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Clarendon supervisor candidate says he will stay committed to accountability, fiscal stewardship

Posted 18 June 2026 at 3:57 pm

Editor:

A message to the residents of Clarendon, I am honored to be running for re-election as your Town Supervisor in the Republican Primary.

My family and I have proudly called Clarendon home for the past 34 years. For more than 13 years, I have served our community on the Town Board, and since becoming Supervisor in 2025, I have worked every day with one goal in mind: putting the people of Clarendon first.

As a retiree, I have the time and flexibility to serve our community full-time. My door is always open, and I believe local government works best when residents know they can reach their elected officials and be heard.

I believe taxpayers deserve a representative that is honest, efficient, and fiscally responsible. That is why I worked to keep the 2026 budget increase under 1% while remaining under the tax cap. Every dollar we spend is your dollar, and I take that responsibility seriously.

During my time as Supervisor, we have made meaningful improvements that strengthen our community and protect our residents. We secured nearly $928,000 in grant funding for the proposed Water District 14 project, with additional funding opportunities that could further reduce costs to taxpayers.

We also brought all Town facilities up to fire and safety standards and established an emergency station at Town Hall equipped with lifesaving resources, including a First Aid Cabinet, Narcan Station, and Automated External Defibrillator.

We restored accountability by retaining a Town Attorney who now attends all Town Board meetings, ensuring residents receive sound legal guidance and transparent government.

I continue to pursue additional grant opportunities that will benefit Clarendon residents. One will help complete the long-awaited Hillside Chapel Restoration Project, while another focuses on addressing flooding, drainage, and stormwater issues that affect many homeowners throughout our town.

Service to this community has been a lifelong commitment. For nearly 20 years, I have proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Clarendon Fire Company, including serving as Fire Chief, Vice President, and a member of the Board of Directors. Having been involved in the fire service since 1988, I understand the importance of protecting our families, supporting our volunteers, and preserving the strong sense of community that makes Clarendon special.

I believe local government should be guided by common sense, experience, integrity, and respect for the people it serves. A Town Supervisor must understand town law, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, and always put the community’s interests ahead of politics.

My record reflects a commitment to accountability, transparency, and honest leadership. I will continue working hard every day to keep Clarendon a safe, strong, and financially sound community for future generations.

I respectfully ask for your vote and continued support.

Thank you,

Marc Major

Clarendon

Nearly 1,000 without power in Orleans after fierce winds take down trees

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2026 at 2:41 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Part of a big tree came crashing down in the Village of Albion this afternoon, knocking out power to the neighborhood.

This tree is at the corner of Liberty and West Park streets. National Grid, the Village DPW, Albion Joint Fire District and Albion Police Department were all on the scene.

National Grid reported the power went out in the village for 786 customers at 1:24 p.m. It is estimating the power will be back on at 5 p.m.

The Grid said 943 customers are currently without power in Orleans County.

A high wind warning remains in effect until 8 p.m.

New mural being painted at Medina Dog Park featuring 35 more pet portraits

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2026 at 11:23 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandi Zavitz was at the Medina Dog Park on Wednesday evening, creating a new mural that will feature portraits of about 35 dogs.

The new mural will have a celestial theme and will include many dogs that will be painted with angel wings, to signify they have passed away, said artist Brandi Zavitz.

She painted a 32-foot-long mural last year that included 69 dogs, 3 cats and Orly the Ox (the county’s bicentennial mascot).

The requests kept coming to be included on the initial mural. The 35 dogs are mostly requests from 2025. Zavitz wanted to include them on the new mural.

Like last year’s mural, she will pet them with personality, showing them doing some of their favorite things. She expects there will be tennis balls, and squirrels to chase in the new mural that will be 8 feet high and 16 feet long.

There was an overwhelming response to the mural after it debuted last year. Many people were amazed how Zavitz painted dogs as superheroes with capes, or doing their favorite activities – carrying sticks, playing with balls, eating ice cream or watching a Bills game.

Zavitz enjoys painting on site and chatting with people and seeing their dogs scamper about the dog park, which is on North Gravel Road near Boxwood Cemetery.

Zavitz sketched out some of the dogs on the board for the mural. She expects to complete the project in mid to late July.

High Wind Warning in effect until 8 p.m. today with gusts up to 55 mph

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2026 at 9:53 am

Bryan McDowell sent in this photo of a swan and baby swan that he took behind the Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.

A high wind warning is in effect for Orleans County and much of Western New York until 8 p.m. today. There will be southwest winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 mph expected.

“Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The fully leafed out trees will result in more tree damage than with similar wind speeds during the colder months of the year, the Weather Service said.

There is also a beach hazards statement in effect until Saturday morning. The Weather Service said strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected at the beaches in Niagara and Orleans counties.

The high temperatures in the forecast include 77 today, 75 on Friday, 74 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday.

Albion Midget League roundup

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 June 2026 at 9:02 am

Barre, Elks/Rotary and Sandstone have all scored victories in Albion Midget League competition this week.

Barre d. Brockport 1 16-1
Jacob Knowlton had 3 hits, including a double and 3 RBIs for Barre as Hudson Armer, Parker Gardner and Aiden Spencer also each had 3 hits.

Knowlton also had 4 strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings of work on the mound.

Elks/Rotary d. Holley 15-1
Three pitchers – Greyson Roberts (6 strikeouts), Remi Ebba (4 strikeouts) and Kayden Donnelly (5 strikeouts) combined to hurl Elks/Rotary past Holley.

At the plate, Ryan Coots had 3 hits and 5 RBIs, Roberts 3 hits and 3 RBIs and Ebbs 2 hits and 2 RBIs.

Sandstone d. Brockport 2 15-0
Givanni LaMartina had 3 hits and 4 RBIs, Matt Colmenero 3 hits, Bryce Saxton 2 hits and 3 RBIs and Dom Westlund 2 hits including a triple and 3 RBIs to lead the way for Sandstone at the plate.

On the mound, Nikko Russo registered 9 strikeouts.

Sandstone d. Barre 3-0
LaMartina pitched a no hitter with 12 strikeouts for Sandstone while Armer notched 10 strikeouts for Barre in the pitchers dual.

At the plate for Sandstone, LaMartina had a triple, Saxton 2 doubles and an RBI, Colmenero a hit and an RBI and Cooper Traxler a hit and an RBI.

Stingers post diamond win over Medina 15U

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 June 2026 at 8:58 am

The Medina Mustangs 15U team dropped a 13-6 decision on the road to the MMB Bandits Wednesday evening.

The Bandits jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first inning. Medina answered with 4 in the second to pull to within one but could get no closer as the Bandits used a 4 run fifth inning to lock up the win.

Viktor Snyder had 2 hits for Medina as Jacob Duffina, Jackson Daigler, Evan Collins and Kaiden Hockenberry each had 1.

Medina next hosts the NY Stingers at 6 p.m. Friday.

YMCA forming girls Flag Football League

Contributed Story Posted 18 June 2026 at 8:54 am

The Orleans County YMCA is set to launch a free Girls Youth Flag Football League – Girls Play Strong Program – this summer, providing local girls ages 5-13 with an opportunity to learn the game, build confidence, and stay active in a fun and supportive environment.

Led by YMCA staff, local coaches, alumni, and community volunteers, the league will meet on Mondays and Fridays from July 6 through August 28, with games and practices held at Vets Park in Medina, Medina Central School fields, and the Orleans County YMCA.

The league will feature weekly practices and games, along with family events and recognition awards. This program is made possible through funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

“Girls flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we want every girl in Orleans County to have the opportunity to experience it,” said Andrew Houseman, Senior Program Director of the Orleans County YMCA. “By offering this league free of charge, we’re removing barriers and encouraging girls to simply give it a try. Whether they have experience in sports or are stepping onto the field for the first time, we hope they’ll discover a new passion, build confidence, stay active, and have fun alongside their teammates this summer.”

Registration for the Girls Youth Flag Football League is open now through July 6th and can be completed online through glowymca.org. Families may also register in person at the Orleans County YMCA or by calling (585) 798-2040 for assistance.

The program will offer several evening games under the lights on the local turf field. All practices and games will take place after typical work and school hours, with schedules varying by team.

Dance Theater celebrates return to Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2026 at 8:44 am

Brandon Johnson brings back dance studio for 23rd year

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandon Johnson, owner of the Dance Theater, is joined by Amazie Phillips in cutting the ribbon for Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts. It is located at 415 West Ave., Suite #4.

Johnson at age 19 opened Dance Theater and for 22 years the studio was on Main Street. He moved to Florida about a year ago and worked as a judge at dancing competitions. He is glad to be back in his home community working with local dance students.

Brandon Johnson welcomes people to the grand reopening celebration for Dance Theater. His staff of dance instructors includes Alaina Sproile, Makenzie McGrath, Lizzy Zacher and Carly Voelker.

McGrath was a student at Dance Theater for 13 years. She is currently studying music education at Nazareth University. She said the community will respond to having Dance Theater back. Dance Theater served about 120 students from ages 3 to 18.

“It’s good they have this opportunity back,” McGrath said. “Dance is good for the mind and body.”

She said Johnson is very organized, and is a skilled teacher who is very good a showmanship. Most of all, he creates a welcoming environment, McGrath said.

During an open house, kids were able to try an obstacle course on one side of Dance Theater.

The studio will be offering summer camps before the fall season kicks off. Johnson announced the recital theme for 2026-2027: “Gingham and Glitter, a Homecoming Country Celebration.”

Johnson has emailed and messaged many of the dance families that have been with Dance Theater. He is pleased so many have been enthusiastic about his return.

“Dance Theater has always been more than just a place to dance,” Johnson said. “It is a place where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, last friendships are formed, and creativity and performance come to life.”

Johnson said Dance Theater will provide a positive, welcoming and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.

The studio provides classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro and technique to dancers ages 3 to 18 years old.

Brandon Johnson meets with families during the grand opening celebration on Wednesday evening.

He said he enjoyed working as a judge at dance competitions for 18 weeks last year, but the experience confirmed his true calling in running his own studio and being a dance teacher.

“As a judge I offered critiques and corrections,” he said. “I loved it, but it reminded me my place is in a classroom where the kids can create dance.”

2 sentenced in County Court, including man for third-degree rape

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:58 pm

ALBION – Two people were sentenced in Orleans County Court today, and another person pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1,000 in merchandise from Wal-Mart.

Alexander Senko, 31, of Albion was sentenced to 10 years of probation and will be on the sex offender registry. Senko pleaded guilty on April 1 to third-degree rape. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl in 2023 when he was 29.

The victim of the crime spoke in court and said Senko manipulated her and sexually abused her.

“I lost my friends, my confidence and myself,” she said. “He twisted to my mind to think I was special.”

Senko apologized in court to the victim and her family.

“My lack of good, sound decision-making will forever haunt me,” he told County Court Judge Sanford Church.

The judge issued an order of protection for the victim for the next 10 years. Senko also will need to pay $1,425 in court fees and fines.

In another sentencing, Wilfred Barnes, 66, of Carlton was given five years of probation plus four months of weekends in jail for felony driving while intoxicated. He was stopped on Nov. 26 on Ridge Road in Gaines and registered a BAC of 0.12 percent, which is above the legal limit of 0.08. Barnes has a previous DWI in 2020.

Judge Church also revoked Barnes’s driver’s license for a year and will require an inter-lock ignition device that measures his BAC when he drives in the future.

In another case, Nevada Nichols, 31, of Batavia pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony.

She admitted to stealing $1,413 in merchandise from the Albion Wal-Mart, which is above the $1,000 threshold for fourth-degree grand larceny.

The charge could carry 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison, but Nichols could receive time in the county jail or probation when she is sentenced on Sept. 23.

In another case, the judge said he is considering revoking the probation for an Albion man and having him spend a year in the county jail.

Allan Bieber, 22, was sentenced in December to 10 years of probation for third-degree rape for having sex with a 15-year-old girl at St. Joseph’s Park on South Clinton Street on April 25. Bieber is a first-time offender.

He has missed many of his appointments for probation, sex offender counseling and mental health counseling. Those appointments are terms of his probation.

Judge Church will have Bieber appear in court on June 24 to decide if the probation will be revoked.

Albion’s Gibson earns All-WNY honor

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 7:37 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Nate Gibson

Albion senior catcher/pitcher Nate Gibson has earned Honorable Mention on the All-Western New York baseball squad for large schools.

Gibson hit .639 in the league and .475 overall. He had 3 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, 25 RBIs, 21 runs scored and 12 stolen bases.

“Nate had one of the best offensive seasons I have had a player have,” said Albion Coach Bruce Blanchard.

From his catcher’s position he picked off 5 runners and threw out 8 runners trying to steal.

Also the Purple Eagles No. 1 pitcher, he appeared in 11 games on the mound. He struck out 97 in 50.2 innings of work and had a 1.93 earned run average.

The large school All-WNY squad includes players from Class AAA, AA and A sized schools. Albion is one of the smallest Class A schools, third from the bottom of the list.

Rams have two All-WNY baseball honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 7:13 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s All-WNY honorees Isaac Smith, left, and Gavin Heideman.

Roy-Hart has placed two players on the All-Western New York small schools baseball squad.

Roy-Hart senior second baseman/pitcher Isaac Smith has been named to the first team.

Rams senior pitcher/outfielder Gavin Heideman has earned a spot on the second team.

Smith hit .429 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs and 32 RBIs. On the mound he pitched 28 innings and registered 41 strikeouts.

Heideman hit .259 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 11 RBIs. He pitched 32 innings and notched 70 strikeouts.

First team All-Western New York diamond honors for veteran Mustangs trio

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 5:27 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina junior Aidan Papaj, left, and Preston Woodworth have both earned first team All-WNY honors.

Fresh from playing in the state finals, the Medina High baseball team has a trio of players who have earned top All Western New York honors.

Junior pitcher/shortstop Aidan Papaj, junior pitcher/shortstop Preston Woodworth and senior centerfielder/pitcher Vinny Gray have all earned first team All-WNY small schools honors.

Mustangs senior Vinny Gray is a first team All-WNY honoree.

Papaj has also been named the All-WNY small schools Player of the Year.

Woodworth has also been honored as the All-WNY small schools Pitcher of the Year.

Papaj hit .507 on the season with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 30 RBIs and 41 stolen bases.

On the mound he registered 112 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work . He had an earned run average of  0.821. and posted an 8-1 record.

Woodworth hit .400 with 16 doubles, 29 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

He had a  0.606 earned run average on the mound . He notched 132 strikeout in 69.1 innings of work and compiled a 10-1 record.

Gray hit .299 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.

He went 4-0 on the mound with 36 strikeouts in 27 innings of work with a 0.259 earned run average.

All three year varsity regulars, the trio helped lead the Mustangs to a 22-3 overall record, a third straight Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class B championships, a first victory in the state semifinals and a berth in the state title game.

In addition Medina mentor Chris Goyette was named All-WNY small schools Coach of the Year.

Lions Club restores welcome signs for Lyndonville

Posted 17 June 2026 at 4:55 pm

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been restored on Route 63 leading into the village.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – After several years of absence, the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been fully restored.

Several years ago, a severe winter storm accompanied by high winds destroyed the long-standing wooden signs that greeted visitors entering our community. Over time, the damaged signs fell into disrepair and were eventually removed.

Recognizing the importance of these landmarks, the Lyndonville Lions Club adopted the restoration of the signs as a community service project. The club launched a campaign to bring back these iconic symbols that proudly welcome residents and visitors alike to the small hamlet of Lyndonville.

Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and helped make the restoration of the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs a reality.

Sponsors of the Lyndonville Lions Club generously provided the funding necessary to complete the restoration project, with all donations earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction and installation of the signs. The restored signs proudly display the names of local civic organizations, religious institutions, and governing bodies that are an important part of the Village of Lyndonville community.

The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to extend a special thank you to Mayor John Belson, a

fellow Lions Club member, and the Village Department of Public Works for providing the hard work and dedication needed to erect the signs. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and equipment was instrumental in bringing this project to completion.

The Lions would also like to express their sincere appreciation to The Print Shop in Medina for their outstanding service and expeditious work in producing the individual organizational signs in time for the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual July 4th Celebration.

This restoration project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents work together for the betterment of Lyndonville.

The restored “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs once again stand as a source of community pride and a warm greeting to all who visit our village.

In other club news:

The Lyndonville Lions Club is pleased to announce that planning for its 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration is well underway and the event will be moving forward as scheduled. Residents and visitors can expect additional details regarding the day-long celebration in upcoming Lions Club press releases.

The club would also like to highlight its long-standing commitment to supporting local students through higher education scholarships. The Lyndonville Lions Club sponsors two of the oldest continuously awarded scholarships presented to graduating seniors of Lyndonville Central School.

Since 1970, the club has awarded two $1,000 scholarships annually in memory of two individuals who were pillars of the Lyndonville community.

The Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Julius “Doc” Layer Memorial Scholarship recognize graduating seniors who exemplify the enduring qualities these two respected men embodied throughout their lives. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, humanitarian service, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The names of this year’s scholarship recipients will be announced during commencement ceremonies at Lyndonville High School. The Lyndonville Lions Club is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing and supporting young leaders who demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom.

Thursday’s opening blues concert cancelled in Medina due to rough weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 3:50 pm

MEDINA – The opening concert in this season’s Blue Thursdays series at State Street park in Medina has been cancelled due to the rough weather conditions forecast for tomorrow.

“After consultation with the band, local meteorologists and other factors, Blue Thursdays regrets that we must cancel Opening Night with the Dave Viterna Group,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “There are many moving parts to an outdoor event of this scale and after weighing all factors – wet conditions, high wind gusts, exposing instruments/equipment to the elements, lingering showers during set up and the gig, it was decided it would be best to cancel. We appreciate your understanding and support!”

The series will kick off next week  with the Growlers Blues Band and continues with Thursday evening concerts beginning at 6 p.m. until Aug. 6.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 2 a.m. tonight until 8 p.m. Thursday for Orleans County and most of Western New York.

There will be .south winds from 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected late tonight through Thursday morning, becoming  southwest during the day Thursday, the Weather Service said.

Hoag Library in Albion will host Tiny ‘PowerHouse’ on Thursday

Posted 17 June 2026 at 2:23 pm

Climate Solutions Accelerator taking tiny home on 11-day tour of Rochester region to promote sustainability

Photos and information courtesy Climate Solutions Accelerator

ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting the Tiny “PowerHouse” on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tiny home is making a 11-day tour of the Rochester region.

Climate Solutions Accelerator is bringing the home to communities in the region, offering a free, hands-on opportunity to learn how energy works inside the home and explore practical ways to save energy, improve comfort, reduce waste, and prepare for cleaner energy choices.

The featured exhibit, the Tiny PowerHouse, is an interactive tiny home designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to make energy education easy to see and understand.

Visitors can step inside and explore common sources of energy loss, practical efficiency upgrades, and clean energy solutions that can support more comfortable, efficient, and energy-smart homes.

Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, DIY projects, and indoor air quality.

The Tiny PowerHouse Tour in Roc is designed for renters, homeowners, families, students, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and anyone interested in learning more about home energy use. Visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how homes lose energy, what improvements can make a difference, and what steps may help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces.

The exhibit is free to visit and will be available at locations throughout the Genesee-Finger Lakes region from June 16–26.

Tour Schedule:

  • June 16: 12 to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
  • June 17: 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Sodus Farmers’ Market – 58 W Main St, Sodus, NY 14551
  • June 18: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library – 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411
  • June 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lyons Connections on the Canal – NY-14 & Empire State Trail, Lyons, NY 14489
  • June 19: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
  • June 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Farmers’ Market – 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
  • June 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broccolo’s Emissions Control Event – 2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
  • June 22: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at MARC of Baden Senior Center – 86 Vienna St, Rochester, NY 14605
  • June 23: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
  • June 24: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
  • June 25: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lockdown on Violence Event – Lewis St YMCA – 53 Lewis St, Rochester, NY 14605
  • June 26: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center Open House – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607