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Sheriff’s Office will check child car seats on Sept. 27 at Public Safety Building

Posted 18 September 2025 at 5:19 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is pleased to announce a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Orleans County Public Safety Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.

Our certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect your car and/or booster seats to ensure that your child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.

For child passenger safety seat questions, please contact certified technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.

More bright colors starting to pop on leaves, but most are still green

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2025 at 5:05 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: One of the trees near the canal at State Street Park in Medina has seen about a 50/50 transformation in the color of its leaves, changing from green to vibrant red.

There are more bright colors on the landscape locally and across much of New York State.

I Love NY in its weekly fall foliage report on Wednesday said throughout most of the state leaf colors are starting to change.

The Hudson Valley, Long Island and New York City are still very green. But the rest of the state is seeing some color change for foliage.

“Colorful fall foliage continues to emerge across New York State, with the most significant changes once again expected in the Adirondacks and Catskills,” I Love NY stated in its update.

Spotters for the report say Albion has experienced more than a 5 percent change in leaves “with an average to bright mix of autumnal hues.”

In Monroe County, there is less than 10% change in Rochester “with touches of light-green to yellow mustard, and a few hints of orange.”

In Erie County, there is a10% change in Buffalo “with a mix of emerging fall colors.”

In Niagara County, Lewiston is seeing a 10 percent change with bright red and yellow leaves, mostly on maples and sumacs.

Wyoming County reports a 15% change at Letchworth State Park in Warsaw with a mix of fall colors.

Albion students will repaint 3 historical markers

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2025 at 4:12 pm

Photos courtesy of Tim Archer

GAINES – Jeffrey Echevarría, an Albion eighth-grader, removes a historical marker at the Gaines Baines schoolhouse, which was built in 1832 and served as a school until 1944.

Jeffrey and some students at Albion will be repainting three historical markers – one each from Shelby and Ridgeway, and this one of the cobblestone school on Gaines Basin Road. This school now serves as the base for the Orleans County Historical Association.

For several years Albion students have helped Clarendon Town Historian Melissa Ierlan to restore local historical markers. It is one of many ways Albion students participate in service-learning projects to both support and learn about the community.

Governor announces Covid vaccine guidance aligned with Northeast Public Health Collaborative

Posted 18 September 2025 at 10:33 am

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s

With science and health care under attack by the federal government, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of New York State’s 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine guidance, ensuring residents continue to have access to vaccines and science-based information.

The guidance recommends Covid vaccination for children (6 months to 18 years old), all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating or immunocompromised.

The guidelines are being released ahead of this week’s federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, where national vaccine recommendations will be reviewed and voted on.

“Vaccines remain one of the strongest tools we have to safeguard our families and our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “As Washington continues to launch its misguided attacks on science, New York is making it clear that every resident will have access to the COVID vaccine, no exceptions. By standing with our partners across the Northeast, we are ensuring that New Yorkers have the protection and the information they need to stay safe and healthy.”

The State guidance also aligns with consensus COVID-19 recommendations agreed upon by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a group of several Northeastern states and municipalities including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and New York City.

These recommendations are consistent with the Fall 2025 COVID-19 vaccination guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Thomas the Train Engine returning to Medina next 2 weekends

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 September 2025 at 9:03 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: Thomas the Train Engine departs for a 25-minute train ride in May 2018. The Medina Railroad Museum is hosting Thomas this weekend and also next weekend. About 8,000 people typically ride the train during its stay in Medina.

MEDINA – Thomas the Tank Engine will be back in Medina the next two weekends for Day Out with Thomas. The popular attraction was last in Medina in May 2023. Thomas is hosted by the Medina Railroad Museum.

The famed storybook train will arrive in Medina for rides and special activities for two weekends, Sept. 20 and 21, and Sept. 27 and 28.

Rides with Thomas will depart the station each day, beginning at 9:15 a.m. until 4:25 p.m. each weekend day.

Tickets are $26 and include the ride with Thomas, admission to Medina Railroad Museum, a meeting with Sir Topham Hat and a wide variety of children’s activities in Celebration Station. Also featured will be a gift tent with hundreds of Thomas-themed toys, souvenirs and gifts.

Thomas first came to Medina Railroad Museum in 2005, and for more than 15 years attracted several thousand visitors annually.

Food trucks from Greenlief and Nona’s Kitchen will be on site to provide food for attendees.

Also entertaining on the grounds will be Marty the Magician.

Ticket information is available on the museum’s website at www.medinarailroadmuseum.org.

Conductors and passengers wave as the train departs and heads west in May 2018.

Lighthouse Museum celebrates new mosaic compass at Point Breeze

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 September 2025 at 10:36 pm

Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers: This mosaic compass was created by artist Kim Martillotta Muscarella in her Albion studio.

POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum this evening celebrated a new addition to the grounds at Point Breeze by the Oak Orchard Harbor: a mosaic compass.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella created the mosaic piece in a project funded through a Ripple grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

GO Art! also directed another $5,000 grant to the lighthouse for a light show each day for a half hour after sunset. The light show mimics the northern lights. That project and the mosaic compass enhance the grounds, trying to bring more people to see the lighthouse and Point Breeze area.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella stands by the mosaic compass she made for the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum.

“The creation of a compass rose to complement the lighthouse was part of the original scope of the proposed lighthouse work, but was delayed due to cost,” said Chris Manaseri, the museum president. “The GO Art! grant was a means by which the Lighthouse Board might accomplish competing its original proposal at a lower and indirect cost.”

Manaseri, who is also an artist, approached Muscarella last winter. She is the owner of the Marti’s on Main art gallery. She created the mosaic at her studio at the gallery.

Lighthouse Museum President Chris Manaseri thanks Kim Martillotta Muscarella for her work creating the compass rose mosaic that has been installed in the lighthouse garden.

Photo by Isabella Zasa: Kim Martillotta Muscarella shows Orly the Ox the mosaic when it was in the early stages back on Aug. 1. Orly is the Orleans County mascot for its bicentennial celebration this year.

Purple Eagles edge Rams in overtime

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 September 2025 at 9:19 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Adam Burgio (23) and Garret Jones (1) battle with Roy-Hart’s Andril Mikulskyi.

Albion edged past visiting Roy-Hart 2-1 in overtime in a Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer game this evening.

Roy-Hart took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal by Hayden Hillburn assisted by Michael Fuller.

However, Albion battled back to first tie the game in the second half and then to claim the win in the first overtime period as Garret Jones scored both goals.

Colin Coyle made 5 saves to earn the win in goal.

Albion is now 1-1-1 and Roy-Hart 0-4 in N-O action.

Albion’s Malik Lamar tries to keep the ball away from Roy-Hart’s Maxwell Hickman.

Lady Eagles and Lady Hawks post soccer wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 September 2025 at 9:02 pm

Improving to 4-0 in the league and 6-1 overall, Kendall romped past Pembroke 9-0 in a Genesee Region girls soccer game this evening.

Ryleigh Denning scored 3 goals and Olivia Sawyer 2 for Kendall as Stella Kwiatek, Jersie Drake, Sophia Picardo and Keara Reed each had one. Picardo also had 3 assists.

Brooke Rodas earned the shutout in goal.

Holley 2, Oakfield-Alabama 0
Holley blanked Oakfield-Alabama 2-0 to improve to 3-2 in G-R girls soccer competition.

Hanna Ostrom scored both goals for the Lady Hawks as Brynn Thomas and Ava Mosier each had an assist.

Zoey Warner made 1 save to earn the shutout in goal.

Holley downs W-C in G-R volleyball

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 September 2025 at 8:50 pm

Holley evened its Genesee Region League volleyball record at 3-3 with a straight set 25-8, 25-9, 25-12 win over Wheatland-Chili this evening.

Senior Ali VanAmeron had 7 service aces, 6 spiking kills and 1 block and sophomore Madison Bonacci 6 aces, 5 assists and 1 kill to lead the way for Holley.

Megan Fraser had 2 aces for W-C.

Field Hockey
Eden 3, Roy-Hart 1
Savannah Newton scored Roy-Hart’s goal off an assist from Adella Dukes in the Lady Rams 3-1 non league loss to Eden.

Albion and Roy-Hart score N-O golf wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 September 2025 at 8:36 pm

Albion defeated Newfane 220-258 and Roy-Hart downed Barker 227-255 in Niagara-Orleans League golf matches this afternoon.

Viktor Snyder took medalist honors with a 40 for Albion as Owen Spencer and Luke Bedford both had rounds of 43 and Drew Pritchard a 44.

Albion is now 7-2.

Noah Orens had a 46 and Caeleb Rivera a 47 for Newfane.

Roy-Hart stayed undefeated at 8-0 as Evan Poeller and Jared Hy shared medalist honors with rounds of 43 and Gavin Heideman added a 45.

Tigers Modified football has home opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 September 2025 at 8:10 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville High had its first home football game in 50 years this afternoon as the Tigers Modified ‘A’ team (for players in grades 7-8-9) hosted Holley. Here Tigers quarterback Christian Prine picks up yardage during first quarter action. Holley claimed a narrow 20-14 win. Lyndonville High last fielded a football team in 1975.

2 more dogs complete canine training at Albion Correctional

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 September 2025 at 12:06 pm

Allie and Tux have been adopted through PAWS Animal Shelter

Photos courtesy of Albion Correctional Facility: Allie and Tux are celebrated at their graduation for complete a canine obedience program. They are joined by incarcerated individuals, Albion Correctional officials, PAWS Animal Shelter director Patty Coffee, and Dawn Spencer, owner of Eye of Oden K9 Training.

ALBION – In collaboration with PAWS Animal Shelter, Albion Correctional Facility has graduated another team of dogs, Allie and Tux.

These dogs were under the supervision of staff and two teams of incarcerated individuals. Allie and Tux were cared and guided for approximately 14 weeks.

Dawn Spencer, the community volunteer trainer, trained the handlers and supervised the program. Spencer is also the owner of Eye of Oden K9 Training in Kent and has over 25 years of experience in dog training.

Allie, left, and Tux completed training and have been adopted.

While both dogs have been adopted, Albion Correctional Facility has welcomed our next set of dogs into the program: Aaron and Adrian.

They will be working throughout the program on obedience training and the basics of good manners.

For more information about animals available for adoption at PAWS, visit paws14411.com.

Aaron, left, and Adrian will go through a 14-week obedience training program.