CARLTON – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 18 in the Town of Carlton, Orleans County, will be closed to all traffic between Waterport Road and Hard Road beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, September 29, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 18, Route 63, Route 104 and Route 98. The road is expected to be reopened by mid-October.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 September 2025 at 8:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: “Big E” in front and Bowie are two of the alpacas at Velvet Ridge Farm & Market on Ridge Road in Albion. The farm will be open to the public this weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for National Alpaca Farm Days.
ALBION – It’s a big weekend for local alpaca farms. Five of those farms will be open to the public for National Alpaca Farm Days.
The farms are open today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farms on the tour include:
• Lake Alice Alpacas – 2125 Oak Orchard River Rd., Waterport
Toni and Tom Starks have opened a new alpaca farm, Velvet Ridge Farm & Market, LLC. They have seven alpacas and a store with alpaca products, hats and other fiber products.
Mrs. Starks is recently retired as a health educator and mentor teacher coordinator at Albion. Her husband is retired from a career in the defense industry.
The two wanted to stay busy in retirement, but not have intense pressure.
Alpacas are a low-maintenance animal, that are easy to take care of, Mrs. Starks said.
“After teaching I wanted to do something more peaceful but I also stay in teaching and sustainability,” she said.
Velvet Ridge has seven alpacas who are all named and adored by their owners: Snoop, Big E, Bowie, Tiny Tim, Bruce, Willie and Elvis.
The farm is named “Velvet” for the soft fleece from the alpacas.
A market at Velvet Ridge includes sock, hats and other products made from alpaca fiber.
There is also pottery from Magpie, Kathleen’s Crochet Creations, local honey and maple syrup, homemade fudge and baked goods, vintage goods, pumpkins and mums.
The market also sells Albanese’s Finest Gourmet Sauces, organically cultivated mushrooms and other local products.
Toni Stark has enjoyed creating the alpaca farm with her husband. They are at the former Poelma Farm on Ridge Road. The Velvet Ridge Farm & Market is new to National Alpaca Farm Days.
Visitors to all five local farms this weekend will be entered in a raffle with a chance to win a basket raffle over $300.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 September 2025 at 10:40 pm
Roy-Hart completed a 12-0 Niagara-Orleans golf league championship season with a 222-255 win over Wilson.
Isaac Smith led the Rams with a 39.
Volleyball Pembroke 25-25-27, Lyndonville 21-8-25
Pembroke downed host Lyndonville in a Genesee Region League volleyball match this evening 25-21, 25-8, 27-25.
For Pembroke, Onalee Easterbrook had 15 kills and 3 aces, Taylor Bischoff 9 kills and Jules Cleveland 34 assists and 4 aces.
Emily Dill had 4 aces, 3 kills and 3 blocks for Lyndonville as Sarah Corser had 3 kills, Hannah Fox 3 aces, Ainsley Vann 4 blocks and Leah Kenyon and Elena Barry both with 1 ace and 1 kill.
Photo courtesy of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES: GED teacher Lisa Behrend and case manager Julie Johnson are shown with graduates Victoria Wilson, Heaven Williams, Madison Banker, Marcus Fisher, Maria Gall, Sawyer Rotella, Andrew Schmidli, Sharon Thiel-Corey, Kadinz Sager, Daniel Hoffman and Cheyeanne Jenks. They joined on Thursday for a graduation celebration at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Seventeen proud GED graduates were honored Thursday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina.
Congratulations go to Allissa Adams, Madison Banker, Heaven Williams, Kadence Sager, Daniel Hoffman, Tim Amrhein, Cheyeanne Jenks, Andrew Schmidli, Victoria Wilson, Dustin Peace, Sharon Thiel-Corey, Lee Skernick, Sawyer Rotella, Mariah Gull, Marcus Fisher, Michael Harris, Erika Sprague, Abigail Worsley and Kira Lee Vanich.
The Orleans/Niagara BOCES educators, in the Adult Literacy Zone program, work with students who need to prepare for New York State’s High School Equivalency Exam to earn their diploma.
Some students study for a month and some for years to achieve their goal. The classes are open to anyone 17 years or older who lack their high school diploma. The Literacy Zone instructors are certified teachers who work with students to overcome their challenges so they can successfully pass the exam.
The curriculum focuses on preparing students in reading, writing, social studies, science and math. There is no cost to the student.
Classes are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and at the Albion Hoag Library from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Lockport location offers evening classes. Please reach out to Case Manager Julie Johnson at jjohnson@onboces.org for more information on attending the program.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 September 2025 at 10:30 pm
Taking over sole possession of first place, Barker/Roy-Hart scored a wild 50-24 victory over Eden/North Collins in a key C North Division clash of unbeatens this evening at Barker.
Barker/Roy-Hart improves to 3-0 in the division while Eden/North Collins slips to 2-1.
“The kids just played great,” said Barker/Roy-Hart Coach Bill Bruning whose offensive unit picked to nearly 550 yards including over 450 on the ground.. “It was unbelievable. That was awesome.”
Bulldogs quarterback Tysen McCaa ran for two touchdowns and also completed a 28 yard TD pass to Vince Fazzio.
Barker/Roy-Hart also got rushing touchdowns from Fazzio on a 25 yard run, Joey Reiter on a 25 yard carry, Carter DerSarkissian on a 40 yard run and Anthony Adinolfe on a 5 yard run. DerSarkissian had a total of 127 yards rushing and Reiter 114.
McCaa, Adinolfe and Reiter also hall had two-point conversions.
On defense for the Bulldogs, RJ Townsend had 2 sacks, DerSarkissian an interception and Adinolfe a fumble recovery.
Olean 32, Albion 8
Olean downed host Albion 32-8 in a B2 Division contest.
Albion’s touchdown came on a 11 yard pass from quarterback Bo Preston to Hunter Huscher as Elijah Doxey added the two-point conversion.
Photo by Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor: Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced in Albany that New York State’s first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State’s first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.
The checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.
Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.
Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
Earlier this year, the Governor also secured and enacted initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
“Starting today, we’re sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million New Yorkers because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”
Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the State’s revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased. Governor Hochul believes that money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund — and that’s why 8.2 million households statewide will receive a check this fall.
During a time when costs are high due to inflation and the Trump Administration’s tariff policies, smaller expenses can be a hardship on families across the United States. The latest reports from the Federal Reserve show that approximately 37 percent of adults across the nation would have to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay a $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent. The inflation refund checks can offer hardworking New Yorkers a cushion for smaller expenses, providing them with a sense of relief for unexpected repairs or emergencies.
Who’s Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check?
You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:
Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and
Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.
When Will Checks Be Delivered?
Checks will be mailed across the state starting today and deliveries will continue throughout October and November.
Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on zip code or region.
Additional information from the New York State Tax Department can be seen at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 September 2025 at 9:47 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Christian Moss breaks away from JFK defender Ayden White to pick up good yardage during the Mustangs Homecoming win over the Bears this evening at Vets Park.
Celebrating Homecoming in style Medina romped to a 56-6 win over JFK in a C North Division game at Vets Park this evening.
The win was a special one as the Mustangs earned Coach Eric Valley his milestone 100th career victory.
Medina Coach Eric Valley, who earned his milestone 100th career victory this evening, meets here with Mustangs quarterback Preston Woodworth.
Setting the tone for the evening, Medina jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead on a pair of touchdown passes by quarterback Preston Woodworth covering 26 yards to Kolton Fletcher and 34 yards to Vinny Gray who also tacked on the first two of his 8 extra point kicks.
The Mustangs advantage ballooned to 42-6 at the half after a big four touchdown second quarter scoring burst.
Those touchdowns came on a 15 yard run by Woodworth, a 5 yard run by Christian Moss, a 32 yard pass from Woodworth to Moss and a 60 yard pass interception return by Fletcher.
Moss had runs of 30 and 38 to highlight the first two drives. Moss and Fletcher then had back-to-back runs of 19 yards to key the third drive.
The Mustangs final two touchdowns came on a 18 yard run by Jayzon Wills in the third quarter and a 22 yard run by Kendrick Russaw in the fourh quarter.
A 39 yard run by Moss keyed the first score and a 58 yard run by Fletcher highlighted the second score.
Medina is now 2-1 in the division and 3-1 overall while JFK is 0-2, 1-3.
The Mustangs next visit Eden/North Collings next Friday night.
Medina’s Kolton Fletcher breaks loose on a pass interception TD run..
Jayzon Wills heads to the endzone for a Mustangs touchdown.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 September 2025 at 9:33 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Colton Smith works to get around Wheatland-Chili defender Ammon Swavely during the Tigers home field win this afternoon.
Lyndonville and Kendall both scored Genesee Region League boys soccer wins today.
Lyndonville downed visiting Wheatland-Chili 5-1.
The Tigers took a 2-0 first half lead as Barrett Alexander scored off an assist from Amir Zimmerman and Colton Smith scored from Alexander.
Smith then scored three goals in the second half to lock up the Tigers win as Jesus Reyes and Alexander earned assists during that stretch.
Lyndonville is now 5-3 in the league and 6-3 overall.
Kendall 6, Attica 0
Pablo Rosario-Reyes and Vinnie D’Agostino both scored two goals and Jonathan Esposito and Brandon Barrett each netted one as Kendall blanked Attica 6-0.
The Eagles improve to 7-0 in the league and 10-0 overall.
Boys Soccer
Wilson defeated rival Newfane 7-0 to improve to 6-0 in Niagara-Orleans League action as Aidan Neumann had 4 goals and 2 assists.
Roy-Hart defeated Cardinal O’Hara 3-1 in a non league game.
Girls Soccer
Wilson boosted its N-O record to 6-0 with a 5-0 win over rival Newfane as Addison Elia scored 3 goals.
Lyndonville’s Iziah Rodriguez advances the ball up field.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2025 at 2:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Seneca Chief is led by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol as they head east on the Erie Canal around 11 a.m. today. This photo was taken from the Allens Bridge Road bridge with the Presbyterian Road bridge in back.
The Seneca Chief is a replica of the boat from 200 years ago that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton across the Erie Canal for the first time.
The Seneca Chief is one day 3 of a 33-day journey from Buffalo to New York City, commemorating the first trip.
The boat passes by Allen’s Bridge with Eagle Harbor next up on the journey.
These people pass under the lift bridge in Eagle Harbor, waving to people on shore who water to see the boat.
The Seneca Chief is pulled by a tugboat, the C.L. Churchill.
Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center built the 73-foot-long boat over four years.
As the boat approached the Main Street lift bridge in Albion, people pulled out their phones to get photos and video. Heidi Coriddi of Albion is in front at left getting some photos.
The Main Street lift bridge goes up to accommodate the Seneca Chief caravan of boats.
The boat stopped in Albion and offered tours to the public, before heading east to Holley. The boat’s final destination today is in Brockport.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2025 at 1:07 pm
Albion, Holley and Medina all hosting activities, vendors
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – People check out some the artisan vendors this morning in Albion. There were about 10 different vendors in Albion for the debut Erie Canal Artisan Festival.
There are also vendors and activities in Holley and Medina today, Saturday and Sunday.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is organizing the festival.
There will be a theatrical car show in Medina as part of a car show in the Canal Basin.
Albion has its vendors and activities on Noeth Platt Street by the canal. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from noon to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday, as well as a foam pit each of the three days. Letters to Santa, Gingerbread House and ornament decorating are among the activities.
Holley’s Canal Park Trail at 29 East Ave. will host vendors, as well as a concert today by Kissin’ Whiskey from 6 to 8 p.m. Chris Moore will perform on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., and Justin Reynolds from 6 to 8 p.m.
To see the schedule, click here to be directed to GO Art!
George and Carin Kennard came up from Watkins Glen with hand-blown glass art. They are one of the vendors in Albion.
Tegan Leach of Albion has hand-dyed wool and yarn for sale.
Bill Wesolowski of Blasdell, owner of Billamy’s Woodworking, has many hand-crafted wooden designs available at his booth in Albion.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 September 2025 at 9:53 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Sherry Tuohey Sipple, left, enjoys coffee and conversation with the new pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church in Medina, Barb Brewer.
MEDINA – The new pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church brings a bushel of energy and a ton of new ideas to the congregation.
Pastor Barb Brewer grew up in Lockport and graduated from Penn State with a degree in civil engineering.
“I spent 25 years as a civil engineer,” Brewer said. “Then I retired and opened a coffee house and café in Lockport.”
During that time, she said God was calling her and putting people in her way who led her to the ministry. She enrolled in United Theological Seminary.
Brewer grew up in the Lutheran church and attended regularly with her family. As a teenager, she became involved with Lockport Alliance Church.
“That’s when I accepted Christ in my heart and have carried on as a Christian all of my life,” Brewer said.
She started her duties at the Grove on Aug. 1, and since has instituted several new activities, including Christian Conversation and Coffee Thursday mornings at the Coffee Pot Café. She issues an open invitation for anyone to join from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The sessions feature small devotions and conversation.
“I was hired half-time, but am working full time,” she said. “I’m here to serve and I visit the sick and take them communion.”
In addition to several new activities at the church, she has more planned. Last Saturday they had a campfire at the church, with s’mores.
“Basically, I put fun into worship,” the pastor said. “I put humor into all my sermons.”
Before coming to Medina, Brewer served the Alden United Methodist Church and Brocton Tri-Church Parish, made up of two Methodist churches and an Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Brocton church suffered a devastating fire which leveled the church.
When the District Superintendent contacted Brewer, she told her, “Have I got an assignment for you.”
Brewer took to her new assignment in Brocton and put her engineering degree to good use, designing a new church and negotiated with the insurance company to get the money to rebuild.
Some of the things coming up at the Grove are a Tailgate Party after worship on Oct. 26; Trivia Night with a potluck supper on Nov. 15; and the Lunch Bunch from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, featuring cheese and crackers and dessert.
“I’m just feeling my way now,” Brewer said. “I believe if we show the community how active we are, the community will want to join us. God made a perfect fit when I came here. I needed this church as much as they needed me, and we are stronger than ever because of it.”
In addition to welcoming their new pastor, member Sherry Tuohey Sipple and Brewer want to take this opportunity to thank the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for their response to several potential crises at the church.
At the back of the church property are motel units, which are now used for storage. In May, it had been very rainy and the motel basement flooded. The church called Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company and they responded, pumping 30,000 gallons of water out of the basement.
Tuohey said the motel units date back to the 1960s when the restaurant was open, and the church is considering other options for the building.
Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company responded again on several occasions when the motel’s fire alarms went off – sometimes in the middle of the night, for no apparent reason.
“We are thankful they were false alarms,” Sipple said. “We are blessed to have these volunteer firemen dedicated to service in our community.”
Ridgeway will be responding again soon with Medina and other volunteer fire companies to deliver the red barrels for the annual Christmas drive.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2025 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ABOARD THE SENECA CHIEF – Terry Abrams, Orly the Ox, Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Deputy Mayor Jess Marciano wave to people along the Erie Canal in medina on Thursday afternoon.
A replica of the historic Seneca Chief canal boat, the one that made the maiden voyage across the Erie Canal, is embarking on a commemorative trip over 33 days in honor of the canal’s bicentennial.
The Seneca Chief left Buffalo on Wednesday morning and stayed at Lockport that night. On Thursday, the boat travelled east to Medina.
Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers was on board the boat from Middleport to Medina. Here on some photos from that trip, which included many onlookers who were taking photos and welcoming the Seneca Chief. The boat is on a 33-day journey and will end in New York City on Oct. 26, the exact 200-year anniversary of the original voyage with Gov. DeWitt Clinton in 1825.
These people record the Seneca Chief working its way down the canal. This spot is just east of Middleport.
These cyclists wave to the Seneca Chief contingent.
Ginny Kropf, a long-time local reporter, didn’t want to miss the Seneca Chief as it came to Medina.
This group waves to the people on board the Seneca Chief.
Mark Prawel, a village trustee and mechanic, took a short break from working on cars to see the boat pass by near the lift bridge in Medina.
Some people are on the Glenwood Avenue bridge in medina to see the boat come through. The mural was created by Brandi Zavitz.
John Kucko, who has a very popular social media presence, was at the north wall in the Canal Basin to record the boat coming to Medina.
The boat approaches its destination at the Canal Basin. There were about 200 people there to welcome the boat and then get a tour.
The boat will be on the move going east today. It is expected in Albion around 11:30 a.m., Holley at 1:30 p.m. and then in Brockport around 3-3:30.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2025 at 10:52 pm
Replica of maiden canal boat recreating historic voyage from 200 years ago
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Mayor Marguerite Sherman of Medina pours water from the canal in Medina into a barrel that will collect water from each stop the Seneca Chief makes along the canal as part of a 33-day trip to New York City.
The “Gathering of the Waters” differs from the original “Wedding of the Waters” when Gov. DeWitt Clinton poured water from Lake Erie into New York Harbor in 1825, following the maiden journey along the completed canal.
Sherman is joined on the deck of the Seneca Chief by Paul Winnie of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Medina Deputy Mayor Jess Marciano, and Terry Abrams, a Tonawanda Seneca and the curator of the Niagara County Historical Society.
Terry Abrams, a Tonawanda Seneca and the curator of the Niagara County Historical Society, collects water from the Erie Canal in Medina after the replica Seneca Chief tied up in the Canal Basin. That water was then added to the barrel that will gather more water along its bicentennial commemoration of the Erie Canal.
Water will be collected at each port in the commemorative trip and it will be poured on a freshly planted Eastern White Pine tree in NYC. As part of the commemorative trip along the canal, an Eastern White Pine is being given to each port stop.
Medina next week will plant its Eastern White Pine at State Street Park close to the Erie Canal.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman stands on the deck of the Seneca Chief and welcomes about 200 people who were at the Basin to welcome the replica boat.
About 200 volunteers with the Buffalo Maritime Center handcrafted the boat over four years. The replica boat is 73 feet long and weighs 44 tons.
It left Buffalo on Wednesday and is headed to New York City on Oct. 26, which is exactly 200 years from when DeWitt Clinton commenced the inaugural voyage.
The Seneca Chief will leave Medina in the morning and head east through Orleans County with its final destination for the day in Brockport.
It is expected to stop in Albion around 11:30 a.m. and in Holley at 1:30 p.m.
Terry Abrams shares how the Erie Canal opened up the state and the west, fueling Manifest Destiny. However, it displaced many Native Americans.
As part of the commemorative voyage, the Buffalo Maritime Center is acknowledging the impact on the Indigenous residents. It also is giving an Eastern White Pine to each port site. Those trees are the Great Tree of Peace in the Haudenosaunee culture.
Roger Allen, the master boatbuilder at the Buffalo maritime Center, talks with crew members as they get close to the Canal Basin in Medina.
The bow of the boat is shown after the replica Seneca Chief left Middleport and headed to Medina. The lift bridge in Middleport is shown in the distance.
The Seneca Chief is shown in the countryside between Middleport and Medina. The replica packet boat is pulled by the tugboat, C.L. Churchill.
The Churchill and Seneca Chief’s location can be tracked by clicking here.
Paul Winnie was grateful for the opportunity to be on the Seneca Chief from Middleport to Medina. He stands on the deck of the Seneca Chief as it passes by the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge. Winnie spoke at the Medina commemoration and highlighted the planting of the tree as a sign of peace.
“The message is we all need to bury our quarrels and bad language under this tree so we can make this place better for the next generation,” he said.
About 200 people greeted the Seneca Chief as it pulled up at the Canal Basin. Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, was aboard as a special guest. Orleans County also is celebrating its bicentennial this year.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol provided an escort for the Seneca Chief as it approached Medina and the Canal Basin.
