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Floating circus headed to Medina as part of Erie Canal celebration
MEDINA – A floating circus will perform in the Erie Canal in Medina on Aug. 6 part of a bicentennial celebration for the canal.
The Flotsam River Circus is performing at canal communities beginning Aug. 1 in Buffalo. The group has performances lined up for six weeks, concluding in New York City from Sept. 9-14.
The tour in the western side of the canal includes Aug. 1-3 in Buffalo, Aug. 4 in Tonawanda, Aug. 5 in Lockport, Aug. 6 in Medina, Aug. 7 in Brockport, Aug. 8-9 in Rochester and Aug. 10 in Fairport. (The Medina performance will start at 7 p.m. in the Canal Basin.)
Flotsam includes a troupe of musicians, circus performers, and puppeteers who perform from a ramshackle raft. There is no admission charge to see the group.
The floating circus started in 2019 and has performed in 13 states and traveled over 2,000 river miles. Last year Flotsam traveled the entire Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Paducah.
The troupe members this year include performers skilled as gymnasts, puppeteers, balance artists, hair suspension and aerial hoop, juggling, clowning, sword swallowing and playing music.
Click here for more information on Flotsam.
Medina wants compensation to allow 375,000-pound load through village
Transformer to be offloaded from railroad in Medina, then headed to solar facility in Elba
Photo by Ginny Kropf: One of two giant transformers makes its way down Park Avenue in Medina on Oct. 6, 2021 after leaving the railroad at the Pickle Factory. The 800,000-pound transformer was taken to a new switching station on Route 93 in the Town of Royalton in a project by National Grid and the New York State Power Authority.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board wants some compensation to have a heavy load move through the village.
The village was notified by Bay Crane Projects that it wants to off load a 375,035-pound transformer from the railroad. It would go on North Avenue, a small part of Gwinn Street, and then down South Main Street (Route 63). From there it goes down Lewiston Road to its destination at 6368 Graham Rd. in Elba.
The transformer would travel on a trailer weighing 152,965, bringing the total weight to about 528,000 pounds.
Village Board members said they were concerned the load could damage village streets. They are going to ask Bay Crane Projects for money, with the starting offer at $250,000. Bay Crane is managing the delivery of the transformer for Hecate Energy, which is building a 500-megawatt solar project over 2,500 acres in Elba and Oakfield.
Medina village officials said the transformer should be off loaded in Genesee County, where the municipalities are to receive about $73 million in revenue for the project over 30 years. Medina board members said the village should get some revenue having the transformer on village streets causing some wear and tear, and for the disruption to traffic.
“Why are we the ones being used for this?” Mayor Marguerite Sherman asked during Monday’s board meeting.
A heavier load went through the village on Oct. 6, 2021 when two transformers went from the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue on their way to Royalton. Those loads were about 800,000 pounds each.
Jason Watts, the village Department of Public Works superintendent, said the loads in 2021 didn’t damage village streets. The trailers had more than a dozen axles to help to spread out the load.
Watts said there is minimal impact on his department with the load headed to Elba because the Bay Crane Projects has arranged the details with escorts for the trip, which will go about 10 miles per hour.
Watts said if the streets are damaged, resurfacing could cost about $50,000.
Village attorney Matt Brooks said Medina should consider a “reasonable fee” for the instances when extremely heavy loads go through Medina. Brooks said it could be difficult to determine that amount.
Watts said he would reach out to highway associations to see if other municipalities have fees for allowing the loads that far exceed the weight limits on village streets.
Gabrielle Barone, the vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, urged Medina to seek some funding for use of village streets.
“There should be a fee,” she said. “There is a strain on your local resources and you should be compensated.”
Sherman said she didn’t receive a specific date for when the transformer would arrive in the area. She believes Bay Crane Projects is trying to work out all the details to get it done in July.
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Holley U15 girls soccer off to 3-0-1 start
Holley is off to a strong 3-0-1 start to the season in Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U15 Division competition.
Holley opened the season with a pair of narrow one goal wins first 2-1 over Greece Limited on goals by Addie Crosier and Audrianna Lana and then 3-2 over Victor on two goals by Lana and one by Carsyn Mogel. Lilly O’Brien, Grace Torpey and Philomena Arnold all had assists.
Holley then tied Spencerport 1-1 as Crosier netted the lone goal.
Most recently, Holley blanked Canandaigua 6-0 as Lana had a pair of goals as Mogle, Crosier, Brianno Tomasino and Veronica Flow one each. Mogle and Addie Bevins chipped in with assists.
Albion U19 girls soccer team tops Batavia SC
Improving to 3-2, Albion’s U19 girls team downed Batavia SC 3-1 on Sunday in a Rochester District Youth Soccer League game.
Albion took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal by Haidynn Mullins.
Second half goals by Rori Higgins and Ava Woolston then put a lock on the victory.
Albion next hosts Avon at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Company president says Heminway is proven to be effective leader, problem-solver
Editor:
Jim Heminway is an ideal candidate for the Shelby Town Supervisor. I have known Jim since grade school and know him to be very bright, personable and hardworking.
He was hired by Monroe Electronics in 1998. In the early 2000’s he recognized an opportunity to enter the “Emergency Alert” (EAS) market. He successfully negotiated the acquisition of various products to enter the EAS market. The negotiations were very tricky and involved negotiating with and satisfying multiple parties with very limited resources to do so.
In his time at Monroe Electronics, Jim negotiated the sale of the Electrostatics product line to Trek and oversaw the change of our name to Digital Alert Systems. He further directed the market and product development which has made Digital Alert Systems the market leader for emergency alert systems nationally. None of this would have happened without Jim’s hard work and dedication.
Jim is ideally suited to work through the types of issues the Town of Shelby is encountering. He is excellent at identifying and defining areas of concern and weighing alternatives and setting priorities.
Jim has worked very well over the years with difficult situations and people. I don’t know why Jim would want the thankless job of Shelby Town Supervisor, but he is an ideal candidate for the position and has my highest recommendation.
Robert Vosteen
President
Digital Alert Systems
Lyndonville
Gas prices jump 10 cents in NYS in past week
The Israel/Iran conflict is driving up oil markets and the price at gas pump, AAA is reporting today.
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.22, up eight cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.45.
The New York State average is $3.21, up 10 cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.58.
“Gas prices across the country and here in New York are moving higher as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to rattle oil markets,” according to a statement from AAA Western and Central New York. “Oil is the primary ingredient in gasoline and the price per barrel is climbing after U.S. airstrikes at targets in Iran over the weekend marked an escalation of tensions in the region.
“The cost of oil was $74 to $77 dollars per barrel in trading Monday morning, up about $2 per barrel from a week ago,” AAA said. “As the conflict continues, analysts are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Roughly 20 percent of global oil trade passes through the strait and any disruption could drive oil and gas prices even higher.”
Diesel costs are also rising, up 16 cents in the past week nationally to $3.68. The average price in NYS is $3.92, up 7 cents in the past week.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:
- Orleans, $3.274
- Genesee, $3.242
- Niagara, $3.162
- Monroe, $3.210
- Livingston, $3.192
- Wyoming, $3.187
- Erie, $3.196
- Chautauqua, $3.317
- Cattaraugus, $3.264
- Allegany, $3.192
Hoag Library Music Series brings international performers to Albion
Provided photo: Shiuen-Huang Suen (from Taiwan), Kenneth Kam (from China) join Jim Doyle, Hoag Library’s adult services librarian, for a photo after a concert on Saturday.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – The Hoag Library Music Series continues to grow in impact, reach and audience enthusiasm. On Saturday, 35 people attended the latest concert, where the energy was high and the feedback overwhelmingly positive. One patron remarked, “These concerts keep getting better and better!”
A photo taken after the performance captured a powerful image: three people – musicians Shiuen-Huang Suen (from Taiwan), Kenneth Kam (from China), and Jim Doyle, Hoag Library’s Adult Services Librarian – smiling side by side. In a world often divided by borders and politics, the Hoag Library Music Series fosters friendship, collaboration and joy through music.
“This is the way the world should be,” said Doyle, who founded the series. “It’s not just a concert. It’s a cultural exchange.”
Musicians who perform at Hoag Library often share their experiences on social media, with photos and praise reaching international audiences.
“Your media coverage is outstanding,” said Kam, who has also performed in libraries across the Monroe County Library System.
Thanks to the Music Series, musicians from around the globe – including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Russia, Croatia, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and the U.S. – have brought their talents to Albion.
The next concert in the series will feature internationally renowned guitarist Petar Kodzas from Serbia, performing in July. With continued funding, the 2026 season may include performers from Canada and Australia as well.
The Hoag Library Music Series is a first of its kind in Orleans County – building bridges between cultures and creating unforgettable experiences for both performers and audiences.
This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
In addition to the Music Series, Hoag Library will host its Summer Reading Kickoff Event on July 9 at 2 p.m., featuring Erie Canal Songs & Stories with musician and storyteller Dave Ruch. All are welcome to attend this fun and family-friendly program!
For updates on upcoming performances and programs, visit www.hoaglibrary.org or follow Hoag Library on Facebook.
Hochul wants new nuclear plant to be built in Upstate, citing need for clean, reliable power
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Photo by Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul – Standing at the Niagara Power Project today, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was directing the New York Power Authority to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York.
LEWISTON – Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy.
This builds on other opportunities announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State to catalyze nuclear energy development in New York.
“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Governor Hochul said during an announcement at the Niagara Power Project. “This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
As a result of economic growth and fossil fuel power plant retirements, New York needs new, clean electricity resources to meet growing power demand from new industrial development, building electrification and electric vehicles. The advanced nuclear plant will complement New York’s ongoing deployment of renewable energy by adding zero-emission baseload power, providing reliable and affordable clean energy to advance the State’s goal to achieve a clean energy economy.
NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will seek to develop at least one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of no less than one gigawatt of electricity, either alone or in partnership with private entities, to support the state’s electric grid and the people and businesses that rely on it.
NYPA will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options, in coordination with the forthcoming studies included in the master plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and DPS. Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.
This initiative also builds on the State’s ongoing financial support to Constellation to pursue an early site permitting process for a new project at its Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center and will allow for future collaboration with other states and Ontario, building on regional momentum to strengthen nuclear supply chains, share best practices, and support the responsible deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Time and time again, the Power Authority has been called upon by New York State leadership to take bold action and we have delivered outcomes to support the public good. I am honored by Governor Hochul’s confidence in NYPA to lead the buildout of the affordable and reliable clean energy economy of the future and we are eager to deliver on this impactful nuclear initiative for New Yorkers.”
New York State Public Service Commission Chair and DPS CEO Rory Christian said, “The Department of Public Service very much looks forward to working with NYPA on this important initiative announced by Governor Hochul. Working together, we will develop a project-based plan and identify the substantial potential that nuclear power can provide to New Yorkers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide grid reliability, and support and complement other innovative energy generation and storage technologies–all in a cost-effective manner.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The use of advanced nuclear technology can provide the State with a greater diversity of its energy resources that will support New York’s goal of a growing economy with a reliable, zero-emission electricity system. As NYSERDA advances the state’s Master Plan process, we look forward to collaborating with NYPA and DPS to undertake this advanced nuclear project and how it will help deliver reliable, affordable energy to our grid, while stimulating jobs and economic development.”
Voters can now be provided refreshments while waiting in line to cast ballots
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed signed legislation repealing an outdated section of New York’s election law — the new legislation now supports voters by allowing refreshments to be provided as they wait in line to exercise their civic duty.
Across the State, voters will be heading to the polls to cast their ballots during a heat wave, with peak temperatures expected to reach upper 90s and “feels-like” temperatures ranging from 85-110 degrees statewide.
“Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a chance to cast their ballot,” Governor Hochul said. “Providing water to voters waiting in line is a common-sense way to ensure New Yorkers have an easy, safe and secure experience in the voting booth. I’m committing to protecting the right to vote for all eligible New Yorkers.”
The bill repeals New York State Election Law Section 17-140, which allowed for criminal penalties against individuals who provided items of small value to voters at polling sites, including food and water. The legislation removes limitations so that New York voters can be provided with the items such as water without infringing on their right to cast their vote or discouraging voters from participating in any given election.
Jurinich would bring much-needed fiscal restraint to Yates Town Board
Editor:
I would like to tell you about my friend Bill Jurinich. He is running for a Yates town councilman seat. Bill along with myself are always in attendance at workshops and town board meetings so I can verify what I am telling you as an attendee and taxpayer.
Bill is a conservative. I know a lot of people say that who are going into politics then when they get elected their actions become self-serving and the voting record tells you a completely different story. The voting record does not lie.
Bill is very concerned about the taxes that go up every year and the foolish spending on un-necessary projects and events that have been going on in our town. Bill is concerned about the people in our town. The seniors on fixed incomes, the families that are just scraping by. He and I both know that it’s getting harder and harder to live here anymore and that our town government has grown too big and to controlling over the people of Lyndonville.
He also knows that the town finances are stressed and that legal expenses have emptied the A account once again. The town finances according to the New York State Comptroller are stressed, not something I’m pulling out of the air. Money from the highway budget has been used to fill the town budget to keep it under the 2% tax cap or as it should be called the 2% tax increase.
Bill also knows that our highway equipment is aging and needs replacing, but the current board has put nothing away for years. Had to bond out a new tractor five or so years ago and it is finally paid for this year. The new plow truck that was purchased was paid for by CHIPS money (Consolidated Highway Improvement Program).
That money is supposed to be used for the roads such as paving, oil and stone, ditching, culverts but was used for the truck (not illegal) because of the poor use of taxpayer money, and a failure to budget accordingly every year. Now the road work will take years to catch up. Don’t forget the drastic increase in your water bill.
Bill is running on cutting your taxes, reining in foolish spending and regulations. Bill knows how to use the word they all hate, “No!” (We are Lyndonville not Orchard Park like some would like it to be.) Have you heard anything from the incumbents what their plan is? Have they told you they have a record of lowering your taxes?
Have they told you they have attended all workshops and town board meetings? Have they justified all the money that they have voted on for legal expenses? Have they told you anything about what they have done to make your life better, easier to live here? Bill knows and I know they have said nothing.
They can’t because every tax and fee and regulation increase has happened on their watch. Town of Yates government has grown out of proportion because of their voting record or lack of because they were not there to defend you. Honestly, I do not think they would have voted any different even if they were there.
Bill with all his Conservative Republican qualifications and attendance record has been repeatedly passed over by the Yates Republican Committee. Why?
So, in a nutshell, Bill is Conservative Party endorsed. Bill is a lifelong resident and will be a full-time councilman. Bill Jurinich knows how to budget money. Bill knows how much to take out for each department so when the time come the money is there.
Bill knows that our township needs to live within its means, just like you do. Bill knows that government cannot just keep reaching into your pocket every time it wants to keep up with the “Jones” from other towns with a much larger tax base for pay raises, fees, vendors, junkets and rules.
Bill is a Conservative Republican and is very much needed to bring back the old Lyndonville we love and remember. Lower taxes, business and farmer friendly, Fire Department friendly, People and Property Rights friendly. Lyndonville, just like we used to be. It starts with one good man. Please vote for Bill on Tuesday, June 24th. Don’t sit this one out.
Paul Lauricella
Yates
Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman
Too many on GOP Committee in Shelby have close ties with town government
Editor:
In light of recent letters and commentary, I feel it’s important to briefly share my perspective as a six-year member of the Shelby Republican Committee.
I joined the committee to serve my community and support a fair and functional process. While I’ve observed dynamics that others have raised concerns about, I’ve never been part of any questionable activity. Alongside two others, I’ve consistently voted in ways I believe are fair and in the best interest of the public – even when those votes are in the minority.
Unfortunately, we’re often outnumbered by individuals with close ties to the Town of Shelby through their roles as current or former officials or employees. That makes meaningful change difficult, but each year, I remain hopeful.
I encourage voters to stay involved. If you want things to be different, showing up to vote is the first step.
Jim Zelazny
Shelby
Very light turnout, only 78 cast ballots, with 9 days of early voting
ALBION – It was a small turnout with nine days of early voting in Orleans County. Only 78 people cast ballots ahead of the June 24 primary in the towns of Barre, Shelby and Yates. That is less than 1 percent of the eligible registered voters, said mike Election, Republican election commissioner.
The county by state mandate needs to provide nine days of early voting. This time it was from June 14 to June 22. The polling location is in Albion at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building.
There were 33 voters for the primary in Barre, 40 for Shelby and five for Yates.
For the primary on Tuesday, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the town hall in each of the three towns: Barre Town Hall at 14317 W Barre Rd.; Shelby Town Hall at 4062 Salt Works Rd.; and Yates Town Hall at 8 S Main St.
The primaries include:
Barre: Two candidates for the town supervisor position – Scott Burnside and Stephen Coville II. Four candidates for two positions as town council member: George McKenna Jr., Wesley Miller, David Allen and Iva McKenna.
Shelby: Two candidates for town supervisor: James Heminway and Scott Wengewicz. Four candidates for two spots as town council member: Vassilios Bitsas, Lawrence Waters Sr., Edward Zelazny and Michael Moriarty.
Yates: Three candidates for two Town Board seats: Harold Suhr, William Jurinich and Terry Chaffee Jr.
Heminway’s business and management experience would be an asset for Shelby
Editor:
I’m writing to endorse Jim Heminway as the next Town of Shelby Supervisor.
I’ve known Jim Heminway since 1989 when I started working with him at Sigma International in Medina. We worked together until he retired from Monroe Electronics/Digital Alert Systems just a few years ago.
Over the years I have not only worked with Jim but have also worked for him. In both scenarios he was always a guy that you could count on to be a straight shooter and a man of his word. If he says he will do something, you can count on it.
Jim has a way of working with a team that creates great results. He holds people accountable for the tasks that have been given. But he is always there to guide and teach along the way, pulling from his vast business and management experience. He is a true leader that gets results.
Jim Heminway would be a huge asset to the Town of Shelby.
Jon Rue
Medina
Trios from co-champions Barker and Roy-Hart head N-O All-League softball team
Contributed Photos – Barker’s first team All-League honorees include, from left, Peyton Bradley, Madyson Flint and Kaylee Stoll.
Co-champions Barker and Roy-Hart have both placed three players on the first team of the Niagara-Orleans All-League softball squad.
Barker is represented by junior infielder Kaylee Stoll, junior pitcher/infielder Peyton Bradley and freshman pitcher/infielder Madyson Flint.
Flint has been named N-O Player of the year while Stoll and Bradley are both repeat first team honorees.
In the circle, Flint had 170 strikeouts and a 1.17 earned run average. At the plate she hit .585 with 8 doubles, 1 triple and 22 RBIs. Bradley had 65 strikeouts and a 2.83 earned run average in the circle. She hit .500 with 8 doubles, 1 triple and 21 RBIs. Stoll hit .438 with 3 doubles and 9 RBIs.
Roy-Hart has placed senior infielder Kaitlin Mettler, junior pitcher Abby Fox and junior outfielder Hayley Hillburn. Mettler and Hillburn are both repeat first team selections.
Mettler hit .545 with 5 doubles, 2 triples and 11 RBIs. Hillburn hit .385 with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 4 RBIS. Fox hit .500 with 3 doubles, 1 triple and 20 RBIs. In the circle she had 63 strikeouts and a 2.188 earned run average.
Roy-Hart’s first team trio includes Kaitlyn Mettler, Abby Fox and Hayley Hillburn,
Wilson is represented by the duo of junior catcher Abbie Faery and freshman infielder Lucy Madan.
Rounding out the first team are Albion senior pitcher Alana Irvine, Medina sophomore catcher Alexa Demmer, Akron sophomore pitcher Kenadee Jonathan and Newfane junior infielder Kimberly Schmitt.
Irvine had 105 strikeouts and a 2.375 earned run average. At the plate she hit .515 with 6 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs and 16 RBIs. Demmer hit .282 with 6 doubles and defensively threw out 12 runners trying to steal.
Schmitt had a league leading average of .639 and had 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 17 RBIs.
First team honorees, from left, Kenadee Jonathan, Alana Irvine and Alexa Demmer.
The second team selections, listed by school, are as follows:
Barker – Madelina Pavlock (Jr., Infielder) and Lexi Brazzell (Fr., Catcher)
Roy-Hart – Millie Owens (Jr., Infielder) and Brooke Corser (So., Infielder)
Albion – Cami London (Sr., Catcher) and Kenzie Snook (Sr., Outfielder)
Wilson – Riley Robinson (Sr., Pitcher) and Kenzie Hardy (Jr, Infielder)
Medina – Samantha Heschke (So., Pitcher)
Akron – Shannon Esmond (8th, Outfielder)
Newfane – Kameryn Boyer (Sr., Infielder)
First team selections Lucy Madan, Abbie Faery and Kimberly Schmitt
The Honorable Mention selections, listed by school, are as follows:
Akron – Addison Massaro (7th), Kylie Mangione (So.) and Morgan Tomporowski (Jr.)
Albion – Kaitlin Bennett (Jr.)
Barker – Elsie Monaco (Fr.)
Medina – Eva Lacy (Sr.) and Lilah Class (Jr.)
Newfane – Bailee Patcyk (So.) and Rylee Smith (So.)
Roy-Hart – Peyton May (Jr.)
Wilson – Ava Mielke (Sr.) and Rowan Simpson (Jr.)
