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Clocks get turned back an hour tonight
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo shows the top of the 90-foot-high bell tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. The tower was hit by lightning on Sept. 1, 2013, causing a chunk of a turret in the tower to fall on the sidewalk. It has since been repaired.
Clocks should be turned back an hour tonight with the with the end of Daylight Savings Time and a return to standard time at 2 a.m.
AAA is advising drivers that although they can get an extra hour of sleep tonight with clocks going back an hour, the time change can cause potential distractions to their normal routine.
An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.
Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are advised to take added safety measures so they are seen on the roads.
AAA recommends the following:
Drivers
Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Use headlights to be visible.
Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.
Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.
Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.
Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. Be especially vigilant for deer and other wildlife. New York reported 36,743 animal-related crashes in 2024, averaging one crash approximately every 15 minutes, many occurring during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours.
Pedestrians
Be visible. This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.
Use sidewalks and pathways. If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic.
Headlights
With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, try a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.
AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops.
School Safety
Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.
Slow Down. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
“As we fall back, drivers need to stay especially alert during the evening commute as darkness arrives earlier and more people are out walking, exercising or traveling home from school and work,” said AAA Western and Central New York Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications Elizabeth Carey. “Now is a good time to eliminate distractions, slow down and be prepared for changing road conditions.”
Photos: 1,000-plus kids descend on downtown Medina for Beggar’s Night
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Beggar’s Nite was a big event in downtown Medina this evening with more than 1,000 kids in costume descending on the downtown, including these two kids dressed as inflatable characters.
Many of the business owners were stocked with candy to give out to the kids. Beggar’s Nite is held the Friday before Halloween.
This group crosses on North Main Street with Medina police officer Alex Villegas keeping an eye on the traffic.
Dave Burd doles out candy from The Vintage Cigar, where he is co-owner.
Byron Hill, 10, dressed as Abraham Lincoln and recited the Gettysburg Address while walking the downtown with his little brother, Joshua, who was Rubble from Paw Patrol.
This group from A Kut Above gave out treats. From left include Addyson Ruppel, Jessica Ickowski, Addison Reale, Adriana Ruppel and Tina Ossterling, who is co-owner.
Medina Police Chief Corey Black stands in the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, directing traffic. A group of kids are in the back by the Bent’s Opera House.
The staff at The Fringe again dressed up in characters, this time in a theme of famed musicians. From left include Amanda Mank as Michael Jackson, her daughter Chloe as Stitch, Vanessa Lhommendieu (owner) as Sia and holding a Frenchie dog dressed in tribute to Dolly Parton, Jennifer Printup as Prince, and Leah Printup as Elvis Presley.
Mary Lewis of Creekside Floral serves up lots of candy from her store on Main Street.
Marci Fulwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery passes out the treats. She also works as a teacher’s aide for pre-K and kindergarten in Medina and was warmly greeted by many of the kids.
Colby Blake, left, and his father Joe gave out candy from their business, Cuppa Joe.
Barker/Roy-Hart romps in sectional opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Carter DerSarkissian stretches to score one of his three first half touchdowns during Barker/Roy-Hart’s sectional win over visiting Portville this evening.
A big five touchdown first half scoring burst powered Barker/Roy-Hart to a 47-14 victory over Portville in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C football playoffs this evening at Barker.
Aaron Bowerman ignited the decisive first half scoring barrage with a 51 yard touchdown run on the Bulls first possession. Billy Jaques tacked on the first of his three extra point kicks.
Carter DerSarkissian then scored three straight touchdowns for the Bulls on runs of 16, 72 and 19 yards. He also threw a two-point conversion pass to Ashton Ark after his second TD.
Quarterback Max Townsend capped off the Bulls big first half with a 19 yard touchdown run to make it 33-6 at the half.
Barker/Roy-Hart also scored twice in the second half on a 2 yard run by Owen Maedl in the third quarter and a 4 yard run by Liam Garcia in the final period.
Improving to 8-1, Barker/Roy-Hart will now host a semifinal game next weekend against the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal contest between Clymer-Sherman-Panama (CSP) and Cleveland Hill.
Barker/Roy-Hart quarterback Max Townsend breaks free to score the Bulls final touchdown of the first half.
Barker/Roy-Hart’s Ashton Ark breaks in to tackle Portville quarterback Peyton Carter causing an incomplete pass.
Holley and Kendall girls both capture Section V Class C soccer championships
Holley and Kendall both scored victories to capture Section V Class C girls soccer championships this evening.
No. 3 seed Holley nipped top seeded Avon 1-0 to win the Class C1 title.
Top seeded Kendall romped past No. 6 Fillmore 9-0 to claim the Class C2 crown.
Holley and Kendall will now meet for the overall Section V Class C championship and a berth in the state playoffs on Tuesday.
Philomena Arnold scored the Holley goal off an assist from Ava Mosier as goalie Zoey Warner anchored the defense with 8 solid saves.
For Kendall, Jersie Drake had 3 goals and 2 assists, Ryleigh Denning 2 goals and 3 assists, Sophia Picardo 2 goals and 1 assist, Izzy D’Agostino 1 goal and 1 assist and Mackenzie Cooper 1 goal and 1 assist.
Section VI Class C
Top seeded Wilson downed No. 3 Frewsburg 3-1 in the Section VI Class C championship game.
Boys Soccer
Section VI Class 2
No. 2 seed Ellicottville-Franklinville nipped No. 1 Wilson 3-2 in the Section VI Class C title contest.
Iroquois, Akron gain Class C field hockey final
Top seeded Iroquois blanked No. 4 Wilson 8-0 and No. 2 Akron shutout No. 3 Barker 5-0 today in the semifinals of the Section VI Class C field hockey playoffs.
Iroquois and Akron will now play for the Class C title at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Alden.
Mackenzie Tomporowski scored 3 goals and Abigail Schlabach 2 for Akron.
Photos: Candy hunters delight in Beggar’s Nite at Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association handed put lots of candy this evening during Beggar’s Nite. Many businesses and organizations were set up in the downtown business district given out treats to hundreds of kids in costume.
Kyle Holz, pastor of Community of Hope, formerly known as the Albion Free Methodist Church, dressed up as a hamburger. The church had eight different stations with glow sticks, treats, Bibles and crosses. There were also inflatable games, popcorn and hot chocolate.
Canalside Community Church also passed out goodies and materials.
Ava Waters passes out candy The Tree House, which is owned by her mother, Michelle Waters. That preschool is at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex and was part of Beggar’s Nite for the first time. Businesses and organizations that aren’t in the downtown are welcome to give out candy for Beggar’s Nite.
Stephanie Stinson, left, and Stephanie Ward greeted children and gave them candy when they stopped by Albion Agencies.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office had bags of candy ready for the kids. Sheriff Chris Bourke was there, and so was Chief Deputy Torry Tooley, Amy Sherman (Sheriff’s Account manager) and Sherman’s daughter, Savannah who passed out most of the candy.
Albion mayor Tim McMurray dressed up as a scary inflatable character outside the Village Office, which was one of the stops for candy.
Lions Club members Marie Snyder and Kevin Howard were happy to disburse treats.
Tara Thom and Brenda Radzinski had a big pot of candy outside the Town and Country Quilt Shop on East Bank Street.
Rose Friedl and other staff at the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern kept pace with lines of children.
The Dancing Fireside Witches performed some broom dances on Main Street.
Lori Laine, one of the Dancing Fireside Witches, gets a video of the broom-dance troupe.
Allport engages in partisan fearmongering, stirs anti-government cynicism
Editor:
After reading some recent letters to the editor, I have to agree – these are trying times.
As a resident of Orleans County, I believe our community deserves leadership grounded in truth, rather than partisan fearmongering and unverified talking points.
In a recent letter, County Legislator Don Allport presented several claims that do not hold up under the simplest scrutiny. Rather than respond to the recitation of those familiar alarmist points about Socialism, I’ll keep this focused on the truth as relates to our election.
No one in Orleans County can vote for someone who is endorsed by the Democratic Socialist Party or who is running a campaign to advance items from their platform.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what we can vote for. We should expect that a candidate taking the time to assert historical claims in the local news source would fact check them prior to writing. I have heard Don speak about history, particularly the revolutionary war, with the accuracy and reverence it is due. This leaves me particularly confused regarding the following assertions:
Allport: One vote decided our national language.
Truth: Unless we’re considering the 2025 executive order by the current president, the US does not actually have an officially designated language, and there was never a risk of this occurring were it not for a singular vote.
It’s likely that Mr. Allport refers to the persistent myth stemming from a group of new citizens in Virginia, German speakers, who requested that some of the laws be copied over into German so that they could be readily followed by that populace. The “one vote” difference was not even whether to copy over the laws in German for the residents, rather it was a vote resolving to table the issue and take it up another time. It was defeated 42-41, and the actual measure did not come to the floor.
Allport: The ’60 presidential election was lost by Nixon due to one vote in each election district in Illinois.
Truth: Back in 1960, the path to 270 was actually the path to 269, the number of electoral votes needed then to secure the office of President-elect. Even if the 27 electoral votes from Illinois had gone to Nixon rather than JFK, Kennedy still would have prevailed with 276 votes.
Allport: An earlier Nixon presidency would have prevented so much of the upheaval of the ’60s, including Vietnam, the JFK assassination, and Kent State.
Truth: If we are going to judge Nixon by his fruit, we may find it hard to believe that the man who delayed peace talks through Anna Chenault (something well documented in US historical documents including Haldeman’s own declassified notes) and then carpet bombed Cambodia while hiding it by falsifying military records – resulting directly in the Kent State massacre, would somehow have been the peace president he claimed in word but never deed.
As for the JFK assassination, I don’t think that he would have been shot in November of 1963 if he was not the sitting US president, so perhaps that one could have been averted if the election outcome was reversed.
Back in the local arena, attacking federal safety net programs ignores the reality that low-income residents in Orleans County rely on these services. Would the county choose not to offer them if they were not mandated or supported by federal and state support? An average house assessed at $200,000 paid around $1,600 in county taxes last January. Of that, nearly half of it (roughly $700) paid into Medicaid. This money solely funds healthcare to residents of our county.
Because the most recent census shows that the median household income in Orleans County is $65,969, the median taxpayer spends 1.06% of their annual gross income on healthcare for their neighbors. Maybe there’s a better plan. Maybe there’s a better method of implementing the current plan. But I bet it doesn’t involve calling homes in the county where we all live a cesspool – literally household sewage.
Elected officials should welcome community observation and transparency rather than promoting anti-government cynicism or attacking media credibility. I have met most of the elected officials in this county and, regardless of party affiliation, do not believe that a single person running for or holding office here did so for any motivation but one: to make their community a better place the best way that they know how.
It’s disingenuous to attempt to distinguish local office holders from “politicians.” Government is the system, politics is the method. We should expect all of our elected officials to work methodically to advance good government for the residents they serve.
Therefore, it’s alarming to hear a local politician, writing in his personal capacity, to both misrepresent facts in history and to describe a fear of being watched.
A truth that we do agree on, and the most important truth being advanced in each letter, is that each vote does in fact count and not nearly enough of our neighbors are exercising that right.
Because our elections are how we choose who represents our interests best, I hope that the truth weighs heavily in your decision-making process this year.
See you at the polls,
Jess Marciano
Medina
Marciano is a trustee on the Medina Village Board.
Barker boys place third at X-C sectionals
Barker placed third in the Section VI Class D boys cross-country race today at Elma Meadows.
Barker had six runners among the top 20 finishers including Peyton Wagner (7th), Grayson Prynn (10th), Logan Wagner (12th), Ethan Gancasz (16th), Anthony Taliaferro (18th) and Chace Atwater (19th).
CSP won the race as Maple Grove was second.
In the girls Class D race, Wilson’s Hayden Barlow was 6th and Barker’s Hannah Monaco 7th as Marissa Bryant was Roy-Hart’s top finisher in 15th.
In the boys Class C1 race, Albion’s top three finishers were Stryker Sanders (20th), Rowe Bouchy (21st) and Matt Bloom (25th).
In the boys Class C2 race for Medina Cole Hughes was 5th and Jonathan Dix 9th. Akron’s Quinn O’Malley was 2nd and Newfane’s John Murphy 7th.
In the team competition Albion finished fourth in the C1 race while Akron was second and Medina third in the C2 race.
In the girls Class C2 race, Newfane’s Eden Hillman was 2nd and Akron’s Abigail Bower 4th.
New manufacturing site for semiconductor industry opens at STAMP
Edwards Vacuum builds $319 million facility which will have 600 employees at full capacity
Photos courtesy of Genesee County Economic Development Center: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer joins Edwards Vacuum leaders and local officials in cutting the ribbon on Thursday for the new manufacturing site at 6685 Crosby Rd., Basom.
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BASOM – Edwards Vacuum, a global leader in vacuum and abatement solutions and part of Atlas Copco Group, has celebrated the official opening of its new manufacturing facility in Genesee County.
The facility represents Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in US manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain infrastructure, helping strengthen America’s ability to produce critical technologies domestically while supporting the continued growth of the semiconductor industry.
Purpose-built to produce the advanced dry vacuum pumps used in semiconductor manufacturing, the Genesee facility expands Edwards’ North American production capabilities and will cater for the demand driven by investments in semiconductor manufacturing across the US.
Powered by renewable hydroelectric energy generated from nearby Niagara Falls, the facility combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with Edwards’ commitment to sustainability, innovation and long-term regional investment.
The Genesee site will support customers across North America and around the world while creating high-quality manufacturing, engineering, and technical career opportunities in Western New York. The investment further strengthens the region’s growing position within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
“This facility reflects our confidence in both the future of the semiconductor industry and the strength of the Western New York community,” said Dan Papsidero, General Manager of Edwards’ Product Company Genesee. “As someone who grew up in this region, it is especially rewarding to help lead an investment that creates opportunities for local talent, supports advanced manufacturing, and contributes to the continued growth of our community. We are proud to be building world-class products here, while creating long-term partnerships that will help strengthen the region for generations to come.”
The project is the result of strong collaboration between industry, government, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Edwards also recognizes the contributions of regional partners whose support helped advance the project and reinforce Western New York’s growing role in the semiconductor industry.
“The opening of Genesee marks an important milestone in Edwards’ commitment to serving the global semiconductor industry,” said Martin Tollner, President of Atlas Copco Group’s Semiconductor division. “As chip manufacturers continue to invest in next-generation technologies and expanded production in the United States, Edwards is proud to invest alongside them. This facility strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities, supports a more resilient semiconductor supply chain, and demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class vacuum technology built in the United States.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer secured an $18 million federal CHIPS grant award for the Edwards Vacuum project.
“Edwards Vacuum, America’s first semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility, is open for business right here in Genesee County!” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. “Today, major semiconductor companies look to Genesee County as home to the advanced vacuum technology they need for their chip fabs that only Edwards Vacuum will make in the USA.”
“When I wrote and passed into law the CHIPS & Science Act, it was with bringing to the U.S. and New York cutting-edge facilities like this in mind,” Schumer said. “Four years ago, I personally called on Edwards to locate their new factory along Upstate New York’s emerging semiconductor superhighway. Thankfully, Edwards agreed Genesee County was the best place for their business, bringing up to 600 new, good-paying jobs to Western New York and boosting the region’s growing semiconductor Tech Hub. I’m proud to have delivered $18 million in federal CHIPS funding to Edwards Vacuum to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life. America’s next era of chip manufacturing is underway here in Upstate, and I can confidently say New York’s best days are ahead.”
Edwards Vacuum plans to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year in phase one at its Genesee County facility, with plans to scale up to 20,000 units annually.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Edwards Vacuum’s newly completed state-of-the-art facility represents hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars invested in Upstate New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is building a strong semiconductor ecosystem statewide, furthering its global reputation as the preeminent hub for advanced manufacturing.”
The grand opening celebration brings together employees, customers, community leaders, educational partners, economic development organizations, and elected officials to recognize the collective effort that helped bring the facility from vision to reality.
The Genesee opening reflects Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in North American manufacturing and innovation. Together with other recently announced investments across the US, the project underscores the Group’s long-term commitment to advancing technology leadership, supporting strategic industries, strengthening American manufacturing capabilities, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for the future. Atlas Copco Group’s US footprint includes 26 production, remanufacturing, and distribution centers, more than 160 locations, and approximately 7,500 employees, demonstrating the Group’s longstanding commitment to American industry and innovation.
About Edwards
For over 100 years, we’ve been a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum and exhaust management systems and innovative service solutions. Our technology is essential in industries ranging from semiconductors and renewable energy to pharmaceuticals and scientific research.
Part of Atlas Copco Group, we operate as part of a global family of brands. Over 8,000 Edwards employees work together to create, engineer and enable environments where innovation thrives.
Editor’s Note Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement about Edwards Vacuum’s new facility in Genesee County: “The completion of the state-of-the-art Edwards Vacuum manufacturing facility is proof positive that there is no place else for advanced manufacturing than New York State. Edwards’ decision to choose New York means hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment in the Upstate economy while helping to strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain and ensuring that New York remains a global hub of innovation and the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.”
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement: “This is an exciting milestone for Genesee County and all of Western New York. The opening of Edwards Vacuum represents a tremendous investment in our community, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthening our local economy and positioning our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when we invest in American manufacturing and create opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers to build successful careers right here at home.”
“Western New York has a proud history of manufacturing, and investments like this are helping build its future. I am proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Edwards Vacuum and our local partners. This facility will not only create new opportunities for our workforce but also help ensure Genesee County remains a competitive destination for businesses looking to grow and innovate. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on our community for generations to come.”
Part of Route 237 in Kendall to close for culvert replacement from Nov. 2 to Nov. 13
Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation
KENDALL – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Route 237 will be closed between Route 18 and Kendall Creek Road in the Town of Kendall, Orleans County, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 2, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
The road is expected to be reopened by Friday, November 13.
Motorists should follow the posted detour using Route 104, Route 272 and Route 18.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
