Photos courtesy of Shelby Volunteer Fire Company: The fire hall will get a new ventilation system that will reduce exposure to diesel exhaust and other contaminants produced by the emergency vehicles.
Press Release, Shelby Volunteer Fire Company
SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company is proud to announce that we have been awarded a nearly $100,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to install a vehicle exhaust ventilation system in our fire station.
This grant will allow us to make a significant investment in the health and safety of our firefighters by helping reduce their exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and other contaminants produced by our emergency vehicles.
Every time our trucks respond to an emergency, our firefighters are exposed to hazards, and that exposure doesn’t have to stop when they return to the station. The new exhaust ventilation system will help remove harmful vehicle emissions from the apparatus bay, providing a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for our members. The safety of our firefighters has always been a top priority, and this project represents another important step toward protecting the men and women who dedicate their time to protecting our community.
We also want to thank All Metal Works in Gasport for their generous donation that helped build the ventilation system. Contributions like this from local businesses and community partners play an important role in helping us improve our facilities and better protect our members.
We are incredibly grateful to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, All Metal Works, and everyone who continues to support the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. This project would not be possible without the support of our community and those who believe in the importance of protecting our volunteer firefighters.
The new exhaust ventilation system will help remove harmful vehicle emissions from the apparatus bay.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 September 2026 at 8:50 am
Village Board expects to make cuts to department or eliminate it
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Holley Village Board met on Tuesday at the American Legion for the board’s monthly meeting. From left include trustees Rochelle Moroz and Jessica MacClaren, Mayor Mark Bower, attorney John Sansone, and trustees John Morriss and Brenden Bedard.
HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board is discussing whether to eliminate the police department which accounts for over $500,000 to village taxpayers each year.
Mayor Mark Bower said the board is determined to try to bring down the tax burden in the village. Residents and some of the larger businesses in Holley tell him the taxes are too high in the village.
The board discussed the police department on Tuesday. Deputy Mayor John Morriss said the department accounts for $523,973 of the village’s $2,165,925 budget in 2026-27.
“If we dissolve (the police department), we need to have a plan in place for how our citizens will be protected,” Morriss said.
Holley needs to know from the Orleans County sheriff and the county legislators if there would be increased patrols and coverage in the village if the Holley PD were to dissolve, and would the county be expecting the village to pay for that coverage. Morriss said the village property owners already pay in county taxes towards the Sheriff’s Office.
“What would it cost us?” Morriss said during Tuesday’s meeting. “Would it be above what we’re already paying in taxes?”
Holley Police Chief Bob Barton is shown during Holley’s Flag Day celebration on June 13, 2025. Barton plans to retire as police chief in July 2027. He leads a department with two full-time officers and several part-timers.
The Holley PD has a chief, two full-time officers and six part-timers. There are officers on duty nearly 24-7. There are currently two night shifts not filled each week.
Each eight-hour shift costs the village about $200 to $250 for officer pay. If the police department continues, Morriss said the board and department could look at reducing some shifts when there are typically few calls.
During the month of July, Morriss broke down the call volume of about 100 calls for service: 15 calls on overnight; 16 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 32 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
During the month of August, Morriss said Thursdays and Fridays were the busiest days while Tuesdays saw the fewest calls.
Mayor Bower said he would like the board to decide next month if it will look to either reduce costs in the department and keep it, or look towards dissolution.
If the police department is dissolved, the board could make the decision on its own or put it to a public vote. If the board makes the decision, it would be subject to a permissive referendum, where residents could sign a petition requiring a public referendum.
Either way, there would need to be public hearings to get input from the community.
Besides eliminating some shifts, Holley could have an acting chief among its officers after Chief Bob Barton retires. Barton is expected to retire in July. His salary for the year is $59,580.
The two full-time officers are paid $25.75 an hour and $27.81 an hour, respectively. The part-time officers range in hourly pay from $18.54 an hour to $27.81.
If there was an acting chief, that person would likely be paid $30 an hour, the board said on Tuesday.
If there is a public vote on dissolution, Mayor Bower said it will be in its own special election and not be included in the next village election which is in June 2028.
The sign on the police station says the PD has been serving the community since 1930.
Ciara Gregoire, left, and Ashley Rush work as dental hygienists at Albion Family Dental, which is located in the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 243 South Main St., Suite 121.
Sponsored Content
ALBION – Albion Family Dental will be expanding, adding more space with renovations this fall to better serve patients. The dental practice has already added another full-time hygienist.
Ashley Rush recently joined Albion Family Dental as a hygienist. She started her career 14 years ago at Albion Family Dental with Dr. Mark Rumble. He retired about three years ago. Today, the practice is led by Dr. Jeremy Brandwein.
Albion Family Dental offers preventive services including regular dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays, sealants, and general education and tips for the whole family concerning at-home dental care.
The cosmetic services include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite fillings, crowns and bridges. For more information, click here to be directed to Albion Family Dental’s website.
Albion Family Dental is in network with Aetna, Cigna, CSEA, Delta Dental, Excellus, Guardian, Highmark, MetLife, United Concordia, Univera and many more PPO plans.
Ashley Rush recently rejoined Albion Family Dental as a hygienist. She started her career there 14 years ago. Ashley stated the following:
“I have been a dental hygienist in Albion for more than 14 years. After graduating from the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois, in 2012, I made the move to Western New York. Originally from East Central Illinois, I was drawn to the area by my husband, who is from Waterport.
I began my career at Dr. Rumble’s office, where I worked for 9 1/2 years before returning to Albion Family Dental. Reconnecting with longtime patients has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing their excitement about my return has truly touched my heart. What I enjoy most about being a dental hygienist is building meaningful relationships with my patients and getting to know them on a personal level.
Albion is a wonderful community, and I feel fortunate to work here and see familiar faces both in and outside the office.
Many of my patients know me best as the mom of triplets. They followed my journey through pregnancy, and now my children are preparing to enter fourth grade! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. We love backyard camping, fishing, and making memories at our cabin in the Adirondacks.”
Kim Novak
Kim Novak has more than four decades of working as a local dental hygienist. She stated the following:
“I have been a dental hygienist for over 42 years. I began my dental career as a dental assistant working for Dr. Karl Heuer. His advice and mentoring inspired me to pursue my career as a dental hygienist, and I was fortunate to work alongside him for more than 36 years until his retirement.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with my patients and their families. Getting to know them, taking a genuine interest in their lives, and sharing in their milestones is what I love most about my career.
Now, as part of the Albion Family Dental team, I have had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with some of those familiar faces. It has been so much fun catching up, hearing their family news, and continuing the relationships that mean so much to me.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, whether we’re simply getting together or heading to our cottage in Three Mile Bay. I am also the proud grandmother of three, who affectionately call me ‘Pippi.’ I enjoy cheering them on and attending their activities, from dance recitals and horse shows to baseball games.
In my spare time, I enjoy sewing, especially creating costumes and making quilts for special people in my life.
I strive to master the craft as my mom did, although she certainly set the bar high!”
Ciara Gregoire enjoys working a small town like Albion where she can get to know the patients.
“Hello my name is Ciara and I’ve been a dental hygienist for 3 years, with experience working in pediatrics and a passion for helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident in my dental chair. I grew up in Barker, so I’ve always appreciated the close-knit feeling of a small town. I’m so happy to now be working in another wonderful small town like Albion and becoming part of the community.
One of my favorite parts of being a hygienist is building genuine connections and lasting relationships with my patients. I love getting to know each person, creating a comfortable environment, and providing gentle, thorough care while educating them on how to maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Outside of work, I love traveling, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. I’m always looking for my next adventure, so I’d love to hear about your favorite travel stories, must-visit destinations, or any great hiking trails you’d recommend!”
The above is a paid advertorial. Businesses and/or agencies interested in advertising can contact Brad London by email or by calling the office at (585) 589-5641.
WATERPORT – Albion’s Class of 1976 had their 50-year reunion on Saturday, Aug. 15 at St. Mary’s Archery Club on Clark Mills Road in Waterport. Several of the classmates made the trip from out of state including California, Oregon, Texas, Nevada, Michigan, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Front Row: Pam (Pettine) Wehling, Gail (Barringer) Ebbs, Karen Terra, Diana (Starr) Barber, Carol (Chappius) Ettinger, Dan Hicks, Loraine Dibley, Gayle (Radzinski) Ashbery, Wendy (Baker) Pettit, Toni (Peters) Wells, Brigid (Hunt) Hayes, Eric Bradshaw, Susan (Martin) Heard, Leslie (Canham) Allen, Pat Woody, Tim Hallenbeck, Pat Dawley, Vicki (Downy) Houseknecht, René Wagaman, Ron Jurs, Jim Babbitt and Doug Kirby.
Back Row: Sandy (Freeman) Furness, Steve Hackenburg, Leslie (Brown) Crouse, Jan (Shervin) Albanese, Deb (Parker) Traunstein, Mike Giarrizzo, Judy (Tucker) London, Ernie Loss, Jim Dollinger, Steve Doherty, Steve Babcock, Steve Lafferty, David Vagg, David Sanford, Scott Campbell, Harold Gadsby, Dean Kelsey, Jim Peruzzini, Henry Wilson and Joe Basinait.
Missing from the photo Karen (Smith) Kirby and Sandra Monacelli-McNall.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 September 2026 at 9:46 pm
Albion blanked Newfane 9-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer game this evening as Madison Frasier scored 3 goals, Jane Nesbitt 2 and Alayna Flugel, Lena Grillo, Anja Kato and Kendall Peruzzini each had 1. Ava Woolston and Kamryn Peruzzini each had a pair of assists.
Kendall romped past Oakfield-Alabama 10-1 in a Genesee Region League contest as Sophia Picardo had 3 goals, Ryleigh Denning 2 and Jersie Drake, Izzy D’Agostino, Haley Ball, Charlie Fox and Mckenzie Cooper 1 each.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 September 2026 at 9:38 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Aleks Seefeldt, who scored two goals works to gain control of the ball for Medina which outlasted Park School 3-2 in double overtime at Vets Park this evening.
Medina had a marathon season opening boys soccer game as the Mustangs outlasted Park School 3-2 in double overtime at Vets Park this evening.
Aidan Papaj scored the game winning goal for Medina on a free kick in the second overtime.
Aleks Seefeldt tallied the Mustangs other two goals with both coming in the first half.
Medina next opens Niagara-Orleans League competition at Akron on Saturday morning at 11.
Medina’s Jake Duffina heads the ball for an assist on Aleks Seefeldt’s first goal.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 September 2026 at 8:43 pm
Lyndonville scored a straight set 25-8, 25-12, 25-12 victory over Wheatland-Chili in a Genesee Region League volleyball match this evening.
Leah Kenyon had 4 aces and 2 kills, Hannah Fox 9 aces and 3 kills, Isabella Bresett 3 kills and 2 aces, Sarah Corser 5 aces and 2 kills, Destinee Holmes 3 aces and 1 kill, Grace Fox 4 aces Grace Kenyon 4 kills and 3 aces and Elizabeth Gonzalez Moore and Julia Aikin 1 ace each for the Lady Tigers.
Head Start is far more than preschool. It gives children a strong start through education, health and developmental screenings, nutrition, and family support services that are especially important in rural communities like ours. A proposed federal rule could weaken the standards and comprehensive approach that make Head Start effective.
The proposal would remove hundreds of requirements, permit larger classes and lower staffing levels, reduce wraparound services, and cut the administrative-cost cap from 15% to 5%. That may sound like reducing bureaucracy, but administration is how local programs pay for fiscal accountability, human resources, technology, compliance, facilities, and safety. For small and rural nonprofit agencies, a 5% cap could destabilize programs or force them to close.
Our community cannot afford further losses. Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is already managing a federally imposed $912,000 reduction that cost valued jobs and reduced available Head Start slots from 244 to 194. Weakening standards or cutting realistic administrative support would put even more children and families at risk.
Submit a public comment by October 6, 2026, at https://www.regulations.gov by searching docket ACF-2026-0595, or email Deregulation@acf.hhs.gov and include the docket number in the subject line. You may also contact your members of Congress, but only comments submitted directly to the Administration for Children and Families become part of the official rulemaking record.
Please speak from your own experience and tell federal officials what Head Start means to our children, families, and communities. This is our opportunity to protect a program that has changed lives for generations. Head Start should be strengthened, not diminished.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 September 2026 at 3:58 pm
One of signature projects of Triennial will soon be dismantled
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – One of the signature projects of the Medina Triennial was somewhat shrouded with scaffolding during the art initiative’s three-month stay in Medina.
But today, a day after the Triennial closed, the steel pin scaffolding was removed and soon the “Good Wall” will be dismantled. There is a layer of salvaged sandstone held between layers of limestone.
The scaffolding was included as a precaution to provide stability. But the wall never wavered during the Triennial, staying in perfect balance.
In its natural state, the limestone will slowly leach natural acids into the softer sandstone, gradually weakening it until it delaminates and collapses. What appears solid is designed to fail, the Triennial stated.
James Beckett is the artist behind the Good Wall, a project that ties to Medina’s architectural and industrial past. Beckett wanted the display to raise questions about durability and change.
Beckett did a residency in Medina in 2025 and 2026, researching the Medina community’s sandstone quarries and civic architecture.
He did a semester-long collaboration with architecture students at the University at Buffalo on “digital quarrying.” That method combines the recovered stone with 3D scanning, computational design and digital assembly.
The “Good Wall” is installed on the lawn of Medina’s former high school on Catherine Street, where about 30 of the art installations were displayed during the Triennial.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 September 2026 at 3:08 pm
Western battalion will be at 3 intersections in Medina, Shelby and Ridgeway
File photo by Tom Rivers: Kyle Brakenbury, a member of the fire police for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, collects a donation during the Make-A-Wish fill the boot drive on Sept. 21, 2025.
MEDINA – Firefighters will be out Sunday for their annual fill-the-boot drive for Make-A-Wish.
Firefighters from the East Shelby, Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby fire departments will be at three intersections from 9 a.m. to noon. They will be at Route 104 and Route 63 in Ridgeway; Maple Ridge Road near the Route 63 intersection in Shelby; and downtown Medina at the main intersection.
Last year the firefighters collected $6,500 that was donated to Make-A-Wish, an organization that gives life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 September 2026 at 1:26 pm
The Wilson boys and girls soccer teams, the Akron field hockey squad and the Roy-Hart volleyball team will all begin defense of their Niagara-Orleans League titles this week.
Boys Soccer
Wilson, which went 10-0 last fall to capture a third straight N-O championship, will host rival Newfane on Friday to open the league season.
The Lakemen are led by a group of seven N-O All-League honorees including first team selections seniors defender Max Harmon, forward Cole Herrmann and goalie Eli Moore; second team honorees senior midfielder Mason Schultz and junior midfielder Hayden Fellows along with honorable mention picks junior Archer Simpson and sophomore Trenton Kaminski.
Wilson’s graduation losses including first team All League forwards Aidan Neumann (55 goals, 13 assists) and David Gurski (20 goals, 13 assists).
Two other N-O openers are scheduled for Wednesday with Roy-Hart at Akron and Albion at Newfane.
Girls Soccer
Wilson, which captured the N-O title last fall with a 12-0 record, will open at rival Newfane on Friday.
The Lakewomen return a large group of eight N-O All-Leaguers including first team honorees juniors forward Addison Elia (38 goals, 9 assists) and midfielder Lilly Gurski (11 goals, 26 assists) and seniors goalie Brooke Urban and midfielder Grace Smith; second team picks senior forward Lucy Madan and midfielder Kairi Beck along with Honorable Mention selections Tessa Guenther, Kylee Elia and Zoey Beck.
On Wednesday Roy-Hart/Medina will open against Akron at Medina at 7 p.m. while Newfane will visit Albion at 6:45 p.m. Albion is already 1-0 in N-O action having edged Barker/Lyndonville 2-1 last Thursday.
Field Hockey
Six time defending champion Akron will begin its B-I title defense by hosting Medina at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Lady Tigers are paced by six returning All League players including first team honoree senior Madigan Regan, second team picks seniors Madison Gates, Alexis Salmon and junior Mackenzie Tomporowski along with Honorable Mention selections senior Brooke Milhollen and junior Aneika Forrestel.
Thursday’s other N-O openers will have Wilson at Barker and Roy-Hart at Kenmore
Volleyball
Roy-Hart, which captured the N-O championship last fall with a 10-0 record, will begin its title defense at home on Wednesday.
Junior Lauren Snyder, who earned first team All-League honors last fall, and senior Zoey Healy are the Lady Rams only returning regulars. Five other graduated starters all earned All-League squad honors including N-O Player of the Year Grace Pearl.
Wednesday’s other N-O openers will have Newfane at Medina and Wilson at Akron.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 September 2026 at 1:01 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Firefighters stand under a giant American flag that was hoisted above Main Street by the ladder trucks from Medina and Murray on Sept. 11, 2024.
There will be Sept. 11 remembrance services on Friday in Albion and Brockport on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Orleans County will be holding a service on the courthouse lawn beginning at 6 p.m.
Scott Schmidt is the keynote speaker for the service. Schmidt, the Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, spent three weeks with the federal DMORT team after 9/11 and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.
The terrorists attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others. Terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the other into a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.
The service will include a welcome message from Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature; and opening and closing prayer from David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church; a timeline of Sept. 11 by Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County emergency management director; and a gun salute from the Honor Guard of the American Legion and VFW.
Doug Egling will play “America the Beautiful” and the crowd will join in singing, “God Bless America.”
In Brockport, there is a Firefighters’ Memorial Monument at 237 South Main St.
That location is the setting for a day of reflection and remembrance on Sept. 11.
The schedule in Brockport incudes an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., ringing of the bell at 8:47 a.m., and a closing ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
An Honor Guard will stand vigil throughout the day, paying their respects to those who were killed.
A “Ring of Gold” will replace the Honor Guard for a moment of silence prior to the closing ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The Ring of Gold includes personnel from various agencies.
