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Albion grad among 6 WNY soldiers honored by French government

Posted 23 February 2026 at 4:04 pm

Group came to aid of French special operations forces in northern Iraq

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jean Sanon: U.S. soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, stand in formation during an award ceremony in Rochester on Sunday. Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who came to the aid of French special operations forces during an Aug. 28–29, 2023, mission in northern Iraq were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star by Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general for Army.  Pictured from left include Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott of Rochester, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor of Blasdell, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg of Rochester, Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco of Lockport, and Sgt. Jedediah Estrada of Horseheads. Missing from photo is Sgt. Zachary Albright of Elba, who is an Albion graduate.

Press Release, New York National Guard

ROCHESTER – Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who helped rescue 34 French special forces during an August 2023 firefight in Iraq, received the French equivalent of the Bronze Star, during ceremony on Sunday at Army Aviation Support Facility 2 in Rochester.

The soldiers, assigned to Bravo Company of the 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, were presented with the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star.

Sgt. Zachary Albright

The aviation soldiers were honored for providing rapid aerial support to French special operations forces who pinned down under enemy fire near Hawija, Iraq, on the night of Aug. 28 and 29, 2023. The French unit was conducting a mission against ISIS terrorists.

Major General Michel Natali, the New York National Guard’s assistant adjutant general, Army, who presented the French medals, praised the Soldiers for their quick response in loading up and moving a French quick reaction force of 30 troops into the fight.

“We’re very proud of what they’ve done as aviators, but I’d say more importantly, I’m very proud of them being New York National Guard Soldiers,” Natali said after the ceremony.

“The operation they were involved in happened in the dark of night,” he told reporters.

“The French government did not have to recognize our soldiers, but they went that extra mile to identify our soldiers who were working that evening to keep their soldiers safe. We’re very appreciative of what the French government has done in recognizing our troops,” Natali said.

The medals were authorized by French General Thierry Burkhard, then France’s Chief of National Defense Staff, in March of 2024.

At the time of the mission, the New York Army National Guard aviation crews were on standby at Erbil Air Base as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational effort to counter Islamic State terrorist operations in the region.

When the approximately 35 French Special Forces troops took casualties and requested reinforcement and extraction, two CH-47F Chinook helicopters crewed by the Rochester-based Bravo Company launched in support.

Within 30 minutes, the aircrews loaded approximately 30 French commandos to relieve them and flew nearly 70 miles to the objective area then stayed nearby, ready to provide follow-on support.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident, who served as air mission commander during the operation, said uncertainty upon arrival created immediate challenges.

“The biggest challenge was not knowing the situation on the ground or what support we had until we got on station,” said Scott, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002.

He added that once they made radio contact and confirmed their location, they adjusted the grid, coordinated with the other aircraft and their crews, and identified the support available to them.

Scott said that the crew’s preparation and cohesion were critical to executing the mission successfully.

“I’m most proud of the way the crew came together,” he said. “They had the aircraft ready to go. While I was receiving the mission, the crew was already preparing the aircraft.”

Once Scott briefed them, they conducted a short planning session on the way and were ready to execute.

Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident who served as a door gunner during the mission, said the recognition carries lasting personal meaning.

“Afterward, I read the French press release about the death of Sgt. Nicolas Mazier, [the] paratrooper with the French commandos who was killed in combat,” Estrada said. “I’ve remembered him ever since.”

“Being honored by the French government is a way for me to continue honoring his legacy – not just what our unit was able to do, but what we accomplished together with our partner force,” Estrada said.

“It really brings together why we were there and what we were working to defeat,” he added.

Recognized during the ceremony were:

  • Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident, is a 42-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002. He was commissioned as an Aviation Warrant Officer in 2009. He is a recipient of the Air Medal W/C Device, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
  • Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor, a Blasdell resident, is a 35-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2009. He was commissioned as an Aviation Warrant Officer in 2015. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal W/C Device.
  • Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg, a Rochester resident, is a 38-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2007. He was previously a flight engineer with the unit until he commissions as a pilot in 2019. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal
  • Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco, a Lockport resident, is a 40-year- old helicopter maintainer and crew chief who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2004 and served until 2012. He reenlisted in 2019, again as an aircraft mechanic. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal W/C Device.
  • Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident, is 36-years-old. He enlisted as a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist and went through flight progression as a door gunner with the unit. He entered the New York Army National Guard in 2019. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
  • Sgt. Zachary Albright, an Elba resident, is a 22-year-old helicopter maintainer and crew chief who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2022. He has since been warranted commission as a WO1 in 2025 and is currently in flight school to become an Aviation Warrant Officer. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal W/C Device and Army Achievement Medal.

The French National Defense Medal, known as the Medaille de la Defense nationale, was established April 21, 1982, by then French Minister of Defense Charles Hernu to recognize honorable and meritorious service in support of France’s national defense.

The medal is awarded in three grades, bronze, silver and gold, reflecting increasing levels of distinguished service. The gold grade recognizes particularly distinguished contributions to national defense.

When accompanied by a bronze star device, the medal signifies the recipient was officially recognized at the regimental or brigade level for notable operational service during multinational missions.

The decoration may be awarded to both French service members and allied military personnel and serves as a symbol of professional excellence and international military cooperation.

Detachment 1 of Bravo Company operates seven CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

The unit falls under the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade’s 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and has conducted numerous deployments overseas and disaster response operations here at home.

EDA accepting applications for new MAP class for small businesses

Posted 23 February 2026 at 12:44 pm

Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency

ALBION – Applications are now available for the Spring Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP), a 10-week business development course offered through the Orleans County Local Development Corporation.

The MAP program supports aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage small business owners by providing practical training in business planning, finance, marketing, and operations. The program is designed to strengthen the local economy by expanding access to small business education across Orleans County.

Classes will be held Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning April 2 through June 4. Sessions will take place at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The course fee is $300. Financial assistance is available based on demonstrated need.

Graduates from recent MAP cohorts pursued local ventures ranging from retail to beauty and wellness, landscaping, property management services, and specialty manufacturing.

Applications will be accepted through March 13.

For questions about MAP program requirements contact Matt Holland at the Orleans Economic Development Agency, (585) 589-7060 ext. 1.

County issues proclamation for ‘Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2026 at 10:20 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport last week presented a proclamation declaring March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” He presents the proclamation to representatives from the Arc GLOW.

From left include Arc board member Marlene Hill of Medina; Mary Lou Touhey, mother of person supported; Nicole Touhey, a person supported; and Lisa Bors, VP of Public Relations and Development for Arc GLOW.

March is Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month highlights the inclusion, contributions, and potential of people with developmental disabilities.

The former Arc of Genesee Orleans and Arc of Livingston-Wyoming merged in 2021 to form the new Arc GLOW. This is the first four-county chapter of The Arc New York. This follows the merger in 2016 of the former Arc of Orleans and Genesee Arc.

In Orleans County, Arc GLOW has three homes for individuals with disabilities, operates Orleans Enterprises Work Center in Albion, day habilitation programs, Meals on Wheels/Nutrifare in Albion and Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway. Several programs and departments also share space with the finance department on Caroline Street in Albion, Arc GLOW officials said.

The original ARC of Orleans County formed about 60 years ago.

“March is designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to highlight the abilities and achievements of people with developmental disabilities, while raising awareness of the challenges they face,” according to the proclamation form the County Legislature. “People with developmental disabilities are an essential part of our community, bringing unique talents, perspectives, and strength to Orleans County.”

Medina will visit Alden in Class B1 rematch

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 February 2026 at 10:11 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Avion Johnson and his Medina teammates will open Section VI Class B1 competition at Alden on Tuesday evening at 7.

It will be a rematch of last year’s playoff opener as No. 5 seed Medina visits No. 4 Alden in the Section VI Class B1 boys basketball quarterfinal at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

It was all Alden last year as the Bulldogs rolled to a 65-38 win. The Bulldogs took charge with a 23-3 second period scoring surge to open up a 37-18 half-time advantage. Keeping the momentum, the Bulldogs then used a 22-10 third period uprising to extend te advantage to 59-28.

Medina brings a 14-6 overall record (6-6 Niagara-Orleans League) into the sectionals while Alden is 7-13 (5-5 ECIC).

The victor will face the winner of the No. 1 Middle Early College vs. No. 9 Southwestern game in the semifinals at 4 p.m. Saturday at SUNY Fredonia.

Offensively, Medina has been led by Jerrell Nealy who has scored 320 points (16.8 ave.), Preston Woodworth (296 points, 14.8 ave.) and Christian Moss (177 points, 8.8 ave.) Nealy has also grabbed off 173 rebounds, Moss 124 and Woodworth 104.

Alden has been paced by the duo of Eli Peresan (266 points, 13.3 ave.) and Liam Shaver (232 points, 11.6 ave.)

Class B2
In Class B2 games at 7 p.m. Tuesday No. 2 Akron (17-3) will host No. 7 Falconer (10-10) and No. 5 Newfane (11-9) will visit No. 4 MST (12-7)

Class C
No. 12 Barker (7-24) will visit No. 5 Cattaraugus/Little Valley (15-5) at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a Class C contest.

Section VI Class A2 Girls Playoffs
No. 5 Albion (7-11) will visit No. 4 Iroquois (14-5) at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a Class A2 contest.

The victor will face the winner of the No. 8 Olean vs. No. 1 Depew contest in the semifinals on Saturday.

 

Strawberry Fest’s theme for June celebration: ‘A Berry, Big 250th’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2026 at 9:24 am

Festival welcomes patriotic themed floats for big parade

Photo by Tom Rivers: Becky Karls, Strawberry Festival Committee chairperson, is shown with The Turtle at the 2023 Amazing Turtle Race. This year’ s turtle race will have more tickets and prizes.

ALBION – The Albion Strawberry Festival has announced the theme for this year’s celebration on June 12-13: “A Berry, Big 250th”

The 38th annual festival wanted to tie in with the country’s 250th anniversary. Becky Karls, the festival committee chairperson, urges parade participants to have patriotic floats for the June 13 parade.

The festival this year also is expanded the prizes and tickets for the amazing turtle race, where rubber turtles “race” a short distance on the Erie Canal. The turtles are all numbered from 1 to about 1,000. The top five have shared $1,000 in winnings.

This year the tickets will be expanded to 1,500 with 6 prizes. Each turtle will now have two tickets, one green and one yellow. There will be 750 turtles in the race. Every year there are a few turtle casualties, dropping the number of available turtles down from the original 1,000.

The prize money has been increased from $1,000 to $1,700. The new prize structure includes two $500 winners, two at $250 and two at $100.

The turtle race is a fundraiser for the festival. The tickets will remain at $5 each or 5 for $20. The race will be at 2 p.m. on June 13.

Karls said there is a hard-working committee that works on the festival. The group will welcome more volunteers as the festival gets closer.

The committee has leaders in charge of different aspects of the festival:

  • Business/Information/Raffle Vendors – Mark Johnson
  • Craft/Artisan/Farm Market Vendors – Trevor Thaine
  • Parade Participants – Mike Bonnewell
  • Food Booth Vendors – Jeff Holler
  • Family Fun Center – Taryn Moyle
  • Music/Bands Festival Performers – Bill Pileggi
  • School Royalty – Val Pettit
  • Sponsorships/Media – Marlene Seielstad
  • Turtle Race Tickets/Car Cruise In/Other Info–Festival Chairperson – Becky Karls

For more information, check the Strawberry Festival website.

Average gas price in NY just under $3 at $2.999

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2026 at 8:27 am

$3.17 price in Orleans County highest in WNY

The average price for regular unleaded gas in New York State is at $3, up a penny from a week ago, according to AAA.

In Orleans County, the price is higher at an average of $3.17. That is the highest price among the counties in Western New York.

The average price nationally is at $2.94, up a cent from a week ago and down from the $3.15 a year ago. The state average of $2.999 is down from the $3.17 a year ago for New York, according to AAA.

“Right now, gas prices are the lowest they’ve been for this time of year since 2021,” AAA said in a news release this morning.

Here are the average prices in WNY counties:

  • Orleans, $3.172
  • Genesee, $3.026
  • Niagara, $3.053
  • Monroe, $3.036
  • Livingston, $3.088
  • Wyoming, $3.150
  • Erie, $3.076
  • Chautauqua, $3.140
  • Cattaraugus, $3.078
  • Allegany, $3.112

Fairview Manor, fine dining establishment in Ridgeway, destroyed by fire in 1937

Posted 22 February 2026 at 7:32 pm

Photos from Orleans County Department of History: Owned by Harvey L. and Blanche Hill, this fine dining establishment was located at the corner of Knowlesville Road and Million Dollar Highway/Rt. 31 in Ridgeway.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Volume 6, No. 5

RIDGEWAY – “Service and Satisfaction” was the stated motto of Fairhaven Manor, a very successful fine dining enterprise which hosted innumerable meetings, banquets and parties during the 1920s and 1930s.

Conveniently located on the north-west side of the intersection of the Knowlesville Road and Million Dollar Highway/Rt. 31, it was owned and operated by Harvey L. Hill and his wife, Blanche.

The substantial house was built as a residence for A.M. Brinsmaid in 1870. It changed hands several times and was purchased by the Hills. They added a large dining room on the south side of the building. Rooms were also available.

Unfortunately, the establishment was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Friday, April 9, 1937. The fire was believed to have started in the cellar, possibly from an overheated furnace. Sleeping on the second floor, the Hills were awoken by choking smoke around 2 a.m. They managed to escape to the roof of the addition using a rope made of sheets. They, along with the manager, Thomas Fitzgerald and farm hand Donald Latta, had a narrow escape. Mr. Hill then ran, without shoes, to the home of his son, Percy, three quarters of a mile away, to summon the Medina Fire Dept. Assistant Fire Chief Ranallo responded with two pumpers, but a strong northeast wind and a lack of water stymied their efforts. The garage and barns were saved, but only the cellar walls of the Manor remained.

Remarkably, the Medina Rotary Club bell survived the blaze. The Club held their weekly meetings at Fairview. Dr. Harry F. Tanner left the bell under the entrance staircase following the April 6 meeting. The bronze bell, which had been presented to the club in 1923 and was used to summon members to meetings, had somehow fallen through to the basement during the fire. Its mahogany base was destroyed but the bell was in good condition.

(Left) Orleans Republican ad., July 4, 1928. (Right) Unidentified boys, Fairview Manor barn in the background.

The Hills did not rebuild. Mrs. Hill died the following year, and Mr. Hill died in 1961. They are buried at Tanner Cemetery, Ridgeway.

The Dept. of History file on Fairview Manor states that “the dwelling place which now occupies the site was moved there from the grounds of the N.Y. S. Training School in Albion.”

However, in a History of Knowlesville (1958), Lois Higgins wrote:

“The house that was moved to the spot of the Fairview Manor disaster had previously stood on the south side of West Avenue (Knowlesville), between the rear of the Hatch house and the Frank Higgins house”

Can any of our readers clarify this discrepancy? Or identify these two boys? (Email Catherine.cooper@orleanscountyny.gov)

Albion residents urged to share concerns about Dollar General near high school

Posted 22 February 2026 at 6:22 pm

Editor:

If you live on or near East Avenue in  Albion or a resident of the Village of Albion, and you are concerned about quality of life issues in the village,  please attend all meetings concerning the Dollar General store project that is being planned on a site across from the high school building.

Even if it is not a “public hearing,” your presence at these meetings will let our Village and County government officials know that, “This Place Matters”!

Next meeting is Thursday, February 26, at 7 p.m. in Legislative Chambers, County Administration Building.

Sincerely,

Annette M. Piano

Albion, resident of East Avenue

Kendall will host familiar foe in sectional opener; Lyndonville, Holley open on the road

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 February 2026 at 10:27 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Sammy Conte and his Eagle teammates will host Byron-Bergen on Tuesday in the Class C1 sectional opener.

Kendall will be facing a very familiar opponent in the opening round of the Section V Class C1 boys basketball tournament when the No. 6 seed Eagles host Genesee Region League for No. 11 Byron-Bergen at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Kendall downed Byron-Bergen twice during the G-R season by 20 point margins of 69-49 and 65-45.

The Eagles bring a 14-6 record into the sectionals while the Bees are 10-10.

The victor will face the winner of the No. 3 Pembroke (18-2) vs. No. 11 Letchworth (4-16) contest on Friday.

Offensively Kendall has been sparked by CJ D’Agostino, who is averaging 16.7 points, Vinnie D’Agostino (12.7 ave.), Noah Morehouse (8.1 ave.), Sammy Conte (7.3 ave.) and Jonny Conte (7.0) ave. CJ D’Agostino has also grabbed off 180 rebounds, Morehouse 110 and Sammy Conte 101.

Lyndonville opens on the road
No. 9 Lyndonville will face No. 8 Hinsdale in the opening round of the Section V Class D tournament at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Fillmore.

Lyndonville is 5-15 on the season and Hinsdale 7-13.

The victor will face top seeded Andover-Whitesville (18-2) on Friday.

Holley also faces road test
No. 12 Holley will visit No. 5 Williamson at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the opening round of the Section V Class B2 tournament.

Holley is 4-15 and Williamson 10-10.

The victor will face the winner of the No. 6 East Rochester (15-4) vs. EMHCS (0-10) game on Saturday.

County planners to review cannabis growing business in Carlton, Dollar General in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2026 at 8:55 am

Planning Board on Thursday also will review proposals for broadband tower installations

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday and will review the site plan for a new Dollar General in Albion and also will see an application for a special use permit for a cannabis growing operation in Carlton.

The meeting is in the legislative chambers of the Orleans County Administration Building on Route 31.

The Dollar General is located at 327 East Ave., across from the high school. The County Planning Board will make a recommendation to the Village of Albion Board on whether to accept the site plan. The county board also could suggestions to improve the site plan.

The County Planning Board also will review an application for a special use permit to grow cannabis in a storage building on an existing property in Carlton. The project is located on 13353 Kendrick Rd., Waterport.

There are three applications for special use permits and site plans for broadband tower installations. In Clarendon, a tower is proposed for the top of a grain silo at 5122 South Holley Rd.

In Ridgeway, the tower is proposed for 2490 Townline Rd. and another tower is proposed to be in Carlton at 961 Wilson Road, Waterport.

Planners also will review a proposal for a special use permit to build housing for seasonal H2A workers at 2162 Lyndonville Rd., Lyndonville.

There also is an application from the Town of Yates for a home business for repairing hydraulic cylinders, heavy equipment, and possible part sales at 11916 Roosevelt Hwy.

OCH Foundation will honor Barbara Waters and Dr. Arthur Mruczek

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 February 2026 at 8:19 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation’s annual spring gala will honor two former distinguished residents whose dedication and leadership have significantly strengthened healthcare in the Medina and Orleans County community.

The 1950s-themed “Spring Soiree Gala” from 6 to 10 p.m. March 14 at Bent’s Opera House will feature an elegant evening of refined hors d’oeuvres, crafted cocktails, live musical entertainment and dancing, all in support of patient care and healthcare services at Orleans Community Health.

A highlight of the evening will be presentation of the 2026 Bowen Awards recognizing Dr. Arthur Mruczek and Barbara Waters.

Dr. Mruczek will be honored for his decades of service as a respected ophthalmologist and former medical director of Medina Memorial Hospital. Throughout his career, Dr. Mruczek has demonstrated exceptional clinical skill, integrity and compassion in the care of his patients.

His leadership within the hospital and medical community has contributed meaningfully to advancing quality care close to home. Generations of families in the region have benefitted from his commitment o excellence and his steady, thoughtful guidance.

Waters will be recognized for her visionary leadership and enduring advocacy for seniors and community healthcare. As the founder of The Willows Adult Home and Orchard Manor Nursing Home, she expanded essential senior living services in Medina, ensuring that older adults could remain in their community with dignity and support.

Through her longstanding service on the Medina Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Waters has played a vital role in shaping the direction and strength of local healthcare services. Her dedication has had a lasting impact on care accessibility and quality throughout the region.

The Bowen Award is named after George Bowen, the founder of Medina Memorial Hospital more than 100 years ago, and honors individuals whose professional achievements and community leadership exemplify service, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health and great-great-grandson of Bowen.

“The 2026 recipients reflect these values through their lifetime contributions to healthcare in Orleans County,” Robinson said.

“The gala is an opportunity for our community to come together to not only celebrate two remarkable leaders, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring exceptional healthcare remains accessible close to home,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation. “Dr. Mruczek and Mrs. Waters have each shaped the future of care in profound ways. We are honored to recognize their legacy and invite the community to join us for what promises to be a truly special evening.”

The evening will feature live crooner-style musical entertainment during the awards presentation, followed by a DJ reception designed to encourage guests to remain and enjoy the celebration, according to Johnson. Attendees are encouraged to wear cocktail or semi-formal attire with a subtle 1950’s influence.

Tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds from the event will directly support local patient care and essential services provided by Orleans Community Health.

For ticket purchases or sponsorship opportunities, visit OrleansCommunityHealth.org/gala.

NY will allow alcohol service hours early Sunday for gold medal hockey game

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2026 at 8:42 pm

New York State is allowing bars and restaurants to serve alcohol early on Sunday for the gold medal men’s hockey game between the United States and Canada.

The game starts at 8:10 a.m. from Milan, Italy. The USA hasn’t won gold in men’s hockey since 1980 with the “Miracle on Ice” in Lake Placid. The Canadian men’s team last won gold in 2014.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement:

“I have directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement with respect to alcohol service hours tomorrow between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., allowing bars and restaurants to open early so U.S. hockey fans can gather to watch the Olympic gold medal game.

“This will apply only in areas not under a State of Emergency, as our top priority remains keeping people in communities impacted by the blizzard safe and off the roads.

“I still remember watching the 1980 game as a college student at Syracuse University, working in a pizza shop. The whole place stopped and watched together. I hope a new generation of New Yorkers gets that same moment tomorrow.

“Go U.S.A.!”

Bald eagle egg sighted at Iroquois NWR by nest camera

Posted 21 February 2026 at 4:37 pm

Photos courtesy of Pixcams.com: (Left) The red arrow points to the egg that was spotted overnight. (Right) Mother Eagle incubates the egg.

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – An egg has been sighted in one of the bald eagle nests at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The Friends of Iroquois NWR observers whose camera is trained on the nest believe the female bald eagle laid her first egg at 5:05 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. That belief was based on behavioral cues like fluffing of feathers, standing up and sitting down, and reaching under to rotate the egg.

At 1 a.m. Saturday, observers caught sight of the egg as the eagle parents switched places. Eagles typically lay 2-3 eggs and incubate them for about a month before hatching, so the Friends expect at least one more egg.

“Just because eggs are laid is no guarantee of hatching,” said Friends President Richard Moss of Medina. “Nature can be merciless, and all kinds of bad things can happen to prevent hatching. But this is definitely an exciting development.”

This year is the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the bald eagle has been seen as a symbol of the country for much of that time.

Moss wanted to send out thanks to Bill Powers and Pixcams Inc., out of Export, PA. Pixcams helped the Friends group set up the camera and has continued to provide logistical support. Moss also wanted to thank the Friends members who are moderating the eagle camera chat.

A link to the eagle nest camera is available at the Friends website, FINWR.org. Watching it should be very interesting for the next few months, Moss said.

Medina, R-H, Barker girls bow in sectionals

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 February 2026 at 2:14 pm

Leading from wire-to-wire, No. 3 seed Salamanca downed visiting No. 14 Medina 66-46 in a Section VI Class B girls basketball playoff game this afternoon.

Alexa Demmer scored 19, Caliyah St. Louis 14, Samantha Heschke 8, Tatianna Maxon 4, and Harmoni Wilson 1 for Medina which trailed 19-12 at the end of the first quarter, 31-23 at the half and 53-27 at the three-quarter mark.

Salamanca broke the contest wide open by starting the third quarter with a 16-0 run to open up a commanding 47-23 advantage.

Akron 48, Roy-Hart 12
In another Class B opener Akron downed Niagara-Orleans League foe Roy-Hart 48-12.

Adella Dukes scored 5 and Courtney Aquilina 4 for Roy-Hart which trailed 22-2 at the half.

Olmsted 69, Newfane 52
Olmsted ousted Newfane 69-52 in another Class B game.

Wilson 82, Barker 31
Wilson bested N-O foe Barker 82-31 in a Class C opener.

Bella Thrush scored 18 to lead Wilson as Andrea Faery added 10, Kylie Elia 9 and Abbie Faery and Rowan Simpson 8 each.

Hailey Dodge scored 10 points and Cheyanne Rouse had 7 points and 10 rebounds for Barker.

Red Creek 37, Holley 14
No. 8 seed Red Creek downed visiting No. 9 Holley 37-14 in the opening round of the Section V Class B2 girls basketball tournament this afternoon.

Huskies edge Purple Eagles in A2 contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 February 2026 at 1:53 pm

In a tight sea-saw battle No. 7 Olean edged visiting No. 10 Albion 56-48 in a Section VI Class A2 boys basketball playoff game this afternoon.

There were 9 ties and 10 lead changes in the tightly contested game before Olean closed with an 8-1 run to claim the slender win. Up 48-47 the Huskies made good on six free throws during that decisive final run.

Mykel Rivera scored 14 of his game high 25 points and Taylor Teachman 7 of his 11 in the decisive final quarter for Olean which saw the Huskies outscore the Purple Eagles 23-13.

Elijah Doxey scored 17, Tyler Cody 12, Wesley Olles 7, Adam Burgio 5, Nate Gibson 4 and Elliot Trapiss 3 for Albion.

Albion grabbled a slender 8-7 lead at the end of the first period as Cody and Gibson both hit threes.

The Purple Eagles went on to maintain narrow two point leads of 21-19 at the half and 35-33 at the end of the third quarter.

Doxey scored 7 in both of the middle two periods while Olles had 4 in the second and Cody 5 in the third.

Albion’s last lead came at the outset of the final period as a three by Trapiss put the Purple Eagles back up 38-36.

However, Olean answered with a decisive 20-10 scoring edge to close and claim the win as Rivera had 11 and Teachman 7 to key that Huskies surge. Two three-point plays by Rivera and one by Teachman ignited the big quarter.

Olean will next face No. 2 Maryvale in the A2 quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The Huskies are now 15-5 and the Flyers 13-6.

The Purple Eagles close the season with a 10-10 record.