Orleans legislators take part in national conference for county officials

Posted 20 July 2026 at 6:50 pm

Provided photo: Orleans County Legislators Lynne Johnson and Skip Draper, near center, join other county leaders from across New York for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Press Release, Orleans County government

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Legislator Skip Draper today joined a delegation of county leaders from across the state to represent New York at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans. Thousands of county officials from across the United States are taking part in the event.

The conference includes dozens of committee and caucus meetings, educational workshops, general sessions and more. Sessions will offer learning and practical insights on the full range of county responsibilities and domestic policy issues.

“The breadth of subject matter experts discussing issues that impact us locally makes this conference extremely important and worthwhile,” Johnson said. “Just today, conference topics included accessing federal transportation dollars, using data to improve youth mental health services and new strategies for affordable housing. These are the real nuts and bolts issues of governing and thankfully, it’s completely free of partisan politics.”

Johnson said that two sessions were of particular interest to Orleans County. The first was the Great Lakes Regional Forum, where Johnson shared information on the joint county dredging council she helps lead with Niagara County.

The second was a meeting of Justice and Public Safety Committee where officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) did a presentation on the proliferation of 3-D weapons. Johnson, who noted she and Draper both serve on the committee, said ATF officers will be coming to Albion to instruct local law enforcement on the issue.

Legislator Draper said that beyond the impressive guest speakers and presenters, the conference offers ample opportunity to talk with county leaders from different parts of the country on addressing mutual issues and challenges.

“Orleans County’s participation in the conference with other New York officials strengthens our ability to share ideas, learn what’s working in other communities, and return with proven solutions that benefit the people we serve,” said Draper.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents the interests of America’s counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation’s intergovernmental system. With a membership of thousands of county elected and professional officials, NACo brings together leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.

Elks donate $1,000 towards van for veterans

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 July 2026 at 5:59 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Albion Elks Club presented a check to the Orleans County Veterans’ Van Service this morning. From left are Scott Galliford, commander of Holley’s Jewell Buckman American Legion Post; April Flesch, chair of the Elks Grants Committee; Mike Donahue, commander of the Albion VFW Post No. 635; Marvin and Joan Christ, members of the Grants Committee; David Kusmierczak, chairman of the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council; Jack Miles, volunteer driver; Sharon Pollock, member of Albion Elks Club; and Rick Ebbs, commander of the American Legion Sheret Post in Albion.

ALBION – The July meeting of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council this morning was preceded by a donation from Albion Elks Club to the Orleans County Veterans’ Van Service.

The check for $1,000 was presented by Elks Grants Committee chair April Flesch to David Kusmierczak, chairman of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council. Attending the presentation were Scott Galliford, commander of Holley’s Jewell Buckman American Legion Post; Mike Donahue, commander of the Albion VFW Post 635; Grants committee members Marvin and Joan Christ; Jack Miles, a volunteer driver for the van service; Sharon Pollock, member of Albion Elks Club; Rick Ebbs, commander of the American Legion Sheret Post in Albion; Phyllis Schrader, who oversees the Veterans’ Van Service; and Jackie Lonnen, treasurer of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council.

The presentation took place at the American Legion Sheret Post on Gaines Basin Road, where the Joint Veterans’ Council held its July meeting.

Schrader was very grateful for the donation, saying one of the van service’s five vans is currently out of service, having been involved in a minor fender-bender. It is currently in Buffalo for repairs.

Schrader reported 384 veterans were transported to medical appointments in June; 68 trips were made; 3,098 miles were traveled; and 417 hours were worked by 29 volunteer drivers.

Kusmierczak announced tickets were being sold to benefit the Veteran’s Christmas Drive, which Al Kepner of Medina chairs. Tickets are 2 for $5 or five for $10. Prizes, in addition to $400, $100 and $50 with frame, include gift cards, a 250 USA anniversary quilt, dog and cat basket, a Coleman rod trip grill, and assorted baskets.

The drawing will be Sept. 5.

It was also announced that WNY Heroes Inc. will provide free breakfast to veterans at Cuppa Joe’s, 114 East Center St., Medina, on the third Friday of every month. Veterans must sign up by e-mailing events@wnyheroes.org or calling (716) 630-5020, ext. 209.

Veterans are also reminded the American Legion Patriot Trip XVIII to Washington, D.C., hosted by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, is scheduled Sept. 17-20. Anyone wishing to join the trip should call (585) 5780 or e-mail tarriej@nyassembly.gov as soon as possible.

Hochul wise to enact moratorium on large data centers

Posted 20 July 2026 at 4:26 pm

Editor:

Good for Gov. Kathy Hochul on the moratorium on permits for data centers. I have no idea if this effects the proposed center near in the Town of Alabama near Oakfield. Also, I don’t quite understand why these centers are so huge and need so much power and cooling water.

I spent my entire working life, 35 years, designing, building and repairing computers for the USAF, NASA and, lastly, when they computerized in the 1980s, the National Weather Service.

So, it’s obvious that my knowledge of computer systems is very out of date. I do know that many of the billionaires behind these centers are those who refuse any regulations of the social media platforms they run. I also know that Sister Delores’ Green Orleans folks are against the data center project. I trust their judgement.

Dennis Seekins

Lyndonville

2 taken by ambulance after chemical leak at Pride Pak in Medina

Posted 20 July 2026 at 2:19 pm

Photos courtesy of Medina Fire Department: Hazmat Teams responded to a chemical leak at Pride Pak today. The site is a vegetable processing facility.

Press Release, Village of Medina Fire Department

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department was dispatched to Pride Pak at 7:29 a.m. for a male with chemical burns to his face.

Medina firefighters including Fire Chief Steve Cooley made the initial response. Once on site, Cooley requested a a fire response, bringing Engine 11 and an off-duty recall for Engine 12 and additional manpower.

Shortly after, several additional patients were identified and off-duty firefighters brought the other two in service ambulances to the scene.

Initial reports indicated a pump malfunction released a chemical that splashed a male and another coworker was exposed while assisting the victim and shutting down the pump, which helped limit the spill.

Several others reported the chemical had aerosolized, creating a cloud in the chemical room. Chief Cooley ordered the building evacuated and requested Hazmat Response. With the assistance of Orleans 1 (Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Niederhofer), the Niagara County Hazmat Team, including the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Hazmat Team and the Genesee County Hazmat Team, were dispatched. Niagara County EMS Ambulance responded with the hazmat team.

The chemical was identified as Bioside HS 15%. Upon entry, Hazmat teams located a spill approximately 25 by 10 feet on the floor. They mitigated the spill, secured the equipment and utilized facility systems to clean the room. Medina crews assisted with ventilation and decontamination.

Chief Cooley requested Middleport Fire for an engine, and Wolcottsville Fire responded with a BLS ambulance. Together they provided standby coverage at the Medina Fire Station during the incident. During that time, a walkup to the station reporting an odor of natural gas on South Avenue was handled by Middleport and Medina Ambulance 62.

There were a total of three patients. Two were transported by Medina Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital and one refused treatment on scene.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the agencies listed above including Orleans County Sheriffs Dispatch, Orleans County Emergency Management Office, Genesee County ESU, Niagara County Hazmat Team, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Hazmat Team, Niagara County EMS, Niagara County EMO, Middleport Fire Department, Wolcottsville Fire Department, NYS DEC and NYS OFPC.

Medina Fire Department worked with other first responders to mitigate a spill at Pride Pak, 11531 Maple Ridge Rd.

Lyndonville Board of Education picks Joanne Suhr as new president

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2026 at 10:27 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: George Avery was re-elected as vice president of the Lyndonville Board of Education last week. He led the board meeting because newly elected president Joanne Suhr was on vacation in Hawaii. She was able to attend the meeting through video conferencing. District Clerk Tanya Marek is at right.

LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education has picked a new president. Joanne Suhr, a retired Lyndonville teacher, will lead the seven-member board during the 2026-27 school.

Joanne Suhr

Suhr received four votes during last week’s organizational meeting. Patrick Whipple, the board president the past school year, received two votes. One of the board members, Vern Fonda, was late for the vote due to coaching a baseball game. Fonda voted for Whipple about a year ago to be president.

Suhr secured for votes to be president from herself, James Houseman, Megan Bruning and new board member, Dana Goetze.

Whipple had votes from himself and George Avery, who was re-elected to serve as vice president. Goetze replaced Jerod Thurber on the board, and he backed Whipple as president for the 2025-26 school year.

Suhr attended the meeting from 4,600 miles away in Hawaii through videoconferencing.

“Thank you for my appointment,” she told the board. “I don’t take it lightly. Patrick, thank you. You did a great job.”

Whipple, the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCEs in Batavia, said he was thankful for the chance to lead the board the past year.

“I know Joanne will do a great job,” he said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Joanne Suhr was able to be part of the meeting last week through video conferencing. She could hear what was happening and was able to vote, ask questions and make comments.

The district will be operating with a contingency budget this school year after a $19,194,000 budget was rejected twice by the public – on May 19 by a 172-129 vote and then again on June 16 with a 327-292 vote.

The Board of Education last week approved $266,495 in cuts needed to meet the threshold of a contingency budget.

“We’ll have challenges but we’ll pull through and we’ll do amazing things for our district,” said George Avery, the board vice president.

He said he looks forward to working with Suhr. The board throughout the school year will have to be very budget conscious, Avery said.

“We’ll have to look at everything through fiscal responsibility and the strategic plan, and find a balance,” he said.

The board approved one change for the new school year: the board meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7. Many of the local municipalities and school districts have moved from 7 p.m. start times to 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. start time was a little too early for some board members, but they agreed to 6:30.

Vern Fonda, one of the board members, said many of the district sporting events start at 5 and preferred a later meeting start, rather than 6 p.m.

Gas prices up 13 cents nationally, 7 cents in NYS in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2026 at 8:40 am

The average price for regular unleaded is at $4.00 in the United States, which is up 13 cents from a week ago, AAA reported this morning. In new York State, the average price is at $4.15, up 7 cents in the past week.

A year ago the average price nationally was $3.14 while it was $3.18 in New York State.

“Instability along the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to the increase at the pump and pushing crude oil prices toward $80 per barrel,” AAA said in a news release. “However, prices are lower than they were in the spring when the national average peaked at $4.56 on May 21. Local prices are mixed as state prices in New York remain higher than the national average.”

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

Orleans, $4.245
Genesee, $4.187
Monroe, $4.210
Niagara, $4.233
Erie, $4.233
Wyoming, $4.278
Livingston, $4.289
Chautauqua, $4.236
Cattaraugus, $4.013
Allegany, $4.220

The highest price is at Hamilton County, $4.499, a gallon while the lowest price, $4.012, is at Schoharie County, according to AAA.

Diesel prices are up this week, with the national average at $5.11, up 23 cents from last week. Last year at this time, the national average price for diesel fuel was $3.73. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.48, up 5 cents from last week, and up from $3.93 last year, AAA said.

Old-Fashioned Day draws big crowd to East Shelby church

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 10:44 pm

Congregation serves 3,000 hot dogs for a penny apiece

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – It was another enormous crowd today for the annual Old-Fashioned Day celebration at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Many come for hot dogs, slices of pie, lemonade and other treats – all served for only a penny. The event draws an estimated 2,000 people although no one keeps a head count. The church welcomes people for fun and fellowship.

The annual event has helped the church grow from about 30 people when it opened in 1988 to a thriving group of about 200 now.

This trio served visitors of the West Jackson Corners Post Office, where letters to Santa could be sent for a penny and prayers (messages to God) were offered for free. From left include Audrey Pask, Brie Trembley and Olivia Falker.

Evelyn June Phillips of Attica makes a candle at the candle-making station.

Many people while to try making a candle.

The East Shelby Community Bible Church first started doing an open house in 1990 when the community was welcome to see how the congregation had worked to revive the church building. The event has grown into a big festival on the grounds.

A horse-drawn wagon displays an American flag. This year’s Old-Fashioned Day had a strong patriotic feel for the country’s 250^th anniversary.

The church dedicated a new flag pole after church today and is displaying a 13-star flag.

Erik Lang helps serve 3,000 hot dogs. He is joined under the tent by Ken Baker, center, and Steve Nesbitt, at right.

Lang’s father Alfred Lang was best friends with the church’s long-time pastor, Erik Olsen. Lang’s parents named him after Erik Olsen.

Olsen passed away from cancer at age 70 on November 17, 2025. He preached a sermon eight days before that.

Amy Joyner holds a jar of strawberry rhubarb made by Sue Coon that won the homemade jam contest.

Levi Olsen presides over the jam-making contest. He has succeeded his father as the church’s pastor. He said his father is missed by the congregation. Erik Olsen would be happy to see Old-Fashioned Day continuing to bring the community together. Levi Olsen said the event and church are all about bringing glory to God, and not a person.

Rick Hale of Batavia brought a large collection of guns from the 1500s to 1800s including an air gun made between 1700 and 1710 in London. It was similar to the gun used by Lewis and Clark on their expedition, hale said.

A section of East Shelby Road, south of the church, was closed to traffic after part of the road was washed out in Saturday’s big downpour. An East Shelby firefighter said 5 1/2 inches of rain fell in 3 hours, and washed out the underneath of the road.

Day 2 complete with another 55 miles around the track in endurance challenge

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 10:03 pm

400-mile run for Community Action reaches $11,000 of $20,000 goal

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Brett Sobieraski, in white, runs around the Lyndonville school track with Rochester police officer and Lyndonville native Chris Shingleton.

Sobieraski completed another 55 miles on foot or 220 laps around the track. It was his second 55-mile day out of seven in a row, with 15 miles on Saturday in a 400-mile trek to benefit Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Sobieraski, a Carlton resident and retired Rochester Police Department sergeant, is trying to raise $20,000 for Community Action to help the agency during a tiem of budget cuts and uncertainty.

He has raised $11,000 so far, including $6,691 online (as of 9:50 p.m.) To make an online donation, click here. Community Action representatives also are at each run, selling T-shorts and accepting cash donations or checks.

Brett Sobieraski, Chris Shingleton and Brad Kingdollar (at right) run along the Lyndonville track. Kingdollar completed 80 laps for 20 miles. Altogether, there were 40 different people who joined Sobieraski on the track today. He welcomes walkers and runners to come out and join him, even if it’s just for a lap.

The schedule the next six days includes:

Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles

After running more than 20 miles, Sobieraski took a short walking break. He is joined by childhood friend Shawn Gorman, left, and cousin Mark Sobieraski of Gasport.

Gorman grew up in Lockport with Brett Sobieraski. Gorman said Sobieraski has been a good friend since they were in kindergarten. Gorman said Sobieraski came out in the middle of the night to cheer him on when he did the 100-mile Beast of Burden on foot.

“He has always been an outstanding person and an inspiration to me,” Gorman said.

Medina nipped in Cooperstown tourney finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 5:33 pm

Avenging an earlier season loss, the Central Amherst Orange nipped the Medina 15U team 1-0 this afternoon to close out the Mustangs participation in the Cooperstown Tournament.

Central Amherst, which recently lost 11-6 to Medina, scored the game’s lone run in the bottom of the seventh inning on a hit batter, a stolen base and a single.

Medina had only three hits including singles by Jacob Duffina, Mason Berry and Shawn Robertson,

On the mound for the Mustangs Duffina pitched a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.

Medina next hosts Lockport at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Albion holding baseball camp next week

Contributed Story Posted 19 July 2026 at 5:31 pm

The Village of Albion will be holding a free summer baseball camp for students in grades 3-10 at the Albion High varsity field Monday, July 27th, through Friday, July 31st from 10a.m. until noon.

Participants will learn the basics of hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing and base running.

No experience is needed and there is no pre registration.

For more information contact the village office at 585-589-9176.

Heinz threw big employee picnics when it operated in Medina

Posted 19 July 2026 at 11:51 am

Softball games, dancing contests and egg-throwing competition among the events

These husbands at right appear to relish throwing raw eggs to their spouses who appear to be a little more apprehensive.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans – Volume 6, No. 20

MEDINA – On Wednesday, July 28, 1948, just before 9 a.m., some 1,300 Heinz employees and family members boarded buses at the Heinz plant on Park Ave. in Medina and travelled to Olcott Beach for the company’s summer family outing.

The H.J. Heinz Company first opened a cider mill in Medina in 1899 and later expanded to vegetable and tomato processing. It was the largest employer in the area and regularly hosted “employee appreciation” events.

That sunny day in 1948 was perfect for swimming and boating on the lake. A variety of games, races and sporting events entertained participants and spectators alike. Softball teams captained by George Maryjanowski and John Brennan played a hotly contested softball game which ended with a 3-2 score in favor of Maryjanowski’s team. Helen Levanduski and Mary Stawicki captained the ladies’ teams, with Levanduski’s team winning 16-2.

Dance contests were held in the afternoon. Josephine Grabowski and Julian Kwiatkowski were deemed the best waltzers, Mary Mondo and Douglas Kilbourn, the best jitterbugs.

Hattie Budzizewski and Rose Chandler were best in the polka competition. Attendees were provided with free tickets for rides, concessions and refreshments.

Many brought picnic lunches. Cash attendance prizes were given away throughout the day. Members of the organizing committee served free coffee and lemonade.

Robert M. Stack was general chairman of the event and was assisted by George Becker, Charles Ingersoll, William Hickey, Louis Gillmeister and others.

One of the more unusual contests was the raw egg throwing contest for couples. Participants were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to “get even.” Remarkably, there were no “direct hits.”

(Left) Robert M. Stack, event organizer presents a prize to Mary Vahoviak, winner of the Mystery Person contest. (Right) Theresa Mondo and Anna Mae Beyer hold the dolls they won in the rope-skipping contest.

Photographer expands services and moves to Main Street storefront in Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 July 2026 at 8:51 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Photographer Alexandra Peracciny is planning a Community Showcase for Amateur Photographers at the new studio she recently opened at 426 Main St. in Medina.

MEDINA – Photography has been a passion for Alexandra Peracciny since she was 10. Along with a 30-year career teaching French and Spanish at Medina High School, Peracciny has maintained her interest in photography.

“I loved the idea of preserving memories,” Peracciny said. “That was a big attraction for me. In those days, film was a challenge and I love challenges and capturing a good image, especially on film.”

She received her first professional camera at the age of 16. She graduated from Royalton-Hartland Central School, and after getting her certification to teach, she went back and got certified in photography. She began taking professional portraits in 2007, and in 2018 opened her first studio above The Booke Shoppe in the building that was owned by her parents. When they sold the building, in 2024 she moved above Blissett’s. This spring a storefront became available at 426 Main St., and she took advantage of the opportunity.

Alexandra Peracciny stands in her new studio at 426 Main St., Medina. The new space allows her to have a studio, classroom and retail store.

Her new location allows her space for a studio, the availability to offer classes and have a retail store, where she has a selection of Medina-themed items, pictures and gifts.

It has also provided space for Peracciny to host a Community Photography Exhibition, showcasing works of 15 local amateurs. It is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23, and correlates to the Medina Triennial’s theme, “All that Sustains Us.”

The exhibit is free to the public and light refreshments will be available. More than 50 photographs will be featured and will remain on display until Labor Day.

Regular hours of the studio are 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 12 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“I wanted to do something special for the Triennial,” Peracciny said. “I wanted to join in their theme, and I hope to make it an annual event.”

Air quality alert in effect today for fifth straight day in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 7:48 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Boaters head west on the Erie Canal towards Medina’s canal basin recently. This photo was taken from near the bank of the canal from State Street Park.

For the fifth straight day an air quality alert has been issued for Orleans County and Western New York due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued the alert which is in effect unil midnight. The outdoor air quality levels are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 125 for fine particulates.

The NYS Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

Today is forecast to be partly sunny with a high near 74 in Orleans County, followed by a sunny Monday with a high of 80, and a high of 85 on Tuesday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The highs are then forecast for 76 on Wednesday, 78 on Thursday, 82 on Friday and 81 on Saturday.

First team All-WNY honors for Barker pitcher

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 7:24 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker pitcher Madyson Flint has earned first team All Western New York honors.

Barker sophomore pitcher Madyson Flint has been named to the first team of the All Western New York small schools softball squad.

Flint, who helped hurl Barker to a share of a second straight Niagara-Orleans League championship, registered 183 strikeouts in 104.1 innings of work in the cirlce and had a 1.96 earned run average.

At the plate, she hit .395 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and 16 runs batted in.

Barker is also represented on the All-WNY second team by senior infielder Peyton Bradley. She hit .462 with 8 doubles, 4 home runs and 26 RBIs.

Wilson senior catcher Abbie Faery, who was named N-O Player of the Year, has also been named to the second team. In helping to lead Wilson to a share of the N-O title, she hit .487 with 5 doubles, 4 home runs and 19 RBIs.

Two N-O players have also received All-WNY Honorable Mention – Roy-Hart senior pitcher Abby Fox and Wilson sophomore infielder Lucy Madan.

Fox registered 85 strikeouts in the circle and at the plate she hit .511 with 4 doubles and 14 RBIs.

Madan hit .481 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 12 RBIs.

Diamond playoffs next for Albion 14U and 18U

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 6:58 am

Albion’s undefeated (7-0) 14U and 18U baseball teams will both be competing in the GLOW League playoffs this week.

On Monday, the Albion 14U will host Dansville in a semifinal round playoff game at 6:15 p.m.

The victor will face the winner of the Alden vs. Cal-Mum semi in the championship game on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Albion 18U will host Nunda in a semifinal contest at 6:15 p.m.

The victor will advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the Alden vs. Avon semi.