By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2026 at 12:43 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids enjoy the splash pad at Bullard Park last year on June 4 when temperatures were in the 80s. The Village of Albion runs a six-week summer recreation program.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has approved $86,658 towards youth programs and services in the county.
The Youth Bureau Resource Allocation Plan was developed by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and Department of Social Services. The joint plan makes the county eligible for state aid from the State Office of Children and Family Services.
The money is awarded to municipalities and community-based agencies. The county received funding requests for about $260,000, said Kelly Kiebala, the Youth Bureau administrator. There is a small amount of additional money that is expected to be awarded for youth programs in addition to the $86,658, Kiebala said.
The allocations are for three different programs: Municipal Youth Development Program, $44,768; Municipal Youth Sports & Education Opportunity Funding, $23,252; and Municipal Youth Team Sports, $18,638.
Here is a breakdown of the funding:
Municipal Youth Development Program:
Arc GLOW Camp Rainbow – $4,152.80
GLOW Works, Inc. (GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare) – $500
GLOW Works, Inc. (GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing) – $500
Hoag Library Summer Reading – $500
Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension – $1,500
Orleans County Probation Juvenile Adjustment Services – $16,000
PTA New York Congress – Albion Elementary PTA – $900
Town of Kendall Recreation – $2,000
Village of Albion Recreation – $2,000
Village of Holley Recreation – $2,000
Village of Medina Recreation – $1,500
Orleans County Youth Bureau Annual Awards – $2,000
Orleans County Youth Bureau Family Game Night – $2,000
Orleans County Youth Bureau – $6,715.20
Municipal Youth Sports & Education Opportunity:
Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension – $1,500
Village of Albion Recreation – $17,264.20
Village of Holley Recreation – $1,000
Orleans County Youth Bureau – $3,487.80
Municipal Youth Teams Sports:
Albion High School Alumni Foundation for the Albion Soccer Club – $3,500
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 March 2026 at 10:18 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Kendrick Russaw and his Mustangs teammates will face Olmsted in the Section VI Class B1 championship game at 6 p.m. Wednesday at SUNY Fredonia.
Looking to keep the momentum from Saturday’s come-from-behind semifinal victory, No. 5 seed Medina will now face No. 2 Olmsted in the championship game of the Section VI Class B1 boys basketball playoffs at 6 p.m. Wednesday at SUNY Fredonia.
The Mustangs gained a spot in the title contest by rallying from a 44-40 deficit with a big 22-8 fourth quarter scoring surge to defeat No.9 Southwestern 62-52 in the semifinals.
Olmsted advanced with a 49-34 win over No. 6 Springville.
The Mustangs bring a 16-6 record into the final while the Owls are 15-7.
This is Medina’s first appearance in the championship game since the Covid shortened 2021 season. Seeded No. 1 that season, the Mustangs captured the Class B2 title with three straight home court victories downing Alden 68-48 in the quarterfinals, Newfane 64-55 in the semis and Lackawanna 68-57 in the title contest.
Medina’s only other Section VI championship came in 1971 when the Mustangs downed then Niagara-Orleans League foe Starpoint 84-73.
Offensively, Medina has been led by Jerrell Nealy, who is averaging 16 points per game and Preston Woodworth who is averaging 14.
Olmsted is led by Tacon McCray who has scored 481 points for a 21.9 average and Jaden Wood who has tallied 298 poins (13.0 ave.)
Akron seeks B2 title
The N-O League will also be represented in Wednesday’s Class B2 championship game at No. 2 Akron will face No. 1 Tapestry at 7:45 p.m. at SUNY Fredonia.
Akron brings a 19-2 record into the final while Tapestry is 20-2.
Last year Akron captured the B1 championship with a 49-38 win over Olmsted.
Wilson in Class C semi tonight
Top seeded Wilson will take on No. 6 Westfield in the Class C semifinals at 6 this evening at Jamestown Community College.
Wilson is 19-2 and Westfield 12-9.
Last year Wilson captured the Class B2 championship.
The other Class C semi will have No. 2 Global Concepts vs. No. 6 Ellicottville at 7:45 at Jamestown Community College.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2026 at 10:02 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Sidari, shown during a meeting in October 2023 when he was Medina’s mayor, has retired as a callman firefighter for Medina Fire Department.
MEDINA – Mike Sidari, Medina’s mayor for eight years until 2024, has retired from another role with the village.
Sidari for 40 years was a callman firefighter, responding to emergency calls on a part-time basis.
The Medina Village Board accepted his resignation last week and approved allowing him to keep his helmet shield and uniform badges. Sidari’s helmet shield includes his number as callman firefighter 213.
“I have witnessed many changes not only in the department, but in the fire service, from equipment and training to technology,” Sidari wrote in a letter to Fire Chief Steve Cooley. “Throughout my time there has been one constant, that is the dedication of the officers and firefighters of the Medina Fire Department. I am proud to have served our community.”
Chief Cooley praised Sidari for his service to the department and the community.
“I will always be an advocate of the good department and the residents of the village,” Sidari wrote in his letter. “I wish you and my fellow firefighters nothing but the best in the future.”
The Somerset Solar project is a 125 megawatt installation proposed on part of the site of the shuttered coal-fired powerplant.
Financially, the project should stand on its own and not receive tax breaks or financial incentives from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency (NCIDA) or other organizations.
Those that argue for incentives claim Somerset Solar will help meet the New York State Energy Policy Goals. These goals are under question as to how realistic they are and raise issues that were ignored in the original State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) decision.
Claims made that the Somerset Town Board is on record as approving the project are false. More power to our Governor who has begun to raise questions about certain of the issues surrounding “clean energy.” Further a greenspace barrier was required by the Article 8 siting process for the coal operations. That barrier is being destroyed to the detriment of those living in the area.
ORES has recently issued a deficiency judgement for the project allowing the clearing of trees to begin on the proposed site. There is nothing more counterproductive to clean air than cutting down trees and clearing forested lands. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, store it and release oxygen to the atmosphere. Exactly the process wanted to clean our air.
Further, trees act to deaden sounds and form a sight barrier, a much desired effect to preserve the Rural Character of our area. The Nature Conservancy in its Spring 2026 issue indicated that New York State has a plan to plant 680 million trees by 2040. Part of this plan should be to stop the arbitrary destruction of forested areas for unreliable clean energy projects.
The Somerset Solar Project will remove 247 acres from active farming. The 2022 Agricultural Census of Niagara County estimated the average yearly value of agricultural products sold in the County is $1,291 per acre. Over the projected life of 35 years the total loss in agricultural production in Somerset will exceed eleven million dollars in 2022 year dollars. How will this sum ever be recovered?
Farmland and all green spaces should never be used for solar projects. Secure landfills, rooftops, abandoned shopping centers and parking lots, and brownfields located in cities and suburban areas closer to the electrical demand are far better sites.
An examination of details of construction of Somerset Solar puts the lie to any possibility of rehabilitation of the site after it outlives its useful life. Hundreds of buried pilings will be constructed to support the thousands of solar panels. Five miles of crushed stone trails and roads will be constructed, eliminating any notion of ever farming the site again.
The claim is that Somerset Solar will supply power to 25,000 homes. This is at best half-truth as power is only generated when the sun shines. Reliable clean burning natural gas, reliable clean hydropower and reliable carbon free nuclear power come to the rescue.
The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency must deny the request of Somerset Solar for all manner of tax exemptions and financial incentives. Hopefully this action will be enough to kill the project. We will all benefit!
ALBION – Hoag Library is expanding what it means to be a library this spring — offering not just books, but vital health screenings, legal and social service outreach, tax assistance, and live music, all under one roof.
The UR Medicine Mobile Mammography Van will be onsite at Hoag Library on March 27, providing convenient breast cancer screenings. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 1-844-870-0002.
Several community organizations, including Oak Orchard Health Clinic, YWCA, Neighborhood Legal Services, HCR Home Care, Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, Homeless Alliance of WNY, and Cancer Services Program, will be present at the library throughout the month of March offering medical, legal, and social outreach services.
For those preparing their tax returns, IRS-trained tax volunteers will be available at Hoag Library on select Mondays in March and April. Appointments are required for tax preparation services.
The free Hoag Library Music Series was set to return on March 28 with a performance by the Medusa Quartet; unfortunately, they are unable to perform that day, but we are working to schedule another performance and will share updates soon.
In April, Hoag Library will host the EDDY Mobile CT Unit in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, offering lung cancer screenings. Registration is required by calling 1-800-ROSWELL.
“Many people are surprised to learn just how much Hoag Library offers beyond traditional library services,” said Library Director Betty Sue Miller. “We are proud to serve as a hub for health services, legal assistance, tax help, and cultural enrichment — all free and open to the public.”
Conveniently located in the center of Albion, Hoag Library continues to redefine what a modern library can be: a place where community members can read, learn, connect — and access essential services that improve quality of life.
For more information about upcoming programs and services, visit Hoag Library or call 585-589-4246.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 March 2026 at 8:09 am
Photos by Tom Rivers (Left) Carol Callina of Medina was one of about 40 veterans who took advantage of a free day of bowling Saturday at Medina Lanes. (Right) Nick Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency, chats with his wife, Tricia, left, and Sara Hults, a volunteer in suicide prevention from the Batavia VA, as they wait to check in veterans for the day of bowling Saturday, sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.
MEDINA – The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer-sponsored afternoon of bowling was a resounding success, according to Nick Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency.
At least 40 veterans and their families enjoyed an afternoon of bowling with pizza, wings and pop. complements of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.
Adam Rush of Waterport, a Navy veteran, came with his wife Ashley and children Evelyn, Henry and Charlotte.
“It’s great to get together with other veterans,” Adam said.
Navy veteran Adam Rush of Waterport checks in at Medina Lanes with his wife Ashley and children Evelyn, Henry and Charlotte.
Carol Callina, also a Navy veteran, brought her sister Christine Mason. Mason’s son is a 17-year veteran of the Navy, where he is an air traffic controller.
“This is great,” Mason said.
At another table, Jack Miles and his wife Nancy of Albion chatted with Mike Donahue of Albion, a Navy veteran who did two tours to Vietnam. Both men are members of the Veterans’ Services Council and Honor Guard. Neither man bowls but they wanted to be there at the bowling alley.
“We’re just here for the camaraderie,” they said.
A veteran waits with his ball, while Danille Colasurdo speaks to her service dog Brady, partly visible at right. A Navy veteran, Colasurdo suffers from PTSD.
It was a very significant day for Daniele Colasurdo, a Navy veteran who was happy to be out.
“I have PTSD and this is the first time I’ve been in a bowling alley in four years,” she said.
She was accompanied by her service dog Brady, who helps her deal with her stress.
Nick Mroz said the turnout was double the number who came last year. Other events sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program were free turkeys at Thanksgiving and a banquet with prize giveaways at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The next event will be giving away 100 free hams for Easter.
Jack Miles and his wife Nancy, left, and Mike Donahue are greeted by Bill Moroz, a volunteer driver for the Veterans’ Van Service.
By the time I was done reading about the bombing of a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, on Saturday morning, Trump/Netanyahu supporters were already hard at work running cover.
“You believe Iranian state media?” “You’re telling me they were in school on Saturday?” “Oh, did you forget war is hell?” American media would wait to report on the school children we killed until Sunday, when the death toll had reached well over one hundred. Now we have videos, evidence, photos of bloody backpacks, and all those Trump/Netanyahu supporters have to say is…
Well that’s the obvious problem; they can’t get their story straight. Why were suddenly bombing dozens of sites across Iran? Trump said it was so they couldn’t make nukes. This, despite the fact Ted Cruz told the media he’d seen no evidence Iran was rebuilding what we apparently “obliterated” last June (the “12 Day War”), and despite the fact that negotiators told CBS news the day before that the US and Iran had come to a framework for a nuclear deal more comprehensive and secure even the historic and durable one Obama signed in 2015, and despite the fact that last spring Trump’s own Director of National Intelligence said, “Iran not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamanei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003.”
To hear others tell it, the reason Trump was now killing civilians in Iran and admitting American soldiers would have to die (Trump: “That’s just the way it is”) was that Iran was a brutal regime that kills its own citizens. If that’s a legitimate reason for war, I think we have to start a lot more wars. If Trump cared about the deaths of protestors, he wouldn’t have blamed Alex Pretti for legally carrying a firearm while trying to help a woman abused by an ICE officer.
Others say we had to bomb Iran because the Ayatollah was a religious zealot who says “Death to America.” Has anyone heard the way our own government officials speaks about other countries and entire ethnicities?
Does anyone remember that Iran was a democracy in 1951 when Mossadegh was voted in on a platform of nationalizing Iran’s oil? The CIA created a coup and installed a literal King whose police state brutalized Iranians for decades before a religious movement overthrew him. Trump and his cronies are the last people I want to hear talk about Democracy; anyone paying attention can see this is part of his broad, chaotic attempt to stop future elections (just listen to the pro-Trump attorneys pushing him to sign an executive order to declare an election-stopping emergency over “Chinese election interference in 2020”).
There are no good reasons for this war. Iran is not a threat to us.
There are not good reasons to bomb a school. Children are not a threat to us.
There are no good reasons to close the entry points to Gaza and stop the World Central Kitchen from feeding the starving Palestinian people. Palestinians are not a threat to us.
Trump is a threat to us. We’ve already seen US soldiers die. Praying won’t save them. The only thing that can is an act of Congress. Use the 25th amendment because he’s clearly lost touch with reality, or impeach him, again.
Photos and information courtesy of Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today visited Elba Elementary School and Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion for Read Across America Day.
This event has been a longstanding tradition for Hawley and his office, and he is proud to be able to host it for another year.
Hawley read “Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet!” by Dr. Seuss to third graders at Elba Elementary School and second graders at Ronald L Sodoma Elementary School before donating the books to the schools.
“Read Across America Day highlights the important role books have in our classrooms,” said Hawley. “Through reading, our students are able to expand their minds and create a passion for learning. I want to thank all of the schools, teachers and staff members for making this event possible and for putting their time, talent and energy into educating the next generation.”
“I would also personally like to thank Mrs. Anmarie Maher, Mrs. Amy Damasiewicz, Mrs. Holly McNair, Mrs. Beth Stanley and Mr. David Plewinski for allowing me to read to their classes,” Hawley concluded.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 March 2026 at 7:23 pm
Contributed Photo – Aidan Paul
Medina High graduate Aidan Paul earned his first collegiate Division 1 pitching victory on Sunday as he hurled High Point University to a 4-3 win over visiting Binghamton.
Paul went seven innings allowing just 2 hits with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks.
Three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on two home runs provided the margin of victory for High Point.
Paul is now 1-1 with 14 strikeouts in 15.2 innings of work on the mound.
High Point is now 7-5.
Paul pitched for SUNY Niagara the past two years. He earned All Region III honors last spring as he helped hurl the Thunderwolves to a fourth place finish at the national tournament.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2026 at 5:42 pm
MEDINA – Robyn Ottaviano took this photo of a striking sun pillar this morning in Medina when it was it was frigid with temperatures struggling to get in the teens.
Sun pillars are a vertical, glowing column of light that extend above or below the sun. A sun pillar is an optical phenomenon caused when sunlight reflects off hexagonal ice crystals. It needs to be cold with the sun low on the horizon, either a sunrise or sunset.
The temps will warm up beginning on Tuesday with a high of 36, followed by highs of 44 on Wednesday and Thursday, 48 on Friday and 64 on Saturday.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 March 2026 at 5:24 pm
Medina PD and Y staff will compete in dodgeball on March 19
To participate in Pie Day at the Orleans YMCA, pre-register by scanning the QR code.
MEDINA – Andrew Houseman, senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA, has announced a new schedule of special activities for families.
On March 14 two events are planned – a medieval show and demonstration from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a Pie Day from 1 to 3 p.m. for families.
The first event will feature heavy fighting, archery demonstrations and more. There is a $5 spectator fee that will go towards the Y’s Strong Communities Campaign, which supports its Scholarship Assistance Program, according to Houseman.
The next event, scheduled in the kitchen of the YMCS, will be an interactive family pie making activity, which will cost $5 for a member family of four or $15 for a non-member family.
Pre-registration is required by March 12 by scanning the QR code.
On March 19 the Y will host a hometown faceoff between the Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA. Teams will be competing in a dodgeball game starting at 6 p.m. Spectator fee is $5 and will support the Strong Communities Campaign.
Action will begin on March 26 and continue through April 16 with a Ball Hockey Skills Camp, led by a local Batavia Ramparts coach. The event, over four Thursdays will take place from, 5 to 6:30 p.m. It is open to all levels from 6 to 12 years. For those who don’t own gear, equipment will be provided. Participants should just bring a water bottle and sneakers. Cost is $25 for members and $32 for non-members.
“This is an opportunity to improve your skills or gain a new interest with a local vetted hockey coach,” Houseman said.
On April 2, the Y is hosting an April showers crafts and activities event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. Pre-registration is required, but participation is free to members or $5 for non-members.
For more information or to register, call (585) 798-2040.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2026 at 10:32 am
Clarendon responded to 565 calls, Murray 866
Photos by Tom Rivers: Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida and Rose Porter light a candle in memory of her husband, Mark Porter, who passed away at age 54 on April 15, 2025. Porter was a commissioner on the Murray Joint Fire District and was very involved in the previous three decades with the Holley Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance.
BATAVIA – The Clarendon Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District held a combined annual installation dinner on Saturday at Batavia Downs. Both fire service organizations reported record high call volume in 2025 with Clarendon going to 565 calls and Murray responded to 866.
“Behind every one of those numbers is a person who needed help – and members who answered,” said Bob Freida, the Clarendon fire chief.
Clarendon responded to 248 EMS calls, 127 fire calls, 50 motor vehicle accidents including one with seven patients with five of those in critical condition. Clarendon firefighters also went on 140 service calls with trees and wires down, pump details and lift assists.
Earl Jenks, left, a member of the Clarendon Fire Company Board of Directors and Fire Chief Bob Freida address a crowd of 144 people on Saturday at Batavia Downs.
Clarendon presented the following awards:
Chief’s Award – Karl Biedlingmaier “for his outstanding commitment to our organization and his leadership with training.”
President’s Award – Cory Fultz for his drive to not only better himself with training but to help make the Clarendon Fire Company stronger.
Board of Directors Award – Renee Biedlingmaier for her commitment to the organization.
Years of service awards were presented to the following: Matt Campbell for 30 years; Troy Kingdollar and William Gergly Sr. for 25 years; James DeYoung and Jon R. DeYoung for 20 years.
This is the 70th anniversary of the Clarendon Fire Company. Freida noted how the community formed the fire company in 1956 when “a handful of local farmers and friends who believed their community deserved protection. They pitched together to purchase a used fire truck, not because it was easy but because it was necessary.”
The fire company now has a fire hall with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained members, Freida said.
Larry Vaughn, retired Brockport fire chief and lieutenant with the Ridge Road Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies. He said the volunteer departments all need more active members. He urged the members to personally invite people to join their organizations.
The Clarendon Fire Company currently has 26 active members. Freida said more members are welcome. Some of the members in January started meeting at the fire hall at 9 a.m. on Sundays for breakfast. Freida said it facilitates the family environment and fellowship at the fire company.
Clarendon firefighters logged 1,421 training hours in 2025, with 530 hours in meetings and 5,504 hours dedicated to calls and work details.
“That’s thousands of hours given freely, away from families, jobs and personal time, all in service to this community,” Freida said.
He highlighted the following:
Cory Fultz completed both the BIFO (basic interior firefighting operations) and IFO (interior firefighter operations) classes and is working on his EMT.
Renee Biedlingmaier earned her EMT certification.
Kyle White completed the BIFO class and is working to complete the IFO.
Mark McGuire and Jamie Steffen were welcomed back as members.
Clarendon Fire Company Line Officers for 2026 include:
Fire Chief: Robert Freida
Deputy Chief: Karl Biedlingmaier
Assistant Chief: Don Moiser
Captain: Jim DeYoung
Lieutenant: Earl Jenks, Bill Gergly, Pat Wallace
Safety Officer: Dan Campbell and Bob Margis
Fire Police Captain: Craig Hadden
EMS Lieutenant: Renee Biedlingmaier and Lorene Biedlingmaier
Freida said Clarendon is grateful for the positive working relationship with the Murray Joint Fire District.
“The teamwork and camaraderie between our two organizations is outstanding,” Freida said. “Whether it’s on scene at a call or working together throughout the year, your partnership makes us stronger and better.”
Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary addresses the crowd for the installation banquet, which Clarendon and Murray held at Batavia Downs for the first time, to try to something different for the annual event.
Murray’s 866 calls in 2025 were up from 124 in 2024, and already are at 142 the first two months of this year.
Murray responded to four working fires, several accidents with people trapped, a fatal drowning in the canal with large law enforcement presence from two counties, 125 mutual aid calls, and many storm-related services calls “from the never-ending falling ash tree saga around the county,” Cary said.
Murray firefighters also lead fire prevention at Holley schools and attend many community events, such at the June Fest, the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat for Halloween.
Murray’s Line Officers for 2026 include:
Fire Chief: Rick Cary
Deputy Chief: Pete Hendrickson
Assistant Chief: Kevin Dann
Captains: Chris Chilson and Allan Smith
Lieutenants: Chris Middleton Justin McMillon and Matt Edick
Fire Police Captain: John Morriss
Fire Police Lt: Jerry Wagner
Bob Beisang, third from left, receives an award for his efforts with inventory control. He receives congratulations, from left: Chief Cary, Deputy Chief Pete Hendrickson and Assistant Chief Kevin Dann.
Chief Cary announced the following awards:
• Dave Smith for working on all the small-powered equipment, keeping everything running and the blades sharpened.
• Bob Beisang for spending many hours on reports and inventory control. “When I need a task to be completed, he usually steps up and asks how he can help,” Cary said.
• Allan Smith as top responding line officer. “This individual is always just a phone call away,” Cary said. “He manages our training program and oversees fleet maintenance. Although he has only been a member for a couple of years, he has jumped in with both feet and has truly excelled.”
Cary also commended “rock stars” for their efforts with many of the emergency calls in the community. He praised the Holley Police Department, Holley DPW, Murray Highway Department, Orleans County dispatchers and road patrol deputies, and others for their assistance.
Dr. Dan Schiavone and Jenna Amering receives the “Distinguished Service Award.” The duo responds to the night-time calls. Schiavone runs a dental practice in the Public Square and Amering is the practice’s adminsitrator.
Cary said Schiavone and Amering both have been “standout” members. They respond to about 500 calls a year.
Schiavone manages health and safety initiatives, ensuring medical needs are met and follows up with members to keep them on track, Cary said.
Amering is a district commissioner. She also completed the 151-hour training courses for basic exterior firefighter and interior firefighter. She is working on becoming a certified EMT. Schiavone already is an EMT and interior firefighter. The couple said they want to give back to the community that gives back to them at the dental office.
They also said they enjoy the friendships with the Murray Joint Fire District.
Fran Gaylord, right, received a “I can’t pay you but I can feed you” plaque for his many years of offering hospitality at the fire hall in Holley. He is shown with Holley Police Chief Bob Barton and Shannon McMillion, who is a board member for the Holley Fire Company. McMillion said Gaylord makes chili and other food for firefighters.
“He’s such a role model,” McMillion said. “He’s a person who makes our fire department feel like family.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 March 2026 at 10:00 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
Medina’s Melanie Green will make her LPGA Tour debut this week half a world away in China.
She will tee off on Thursday at the LPGA’s Blue Bay Tournament at the Jian Lake Blue Bay golf course on Hainan Island, People’s Republic of China.
Green will make her U.S. LPGA debut March 19-22 at the Fortinet Founder’s Cup Tournament at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club at Menlo Park, California.
She will then compete at the Ford Championship at the Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona on March 26-29.
She does have experience competing in LPGA events as an amateur including the Evian championship in Europe and the Canadian Open.
Green earned her LPGA Tour Card by putting together an outstanding season on the Epson Tour last year. The tour’s season long points leader, she earned both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors.
Prior to her big year on the Epson Tour she had four outstanding years at the University of South Florida where she was a multi year All Conference and All American honoree.
During her scholastic days at Medina High she was a two time state Public High School Athletic Association tournament champion.
Photo from the Webster family scrapbook – This photograph of Jennie Webster at her millinery store in Holley is filled with fascinating details – the ladies’ clothing, the furnishings, the hats and hat paraphernalia.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminated Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 6
HOLLEY – At one time, hats were an essential component of women’s clothing. A lady would simply not appear in public hatless. Hats were indicative of social status and financial means. Styles ranged from everyday bonnets and berets to large, elaborate confections with flowers and feathers.
While clothing was often homemade, hats were a specialty item and were custom made by milliners. The term “milliner” to denote a person who makes hats, comes from Milan, Italy, noted for its hatmakers in the 16th century. By the nineteenth century, milliners were primarily female. Being a milliner was regarded as a respectable profession which could be sufficiently lucrative to provide an income and financial independence.
Jennie Webster was a milliner in Holley for over fifty years. Born on April 20, 1876, she was a daughter of Martin and Marietta Perry Webster. Her father was a farmer on Hurd Road.
She is listed as a milliner in the 1900 Census. She accepted a position in a millinery store in Canton, Ohio in 1909, presumably to hone her business skills. In Feb. 1912, she purchased Miss Jennie Cole’s millinery business in downtown.
Holley and leased Cole’s parlor on the second floor of the Newton block. She travelled to Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit in August of that year to attend the fall shows of the millinery houses and purchase goods for her store.
Suitably be-hatted, Jennie loved to travel.
Jennie moved into her new millinery parlor in Sept. 1912. Competition was stiff.
Lena A. Church operated a millinery on White Street, while Ethel A. Wilson was on Geddes Street. At that time, hats were large and elaborate. Trimmings could include ribbons, lace, feathers and flowers. Each hat was unique and tailored to the customers’ wishes. Long hat pins were used to secure them to the ladies’ hair.
Jennie regularly attended millinery shows and fashion promenades in Buffalo and Rochester and was keenly attuned to changing trends. Smaller hats and more subdued designs were preferred in the 1920’s. The 1926 Orleans County Directory indicates that Jennie was the only milliner in Holley. By that time, she had moved her parlor to a building adjoining the family home on Geddes Street. It is interesting to note that the county was still well supplied with hatmakers.
Orleans County Directory, 1926
Hats adorned with veils, feathers and artificial flowers made a comeback after World War II. As the clothing industry became more industrialized, women were less inclined to purchase custom-made hats.
Jennie adapted to these changes by joining her brother’s tailoring business on Main Street where she expanded to selling ladies apparel as well as millinery. Having weathered seismic shifts in her chosen field, she retired in 1955, when the store was closed. It was purchased by Nixon’s Clothing.
Jennie was unmarried and apparently supported herself. She enjoyed a busy, independent life. Her activities and social engagements were frequently mentioned in the Holley Standard newspaper. She died on Monday, Jan 2, 1967, at the age of 91. The Webster family is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley.
HOLLEY – At one time, hats were an essential component of women’s clothing. A lady would simply not appear in public hatless. Hats were indicative of social status and financial means. Styles ranged from everyday bonnets and berets to large, elaborate confections with flowers and feathers.
