2 taken by ambulance after chemical leak at Pride Pak in Medina

Posted 20 July 2026 at 2:19 pm

Photos courtesy of Medina Fire Department: Hazmat Teams responded to a chemical leak at Pride Pak today. The site is a vegetable processing facility.

Press Release, Village of Medina Fire Department

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department was dispatched to Pride Pak at 7:29 a.m. for a male with chemical burns to his face.

Medina firefighters including Fire Chief Steve Cooley made the initial response. Once on site, Cooley requested a a fire response, bringing Engine 11 and an off-duty recall for Engine 12 and additional manpower.

Shortly after, several additional patients were identified and off-duty firefighters brought the other two in service ambulances to the scene.

Initial reports indicated a pump malfunction released a chemical that splashed a male and another coworker was exposed while assisting the victim and shutting down the pump, which helped limit the spill.

Several others reported the chemical had aerosolized, creating a cloud in the chemical room. Chief Cooley ordered the building evacuated and requested Hazmat Response. With the assistance of Orleans 1 (Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Niederhofer), the Niagara County Hazmat Team, including the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Hazmat Team and the Genesee County Hazmat Team, were dispatched. Niagara County EMS Ambulance responded with the hazmat team.

The chemical was identified as Bioside HS 15% and it is used to wash vegetables. Upon entry, Hazmat teams located a spill approximately 25 by 10 feet on the floor. They mitigated the spill, secured the equipment and utilized facility systems to clean the room. Medina crews assisted with ventilation and decontamination.

Chief Cooley requested Middleport Fire for an engine, and Wolcottsville Fire responded with a BLS ambulance. Together they provided standby coverage at the Medina Fire Station during the incident. During that time, a walkup to the station reporting an odor of natural gas on South Avenue was handled by Middleport and Medina Ambulance 62.

There were a total of three patients. Two were transported by Medina Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital and one refused treatment on scene.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the agencies listed above including Orleans County Sheriffs Dispatch, Orleans County Emergency Management Office, Genesee County ESU, Niagara County Hazmat Team, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Hazmat Team, Niagara County EMS, Niagara County EMO, Middleport Fire Department, Wolcottsville Fire Department, NYS DEC and NYS OFPC.

Medina Fire Department worked with other first responders to mitigate a spill at Pride Pak, 11531 Maple Ridge Rd.

Lyndonville Board of Education picks Joanne Suhr as new president

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2026 at 10:27 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: George Avery was re-elected as vice president of the Lyndonville Board of Education last week. He led the board meeting because newly elected president Joanne Suhr was on vacation in Hawaii. She was able to attend the meeting through video conferencing. District Clerk Tanya Marek is at right.

LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education has picked a new president. Joanne Suhr, a retired Lyndonville teacher, will lead the seven-member board during the 2026-27 school.

Joanne Suhr

Suhr received four votes during last week’s organizational meeting. Patrick Whipple, the board president the past school year, received two votes. One of the board members, Vern Fonda, was late for the vote due to coaching a baseball game. Fonda voted for Whipple about a year ago to be president.

Suhr secured for votes to be president from herself, James Houseman, Megan Bruning and new board member, Dana Goetze.

Whipple had votes from himself and George Avery, who was re-elected to serve as vice president. Goetze replaced Jerod Thurber on the board, and he backed Whipple as president for the 2025-26 school year.

Suhr attended the meeting from 4,600 miles away in Hawaii through videoconferencing.

“Thank you for my appointment,” she told the board. “I don’t take it lightly. Patrick, thank you. You did a great job.”

Whipple, the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCEs in Batavia, said he was thankful for the chance to lead the board the past year.

“I know Joanne will do a great job,” he said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Joanne Suhr was able to be part of the meeting last week through video conferencing. She could hear what was happening and was able to vote, ask questions and make comments.

The district will be operating with a contingency budget this school year after a $19,194,000 budget was rejected twice by the public – on May 19 by a 172-129 vote and then again on June 16 with a 327-292 vote.

The Board of Education last week approved $266,495 in cuts needed to meet the threshold of a contingency budget.

“We’ll have challenges but we’ll pull through and we’ll do amazing things for our district,” said George Avery, the board vice president.

He said he looks forward to working with Suhr. The board throughout the school year will have to be very budget conscious, Avery said.

“We’ll have to look at everything through fiscal responsibility and the strategic plan, and find a balance,” he said.

The board approved one change for the new school year: the board meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7. Many of the local municipalities and school districts have moved from 7 p.m. start times to 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. start time was a little too early for some board members, but they agreed to 6:30.

Vern Fonda, one of the board members, said many of the district sporting events start at 5 and preferred a later meeting start, rather than 6 p.m.

Gas prices up 13 cents nationally, 7 cents in NYS in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2026 at 8:40 am

The average price for regular unleaded is at $4.00 in the United States, which is up 13 cents from a week ago, AAA reported this morning. In new York State, the average price is at $4.15, up 7 cents in the past week.

A year ago the average price nationally was $3.14 while it was $3.18 in New York State.

“Instability along the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to the increase at the pump and pushing crude oil prices toward $80 per barrel,” AAA said in a news release. “However, prices are lower than they were in the spring when the national average peaked at $4.56 on May 21. Local prices are mixed as state prices in New York remain higher than the national average.”

Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:

Orleans, $4.245
Genesee, $4.187
Monroe, $4.210
Niagara, $4.233
Erie, $4.233
Wyoming, $4.278
Livingston, $4.289
Chautauqua, $4.236
Cattaraugus, $4.013
Allegany, $4.220

The highest price is at Hamilton County, $4.499, a gallon while the lowest price, $4.012, is at Schoharie County, according to AAA.

Diesel prices are up this week, with the national average at $5.11, up 23 cents from last week. Last year at this time, the national average price for diesel fuel was $3.73. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.48, up 5 cents from last week, and up from $3.93 last year, AAA said.

Old-Fashioned Day draws big crowd to East Shelby church

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 10:44 pm

Congregation serves 3,000 hot dogs for a penny apiece

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – It was another enormous crowd today for the annual Old-Fashioned Day celebration at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Many come for hot dogs, slices of pie, lemonade and other treats – all served for only a penny. The event draws an estimated 2,000 people although no one keeps a head count. The church welcomes people for fun and fellowship.

The annual event has helped the church grow from about 30 people when it opened in 1988 to a thriving group of about 200 now.

This trio served visitors of the West Jackson Corners Post Office, where letters to Santa could be sent for a penny and prayers (messages to God) were offered for free. From left include Audrey Pask, Brie Trembley and Olivia Falker.

Evelyn June Phillips of Attica makes a candle at the candle-making station.

Many people while to try making a candle.

The East Shelby Community Bible Church first started doing an open house in 1990 when the community was welcome to see how the congregation had worked to revive the church building. The event has grown into a big festival on the grounds.

A horse-drawn wagon displays an American flag. This year’s Old-Fashioned Day had a strong patriotic feel for the country’s 250^th anniversary.

The church dedicated a new flag pole after church today and is displaying a 13-star flag.

Erik Lang helps serve 3,000 hot dogs. He is joined under the tent by Ken Baker, center, and Steve Nesbitt, at right.

Lang’s father Alfred Lang was best friends with the church’s long-time pastor, Erik Olsen. Lang’s parents named him after Erik Olsen.

Olsen passed away from cancer at age 70 on November 17, 2025. He preached a sermon eight days before that.

Amy Joyner holds a jar of strawberry rhubarb made by Sue Coon that won the homemade jam contest.

Levi Olsen presides over the jam-making contest. He has succeeded his father as the church’s pastor. He said his father is missed by the congregation. Erik Olsen would be happy to see Old-Fashioned Day continuing to bring the community together. Levi Olsen said the event and church are all about bringing glory to God, and not a person.

Rick Hale of Batavia brought a large collection of guns from the 1500s to 1800s including an air gun made between 1700 and 1710 in London. It was similar to the gun used by Lewis and Clark on their expedition, hale said.

A section of East Shelby Road, south of the church, was closed to traffic after part of the road was washed out in Saturday’s big downpour. An East Shelby firefighter said 5 1/2 inches of rain fell in 3 hours, and washed out the underneath of the road.

Day 2 complete with another 55 miles around the track in endurance challenge

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 10:03 pm

400-mile run for Community Action reaches $11,000 of $20,000 goal

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Brett Sobieraski, in white, runs around the Lyndonville school track with Rochester police officer and Lyndonville native Chris Shingleton.

Sobieraski completed another 55 miles on foot or 220 laps around the track. It was his second 55-mile day out of seven in a row, with 15 miles on Saturday in a 400-mile trek to benefit Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Sobieraski, a Carlton resident and retired Rochester Police Department sergeant, is trying to raise $20,000 for Community Action to help the agency during a tiem of budget cuts and uncertainty.

He has raised $11,000 so far, including $6,691 online (as of 9:50 p.m.) To make an online donation, click here. Community Action representatives also are at each run, selling T-shorts and accepting cash donations or checks.

Brett Sobieraski, Chris Shingleton and Brad Kingdollar (at right) run along the Lyndonville track. Kingdollar completed 80 laps for 20 miles. Altogether, there were 40 different people who joined Sobieraski on the track today. He welcomes walkers and runners to come out and join him, even if it’s just for a lap.

The schedule the next six days includes:

Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles

After running more than 20 miles, Sobieraski took a short walking break. He is joined by childhood friend Shawn Gorman, left, and cousin Mark Sobieraski of Gasport.

Gorman grew up in Lockport with Brett Sobieraski. Gorman said Sobieraski has been a good friend since they were in kindergarten. Gorman said Sobieraski came out in the middle of the night to cheer him on when he did the 100-mile Beast of Burden on foot.

“He has always been an outstanding person and an inspiration to me,” Gorman said.

Medina nipped in Cooperstown tourney finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 5:33 pm

Avenging an earlier season loss, the Central Amherst Orange nipped the Medina 15U team 1-0 this afternoon to close out the Mustangs participation in the Cooperstown Tournament.

Central Amherst, which recently lost 11-6 to Medina, scored the game’s lone run in the bottom of the seventh inning on a hit batter, a stolen base and a single.

Medina had only three hits including singles by Jacob Duffina, Mason Berry and Shawn Robertson,

On the mound for the Mustangs Duffina pitched a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.

Medina next hosts Lockport at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Albion holding baseball camp next week

Contributed Story Posted 19 July 2026 at 5:31 pm

The Village of Albion will be holding a free summer baseball camp for students in grades 3-10 at the Albion High varsity field Monday, July 27th, through Friday, July 31st from 10a.m. until noon.

Participants will learn the basics of hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing and base running.

No experience is needed and there is no pre registration.

For more information contact the village office at 585-589-9176.

Heinz threw big employee picnics when it operated in Medina

Posted 19 July 2026 at 11:51 am

Softball games, dancing contests and egg-throwing competition among the events

These husbands at right appear to relish throwing raw eggs to their spouses who appear to be a little more apprehensive.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans – Volume 6, No. 20

MEDINA – On Wednesday, July 28, 1948, just before 9 a.m., some 1,300 Heinz employees and family members boarded buses at the Heinz plant on Park Ave. in Medina and travelled to Olcott Beach for the company’s summer family outing.

The H.J. Heinz Company first opened a cider mill in Medina in 1899 and later expanded to vegetable and tomato processing. It was the largest employer in the area and regularly hosted “employee appreciation” events.

That sunny day in 1948 was perfect for swimming and boating on the lake. A variety of games, races and sporting events entertained participants and spectators alike. Softball teams captained by George Maryjanowski and John Brennan played a hotly contested softball game which ended with a 3-2 score in favor of Maryjanowski’s team. Helen Levanduski and Mary Stawicki captained the ladies’ teams, with Levanduski’s team winning 16-2.

Dance contests were held in the afternoon. Josephine Grabowski and Julian Kwiatkowski were deemed the best waltzers, Mary Mondo and Douglas Kilbourn, the best jitterbugs.

Hattie Budzizewski and Rose Chandler were best in the polka competition. Attendees were provided with free tickets for rides, concessions and refreshments.

Many brought picnic lunches. Cash attendance prizes were given away throughout the day. Members of the organizing committee served free coffee and lemonade.

Robert M. Stack was general chairman of the event and was assisted by George Becker, Charles Ingersoll, William Hickey, Louis Gillmeister and others.

One of the more unusual contests was the raw egg throwing contest for couples. Participants were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to “get even.” Remarkably, there were no “direct hits.”

(Left) Robert M. Stack, event organizer presents a prize to Mary Vahoviak, winner of the Mystery Person contest. (Right) Theresa Mondo and Anna Mae Beyer hold the dolls they won in the rope-skipping contest.

Photographer expands services and moves to Main Street storefront in Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 July 2026 at 8:51 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Photographer Alexandra Peracciny is planning a Community Showcase for Amateur Photographers at the new studio she recently opened at 426 Main St. in Medina.

MEDINA – Photography has been a passion for Alexandra Peracciny since she was 10. Along with a 30-year career teaching French and Spanish at Medina High School, Peracciny has maintained her interest in photography.

“I loved the idea of preserving memories,” Peracciny said. “That was a big attraction for me. In those days, film was a challenge and I love challenges and capturing a good image, especially on film.”

She received her first professional camera at the age of 16. She graduated from Royalton-Hartland Central School, and after getting her certification to teach, she went back and got certified in photography. She began taking professional portraits in 2007, and in 2018 opened her first studio above The Booke Shoppe in the building that was owned by her parents. When they sold the building, in 2024 she moved above Blissett’s. This spring a storefront became available at 426 Main St., and she took advantage of the opportunity.

Alexandra Peracciny stands in her new studio at 426 Main St., Medina. The new space allows her to have a studio, classroom and retail store.

Her new location allows her space for a studio, the availability to offer classes and have a retail store, where she has a selection of Medina-themed items, pictures and gifts.

It has also provided space for Peracciny to host a Community Photography Exhibition, showcasing works of 15 local amateurs. It is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23, and correlates to the Medina Triennial’s theme, “All that Sustains Us.”

The exhibit is free to the public and light refreshments will be available. More than 50 photographs will be featured and will remain on display until Labor Day.

Regular hours of the studio are 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 12 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“I wanted to do something special for the Triennial,” Peracciny said. “I wanted to join in their theme, and I hope to make it an annual event.”

Air quality alert in effect today for fifth straight day in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 7:48 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Boaters head west on the Erie Canal towards Medina’s canal basin recently. This photo was taken from near the bank of the canal from State Street Park.

For the fifth straight day an air quality alert has been issued for Orleans County and Western New York due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued the alert which is in effect unil midnight. The outdoor air quality levels are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 125 for fine particulates.

The NYS Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

Today is forecast to be partly sunny with a high near 74 in Orleans County, followed by a sunny Monday with a high of 80, and a high of 85 on Tuesday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The highs are then forecast for 76 on Wednesday, 78 on Thursday, 82 on Friday and 81 on Saturday.

First team All-WNY honors for Barker pitcher

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 7:24 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker pitcher Madyson Flint has earned first team All Western New York honors.

Barker sophomore pitcher Madyson Flint has been named to the first team of the All Western New York small schools softball squad.

Flint, who helped hurl Barker to a share of a second straight Niagara-Orleans League championship, registered 183 strikeouts in 104.1 innings of work in the cirlce and had a 1.96 earned run average.

At the plate, she hit .395 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and 16 runs batted in.

Barker is also represented on the All-WNY second team by senior infielder Peyton Bradley. She hit .462 with 8 doubles, 4 home runs and 26 RBIs.

Wilson senior catcher Abbie Faery, who was named N-O Player of the Year, has also been named to the second team. In helping to lead Wilson to a share of the N-O title, she hit .487 with 5 doubles, 4 home runs and 19 RBIs.

Two N-O players have also received All-WNY Honorable Mention – Roy-Hart senior pitcher Abby Fox and Wilson sophomore infielder Lucy Madan.

Fox registered 85 strikeouts in the circle and at the plate she hit .511 with 4 doubles and 14 RBIs.

Madan hit .481 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 12 RBIs.

Diamond playoffs next for Albion 14U and 18U

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 6:58 am

Albion’s undefeated (7-0) 14U and 18U baseball teams will both be competing in the GLOW League playoffs this week.

On Monday, the Albion 14U will host Dansville in a semifinal round playoff game at 6:15 p.m.

The victor will face the winner of the Alden vs. Cal-Mum semi in the championship game on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Albion 18U will host Nunda in a semifinal contest at 6:15 p.m.

The victor will advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the Alden vs. Avon semi.

Sobieraski completes first 55-mile run in some extreme weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 9:36 pm

Carlton resident has 7 more days and 345 more miles to go in benefit for Community Action

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski carries the American flag for the last two laps around the Albion High School track today. He completed 220 laps and 55 miles in a benefit for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

He shown just after 6 p.m., following 11 hours on the track, including in four downpours.

Sobieraski, a Carlton resident and retired Rochester Police Department sergeant, will be attempting to run 55 miles for seven straight days at local high school tracks, before doing a final 15-mile run next Saturday at Albion.

He will be in Lyndonville on Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. He welcomes the public to join him on the track, even if it’s just for a lap. People can come out anytime time during the run.

He is trying to raise $20,00 for Community Action, which is facing budget cuts. Click here for more information on making an online donation for the 400-mile run for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Brett Sobieraski takes a breather after finishing today’s run. His girlfriend Laura Rinaldi corrals the flag.

Barre Animal Hospital to close in October with retirement of Dr. Susan Neno

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 3:55 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Dr. Susan Neno has announced she will be retiring in October and will be closing the Barre Animal Hospital.

Dr. Neno, 63, said she has tried to find a successor the past five years but has been unable to convince another vet to take on the solo practice.

“I’m going to miss this,” she said at the animal hospital on Friday. “This has been my life.”

Dr. Neno has been a vet for 35 years. She said the profession takes a toll on the body – and the emotions. She said euthanizing beloved family pets is heart-wrenching for her and the staff.

The Barre Animal Hospital was established more than 50 years ago by Dr. Ron Harling at 15445 E. Lee Rd. Dr. Neno became the owner in 2007, after working alongside Dr. Harling for a few years.

For many years she was on call 24-7. About two years ago she closed the office on Saturdays, and then a year ago also closed on Fridays. But even the Monday through Thursday schedule is very demanding.

She is grateful for the career at the Barre Animal Hospital, working with 1,400 active clients and 8,000 to 10,000 dogs and cats. In her earlier years as a vet, she treated snakes, turtles, gerbils, pigs, iguanas and other pets. But she said she sees those species fairly infrequently to stay well versed and well stocked on their medications.

Dr. Neno grew up in Lansing near Ithaca. After going to the local community college and then Binghamton University, she earned her veterinary degree at Cornell.

She wanted to stay on in more of an advisory role for a new owner, but vets are drawn to larger offices with more set hours and bigger paychecks.

“I’m sad to be leaving,” she said. “I’m heartbroken. The one-doctor practices are a thing of the past.”

Retiring in October will give her more time with her husband and family. She looks forward to going on a vacation trip.

She praised her staff, including vet tech Geoff who has been at the Barre Animal Hospital since 1999. Becky, Gail and Diane also are instrumental to the Barre Animal Hospital.

“The four of them are phenomenal,” Dr. Neno said. “They are the glue to the practice.”

She urged people to do yearly checkups at the vet for their pets. That way the vaccines can be updated, and the vet can do an exam and may be able to detect a mass or heart murmur before it is a serious threat.

Dr. Neno wrote a message to the community that has been printed this weekend in The Lake Country Pennysaver and Westside News.

After careful consideration, it has been decided that the Barre Animal Hospital will be closing its doors after many decades of serving the community.

The practice was established by Dr. Harling in the early 1970’s. Over the years, the clinic has had the opportunity to care for countless animals and to build lasting relationships with their owners. Deep appreciation is extended to the community for its trust and support over the years, as many of you have become friends and even like family to myself and the staff.

Please understand that this decision was not made lightly. Several years were spent trying to transition the practice, including offering it for sale. After thoughtful reflection, it has become clear that closing the practice is the appropriate next step.

The anticipated closing date is October 2026. Please reach out to us by email to have your records transferred to your new veterinary clinic. The email address is: barreanimal@yahoo.com.

With sincere gratitude,

Dr. Susan Neno

Tornado warning issued for southeastern Orleans County until 3:15 p.m.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 2:55 pm

Flash flood advisory in effect until 7 p.m.

A tornado warning was issued until 3:15 p.m. for southeastern Orleans County, the National Weather Service said at 2:46 p.m.

The warning also includes northeastern Genesee, southwestern Monroe and north central Livingston counties.

The NWS said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Byron in Genesee County was moving east at 35 miles per hour.

“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the NWS said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

A flash flood advisory also has been issued until 7 p.m. for Orleans County. The NWS said another line of thunderstorms are moving into the area with rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches possible. That follows the 2 and 3 inches of rain has already fallen with previous storms this afternoon. Flash flooding is already occurring, the NWS said.