-3 at Grand Island in a rain interrupted Class B championship game. Last year the Mustangs edged past the Hillbillies 2-1 in 9 innings in the Class B semifinals at Vets Park.

Medina, which is 16-2, opened sectional play on Sunday by thumping No. 15 Newfane 23-0 while Fredonia downed No. 7 Tonawanda 8-5.

The winner of Tuesday’s game will advance to Thursday’s Class B semifinal against the winner of the No. 3 Southwestern vs. No. 6 Springville contest.

Tuesday’s other Class B quarterfinals will have No. 5 Roy-Hart hosting No. 13 Cleveland Hill and No. 9 Akron at No. 1 JFK both at 5 p.m.

Roy-Hart downed No. 12 Alden 6-3 in the opening round while Cleve Hill topped No. 4 Lafayette 16-1 and Akron edged Silver Creek 12-10. JFK had the opening round bye.

The Class B semifinals are scheduled for Thursday and the finals for Saturday at 4 p.m. at Frontier High School.

Class A2
Albion to visit Lew-Port
Surging No. 8 seed Albion will visit No. 4 Lew-Port in the semifinals of the Section VI Class A2 tournament at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Albion, which started the Niagara-Orleans League season at 1-3 has won 9 of its last 10 games. The Purple Eagles went 7-1 to close the N-O season with an 8-4 record and then won the first two sectional outings 5-3 over Ni. 9 Dunkirk and 8-2 over No. 1 City Honors to advance to the semifinals.

Lew-Port edged No. 5 East Aurora 3-2 in the quarterfinals.

Section V Class C2
Kendall to host Perry
Top seeded Kendall will host No. 4 Perry at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the semifinal round of the Section V Class C2 baseball tournament.

Kendall, which is 18-2, downed Genesee Region League foe No. 8 seed Byron-Bergen 11-0 in the quarterfinals while Perry bested No. 5 Naples 14-4.

Tuesday’s other semifinal will have No. 6 Cal-Mum vs. No. 2 Genesee Valley-Belfast.

The championship game is scheduled for Friday.

Holley observes Memorial Day with parade, services

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2026 at 2:47 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Boy Scout Troop 59 was part of the Memorial Day parade this morning in Holley.

Tyler Moore, left, carries the Troop 59 flag while Ryker Knight carries the American flag. They are joined by Scoutmaster Randy Moore.

There was a ceremony at the American Legion Post on Wright Street and then a procession from South Main Street to Hillside Cemetery where there were services in honor of veterans.

Madison Hults of Kendall leads the Holley-Kendall marching band as the drum major.

The band played patriotic music as part of the parade.

Miranda Blanar is a member of the color guard in the Holley-Kendall marching band. There are about 50 students total in the marching band.

The band works their way up the hill on South Main Street on their way to Hillside Cemetery.

Todd Klatt, a mechanic in the National Guard, drives this military vehicle in the parade. Klatt is a sergeant first class who returned home in November after a 9-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The vehicle is a M1120A4 Load Handling System. It is a mobility tactical truck. The ladder truck for the Murray Joint Fire District is after the military vehicle.

The tactical truck had a tribute in honor of veterans who have died. Klatt’s wife Mary, son Trent and daughter Olivia were on back of the truck tossing candy.

Class D2 semi at GCC Tues. for Lady Tigers

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 May 2026 at 2:38 pm

Top seeded Lyndonville will face No. 4 Andover-Whitesville in the semifinal round of the Section V Class D2 softball tournament at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Genesee Community College.

Lyndonville, which is 17-1, blanked No. 8 Hinsdale 18-0 in the opening round while Andover-Whitesville downed No. 5 Hammondsport 12-8.

The other D2 semifinal will have No. 3 Elba vs. No. 2 Avoca-Prattsburgh.

The D2 final is scheduled for Friday.

Section VI Class C
Wilson and Barker will both be competing in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class C softball tournament on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Top seeded Wilson will host No. 5 Falconer and No. 2 Barker will host Clymer-Sherman-Panama.

The Class C final is scheduled for Friday at Olean.

Lady Eagles win to advance to Class C2 semis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 May 2026 at 7:40 pm

No.3 seed Kendall outlasted No. 6 Bloomfield 12-9 in a Section V Class C2 softball tournament quarterfinal round game this afternoon.

Brynn Hardenbrook had 3 hits and Izzy D’Agostino, Teagan Shaw and Sophia Picardo 2 each to lead the offense for Kendall, which will next face No. 10 Perry in the semifinals on Wednesday. Perry upended No. 2 Bolivar-Richburg 3-2.

Kendall jumped out to an early 9-3 lead by scoring 5 runs in the second inning and 3 in the third. Singles by Hardenbrook and Picardo set up both uprisings as D’Agostino had an RBI single in both frames.

Two runs in the sixth inning on a bases loaded walk and an RBI single by Adrianna D’Agostino later helped lock up the win.

Section V Class D Baseball
Arkport/Canaseraga 12, Lyndonville 1
Top seeded Arkport/Canaseraga downed visiting No. 8 Lyndonville 12-1 in a Class D quarterfinal as Micah Marvin and Caden Carey combined to pitch a no hitter with 12 strikeouts.

Medina Lions ready for June 6 community yard sales, chicken barbecue

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 May 2026 at 7:36 pm

Vendors welcome for flea market at Olde Pickle Factory

Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left, Medina Lions Jason Cogovan, Jim Hancock and Pete Kaiser pose with the sign at the Olde Picke Factory advertising their chicken barbecue, community yard sale and flea market on June 6.

MEDINA – The Medina Lions’ annual Community Yard Sale first kicked off summer events in Medina more than 20 years ago on the first Saturday in June. The addition of a flea market and chicken barbecue at the Olde Picke Factory have made it a popular attraction which grows in popularity every year.

This year’s event on Saturday is co-chaired by Pete Kaiser and Jim Hancock, with help from Jason Cogovan, Randy Reese, Dave Bellucci, and Chris and Julie Keller.

Kaiser has the added distinction of being “Weiner Man,” a title earned by loading a grill on his pickup truck and driving throughout the village during the yard sale selling hot dogs. The theory behind the “Weinermobile” is that shoppers don’t want to leave the multiple yard sales which dot the village streets just to get lunch. It is much more convenient to run to the curb and grab a hotdog, so as not to miss a big bargain.

The flea market annually brings up to 40 vendors who set up on the grounds of the Olde Pickle Factory. Anyone still wishing to reserve a spot may do so by contacting Randy Reese at (716) 471-0524.

The popular chicken barbecue by Chiavetta’s will again be served, beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out. Tickets may be reserved in advance by calling Jim Hancock at (585) 798-2118.

Proceeds from the event are used by Medina Lions for projects to support the community.

Mustangs romp in Class B sectional opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 May 2026 at 7:17 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Cam Fike bangs out a triple for Medina which romped to a 23-0 sectional win over Newfane at Vets Park this evening.

No.2 seed Medina opened defense of its Section VI Class B baseball championship by romping to a lopsided 23-0 five inning run rule victory over Newfane at Vets Park this evening.

The Mustangs wasted little time in taking control exploding for 9 runs in the second inning as Carlos Doval had a two-run single, Hadrian Batista and Kolton Fletcher RBI singles and Cam Fike an RBI sacrifice fly.

Keeping the momentum, Medina erupted for 7 runs in the third inning as Jimmy Dieter had a three-run double, Fike a two-run double and Aidan Papaj a two-run single.

The Mustangs capped off the win with 5 runs in the fourth frame as Preston Woodworth had a two-run double and Doval a two-run single.

Papaj, Fike, Batista, Dieter, Fletcher, Doval and Ryan Pegelow each finished with a pair of hits as the Mustangs had a total of 16 base raps. Fike’s hits included a triple.

Vinny Gray earned the win on the mound allowing only 1 hit with 6 strikeouts in 4 innings of work. Mason Berry came on to hurl the fifth inning and gave up no hits and struck out 3.

Medina will next host the winner of the No. 10 Fredonia vs. No. 7 Tonawanda game at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the quarterfinals.

Vinny Gray, at left, picked up the win on the mound for the Mustangs. At right Medina’s Preston Woodworth avoids the tag attempt by Newfane’s Bryce Kurtz during a run down.

Akron 12, Silver Creek 10
No. 9 Akron edged No. 8 Silver Creek 12-10 in another Class B opener.

A two-run double by Hunter Haist keyed a three-run seventh inning which provided the margin of victory for the Tigers.

Haist and Jackson Schlabach both finished with 3 hits and Gavin Miller 2.

Akron will next visit top seeded JFK in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Roy-Hart downs Alden in Class B opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 May 2026 at 3:49 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Hank Snyder makes a run saving sliding catch in right field during the Rams sectional win over Alden at Vets Parkl this afternoon.

A three run fourth inning scoring burst keyed No. 5 seed Roy-Hart to a 6-3 victory over No. 12 Alden in the opening round of the Section VI Class B baseball tournament at Vets Park this afternoon.

Breaking away from a 3-3 deadlock, Roy-Hart scored 3 times in the decisive fourth frame on a two-run double by Gavin Heideman and an RBI single by Isaac Smith. A single by Will Bundrock started the uprising.

Earlier, the Rams scored once in the first on an RBI single by Heideman, once in the second on an RBI single by Sean Mettler and once in the third on an error.

Roy-Hart shortstop Sean Mettler turns a third inning double play after taking a throw from second baseman Isaac Smith. The Alden base runner is Aiden Jordan Helms.

Alden tied the game at 3-3 with solo runs in the first inning on a single by Michael Clifford, in the third on a wild pitch and in the fourth on an error.

Jared Hy earned the win on the mound for the Rams as he allowed 4 hits and struck out 5 in 6 innings of work. Smith came on to hurl the final frame giving up 1 hit and striking out 3.

Defensively, the Rams turned a double play in the third inning from Smith at second to Mettler at shortstop to John Brigham at first.

Roy-Hart will face the winner of Monday’s game between No. 4 Lafayette and No. 13 Cleveland Hill in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Roy-Hart pitcher Jared Hy helped himself out on the base paths by stealing third and later coming in to score a run. Ethan Schmitz is the Alden third baseman.