Padoleski says ‘business as usual’ no longer sustainable in Medina

Posted 17 February 2026 at 9:53 pm

Editor:

To the residents of the Village of Medina, I love Medina and I believe in its future. I love our history and our sense of community. We have many dedicated committee members and business owners who volunteer their time and talents to make our Village a place people like to visit.

However, our residents struggle to keep up with taxes, utilities and upkeep of their homes while our Village departments struggle to do more with less. I believe we have reached a turning point where change is vital if we are to maintain this Village that we all love. “Business as usual” is no longer sustainable.

The Village of Medina has been my life for 46 years. I started working in the Clerk’s Office at 19 years old, promoted to Deputy Clerk-Treasurer for 26 years, then Clerk-Treasurer for another 8 years until my retirement.

Two years ago, you elected me to the office of Village Trustee. I have worked with many Mayors and Board members, and I have seen the things that can be accomplished when elected officials work together with all departments for the good of the taxpayer. I understand that it’s a respectful, cooperative effort that will move this Village forward.

Two years ago, I agreed to run for the office of Trustee to provide insight when the Board found themselves in the middle of a major project that had no prior planning in scope or funding. I had no preconceived idea of how this endeavor would end up, but we followed the trail of facts not fiction, lifted the veil of fear mongering, debunked long held notions, endured manipulated roadblocks, and used common sense instead of emotion.

At our January 29 Village Board meeting, I presented a timeline of the events that got us to the point of considering the sale of a $1.7 million ladder truck literally 10 days after signing the note for the purchase. This decision is sad but necessary when considering the financial future of our Village.

I am acutely aware that there are many issues in our Village that have not been addressed. Water and sewer infrastructure and sidewalks to name a few. This Village is in a serious financial predicament. It is becoming harder and harder to provide all of our departments with the tools they require to do their job. Salaries and benefits continue to increase with no end in sight.

Our taxpayers are stretched to the limit with the unavoidable reassessments and the increasing tax rates from all four governmental units. Last year we held to a $.03 increase due to a decrease in staffing in the Fire Department, Public Works Department and the elimination of two programs in the Police Department. These were not popular decisions.

There was public outcry over removing our two School Resource Officers from the school. Since then, the school has hired retired police officers, the cost of which is shared by all Medina Central School District taxpayers instead of the Village of Medina. Our children are safe and protected in our schools, and our police officers are on Village streets serving Village of Medina taxpayers only. In my opinion, these are the types of collaborations that need our attention and I am committed to working with our neighboring elected officials to make similar changes.

It would be an honor to be your mayor. I never held any notion that this type of public service might be a possibility, but I care about our Village and am willing to continue to lend my knowledge and experience to taking care of it. I also understand that this position requires team work from board members, department heads and taxpayers and I am open to those discussions.

I also understand that proactive planning and fiscal responsibility are vital to the Village’s success. Soon, I will be launching a social media page, “Bear Facts”. With the help of our fun fact researcher and other necessary resources, we will provide you with some information on current issues.

Mark Prawel has been your Trustee for the last two years. While he may not be a fan of public speaking, make no mistake, he is a public thinker. He has been a trusted local business owner in our Village for 13 years and a former Medina Police Officer for 16 years. He has unique access to the community, and he hears you and your concerns. Mark is a lifelong resident who cares deeply about our Village residents. He values mutual respect even when there are differing opinions and this attribute has been a welcome presence on our board.

Jeff Wagner is a retired restaurant manager and former landmark local business owner. He will bring years of management experience to the Board. He understands the concept of doing more with less. Jeff has been a resident of the Village for over 50 years. He is a former Tourism Board member and current Tree Board member. He is also concerned with the rising taxes in our area and is willing to offer his experience as insight when making decisions. His common-sense approach will be appreciated.

This is an important election for our village’s direction. We ask for your trust and your support so that we can restore a board that listens, evaluates and acts with practical, affordable solutions in mind. Together we can protect what we love about Medina while building a more sustainable future.

Sincerely,

Deborah Padoleski

Candidate for Mayor

Village of Medina

Irish down Lady Tigers in G-R finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 February 2026 at 9:08 pm

Building up a 35-10 half-time advantage, Notre Dame went on to down visiting Lyndonville 61-20 in the Genesee Region League girls basketball season finale.

Sofia Falletti scored 19 and Shirley Thompson 10 to lead the way for the Irish.

Braelynn Dillenbeck scored 5, Hannah Fox and Leah Kenyon 4, Leah Costello 3 and Isabella Groves and Emily Dill 2 for Lyndonville.

Notre Dame finishes the regular season at 15-5 and Lyndonville at 10-10.

In another G-R finale, Pembroke downed Holley 42-12.

Ali VanAmeron had 10 rebounds and Hanna Ostrom 8 rebounds for Holley.

Mustangs down Bears in regular season finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 February 2026 at 8:32 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jarell Mann puts up a shot between JFK defenders Alexion Diaz and Daquan Ford during the Mustangs home court win over the Bears this evening.

Tuning up for the upcoming sectional playoffs, Medina posted an 84-58 victory over visiting JFK this evening in the non league regular season finale.

Jerrell Nealy scored a game high 25 points, Christian Moss 15 and Preston Woodworth 12 to lead a parade of 11 Mustang point getters. Jayzon Wills added 7, Avion Johnson and Hadrian Batista 5, Kolton Fletcher and Jarell Mann 4, Jude Lacy 3 and Carlos Doval and Steven Gobelli 2.

JFK was led by Alexion Diaz with 14, Daquan Ford 13 and Hayden Jozwiak 11.

Leading by a narrow three point, 34-31, margin at the half, the Mustangs broke the game open in the third quarter outscoring the Bears 26-11. Woodworth scored 8, Wills 5, Moss 4 and Batista 3 to lead that uprising as the Mustangs roared away to a 60-42 lead.

Keeping the momentum, Medina then closed out the win with a 24-16 fourth quarter scoring edge. Johnson had a three and a two during that stretch as Nealy and Moss both had a pair of baskets.

Nealy also had a big first half scoring 8 in the first period and 11 in the second quarter which also included 6 by Woodworth.

Medina led by three, 13-10, at the end of the opening period as the Mustangs went over four minutes before scoring their first points.

Medina will now take a 14-6 record into the sectionals while JFK is 4-16.

Medina’s Kolton Fletcher breaks in ahead of the Bears defense for a layup.

15 displaced after roof collapse at Bank Street building in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2026 at 2:56 pm

Street closed to traffic, entire block of businesses off limits pending engineering inspection

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The south side of the East Bank Street block has been shut down after the roof collapsed at 20 East Bank St. this morning.

That roof was about 40 by 40 feet and fell about 12 feet on the third floor of the building. No one was injured.

Village code enforcement officer Chris Kinter required all 15 tenants in five apartments to leave the building, which goes from 16 East Bank to 28 East Bank. They will be staying at a hotel or with family, Kinter said.

The utilities have been turned off for the entire block on the southside, between Platt Street and Main Street with other businesses in that section temporarily closed pending an engineer’s report on the safety of the building where the roof collapse and also for the neighboring structures.

Kinter, the code officer, said the building’s owner, Frank Corso, is waiting on the engineer, a contractor and an insurance adjuster. Once they assess the building, more will be known including a timeline for when the street will be reopened.

Kinter said he anticipates a crane will be brought in to remove the caved-in roof.

Traffic on East Bank Street, between Main and Platt, is currently closed to traffic and might be until after the fallen in roof is removed and the building is deemed safe. The roof fell straight down and doesn’t seem to have pulled on the sides of the building, Kinter said.

Kinter said the ice and water weight from the melting snow was a factor in the main support beam giving out on the roof at about 6:30 this morning. Corso had been attempting to repair a smaller area of the roof since last week.

New business in Albion offers guidance with holistic health care

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2026 at 1:04 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jean Bogue, owner of Holistic Health Care at 25 East Bank St. in Albion, has expertise in natural health.

ALBION – Jean Bogue knows what is like to have lingering pain. In college, she was run over by a horse. Much later as an adult, she fell down the stairs at her home in Lyndonville.

She dealt with digestive issues and arthritis for years.

Bogue felt like medication wasn’t getting at the core issue of her problems. She researched and experimented with holistic health and she felt better and not just as a short-term fix.

Bogue has expanded her knowledge and is now a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Traditional Naturopath after completing a program through Trinity School of Natural Health. She has opened a business, Holistic Health Care, at 25 East Bank St. in Albion.

“This is about learning how to clean your system and balance your system to help your body over the years,” Bogue said. “Medications may only treat the symptoms and not get to the root cause of the health concern. You want to build up your health reserves and your system.”

Bogue works as a consultant and makes recommendations to aid in digestion, improve gut health, and help with inflammation, tiredness and anxiety.

Holistic Health Care does an initial consultation to go over a client’s present health concerns, information and history. This includes but is not limited to: saliva and urine testing, Muscle Response Testing (MRT), iris analysis and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) observation.

In a follow-up visit, Bogue does an analysis of potential strengths and weaknesses, foundational and supplemental recommendations, Bach Flower Remedy, and professional referrals as needed.

Jean Bogue of Lyndonville makes recommendations that can help people have better digestion, better gut balance and other ways to reduce inflammation and tiredness. She is shown in her office with a painting done by her husband, Nin Bogue.

She offers mineral heat lamp sessions, infrared therapy, Iris Analysis, Bach Flower Remedies and a healing harp.

The heat lamp and infrared therapy help with circulation and can reduce pain and inflammation. The Bach Flower Remedies can help balance emotional states, including fear and loneliness.

Bogue said biome balance strives for “gut balance” with a healthy community of microorganisms in the body. She can check the pH balance by measuring the acidity or alkalinity of body fluids. She can advise or what foods to add or take away to bring the pH into balance. The healing harp offers gentle vibrations to ease pain, anxiety and stress.

“I want to be build a bridge between the natural health people and the medical people,” she said.

Bogue has walk-in office hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Thursday. Her other hours are by appointment. Call her at 716-544-5307 for more information.

She charges $85 for the initial consultant and $45 for follow-up appointments. She offers discounts to first responders and veterans, and is willing to adjust her fees if people need a break.

Bogue said she wants to offer workshops for the public in the future.

No one hurt after roof collapses in Albion downtown, tenants sent to hotel

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2026 at 11:11 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Fire Department gets an aerial view of a building along East Bank Street. A large section of the roof collapsed this morning. These photos were taken at 10:45 a.m.

No one was hurt when the roof caved in onto the third floor, but tenants on the second floor were evacuated and sent to a hotel in Brockport.

The Albion Fire Department, Orleans County Emergency Management Agency, Albion code enforcement and other specialists are assessing the building for structural integrity.

The building is owned by Frank Corso and includes several storefronts and apartments.

Traffic is currently blocked off on East Bank Street between Main and Platt streets.

Extension kicks off 6 weeks of nutrition classes beginning Wednesday

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 February 2026 at 10:17 am

Orleans CHEFS program funded with grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

KNOWLESVILLE – A $200,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York’s Blue Fund secured by Orleans Community Connects (formerly United Way) and Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension is funding Orleans CHEFS (Connected Healthy Educated Food Systems.)

Information from Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects, says they are excited to partner with CCE Orleans to offer a free six-week Nutrition Education Class Series, starting tomorrow (Feb. 18).

The series is designed to help community members build healthier habits and to better understand the connection between nutrition and overall wellness. Participants who attend all six sessions will receive a free fitness tracker.

The program focuses on how food choices impact blood pressure, cholesterol, physical activity and mindfulness. Each class includes practical, easy-to-use information that can help individuals and families make positive lifestyle changes.

“Supporting healthier living is part of building a stronger community,” said Gaylord. “This series gives residents tools they can use every day – and the fitness tracker adds an extra boost of encouragement to stay active and engaged.”

Classes will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 18 and 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

While classes are free, space is limited and advance registration is required by calling (585) 798-4265 or e-mailing Orleans@cornell.edu.

The program is provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County, an equal opportunity program-accessible employer and educator.

Albion Ministerium will host Ash Wednesday service, Lenten Lunches

Posted 17 February 2026 at 9:18 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Rev. Dr. Don Algeo, pastor of the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, offers the benediction and a closing blessing during an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 14, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Albion. Algeo’s church on Route 104 in Gaines will be hosting a community Ash Wednesday service at 4 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Press Release, Albion Ministerium

ALBION — The Albion Ministerium, a longstanding collaboration among local churches, will hold an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service at 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Gaines Congregational Church, 14023 Ridge Road West.

Ministerium clergy members will be on hand for the imposition of ashes and prayer from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Albion First Baptist Church, 30 West Park Street.

Starting February 25 at 12 noon, ONE Catholic will host the Ministerium’s annual Lenten Luncheon series at St. Joseph’s Lyceum, 114 South Main Street.

Soup, sandwiches and desserts are provided by the participating churches. The Ministerium provides beverages and table service. The hour-long gatherings include a brief devotional message from one of the clergy members, as well as a time of hymn-singing. They will occur five consecutive Wednesdays, from Feb. 25 through March 25.

There is no charge for the meal; a free will offering is collected to be used for luncheon supplies and other Ministerium events, such as the Albion High School Baccalaureate in June.

Luncheon attendees are welcome to park in the Albion First Baptist Church lot, adjacent to the Lyceum. A handicapped accessible lift is available at St. Joe’s.

Schumer seeks to end statute of limitations that shields sexual exploitation abusers

Posted 17 February 2026 at 8:36 am

Current federal law doesn’t allow claims 10 years after the abuse

Photo from Schumer’s Office: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer speaks on Monday at a news conference at the Willow Domestic Violence Center. That center said there were more than 4,500 reports of domestic violence made in Monroe County in 2023.

Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer

ROCHESTER – Standing alongside Rochester survivors and advocates at Willow Domestic Violence Center, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer on Monday announced Virginia’s Law, new landmark legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations that has shielded traffickers like Jeffrey Epstein and denied sexual exploitation survivors their day in court.

“Justice should not expire. No survivor should ever be told that the law failed them, and time mattered more than the truth,” Schumer said. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce Virginia’s Law to eliminate the federal statute of limitations barriers that have kept too many survivors from pursuing justice.”

Schumer explained that, currently, federal law allows a federal claim to proceed by an adult survivor if it is brought within 10 years of the abuse, which has allowed criminals to escape justice by running out the clock.

Virginia’s Law removes the federal statute of limitations for adult survivors to bring civil claims and hold their abusers accountable at a time that is right for the survivor – when they are strong enough and mentally healthy enough to be able to face the significant challenges of civil litigation.

The bill also creates new causes of action, without a statute of limitations time bar, to create new legal avenues for survivors to pursue justice and ensure survivors can bring additional claims against abusers. In addition, the legislation also helps ensure this applies extraterritorially without negatively impacting ongoing cases, so abusers can’t take victims to regions outside the United States and avoid civil liability.

The bill is named in honor of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s early accusers who came forward about her experiences and advocated for years to strengthen current law to better protect survivors. Schumer first announced the legislation this past week with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and standing alongside Virginia’s family and other Epstein survivors.

“This bill carries Virginia Giuffre’s name because she spoke when so many were told not to,” Schumer said. “The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have waited long enough. Virginia waited long enough. We can’t let abusers hide behind their power and the clock. Virginia’s story and the stories of so many other survivors in Rochester and beyond demand more than sympathy; they demand action. The time for justice is now.”

Schumer explained this bill will support survivors in places like the Willow Domestic Violence Center. According to the Willow Center, there were more than 4,500 reports of domestic violence made in Monroe County in 2023. City of Rochester rates of domestic violence reporting are 2.5 times statewide rates (excluding NYC), while Monroe County rates of domestic violence reporting are 1.6 times statewide rates outside of the NY City metro area.

“Virginia’s Law restores power to survivors by removing arbitrary time limits on civil justice,” said Meaghan de Chateauvieux, Willow President and CEO. “Accountability should not expire because trauma takes time to process. This legislation sends a clear message: when survivors are ready, the law will be ready.”

Melanie Blow, Board Vice President, Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking said, “We know victims of sexual violence rarely report their abuse when it happens. This is especially true for trafficking victims, who tend to fear law enforcement and face so much instability when they are free from their traffickers. Ten years is not enough time for someone to put their life back together and completely change their world view. Statutes of limitation ensure that most traffickers and sex-purchasers are above the law. We strive for a world where victims, not traffickers, are safe, and we see Virginia’s Law as an important tool to make that happen.”

Dense fog advisory issued for Orleans, WNY

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2026 at 7:50 am

Kimberly Stawicki, a frequent photo contributor to the Orleans Hub, took this photo of a farm on Maple Ridge Road in Medina on Monday evening. The site is across the road from Mariachi de Oro.

It’s going to be foggy today in Orleans County and Western New York.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a dense fog advisory until 7 a.m. Wednesday for Orleans and 14 other counties. “Greatest duration of dense fog expected across hill tops, and near the eastern Great Lake shorelines,” the Weather Service said.

The high temperatures in the forecast include 40 today, 33 on Wednesday, 35 on Thursday, 41 on Friday and 35 on Saturday.

Kendall romps to win over Tigers

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 February 2026 at 9:25 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Vinnie D’Agostino gets bumped by Lyndonville’s Quincy McClinsey as he puts up a shot during the Eagles home court win over the Tigers this evening.

Setting the tone with an 11-2 run at the outset, Kendall went on to romp to a 50 point, 73-23, win over visiting Lyndonville in a Genesee Region League boys basketball make-up game this evening.

CJ D’Agostino scored 21, Noah Morehouse 19 and Vinnie D’Agostino 12 to lead the Kendall attack as Ryan Gaesser added 9, Sammy Conte 8 and Jonny Conte and Caleb Opalecky 2 each.

Atticus Mack had 8 to lead Lyndonville as Devon Babcock had 5, Colton Smith 4 and Lane Woodworth, Lyric Raduns and Quincy McClinsey 2 each.

CJ Agostino scored 9 and Morehouse 6 in the opening period to spark Kendall out to a 21-8 lead.

Up by 16, 29-13, at the half, the Eagles broke the contest wide open in the third period by outpointing the Tigers 29-6 to race away to a 39 point, 58-19, advantage.

Morehouse had a pair of twos and a three, CJ D’Agostino two twos and a three-point play, Sammy Conte two threes, Vinnie D’Agostino a three, a two and a free throw and Gaesser a three during that uprising.

Improving to 13-6, Kendall will close out the regular season at Notre Dame on Wednesday.

Lyndonville, which is 4-15, will visit Lima Christian on Wednesday in the regular season finale.

Lyndonville’s Quincy McClinsey goes in for a shot as Kendall’s Noah Morehouse defends. Andrew D’Agostino moves in to support.

Kendall hopes for big crowd for alumni basketball game

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2026 at 7:02 pm

More activities added to game on Tuesday in benefit for Senior Class

KENDALL – An alumni basketball game on Tuesday at Kendall is a chance for the community to gather and cheer on some Kendall graduates while also raising money for the senior class.

Kendall grads will tip off at 6:30 p.m. in a game at the junior-senior high gym. There is a $10 admission that includes a Gatorade and car decal.

The event will include more than the basketball game. The senior class has added more opportunities to have fun for the evening.

Karter May, a member of the Senior Class, wants to see a big crowd come out for the game and festivities. Proceeds will help the Senior Class which is planning a senior trip on June 9-11 in the Poconos. The fundraiser also helps with flowers at graduation and prom decorations.

Besides the game, the activities include:

Bring a blank shirt and get a customized design for $5 to create your own Kendall Spirit Wear
Halftime events include a chance to launch a rubber eagle from the bleachers. The three closest to the center of the gym floor win a prize basket
Alumni cheer performance
Mascot Photo Booth with the Kendall Eagle mascot
Kendall temporary tattoos that are free to kids 10 and younger
Limited edition Kendall merch – attire, drink ware, keychains, car decals, stickers and more

Doors open at 6 p.m. Spectators are urged to wear either a white or blue shirt.

Those interested in playing in the game can contact Phil Kludt through Facebook or call/text at 585-733-0240.

Undefeated Lady Hornets down Lady Rams

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 February 2026 at 5:08 pm

Building up a 30-12 half-time advantage, undefeated (19-0) Oakfield-Alabama downed visiting Roy-Hart (7-13) 70-33 in a non league girls basketball game this afternoon.

Hadley Hicks scored 16, Allison Harkness 13 and Emma Moeller 10 to lead the way for the Lady Hornets.

Adella Dukes scored 13, Courtney Aquilina 8 and Brooke Corser 4 for the Lady Rams.

Kendall will start ‘Hometown Heroes’ banner program the year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2026 at 4:25 pm

KENDALL – The Town of Kendall this year will start displaying banners celebrating veterans in the community along Kendall Road.

Kendall is joining other communities with “Hometown Hero” banners. Albion, Barre, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina all have been displaying banners of veterans for several years in Orleans County. Those banners are typically up before Memorial Day in May and on display until just after Veterans Day in November.

Kendall welcomes families to purchase a banner to recognize a loved one who has been in the military or is currently serving. The banners are $300. The Kendall Highway Department will hang the banners and they will be out in three cycles until the end of 2028.

Dave Bentley, a Kendall town councilman, said the town wants to honor veterans and also promote patriotism in the community, especially with this year being the 250th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence.

Kendall is planning a big celebration for the 250th anniversary that will coincide with the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival. There will be a fireworks show on July 11 to conclude the milestone anniversary celebration for the country.

The banners will go from the four corners in downtown Kendall to near the intersection at Route 237 and Route 18. If there is more demand than spots available on Kendall Road, Bentley said some banners may be displayed on Route 18 going towards the junior-senior high school.

Those interested in a banner will need to fill out a one-page application at the Kendall Town Hall. For more information, call the Town Hall at (585) 659-8721 or email Bentley at dbentley@townofkendallny.gov.