By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2026 at 10:12 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: East State Street is blanketed in snow on Thursday morning with the Presbyterian Church in the background.
Orleans County is facing three different weather advisories.
A cold weather advisory just went into effect at 10 a.m. and continues until 10 a.m. on Saturday. There will be bitterly cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below zero in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties.
“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” stated the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”
A second weather advisory begins today at 3 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday. The winter weather advisory calls for 3 to 5 inches, with gusts as high as 40 miles per hour producing blowing and drifting snow.
This advisory includes Orleans, Monroe, Wayne and northern Cayuga counties.
“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”
A winter storm warning goes into effect from Saturday night through Monday evening with heavy snow expected. Snow will develop from south to north Sunday morning through midday, with the heaviest snow later Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, the Weather Service said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 January 2026 at 9:56 am
Defending champion Newfane downed Akron 90-59 Thursday evening to lock up the Niagara-Orleans League boys swimming championship.
The Panthers, which took the N-O title for the first time last year going 8-0, improve to 7-0 with one meet remaining while Akron slips to 3-3.
Noah Kneeland was a double winner in the 500 Free and 100 Breaststroke for the Panthers as Eli Kneeland took the 200 Free, Robert Hathaway the 200 Individual Medley and Dylan Lamont the 100 Backstroke.
For Akron, Quinn O’Malley won the 50 Free, Logan Meyers the 100 Butterfly and Evan Iverson the 100 Free.
The Newfane girls clinched at least a share of the title by downing runner-up Akron 90-77.
Newfane, which shared the N-O title with Roy-Hart/Barker last year, improves to 6-0-1 with one meet remaining while Akron slips to 4-1-1.
Eden Hillman won the 50 Free and Sara Klinger the 100 Free for Newfane.
Brooke Milhollen doubled in the 200 Free and Backstroke, Charlotte Carlson in the IM and Butterfly and Aurora VanDusen in the 500 and Breaststroke for Akron.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2026 at 9:49 am
The following are facing drug charges, from left: Richard Button, Jerry Robinson, Jr. and Alaina Reece.
ALBION – Three people have been charged after an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine throughout Orleans County from the city of Rochester.
They were charged following a vehicle stop in the village of Albion. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and the Albion Police Department executed a search warrant on the driver and the vehicle.
Another search warrant was then executed by Task Force members, the Albion PD and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at 431 West State St., lot #19 in Albion. Police arrested two people on drug charges with a third person from Rochester also charged who was allegedly the supplier of the fentanyl and cocaine.
Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.
The following were charged:
Jerry Robinson Jr., 36, of Lincoln Street in Rochester, who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree (AII felony), and one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (C felony).
Richard Button, 35, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).
Alaina Reece, 25, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).
Robinson was held in the county jail for CAP court, awaiting an appearance in Orleans County Court in front County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Button and Reece were released on appearance tickets due to bail reform laws. They are to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10.
Additional arrests and charges are pending in this case, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.
Assisting in the investigation include District Attorney Susan Howard, the Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 January 2026 at 9:21 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Luke Duffina and his Mustang teammates will host the annual Gary Gross Memorial Wrestling Tournament on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
A total of 15 teams are scheduled to participate in Medina’s 11th Gary Gross Memorial Wrestling Tournament on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
The tournament is held annually in memory of Medina Coach Eric Gross’ father, Gary, who was a long time very active booster and supporter of the Mustangs wrestling program.
In addition to the host Mustangs, the tournament field also looks to include Lyndonville, Akron, Byron-Bergen, Canisius, Canisteo-Greenwood, Grand Island, Greece, Hilton, McQuaid, Rochester City, Spencerport, St. Mary’s, Starpoint, and Vertus.
Hilton, which is coached by Eric Gross’ brother Craig, is the defending tournament champion.
Also on Saturday Albion and Holley-Kendall will be competing at the Livonia Tournament.
Provided photo: Jim Doyle will lead a class at Hoag Library where people can make music with a mountain dulcimer.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library is bustling this winter season with a full schedule of engaging programs that combine creativity, music and essential community services.
Participants recently completed the popular “Make Your Own Mountain Dulcimer” classes, crafting their own instruments from start to finish. Due to strong interest, future dulcimer-making classes are in the works, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact the library.
In addition, music lovers can join Learn a Dulcimer Song with Jim, held on the first Tuesday of each month. This casual session does not require registration, and participants may bring their own dulcimer or use one provided by the library.
Hoag Library will host the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Assistance Program in February, March, and April, offering free tax help by appointment. Registration is required by calling the library.
Additional February programs include a Red Cross Blood Drive on Feb. 21 (register here) and Advance Planning 101 with the Center for Elder Law & Justice on Feb. 27, covering healthcare proxies, power of attorney, and wills.
Rounding out the season, the Hoag Music Series returns March 28 with a performance by the Medusa Quartet of Toronto.
For full program details and updates, visit the Hoag Library website or contact the library directly.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 January 2026 at 8:43 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Prezioso, left, and Mario Campana stand among some of the antique furnishings in their new store on East Center Street in Medina.
MEDINA – Two local businessmen have combined their talents to open a new store, located on East Center Street and aptly named Just East of Main.
Michael Prezioso and Mario Campana are owners of the store, which offers an eclectic mix of furniture, art, home décor and clothing, with the anticipation of adding a larger selection of items when they open up the space next door which formerly housed Corky’s Bakery.
Prezioso, formerly of Buffalo, and Campana, formerly of Niagara Falls, each have a background in business – Prezioso in big box marketing and advertising and Campana in big box retail. Campana also does estate sales.
The couple first became familiar with Medina in 2015 when a friend came to shop at a lily & a sparrow and fell in love with the village, Prezioso said.
“We had lunch and just loved this quaint little village,” he said.
They first purchased the former Corky’s building on East Center Street in 2019, and started renovating the building, Campana said.
Next, they bought the building at 116 East Center St., which housed Ashlee’s Place until it closed in 2024 after 33 years.
“When Angie (Waldriff) decided to retire, we started renovating this building,” Campana said.
(Left) This is just a sampling of the one-of-a-kind furniture, elegant china and artwork for sale at Just East of Main Street, located in the store which housed Ashlee’s Place. (Right) The latest business to open in Medina is an antique and vintage shop featuring furniture, collectibles, artwork, clothing and home décor. It is aptly named Just East of Main Street, being located on East Center Street in the space formerly occupied by Ashlee’s Place.
Prezioso and Campana brought back the original floor and ceiling and exposed an original brick wall. The building was built in 1890, but a new façade was built after a fire in 1902. At the time, the building was owned by Mahar Furniture. Prezioso and Campana are interested in the history of the building and if anyone has newspaper clippings or pictures from the olden days, they would love to see them.
“We really believe in rebuilding and restoring architecturally significant homes and buildings,” Prezioso said.
“We have also purchased the former Houseman Funeral Home on Park Avenue and started renovating that,” Campana said.
“As we expand into Corky’s building, a larger selection of antique furnishings and vintage clothing, toys and primitives will become available,” Prezioso said.
Their current store, which opened Nov. 29, 2025, has exceptional brands of furniture, such as Ethan Allen, Kittenger, Henkel-Harris and other American made brands.
“For us, it has been really nice here,” Campana said. “Medina is a community of shops that support each other’s business efforts. We have been very well received by the community and a lot of repeat buyers.”
Collectibles, antiques and more are on display at Just East of Main Street, where renovation exposed the original brick wall.
Both Prezioso and Campana commended the Village Board for being so helpful when they were planning their renovations, especially retired code enforcement officer Marty Busch and current officer Dan Gardner.
In addition to their new venture in owning a retail store, Prezioso teaches art in his studio on the third floor of the furniture building and at Carnegie Library in North Tonawanda.
Just East of Main Street is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from January through March; from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in March through December; and by appointment all year-round by calling (716) 566-8032.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2026 at 10:45 pm
Donevan Harrison, left, and Marshella Johnson
ALBION – Two people are facing felony drug charges after cocaine, cash, scales and drug paraphernalia were seized after a search warrant at 431 West State St., Lot 29, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.
The Task Force executed the search warrant with assistance from the Orleans County Special Response Team, Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Donevan Harrison, 39, and Marshella Johnson, 42, both of the above address each have been charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felony), 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (D felony) and 1 count of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree (A misdemeanor).
Harrison and Johnson were both released on their own recognizance and issued appearance tickets to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10. No bail could be set due to the state’s bail reform laws, the Task Force said.
The Task Force, in a news release, said District Attorney Susan Howard and the Orleans County K9 unit assisted in the investigation. Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force, said more arrests and charges are pending.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 January 2026 at 9:25 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Lane Woodworth grabs a rebound away from Alexander’s Mason Snyder during the Tigers home court loss to the Trojans this evening.
Steadily pulling away, Alexander romped to a 74-43 win over host Lyndonville in a Genesee Region League boys basketball game this evening.
Austin Wakefield scored 24, Kingston Woods 21 and Isaiah Wright 11 to spark Alexander which led by 10 (19-9) at the end of the first period, by 22 (37-15) at the half and by 36 (66-30) at the end of the third quarter. The Trojans made a total of 11 threes.
For Lyndonville, which was plagued by a rash of turnovers, Lane Woodworth scored 14, Colton Smith 10, Atticus Mank 9, Lyric Raduns 6 and Devon Babcock 4.
The Holley vs. Oakfield-Alabama and Attica vs. Kendall G-R games were postponed.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 January 2026 at 9:04 pm
Medina swept to a pair of victories over host Albion in a Niagara-Orleans League swim meet this evening.
The Seahorses won the boys’ meet 49-44 and the girls’ competition 60-33.
Bryson Ford was a double winner in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Freestyle for the Medina boys squad which also had Timothy Zeiner win the 200 Free, Jonathan Dix the 100 Butterfly and Bradley Goyette the 500 Free.
Justin Kania won the 50 Free, Nathan Wehling the 100 Backstroke and Logan Kast the 100 Breaststroke for Albion.
Medina improves to 4-2 and Albion slips to 2-5.
Lily Hungerford was a double winner in the 200 Free and Butterfly for the Medina girls as Madeline Mark won the 500 Free and Maya Anderson the 100 Backstroke.
Albion had a pair of double winners as Keira Sidari took the IM and 100 Free and Anna Grillo the 50 Free and 100 Breaststroke.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2026 at 7:53 pm
84 card players on first night, with 2 more days in 71st annual tourney
HAMLIN – There was a big turnout on Wednesday for the opening day of the 71st annual Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament.
There were 84 players, which John Becker of Kendall believes is a record.
The Hamlin team is in a slight 184-point lead after the first day of card playing. Hamlin hosted the opener at Merritt Hall and the action shifts to the Kendall Fire Hall on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. and then it’s back to Hamlin the following Wednesday.
The town with the most points after three days will be declared the winner. There is no trophy, just camaraderie and fun (and possibly a free fish fry paid for by the losing team).
Kendall won last year’s tournament by 158 points – 4,437 to 4,279. Last year there were at least 70 card players each if the three nights, but never got into the 80s. In 2024, the participants were in the 50s and 60s.
The two towns have kept up the tradition for generations. The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.
The tournament started in 1954 when a group of farmers from Kendall and Hamlin stopped to play cards after attending a farm show in Rochester.
They had so much fun playing cards and drinking beer that the euchre tournament became an annual event. It remains popular and has expanded from a one-evening tournament to being spread over three Wednesdays in the dead of winter.
ALBION – In an effort to help Orleans County residents who needed help obtaining necessary items to stay clean and healthy, the Albion Elks Lodge purchased $4,000 worth of cleaning supplies and hygiene items. These items were given to families on January 4, 2026.
A grant from the Elks National Foundation was used to purchase items like shampoos, soap, razors, paper towels, cleaning solutions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.
“It’s such a great feeling to assist our residents that truly need it,” said Mike Jenks, Exalter Ruler of the Albion Elks Lodge.
The Albion Elks Lodge received over $11,000 worth of grants in 2025, and are anxious to help the community again in 2026.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 January 2026 at 10:53 am
Senior Center in Medina offers many activities, chances for residents to stay connected
Provided photo: Medina attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law, spoke to members of Medina Senior Center at their January luncheon meeting.
MEDINA – Members of the Medina Senior Center meet regularly on the second Monday of the month, with a business meeting at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a speaker or program.
Meetings alternate between pot luck and a prepared meal for $8. The Feb. 9 meeting will be ham and scalloped potatoes, followed by speaker Brittany Dix from Hospice of Orleans County.
At the January meeting, guest speaker was local attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law. Meier shared a wealth of information for seniors on financial planning, such as the benefits of a trust, having a will and avoiding probate.
A will does not avoid probate, Meier said. He explained how complex and time-consuming probate can be.
He also stressed the need for every senior to have a power of attorney, regardless of their health. In the event of an unexpected illness in which a senior cannot act on his own, without a power of attorney the courts will appoint a guardianship and will likely go to probate. This can be costly and time-consuming, Meier said.
Another topic of interest was protecting a senior’s investments in the event a senior has to enter a nursing home or assisted living. Meier said it is never too late to protect one’s assets.
Another interesting note was the fact that a person in a nursing home is allowed $50 of their money to spend monthly. That figure hasn’t changed in 30 years, Meier said.
Anyone wishing more information on financial planning for their senior years may contact Meier at either of his offices in Medina or Lockport.
The Medina Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day.
A coffee and crafts session is led by Robin Wehling at 10 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. January’s project will be making Valentine cards, and February’s will be St. Patrick’s Day shadow boxes.
The Orleans County Office for the Aging conducts a popular exercise class at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month and at 10 a.m. the other three Wednesdays.
Euchre games have become very popular, with a full house nearly every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Games begin at 1 p.m. and the cost is $2.
Any senior is welcome to join the Senior Center for $10 a year. A raffle for awesome prizes takes place at the monthly dinner meeting, and only members may participate.
The community is reminded the Senior Center accepts donations of cans and bottles and they may be dropped off at the Center, and at Medina Bottles & Cans on East Center Street or JCo Returns on South Main Street and designated for the Senior Center.
