Lake Country Media’s creative director wins Rochester contest for her woodburning art

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 January 2026 at 3:40 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A.J. Gere, creative director for Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media, garnered the most votes in an annual program called Rochester Community Votes. Here, she shows examples of some of her work.

ALBION – A.J. Gere, creative director and graphic designer for Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media, has emerged a winner of Rochester Community Votes, an annual program in which the public can vote for their favorite individual, business or service in a variety of categories.

Gere learned about the contest and entered Specialty Art Services and Graphic Design.

She won gold in Specialty Services for her pyrography (woodburning), and silver for her Graphic Design. The skull took her 35 hours to complete, she said.

To be considered for the program the entrant must first be nominated by the public. Then the top nominations move to the voting stage, where the public can vote daily for their favorites. Winners are revealed at an awards gala, which this year took place Dec. 10 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

“The fact someone anonymous nominated me made it so special,” Gere said. “I had tears in my eyes when I learned I had won.”

The pieces in woodburning held here by A.J. Gere are some of her favorites, the cabin being an homage to her childhood camping and the skull at right the piece which won her a gold award in Rochester Community Votes.

Gere first started doing woodburning several years ago. One of her first pieces was of the home her grandmother used to live in. She gave one to her parents, and her hobby just took off from there, she said.

Her main subjects deal with nature.

“I grew up camping and surrounded by nature,” Gere said. “To be able to combine my hobby with nature was appealing to me.”

She likes to do her woodburning on recycled wood and has found a gentleman who used to own a saw mill and provides her with wood when she needs it. News of her talent is spreading, and she recently finished a commissioned piece for someone in Kansas.

Her woodburning is accomplished under the name of Fern and Timber. She recently entered a craft fair at the Rochester Museum of Science Center and did very well, she said.

Anyone wishing to contact her may e-mail her at fernandtimber.co@gmail.com or contact her on Instagram.

At work, Gere is the creative director, or graphic designer, for Orleans Hub, having started working there in 2019. She manages Hub uploads and orders and is a liaison between her office and vendors. She also works at the front desk, answering phones and greeting customers when no one else is available.

“Whatever position needs to be filled or whatever customers want, I find a way to get it done,” she said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A.J. Gere is shown during an Aug. 15 reception at the Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion, where she was one of the featured artists. She is shown next to her creations showing a barn owl on top, then “Mirrored Mushrooms,” and a riverside cabin.

Tenney says new year brings new tax filing benefits from Trump administration

Posted 6 January 2026 at 3:15 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today encouraged constituents to prepare for tax filing season by reviewing new tax relief provisions made available under the Trump Tax Cuts and the guidance released by the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS published detailed information to help taxpayers understand how the new law affects filing for the 2025 tax year. Key provisions include allowing eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips and up to $12,500 in eligible overtime pay, with higher limits for joint filers.

The law also includes enhanced relief for seniors and maintains pro-growth policies that support small businesses and working families. These commonsense changes are designed to reward hard work, let Americans keep more of what they earn, and ensure taxpayers can file correctly while taking full advantage of the new benefits.

“Hardworking Americans deserve a tax code that rewards work instead of punishing it, and the Trump Tax Cuts deliver exactly that,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Service workers who rely on tips, employees who put in overtime hours, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small business owners across NY-24 now have real opportunities to keep more of their hard-earned money. These reforms recognize the value of work, strengthen family finances, and bring fairness back to the tax system. As filing season approaches, I encourage constituents to review the IRS guidance, understand how these provisions apply to them, and make sure they claim every benefit they earned under this law.”

For full IRS guidelines and more information, click here.

Gasport man, previously convicted of rape in Orleans County, facing new charges of having sex with minor

Posted 6 January 2026 at 2:15 pm

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York

Joshua Mahley

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment charging Joshua Mahley, 42, of Gasport, NY, with interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transportation of a minor, penalties for registered sex offenders, and obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated according to the indictment, in December 2010, Mahley was convicted in Orleans County Court of Rape in the Second Degree, Sexual Intercourse by Person 18 or More with Person Less than 15, and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and is a registered sex offender in New York State.

On three separate occasions in June, July and August 2025, Mahley traveled across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor victim. In September 2025, Mahley transported the minor victim across state lines to engage in sexual activity. In addition, on September 8, 2025, Mahley possessed visual depictions, namely obscene computer, and AI generated images, depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Medina PD, YMCA join to collect 75 coats and other winter clothing

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 January 2026 at 8:54 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sharon Breckenridge, a longtime volunteer at MAAC’s Thrift Depot, accepts a box of winter clothing collected by Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA.

MEDINA – Personnel from the Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA recently came up with the idea to join their forces and collect warm clothing for people in need during the cold winter season.

Medina police officer Brandon Brown is a cousin of YMCA director Andrew Houseman’s fiancée, and the two are friends. They recently thought it would be nice for the two organizations to build a partnership with each other to help the community, Houseman said. They began by holding a food drive, but with the cold weather this winter, Houseman said they decided to collect warm clothing through December.

On Monday morning, Brown and Houseman collected the more than 75 coats, hats, mittens and scarves which had been donated to their two agencies.

“The first day we posted the drive on Facebook, someone came in with a large bag full of hats, scarves and gloves,” Brown said. “It is nice to have a place like the Y where people could drop off their donations. It’s a great goal to have to help people in this cold weather. I remember as a kid how I liked to play in the snow, and hopefully these clothes will help keep those kids warm who want to play in the snow, but don’t have warm clothing.”

At the MAAC Thrift Depot, Sue Metzo, president of MAAC, said they were thankful for the donations.

“What we don’t use, we help other agencies with,” she said. “Our winter stuff goes fast.”

Houseman said this is the first year for the clothing drive between the YMCA and Police Department, but they plan to make it an annual event.

Medina police officer Brandon Brown and YMCA director Andrew Houseman stand next to a box of warm clothing they have collected for MAAC’s Thrift Depot on Starr Street.

Albion, Medina could vote next month to merge football teams

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:51 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: Geno Allport speaks during this evening’s Albion Board of Education meeting, stating his support for an Albion/Medina merged football program. Linda Weller, the board president, and Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, are shown leading the meeting.

ALBION – They have been rivals on the football field for more than a century but beginning in 2026 they could be teammates.

Albion and Medina school officials and coaches have held preliminary discussions about a merger of their football programs with the goal of player safety and a sustainable path for the program at both districts, Mickey Edwards, the Albion district superintendent, said at this evening’s Board of Education meeting.

“This is about providing our students safe and meaningful athletic opportunities,” he said.

Both schools have shrinking enrollments and declining student participation in football. Both did not field JV teams this past season, offering varsity (grade 10 to 12) and modified (grade 7 to 9). Those teams also were often short on players, pushing some students to play above their grade levels. The schools held some joint practices when they were short on players.

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, played for Albion’s football teams when he was a student. He said he values the relationships and opportunities from his playing days.

Medina almost went to 8-man football due to low student participation before switching back to 11-man before the start of the season.

The boards of education from both districts need to vote next month if the merger is to go forward, Edwards said.

Section 6 has given the districts until February to decide so the Section can plan the football schedule for 2026. Albion has been playing in Class B while Medina is in Class C.

If the districts vote to move forward with a merger, all the details don’t need to be ironed out by February, Edwards said during this evening’s Albion BOE meeting.

The cost of the program would be split 50-50 for uniforms, coaches, transportation and other expenses. Each district would likely host two home games. There would be a head coach for each team and coaching staff from both districts.

Edwards said Albion and Medina would need to approve an intermunicipal agreement and the two districts would decide on colors and a mascot for a merged team.

Albion will next meet on Feb. 9 and will decide if it backs a merged football program.

John Kast and Trellis Pore were among the board members who spoke at this evening’s meeting, saying they support student safety and continued opportunities with football.

Two community members spoke during the Albion board meeting. Molly Preston is the mother of the Albion varsity quarterback, a sophomore. She also is a member of the football boosters at Albion.

She doesn’t want to see Albion make a hasty decision. She said some Albion players would see less playing time. A merged team would mean more travel time and less school pride, she said.

“I encourage exploration of all options,” she said. “I’m not against a merger but I see it as a last resort.”

Geno Allport, an Albion youth football coach for 25 years, said a merged team would be better for Albion and Medina, allowing them to field more competitive teams at modified, JV and varsity.

Allport also coaches in Rochester for a high school. Albion and Medina working together could offer more coaches, and the players from both schools would become teammates with friendships that last beyond school, he said.

Albion has often been overmatched in recent years, and some Albion kids have transferred to play at private schools in Buffalo, further diminishing the Albion program.

A competitive team would draw more students, keep them engaged and not overcommit some of the younger players who are needed to play above their grade levels, Allport said.

He has seen other nearby schools, who were bitter rivals, link up on the football field as teammates to great success. He noted Elba and Oakfield-Alabama, Alexander and Pembroke, and LeRoy and Caledonia-Mumford have joined forces with their football teams, despite their rivalries from years ago.

Medina has had merged programs with other districts, including a past partnership with Lyndonville for football.

Medina is expected to discuss a possible merger with Albion during the Jan. 13 board meeting. It then meets again on Feb. 10.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman: Albion defensive lineman Jackson Snook is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the Purple Eagles thrilling 30-27 win over visiting East Aurora/Holland on Oct. 16 for Albion’s only win in the 2025 season.

Mustangs win a double overtime thriller

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:26 pm

In a double overtime thriller, Medina nipped host Eden 56-54 in a non league game this evening to improve to 8-0 on the season.

Medina sent the contest into overtime deadlocked at 41-41 as Christian Moss blocked a shot at the buzzer.

Each team scored six in the first overtime to keep the contest knotted at 47-47.

The Mustangs then made a narrow 9-7 scoring edge in the second OT be just enough for the victory.

Jerrell Nealy scored the game winning basket and tacked on a free throw with six seconds remaining to snap a 53-53 deadlock.

Avion Johnson scored 7 and Nealy 5 for the Mustangs in the two overtime periods.

Johnson finished with a total of 15 and Nealy 14 as Preston Woodworth added 10, Moss 6, Jayzon Wills 5, Carlos Doval 4 and Jimmy Dieter 2.

Isiah Nellis scored 23 and Kobe Genco 19 for Eden.

Medina next hosts Tonawanda at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in another non league contest.

Late surge powers Albion girls past Newfane

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 January 2026 at 8:11 pm

Pulling away down the stretch, Albion defeated Newfane 43-29 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball game this evening at Newfane.

Leading by a narrow 28-26 margin at the end of the third period, Albion put together a big 15-3 fourth quarter scoring edge to lock up the victory.

Madison Muckle had two threes and Melia Prince two baskets to lead the late surge for the Purple Eagles which also included baskets by Aailyah Jones and Jocelyn Friedl.

Jones finished with a game high 14 and Leah Pawlak 11 as Prince and Muckle both added 6, Semaj Miller 3, Friedl 2 and Brianna Lewis 1.

Emma Johnston scored 9, Julia Noonan 8 and Taylor Kempton 7 to lead Newfane.

Albion held narrow leads of 19-17 at the half and 28-26 at the three-quarter mark.

Jones hit two threes and Miller one in the second quarter. Pawlak then scored seven points, including a three, in the third period.

Albion is now 2-0 and Newfane 0-2 in N-O action.

The Purple Eagles next host Barker and the Lady Panthers visit Akron on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Sweet Home 48, Medina 31
Jumping out to an 11-0 lead at the outset, Sweet Home went on to down visiting Medina 48-31 in a non league contest.

Sweet Home led 14-5 at the end of the first quarter, 30-13 at the half and 38-22 after three quarters.

Caliyah St. Louis scored 19 and Alexa Demmer 8 for Medina.

Ortt doesn’t want State Touring Routes funding to be scrapped

Posted 5 January 2026 at 5:47 pm

Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt speaks at a press conference today with other state officials and local legislators.

Press Release, State Senator Rob Ortt

LOCKPORT – Today, New York State Senator Rob Ortt, along with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Assemblyman Paul Bologna and representatives from FAIR, called for the continuation of State Touring Routes funding and for municipalities receiving funding to fully utilize it.

The State Touring Route program was designed to provide capital funds to municipalities for the construction and repair of vital infrastructure including highways, bridges and other transportation facilities.

In 2020, the New York State Legislature created the State Touring Route program to provide additional financial support to cities, towns and villages based on mileage of state touring routes they are responsible for maintaining – prior to this program it was the obligation of the municipality to pay for these repairs or improvements. Funding is based on the amount of miles in a municipality and has been funded in the state budget since the program’s inception.

This program is different from CHIPS funding in that not all municipalities qualify for funding, but it is similar in that STR operates as a reimbursement for money spent by municipalities. Reimbursement is eligible for costs related to repairs and construction of roads, bridges/culverts, railroad crossings, traffic control devices, lighting and more.

One of the biggest issues with the program is municipalities not being able to fully utilize the funds available.

“Based on the underutilization of the State Touring Route Program, some of my colleagues are considering axing this important funding,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “For instance, in my senate district alone, nearly $34 million is available to the municipalities that qualify for this program, which remains out of the current funding. This is millions of dollars that should be put toward repairing our roads for commuters and if we need to make changes to the current program allowing for the full utilization of this money, we should as it will be to the benefit of our communities.”

“The State Touring Route program is a critical lifeline for local governments that are responsible for maintaining designated tourism routes with limited local resources. When this funding goes unused, it puts the entire program at risk and shortchanges taxpayers who depend on safe, well-maintained infrastructure. We need to ensure municipalities have both the flexibility and the support necessary to fully utilize these funds so our roads, bridges, and transportation systems get the repairs they deserve.” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.

“We go to Albany to fight for our region and deliver real results for our communities,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna. “State Touring Route and CHIPS funding are absolutely critical to maintaining winter-battered roads, bridges, and infrastructure across my district. When State Touring Route dollars go underutilized, it weakens the argument for continued investment— especially because local governments are best positioned to utilize these funds more efficiently and effectively than state entities. Local government knows what the community needs and where the funding would be best spent.”

“The FAIR group, composed of transportation contractors and suppliers that advocate for addressing our infrastructure needs, was instrumental in getting the STR funding put in place and we want to see our communities take full advantage of the program,” said Brad Buyers, FAIR Coordinator of Local Infrastructure Programs. “We are attempting to reach out to local governments to help them better understand the program and hopefully work with them to advance road and bridge projects using these funds.”

Senator Ortt has offered to meet with stakeholders in these municipalities or facilitate meetings with transportation experts who can provide guidance in meeting program requirements and spending STR funds properly.

Editor’s Note: The Seaway Trail is an example of a State Touring Route. The 454-mile route goes from Ripley to Massena. It includes a portion in Orleans County – Route 18 eastward about halfway through Orleans County, and then onto the Lake Ontario State Parkway at its western terminus.

Tenney and Republicans shouldn’t cheer ‘Might makes Right’ with international relations

Posted 5 January 2026 at 3:33 pm

Editor:

Agreed, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is a bad man, a criminal. He is undemocratic, and repressive and his government has destabilized the region for years.

But attacking Venezuela the way President Trump has is criminal. It violates international law, U.S. law and our Constitution. The administration acted unilaterally, without consulting Congress as required.

Mr. Trump left the corrupt Maduro administration in power because he believes he can bully them into turning over their resources (especially their oil) to him and his corrupt cronies. While, Republican politicians, like Claudia Tenney, will just go along with this illegal and corrupt activity.

The rationale for this illegal action is very concerning. In his press conference explaining the illegal invasion of Venezuela to the American people, Mr. Trump stated that the U.S. has now replaced the Monroe Doctrine with the “Donroe Doctrine.” Which he explained supersedes the Monroe Doctrine and is outlined in the new National Security Strategy released in early December.

This document changes our foreign policy from rule-based order promoting democracy to “Spheres of Influence.” Where powerful countries create spheres of influence in their region. This aligns with Vladimir Putin and Russian foreign policies goals.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pestov speaking about it, told reporters: “The adjustments that we see correspond in many ways to our vision.” Spheres of Influence is how Mr. Putin’s explained his invasion of Ukraine.

This major break from the rules-based order and international laws to one where “Might makes Right,” is what Republicans like Ms. Tenney are cheering and it is very dangerous.

William Fine

Brockport

DOT proposes roundabout for Route 31A/Redman Road near Brockport

Posted 5 January 2026 at 2:49 pm

Meeting set for January 13 at Sweden Town Hall

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

BROCKPORT – The New York State Department of Transportation will host an in-person public open house on Tuesday, January 13, pertaining to the proposed safety improvement project at the intersection of State Routes 31 / 31A with County Route 236 (Redman Road) in the Town of Sweden, Monroe County.

The open-house style meeting will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Sweden Town Hall, 18 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420. The session will feature displays about the project and provide an opportunity for discussion with DOT representatives who will be available to receive comments and answer individual questions. No formal presentation is planned.

The intersection safety improvement project, which is scheduled to occur in 2027 and 2028, proposes to reconstruct the intersection into a modern roundabout. Other improvements include guide rails, drainage repairs and sign upgrades.

For further information, or to request a sign language interpreter or assistive listening system, contact Kayle Stettner, PE at (585) 272-3471 or Kayle.Stettner@dot.ny.gov. Please reference Project Identification Number 40C1.03.

Gas prices in NYS down 2 cents in past week, 10 cents from year ago

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2026 at 2:35 pm

The average price for regular unleaded gas in New York State dropped 2 cents in the past week to $3.03 today, which is also down 10 cents from a year ago, AAA reported.

Nationally, the average price is $2.81 a gallon, which is down 25 cents from a year ago.

“The holiday season offered lower gas prices for travelers who hit the road in record numbers,” AAA said. “Motorists are benefitting from a strong supply of gas and the cheaper-to-produce winter blend of fuel when it comes to price at the pump.”

Oil prices remain low, AAA said, in the $56-60 range per barrel.

“Despite the events in Venezuela over the weekend, there has been little disruption in the oil markets,” AAA said. “If these trends continue, drivers should see the national average remain well below the $3 per gallon threshold in the coming weeks.”

Diesel prices are also on the decline with the national average at $3.52, down three cents from last Monday, and the New York average at $3.87, down two cents from a week ago.

Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:

Orleans, $3.223
Genesee, $3.068
Niagara, $3.081
Monroe, $3.083
Livingston, $3.147
Wyoming, $3.210
Erie, $3.118
Chautauqua, $3.273
Cattaraugus, $3.138
Allegany, $3.186

Triennial art leaders say Medina perfect fit for big initiative but community participation needed

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 January 2026 at 10:15 am

Former Medina HS will host 20 artworks with 10 to 12 others in Medina

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A handful of guests enjoyed brunch at the Triennial Hub on Saturday and participated in a discussion on ideas for Medina’s upcoming inaugural Triennial this year. From left are Karin Laansoo, co-curator; Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program coordinator for the Triennial Hub; and Shirley Verrico, operations manager.

MEDINA – The Medina Triennial hosted a brunch and informative session Saturday afternoon at their hub at 345 North Main St., for the purpose of explaining the features of the initiative, getting ideas and to share the Triennial’s goals and opportunities for work and volunteers during 2026.

The brunch was hosted in collaboration with the Medina Area Partnership, Medina Railroad Museum and Orleans County YMCA. Leading the discussion were Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program Coordinator; Shirley Verrico, operations manager; and Karin Laansoo, co-artistic director with Kari Conte.

They explained the reason Medina was chosen for this inaugural initiative, scheduled to take place June 6 through Sept. 7 in various locations in Medina, was because Medina embodies the convergence of industry, agriculture, immigration and civic life. The town is also rich in cultural and ecological significance, situated between Buffalo and Rochester and surrounded by farmland, wetlands and canal infrastructure.

When the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation met to discuss what to do with an aging waterway, they began planning this event as a broader effort to revitalize the canal. They agreed 150% on choosing Medina for the location, said Verrico. She also added that Medina has an amazingly active antique community.

“We agree with their choice 200% and I hope everyone in Medina does as well,” Laansoo said. “I was so happy when people at the community brunch applauded and agreed with Medina being the best possible choice.”

“One thing about Medina is it has a lot of landmarks,” Rosario said. “And the canal has a strong presence in the area, with Medina Falls, the aqueduct and the culvert on Culvert Road.

Laansoo said the question gets asked a lot during meetings when they introduce the triennial and explain where Medina is.

“We usually say that historically Medina was the widest point in the Erie Canal where boats could turn around,” she said. “Medina has a lot going on for a village of 6,000 people – a well-preserved Main Street, it is rich in culture and ecology, surrounded by farmland, wetlands and infrastructure. Obviously, an amazing community, as well. “

Also announced on Saturday was the creation of a book club, which will meet every third Saturday, with the first one scheduled Jan. 23. The first book chosen is The Mezzanine by Nicholas Baker, and copies were available on Saturday.

Guests take part in a discussion on Saturday at the Triennial Hub on North Main Street, sharing ideas and asking questions about the first-time Triennial expected to bring 50,000 people to Medina from June to September.

A highlight of Saturday’s meeting was the announcement of a movie to be filmed by a renowned Mexican artist and composer. Filming will be on March 28 at Medina High School, 324 Catherine St. The are looking for singers, movers, vocal enthusiasts and attentive listeners. All voices, bodies and abilities are welcome to audition. No experience is needed. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 30 by e-mailing info@medinatriennial.org.

In addition, a plea was issued for housing for artists, preferably within walking distance from downtown and the high school, mostly in April and May.

In all, 400 volunteers from the community are going to be needed, including guides who will be trained to help visitors engage with the artwork. Opening hours for sites hosting artwork are still being finalized, but public spaces with artworks will, of course, be accessible 24/7, Laansoo added.

Twenty artists will show their work at the old Medina High School, while others will be at 10 to 12 other sites, all within walking distance of downtown. Light renovation and painting at the high school have already begun, and thanks was issued to Roger and Heather Hungerford for their generosity in allowing use of the building. Most of the artwork will be on the second floor, with some on the first floor as well.

Types of art represented will include a large variety of different mediums, such as video, sound, paintings, photos, textiles, sculptures, prints and even a floating garden.

One artist who has already been here is Mary Mattingly, who will develop a garden on a floating barge. The barge arrived in the fall and work will continue on it when the water returns to the canal this spring.

Among those who attended Saturday’s brunch were Medina historian Todd Bensley and his wife Nicole.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for Medina to showcase everything we have,” Todd said.

Funding for the Triennial comes from the New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation, Laansoo explained. In essence, NYPA functions like a self-sustaining business, using its power generation and sales to fund operations, new projects and state initiatives, all without relying on state taxes.

“The Triennial still needs to fundraise quite a bit, because everything is very expensive and it is important for it to be free to the public, so we are working hard to get additional funds,” Laansoo said.

In closing Saturday’s event, Verrico said, “We want to be here for visitors. We want to collaborate with all of you. We know art. We don’t know Medina.”

Anyone with questions should e-mail Rosario at info@medinatriennial.org.

10 entrepreneurs complete Microenterprise Assistance Program in Orleans County

Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:29 am

Provided photo: A new class has completed the Microenterprise Assistance Program through the Orleans EDA. A new class will start in the spring. Pictured from left include Michael Hughson, Peter Poodry and Kim Poodry, Carolyn Odalovic, Dawn Hungerford, Maggie Olles, Becky Harris, Stacy Buckland, Kimberly Haight and Timothy Seibert.

Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency

ALBION – The Orleans County Local Development Corporation celebrated the graduation of 10 entrepreneurs from its Fall 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program on Oct. 30, marking another successful cohort in the program’s 26-year history of fostering small business growth in rural Western New York.

The graduating class represents a diverse cross-section of Orleans County’s entrepreneurial landscape, spanning industries including landscaping, property maintenance, welding and fabrication arts, professional dog training, hospitality and tourism, massage therapy, specialty food production, and 3D design services.

The Fall 2025 MAP graduates include:

Michael Hughson, Certified Dog Trainer
Peter Poodry and Kim Poodry, Riverview Campground
Carolyn Odalovic, 3-D Inspirational Designs
Dawn Hungerford, Dust and Rust Fabrication
Maggie Olles, Long Bridge Greenery
Becky Harris, Confection Connection
Stacy Buckland, Massage Therapist
Kimberly Haight and Timothy Seibert, Orleans Heating-Cooling and Property Maintenance

“This was an excellent mix of different types of businesses at varying levels of experience, which always makes for interesting course discussions and learning experiences,” said MAP Program Manager Matt Holland. “I am excited to watch these businesses develop into their next phases.”

The comprehensive 10-week program provides participants with essential business education, covering accounting fundamentals, banking relationships, business plan development, marketing strategies, legal requirements, taxation, pricing strategies, and financial management. Expert instruction is delivered by seasoned professionals from the Small Business Development Centers in Niagara and Brockport, along with local business mentors.

By program completion, each participant develops a comprehensive business plan that serves as a roadmap for growth and a critical document for accessing capital. Graduating from MAP is a prerequisite for applying to the OCLDC Microenterprise Grant Program, which awards between $10,000 and $35,000 to qualifying Orleans County-based entrepreneurs.

Program Impact

Since its establishment in 1999, the Orleans County MAP has graduated over 570 individuals, with more than 200 successfully launching businesses throughout the county. The program is funded through a combination of New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and OCLDC resources, reflecting a commitment to building sustainable economic opportunities in rural communities.

The initiative addresses a critical need for entrepreneurial support in communities under 50,000 population, providing access to business education, technical assistance, and capital resources that are often unavailable in rural areas. The program specifically supports microenterprises – businesses with five or fewer employees – which form the backbone of the local economy.

Spring 2026 Program

The next MAP cohort will begin in April 2026, with applications opening in mid February. The course fee is $300, with financial aid available for qualifying applicants based on demonstrated need. Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older who maintain a permanent residence or business in Orleans County are encouraged to apply. Applications will be available in early 2026.

For more information about the Microenterprise Assistance Program, grant eligibility requirements, or to schedule an informational interview, contact Matt Holland at mholland@orleansdevelopment.org or call (585) 589-7060 ext. 1.

Massive data center doesn’t belong near wildlife refuge, Seneca Nation’s ‘Big Woods’

Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:16 am

Editor:

The idea of placing a 2.2-million-square-foot, 500 megawatt data center in the middle of several wildlife management areas and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s “Big Woods” is the worst idea ever!

First of all, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is one of many important birding areas in Western New York. A refuge for many birds to rest, nest, feed and raise their young. I learned that over 30% of the endangered short-eared owl population have been lost since the WNY STAMP project began.

The owl depends on hearing to hunt its prey. How is the owl going to be able to hear if a data center is roaring as loud as a rock concert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

The other species of special concern in this area is the Eastern Massassauga snake, the Northern Harrier Hawk, Bobolinks, Long Nose Bat and the Cerulean Warbler are all at risk here.

What about the demand on our power grid and water resources? The STAMP project was intended for advanced manufacturing not a power-sucking data center! The GCEDC doesn’t care about the environment and how can they be the lead agency for the SEQR? It’s like putting the wolf in charge of the sheep.

Of course they are going to push it through they will receive millions for destroying our wetlands. For very little jobs offered.

Stop WNY STAMP. No data centers next to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Evelyn Wackett

Certified wildlife rehabber

Buffalo

Tenney could offer to serve U.S. Mission to Venezuela to solve country’s severe poverty

Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:11 am

Editor:

Congresswoman Tenney congratulated Trump for his capture of Maduro in Venezuela. She stated that his capture “sent a clear message against tyranny and corruption.” It appears Tenney has strong feelings on this matter. I wonder how strong.

I suggest she volunteer to be the new Chief of the US Mission to Venezuela. Perhaps she would welcome the opportunity to govern 30 million hostile people and solve its severe poverty problems.

Jack Capurso

Albion High School 1960

Ashburn, Va.