By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2026 at 12:51 pm
Board said site was overwhelmed by people and contractors from outside village
Photo by Tom Rivers: A gate is locked to prevent access for people to dump brush at the village of Medina’s compost site on North Gravel Road next to Boxwood Cemetery. Medina officials said people were leaving construction materials and other debris.
MEDINA – The Village Board doesn’t anticipate reopening the compost site for brush dumping anytime soon.
The site has been closed for about six weeks to people to unload brush and lawn clippings. That was the intended use, but the site has been overwhelmed with construction materials and debris, as well as brush from people from outside the village.
The board was considering allowing village residents to come to the village office and get a key to open a locked gate to have access to dump their brush, but has decided against that.
The village will have the DPW pick up brush the first Monday each month. It is usually a one-day job, but this month it took 2 ½ days to get all the brush in piles around the village, said Jason Watts, superintendent of the Department of Public Works.
He wants to go at least another month and gauge how much brush is left around the village. He expected there would be more than normal due to people being unable to dump at the compost site.
“Right now is prime time for brush with everyone cleaning up their yards,” Watts told the Village Board on Monday evening. “I feel bad for residents leaving brush and having it sit out all month.”
He urged people to have it out in time for the first Monday of the month. He said the DPW works on picking up from the east end of the village and then works through to the west end.
Trustee Mark Prawel said he favors just having the DPW pick up the brush and not having any dumping by residents or people outside the village. The brush piles then are burned, which is a concern for some neighbors.
He said the site has too much brush and other materials already.
“I don’t see how we can open it up when we don’t have a solution for getting rid of what we have now,” Prawel said.
Village Board members said they expect residents will get used to leaving the brush by the curb and not dumping at the compost site.
“It’s a lot less drama keeping it closed,” Mayor Debbie Padoleski said.
The gate will remain locked for now to prevent people from unloading their brush.
Governor seeks to repeal sales tax exemptions for projects
File photo by Tom Rivers: A massive data center, totaling 2.2 million square feet, has been proposed for the STAMP site off Route 63 in the town of Alabama. Stream US Data Centers is proposing a $19 billion center. Stream US Data Centers is seeking $1.43 billion in sales tax exemptions – $715,944,000 locally and $715,944,000 to the state.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed an Executive Order to create the nation’s first moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, establishing the strongest standards for data center development and creating a blueprint to support localities.
The Governor is temporarily pausing State environmental permits for up to one year in order to build a nation-leading regulatory framework that protects ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid and communities across the state.
“New York has always been at the forefront of innovation and change but we’ve also always guaranteed that New Yorkers benefit. As data center development threatens to hike up utility bills, deplete our natural resources, and create uncertainty for New Yorkers, it’s my responsibility to take action and lead,” Governor Hochul said. “New York will lead the way in creating the strongest standards in the nation for data center development, ensuring that when companies succeed because of New York, New Yorkers succeed too.”
New York State is experiencing unprecedented growth in demand for data center development driven by artificial intelligence and other computing operations. The increase in demand has led to proposals across the state for the construction and operation of data centers that could require massive amounts of energy and water to run and cool thousands of computer servers.
Earlier this year, the Governor directed the Department of Public Service (DPS) to begin the Energize NY proceeding, which will require data centers to either pay more for their energy or supply their own, allowing the state to keep energy more affordable for New Yorkers.
As part of that proceeding, the Governor is now also directing DPS to develop a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for data centers to ensure new data centers coming online are being held to consistent standards. During the development of this GEIS, which will take up to a year, a moratorium will be in place and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will not issue any discretionary permits not already deemed complete.
The state will use the GEIS to assess the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of data centers in the state, including their effect on energy demand, water use and quality, and air quality. Once the State finalizes these standards, the moratorium will be lifted, allowing new data center projects to proceed as long as they follow state, zoning code and other local approvals.
Dr. Kirk Scirto, a family medicine specialist at Tonawanda Family Care Center, spoke at public hearings on Feb. 3, 2025 at the Alabama Fire Hall. He called data centers “parasitic centers.” He said the constant noise from the data centers is comparable to the sounds of jet engines. The impact from the noise and light will have negative impacts on neighbors and wildlife, he said.
The Governor also directed Empire State Development (ESD) to issue a Community Investment Framework (CIF) within 60 days, which will provide clear guidance to local entities to help them negotiate community benefits as part of any large-scale data center deal, including local infrastructure improvements, child care investments, and direct financial support for their community.
The CIF will also establish frameworks that provide organized labor a seat at the table and prioritize prevailing wage standards and project labor agreements for data center construction, local hiring, apprenticeships and workforce development to maximize economic benefits. This framework will additionally include a formula to help communities assess where to begin investment negotiations. An outline of the CIF is currently available on ESD’s website, and the public is encouraged to submit feedback.
Additionally, the Governor is directing DPS to consider creating a New York Grid Acceleration Fund to require data centers to invest in the state’s aging grid infrastructure and energy needs so all New Yorkers benefit from responsible development. The fund could support the procurement of new clean energy supply and establishment of an insurance pool to which developers may need to contribute to protect against speculative large loads that create uncertainty and increase costs. DPS will also consider approaches to require data centers to fund new clean electric generation dedicated to their operations, including but not limited to customer-sited distributed energy resources and battery storage.
Finally, Governor Hochul is pursuing legislation to repeal sales tax exemptions for massive data centers across the state.
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has ensured New York is leading the nation in AI innovation and development. As part of her FY25 Budget, the Governor launched Empire AI, a nation-leading initiative to advance AI research for public good. This year, she launched the FutureWorks Commission to advise on policy and private sector actions to protect the security of workers while harnessing the economic benefits of AI for all New Yorkers. This blue ribbon Commission is composed of nation-leading experts, workers’ advocates, and business leaders, and will be charged with advising Governor Hochul on how to navigate the AI transition, so that the benefits of AI can be shared among New York’s families, workers, and small businesses — not just large corporations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2026 at 10:31 am
POINT BREEZE – For the second this summer, a concert at the Orleans County Marine Park has been rescheduled due to hot weather.
The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park announced that the concert planned for this evening featuring Feedback has been rescheduled to Aug. 18.
The June 30 concert with Something Else also was rescheduled to Aug. 11 due to a heat advisory.
Today’s high temperature is forecast to reach 93 degrees with heat index values as high as 105 expected.
A heat advisory for Orleans County is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 July 2026 at 9:12 am
Contributed Photo – Elks/Rotary players and coaches celebrate after capturing the Albion Midget League 12U Division playoff championship Saturday with a 3-0 win over previously unbeaten Sandstone. In front are Owen Beecher, Nate McDaniels, Parker McDaniels, Mason McDaniels, Hunter Sutch and Josh Mengs. In back are Coach Evan Coots, Head Coach Tim Wolcott, Ryan Coots, Remi Ebbs, Kayden Donnelly, Greyson Roberts, Jordyn Williams and Coach Mike Roberts.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 July 2026 at 9:05 am
A quick three run first inning scoring bursst ignited Albion to a 10-0 win over Warsaw in a GLOW League 14U Division baseball game Monday evening.
An RBI single by winning pitcher Robert Hickman keyed that uprising. On the mound, Hickman allowed 2 hits and struck out 8 in four innings of work.
Improving to 7-0, Albion put a lock on the win by erupting for 5 runs in the third inning as Brody Furness had an RBI double, Blake Brown and Jace DiMatteo singles and Hickman an RBI sacrifice fly.
Jackson Frasier capped off the scoring with a two-run single in the fifth inning.
Brown, Hickman and Frasier each finished with a pair of hits.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2026 at 9:00 am
Photo by Natalie Baron: Kids have fun at the bounce houses last year on July 16 during a countywide rec day at Bullard Park. The event returns tomorrow and kids can use the bounce houses and play other games for free.
ALBION – A big group of kids is expected on Wednesday for the annual County Wide Recreation Day at Bullard Park in Albion.
The park will have food, bounce houses, splash pad, games and other activities available for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be appearances by Hamburglar and Grimace, the McDonald’s mascots, and Patrick the Magician will perform at 11 a.m.
The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Knights of Columbus and Salvation Army all covering the cost of the food for the children. The bounce houses, pony rides, face painting and magic show are all covered by the Village of Albion Parks and Recreation.
Last year 500 kids attended the Countywide Rec Day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2026 at 8:38 am
Village sets 6 p.m. Aug. 24 public hearing to ban overnight parking, trailers from using lot
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Department of Public Works has put millings in a parking lot along Pearl Street. This land was donated to the village. The DPW removed concrete from the site and has put down the millings.
The site by Proctor Place is currently blocked off to vehicles. The Village Board has set a 6 p.m. public hearing on Aug. 24 for a local law that will ban overnight parking and trailers from using the space.
The village was given the 100-by-132 foot vacant lot at 115 Pearl St. It was donated by 415 West Avenue LLC, which is owned by Dr. Syed Shah, a cardiologist.
Dr. Shah initially offered the land for the Medina Fire Department but that lot isn’t a good fit for the fire department. The village instead will use it as a municipal lot.
The lot is between the Hometown Wellness Center at 119 Pearl St. and MDS Consultants at 105 Pearl St. The mural at Hometown Wellness was created in 2020 by Julian Montague, an artist from Buffalo who likes to paint large geometric patterns.
Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, wants to allow the millings to settle for about a year before doing additional work on the space. By not having overnight parking in the lot, Watts said the DPW can more easily plow the site during the winter.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2026 at 9:49 pm
File photos by Tom Rivers: Christian Navas was sworn in as Medina’s police chief during a Village Board meeting on Dec. 15, 2025. He submitted a letter of resignation, with his last day as chief on July 19.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department is losing two of its leaders to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Police Chief Christian Navas and Sgt. Jacob Reeves both submitted letters of resignation that were accepted by the Village Board this evening. Navas will be done on July 19 while Reeves’s last day is July 20.
Both are leaving Medina to join the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for significant boosts in pay, said Mark Prawel, a Medina village trustee and retired Medina police officer.
The resignations will leave the department with one sergeant, Jonathan McManus, who joined the Medina PD on Sept. 26, 2022.
Navas joined the department about a decade ago and was appointed police chief on Dec. 15, 2025.
Sgt. Jake Reeves gets helps with his collar brass insignia from then Lt. Christian Navas and then Police Chief Todd Draper on Dec. 17, 2024. Reeves’ wife Dana watches after Reeves took the oath of office for his promotion.
Reeves also joined the Medina PD in 2016. He was appointed to sergeant in December 2024. He also was the department’s K9 handler beginning in 2020 with Phoenix, a Belgian Malinois. But the Medina Village Board disbanded the K9 program in 2025 in a cost-cutting move.
Medina is in arbitration with its police officers, who have been without a new contract for three years.
The Orleans County Legislature in may approved a three-year labor deal with 24 members of the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which includes deputies, sergeants, criminal investigators and lieutenants.
The contract gave the members a significant boost in pay to bring the group to the average pay for deputies in smaller counties.
They were about $5,400 below the average base salary for their positions among 13 smaller counties. In Orleans, they currently have a base salary of about $75,000.
They will get a 6.6 percent raise in 2027, bringing the base pay to about $80,000, and will then receive 2.5 percent increases every six months – Jan. 1, 2028; July 1, 2028; Jan. 1, 2029; and July 1, 2029.
The Legislature approved the contract because many of departments in nearby counties are offering $100,000 to start.
The Medina Village Board went into executive session this evening to discuss how to fill the vacancies in the Medina PD, and how the department will be led in the interim.
Medina also saw its previous police chief, Todd Draper, retire and then join Orleans County in the Major Felony Crime Task Force as an investigator.
Provided photos: Pat Harrington, left, will be joined on Thursday at a concert in Medina by award-winning guitarist Hayden Fogle.
Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group
MEDINA – With the ’26 Blue Thursdays summer concert series in Medina suffering three gig cancelations due to weather, the July 16 might be the one to break the cycle.
It also comes with a special announcement.
“We’ve just been notified that this week’s artist, Pat Harrington, will be bringing along a special guest – Award winning guitarist Hayden Fogle will be joining the Pat Harrington Trio on stage. We couldn’t be more pumped to have this incredible talent at BT in Medina,” said Chris Busch of medinaalive.com, one of the co-organizers of the event.
When he’s not touring nationally and internationally, Pat Harrington performs around his native WNY with the Pat Harrington Trio and the Pat & Owen Duo.
Harrington is best known for his blistering lead work with Grammy-nominated and multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train. Pat blends rock, jazz, and blues with “smoke-soaked solos” with improvisational fluency and high-octane blues. He has performed with artists including Bobby Whitlock and Gary Clark Jr. among others.
The Trio features Owen Eichensehr (drums) and Paul L. Yates (bass).
Hayden Fogle has surprised and entertained audiences across the world with his electrifying guitar playing abilities. He has been invited to perform with many nationally well-known musicians including Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Grammy® winning producer Tom Hambridge, Lee Ritenour, Robert Randolph, Davy Knowles, Donald Kinsey & Kinsey Report, Bob Margolin and several others.
Fogle was the Grand Prize winner in the 2018 Lee Ritenour/Yamaha Music International Guitar Contest (Blues Category). The contest included contestants from over 50 countries, and the judges included some of the world’s greatest guitarists including Lee Ritenour, Joe Bonamassa, Keb Mo, Pat Martino, Joe Satriani, and Vince Gill.
“This is going to be a high-octane gig featuring some of the best international guitar talent to be seen anywhere, right here in State Street Park,” said Busch.
The show will feature professional sound provided by Curly Pfalzer of Pro Sound and Lighting.
The concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.
A wide variety of food vendors and beverages will be available on site.
Event updates, any cancellations and venue information will be posted at ‘blue thursdays medina’ Facebook page.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ benefits from theft and that new, more secure chip-based cards will be issued beginning early in 2027.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently finalized a contract with a vendor to provide the cards, which are expected to greatly limit theft of benefits by criminals using illegal “skimming” devices.
“We are committed to protecting New Yorkers from benefit theft and modernizing our EBT system is the most effective tool we have to prevent heartless criminals from preying on some of our most vulnerable residents,” Governor Hochul said. “As the federal administration continues to undermine efforts to address food insecurity and hunger, New York remains focused on uplifting families and ensuring they have the help they need to put food on the table.”
Fidelity Information Services, LLC (FIS) will provide the new cards, which utilize chip technology that is standard with commercial debit and credit cards. The Federal Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which is used nationally to distribute and use SNAP benefits, only recently gained the ability to accept chip cards. The new cards will begin being issued to recipients in the first quarter of 2027.
The Governor directed OTDA earlier this year to implement this priority as quickly as possible. OTDA proactively issued a request for proposals for a new EBT card vendor capable of providing cards with chips that are more secure than the existing cards – to be prepared to transition once funding was secured.
New York is one of just a handful of states transitioning to secure, chip-based EBT card technology. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, five states have already issued chip cards and five more states, including New York, are in progress.
The funding to support the transition was included by the Governor and the Legislature in the FY 2027 Budget. About two million new cards are expected to be issued.
OTDA recently began outreach to retailers and financial institutions encouraging them to make sure their systems and equipment are updated to accept the new EBT chip cards before the end of the year, so that they can continue accepting SNAP benefits as payment when the new cards are issued.
EBT cardholders will be notified before their new card is issued.
There has been increased awareness in recent years of the use of skimming devices to capture recipients’ card information and PIN, with criminals using skimmed information to access accounts and steal the recipients’ benefits before recipients have a chance to spend them. However, the federal government stopped funding replacement benefits at the end of 2024 for SNAP recipients who had their benefits stolen and the Trump Administration has refused to consider reauthorizing such replacement.
The new EBT cards, which are also used by Public Assistance recipients to access their benefits, will be virtually impervious to skimming, helping safeguard the dollars that New Yorkers depend on to feed their families.
OTDA has worked steadily toward transitioning to the use of EBT chip cards to help protect recipients’ benefits from electronic theft, while taking steps to raise awareness and encouraging recipients to do what they can to protect their benefits. EBT cardholders can help protect their benefits by using the freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE mobile app or online cardholder portal. They can also choose to block online and out-of-state purchases.
OTDA, local departments of social services, or the EBT card provider will never contact clients asking for EBT information. EBT cardholders should never give their EBT card information in response to emails, text messages, or phone calls. Thieves can use this information to access your account and spend your SNAP and cash benefits.
Resources to assist the public with information about EBT scams and how to protect their benefits can be found at otda.ny.gov/ebtscam.
NYS Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “County social services departments across New York strongly support the transition to chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This upgrade is a practical and necessary step to strengthen program integrity, reduce fraud, and ensure that benefits reach the individuals and families who truly need them. As local administrators of SNAP, we see firsthand the importance of modernizing our systems to keep pace with evolving threats while maintaining efficient access for recipients. Governor Hochul’s leadership in launching this initiative reflects a commitment to good government—one that balances accountability with service. At a time when recent changes to federal funding formulas have increased fiscal challenges for localities, investments like this help safeguard public resources and reinforce confidence in the program.”
American Legion in Lyndonville making its trolley available for fair
Photo by Tom Rivers: The American Legion in Lyndonville gives veterans a ride on a trolley during the July 4th parade.
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – Visitors attending the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair will have a new and convenient way to travel between the general parking area and the fairgrounds.
Thanks to the generosity of American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603, a tram will be available to transport fairgoers to and from the Taylor Hill Road parking lot and the main fairgrounds. The new service is intended to make arrival and departure easier and more comfortable for families, older adults, and anyone who may need a little extra help getting between their vehicle and the fair.
GO ART! will staff the tram daily from 4 to 8 p.m., with trips approximately every 15 minutes. During other fair hours, tram service will be available upon request.
All general visitor parking will be located in the Taylor Hill Road parking lot. The tram will travel through the lot and pick up and drop off passengers along every other parking row. On the fairgrounds, passengers will be picked up and dropped off near the green bathroom.
Parking on Wood Road will be limited to exhibitors and their families. General fair visitors should plan to enter and park using the Taylor Hill Road lot and follow the directions of parking attendants and posted signs.
A limited number of wheelchairs, wagons and strollers will also be available to sign out free of charge from the Sensory Room located in the Education Center. Transportation assistance devices will be available on a first come, first served basis and should be returned after use so they remain available for other fairgoers.
The Orleans County 4-H Fair is grateful to American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 for providing the tram and to GO ART! for helping staff this new service. Their support will help make the fairgrounds more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through Aug. 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2026 at 2:28 pm
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Stawicki – Some ducks were out enjoying the sunrise on Glenwood Lake in Medina this morning while the sun came up.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Orleans County and Western New York on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In Orleans County, the high temperature is forecast to reach 94 degrees with heat index values as high as 105.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service advised. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
Today is forecast to reach 90 degrees, followed by highs of 94 on Tuesday, 90 on Wednesday, 88 on Thursday, 84 on Friday and 85 on Saturday.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 July 2026 at 10:46 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Batavia bested host Albion 4-1 in a Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U18 Division game Sunday evening. Here Lena Grillo works to get the ball away from a pair of Batavia defenders. Ava Woolston scored the Albion goal.
Albion’s Alayna Flugel advances the ball up field.
