5 GCC staff honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Posted 22 May 2026 at 5:28 pm

Chancellor’s Award winners from top left to bottom right: Jessica Hibbard, Susane Nugent, Stephanie Ortel, Tara Freitag and Dr. Christopher Caputi.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Five exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

“The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards represent the highest recognition of excellence across the SUNY System,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president, GCC. “I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff whose passion, innovation and dedication have earned this distinguished honor. Their work exemplifies the very best of Genesee Community College and our commitment to student success.”

The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Tara Freitag won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Ms. Freitag has served as a dedicated member of the GCC adjunct faculty since August 2015. Throughout her tenure, she has instructed a diverse range of courses, including Introduction to Dance, Hip Hop Dance, and Dance for Musical Theatre. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Freitag plays a vital role as a Student Engagement and Inclusion Associate and as the Head Coach of the GCC Dance Team.

Her extensive contributions as a choreographer for the GCC Theatre Department further underscore her profound commitment to both the institution and its students. Ms. Freitag’s technical mastery is matched by her inclusive teaching philosophy, which ensures that dance is accessible and enriching for all students, regardless of their prior experience. Her adaptability and unwavering focus on student success make her an invaluable asset to the college community.

• Susane Nugent won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. These are system-level awards established by the University to give system- wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the University’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Ms. Nugent embodies excellence through her steadfast commitment to student success and her ability to foster high-level collaboration across the institution. By orchestrating comprehensive support networks involving Admissions, ACE, Faculty, and Academic Leadership, she ensures each student receives precise and compassionate guidance. Her dedication is defined by a proactive approach that guarantees continuity and confidence for students throughout their academic journey. Ms. Nugent’s ability to navigate complex challenges with patience and a solution-oriented mindset reinforces a culture of exceptional service at GCC.

• Dr. Christopher Caputi won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. This award recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.

For 18 years, Dr. Caputi has exemplified faculty service through his tireless dedication to his college, community, and profession. Within the institution, he has held numerous leadership roles in the Academic Senate and various committees, while also providing pro bono wellness workshops and physical therapy consultations for his colleagues.

His impactful community work includes bringing the Go Baby Go program to campus, which provides custom mobility cars for children, and serving as president for local nonprofits like ACORNS. Furthermore, he has enriched his students’ education by embedding service learning into the PTA curriculum and securing new scholarships. Ultimately, Dr. Caputi’s multifaceted contributions and professional outreach embody the spirit of service and make him exceptionally deserving of this award.

• Jessica Hibbard won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.

Ms. Hibbard is a respected and student-centered leader who has dedicated over twenty years to the Genesee Community College community. Known for her strategic vision and steady presence, Jessica successfully led the integration of the library and learning center, creating a collaborative environment that serves as a model for our campus.

A true innovator, she pioneered hybrid learning long before it became a necessity, ensuring our faculty and rural students remained connected and supported. Her peers value her for her transparency, inclusive decision-making, and unique ability to keep student needs at the heart of every complex project. Beyond her formal duties, Jessica contributes to key committees, leads cross-campus initiatives, and supports community partnerships that promote digital equity and expand educational access.

• Stephanie Ortel won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Since joining the GCC Veterinary Technology program in 2016, Ms. Ortel has been impacting every student through her diverse course load and unwavering mentorship. With an extensive professional background, she shares real-world experiences and leverages industry contacts to secure student internships. Stephanie is renowned for fostering a supportive, community-like atmosphere, ensuring students feel supported both academically and personally.

Her innovative spirit is highlighted by her integration of AR/VR technology into the curriculum, a pioneering approach recently featured in a national professional journal. Beyond technical skills, Ms. Ortel secures funding for mental health resiliency workshops and assists students with scholarship applications. Whether guiding a committee through the intricacies of sterile surgical gowning or emailing alumni about job openings, her dedication never wavers. This commitment to student success, combined with her creative pedagogy and professional excellence, makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Kendall approved for $4.7 million more from state for sewer project

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2026 at 12:17 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata speaks on June 5, 2025 during a ground-breaking celebration for a $17 million sewer project in Kendall and Hamlin. He is shown at Lake View Park on Thompson Drive, where the project started and then headed east to Hamlin covering about 15 miles of sewer pipe.

KENDALL – The Town of Kendall has been awarded an additional $4.7 million from the state for a new sewer district that is nearly constructed.

Kendall celebrated the start of a $17 million sewer project about a year ago. The 15-mile-long sewer district serves 330 residences in two towns with most of the sewer pipe going in Kendall. There is also a portion of the project in Hamlin.

The project starts at Thompson Drive in Kendall and heads east along the shoreline in Kendall, and then includes part of Hamlin, covering an area just south of the Hamlin Beach State Park.

Kendall officials pushed for the sewer project after lake waters were so high they chewed away many feet of the shoreline in 2017 and 2019, threatening residents’ property.

Kendall was able to tap more than $12 million in the State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), up from the initial award of $9 million. Kendall also was awarded a $1,763,835 state grant through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act to put in the sewer lines.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced $4.7 million in an additional state grant and low-cost financing for the construction of the new low-pressure sewer and collection system that serves parts of Kendall and Hamlin.

Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said 22 residences have already hooked into the sewer district.

“This is a big enhancement to protect the lakeside residents from rising waters,” Cammarata said this morning. “This is a big project that we’ve been working on for seven years.”

The additional state funds will reduce the debt payments for the district users, Cammarata said.

Gov. Hochul announced $113 million on Thursday for water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects, including the money for Kendall and Hamlin.

“Safe, reliable water infrastructure is essential to healthy communities and a strong economy, and New York is continuing to lead with historic investments statewide,” Hochul said. “We’re helping communities make needed water infrastructure improvements that improve quality of life while protecting New Yorkers from rising costs.”

Ortt, Senate Republicans want state gas tax suspended

Posted 22 May 2026 at 11:50 am

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – The Senate Republican Conference today wrote a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to suspend the state taxes on motor fuel and diesel. The letter is signed by State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and 21 other senators.

Suspending the tax would provide an estimated $0.16 per gallon cost savings to New York households who are struggling with the cost of gas prices at the pump and diesel prices indirectly through increasing prices of consumer goods.

New York is facing an affordability crisis: record high energy costs, rising gas and diesel prices, the highest-in-the-nation tax burden, and an overall cost of living that is unsustainable.

The letter reads, “The last time gasoline prices in New York reached $5 per gallon, during the Biden Administration, the State implemented a temporary fuel tax holiday that you [Governor Hochul] strongly supported. At the time you stated:

‘Fuel prices have surged in recent months, hurting working families and small businesses the most and it is critical that we provide New Yorkers relief by suspending certain fuel taxes for the next seven months, New York is providing $609 million in direct relief to New Yorkers – a critical lifeline for those who need it the most.’

In 2022, the State estimated the fuel tax suspension provided a reduction of at least $0.16 per gallon statewide.”

Currently, local officials within several counties have already adopted sales tax reductions when purchasing gas including Dutchess, Onondaga, Rockland, Putnam and Ulster counties.

The last time New York passed and implemented a gas tax holiday was in 2022, under President Biden and Governor Hochul.

Medina students tackle service projects at school, community on ‘IMPACT Day’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2026 at 7:30 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Kylee McMullen and her brother Kole McMullen clean a Medina school bus on Thursday as part of annual Medina Jr/Sr High School “Mustangs Make an IMPACT Day.”

There were 160 students from grades 7 to 12 involved in more than 30 service projects at the school and community.

Jeff Dole, a Medina math teacher, and Chad Kowalik, a special education teacher, joined the students in washing buses. The students in the group included Kylee and Kole McMullen, Brandon LeBron and Kam Lewandowski.

The students and teachers gathered for a group photo in the gym before dispersing on their assignments. The students had the option of volunteering for projects or taking a half day of school and going home for the second part of the day.

This group cleaned up at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue. Gail Miller, the market manager, holds a large garbage bag at right and teacher Kayla Rosenbeck and is holding a garbage bag in back.

The students helping include, from left, Ashley Brown, Lily Eggleston, Kendra Anderson and Avery Twitchell. Bonnie Lotz, a teacher aide, is in back at left.

Ashley Brown said she enjoyed shoveling the old leaves and pulling weeds rather than in class.

“It’s relaxing,” she said. “You’re outside and you’re getting some Vitamin D.”

Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper shows this group of students the Medina Historical Society, including the dining room. Cooper pointed out the ingenuity of people from before electricity was common in homes. That cleverness was needed in baking food, cleaning clothes and doing many household tasks.

Alex Wilson, a senior, adds dirt around a grave at Boxwood Cemetery. He teamed up with Xavier Moyer and Chris Bissell to carry buckets of dirt to many of the gravesites, and then spread the dirt around. Many of the sites had dirt eroded away from the headstones.

Xavier Moyer works on spreading out dirt at gravesites.

Alyssa Johnston, left, and Natalie Herbert clean headstones at Boxwood. They scraped off moss and biological contaminants, then washed the stone and added D-2 cleaner which should have the gravestone looking very clean in about two weeks.

“I like helping out and cleaning up,” Johnston said. “It’s very satisfying.”

Savannah Jo Thompson and Brylee Christiaansen work on cleaning a headstone. Jenna Cecchini is in back. There were 13 students total doing projects at the cemetery.

Albion duo wins N-O doubles tourney

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 May 2026 at 8:34 pm

Albion scored a pair of tennis victories this afternoon to capture the Niagara-Orleans League doubles tournament championship.

The Purple Eagles duo of Jillian LeBaron and Bradyn Whittier first downed the Barker team of Nick Heideman – Matthew Jordan 6-3,4-6, 7-5 in the semifinals. They then defeated the Newfane team of Matthew Alberter – Dylan Lamont 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 in the championship match.

Both the Albion and Newfane teams advance to the Section VI tournament on Tuesday.

The N-O League will be represented in the sectional singles competition by Barker’s Daniel Goodwin and Albion’s Landon Graybill.

State prison for man who violated order of protection, threatened woman

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2026 at 8:30 pm

ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison on Wednesday in Orleans County Court.

Stacy Moss, 36, pleaded guilty on April 1 to criminal contempt in the first degree and attempted burglary in the third degree. Moss, formerly of Medina, is a second-felony offender.

The charges originated in the Town of Shelby on November 14, 2025. Moss, in an April 1 county court appearance, admitted to going to the residence of a person he was supposed to not have contact with through an order of protection. He went to that residence on Nov. 14 and he acknowledged he tried to break down her door and threatened to kill her. He admitted to violating the order of protection.

Judge Sanford Church gave Moss the maximum sentence in a plea agreement.

In other cases in county court:

• Michael White, 22, of Albion was sentenced to six months in the county jail and five years probation for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

White was charged on Sept. 15 after he allegedly had a 20-round magazine in his backpack and pulled his hands away when law enforcement attempted to handcuff him. He also allegedly tried to strike an officer with his elbows.

White previously admitted in court to having the large-capacity device that could hold more than 20 rounds.

• Mark Underwood pleaded guilty to E felony DWI, and could face time in jail and on probation when he is sentenced on July 22.

He was charged on November 26, 2025 after registering a Blood Alcohol Content of .10 percent in Albion.

• Timothy Ausman Jr., 56, of Albion had bail set at $10,000 cash, $20,000 insurance bond and $50,000 ten percent partially secured bail bond.

He appeared in court after being arrested in Albion on May 18 on numerous charges including criminal mischief in the second degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 1st, DWI, fleeing a police officer, and reckless endangerment 2nd.

Ausman damaged two Albion patrol vehicles after refusing to stop when he was observed driving recklessly in the village. He next appears in the Town of Albion Court on May 26.

Flint hurls Barker to shutout sectional win over Silver Creek; Albion and Roy-Hart bow

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 May 2026 at 8:13 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Madyson Flint hurled a one hit shutout to lead Barker to a sectional win over visiting Silver Creek this afternoon.

Sparked by the shutout pitching of Madyson Flint, No. 2 seed Barker downed visiting No. 7 Silver Creek 5-0 in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C softball tournament this afternoon

Flint hurled a sparkling one hitter with 15 strikeouts.

Barker moved on top to stay by scoring twice in the third inning on an RBI single by Kaylee Stoll and a run producing sacrifice fly by Flint. A walk and a bunt single by Aine Davis set up the opportunity.

Barker tacked on one run in the fifth as Davis doubled and came home on a wild pitch and two more in the sixth on a two-run single by Lexi Brazzell which followed singles by Peyton Bradley and Elise Monaco.

Bradley and Davis both finished with 2 hits.

Barker will next face the winner of the No. 3 Chautauqua Lake vs. No. 6 Clymer/Sherman/Panama quarterfinal game in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Also in Class C top seeded Wilson nipped No. 8 Gowanda 2-1 to advance to Tuesday’s semifinals against No. 5 Falconer.

Class A2
Top seeded Iroquois pounded out 16 hits in rolling to a 14-2 five inning win over visiting No. 8 Albion which had only 4 hits.

Class B
No. 4 Fredonia banged out 15 hits in earning a 13-1 five inning win over visiting No. 5 Roy-Hart which had just 4 hits.

No. 7 Akron also dropped a 12-0 decision at No. 2 Alden.

Class C1
No. 4 Pembroke downed No. 13 Holley 11-1 in the Section V Class C1 tournament.

Barker’s Peyton Bradley, at left, connects on one of her two hits. At right, Aine Davis who also had a pair of hits, slides into home ahead of the throw.

Mound duo sparks Lyndonville to opening round shutout sectional victory

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 May 2026 at 7:57 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Quincey McClinsey, left, and Atticus Mank combined to hurl Lyndonville to a shutout sectional win over visiting CG Finney this afternoon.

A strong pitching performance keyed No. 8 seed Lyndonville to a 3-0 victory over No. 9 CG Finney in the pre-quarterfinal round of the Section V Class D baseball tournament this afternoon at Lyndonville.

Quincey McClinsey and Atticus Mank combined to hurl the Tigers to the shutout win. McClinsey allowed no hits and stuck out 8 over the first four innings. Mank gave up 3 hits and fanned 6 over the final three frames.

The Tigers scored the only run they would need as it turned out in the second inning on an RBI single by Lane Woodworth.

Lyndonville added a pair of big insurance runs in the fourth inning on a passed ball and an RBI single by Shawn Robertson. A single by Austin Fonda and an error set up the threat.

Lyndonville will next face the winner of the No. 16 Mt. Morris at No. 1 Arkport/Canaseraga game in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Landon Markidis connects for a single for Lyndonville.

Hawley pleased with delay of Electric School Bus Mandate

Posted 21 May 2026 at 4:43 pm

Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) welcomed the inclusion of a five-year delay to New York’s zero-emission school bus mandate in the state education budget bill, calling it an important step toward protecting taxpayers and easing financial pressure on local school districts.

Under the budget agreement, the requirement that school districts and transportation providers purchase only zero-emission school buses will now be delayed from 2027 until 2032. The deadline for all school buses in operation to be zero-emission vehicles will also be pushed back from 2035 until 2040. Hawley said the delay will provide much-needed flexibility for districts already struggling with rising costs and tight budgets.

“This is a step in the right direction and reflects the concerns many of us have been raising for years,” Hawley said. “School districts simply cannot afford the enormous costs associated with this mandate, especially in rural and upstate communities where infrastructure challenges and harsh winter conditions create additional obstacles. Delaying these deadlines will help protect taxpayers from major cost increases while giving districts more time to plan.”

Hawley added that while the delay is welcome news, the issue is far from resolved, and local school districts should ultimately have the ability to decide what transportation solutions work best for their communities.

“I believe our school districts deserve flexibility, not costly one-size-fits-all mandates,” Hawley said. “While this delay provides important relief, many rural and upstate districts still face serious concerns about infrastructure costs, long-term affordability and whether this technology can reliably meet their transportation needs. I will continue pushing for policies that give school districts the ability to opt out and make the decisions that work best for their students, taxpayers and communities.”

Constitutional liberties would be stripped away with proposal to ban Glock pistols

Posted 21 May 2026 at 4:38 pm

Editor:

In Albany this week, the Democratic majority put the Public Protection and General Government Bill to the floor for a vote, and despite its deceptive name, this package of bills strips New Yorkers of their freedoms.

This package aims to ban Glocks in New York State – another out-of-touch gun grab championed by Democrats, who understand very little about firearms and even less about the Constitution.

For over 40 years, Glock pistols have been known around the world as some of the most reliable sidearms. They are trusted by police departments and military branches across the globe. Our very own state police issue the Glock 47, and I carry a Glock 43.

Despite their reputation for safety and dependability with individuals and families who rely on these weapons for self-defense and home protection, we’re looking at a bill that will ban the sale of the most reliable, most user-friendly, and one of the most affordable pistols on the market.

Gun owners and licensed dealers have been anxiously watching this bill, and know full-well it has nothing to do with public safety, and everything to do with Democrats acting tough on guns.

In her state of the state address, the governor said pistol converters turn Glocks into “fully automatic machines capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute.” Anyone who knows guns knows this line is complete nonsense. It may be factually true that an illegally converted Glock can fire rounds faster than a semi-auto, but let’s look at reality.

In New York State, to legally obtain a Glock, you need a pistol permit – and if you don’t currently have one, there is a long and expensive process ahead of you. On top of that, it is already illegal to purchase or manufacture the so-called Glock Switch. It’s also worth noting, pistols are limited to 10-round magazines.

So tell me, how is a law-abiding gun owner a danger to public safety? By law, the very thing Democrats are trying to prevent is already illegal. I cannot, under current law, modify my Glock to fully automatic, nor load 1,200 rounds into it. Not to mention, having over 1,000 rounds loaded all at once would require a magazine the size of a watermelon.

It’s just not practical, and neither is this bill.

Democrats are targeting one of the largest and most popular gun manufacturers in an election year so it looks like they’ve actually done something. What they’ve done is hurt local gun stores who will no longer be able to sell their number one product, and are continuing to drive business to neighboring states.

The only thing this bill truly accomplishes is stripping New Yorkers of their second amendment rights and Constitutional liberties. But as usual, Democrats in Albany who know nothing about guns and less about the United States Constitution, are more concerned with taking away our freedoms instead of going after criminals.

As a State Senator, a taxpayer, and a gun owner, I am tired of seeing our state place greater burdens on law-abiding citizens than on those who break the law. New Yorkers deserve leaders who will hold criminals accountable and protect public safety without chipping away at the constitutional rights and liberties of responsible citizens.

Rob Ortt

New York State Senate Minority Leader and representative of District 62

Route 18 in Yates to close beginning May 26 for culvert replacement

Posted 21 May 2026 at 4:25 pm

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

YATES – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 18 (also known as Roosevelt Highway) in the Town of Yates, Orleans County, will be closed to all traffic between Route 269/County Line Road and Murdock Road beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.

Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 18, Route 269, Route 104 and Route 63. The road is expected to be reopened by the end of June.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Albion man facing numerous charges after reckless driving causes collisions with 2 patrol vehicles

Posted 21 May 2026 at 4:09 pm

Police say Timothy Ausman Jr. was highly intoxicated while driving on sidewalks, road shoulders

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

Timothy Ausman Jr.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department reports the arrest of Timothy Ausman Jr. following multiple incidents throughout the Village of Albion on May 18, culminating in a vehicle pursuit and collisions involving patrol vehicles.

At approximately 7:14 a.m. on May 18, Albion Police Officers responded to Crosby’s North regarding a reported larceny involving four alcoholic beverages. Timothy Ausman Jr., 56, was subsequently arrested in connection with that incident and released on an appearance ticket per NYS Bail Reform. Officers observed Ausman to be visibly intoxicated at the time, displaying impaired motor skills, slurred speech, glossy eyes, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage.

At approximately 10:04 a.m., officers were again dispatched to 301 Hamilton St. for reports of a male banging on doors and harassing residents for money. Officers identified the individual as Ausman. During this interaction, officers observed that Ausman appeared significantly more intoxicated than during the earlier incident. He was then instructed to return home.

Shortly thereafter, officers observed Ausman enter and operate a red Chevrolet Trailblazer. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Ausman failed to comply and fled from officers through portions of the Village of Albion. Officers initiated a pursuit with emergency lights and sirens activated.

During the pursuit, Ausman allegedly failed to stop at multiple stop signs, drove on road shoulders and sidewalks, operated recklessly through residential neighborhoods, and repeatedly refused commands to stop his vehicle. Officers attempted multiple controlled tactics to slow and stop the vehicle due to concerns for public safety and the belief that he was highly intoxicated driving near residential areas and public parks.

The pursuit concluded on South Clinton Street after Ausman allegedly struck a patrol vehicle and lost control while entering a residential property. Officers then took Ausman into custody without further incident. During the arrest, officers recovered an open alcoholic beverage container from inside the vehicle.

Following the arrest, officers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, during which Ausman displayed multiple indicators of intoxication. Ausman refused to submit to a Chemical Breath Test after being advised of the consequences of refusal.

No civilians were injured during the incident. Two Albion Police Department patrol vehicles sustained extensive damage, with one vehicle requiring towing from the scene. Ausman was then transported to the Orleans County Jail for arraignment pursuant to NYS Bail Reform.

Timothy Ausman Jr. has been charged with the following offenses:

Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree (Class E Felony)
Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Driving While Intoxicated – First Offense (Misdemeanor)
Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
Failure to Yield Right of Way to an Emergency Vehicle (Traffic Infraction)
Moving From Lane Unsafely (Traffic Infraction)
Operating a Motor Vehicle by an Unlicensed Driver (Traffic Infraction)
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance (Traffic Infraction)
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid Inspection Certificate (Traffic Infraction)
Driving on or Across a Sidewalk (Traffic Infraction)
Speed in Zone Violation (Traffic Infraction)
Drinking Alcohol or Using Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle on a Highway (Traffic Infraction)
Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign (2 counts) (Traffic Infraction)
Unsafe Turn / Failure to Signal (2 counts) (Traffic Infraction)
Failure to Keep Right (Traffic Infraction)
Failure to Wear Seatbelt (Traffic Infraction)

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, including accident investigation and aerial drone photography documentation. This incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Albion Police Department.

Medina firefighter among grads at State Fire Training Academy

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2026 at 3:54 pm

Photos courtesy of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina Fire Department is shown at Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

A Medina firefighter is among the 25 graduates of the latest class at the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina FD completed a 15-week residential program that provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire departments. There are firefighters from 14 departments in the latest class.

“Congratulations to the graduates of the 93rd Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Terry O’Leary, acting commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Firefighters across New York put their lives on the line every day to keep their communities safe. Today, these men and women join the ranks of the thousands of brave and dedicated individuals who protect their communities — we wish them well as they begin their careers and thank them for their service.”

During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations, according to a press release from NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations.

Today’s graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads and physical books to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.

The graduates represented the following departments: Brighton, Cortland, DeWitt, Dunkirk, Elmira, Fairview, Fredonia, Hornell, Ithaca, Lackawanna, Lockport, Medina, Middletown and Oswego.

Medina to host familiar foe in Class B playoff opener on Sat.; Albion opens at home Fri.

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 May 2026 at 2:44 pm

Seeded No. 2, Medina will face a very familiar foe in the opening round of the Section VI Class B baseball tournament as the Mustangs will host No. 15 Newfane on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Vets Park.

Medina blanked Newfane twice by scores of 11-0 and 6-0 in route to capturing the Niagara-Orleans League championship with a 12-0 record. Newfane finished the N-O season at 1-11.

The Mustangs are the defending Section VI Class B champions.

Also in Class B openers at noon Saturday, No. 5 Roy-Hart will host No. 12 Alden and No. 9 Akron will visit No. 8 Silver Creek/Forestville.

Albion will begin Class A2 playoff competition on Friday as the No. 8 seed Purple Eagles will host No. 9 Dunkirk at 5 p.m. The victor will then visit top seeded City Honors at noon on Saturday.

In Class C openers at noon on Saturday, No. 10 Barker will visit No. 7 Portville and No. 12 Wilson will travel to Brocton/Cassadaga Valley.