LOCKPORT – Ben McPherson, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Lockport, has accepted an invitation to become a limited partner in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P., the holding company for the St. Louis-based financial services firm.
“I am honored to be invited to become a limited partner in the firm,” McPherson said. “I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose – to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community.”
McPherson joined Edward Jones in 2019 and has served investors in Western NY for the past seven years. He is active in the community and currently volunteers with the Medina Rotary, Medina Area Partnership and the Orleans/GLOW YMCAs.
Edward Jones currently employs 50,000 associates throughout the United States and through its affiliate in Canada. This is the firm’s 18th limited partnership offering in its 100-year history.
Edward Jones is a leading North American financial planning firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s more than 20,000 financial advisors throughout North America serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.4 trillion in client assets under care as of Sept. 26, 2025.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 11:13 am
Village Board not on same page for housing truck, putting it into service
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Village Board met on Monday at the Shelby Town Hall and discussed several issues. Pictured from left include Trustee Deborah Padoleski, Trustee Jess Marciano, Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess, Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Trustee Mark Prawel, Trustee Scott Bieliski and Village Attorney Matt Brooks.
MEDINA – A new ladder truck for the Medina Fire Department may not find a long-term home in Medina.
Three out of five Village Board members said they are open to selling the new $1.7 million truck which is too big for the existing fire hall.
Trustee Scott Bieliski said the truck turns into a $4 million expense when financing and an addition to the fire hall are all factored in. He said village taxpayers are already overtaxed to take on the added expense.
He would like to reach out to a broker to see what the truck would command on the market and instead have Medina purchase a smaller used ladder truck that would fit in the fire hall, or go without a ladder truck and rely on one from the neighboring Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Village Trustee Mark Prawel said taxpayers are already too stressed to take on payments for a new ladder truck and an addition to the fire hall to house it. Trustee Scott Bieliski, right, wants the village to look at selling its new ladder truck and finding a smaller used one that would fit in the existing fire hall.
Bieliski and trustees Deborah Padoleski and Mark Prawel all want to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value. Once it’s been used by the village, the value could significantly drop.
Village Attorney Matt Brooks advised the board that having the truck in Medina and not using it could open the village to a lawsuit. It could be considered negligence to have the equipment and not use it when there is an emergency.
The truck is currently in North Tonawanda after being built in Wisconsin by Pierce Manufacturing. The truck is being outfitted with specialized gear. Fire Chief Steve Cooley this morning said Medina firefighters are planning to begin training on the new truck in Medina on Feb. 13.
The truck doesn’t have a place to stay yet. Village officials are considering the compost facility on North Gravel Road, the DPW garage on East Avenue, or a lease from a private property owner.
The truck could also be kept outside next to the fire hall but wouldn’t be able to have water in the truck in case it freezes in the cold weather.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano said they are both committed to keeping the ladder truck and want to put a one-bay addition on the fire hall that is expected to cost $1.1 to $1.4 million.
Sherman said the village should spend $4,800 with an engineering firm to get more specific costs for the addition, figures that are needed for Medina to pursue grants and financing for the project. But she has been unable to get a full majority vote from the board to pay a firm.
“It is my charge to come up with a feasible way to get the truck and the addition,” she said. “I’m doing everything I can to make it affordable for the village.”
Padoleski said selling the truck is “a last-ditch effort” to spare Medina from taking on more debt.
“The taxpayers are not interested in buying this truck,” Padoleski said. “It’s too big and too much money. Not enough forethought was put into this.”
The annual debt payment for the truck will be about $130,000 over the next 20 years. Medina is scheduled to sign off on the financing Jan. 26 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is giving Medina the $1,768,000 loan with a 4 percent interest rate.
Trustee Prawel also said he hears from constituents that the truck is too much of an expense for residents already overwhelmed with bills.
“We got people who can’t pay their water bill,” Prawel said.
He has been on the board for almost two years. He said the fire truck and addition have dominated village board discussions, preventing the board from other issues, such as upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, and sidewalk replacements.
The board didn’t fill a position in the DPW in the current budget to try to minimize a tax increase.
“Our DPW is strained,” Prawel said. “We’re putting patches upon patches.”
Mayor Sherman said there could be unintended consequences to not having a ladder truck: higher insurance costs to residents and businesses. She said Fire Chief Cooley is trying to find out how Medina’s ISO ratings would be affected without a ladder truck in the village.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) rates a community’s fire protection capabilities from 1 (the best) to 10 (the worst). A lower score typically means lower-cost insurance.
The mayor said the ISO information should be available soon to help the board make a decision on the full impact of keeping the ladder truck and having it in a new addition, or not having the truck and what affect that would have on fire insurance rates in the village.
Trustee Marciano said she wants to see the board come together soon and move forward rather than remaining at an impasse.
“I want to see us work toward making a decision rather than no decision,” Marciano said. “This inaction will get us nowhere.”
As I peruse the various letters to the editor, I find it interesting how many diehard writers continue to concentrate on the Trump administration and digress on everything wrong with him and his policies.
Although his administration has boosted manufacturing jobs, secured the border, disrupted criminal networks, expanded addiction care access and raised public safety and industry standards, some people fail to concede any good he has done for our nation.
This intentional negativity is meant to divert not only from the truth but from the real issues presently affecting our nation. So after many months of waiting, reading and evaluating the content of such posts, it’s time to broaden the picture.
Let’s start with the explosive fraud brought forth by Nick Shirley in Minnesota, which at first seemed to be an untouchable topic by mainstream media. Only when it no longer could be denied, did they start covering this, but those good old boys just can’t tell the whole truth.
Instead they had to weave their sinister lies within each broadcast, article or newspaper. That was a total flop too. After awhile the picture became so clear and obvious that no denial or coverup could thwart the truth. The pressure cooker’s lid had popped and reality was unleashed. Fraud had become so rampant and apparent, the volcanic effect was now in full swing. New allegations were erupting every day and the initial revelation of daycare fraud had evolved into widespread corruption, abuse and misuse of taxpayer money.
It is estimated that $700 million was found in baggage by Somali couriers leaving the St. Paul International Airport. That’s around $2 million a day over a two year period. Most was transported by the Somali/ American couriers on flights to Somalia and the Middle East. Since the cash was legally declared, no immediate capture or arrest were rendered.
However the Feds are now investigating the movements of this money and suspect money laundering amidst large-scale fraud in Minnesota. Some probes have now indicated that some of this money was transferred to regions in Somalia controlled by al-Shabaab, a known terrorist organization. Is it any wonder Trump sent federal agents there to clean up this mess.
The complete abdication of accountability by the Walz administration shows the deep corruption, not only in the state Medicaid system but within the social services departments as well. Taxpayer money has been diverted from the most vulnerable to, in some cases, illegal immigrants who have been getting health care with other state only Medicaid funds.
When Waltz was warned to produce a corrective action plan by the end of 2025, he did so but his plan was inefficient and didn’t address the fraud and abuse. Hopefully the highest quality of healthcare there can be restored to the most vulnerable.
Venezuela – another misunderstood topic. Venezuela sits on 300 billion barrels of oil; worth over 17 trillion dollars. The US does not need their oil. China does. They buy over 90 percent of their crude from Venezuela. The oil does not need to be controlled by our enemies.
Trump understood something that some other countries didn’t. “Power does not come from owning energy, it comes from controlling who gets it.” So if China loses this gem – a Taiwan War could be avoided. This is called leverage or better still – strategy. Trump is reshaping alliances so peace can be preserved.
The last topic involves the ICE agents who are battered with verbal abuse and put themselves in harm’s way every single day. Their directive is to root out the criminals, the rapists and the illegals. They are doing their job and with any law enforcement organization, they should be treated with the utmost respect and admiration. Yet we see maniacs trying to impede their agenda. Those who choose to obstruct this mission and put fate into their owns hands must be ready to face the consequences.
Little by little, other independent investigators are coming forward with similar revelations in other states. The domino effect is now in full swing, as it should be. Every state needs to guarantee government accountability, adherence to the law and accuracy. This applies to all state agencies, local government and various private receivers of taxpayer money.
The State Comptroller, the Attorney General and the Department of Revenue need to step up their supervision/audit of taxpayer dollars. One would like to assume that this is already being done, but obviously after this fiasco in Minnesota, that’s not the case. It’s time to clean up this corruption.
Every state will undoubtedly be under scrutiny and as more and more fraud is investigated; the corruption which has plagued America for years will be exposed and those responsible should be held accountable and brought to justice.
Maybe it’s time to see the whole picture, to get out of the rut and admit that maybe, just maybe, Trump is trying to save America.
Provided photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt joins his Republican colleagues in the State Senate on Monday to present their “Save New York” agenda in the upcoming legislative session.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Monday unveiled “Save New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals for 2026 aimed at combating Democrat one-party rule in New York State.
The Senate Republican agenda prioritizes hardworking New Yorkers – the New Yorkers left behind by radical, progressive policies coming out of Albany.
New York State is in a time of crisis. The decisions made and policies pushed by Albany’s ruling party have delivered a state that is among the, if not the most unaffordable states in the nation, Ortt said.
A state that drives existing businesses out and discourages new opportunity at every turn. A state where the priorities of career criminals are placed above the needs of the law-abiding citizen. A state in a downward spiral. This is not the recipe for a sustainable future, Ortt said.
The Senate Republican Conference is offering a common sense alternative– a plan based in reality that will deliver a better New York for its hardworking citizens.
“New York is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and we should have people lining up who want to live and do business here,” Ortt said. “Instead, people are leaving thanks to dangerous and out-of-touch policies championed by far-left lawmakers that have turned our state into a dystopian nightmare. The Republican conference stands ready to Save New York and restore sanity through common-sense policies.”
“Save New York” is a plan to improve affordability, enhance public safety, and build a stronger New York for today and future generations:
Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity
Create a Safer, Healthier, More Responsible New York
Protect Students and Defend Parental Rights
Hold Government Accountable
More details of the New York State Senate Republicans’ “Save New York,” 2026 legislative agenda will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To read more, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 8:33 am
Steven Ploof
ROCHESTER – Steven Ploof, who briefly was chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, pleaded guilty last Thursday to reckless endangerment in Monroe County. He allegedly threatened an FBI agent.
Ploof, 48, on Sept. 15 also was charged with attempted aggravated assault on a police officer, two counts of menacing a police officer, three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest.
Ploof, who worked 16 years for the Ogden Police Department, resigned from the Orleans County after being put on administrative leave relating to suspected drug use, according to Channel 10 News in Rochester. As chief deputy he was tasked with providing oversight of the Civil Division and the numerous local, state and federal grants managed by the Sheriff’s Office.
Ploof was accused of threatening an FBI agent after he allegedly left posters with threatening messages on the porch of an FBI agent assigned to FBI’s Rochester Resident Agency, Channel 10 reported.
While executing a state search warrant, Greece Police officers also found a threatening message towards the FBI written on Ploof’s bedroom wall.
Greece officers saw Ploof on Sept. 15 when they were doing a welfare check on him. Ploof then tried to hit them with his car, and attempted to turn a spray can into a makeshift torch, and had a machete.
The officers tased Ploof, detained him, and brought him to Rochester General Hospital. The next day, Ploof had escaped from the hospital, which prompted a lockdown.
Ploof also threatened his own family members, and made threats at his apartment complex, Channel 10 reported.
ROCHESTER – Several students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List at Nazareth University for the fall semester. Those students include:
Tyana Burroughs of Kendall
Hailey Crawford of Albion
Riley Tompkins of Medina
Raine Baker of Lyndonville
Kailie Regan of Holley
Faith Bennett of Albion
Olivia Belgiorno of Waterport
Ryder Jones of Medina
Makenzie McGrath of Medina
A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the Dean’s List at Nazareth.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 9:45 pm
The average price for regular unleaded gas has dipped below $3 a gallon in New York State. AAA reported the state-wide price in NY is at $2.998 per gallon today. That is down from $3.03 a week ago and $3.14 a year ago.
Nationally, the average price is at $2.80 a gallon compared to $3.07 a year ago, according to AAA.
“The new year is bringing lowest gas prices the nation has seen since 2021,” AAA said. “While the national average is well below the $3 threshold, the New York average has reached that mark dipping just below $3 per gallon with prices in the state capital, Albany, at $2.98. In Central New York, Syracuse is also at $2,98 while Elmira’s average is $2.80. Prices in other areas should continue to drop if oil prices remain low. This morning, oil prices range from $58 to $63 per barrel.”
Diesel prices are also on the decline, AAA reported. The national average is $3.50 – down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $3.86, down a penny from a week ago.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 January 2026 at 8:51 pm
Putting together a big fourth quarter scoring surge, CG Finney rallied to defeat Kendall 55-49 in a non league boys basketball game this evening at Kendall.
Trailing 39-35 at the end of the third period, Finney rallied to outpoint Kendall 20-10 in the decisive final period to claim the win and improve to 9-1.
Braelen Broome scored 7, including a three, to lead the way in the fourth quarter for the Falcons which also got threes from Judaea Danesi and David Maijas down the stretch.
Vinnie D’Agostino scored 19 on the evening and Ryan Gaesser 10 to lead the way for Kendall as Jonny Conte added 8, Sammy Conte 6, Jonas Rhodes 5 and CJ D’Agostino 1.
Kendall held leads of 15-11 at the end of the first quarter, 31-19 at the half and 39-35 at the three-quarter mark.
Vinnie D’Agostino scored 7 and Jonny Conte 6 on two threes in the opening quarter. Gaesser then tallied 8, including two threes, and Vinnie D’Agostino 6 in the second period.
However, the Eagles managed a total of only 18 in the second half as the Falcons rallied to tally 36.
Now at 6-3, Kendall next visits rival Holley at 7 p.m. Wednesday in a Genesee Region League game.
March 1 tournament will benefit agency’s transportation services
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is teaming up with Oak Orchard Bowl to host a first-time fundraiser to raise proceeds to support Orleans County residents with transportation services through Community Action’s Transportation System.
Community members are invited to lace up their bowling shoes and join an exciting No-Tap Bowling Tournament Fundraiser on Sunday, March 1, at Oak Orchard Bowl, located at 3291 Oak Orchard Rd. in Albion.
This high-energy event promises fun for bowlers of all skill levels while supporting a cause that keeps our community moving. All proceeds will stay local, helping to support essential transportation needs within the community.
In addition to no-tap bowling action, participants and spectators can enjoy basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle and prize payouts.
Whether you’re bowling for bragging rights, prizes, or simply to support your neighbors, this event is a great way to give back while having a blast.
Registration details
3 squads from 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with a $75 entry fee per team. The handicap is 90% of 225. If no average is established, women will use 150 and men will use 190. Payout is 1:6.
Reserve a spot by contacting Oak Orchard Bowl at 585-589-6900 or call Alishia at 585-297-8350.
If you would like to donate a basket, contact Melinda Daniels at 585-590-4042
Contributed Story Posted 12 January 2026 at 4:47 pm
Contributed Photo – Sarah Cassidy rolls a 300 game making history at Oak Orchard Lanes.
By Mike Pettinella
Sarah Cassidy said her legs were shaking during the 10th frame of her first game earlier this week in the Tuesday Ladies Merchants League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
With nine straight strikes showing on the overhead scoring monitor, Cassidy stepped onto the approach on lane 9, needing three more strikes to record the first 300 game by a woman in the 65-year history of her hometown bowling center.
The 44-year-old right-hander overcame her jitters by placing the final three balls in the 1-3 pocket and carrying all 10 pins each time for the perfect game.
Cassidy bowls for the Pretty Sweet Bakery team along with Judy Ward, Pam Jenks and her daughter, Emily Cassidy – who, along with other league members, greeted her with hugs and high-fives as she returned to the settee area.
“It is pretty exciting,” said Cassidy, who admitted that nervousness began to set in after she posted her seventh consecutive strike. “People started noticing. Thankfully, Sue Boring was bowling next to us and she was able to calm me down.”
The 300 game eclipsed Cassidy’s previous high game of 284 and raised her average to 177. Her other games were 182 and 147 for a 629 series.
Last season, Cassidy, who is employed as a billing specialist for a law firm, had a 189 average.
“Things have been coming together lately,” she said. “I just missed a 700 series (recently).”
We would like to acknowledge the passing of Jim Zelazny, who left us shortly before Thanksgiving.
Jim gave years of steady, principled service to the Town of Shelby. He was a regular presence at Town and community meetings for more than a decade. He followed the public record, stayed engaged, and did the unglamorous civic work that supports effective local government.
Behind the scenes, Jim helped create positive change in Shelby, often without credit or fanfare. He also served as the treasurer of the Shelby Republican Committee, a position that required sustained attention to detail and a strong respect for process.
Jim improved Shelby in practical ways, often behind the scenes and always with integrity. His contributions were not loud or performative. He was honest, direct, and acted in good faith. He listened carefully, took notes, and paid close attention to procedure. When a process slipped or transparency broke down, Jim asked questions and pressed for clarity. He supported lawful processes and accurate public recordkeeping because public accountability matters.
Jim Zelazny showed what it means to be an engaged citizen. He led without seeking attention and treated people with respect. The example he set is a reminder that communities are sustained by residents who stay involved, pay attention, and participate. A meaningful way to honor him is for more people to step forward and do the same.
We are grateful not only for the time Jim Zelazny gave, but for the friendship and the privilege of having known him.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee and Orleans counties are excited to share CredibleMind, a new online tool to help residents take care of their mental health and overall well-being.
This platform is offered through a partnership between Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments.
CredibleMind offers easy-to-use, confidential, and trusted resources for anyone, whether they are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or just want to support their mental wellness.
Residents can explore articles, videos, podcasts and self-check tools on more than 100 topics, including stress, relationships, sleep, mindfulness and grief. The platform works like a personal digital guide, using short assessments to suggest resources that fit each person’s needs and goals. It also helps residents connect with local mental health services.
“Taking care of mental health is an important part of overall health,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. “CredibleMind gives people a safe and easy way to get help anytime they need it.”
“We want to make it easier for people to get mental health care,” said Lynda Battaglia, Director of Genesee County Mental Health Department. “CredibleMind lets residents get help in a way that works for them. It can make asking for help less scary and more effective.”
“We want every resident to be able to take care of their mental wellness,” said Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health Department. “This partnership helps our community connect with mental health support, especially for people who may not know where to start.”
Residents can visit CredibleMind at Genesee-OrleansNY.CredibleMind.com to look at trusted resources, take self-checks, and find tools to support their mental health and well-being.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 10:31 am
Photos courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion teacher
ALBION – The Sons of the American Revolution visited seventh-graders in Albion Middle School last week and discussed solider life and gear, important events, uniforms, weaponry and other topics.
The SAR promotes patriotic, historical and educational themes, while perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War patriots. Promoting fellowship among their descendants, they seek to inspire the community with a reverence for principles of government foundered by our forefathers.
This year is the 250th anniversary of when the United States of America declared its independence.
Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, Albion eighth-graders, are shown with members of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The two students are working on a burials’ list of Revolutionary War soldiers in Orleans County.
Tim Archer, service-learning teacher at Albion, also said students will be unveiling four roadside historical markers this year in the county that highlight local connections to the Revolutionary War.
The markers were funded through the Pomeroy Foundation.
Bruce Pritchett, a social studies teacher, and his students look over a rifle brought in by the Sons of the American Revolution.
I suggest it is time for the Orleans County Democratic Party to become more active. Summer picnics are nice, but it should use other county Democratic parties as examples and hit the streets.
The Dems should hold rallies in all Orleans towns to make their views known, conduct marches to publicize its agenda and go door to door explaining the party platform.
In essence the Democrats have been doing the same thing election after election and expecting different results. And the results have been a disaster. Could it be time for new leadership with new ideas?
Jack Capurso
Ashburn, Va.
Mr. Capurso is an Albion High School graduate, Class of 1960.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 January 2026 at 8:36 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andy Benz presided at the installation of officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary Saturday night.
Hunter Sturtevant, left, and Zach Petry presented David Moden with a chief’s hard hat for his years of service.
MEDINA – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and Auxiliary welcomed members and guests to their 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night.
Jason Watts served as master of ceremonies, while his father Howard Watts and Auxiliary president Elaine Watts welcomed guests. The evening began with invocation and memorial service by chaplain Karl Haist Jr. Haist reported they had lost six members during 2025 – Tom Fuller, Jim Watts, Fred Filipowicz, Charles “Huck” Fuller, Edward Pray and Elroy Fuller.
The fire company also reported seven new members were added during 2025.
Andy Benz was the installing officer for the fire department. He said he considered the job as an honor.
“A few of the names stick out tonight,” Benz said. “In the past I had given out five chief’s awards and all five of them are still here tonight, and still dedicated.”
Fire company officers installed are president, Kirk Myhill; vice president, Howard Watts; treasurer, Tyler Root; assistant treasurer, Michael Saladeen; secretary, Kali Sturtevant; sergeant-at-arms, Dale Watts; chaplain, Karl Haist Jr.; assistant chaplain, Phil Keppler; and steward, Gary Watts.
Also, trustees – Nick DiCureia, for three years; Ron Smith, two years; and Bill Luckman, one year.
Firematic officers are chief, Zachary Petry; deputy chief, Hunter Sturtevant; assistant chief, Joe Kyle; firematic captain, Marcus Watts; firematic lieutenant, Alex Benz; EMS captain, Jake Quackenbush; and EMS lieutenant, Donnell Bennett.
County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed Ladies Auxiliary members: president, Elaine Watts; vice president, Brianna Wheeler; secretary, Robyn Watts; treasurer, Lori Myhill; chaplain, Marian Fry; and trustees for one year, Sherry Wheatley; and two years, Mary Herbert.
Elaine Watts, left, president of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, presented flowers to dedicated members Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry.
The presentation of special awards began with Howard Watts recognizing David Moden for 34 years of active duty. Moden was also presented with a chief’s hard hat by Hunter Sturtevant and Zach Petry.
Andrea Benz received the President’s Award for stepping up to work on the bylaws and chairing the Christmas party, while completing her teaching degree and planning a fall wedding.
“I can see her being a future president,” Howard said.
The Chief’s Award was presented to Mark Reigle, for consistently leading with his willingness to step up and serve.
Elaine Watts, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said it was hard to single out one recipient for an award. Instead, she presented flowers to Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry and announced she would take all the ladies out to eat.
(Left) Howard Watts, left, presents a certificate to Kirk Myhill for 50 years of membership to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. (Right) Jason Watts, left, and his father Howard Watts are ready to greet guests at Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night. Jason served as master of ceremonies, while Howard welcomed guests.
Moden recapped the fire company’s activity in 2025, announcing their 240 calls was fewer than in recent years. Fifty-one percent of the calls were EMS and 16 percent were mutual aid.
Moden also recognized the top 10 responders for 2025. They are Zach Petry, 75% or 181 calls; Moden, 75%; Howard Watts, 67%; Chris Stacewich, 63%; Jake Quackenbush, 52%; Hunter Sturtevant, 47%; Ed Quackenbush, 44%; John Rotoli, 43%; Alex Benz, 41% and Donnell Bennett, 36%.
For his efforts, Petry will receive an embroidered jacket.
“This level of commitment doesn’t happen by accident,” Moden said.
Moden also reported the fire company had received a $95,000 AFG grant last year which will be used to install vehicle exhaust stations. This year they plan to apply for a $300,000 grant to purchase new turnout gear.
Rounding out the evening was dinner catered by The Hilltop in Lockport and music by Beamin’ Sounds.
Members of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary take the oath of office that was administered by County Clerk Nadine Hanlon.
