By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2025 at 12:59 pm
ALBION – Three people were sentenced to time in the Orleans County today by County Court Judge Sanford Church.
• Richard Kress, 38, of Albion was sentenced to 364 days in jail. He could have been sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison after pleading guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree.
Kress and a co-defendant, Daniel Fritz III of Clarendon, are accused of taking a safe from a Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside. They will pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.
Fritz pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree and faces up to 2 to 4 years in state prison.
Kress said he made some bad choices and was abusing drugs and alcohol. He said he has turned his life around. He apologized to the victim of the crime. He has already been in jail for 115 days.
• Christopher Doxley, 41, of Medina was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail for criminal mischief. He allegedly was in an argument at someone’s house and hit a car with a baseball bat.
He apologized to the court and his family. He also was fined $500 and needs to pay $250 in court fees.
• Charles Santiago, 37, of Albion was sentenced to weekends in jail over four months and five years of probation for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Santiago had a loaded Taurus handgun on April 13 without a permit.
He could have faced six months in the county jail. Judge Sanford Church said the weekends in jail will allow Santiago to keep working full-time so he can support his family.
• A Medina woman is being held in the county jail while awaiting sentencing for violating her probation.
Erica Davis, 37, also faces new charges of promoting prison contraband in the first degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance for bringing cocaine into the county jail. She snuck the cocaine into the jail through her boot, District Attorney Susan Howard said
• Devon A. Robinson, 32, of Rochester pleaded guilty in court today to criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He admitted to having an ATV valued at more than $3,000 that he knew was stolen. The Arctic Cat ATV was taken from Hulberton Road in Holley on July 26, 2024.
Robinson, as a second-felony offender, could have faced up to seven years in prison. As part of a plea deal today he will face up t five years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2025 at 11:33 am
Mitchell Kwandrans, left, and Marcus Verratti have both been charged with criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
MEDINA – The Hemp House and More in Medina has been shut down by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management for possessing and selling unauthorized cannabis products.
Two people, including the Hemp House owner, also are facing charges for criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree, which are class D felonies.
The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, Sheriff’s Department, Medina Police Department and the NYS Office of Cannabis Management on Nov. 5 executed search warrants at the Hemp House at 409 Main St. and at 2651 Angling Rd. in Ridgeway.
Police seized over 64 pounds of high-grade cannabis flower, 264 pounds of cannabis edibles, 97 THC vapes, 106 viles of THC wax, over 6 pounds of marijuana hash, 10-1000ml containers of THC concentrate distillate, over 1 pound of mushrooms (Pslocybin), and over $96,000 in cash.
The following were charged:
Mitchell Kwandrans, 38, of 2651 Angling Road in Medina for 4 counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
Marcus Verratti, 40, of 905 West Ave. in Medina for 2 counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
Kwandrans, owner of the Hemp House, and Verratti, a Hemp House employee, were taken to the Orleans County Jail for processing and issued appearance tickets for the Ridgeway Town Court on Dec. 6.
As a result of the items seized, the NYS Office of Cannabis Management closed the store for selling and possessing unauthorized cannabis products. These illicit cannabis products can pose a threat to public health and safety due to not being tested or approved by the Office of Cannabis Management, said Joe Sacco, the supervising investigator for the Major Felony Crime Task Force.
“New York State will not tolerate businesses selling illicit cannabis,” said Dan Haughney, Office of Cannabis Management director of enforcement. “We want to send a clear message that untested, unsafe products do not belong in our communities.”
He thanked the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and the Medina Police Department for their partnership in the case.
Also assisting in the investigation were the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albion Police K9 unit.
The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending multiple lab results, Sacco said.
The Hemp House is the third business to be shut down in Orleans County for selling unauthorized cannabis products. The state also closed the Medina Smoke Shop at 335 North Main St. on Aug. 20 and the Albion Mini-Mart at 45 North Main St. on May 20.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 November 2025 at 9:39 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker/Roy-Hart first team C North honorees, from left, RJ Townsend, Tysen McCaa and Anthony Adinolfe.
Undefeated (6-0) champion Barker/Roy-Hart has placed seven players on the first team of the C North Division All-Star squad.
The Bulls large contingent includes seniors Joey Reiter (RB/LB), Tysen McCaa (QB/DB/K), Vinnie Fazzio (RB/LB), Anthony Adinolfe (WR/RB/DB) along with juniors Carter DerSarkissian (WR/RB/DB) and RJ Townsend OL/DL/LB) and sophomore Jakob West (OL/DL).
Reiter rushed for 973 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He had 29 tackles on defense.
Barker/Roy-Hart’s Vinnie Fazzio has been named C North Defensive Player of the Year.
McCaa passed for 744 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 533 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also handled the Bulls kickoff, punt and extra point kicking duties.
Fazzio, who has been named C North Defensive Player of the Year, rushed for 384 yards and 7 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense he led the Bulls with 72 tackles, including 51 solo, and had 8 fumble recoveries and an interception.
Adinolfe rushed for 378 yards and 4 touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 43 tackles, including 29 solo, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles.
DerSarkissian rushed for 576 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense he made 46 tackles, including 31 solo, and had 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble.
Townsend made 32 tackles, including 21 solo, and had 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.
West made 26 tackles, including 17 solo, and had 3 sacks.
Barker/Roy-Hart also had four second team honorees including senior Carson Schwab (WR/DB), juniors Ashton Ark (WR/LB) and Logan Flint (OL/DL) and sophomore Max Townsend (WR/DB/QB).
The Bulls also had a quartet of Honorable Mention selections including seniors Evan Baker (WR/DB), Ben Hess (OL/DL), Aiden Munn (OL/DE) and sophomore John Brigham (OL/DE).
Barker/Roy-Hart first team honorees Jakob West, Carter DerSarkissian and Joey Reiter.
ALBION – Local resident, historian, and author Tom Taber (right) donated his book, “The Orleans Battery,” and a framed poster on the soldiers of the Civil War’s local 17th New York Light Artillery. He presented them to Albion Middle School eighth grade students Brian Patten and John Vivas, along with social studies teacher Mr. Shawn Ragonese.
The book is a history of the NY 17th created from letters sent home by several of the men, from privates to commanding officer Captain George T. Anthony, who left Medina for Kansas, and eventually was elected governor there. He was also Susan B. Anthony’s second cousin.
The poster was a Civil War roster listing the names and ranks of the men, predominantly from Orleans County, who were the original volunteers in the NY 17th. Soon after arriving in Washington in late 1862, they were offered the poster for $1.
Future classes will benefit from Taber’s extensive research for years to come.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 November 2025 at 8:05 am
Photo courtesy of Chris Fenton: This Santa Claus chair loaded with Christmas decorations, is waiting to be set up at Main Street Appliance and Home Furnishings. It is the original chair used for many years when Santa welcomed children at the former G.C. Murphy Five and Dime store.
MEDINA – Olde Tyme Christmas in Medina is a day organized by Medina Area Partnership, in which the entire village turns out to celebrate the holidays.
Sales in stores, Home for the Holidays 5K, a holiday brunch, giveaways, raffles, a pet parade, arrival of Santa Claus, musical entertainment and many more activities take place throughout the day, all topped off with fireworks and the spectacular Parade of Lights.
Festivities begin at 8 a.m. at Factory Espresso at 111 West Center St., in the former Newell building (now Hart House) where festive hot lattes and winter treats will be served throughout the day.
A holiday brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shirt Factory in the Hart House, 113 West Center St.
Visitors are encouraged to shop local and check out the specials during the day in celebration of “Shop Small Saturday.”
At Main Street Appliance and Home Furnishings, children can sit on Santa’s lap in the chair Santa used there for years when it was G.C. Murphy’s five and dime store.
At English Rose Tea Shoppe, a game sheet can be picked up to participate in a “Christmas Selfie Scavenger Hunt.”
Canalside Tattoo will again be collecting toys and games for the 9th Annual Parade of Lights Toy Drive.
Santa will arrive at noon during the Santa and Pets on Parade events.
Visitors will have to venture off Main Street for a few activities, including an open house and display of holiday stuffed animals at the Medina Historical Society on West Avenue.
At St. Mary’s Church, at the north end of West Avenue, a program of European Advent and Christmas music will be presented at 1 p.m. by Aaron Grabowski on organ and harpsichord.
Cocktails can be enjoyed throughout the day at Bent’s Harvest Bar and the Shirt Factory’s launch of its award-winning cocktail.
Many events throughout the day cater to children, including the Little Elf costume contest at Harvest Restaurant, make-and-take ornament decorating at Creekside Floral, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library and Modern Mercantile, a take-and-make craft at Author’s Note, Children’s Window Scavenger Hunt, free ornament at Filamena’ Favorites on South Gravel Road and free chocolate covered Oreo at Della’s Chocolates.
Nola’s Gaming and Crafting Café at 523 Main St. is a new business in town, where kids can make and take a free Polar Express-inspired ornament.
The day also features train rides on the Polar Express from Medina Railroad Museum. Information on ticket availability can be obtained on www.medinarailroadmuseum.org or by calling (585) 798-6106, x103.
Children can have their picture taken with Santa from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Santa House in Rotary Park. There is a $10 charge, which benefits Decorate Medina.
At 1 p.m. children and parents are invited to the Medina Theater for a showing of the Christmas movie “The Grinch,” complete with popcorn and holiday cheer.
Another movie, “Home Alone 2,” will be shown at Bent’s Opera House at 2 p.m., also including popcorn.
From 2 to 4 p.m. children and adults can get in out of the cold and relax while enjoying the magic of Patrick Holman.
Everyone is reminded to check out the full schedule of events and activities online at www.ChristmasInMedina.com.
As always, the day is topped off by fireworks at 5:45 over Main Street and the spectacular Parade of Lights at 6 p.m., featuring an estimated 40 lighted floats.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2025 at 3:11 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The U.S. Mint has ceased producing pennies as of Nov. 12, 2025.
With the U.S. Mint not making any more pennies, a state legislator has introduced a bill to have merchants round up or down to the nearest 5 cents for cash transactions.
State Senator James Skoufis, a Democrat from Orange County, on Friday introduced the “New Yorkers for Common Cents Act.” It would standardize how cash transactions are handled with no more pennies being produced.
The “Common Cents” proposal wants to reduce circulation of pennies within New York state. The U.S. Mint on Nov. 12 made the final pennies.
Skoufis has proposed the following rounding system:
If 1-2 or 6-7 cents are at the end of the resulting sum, then that amount shall be rounded down to the nearest amount divisible by 5
If 3-4 or 8-9 cents are at the end of the resulting sum, then that amount shall be rounded up to the nearest amount divisible by 5.
“Common Cents” is based on Canada’s federal policy when it abolished the country’s penny in 2013. It would not apply to transactions paid for online or by card, electronic payment or transfer, or money order.
The proposed S8580 is currently in the Senate’s Rules Committee and doesn’t have an Assembly counterpart.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2025 at 1:54 pm
Anthony Bruce, former federal prosecutor, didn’t reside in Orleans or adjoining county
The case against a Medina man who served two years of incarceration has been dismissed after the state’s highest court ruled the special prosecutor in the case was wrongly appointed.
Anthony Bruce, a former federal prosecutor for 38 years, was named a special prosecutor in a case against Dina Callara of Medina, who was charged with grand larceny for allegedly improperly selling a vehicle that was given to him for repairs and then keeping the proceeds. He was ordered to pay $3,800 in restitution to the owner of the vehicle.
Joe Cardone, the district attorney at the time, recused himself from the case due to a relationship with the alleged victim.
Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church appointed Bruce of Orchard Park as the special prosecutor.
The State of New York Court of Appeals stated in a decision on October 16 that it is undisputed that Bruce did not have an office or reside in Orleans County or any adjoining county, therefore not meeting the residency requirement.
Callara was convicted of a jury of grand larceny in the fourth degree and two counts of petit larceny on Feb. 22, 2022. He served 24 months of incarceration in the county jail and state prison. Callara didn’t raise the issue of an improperly appointed prosecutor until after the conviction and Callara’s attorney filed an appeal.
The Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department issued a decision on July 26, 2024, agreeing with Callara and his attorney, Kerry A. Conner, that the case should be dismissed.
While Bruce lives in Erie County, he has listed 39 Ellicott St. in Batavia, Genesee County, as an office. Genesee is contiguous to Orleans. But Callara’s lawyers argued Bruce wasn’t using that site as an office and sent correspondence to Callara from Erie County.
The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, as amicus curiae or “friend of the court,” argued that it can be difficult to find qualified attorneys who are willing and able to serve as special district attorney, particularly in rural counties. And many rural counties border other rural counties, the DAs association said.
The Appellate Court – in a decision written by Shirley Troutman, Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals – said it’s up to the State Legislature to determine if the statute should be amended to accommodate the challenges faced by rural counties in appointing special prosecutors.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2025 at 12:06 pm
This map from the state DOCCS shows the prisons in the GLOW counties and surrounding areas. The “W” shown at the two Albion prisons stands for work release.
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced today a prison will be closing in Franklin County while another in Erie County will be downsized in a consolidation.
The announcement spares any of the prisons in Albion or the GLOW counties.
DOCCS will be closing the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in the North Country on March 11, 2026 while Collins Correctional Facility will be consolidated.
DOCCS said it conducted a thorough review of operations at its 42 correctional facilities. The review was based on a variety of factors: available beds, physical infrastructure, program offerings and whether they can be relocated to other institutions, facility security level, specialized medical and mental health services, locations where there are no Correction Officer reassignment lists, and other facilities in the area to minimize the impact to staff.
All 293 DOCCS staff assigned to Bare Hill will be offered positions at other facilities, and neighboring correctional facilities will be able to safely absorb the incarcerated population into vacant beds at other institutions, DOCCS said. With over 650 vacant staff positions available in correctional facilities located in Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties, the Department will be able to ensure no staff are laid off, mitigating the impact on both
staff, their families and the community., DOCCS said in a press release.
DOCCS also will be consolidating one side of Collins Correctional Facility campus to more efficiently deploy staff and manage the facility by the end of the fiscal year.
The total incarcerated population in state correctional facilities is currently at 33,782 – a reduction of more than 38,900 individuals, or a 53 percent decline in population since the Department’s high of 72,773 in 1999, DOCCS said.
NYSCOPBA opposes DOCCS’ decision saying ‘it will deepen crisis of violence’ in prison system
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, the union representing corrections officers, issued this statement:
“These closures will only deepen the crisis of violence, chronic understaffing, and unsustainable working conditions that already plague New York’s prison system.
“Since January 2023, the number of correction officers and sergeants, the frontline staff who perform the vast majority of daily duties has plummeted by 28 percent, while the incarcerated population has increased by 7 percent. Staffing levels are now at their lowest in decades. This is not a system on the brink; it is a system that has already broken.
“Closing additional facilities is not a solution, it is a reckless acceleration of the problem. Consolidating an already growing population into fewer prisons makes it harder to separate violent individuals from the general population, guarantees more assaults on staff and incarcerated people alike, and further fuels the cycle of violence and attrition.
“For our members, these closures mean life-altering choices: uproot entire families and move hours away to keep their jobs or resign and walk away from careers they have dedicated their lives to. The stress on our officers and their families is already immense; announcements like today’s only compound it and drive more experienced staff out the door.
“We have sounded the alarm for years that New York’s correctional system is at a breaking point,” said Chris Summers, NYSCOPBA President. “Closing prisons is a short-sighted Band-Aid on a gaping wound. It does nothing to address historic staffing shortages, does nothing to curb the record levels of violence inside our facilities, and forces loyal public servants to choose between their livelihoods and their families.
“Prisons are safest when they are properly staffed and when the population is spread out enough to manage risk effectively. The real solution is to keep facilities open, aggressively recruit and retain staff, and stop treating correction officers as disposable.”
“It is abundantly clear that if you commit to doing this extremely difficult and dangerous job, don’t expect the State of New York to commit to you. Since 2009, the state has closed 27 prisons, throwing thousands of correction officers and their families into chaos forcing them to sell homes, pull children out of school, and abandon the communities they swore to serve. Year after year, Albany treats our members like line items on a budget instead of the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep these facilities running. They deserve far better than this betrayal from our Governor and State Legislature. NYSCOPBA will continue to fight relentlessly for their interests and for a correctional system that is safe for staff and incarcerated individuals alike.”
Ortt: ‘Closing prisons is exactly the wrong thing to do’
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:
“After firing 2,000 dedicated, hardworking correction officers earlier this year, Governor Hochul is only further exacerbating the dangerous staffing crisis in our prisons by closing and downsizing more facilities right before the holidays.
“Closing prisons is exactly the wrong thing to do. New York’s hardworking, courageous corrections officers deserve our respect, and should not be used as political pawns.”
Hawley: ‘Yet another bad decision on public safety from Gov. Hochul’
Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement:
“The decision to close the Bare Hill Correctional Facility is yet another bad decision on public safety from Gov. Hochul. Over her entire tenure and specifically the last year, the governor has continually disrespected our brave correctional officers. This closure is just another example.
“What this will do is cause even more unsafe conditions in our prisons due to overcrowding. While progressive activists will claim the 60% reduction in the prison population since 1999 is the reason for this, the fact remains that violent crime is still high and the only reason the number of inmates has gone down is because of soft on crime policies of Albany. If the governor were serious about public safety, she would pull the National Guard out of prisons, reinstate all fired correctional officers and repeal the HALT Act.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 November 2025 at 9:13 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina first team N-O honorees Aidan Papaj, left, and Aleks Seefeldt.
Undefeated (10-0) champion Wilson has placed six players and runner-up Medina (8-2) four on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League boys soccer squad.
Senior forward Aidan Neumann, who has been named N-O Player of the Year, heads Wilson’s contingent which also included senior forward David Gurski, junior midfielder Cole Herrmann, senior defender Andrew Danner, junior defender Max Harmon and junior goalie Eli Moore.
Neumann had 55 goals and 13 assists on the season, Gurski 20 goals and 12 assists, and Herrmann 8 goals and 28 assists.
Wilson first team honorees David Gurski, Aidan Neumann and Cole Herrmann.
Medina is represented by the quartet of junior forward Aidan Papaj, senior midfielder Vinny Gray, junior midfielder Aleks Seefeldt and senior defender Luke Duffina.
Seefeldt had 16 goals and 19 assists, Papaj 15 goals and 5 assists, Gray 10 goals and 8 assists and Duffina 7 goals and 4 assists.
Rounding out the first team is the Akron junior duo of midfielder Sawyer Ranney and defender Alexander Brandl.
Wilson first team honorees Andrew Danner, Eli Moore and Max Harmon.
The second team All-League honorees, listed by school, are as follows:
Wilson – Mason Schultz (Jr) and Hayden Fellows (So.)
Medina – Caden Kingsbury (Sr.) and Jimmy Dieter (Sr.)
Akron – Thatcher Ranney (Fr.) and Samuel Reagan (So.)
Albion – Garret Jones (So.)
Newfane – Alexander Tate (Sr.), Chris Klumpp (Jr.) and Isaac Zachery (Sr.)
Roy-Hart – Michael Fuller (So.) and Jose Daniel Pabon-Rosa (Sr.)
Medina’s first team honorees Luke Duffina, left, and Vinny Gray
The Honorable Mention selections, listed by team, are as follows:
Akron – Ryan Pribe (Jr.) and Luke Piscitelli (Jr.)
Albion – Joseph Bropst (Sr.), Justin Kania (Sr.) and Joshua Zayac (Sr.)
Medina – Ryan Pegelow (Sr.), Bryson Ford (So.) and Izzy Anderson (So.)
Newfane – Dwyane Dawes (Fr.), Mason D’Orsaneo (Jr.) and Dylan Lamont (Jr.)
Roy-Hart – Ethan Brown (Jr.), Will Bundrock (So.) and Hayden Hillburn (Sr.)
Wilson – Trenton Kaminski (Fr.), Chase Martin (Sr.), Archer Simpson (So.)
In light of your Administration’s agreement to delay implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act and to protect all New Yorkers from skyrocketing energy bills, the New York State Senate Republican Conference is demanding that Governor Kathy Hochul convene a special legislative session before the end of the year to repeal the all-electric building mandate set to take effect January 1st.
This ideological and unfunded mandate, which has repeatedly been proven to be unreachable, will increase costs for families and businesses and cost many hardworking men and women of labor their careers if allowed to be hastily put into effect.
“Governor Hochul’s socialist energy policy has increased costs, strained the grid and removed consumer choice,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “We must repeal the unrealistic and unaffordable mandates of the Democrats Green New Scam. Our Conference supports a diverse energy portfolio that ensures affordable options for all New Yorkers.”
In a sign-on letter delivered to the Governor on Monday, the Conference warned that the mandate, which is a component of the ill-conceived Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), will worsen New York’s housing, energy, and affordability crises while placing additional strain on an already unstable electric grid.
Lawmakers noted that passage of S.1167, which is sponsored by the Ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District), at a special session is the best path forward to protect state residents. The legislation is sponsored in the New York State Assembly by Assemblyman Michael Durso (A.6252).
They jointly cautioned that proposals from some Assembly Democrats to “pause” the mandate appear to be political maneuvers designed to delay consequences until after the 2026 elections, similar to prior election-year delays on congestion pricing.
“Since 2019, we have been warning the administration that the State’s reckless push toward an all-electric future would drive up energy bills and jeopardize grid reliability,” the letter states. “NYISO’s latest report confirms those fears.”
According to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the grid is already under significant stress, and large-scale electrification without new generating capacity threatens system stability. Homebuilders across the state also project the mandate will add approximately $20,000 to the cost of constructing a new home—on top of New York’s already high building expenses.
Construction costs in New York range from $200 to $350 per square foot, far above the national average of $162, with New York City approaching $500 per square foot. Residential electricity rates in New York are already 51% higher than the national average, and lawmakers warned that mandating all-electric homes will push those rates even higher.
“The all-electric building mandate will only worsen New York’s housing, energy, and affordability crises,” the Conference wrote. “For these reasons, we strongly urge you to call a special session before the end of the year to repeal this disastrous policy and protect New Yorkers from further economic and energy hardship.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has charged Nicholas Horn of Albion with Obscenity in the Third Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both Class A misdemeanors.
The investigation determined that around August 7, 2025, Horn allegedly contacted a minor in Ohio and sent unwanted, explicit images. Investigators also allege that Horn reached out to young adults after locating their phone numbers in online advertisements for services such as car detailing and lawn care.
Multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States are assisting with the investigation. Horn is believed to have contacted more than 170 individuals under similar circumstances.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed. The investigation was conducted by Investigator Brian Marsceill of the Sheriff’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2025 at 9:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kim Martillotta Muscarella, owner of Marti’s on Main, is shown inside the art gallery during an art show last month. She is pictured with a split leaf philodendron which she has had for 40 years.
Martillotta Muscarella has been organizing and hosting art shows the past 15 years. She announced that Marti’s has just been approved by the IRS an official non-profit organization.
She decided to have Marti’s be a non-profit to be in a better position to apply for grants to help with the building’s upkeep and for the programming at the site. Any donations will be tax deductible.
There is currently a three-member board for Marti’s with her son Jeremiah Knight as the president, her husband Neal Muscarella as vice president and Martillotta Muscarella as the treasurer.
Marti’s since 2021 has been at the former Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion. Martillotta Muscarella and her family turned the building at 20 South Main St. into an art showcase.
The Muscarellas transformed the interior of the building into an art studio and gallery, painting the rooms in vibrant colors. Muscarella displays artwork throughout the building, including the hallways, staircase, even the bathrooms.
Martillotta Muscarella said the building needs more work, especially the windows. She is hopeful the non-profit status will secure funding through grants or other contributions.
Before it was Marti’s, the former Extension building was most recently used an outreach center for the Episcopal Church in Albion. The building was originally a house built in the 1830s.
Muscarella watched the site decline for many years, with little activity inside the doors of one of the prominent buildings in the historic Courthouse Square.
For about a decade she ran the Marti’s on Main art gallery and studio at her home at 229 South Main St. But that site, which was half of her house, was cramped to display art and accommodate groups of people.
Since 2021, Marti’s has hosted several art shows and classes a year, as well as two concerts.
The next class will be on Nov. 30 and is a chance to create one-of-a-kind ornaments with Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics. There will be sessions at noon and 2 p.m. Call or text 585-590-9211 or message Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics on Facebook for more information.
Martillotta Muscarella gives tours of the art gallery by appointment. She can be reached at (585) 590-9211 for more information.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 November 2025 at 7:53 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Preseason practices for the high school winter sports season boys and girls basketball, swimming and wrestling teams got underway today. Here several members of the Medina boys varsity basketball team work on a dribbling drill. Season opening action is not that far away as the Lyndonville boys basketball team will tipoff the season the day after Thanksgiving by participating in a North Country tournament at Lafargeville High.
