Bald eagle egg starts hatching at wildlife refuge

Posted 1 April 2026 at 6:11 pm

Photos and press release from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – A crack in the shell of a bald eagle egg was spotted and confirmed late Wednesday morning in Basom at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The eagle parents and their nest have been the focus of a livestream run by the Friends of INWR.

There are three eggs in the nest. The first egg was laid at 5:06 p.m. February 20; the second at 5 p.m. February 23; and the third at 2:34 p.m. February 27.

Presuming the oldest egg is the one that cracked first, it took its time. Eagle eggs typically take 35 days or so of incubation before hatching.

To follow along with the eagle adventures, you can find a link to the livestream at FINWR.org.

Medina PD and FD issue joint statement on Natale sentencing for arson

Posted 1 April 2026 at 5:44 pm

‘The Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department remain committed to protecting the community and holding those responsible for violent and dangerous acts accountable.’

Press Release, Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department

ALBION – On December 17, 2024, the Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 207 Bates Road. A mother and her son were forced to evacuate the residence as a result of the fire.

A subsequent investigation determined that the fire had been intentionally set.

Through a coordinated investigative effort, Zachary Natale was identified as the responsible party and was arrested and charged with Arson in the Second Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree.

On April 1, 2026, the Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church sentenced Natale to 13 years in New York State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

This case is the result of a collaborative effort between multiple agencies. The Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department would like to recognize the following individuals and agencies for their assistance:

Medina Police Department: Officers Meredith, McManus and Holtz
Medina Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit: Investigators Cooley, Crooks and Seefeldt
Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: Investigator Marsciell
Orleans County Emergency Management: Director Niederhofer, Deputy Director Buffin, Investigators David Clary and Cole Hardenbrook
Erie County Crime Lab
Erie County Sheriff’s Office: Detective Scott Kuhlney and K9 Clipper
Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, including District Attorney Susan Howard and staff

The Medina Police Department and Medina Fire Department remain committed to protecting the community and holding those responsible for violent and dangerous acts accountable.

Big Easter egg hunt canceled for Saturday due to muddy Courthouse lawn

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2026 at 2:48 pm

File photo by Tom Rivers: Kids displayed breakneck speed in hunting down Easter eggs on March 30, 2024. There were about 12,000 eggs scattered on the lawn.

ALBION – An Easter egg hunt with more than 10,000 eggs scattered about the Orleans Courthouse lawn has been canceled due to the muddy conditions and more rain in the forecast for Saturday.

The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries was planning its fifth annual egg hunt for Saturday. The church teams with the Albion Masonic Lodge which serves up free hot dogs and fries.

The Masonic Lodge will still be offering free hot dogs, easter baskets and eggs full of candy to children beginning at noon on Saturday until they run out.

Jeff Holler, one of the leaders of the Masonic Lodge and the egg hunt, said there wasn’t enough time to secure an alternative site for the egg hunt. The land at other locations, including the school’s artificial fields, would need board approval and there isn’t enough time before the next board meeting.

Holler said Royal Body Shop and the Masonic Lodge will try to have a backup site ready in the future if torrential rains make the courthouse lawn off-limits.

High school softball games are postponed

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 April 2026 at 1:35 pm

A combination of wet fields and chilly temperatures has caused today’s slate of high school softball games to be postponed.

Those postponements include the Niagara-Orleans League Roy-Hart at Medina, Newfane at Albion and Barker at Wilson games along with the CSAT at Lyndonville non league contest.

The Tonawanda at Albion non league baseball game has also been postponed.

Natale gets 13 years in prison, ordered to pay $270K in restitution for arson

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2026 at 12:54 pm

ALBION – Zachary Natale, 32, was given the maximum 13-year sentence today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Natale pleaded guilty to attempted arson in the second degree during court on Jan. 28 and admitted to setting a fire on Dec. 17, 2024 at 207 Bates Rd. That fire forced a mother and her 9-year-old son to evacuate.

That mother spoke in court today, saying she now constantly fears for her safety and doubts she will ever feel peace again after being forced to flee her home of 15 years.

Natale was ordered to pay $270,000 in restitution to an insurance company and also the $1,000 deductible for the damages from the fire.

Susan Howard, the district attorney, said Natale caused a “terrifying, horrifying ordeal” for the victims where they could have been killed, and also put local firefighters in danger.

Joanne Best, the public defender, said Natale is bipolar and schizophrenic and also was using drugs at the time of the crime. He spent nearly five months at the Rochester Psychiatric Center and has been restored (deemed competent to stand trial), Best said. He has also spent 304 days in the Orleans County Jail.

She said Natale takes full responsibility for the crime, but she asked the judge to not sentence him the full 13 years. She asked for eight years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. The sooner he gets out of prison, the sooner he can pay towards restitution, Best said.

She said Natale has a young son and received an award from the County Legislature for helping save the life of a person incarcerated in the county jail on Feb. 10, 2025 when he alerted corrections officer to an inmate who hanging in his cell. COs were able to get to the inmate in time to save his life.

“He is also a very caring and compassionate individual,” Best said about Natale.

Natale in court today apologized to the victims of the arson, and also to the responding firefighters.

“I see the damage I did,” he said. “There really is no explanation for it. I’m trying to do the best I can. My son doesn’t deserve to be without a father.”

Judge Church gave Natale the full 13 years, plus 5 years of post-release supervision as well as the restitution. The judge said Natale has a criminal history and doesn’t seem to be taken full responsibility for the danger he put people in who were in the duplex.

Easter Bunny jump cancelled for Saturday in Barre

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2026 at 12:02 pm

BARRE – An Easter Bunny jump planned for Saturday in Barre has been cancelled. The Bunny was going to descend from the sky, and gently glide down to greet children at the Barre Town Park.

The Barre Betterment Committee announced today the event won’t be happening after all.

Flooding waters damaged Eagle Harbor Road in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2026 at 9:00 am

Photos courtesy of Guin Panek

ALBION – A section of Eagle Harbor Road in Albion, north of Route 31, has been undercut from the flood on Tuesday night.

Otter Creek flooded over the road last night. The road has been closed due to the damage.

Local highway departments are out assessing the condition of local roadways, said Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County emergency management director.

Water is backed up on the west side of Eagle Harbor Road in the town of Albion, north of Route 31 and the railroad tracks.

Flood watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2026 at 8:13 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: The water from Proctor Brook is brown and moving fast this morning by the Cobblestone Museum along Route 98 in Gaines.

A flood watch continues today until 8 p.m. for Orleans and many Western New York counties. That flood watch started on Tuesday morning.

Heavy rainfall throughout Tuesday resulted in many flooded basements in Orleans County, and water pushing past the banks of creeks and streams.

“Heavy rain yesterday produced widespread 1 to 2 inch rainfall amounts, with localized amounts of over 3 inches where thunderstorms repeated over the same areas, said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “The heavy rain has ended, but water will remain high in low-lying areas, creeks, and rivers today.”

In Western New York, the flood watch continues in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Erie, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

“Most smaller creeks and low-lying areas will see improving conditions today as high water drains,” the Weather Service said. “Larger rivers and creeks will continue to run high today.”

These photos were taken at 7:35 a.m. today at the Cobblestone Museum.

Firefighters busy pumping basements in Albion, Holley areas after torrential rainfall

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 March 2026 at 11:23 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Firefighters from the Kendall Fire Department are in Albion tonight helping to pump out basements after numerous calls for help from residents, especially on the west end of the village.

This photo is at a home on West Academy Street in Albion.

There have been numerous calls for assistance with flooded basements particularly in Albion, Holley and Clarendon. Firefighters in those communities are being assisted with crews from Kendall, Carlton, Barre and East Shelby.

Albion got an inch of rain this morning, then two more inches this evening. That rainfall has overwhelmed the storm sewer system with water shooting out of storm drains.

Part of Route 98 in Albion was flooded between Allen Road and Route 31A, prompting the road to be closed to traffic. This photo was taken about 11 p.m.

The Village of Medina Fire Department assisted the Medina DPW “responding to multiple calls tonight including downed trees, flooded roads, flooded basements and the usual emergency calls. Many departments across the county are also busy,” The Medina FD posted on Facebook.

“Use caution when driving, watch for hazards and do not drive through flooded roads. For non-emergency assistance, call the fire station at 585-798-1661.”

The Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company posted on Facebook last night that Ridgeway firefighters, as well as the majority of Orleans County firefighters were currently out fighting water in basements, flooding roadways and other hazards.

“Remember to check your basements for water & ensure your sump pumps are operational,” Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company stated. “If you need assistance please understand it could take an extended time to get to you as all agencies are inundated with incidents. Please use extreme caution in your travels if you must travel. Remember to never drive through a flooded roadway!”

Our Letters Policy

Posted 31 March 2026 at 10:00 pm

We appreciate input from our readers, and we publish letters to the editor without charge. The letters should be written by the person who submits the letter and not be “ghost written” by someone else. While open speech and responsibility are encouraged, comments may be rejected if they are purely a personal attack, offensive or repetitive. Comments are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Orleans Hub. Although care is taken to moderate comments, we have no control over how they are interpreted and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of comments and the rationality of the opinions expressed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content and brevity. Please limit the length of your letter (we suggest no more than 500 words) and provide your name, telephone number, mailing address and a verifiable email address for verification purposes. Letters should be emailed to news@orleanshub.com.

Arc has made big difference for Medina woman with disabilities

Posted 31 March 2026 at 9:22 pm

Editor:

My name is Mary Lou Tuohey, and I am a parent of a child with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). My daughter Nicole, has been receiving services from Arc GLOW for over 35 years.

Nicole was born with Triple X Syndrome and the doctors told us at her three-week checkup that she may never walk, talk, read, write, do math or ride a bike. At 3 months of age, we enrolled her in the Arc’s Rainbow Preschool, which was her stepping stone to a full life.

Nicole is 35 years old now, and attends the day habilitation program through Arc GLOW. She does everything the doctors said she wouldn’t do, plus more. The early intervention and her current involvement with Arc GLOW has helped make her the woman she is today!

Every March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which raises awareness about the inclusion of people with IDD in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

If you want to help advocate for people with IDD, the best way to do so is join Arc GLOW’s membership drive. Doing so says you are an advocate for people with IDD, want positive changes in our society for people with IDD, and want Arc GLOW to continue providing high quality supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in our community.

Taking a stand only costs $1, and the money stays right in the GLOW region supporting Arc GLOW’s many programs. Additionally, your membership is an incredibly important step toward society-wide acceptance of children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Remember, until you have walked in the shoes of those with a disability, don’t judge them by the way they look, the way they do something or the way they might communicate their needs. They are a person, just like you. They have feelings, they deserve respect and deserve to be included.

Sincerely,

Mary Lou Tuohey

Medina

Trump aids our enemies by easing sanctions with Iran and Russia, peddles sensitive info to associates

Posted 31 March 2026 at 3:30 pm

Editor:

President Trump started a war with Iran without consulting our allies or members of Congress. Oil prices shot up to over $100 per barrel, and the economy, which was already slowing down, started to tailspin out of control.

In an attempt to slow rising oil prices, Mr. Trump allowed Iran to bring about 140 million barrels of oil to the global market. What that means is that the President gave Iran about $14 billion to our enemy to kill U.S. service members; $14 billion in aid and comfort.

Furthermore, the President is easing sanctions against Russia. It is well known that Russia is assisting Iran by providing satellite targeting and drone technology to kill Americans in a war the President started. Again, aid and comfort to the enemy.

When Mr. Trump left office in 2021, he took with him classified documents and refused to turn them over, even after he was subpoenaed. Some of these documents were so sensitive that only six people in the entire U.S. government had access to them. It never made any sense to me why Mr. Trump would blatantly break the law and risk jail time. Now, newly released documents reveal a motive for Mr. Trump’s actions. The documents strongly suggest that Mr. Trump was selling out our national security to enrich himself.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22^nd, Mr. Trump threatened Iran with dire consequences if they did not open the Strait of Hormuz. Suddenly, on Monday, March 23rd, Mr. Trump announced, at 7:05 a.m., that he was delaying his threatened action for five days, claiming that they were in productive negotiations with Iran.

But 15 minutes before Mr. Trump’s announcement, at 6:50 a.m., someone or several people bought a large amount of stock market futures and sold large quantities of oil futures, making about $580 million, according to the Financial Times. This was such a sudden and isolated jump in volume that the evidence suggests that those close to Mr. Trump are trading based on our national secrets. The word for this is traitor.

William Fine

Brockport

Bankruptcy judge speaks to Career and Tech students about consequences of credit abuse

Posted 31 March 2026 at 3:10 pm

Photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES – The honorable John Ninfo, a retired bankruptcy judge from Rochester, spoke with students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina.

Press Release, Orleans-Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Judge John Ninfo, a retired bankruptcy judge from Rochester, was recently the guest speaker at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.

Judge Ninfo started the national organization CARE (Credit Abuse Resistance Education) to educate young adults and others about the benefits of personal financial management and the consequences of credit abuse.

He and the other volunteers, which are comprised of professionals in bankruptcy, financial services, and business, volunteer their time by sharing true stories about financial distress and the impact it can have on one’s life.

He shared with the career and technical education students how a little over half of all adults are financially literate and how it has a profound effect on a person’s ability to save for the future and increases the risk of higher debt and less savings. He says that beginning financial education at an early age is critical to a young person’s long-term financial well-being.

Work-Based Learning Coordinator Susan Zola, who invited Judge Ninfo, says it was an impactful presentation.

“He talked to the students about financial security and how important it is for your peace of mind going forward as adults,” Zola said. “He gave them handouts with the top ten lessons on budgeting and told them cash is king and to avoid credit card debt. It was a very valuable lesson for them.”

Ortt, State Senate GOP seek utility relief in final budget

Posted 31 March 2026 at 2:51 pm

Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt’s Office

ALBANY – Members of the Senate Republican Conference today sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging the inclusion of two pieces of legislation in the enacted budget that would provide real utility relief at a time when New Yorkers desperately need it.

The first piece of legislation, S.8461A, introduced by Senator Tom O’Mara would provide nearly $3 billion in bill credits to ratepayers using unspent funds collected from ratepayers by NYSERDA and utilities with PSC approval for green energy projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Financial Plan for NYSERDA detailed that NYSERDA had a total net position of $2,045,624,000 at the end of 2025. There was also $770 million being held in escrow by utilities for requisition by NYSERDA at the end of 2025 per the Department of Public Service.

The second, S.8463, introduced by Senator Rob Rolison would establish a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy gas tax holiday, which would provide real and meaningful relief to ratepayers that are paying residential electric rates 50% higher than the national average.

The call for the inclusion of these pieces of legislation in the final enacted budget comes on the heels of a recent report from NYSERDA warning of increases in utility costs in order to keep up with the green energy mandates laid out in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

“For years, the Senate GOP has consistently advocated for the repeal of the CLCPA because we see it for what it is – an unnecessary and extremely expensive burden on ratepayers,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Given the chance to take action and provide real relief, Albany Democrats instead doubled down on their out-of-touch climate policies, favoring radical environmentalists instead of standing up for struggling New Yorkers. These initiatives to provide relief to ratepayers must be a priority in the final budget.”

Medina man charged with first-degree sexual abuse

Posted 31 March 2026 at 1:44 pm

Press Release, Medina Police Department

Taylor Valovic

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department reports the arrest of an individual following an investigation into a reported incident.

On March 25, members of the Medina Police Department arrested Taylor Valovic, 30, of Medina and charged him with:

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (New York State Penal Law §130.65)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (New York State Penal Law §260.10)

The charges stem from an investigation into an incident that was reported to law enforcement. Due to the nature of the case, no further details are being released at this time.

The defendant was processed and arraigned in Orleans County Centralized Arraignment Part and was released after posting bail.

The Medina Police Department reminds the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.