Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

Amanda Clemons-Whited

ALBION –Amanda Clemons-Whited, 41, while in custody at the Orleans County Jail on Nov. 24, allegedly verbally accosted Corrections Officers using racially charged language, attempted to strike an officer, and threw urine from a cup onto an officer, thereby exposing the officer to bodily fluids which is considered a dangerous substance.

Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division, Clemons-Whited was charged with Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by an Inmate (Class E Felony) and Aggravated Harassment 2nd – Hate Crime (Class A Misdemeanor).

Our dedicated Corrections Officers work diligently each day to protect and serve Orleans County. Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated within the Orleans County Jail, will be thoroughly investigated, and individuals found responsible will be charged accordingly.

Clemons-Whited is currently incarcerated in the Orleans County Jail and will be returning to the Town of Albion Court on Dec. 10 for further proceedings on these charges.

Press Release, Diocese of Buffalo

Photo courtesy of Diocese of Buffalo: Bishop Michael W. Fisher said enforcement of immigration laws shouldn’t use “campaigns of fear that cripple whole communities.”

BUFFALO – In his latest Pastoral Letter, “Once Aliens, Too,” Bishop Michael W. Fisher invokes over 130 years of Catholic social teaching in a call for an end to the dehumanizing rhetoric toward immigrants and renewed respect for their inherent human dignity and basic legal protections.

Bishop Fisher’s Pastoral Letter follows the recent “Special Message” issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the same topic, and the statement of the New York Catholic Bishops issued on November 13, 2025, “For You Too Were Once Aliens…”

Bishop Fisher references the teachings of several pontiffs, beginning with the seminal 1891 papal encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum, in addition to Pius XII, Saint John Paul II, and Pope Francis, in asserting the unequivocal requirement of the Gospels and Catholic social teaching to show preference for the poor and vulnerable, and immigrants, in particular.

Bishop Fisher notes how meaningful immigration reform has been “debated though delayed by both major political parties for decades.”  He further reaffirms the U.S. government’s “duty to secure its borders and ensure that immigrants enter our country legally.”

In doing so, however, Bishop Fisher reiterates the New York Bishop’s assertion that “The requirement to act with charity toward friend and stranger alike … takes precedence over all other imperatives. This obligation to demonstrate empathy and care for those who seek refuge in our country is ‘concerned neither with legal status nor country of origin.’”

Bishop Fisher shared his Pastoral Letter with all priests of the Diocese on Friday, prior to the First Sunday of Advent, acknowledging the “horrible tragedy that occurred in our nation’s Capital this past Wednesday, which has claimed the life of US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, and critically injured US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe—both members of the West Virginia National Guard.”  The alleged gunman is an immigrant from Afghanistan.  The Pastoral Letter is being distributed to the broader Catholic community and broader public today.

Bishop Fisher concludes his Pastoral Letter by referencing our nation’s immigrant beginnings: “Mindful that our ancestors were also once aliens in need of compassion, care, and opportunity, we must speak out for those who desire only the same, but whose voices seem not to matter, and whose basic rights—even as immigrants—are so callously cast aside. As a nation, we know in our hearts that we can and should do better. As Christians, we must.”

ALBION – An Albion teen reported missing on Monday is with relatives and is safe, the Albion Police Department said.

Hailey Elmer, 15,  was last seen by her family at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Press Release, Maison Albion

Sarah Omicioli

ALBION – Maison Albion is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Omicioli as its new Venue Manager. Omicioli joins the team with an impressive 10-year track record in event planning, most recently with Good Neighbor Events in Buffalo, where she honed her expertise in creating memorable experiences and managing complex event logistics.

In her new role, Omicioli will oversee all venue operations at Maison Albion, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life while ensuring seamless execution of events. Her extensive background in event planning positions her uniquely to understand both the creative and operational demands of hosting exceptional gatherings.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to the Maison Albion family,” said Kerri Glover, owner of the site at 13800 W County House Rd. “Her wealth of experience and proven ability to deliver outstanding events make her the perfect fit for this role. We’re confident that her leadership will elevate the experience for every client who chooses Maison Albion for their special occasions.”

Throughout her tenure at Good Neighbor Events, Omicioli developed a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and a client-first approach that consistently exceeded expectations. Her experience spans a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.

“I’m excited to join Maison Albion and contribute to its legacy of hosting extraordinary events,” said Omicioli. “This venue offers such incredible possibilities, and I look forward to working with clients to create unforgettable moments.”

For more information about Maison Albion or to schedule a venue tour, please visit www.maisonalbion.com or contact bonjour@maisonalbion.com.