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Central Hall, former county treasurer’s office, listed for $229,000
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Central Hall is now on the market and listed for sale at $229,000. The photo shows Debi Woodroe, owner of Woodroe Realty in Medina, and her husband Butch Balschmiter at about noon today putting their signs in the yard at 34 East Park St.
The County Legislature on Sept. 23 declared the building as surplus and retained Woodroe Realty to sell the building with a 2 percent commission.
The building used to include the County Treasurer’s Office but the treasurer moved to the former Bank of America site at 156 South Main St. in 2024. That is next to Subway.
The county also has moved the historian’s office and the Department of History’s artifacts from the site to 2,000 square feet of space on the side of a plaza next to Subway.
With Central Hall entirely vacated, the Legislature wants to sell it.
Central Hall, a solid red-brick building, was a school from 1882 to 1934, and then was used as the post for the American Legion until the site was bought by the county in 1980.
Debi Woodroe sees lots of potential at the building, which is zoned residential/commercial. It could be used as business offices or as a residence. There are two furnaces including one from 2024 and two entrances if the site were to be split into two apartments, she said.
There are seven parking spaces in back as part of the property, as well as a handicapped accessible ramp.
The roof was replaced in 2011, new windows and a chair lift to the second floor were installed in 2021.
“This building was very well built with lots of character,” she said.
For more information call Woodroe at (585)746-1663 or check her website by clicking here.
Medina to host Walk to end Alzheimer’s on Oct. 10
Nicole Tuohey again selling elephant links for $1, which includes a cookie
Photo contributed: Nicole Tuohey stands next to a pile of elephant’s links, which she makes and sells in Hans’s Baker to benefit Alzheimer’s research. The links are sold for $1 and come with an elephant cookie. She strings them down Main Street the night before the Alzheimer’s Walk, which is Oct. 10.
MEDINA – Alzheimer’s disease has been a big part of Mary Lou Tuohey’s life for more than a decade – dealing with it, dreading it, fundraising for research for it and promoting awareness of it.
On Oct. 10, the annual Walk to end Alzheimer’s will take place in State Street Park, with registration at 9 a.m. The walk will start at 10 a.m. A basket raffle is currently on display in the window at Hans’s Bakery. The drawing will take place after the last walker finishes.
One thing Mary Lou has been adamant about over the years is instilling in daughter Nicole the impact the disease has had on their lives and the need to support efforts to combat it.
That is why Nicole every year has sold “elephant links,” which she fastens together and stretches down Main Street. Her goal every year is to sell enough to stretch them down the block of downtown Medina.
Nicole started making the links when her mom owned Case-Nic Cookies and she sold them for $1 in the store. They also come with an elephant cutout sugar cookie, formerly made by Mary Lou, and now by Hans Rosentreter, who purchased the store and runs Hans’s Bakery there.
The elephant signifies memory (an elephant is said to never forget) and memory is what Alzheimer’s destroys.
Along with the links, Mary Lou started a basket raffle, with items displayed in her store window, and now in Hans’s window.
Tickets for the raffle are currently on sale at the bakery, with a unique system Mary Lou developed where supporters can buy their tickets even when the store is closed. A bucket outside the door is filled with envelopes in which there is a sheet listing all the baskets, which are displayed in Hans’s window. Customers put in their money ($10 per sheet) in the envelope, mark how many tickets they want in their chosen baskets, and drop the envelope in the mail slot in the door.
Every year, Mary Lou shares a story of her family’s history of Alzheimer’s and how it has affected Nicole.
Nicole’s grandma and grandpa both died of Alzheimer’s.
“For a total of 27 years, my mom watched her mom and dad fade away,” Nicole’s message reads. “She saw her dad, who was an engineer for Harrison Radiator for 30 years, owned his own business, loved to fish, fix cars and golf, and took care of his family, become a man who forgot who he was, wore diapers and only said, ‘What’s on the agenda?’ He ended up in a nursing home when Grandma could no longer take care of him.”
A few years later, Nicole’s Grandma Bradley became increasingly forgetful, got lost when driving and couldn’t take care of herself any more. She, too, had to go in a nursing home, where Mary Lou took Nicole to visit.
“Gramma didn’t know who I was,” Nicole shares. “She spoke ‘gibberish’ and the only thing Gramma did was cuddle the doll, Andrew, that her four children got for her. She loved Andrew, but didn’t know who her four children or seven grandchildren were. Mom cried every time we left.”
Nicole tells her story because she worries and wonders if her mom will get Alzheimer’s disease.
“If she does, what will happen to me,” Nicole asks. “ I love her and need her.. I don’t want her to fade away from life like Gramma and Grampa Bradley did. I don’t want her to not know who I am.”
That is why Nicole sells her elephant’s links for Alzheimer’s, and stretches them down Main Street the night before the Alzheimer’s Walk. All the money raised goes directly to Alzheimer’s for research to help find the “link” to Alzheimer’s.
“I pray my mom does not have to suffer through this horrifying disease,” Nicole wrote in her message.
Huge turnout needed in upcoming election as GOP zealots try to skew vote
Editor:
Final returns on more claims by people with over-active imaginations – GOP zealots, bigots, senile rants – were exposed this month.
Trump first claimed there were 250,000 illegal voters in Nevada. Then DHS claimed 16,000 and, when pushed, reduced it to 185. Nevada and others audited and the final real number was 0. (Search news outlets generally for verification.)
Also, GOP Riverside Co., Cal Sheriff Chad Bianco seized 650,000 votes and faces felony charges for corrupting the election process. (See news reports generally for successful prosecutions of similar conspiracy fans in several states.)
Facing weaponized talk and actions, Congressional Committees recently tried, without success, to get Administration Officials to promise that DHS, Justice, ICE, and even the reshaped military will not step in to pervert the vote.
Skewing the vote steals our future. Currently, economic fantasies which have resulted in long festering, now precipitous, problems with our pocketbooks. We want our standard of living back and not political myths, now proven.
Every politician choosing to support a politician and falsehoods which hurt you has to go.
Huge turnout in November is critical while we still have one man one vote and the ability to improve our lot by top to bottom house cleaning.
Conrad F. Cropsey
Albion
‘Pumpkinpalooza’ returns with Oct. 10 event at Fairgrounds during Scarecrow Fest
File photo by Tom Rivers: Toni Bradshaw entered these pumpkins – Freddy Krueger at left and E.T. at right – in a pumpkin-carving contest on Oct. 12, 2024 at the Orleans County 4-H fairgrounds. She won first place with E.T. The contest returns on Oct. 10.
Contributed by Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator
KNOWLESVILLE – Master Gardeners are calling for entries for their annual Pumpkinpalooza competition! This contest is open to the public and takes place during the Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, October 10th at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
“When most people think of fall, they think of pumpkins! And scarecrows! Come enjoy both with us on Saturday, October 10th!” said Lisa Lancaster, Master Gardener and chairperson of the Pumpkinpalooza committee. “It’s a lot of fun and a great way to welcome fall! Plus, it’s all indoors so it’s a rain- or-shine event!”
Creative pumpkin designers of all ages can enter their exhibits in three categories – Best Carved, Best Decorated, and Best Painted. Gift certificate prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. Pumpkin entries must be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the Lartz Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds. Master Gardener volunteers will judge the entries and announce the winners at noon. Winners need not be present to win.
In addition to the public pumpkin contest, Master Gardeners will also have free pumpkin painting available for children 12 and under, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last). All pumpkins for the painting activity are generously donated by Panek Farms in Albion.
“I think it’s so worthwhile to offer something free for children to enjoy,” explained Brenda Radzinski, Master Gardener and a key committee member of the event.
Master Gardeners are hoping to have their biggest turnout yet, so even if you’ve never been involved in the event before, get your creative juices flowing and prepare your pumpkin entry! Examples of past entries included elaborate carved figures, painted fall landscapes, and a pumpkin fairy house decorated with flowers and miniature accessories.
“The joy on the kids’ faces when you watch them create their very own masterpiece is so rewarding at the end,” said Melissa Greean, Master Gardener and another lead committee member of the Pumpkinpalooza event. “We hope to have this event grow each year!”
Pumpkinpalooza ends at 1 p.m., but the Scarecrow Festival goes from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There is a $12 cost per scarecrow with all supplies included. Both events will be held in the Lartz Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion. For questions about Pumpkinpalooza or other Master Gardener events, call 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.
Tough start for Green at LPGA Hawaii tourney
Medina’s Melanie Green had a rough start Thursday at the opening round of the LPGA Tour’s Lotte Championship as Eva Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.
Green had a 6 over par round of 78 which included 5 bogeys, 1 double bogey and 1 birdie.
The tournament continues today after which the field will be cut for the title determining rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Medina earns first N-O field hockey win
Snapping a season opening four league game losing streak, Medina downed Newfane (2-4) 2-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game Thursday evening at Vets Park.
Jenelle Stalker and Olivia Bessel each scored a goal for the Mustangs.
Wilson 8, Roy-Hart 3
Wilson improved to 3-4 in N-O action by downing Roy-Hart (0-6) 8-3 as Taylor Ernest scored 5 goals, Brynn Lepsch 2 and Katie Hardy 1.
Adella Dukes scored the goals for Roy-Hart.
Akron 9, Kenmore 0
Defending champion Akron improved to 7-0 in N-O action by downing Kenmore (3-3) 9-0 as Abigail Schlabach scored 4 goals, Mackenzie Tomporowski and Shannon Esmond 2 each and Madigan Regan 1.
Barker 5, Nardin 0
Barker celebrated Homecoming with a 5-0 non league win over Nardin on goals by Lilly Reyes, Sophia Pavlock, Addisyn Weller, Lauren Zglinicki and Milayna May.
Albion, Kendall each hosting festivals on Saturday with scarecrows, pumpkin painting
Photos by Tom Rivers: Gia Baker, 9, of Albion decorates a pumpkin on East Bank Street in Albion during last year’s Fall Fest in Albion. The event returns on Saturday with many activities.
Albion and Kendall will both be hosting fall festivals on Saturday with scarecrows, pumpkin painting and other activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Albion Merchants Association will have its Fall Festival in downtown Albion. People can make scarecrows, paint a pumpkin, browse local vendors, and enjoy music and other activities.
The scarecrows are usually attached to the light poles in the downtown during October. This year, they will instead be displayed along a fence at Bullard Park.
Albion will also welcome the band Yacht Club for a concert at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 428 West State St. This is a fundraiser towards the July 3rd celebration at Bullard Park, which includes fireworks and other activities.
Mavis Williams, a member of the Kendall Scarecrow Committee, took the lead in creating this RIP scarecrow during last year’s scarecrow festival.
The Kendall Scarecrow Festival will be at the Kendall Community Park, 1941 Kendall Rd.
This year’s scarecrow contest has a theme of “Happy 250th Birthday America!”
The festival includes food, live music by Rebel’s Posse, raffles, games, hayrides, and other family-friendly activities with crafts, face painting, inflatables and pony rides. There will be a chainsaw carving demo by Jeff of Critters 3D.
Kendall and Albion girls post soccer wins
Kendall improved to 10-0 by shutting out LeRoy 3-0 in a non league girls soccer game Thursday.
Ryleigh Denning, Kaylie Bunn and Izzy D’Agostino each scored a goal and Sophia Picardo had 2 assists.
Albion 2, Barker/Lyndonville 0
Scoring a goal in each half, Albion downed Barker/Lyndonville 2-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer game.
Madison Frasier scored both goals for Albion which improves to 4-3 in N-O action as Barker/Lyndonville slips to 2-4.
Aaliyah Jones earned the shutout in goal.
Wilson 11, Newfane 0
Defending champion Wilson stayed undefeated at 6-0 in N-O competition by blanking rival Newfane (0-7) 11-0 as Addison Elia scored 4 goals and Macaela Boyer 3.
Akron tips Medina in OT in N-O soccer; Barker/Lyndonville downs Albion
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Brayden Lewis and Akron’s Owen Kreher battle for control of the ball during Thursday’s game at Vets Park which was won by the visiting Tigers in overtime.
Akron nipped Medina 3-2 in overtime in a Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer game Thursday at Vets Park.
Sawyer Ranney scored the game winning goal in overtime for the Tigers which also got goals from Thatcher Ranney and Owen Kreher.
Cam Fike and Tyler Raduns both scored goals for the Mustangs as Aidan Papaj and Aleks Seefeldt earned assists.
Akron is now 6-1 and Medina 3-3 in N-O action.
Wilson 4, Newfane 0
In the other N-O contest, Wilson (6-0) blanked rival Newfane (3-4) 4-0 on goals by Alex Wiepert, Cole Herrmann, Hayden Fellows and Noah Johnson.
Lyndonville/Barker 2, Albion 0
Lyndonville/Barker downed Albion 2-0 in a non league game on goals by Jesus Reyes Rosario and Maddox Smith.
City Honors 7, Roy-Hart 2
City Honors topped Roy-Hart 7-2 in another non league contest.
Jack Trombley and Michael Fuller scored the goals for Roy-Hart.
Medina man among 15 facing federal charges in bank fraud conspiracy
Jeffrey Ghee also was charged Thursday in local drug investigation
Jeffrey Ghee
A Medina man who was charged in a drug investigation on Thursday also is facing federal charges in a bank fraud conspiracy.
Jeffrey Ghee, 39, is among 15 people in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation charged on Thursday after a multi-agency investigation conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
The charges were announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, the UGSN operated in Albany and elsewhere since at least September 2024. The complaint alleges that members and others associated with those gang members sought to obtain revenue for the gang through the commission of various crimes, including bank fraud. The criminal complaint further alleges that the defendants conspired together to defraud and attempt to defraud individuals, financial institutions, and the U.S. Treasury out of more than $620,000.
The criminal complaint charges the 15 defendants with participation in a bank fraud conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.
Ghee on Thursday also was one of four people charged in Orleans County after a search warrant by the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force and the FBI at 746 Church St. in Medina. Law enforcement seized over an ounce of cocaine, as well as cocaine packaged for sale, methamphetamine pills and parafluorofentanyl. They also seized digital scales, packaging material and over $1,300 in cash, the Task Force said.
Ghee was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (Class B felony); one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony); one count of tampering with evidence (Class E felony); one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree (Class E felony); and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor).
Ghee was issued an appearance ticket returning to the Shelby Town Court on Dec. 1. He was taken into federal custody and transported to Rochester to appear in federal court.
