Laundromat in Albion has new owner after 52 years with Scibetta family
Photo by Tom Rivers: Miguel and Adryan (Cheeseboro) Ruiz are shown at the Helpee Selfee Laundromat in Albion on Sunday afternoon. They are the new owners of the business after Jim Scibetta and his late father Harry ran it for 52 years.
ALBION – There are new owners of a longtime Albion business at 131 South Main St.
For 52 years the Scibetta family owned and operated the Helpee Selfee Laundromat. Adryan (Cheeseboro) Ruiz, a 29-year-old Albion native, and her husband Miguel have purchased the laundromat.
Sunday was their first day in business after closing the site for a few days for cleaning and some repainting. They also put new seals on the drying machines to make the clothes dry faster.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz commended Jim Scibetta and his late father Harry for their more than half century of service to the Albion community.
“It’s been an honor working with Jim and his family,” Mrs. Ruiz said on Sunday at the laundromat. “I grew up right here in Albion, and being able to come back and invest in this community means the world to me. This is more than just a business purchase for us — it is a chance to give back to the place that shaped who I am, and to keep an important neighborhood staple alive and thriving for the next generation.”
The new owners live in Miami, Fla., but they visit Albion often and Mrs. Ruiz has family in town to help run the operation.
Mrs. Ruiz graduated from Albion in 2015. The then Adryan Cheeseboro was an honors student at Albion who was a cheerleader and track athlete. She also sang in the school chorus and select choir. She worked at Crosby’s in Albion for her first job while in high school.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental policy and law from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. She was working in Miami when she met her husband, who works in quality insurance management and as a mechanic.
Mr. Ruiz also is an entrepreneur who owned a car wash and has long had a dream of owning a coin-operated laundromat.
He often checks out the laundromats when he travels. While visiting his wife’s hometown he was impressed by the laundromat.
However, it wasn’t for sale. For three years they kept in touch with Jim Scibetta, the owner, letting him know they were interested if he ever wanted to sell.
Scibetta recently let them know he was ready and reached a deal with Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz.
“This is a true legacy business — one that so many families in Orleans County have relied on for decades — and we are honored to carry that tradition forward,” Mrs. Ruiz said.
The laundromat opens daily at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight. There were people waiting outside when it opened on Sunday at 5 a.m. after closing for the cleaning, painting and some work on the machines.
Provided photo: Miguel Ruiz, front left, shakes hands with Jim Babcock. In back from left are Steve Babcock, Adryan Ruiz, Patricia Scibetta and Jim Scibetta. Steve and Jim are Patricia’s sons. They celebrated the change in ownership with this photo taken at Hoag Library.
Kendall ‘9’ wins opener at Myrtle Beach
Sparked by a strong pitching performance, Kendall downed Oak Glen, West Virginia 5-1 Monday night in the Eagles first game at the Cal Ripken Experience at Myrtle Beach.
Nic Cole hurled a 4 hitter with 13 strikeouts for the Eagles.
Cole, Jonny Conte, CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino each banged out two hits to lead the offense.
Kendall moved on top to stay early by scoring solo runs in each of the first three innings.
In the first inning, CJ D’Agostino singled and came home on a single by Cole. Luca D’Agostino then had an RBI single in the second inning and an error plated the third inning tally which was set up by a single by Conte.
Kendall capped off the win with a pair of runs in the seventh on a triple by CJ D’Agostino and a single by Vinnie D’Agostino. A single by Conte set up the threat.
Kendall will next face Buckeye, Ohio at the Cal Ripken Experience on Thursday.
Barre planning sky-high celebration with Easter Bunny
Editor:
April 4th is the date of Barre’s sky-high celebration! This event is a meaningful way to celebrate renewal, joy, togetherness and taking spirits to new heights.
At 2 p.m. families will gather at the Barre Town Park to witness something truly unforgettable! The Easter Bunny will descend from the sky, gently gliding down to greet all the children and adults.
Please join us! Happy Easter!
Weather permitting
Sponsored by the Barre Betterment Committee.
Check our Facebook page.
Betsy Miller and Margaret Swan
Barre
Hawley opposes $10.6 billion debt service bill approved in Legislature
Assemblyman says excessive borrowing burdens future generations
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced his opposition to the $10.6 billion debt service budget bill (A.10002-A), citing concerns over excessive borrowing and the long-term financial burden it places on New Yorkers, especially future generations.
“While this bill fulfills legally required debt payments, it is part of a much larger and troubling pattern of overspending and over-borrowing,” said Hawley. “New York is already one of the most indebted states in the nation. Continuing down this path only deepens the hole we are leaving for our children and grandchildren.”
The proposal provides funding to cover principal and interest payments on the state’s existing debt, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and other contractual obligations.
Hawley pointed to the state’s growing debt load, which is projected to reach $72.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2027 and nearly $99 billion within five years as a clear warning sign.
“Instead of tightening our belts and prioritizing responsible budgeting, Albany continues to rely on borrowing to fund its agenda,” Hawley said. “More than three-quarters of these debt service payments are going toward interest alone. That’s money not going to taxpayers’ needs, but to servicing a growing mountain of debt.”
Hawley also raised concerns about the state’s reliance on public authority debt, which accounts for approximately 96% of state-related debt and is often issued without direct voter approval.
“This lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning,” Hawley added. “New Yorkers deserve to have a say when the state takes on massive financial obligations that will impact them for decades.”
While acknowledging the necessity of meeting existing debt obligations, Hawley emphasized the need for a shift toward fiscal discipline and long-term sustainability.
“We must break this cycle of borrowing and start making responsible choices today,” Hawley concluded. “If we fail to act, it will be our children and grandchildren who are forced to pay the price.”
Municipal associations say more analysis needed before changes for Tier 6 employees
Thus statement is from the New York State Association of Counties, New York State Conference of Mayors, and New York Association of Towns on proposed amendments to Tier 6 of the New York State and Local Retirement System.
As we approach the April 1st start of the new state fiscal year, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), and the New York Association of Towns (NYAOT) are closely monitoring for proposals to amend Tier 6 of the New York State and Local Retirement System.
The legal and fiscal impact of these changes warrant additional consideration by every state lawmaker.
Nearly 60% of county, city, town, and village employees participate in Tier 6, meaning any modifications will have substantial fiscal implications for local governments across New York. The timing of these proposals, alone, warrants serious attention.
The New York State and Local Retirement System determines employer contribution rates annually based on a variety of factors, including fund valuation as of March 31, as well as regular updates in actuarial assumptions related to retiree longevity, pension benefit changes, wages, and more.
The current employer contribution rate for municipal employees stands at 17% of payroll. While the pension fund had been projected to achieve double-digit returns that would stabilize employer contributions for 2027, recent stock market volatility has significantly altered that outlook. Current projections now anticipate single-digit returns, which will create additional upward pressure on employer contribution rates—pressure that local governments cannot easily absorb.
Our position is unequivocal: if the State of New York chooses to amend Tier 6, the State must fully fund all costs associated with those changes. This is not only a matter of fiscal necessity—it is a matter of law. Section 25 of the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law requires that the State bear the financial responsibility for pension benefit enhancements.
This provision was specifically enacted in recognition of the enormous fiscal liability pension enhancements create for local governments, which they have no ability to control. It further ensures the fiscal stability of the pension fund going forward while maintaining affordability for local taxpayers—goals that are undermined if the State shifts new costs onto localities. To ignore Section 25 now would be to disregard the clear legislative intent behind its enactment and to signal to every local government in New York that state commitments to fiscal protection can be set aside whenever they become inconvenient.
Counties, cities, towns, and villages already operate under severe fiscal constraints—the property tax cap, rising costs for essential services, and the growing burden of unfunded state mandates. Any increase in employer pension contribution rates resulting from Tier 6 amendments would force local governments to make impossible choices: cutting essential services, eliminating positions, or seeking property tax increases that local taxpayers cannot afford.
NYSAC, NYCOM, and NYAOT urge the Governor and Legislature to ensure that any Tier 6 changes are accompanied by a full state commitment to cover the resulting costs—and to resist the impulse to pass those costs on to local property taxpayers.
Volunteers sought for ‘Connects Day’ on May 8 for projects in Orleans County
File photo: These volunteers painted picnic tables at Camp Rainbow during the “Day of Caring” on May 19, 2023. About 70 people volunteered for the United Way Day of Caring three years ago in Orleans County.
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans Community Connects, the new name adopted by United Way of Orleans County, has announced it will continue the former Day of Caring, in which volunteers offer their services county-wide to do projects for local non-profits.
May 8 has been designated as Community Connects Day and will begin with a kickoff breakfast at 8 a.m. in the pavilion at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12590 State Route 31. Volunteer projects will be launched at 9 a.m. at designated locations throughout Orleans County.
Community Connects Day reflects the spirit of connection and purpose through its theme, “Rooted in Community. Driven by Connections.” The initiative invites volunteers of all skill levels and backgrounds to assist nonprofits with meaningful projects that help strengthen the organizations that serve the community every day.
“We are excited to bring our community together for a powerful day of service,” said Dawn Winkler, event coordinator of Orleans Community Connects. “This event highlights what is possible when neighbors, organizations and volunteers connect to support causes that matter. Every project completed helps strengthen the foundation of the nonprofits who work tirelessly for our community.”
The event is made possible through generous support from our sponsor North Shore Networks, whose contribution helped fund meals, supplies and visibility for the initiative, Winkler said.
Local nonprofits are invited to submit project needs – such as minor maintenance, indoor cleaning, landscaping, painting or other identified tasks in order to receive volunteer assistance. Agencies can request the number of volunteers needed and provide descriptions of the work to be done. A nonprofit project form may be requested by e-mailing Events@OrleansCommunityConnects.org.
Individuals may request a volunteer form by e-mail or on the website at www.OrleansCommunityConnects.org/events.
Volunteers who sign up by April 15 will receive an insulated lunch bag with goodies inside.
Completed forms must be received no later than April 15.
Tigers win G-R diamond opener; Hornets rally for non league win over Purple Eagles
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Quincy McClinsey delivers a pitch for Lyndonville diring the Tigers league opening win over visiting Wheatland-Chili this afternoon.
Lyndonville opened the Genesee Region League baseball season on a high note this afternoon as the Tigers downed visiting Wheatland-Chili 14-4.
The Tigers scored 3 times in each of the first three innings and then put a lock on the win with 5 more in the fourth.
RBI hits by Austin Fonda and winning pitcher Quincy McClinsey highlighted the first inning scoring burst. Fonda and McClinsey also both had RBI hits in the big fourth inning.
McClinsey finished with 3 hits and 5 RBI and Fonda 2 hits and 3 RBI.
On the mound, McClinsey allowed 1 hit and struck out 7 in three and two-thirds innings of work.
Oakfield-Alabama 9, Albion 5
Trailing 5-3, Oakfield-Alabama rallied for 6 runs in the sixth inning to earn the non league win over visiting Albion.
The Hornets bunched four singles and a double into the decisive sixth inning uprising.
Kaiden Froman, Elliott Trapiss, Drew Prichard and Gavin Boyce each had a pair of hits for Albion.
Albion held leads of 3-0 and 5-3. Trapiss and Pritchard both had RBI hits in the fourth inning, Trapiss another RBI hit in the fifth and Pritchard and Viktor Snyder RBIs in the sixth.
Lyndonville’s Brandon Dill takes a throw at first base to get the out on Whealtland-Chili’s Sawyer Galajda.
Barker downs Medina in N-O softball opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Elise Monaco takes a throw at first base to get the out on Medina’s Savannah Jo Thmpson during the Lady Bulldogs league home opening win this afternoon.
Two big early inning scoring bursts keyed defending co-champion Barker to a 13-0 win over visiting Medina in the Niagara-Orleans League softball season opener this afternoon.
Barker took the lead for good with 4 runs in the second inning on RBI singles by Aine Davis and Madelina Pavlock and an error.
A big 7 run third inning then broke the contest wide open as Davis and Peyton Bradley had RBI hits.
Davis and Pavlock both finished with a pair of hits.
Madyson Flint dominated in the circle for Barker allowing only 1 hit and striking out 13.
Akron 9, Albion 0
Akron blanked visiting Albion 9-0 in another N-O opener as Kenadee Jonathan hurled a 4 hitter with 9 strikeouts.
Akron went up 3-0 in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan and an RBI single by Madison Gates. RBI singles by Morgan Tomporowski and Mackenzie Tomporowski then keyed a 3 run fifth inning which upped the advantage to 6-0.
Wilson 12, Newfane 7
In the other N-O opener Wilson downed rival Newfane 12-7.
Medina’s Isabelle Perez makes a running catch in centerfield.
Albion man sentenced to 12 years in prison for child pornography
Press Release, United States Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Norman Kelly, 69, of Albion, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that on October 20, 2023, Kelly arrived at the Port of Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan, on a flight from Incheon, South Korea.
During an inspection of his baggage, Kelly removed a cellular phone from his pocket, and had a computer bag, which contained a laptop computer, and four USB thumb drives. Due to a lack of eye contact during questioning, inconsistencies in his travel story, and nervous behavior, the devices were authorized to be examined.
A Customs and Border Protection officer examined the cell phone, laptop and one of the thumb drives and discovered what appeared to be suspected child pornography. Subsequent investigation determined that between March 12 and September 20, 2023, Kelly used his laptop computer to entice minors to engage in sexually explicit behavior for the purpose of producing images, which he would receive via the internet.
On March 12, 2023, Kelly received a sexually explicit image of a female child, approximately 10-12 years old. On July 20, 2023, he received a sexually explicit video file of an infant female, approximately 1.5 to three years old.
Kelly possessed approximately 475 image files and 377 video files of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images included depictions of violence against children.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Additional assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, Michigan.
Flood watch in effect for Orleans on Tuesday, Wednesday
Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: The sun sets on Friday evening over Lake Ontario, creating some dramatic light.
A flood watch has been issued in Orleans County from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening.
Flooding could be caused by heavy rainfall. Flows in creeks and rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels, the National Weather Service said.
The flood watch also includes Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
“Multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected between tonight and Tuesday night which may result in several inches of rainfall over a 2 to 3 day period,” the Weather Service said about the affected areas. “Excess runoff from this rainfall may cause area waterways to reach or exceed bankfull stage.”
Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop, the Weather Service said.
Roy Harriger, former local pastor who sexually abused children, dies in prison at age 82
Harriger was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2015 after being convicted in trial
File photo by Tom Rivers: Roy Harriger, a former local pastor, walks to Orleans County Court on April 6, 2015, when he was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
ALDEN – Roy Harriger, a former prominent local pastor serving a 15-year prison sentence for sexually abusing children, died on March 26 at Wende Correctional Facility. He was 82.
Harriger was convicted by a jury in 2015 of child molestation. During his sentencing on April 6, 2015, Harriger was called “a wolf in shepherd’s clothing,” by then Orleans County Court Judge James Punch.
Harriger was pastor of the Ashwood Wesleyan Church in Lyndonville for 12 years before he was terminated by the church in 2009 after a falling out with denomination leaders. He was accused of abusing his grandchildren in 2002 and 2001.
After the falling out at Ashwood, Harriger started a new church, Community Fellowship Church in Johnson Creek, which is in Niagara County. Many of members of Community Fellowship attended his trial and court dates in 2015 in support of their pastor, who denied any wrongdoing.
Three of his grandchildren testified during his trial in January 2015 that he had molested them.
“He’s had a tremendous impact on the people he has victimized,” Joe Cardone, the district attorney then, said at sentencing. “It’s made this entire family dysfunctional.”
Harriger could have faced a 25-year sentence for his crimes. Judge Punch gave him 15 years total in prison plus another 10 years of post-release supervision.
Harriger’s son George and Harriger’s sister Nona also told reporters them were sexually abused by Harriger when they were children. His sister said his crimes go back 60 years.
Judge Punch said Harriger used his position as a pastor, as a leader in his family and the community, to try to silence the victims.
“The bullying, the use of charisma, the power of your personality were all brought forward to victimize these children and keep them quiet,” Punch said.
He said it was a breach of trust to Harriger’s family, friends, the church and the grandchildren.
Harriger was convicted again in a Pennsylvania court in February 2017 for sexually molesting his niece when she was 6 to 11 years old. Those crimes occurred when Harriger was leading the Mercer Community Church of the Nazarene in Mercer County, Pa. He was pastor there from 1991 to 1997.
He was charged with rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. Harriger was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison for the crimes in Pennsylvania, with the sentence to be served concurrently with the New York sentence.
Daniel Martuscello III, commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, advised in a Feb. 25 letter to Orleans County DA Susan Howard that Harriger was suffering from a terminal condition and would be eligible for medical parole.
Howard, in a letter to the DOCCS commissioner on March 13, opposed the release from prison. She urged the Board of Parole not to grant the medical parole. She said she spoke with Harriger’s victims and they were “horrified” about him getting out of prison early, saying he could abuse other children.
The victims told Howard that Harriger planned to fake a stroke if he was ever sent to prison.
“The crimes of this man shook our small community to its core,” Howard wrote in her letter. “In addition to that of his own family, he violated the trust of many, many people who attended his church. He did not take responsibility for his actions, and dragged our office, his victims and the community through a trial. He showed no remorse for his actions. The lives he destroyed far outweigh the years he has left, which should be lived out incarcerated in prison.”
The Rev. Dr. Ashley Casanova is pastor of the Family of God, a church in Middleport. She also is Harriger’s niece who was sexually abused by him in Pennsylvania.
She said today is hopeful Harriger’s death can help the family “completely heal.”
Harriger’s victims were contacted about a month ago about a possible early medical release. Casanova opposed his release. In a letter to Martuscello on March 13, she asked that Harriger stay in prison, and cited the “heinous acts he committed against me.”
She said he violated trust, faith and safety of family and friends.
“The impact of what he did has been devastating, profound, and far-reaching. It has affected every area of my life and every part of who I am,” she said in her letter. “Releasing Roy Harriger would reopen wounds that many of us have spent years and I mean years trying to heal. It would send a painful message that the lifelong suffering of victims carries less weight than the remaining years of the person who caused it. I fear the emotional harm his release would cause and the potential risk to others, especially children.”
Casanova said she wants to be involved in a prison ministry where she can connect with women in prison who have been sexually abused, and help them find God’s healing in the process. Many victims will often turn to drugs and crime due to the violations and betrayals of trust they’ve suffered, she said.
Her Christian faith led her through the devastation she experienced from her uncle.
“I’m a walking, breathing testimony,” she said. “It is by God’s grace and mercy that I am where I am today. I want our family to know that this chapter and this season of our life is over and we can move on to the next chapter God has for us.”
Harriger sued the state in 2019 and won, and was awarded $2 million by the NYS Court of Appeals after being injured by corrections officers at Attica Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison. He was hit in the back of the head with a baton, leaving him unconscious. The court ruled Harriger was assaulted and the unwarranted use of excessive force at Attica Correctional caused his injuries.
Casanova said Harriger didn’t receive that money and there is a dispute within the family on who is entitled to it.
Crosby’s reopens remodeled Albion store at 98, 31
Photos courtesy of Crosby’s
ALBION – The remodeled Crosby’s convenience store reopened on Friday at 204 South Main St. This follows the remodeling of Crosby’s other store in Albion on North Main Street in May 2024.
Crosby’s, owned by the Reid Group in Lockport, has revamped the store at the intersection of routes 98 and 31. The company operates 86 throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
The celebration also was a kickoff to Crosby’s yearly partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in which various donation efforts will begin across all Crosby’s stores in service of CF and finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
Crosby’s also donated $300 to Albion Central School District and $500 to Albion Fire Department.
The remodeled store has 16 employees. The store will offer Crosby’s food items including pizza, made-to-order subs and specialty drinks such as hot chocolate, 100% Columbian Coffee and slushies.
$5K grant will replace window for Santa School Museum in Albion
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 6 shows icicles on the bronze statue of Santa at Waterman Park on Main Street in Albion. A building in back in center is owned by the Albion Betterment Committee and will be turned into a Santa School Museum. Charles W. Howard ran the first Santa School in the world on Phipps Road in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966. The school continues in Howard’s name in Midland, Mich. The Betterment Committee dedicated the statue, created by Brian Porter, during the Strawberry Festival in June 2023.
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee is a step closer in its goal of developing a Santa School Museum in downtown Albion.
The Betterment Committee has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Rochester Community Foundation to replace a front-arched window on the second floor of 128 North Main St. The window will be replaced with wood at the exact dimensions as the existing window which has rotted wood.
This is the first grant from the Rochester Community Foundation for the Betterment Committee, said Natasha Wasuck, one of the committee’s board members.
The committee purchased the building in November from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.
The Betterment Committee is working to turn the vacant two-story site into the Santa School Museum. It will pay homage to the late Charles W. Howard, who created the first Santa School in the world. He ran it on Phipps Road in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966.
Howard continues to be revered among the people who portray Santa. The Santa School continues in his name in Midland, Mich. Howard also was well known as the Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1948 to 1965. Howard also was inducted as an inaugural member in 2010 of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame.
The Betterment Committee wants to make the Main Street site into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.
The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.
The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, Wasuck said.
The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades, especially a new roof that will cost an estimated $50,000. The Betterment Committee welcomes donations.
“The roof is the most important part,” Wasuck said about the building’s pressing needs. “We need to raise the money to replace it.”
The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, P.O. Box 125, Albion NY 14411.
“This project is built on belief — in our history, our community, and the magic of what’s possible,” she said.
Warmer this week but lots of rain in forecast
Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is shown on Sunday evening looking east across the Oak Orchard Harbor.
It won’t be so cold this week compared to last week when the temperatures often fell below freezing.
Today is forecast to be mostly cloudy with a high near 64 in Orleans County, with overnight showers, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Tuesday will be the warmest day of the week with a high near 65, but there could be a half inch to ¾-inch of rain.
The highs then include 48 on Wednesday with showers, 51 on Thursday with showers, 63 on Friday with showers likely, and 59 on Saturday with a chance for precipitation.
A goose is moving on Lake Ontario as the sun sets on Sunday night near the Oak Orchard harbor in Carlton.
Average gas price now tops $4 in Orleans County
Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas price at the Crosby’s on Route 104 in Gaines was at $4.05 on Sunday. The average price in Orleans County jumped from $3.77 to $4.03 in the past week.
The price for regular unleaded gas in Orleans County jumped another 26 cents in the past week and has now passed $4. The price went from $3.766 a week ago to $4.030 today, according to AAA.
The price in Orleans County is the highest in Western New York. Here are the prices around WNY:
- Orleans, $4.030
- Genesee, $3.930
- Monroe, $3.958
- Niagara, $3.882
- Erie, $3.952
- Wyoming, $3.879
- Livingston, $3.906
- Chautauqua, $3.878
- Cattaraugus, $3.781
- Allegany, $3.832
Other counties in the state at $4 or higher include: St. Lawrence, $4.173; Franklin, $4.180; Clinton, $4.132; Essex, $4.248; Hamilton, $4.199; Rockland, $4.075; Westchester, $4.077; and New York (Manhattan), $4.040.
The average gas price nationally is at $3.99 today, up 5 cents from last Monday, while the New York State average is $3.93, up 7 cents from last Monday. The war in Iran has hit the four-week mark. A month ago, the NYS gas price average was $3.002. The diesel price in NYS has gone from $4.008 a month ago to $5.75 today, AAA reported.
AAA issued this statement: “As March winds down, drivers are feeling renewed pressure at the pump as the national average for regular gasoline continues its sharp climb, fueled by rising seasonal demand and the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Over the past several weeks, prices have surged on the back of elevated crude oil costs, increased road travel, and broader geopolitical uncertainty.
“Crude prices remain stubbornly high as the conflict approaches its fourth week, pushing the national average toward the $4-per-gallon mark for the first time since August 2022. Spring break travel is also ramping up, adding another layer of upward pressure on pump prices.”
