By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2026 at 6:03 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Representatives from National Grid stopped in Lyndonville to deliver 100 backpacks to students.
It is part of an overall outreach in Western New York where the utility company is giving away 2,000 backpacks, which have school supplies, personal care items and a water bottle inside.
The National Grid representatives include Mark Johnson, community manager; Leslie Vishwanath, regional exterior affairs manager; and Tracy Sutherland, regional account services.
The backpacks were delivered in the parking lot at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, which is hosting a summer recreation program. The students in the rec program as well as summer school at Lyndonville were able to receive backpacks.
The backpacks with school supplies is especially helpful for the district, which is operated under a contingency budget. The district is unable to purchase school supplies for students with district funds due to the contingency budget.
Dr. Elissa Smith, elementary school principal, said she and many of the families appreciate the donation from National Grid.
“We want as little impact to the students as possible,” Dr. Smith said about the contingency budget implications.
A National Guard soldier from Medina has been promoted in the New York Army National Guard, Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced.
Ashley Lowery of Medina is assigned to Charlie Company, NY Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Lowery was promoted on July 31 to the rank of private.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.
Huge, insane, disparity in wealth causes a fusion of government run by elites and money/job dependent politicians. (“Post capitalism”)
But good capitalism depends on economies of scale (bulk buying), competing sellers to keep the price down (unless public sources are cheaper and better like police, school lunches, and mortgage assistance programs), and sufficient regulation to ensure a fair playing field.
The progressive Democrats are consistently laser focused on affordability. They propose using basic economic tools to right the ship.
Being liberal because you want to help regular people is better than being conservative because you help the rich who run a deep state holding onto power.
I think we have to keep an open mind and decide if some of the progressives may be the best capitalists to come along in a long time. In these economically aberrant times it bears watching.
P.S. Why are President-related forces are using the primaries to see where votes and machines are stored? We already have excellent state monitors for this. Do we need monitors for the administration’s new monitors? Hmm.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2026 at 4:39 pm
Photos from State Police
ALBION – State Troopers out of Albion are seeking public assistance identifying the male in these photos who is allegedly taking parts off vehicles parked in parking lots.
If you have any information on the identity of this individual, contact the State Police at 585-344-6200.
At left showcases January from the 2026 Orleans County Calendar featuring “Winter Wonderland at Medina Falls” by Robyn Ottaviano, while the photo at right shows February, featuring “Year Round Travelers” of a horse and buggy passing by the Lyndonville Shoe Tree. Photo by Isabella Zasa.
Press Release, Orleans County Tourism
ALBION – Orleans County Tourism has opened its annual call for photo submissions, encouraging the community and visitors to share their favorite images of the county.
Selected photographs may be featured in the organization’s 2027 marketing materials, including the travel guide, calendar, fishing calendar, social media and other promotional campaigns.
Submitted photographs must be taken within Orleans County and highlight a tourism-focused subject, such as the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, museums and historic sites, outdoor recreation, natural scenery, annual events or other attractions. Images should capture the destinations, experiences and landscapes that showcase what makes Orleans County a fun and memorable place to visit.
Images selected for use will receive appropriate credit. Those chosen to represent a month in the 2027 calendar or featured on the travel guide cover will also receive an Orleans County Tourism swag bag. Individuals whose images appear in the calendar will receive five complimentary copies.
Entries must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2026, via email or mail. The official rules and entry forms can be downloaded by clicking here.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 August 2026 at 4:03 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart closed out the home portion of their Buffalo District Youth Soccer League girls U19 season by hosting Niagara-Wheatfield Tuesday evening. Here Allie Trombley, left, and Maria Trombley advance the ball up field against N-W which posted a 7-0 win. N-W is now 5-3-2 while Roy-Hart, which closes out the season at Orchard Park this evening is 2-6-1
ALBION – Earlier today, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center was conducting training on the new Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, commonly known as IPAWS.
During the training, a message was unintentionally transmitted to members of the public. There is no emergency associated with the message, and no action is required.
Please do not call 911 solely regarding the alert. The 911 emergency lines should remain available for those experiencing an actual emergency.
We apologize for any confusion or concern the message may have caused and appreciate the public’s understanding.
Assemblyman Hawley announces Joseph Lestorti will address local veterans at Washington, D.C.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Provided photo: Major General Joseph Lestorti has served 33 years with the U.S. military.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced that Major General Joseph Lestorti will serve as a guest speaker during this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place Sept. 17 to 20.
The annual trip provides participants with the opportunity to visit some of the nation’s most historic landmarks honoring the men and women who have served our country.
A native of Holley in Orleans County and a graduate of SUNY Brockport, Major General Lestorti has dedicated more than 33 years of commissioned service to the United States military. His distinguished career as an infantry officer includes command assignments at every level from platoon to division, with leadership roles in the 82nd Airborne Division, Joint Special Operations Command and U.S. Army North, as well as service with the U.S. Department of State. He currently serves as director of the Inter-American Defense College at U.S. Southern Command.
This year’s trip itinerary will include visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The trip will also feature a special Saturday evening dinner held at Spates Hall on Fort Myer Joint Base.
“This year’s Patriot Trip is a great opportunity to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans while bringing members of our community together to experience these important landmarks firsthand,” said Hawley. “Having Major General Lestorti join us will make this year’s trip especially meaningful. His journey from Orleans County to a distinguished career serving our nation is an inspiring example of dedication, leadership and service.”
Thanks to the generosity of community members, local businesses and organizations, the expected cost of the trip is approximately $450 to $500 per person with transportation, lodging and scheduled activities included.
There are currently 20 seats remaining for this year’s Patriot Trip. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by Aug. 10.
To reserve one of the remaining seats or receive additional information, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2026 at 10:46 pm
New events and popular mainstays kept fairgrounds busy
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – A group of inflatable costumed characters walks to the starting line for a race on July 30 at the horse arena. There were 17 participants in the race which was won by the French Bulldog, Rachel Livingston of Albion. It was one of several popular new events at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
The attendance for the six-day fair totaled 23,379, which is down just slightly from a typical year. The biggest attendance in recent years was in 2021, when the fair recorded 27,700 visitors.
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, said he is pleased with the turnout from the community for the fair.
He said some rain plus cloudy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday likely deterred some people from coming for those days.
“Generally we all thought it was a great fair,” Batt said.
He praised a team of about 130 volunteers who donate their time to make the fair a success.
Orleans is one of only four youth fairs in the state. Niagara also has a youth fair, which is this week.
Bert Mathes, the assistant fair manager, gets drenched on Saturday with a big bucket of water from Marty Zwifka, the fair manager. Mathes was among the volunteers who were willing to be part of a dunk bucket fundraiser.
There were 14 people in the fundraiser throughout the fair. Kristin McAdoo, the Ridgeway deputy fire chief, raised the most money at $198, which was $2 more than Robert Batt, the Cornell Cooperative Extension executive director.
The dunk bucket raised about $800 for the Orleans County Jr. Fair Committee. It was one of several new events at the fair.
Ruth Kuipers, 16, of Byron leads her steer named “Dude” towards the show ring during the 4-H Market Auction last Friday. The auction set a new record at the Orleans County 4-H Fair with 98 lots totaling $213,031.
That is a big jump from last year’s $139,852, which also set a new record. Before that the high was $64,128 in 2024. The total has now more than tripled in two years.
Five years ago, when Ruth had a steer in the auction, the total for all of the lots in the auction was about $20,000, just a tenth of the sales from Friday’s auction.
The fair for the first time included professional wrestlers from the Empire State Wrestling. There were nine matches at the Curtis Pavilion, including the opening bout with Jay Blast against Anthony Musso. In this photo, Musso has Blast up high and gets ready to slam him to the mat.
These kids are excited to have a front row seat to watch professional wrestlers at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Aug. 1. In this match, Anthony Musso defeated Jay Blast.
Karaoke was popular from Monday through Thursday at the fair, with the finals on Thursday. The top five singers from left included Asher Dix, first place, with “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5; Gideon Pask, second place, with “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash; Tiana Mortensen, third place, with “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims; Brittany Dix, fourth place, with “Looking Out” by Brandi Carlile; Olivia Manfredi, fifth place, with “(If You’re Not in It For Love) I’m Outta Here” by Shania Twain.
The fair made a big change on Friday night by trying a laser show instead of the traditional fireworks. Batt, the CCE executive director, said there was good feedback about the laser show, but many people missed seeing the fireworks.
The Fair Board made the change because the fireworks, with the loud booms and explosions, were hard on many of the animals at the fair, especially the horses. Fireworks also can be very stressful for people with PTSD, Batt said.
“We are gauging the response to it,” he said about the change to the laser show and whether fireworks will be back next year.
Erica Wanecski of Medina tosses a rubber chicken 35 feet, 10 inches in a contest at the fair that was back for the second year. Austin Seefeldt had the farthest throw at 102 feet.
Firefighters from several departments in Orleans County helped at the Senior Council Stand on Friday, grilling and serving food. Some of the volunteers included Fred Piano, right and Robert Toman from the Albion Fire Department. At left is Emmanuel Cornell of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company, who is also a 4-Her. Next to him is Nick Boyle from the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 August 2026 at 9:10 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is shown on Aug. 14, 2025 during a light show. The 32-foot-high lighthouse was built in 2010.
POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum’s annual fundraising event will feature an evening of music, along with the usual extraordinary dessert buffet.
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Carlton United Methodist Church, the Lighthouse Museum will sponsor “Lyrics and the Lighthouse,” featuring performances by local musicians, Lily Brigham, Hannah Brewer, Shannon Vanderlaan and Andy & Mindy.
There will also be raffles, in addition to desserts and live music.
While raising money to build the lighthouse was an enormous community effort, it is also necessary to raise funds to maintain it, according to board president Chris Manaseri. He added the Lighthouse has an annual budget of $5,500, of which more than half goes to insurance and tax reporting. He said their revenue comes from fundraisers, donations and gift shop sales.
In the past the museum has sponsored dinners, raffles and talks centered around Lake Ontario, including several presentations by shipwreck hunter Jim Kennard.
For the past three years, the fundraiser has taken place at the Carlton United Methodist Church, on the corner of Archibald Road and Route 18, where Larry Grimes is not only a member, but an incredible pastry chef. His array of delectable desserts has become a popular addition to Lighthouse fundraisers.
Tickets for the evening are $25 at the door or $20 presale and can be purchased at OONA summer concerts at the Marine Park, or by calling (585) 230-7829
The history of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse goes back to 1871 when there were two piers in the harbor at Point Breeze and a lighthouse was built on west pier. It was in service from 1871 to 1916, when a violent storm took it into the lake.
Fast forward to 2002 when Peg and Richard Wiley moved to a marina on Route 98, just south of the Orleans County Marine Park. Peg was interested in the area which had become her new home and started researching its history.
When she discovered there used to be a lighthouse at Point Breeze, she realized the potential for tourism, and thought why hasn’t anyone ever attempted to rebuild one?
She contacted Dick Anderson, who lived in the former lighthouse keeper’s home at the end of Archibald Road. In the summer of 2003, they and several other interested citizens met under the bridge in the Marine Park to discuss a new lighthouse.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum was chartered in 2004 to raise funds to rebuild the lighthouse. The first public meeting took place at the Carlton Recreation Hall, where a model of a lighthouse built by Anderson was on display.
Original members of the board, besides Wiley, Anderson and Diane Blanchard (who are still board), Cheryl Staines, Dan and Marietta Schuth, Diana Jeffords and Jamie Kowalski. Other supporters who soon joined in were Joan Higley, Kim Remley and Ginny Kropf.
The lighthouse was completed with donations by individuals, families and businesses, fundraising events, grants and a member item from former State Sen. George Maziarz and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
A memorial walkway composed of hundreds of bricks sponsored by donors, was installed and sponsors were sought for the compass rose and benches crafted from Medina Sandstone. The benches were created by internationally known stone craftsman, George Graham of Oakfield. A Children’s Peace Garden was installed with plantings beneficial to migratory bird populations that pass through the area. Volunteers maintain it.
Most importantly, according to their website, a building will be acquired or constructed near Point Breeze to serve as the physical Museum, housing documents, photos, exhibits and memorabilia related to the general and maritime history of Point Breeze, Oak Orchard Harbor, and the surrounding region.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 August 2026 at 8:49 pm
MEDINA – Walking down Main Street, Pastor Barb Brewer from The Grove United Methodist Church couldn’t help hearing the music playing and thinking how nice it would be to have a community choir.
“Then I was driving home through the swamp when God spoke to my heart. ‘Put this choir together.’”
The pastor went home and started thinking about forming a singing group similar to those showcased in other communities, such as Lockport and Middleport. She took her idea to her friend, Edward “Eddie” Reeb, a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College’s music program and director of the Lockport Chorale.
Brewer is planning an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 in the sanctuary of The Grove United Methodist Church, 11004 West Center St., for anyone who is interested in forming a Medina Community Choir.
“I already have a director and an accompanist,” Brewer said. “Mr. Reeb has agreed to direct a newly-formed choral group here in Medina.”
She also reached out to Tom Wenhold of Lyndonville, organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Lyndonville, who has agreed to join the effort as accompanist.
Plans are to present three community concerts a year – in spring, fall and at Christmas.
“So come one, come all and sing your hearts out for your community and beyond,” Brewer urges.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2026 at 4:45 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation last week where the County Legislature proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month in Orleans County.
From left from the Department of Social Services include Commissioner Shirley Mazourek, Child Support Specialist Corina DeFilipps, and Senior Child Support Specialist Danielle Kickbush.
In the proclamation, legislators state that the county is committed to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of children.
“Parents have the most critical role in the development of their children, and an obligation to provide safe, loving and secure environments in which their children can grow and flourish,” the proclamation states.
Parents have an obligation to support their children, financially and emotionally, legislators said.
The county’s Child Support Enforcement Program and child support professionals play a vital role in assisting parents in achieving and maintaining economic security for their children, the proclamation states.
Last month, I traveled to Washington, D.C., with Citizens’ Climate Lobby to join hundreds of Americans from across the country in meetings with members of Congress and their staff.
During CCL’s Conference and Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, I met with the office of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and other members of Congress around the state to discuss policies that can strengthen America’s energy future while addressing the challenges of climate change.
As a lifelong Republican who lives on a farm in a rural farming community, I understand how closely our livelihoods are tied to the natural world. Farmers know that stewardship is a responsibility and that taking care of our land, water, and air is something that should unite us, not divide us.
I encouraged Congress to support permitting reform that makes it easier to build the infrastructure our country needs for cleaner, more efficient and affordable domestic energy. Efficient permitting processes can help unlock investment, create jobs, and improve our energy security. I also support market-based policies that ensure American businesses can compete fairly while encouraging innovation and cleaner production.
As a Republican and a member of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, I believe in the Republican conservation tradition championed by Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. Conservation, innovation, and free enterprise are not competing ideas—they are complementary strengths that can help America build a stronger economy while protecting the resources that sustain us. That’s the message I was proud to bring to Capitol Hill.
