This is a message for my Carlton friends and neighbors. I am a candidate for our Town Board. I firmly believe that this election is about you!
This election isn’t just about who’s on the ballot—it’s about you, your family, your future, and the community we’re building together.
I am running for the Carlton Town Board not to gain power, but to serve with a purpose. I will listen, act, and be the leader who’s always believed that progress starts with people. It begins with transparency and common sense. It begins with educated decision making. It begins with listening to you.
Historically I have served on the Albion CSD Board of Education, the BOCES Board of Education, the Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors and numerous other boards and committees. I have decades of leadership experience. I completed Leadership Orleans in 2022 with a new outlook on Orleans County and the need for us to step up.
Integrity. Empathy. Vision. These aren’t just words—they’re the principles that guide me.
Want a local government that listens and acts?
Want leaders who are truly accessible and transparent?
Want a future built on collaboration, not division?
Then let’s talk. Let’s ask questions. Let’s get involved.
Stop by 13399 Callard Drive on October 25th anytime between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a Meet and Greet. Let’s talk about what is important to us. I want to earn your vote!
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 October 2025 at 4:24 pm
YMCA starting new programs for cooking, chess and winter rock wall climbing
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrew Houseman, new senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, stands in the newly-remodeled kitchen, where the Y expects to start cooking classes soon.
MEDINA – Andrew Houseman has been preparing himself to take on the role of leading a YMCA.
“This has been my goal all along,” said Houseman, who began his duties as senior program director of the Orleans County YMCA on Oct. 6. “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. I’m very happy to be back in my home town.”
Houseman, a Medina native and son of Shawn and Lacy Houseman of Medina, formerly worked as lead trainer at the GLOW YMCA in Batavia and is passionate about revitalizing local programs and expanding opportunities that help strengthen families and promote healthy living. He brings renewed focus on community connection, family engagement and accessible wellness for all ages.
“The YMCA was a big part of my childhood,” said Houseman, a former YMCA youth athlete. “I grew up playing sports here, and it’s incredible to now give back in my leadership role. My goal is to ensure everyone, from kids to seniors, feels welcome, included and excited to be part of what we’re building.”
In Batavia, Houseman helped manage several successful projects, including the rollout of EGYM, which quickly became one of the region’s most successful member engagement initiatives. With a background in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Buffalo, he brings a data-driven and people-first approach to program development.
Under his leadership the Orleans County YMCA is expanding its offerings to serve a wider range of interests and activities. He has several new programs ready to launch, including chess and cooking classes.
The cooking classes will be Bible-based, focusing on foods that were eaten in the Bible.
“Our focus on the Bible is a return to the ‘Christian’ origin of the YMCA,” Houseman said.
Another initiative is a winter program to use the rock wall.
Andrew Houseman stands by the chess tables at the YMCA, where he hopes chess games will become a popular pastime.
An avid chess player, Houseman has already started the YMCA Chess Club and had one evening of chess, and while participation was small, he hopes it will pick up. Play is open to all ages and players may bring their own board and pieces. Games are at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Rec Room. Play is free for members and $5 for non-members.
On Oct. 25, the YMCA will welcome all to an open house to meet Houseman and the staff. The day will feature free popcorn, no-join fees for new members and a chance to register for new programs. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon.
Starting Oct. 29, a six-week program of hockey drills and skills will begin for ages 6 to 13. Participants will build skills, practice drills and scrimmage every night – from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost is $50 for members and $80 for non-members. Players can register at glowymca.org.
Other events include pickleball at 8 a.m. Sundays, starting Nov. 9. Play is free, but members and non-members must register to play.
Other upcoming highlights include new group exercise classes designed for all fitness levels and schedules, and the continuation and growth of the YMCA’s highly praised youth sports programs, including efforts to collaborate with local schools to introduce more kids to the benefits of teamwork and physical activity.
“We want the Y to be a true community hub – a place where families connect, kids develop lifelong habits and friends, and adults feel supported in their health journeys,” Houseman said. “There’s truly something for everyone here.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 October 2025 at 4:03 pm
John D. “JD” Smith Jr.
ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to 10 years in state prison plus 15 years of post-release supervision for attempted rape in the first degree.
John D. “JD” Smith Jr., 31, was arrested on Dec. 12, 2024 for first-degree rape after allegedly having anal sexual contact with a person under 11 years old. The crime occurred in November 2024.
He pleaded guilty to attempted rape in the first degree and was sentenced on Wednesday in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 October 2025 at 3:52 pm
ALBION – Three Albion residents, all age 18, have been charged with second-degree robbery after allegedly attacking two people and forcibly stealing property from one of the victims, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 9:27 p.m. on Thursday to a reported roadside disturbance on Route 98 in the Town of Gaines, Bourke said.
In addition to facing second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, Raekwon Riley, Kwame Riley and Peyton Robinson also have been charged with conspiracy in the 4th Degree, petit larceny and second-degree harassment.
“At this time, the incident is believed to be isolated and targeted,” Bourke said. “There is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.”
The three who were charged were transported to Pre-Arraignment Detention at the Orleans County Jail for arrangement at CAP Court (Central Arraignment Part) at a later time. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Albion Police Department in the investigation.
MURRAY – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 272 (also known as County Line Road) in the Town of Murray, Orleans County, will be closed to all traffic between Ridge Road and Kendall Creek Road beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, October 20, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
Motorists should follow posted detours using State Route 18, State Route 237 and State Route 104. The road is expected to be reopened by the end of November.
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.
Community turned out Saturday in big benefit for Hodgins family
Photo by Tom Rivers: Michael Hodgins is shown Saturday in the Shelby fire hall where the community packed the building for a spaghetti dinner and basket raffle in his honor to help the family with expenses for his second heart transplant. Hodgins had his first heart transplant 35 years ago.
By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf
MEDINA – Michael Hodgins got his new heart Wednesday morning. Hodgins has undergone successful heart transplant surgery for the second time.
The first time was 35 years ago. The community had a big benefit for Hodgins and his family on Saturday at the Shelby fire hall.
Hodgins, 64, was on the list for a heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic, but the exact date for the surgery couldn’t be known.
On Tuesday, his family got the call at 1:30 p.m. that a heart was available.
He was in Cleveland and headed in for surgery at 10 p.m. that night. He received the new heart at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, his daughter
went in for surgery 10 p.m. on Tuesday with new heart in at 4 a.m. Wednesday, his daughter Alisha Duffina posted on Facebook.
“Michael Hodgins is so resilient and strong!!” Duffina posted on Facebook on Thursday. “Doctors are very pleased with his recovery and he possibly will be ready to graduate to a step down unit tomorrow! Thank you for your continued love and support!”
Hodgins first had a successful heart transplant when he was 28. He had that surgery at Buffalo General and it was a tremendous success giving him 35 more years of life.
Hodgins had a failing heart at age 27. He was born a preemie, just over 2 pounds and had a hole in his heart. He had heart surgery at age 9, and seemed to be doing OK until he was 27.
After more than 20 years with the Jubilee in Medina, he needed to get a new job when the store closed in 2006. Hodgins then joined Medina Memorial Hospital and works in the dietary department at the hospital.
He and his wife, Kathy, have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
File photo by Tom Rivers: These deer are pictured on Nov. 20, 2014 when they were close to the road on the west side of Route 279 in Gaines, just south of Route 104.
Hunting is a deeply rooted tradition in America. However, the benefits of recreational hunting go well beyond the enjoyment and challenge it offers to hunters — it also plays a crucial role in wildlife and natural resource management.
Additionally, please consider donating a deer to help feed the hungry throughout New York State.
The Venison Donation Coalition, founded by sportsmen and women in 1999, is a not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that helps get New York State venison to those in need while supporting hunting in the state. Please consider donating a deer this year or making a tax-deductible charitable contribution to support this important program.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 October 2025 at 8:35 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jacob Ivison stands outside his business, Homestead Pest Control, at 109 East Bank St., Albion. Homestead is the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s New Business of the Year.
ALBION – Jacob Ivision couldn’t be more thrilled about his recent honor of being named New Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
“I started my company in January 2024 and to be recognized that early on is very humbling,” Ivison said.
Ivison’s introduction to the world of pest control came while he was working as a delivery driver for an agricultural chemical facility during the Covid pandemic.
“I was delivering products to the owner of a pest control business in Middleport, when we started talking about the nature of his business,” Ivison said. “I’d been spraying our house for bugs with my father since I was a tyke. The guy said I should think about getting into the industry.”
Ivison said he got busier with his delivery job, but three years later when his son was born, a light switch flipped.
“I knew I had to do something that would give him the best life I could,” Ivison said.
He started hitting the books and testing in preparation of opening his own pest control business. He already had a basic license and he added categories to it and got his full license in 2020. During all this time, he said his wife Kara was very supportive of his efforts.
“I could not have done it without her,” he said.
He began doing pest control in homes and commercial facilities to rid them of bugs and rodents.
“There is no shortage of pests,” he said.
When he was ready to open his own business, he discovered his landlord had a vacant store on Bank Street in Albion. It turned out to be the perfect place for Ivison to expand his new business.
He soon realized he needed an addition to his business, and he hired Matthew Zaffran as office manager.
“Having someone here all the time to answer the phone has resulted in a lot of business for us,” Ivison said. “So many people call another exterminator and get an answering machine, so they call us.”
Ivison said the most challenging job thus far was eliminating an infestation of yellow jackets from a chimney 60 feet in the air on a school roof.
When the gentleman in Middleport who convinced Ivison to pursue the pest control business lost his one employee, he contracted with Ivison to take care of his customers.
“Learning from somebody with 50 years’ experience in the business is more than the knowledge he has shared, it is the confidence he has instilled in me that I can fix my customers’ problems.”
Ivison and his family live in his family’s 1800s homestead on Ivison Road in Byron, where the road named for his ancestors.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 October 2025 at 10:42 pm
Albion closed out the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer season in exciting fashion this evening as the Purple Eagles nipped host Newfane 2-1 in overtime.
Landon Graybill scored the game winning goal in OT for Albion off an assist from Logan Poupore.
Joey Bropst scored the Purple Eagles first goal.
Final N-O Standings: Wilson 10-0, Medina 8-2, Akron 5-5, Albion 3-6-1, Newfane 3-6-1, Roy-Hart 0-10-0.
In non league games, Northstar edged Holley 1-0 and Pembroke downed Roy-Hart 6-1. Michael Fuller scored the Roy-Hart goal.
Girls Soccer Holley 9, East Rochester 0
Holley romped to a 9-0 win over visiting East Rochester in a non league contest as the Lady Hawks finish the regular season at 9-6-1.
Ava Mosier scored two goals for the Lady Hawks as Hanna Ostrom, Mya Brown, Jayna Burris, Addison Bevins, Payton Preston, Brynn Thomas and Brianna Tomasino each had one. Ostrom and Carsyn Mogle both had two assists.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 October 2025 at 10:40 pm
Akron clinched at least a tie for a sixth straight Niagara-Orleans League field hockey championship by nipping runner-up Barker 1-0 this afternoon at Akron.
Morgan Tomporowski scored the lone goal off an assist from Madigan Regan.
Akron is now 10-0 and Barker 9-2
Roy-Hart 2, Medina 1
Roy-Hart nipped Medina 2-1 at Vets Park this evening on goals by Brooke Zglinicki and Violette Streckewald.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 October 2025 at 10:18 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion defensive lineman Jackson Snook is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the go ahead touchdown late in the Purple Eagles thrilling 30-27 win over visiting East Aurora/Holland this evening.
It was a thriller as Albion snapped a season long six game losing streak by nipping visiting East Aurora/Holland 30-27 in a B2 Division game this evening.
And it was the defense which came up huge twice in the final five minutes to earn the Purple Eagles that elusive first victory.
Trailing 27-24, Albion rallied into the lead for the first time at 30-27 when defensive lineman Jackson Snook stole the ball from an East Aurora running back and ran five yards into the endzone for what proved to be the game winning touchdown.
“I just took it from him. Nobody saw it and I just ran,” exclaimed a jubilant Snook.
The Purple Eagles defense then preserved the thrilling win by stopping a fourth down East Aurora play at the Albion one yard line with only 15 seconds remaining. Snook and Logan Kast teamed up to make the big fourth down tackle
Logan Kast (64) and Jackson Snook (71) team up to stop East Aurora running back Griffin Houde a yard short of the goal line on fourth down with 15 seconds remaining preserving the Purple Eagles narrow win. Kaiden Froman (23) moves in to assist.
“The kids stepped up,:” said Albion Coach David Skryp. ” They were super excited especially the way it ended with a goal line stand. It showed all the hard work and effort they have put in and the adversity they have overcome.
The Blue Devils led 21-12 at the half as quarterback Jackson Suckow threw a pair of touchdown passes and Benjamin Ziegler returned a kickoff 80 yards for the other TD.
Elijah Doxey scored both of Albion’s first half touchdowns on a 13 yard run and a 43 yard pass reception from quarterback Bo Preston.
Preston then scored two touchdowns himself in the third quarter on runs of 1 and 25 yards to keep Albion within three at 27-24. A pass interception by Kaiden Froman set up the first of those two scores.
In between those two scores, the Blue Devils got a nine yard TD run from Griffin Houde to go up 27-18.
Albion will close out the regular season with a B2 Division game at Maryvale next Friday evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 October 2025 at 9:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: This leaf with some rain drops is shown on Tuesday in Carlton at the upper parking lot of St. Mary’s Archers Club off Clark Mills Road.
It’s peak fall foliage throughout most of Western New York, with Orleans County at “near peak” conditions, according to the I Love NY Fall Foliage update that was released on Wednesday.
Some parts in NY are past peak – the Adirondacks, Catskills, 1000 Islands and parts of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region.
An observer for Albion reported a 65% change in Albion “with a vibrant mix of fall hues.”
The fall foliage map for the state shows a range of progression around the state, but most areas are peak or past peak.
This is a spot at the Archers Club where there is a split in two ridges. It’s amazing how the trees stay upright.
This shows the canal looking east from Butts Road in Albion on Sunday evening.
Photo and press release from Brockport Elks Riders
The Brockport Elks Riders #2110’s dice run, led by Ricky Standish Jr., proudly donated $2,350 to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee County’s Holiday Program. Next year the group plans to continue their dice run and will donate to the Pirate Toy Fund.
The event brought together riders and community members to raise funds that will help provide holiday meals, toys, and essentials to families in need across both Orleans and Genesee counties.
The Brockport Elks Riders #2110 continue to serve their community through charitable rides and events that reflect the Elks’ values of giving and fellowship.
