Yates officials urged to keep STRs off private lanes
Editor:
I have handed in to the town and to the Orleans Hub some good reasons why a STR (short-term rental) or airbnb should not be on an easement, shared lane, or private shared lane.
On a private one-way lane, when approximately 10 people reside on the lane, it’s a private lane. People who purchased that type of property have spent their hard-earned money on their properties for peace and quiet and not to see strangers come in and out.
That was not their intentions in buying that type of property. They are not on a public road way. It’s a private one-way lane where the people should not have to beg the town not to allow it when there are other places in the town of Yates/Lyndonville where STRs or airbnbs can reside.
It’s not like people are asking the town or the people not to have any of them at all. People who have saved all their life just to have something like this, a beautiful home on the lake, not a motel in their quiet and peaceful area and for it to be ripped away from them.
The chairman of the board has been asked several times to exclude two of the Yates Town Board and they weren’t, even when one owns an STR in a different town and the other owns a business here hoping it will generate more business for him which is very acceptable but not on a lane that consists of approximately 10 people. On the private lanes, STRs should be prohibited, period.
It also seems to me by going to these meetings when we are allowed to talk about it to the Town Board, some of the board members seem to have already made their decision.
I realize it’s stressful to the town supervisor and board members because they are being pulled in different directions and trying to make everyone happy but like I said these properties were purchased before STRs and airbnbs where ever as popular as they are today.
I am pretty sure most people would of thought twice before purchasing if they knew they would be next to an STR. We personally own two properties on the private one-way lane and I would be very disappointed if Town Board allows STRs on these private one-way lanes.
Please think this through to the fullest extent due to the people who paid a large amount of money to own this type of property, and not be next to a motel and have to not to worry about who is who and what is what when their children or grandchildren are at play.
A private one-way lane is not a public roadway. It’s a private one-way lane for the people who own and pay taxes and lane maintenance, period.
Bonnie Mack
Yates
Velocitii in Medina wins 7 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards
Press Release, Velocitii
Provided photo: Heather Smith serves as CEO of Velocitii.
MEDINA – Velocitii is proud to announce that it has been recognized with seven 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards, celebrating the company’s commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose.
Velocitii received Top Workplaces Culture Excellence recognition in the following categories:
- Work-Life Flexibility Top Workplaces
- Leadership Top Workplaces
- Purpose & Values Top Workplaces
- Top Workplaces for Appreciation
- Employee Well-Being Top Workplaces
- Innovation Top Workplaces
- Professional Development Top Workplaces
The Top Workplaces program is administered by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that helps companies turn employee feedback into actionable insights and credible employer recognition. The program has a long history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations across the country.
What makes the recognition especially meaningful is that Top Workplaces awards are based on feedback from employees through a research-backed workplace engagement survey. The Culture Excellence awards recognize organizations that excel in specific areas that contribute to a strong employee experience and workplace culture.
For Velocitii, the seven awards reflect several important elements of its culture, from providing employees with flexibility and opportunities to grow to fostering strong leadership, innovation, employee appreciation, well-being, and a connection to the company’s purpose and values.
“Receiving recognition across seven different areas of workplace culture is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Heather Smith, CEO. “These awards reflect the experiences and feedback of our employees. They reinforce our commitment to cultivating an environment where people feel appreciated, supported in their growth, encouraged to share ideas, and connected to the work we do together.”
About Velocitii
Velocitii is a business process outsourcing company committed to delivering exceptional experiences for its clients, customers, and employees. Through a people-first approach, Velocitii focuses on building strong teams, creating opportunities for growth, recognizing employee contributions, and fostering a culture rooted in its Core Values.
Anne Joynt, Medina graduate, running for State Supreme Court
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Anne Joynt, a Medina High School graduate, is a candidate for the New York State Supreme Court.
MEDINA – A Medina High School graduate could make history as the first woman from Orleans County to serve on the State Supreme Court.
Anne Joynt, a 1998 MHS graduate and daughter of former Medina teacher/principal Cathy Joynt and the late Robert Joynt, is one of seven candidates running for NYS Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District. There are four judge seats up for election.
Joynt has wanted to become a lawyer from a very early age.
“I remember her asking her dad in elementary school what lawyers did,” Cathy said. “She knew Norris Webster and liked him. Her dad told her that lawyers read, write and argue, to which Anne replied, ‘Those are all things I love to do.’”
Through school, Anne never changed her mind about what she was going to be.
She graduated from Geneseo magna cum laude with degrees in English and Spanish. She enrolled at the University at Buffalo Law School and graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2005.
In her second year of law school, Anne saw an ad that a State Supreme Court candidate was looking for someone to help with her campaign. She went on to assist with the campaign of the Honorable Paula Feroleto, and The Journal-Register in Medina did a story on “Local girl working for State Supreme Court Candidate.” Judge Feroleto is retiring this year, and if she wins, Anne would have the opportunity to assume the seat of her mentor.
While in law school, Joynt was so focused on passing the bar, she was not thinking about getting a job, she said.
“I got an email one day from a law firm asking me to contact them,” Joynt said. “That was 22 years ago, and I’ve been there ever since.”
The firm became Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford. Anne’s law school Research and Writing professor had recommended her to them, and given them a brief she had written in his class when they explained that they were looking for an outstanding writer.
Her clients include injured workers exposed to asbestos, children exposed to lead paint, and abused children.
“She has really worked hard for blue-collar, hard-working individuals and their families,” her mother said.
She regularly represents people who have been unheard.
“It’s important for everyone to be heard,” Anne said. “Everyone’s experience matters.”
In spite of her successful career, Joynt has never forgotten her roots. She returns to Medina regularly with her mother, who kept the family home in Medina until just a few years ago. Cathy’s father was the late Russell Houserman, a teacher and coach in the Medina School System.
“I have always been involved in my community,” Anne said. “My life is so much richer when I’m involved in meaningful organizations and causes I care about.”
She is or has been involved as a member or in a leadership role with the Western New York Women’s Foundation; University at Buffalo Law School Alumni Association; Girls on the Run; Women’s TAP Fund; the Center for Elder Law and Justice; the Erie County Bar Association Aid to Indigent Prisoners Society; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Upstate Chapter); National Federation for Just Communities; and the Minority Bar Foundation.
She has also volunteered her time to the Western New York Board of Directors of Geneseo State College; the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, WNY Chapter; Bar Association of Erie County; Buffalo and Erie County Public Library; and Law Intern Program of Buffalo.
Currently she is appointed as a member of the Erie County Water Authority and Erie County Boards of Ethics.
Her honors include “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New York, National Trial Lawyers, 2025; Best Lawyers in America; University at Buffalo Law School Distinguished Alumni Award- Community Service; Upstate New York Super Lawyer; Woman Lawyer of the Year; Attorney of the Year Leader in Law Award; Woman of Influence by Buffalo Business First; Medina High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award; 2014/15 Woman in Leadership, Buffalo Niagara Chapter; Buffalo 40 Under 40 by Buffalo Business First; and Women in Leadership by NAWBO Buffalo-Niagara.”
Joynt has been published in the Buffalo Human Rights Law Review, and written about in Buffalo Spree Magazine. She has lectured at HB National Lead Litigation Seminars and has given the Jane Ryan Pre-Law Fund Lecture at SUNY Geneseo.
She has been admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court and New York State Supreme Court.
Joynt says she is so proud to be from Orleans County.
“Growing up here taught me how communities are supposed to look and what it feels like to be in a community of people who support each other,” she said. “Medina looks so amazing. The opportunity to return home feels really nice, and I’m hoping to be able to represent the area and share the values I’ve learned here.”
Should Anne be elected, she will be the first graduate of Medina High School to serve on the State Supreme Court.
In the 1800s, Henry Childs, who was born in Gaines and attended Albion Academy, was elected to the State Supreme Court. His home was the house known as the Maple Crest on the corner of West Center and Prospect streets.
The 8th Judicial District includes includes eight counties in WNY: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming .
The candidates include:
- Craig R. Bucki – Democratic, Working Families
- Anne E. Joynt – Democratic, Working Families
- Michael L. Amodeo – Democratic, Republican, Working Families
- Robert N. Richardson – Democratic, Republican, Conservative
- Deanne M. Tripi – Republican, Conservative
- Jonathan S. Hickey – Republican, Conservative
- Robert R. Vario – Conservative
Albion will name amphitheater at Bullard in honor of Brennan Moody
Photos by Tom Rivers: Brennan Moody played the role of John the Baptist in Albion’s production of Godspell in March 2018. That musical started with Brennan singing, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” Brennan died in a car accident on June 18, 2019, about a week before he was to graduate. The Albion Village Board on Wednesday voted to name the amphitheater at Bullard Park in Brennan’s honor.
ALBION – The amphitheater at Bullard Park, which hosts numerous bands and musical performers each summer, will be named in honor of the late Brennan Moody.
Brennan was 17 when he died in a car accident on June 18, 2019, 10 days before he was going to graduate from high school.
Brennan starred in the school musicals and was very active in the band and chorus programs.
Jack Burris of Albion and former village resident Thom Jennings first suggested naming the amphitheater for Moody about seven years ago. About 3,000 people backed an online petition for the idea.
Burris attended Wednesday’s Village Board meeting and again pressed the issue. He reminded the board of the strong support for naming the amphitheater for Brennan Moody, and said Brennan’s life continues to inspire people today.
The board unanimously agreed. Mayor Tim McMurray said the village will have a plaque at the amphitheater in honor of Moody.
Brennan’s father, Erin, has been among the performers at the amphitheater as a lead singer with the band Eclipse.
In Brennan’s honor, there is an annual scholarship given to two graduating seniors who have been active in the school’s music program and also show genuine kindness to everyone they encounter.
The Class of 2019 also dedicated a memorial bench in honor of Moody at the high school near the band and chorus rooms.
The bench includes lyrics from the song, “No One Is Alone” from Into the Woods. Brennan played the role of the prince in that show on the Albion stage during the spring of 2019.
Highway 31 closes out Albion’s summer concert series on Aug. 26. The amphitheater, which was constructed in 2019, will be named in honor of Brennan Moody.
OC Rivals begin B1 Division competition on Friday at Vets Park against Lake Shore
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Quarterback Preston Woodworth and his OC Rivals teammates will begin B1 Division competition on Friday evening at Vets Park.
Albion/Medina will begin B1 Division football competition on Friday as the OC Rivals host Lake Shore at 7 p.m. at Medina’s Vets Park.
Albion/Medina tuned up for the division schedule by blanking Akron 32-0 last week.
Lake Shore did open B1 competition last week by dropping a narrow 21-14 decision to Williamsville South.
“There are some extremely talented teams in both the B1 an B2 divisions,” said OC Rivals Head Coach Eric Valley. “This first divisional game will be a big test for us to see how competitive we can be playing with some very good competition. The team is excited to take that next step.”
Running backs Elijah Doxey, Jayson Wills and Jaxson Lynch took turns scoring touchdowns for the OC Rivals last week against the Tigers as quarterback Preston Woodworth directed the offense.
This week’s other B1 games will have McKinley at Amherst and Williamsville South at Lew-Port tonight and Maryvale at West Seneca East on Friday.
B1 Standings: West Seneca East 1-0, 1-0; Williamsville South 1-0, 1-0; Albion/Medina 0-0, 1-0; McKinley 0-0,1-0; Maryvale 0-0, 1-0; Amherst 0-1, 0-1; Lake Shore 0-1, 0-1; Lew-Port 0-0, 0-1.
Barker/Roy-Hart vs. Tonawanda
Barker/Roy-Hart will begin defense of its C North Division title at Tonawanda on Friday evening at 7.
Barker/Roy-Hart dropped a 50-26 decision to Newfane last week in an interdivisional season opener.
Tonawanda opened C North action dropping a 19-8 decision to Eden/North Collins.
Friday’s other C North contests will have Cleveland Hill at Akron, Alden at Eden/North Collins and JFK at Springville.
C North Standings: Eden/North Collins 1-0, 1-0; Springville 0-0, 1-0; Barker/Roy-Hart 0-0, 0-1; Akron 0-0, 0-1; Alden 0-0, 0-1; Cleveland Hill 0-0, 0-1; JFK 0-0, 0-1; Tonawanda 0-1, 0-1.
Avon vs. Holley/Lyndonville
Holley/Lyndonville will host Avon at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Hawks home opener.
Holley dropped a 36-6 decision at South Seneca last week in the season opener while Avon defeated Clyde-Savannah 52-12.
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Kendall and Holley win G-R soccer contests
Kendall opened defense of its Genesee Region League boys soccer championship by posting a 6-1 victory over Lyndonville/Barker this afternoon at Lyndonville.
Andrew Cole scored a pair of goals for Kendall as Brenden Eichas, Luca D’Agostino, Andrew D’Agostino and Sammy Conte each netted one.
Michael Alexander scored for Lyndonville off an assist by Gavin Draper.
Holley 4, Pembroke 0
Holley blanked visiting Pembroke 4-0 in another G-R contest as Cam Kelly, Cooper Wolf, Jayden Rivera and Chase Kempa each scored a goal. Kempa, Wolf, Isaac Bartlett and Josmar Hernandez all had assists.
Akron 4, Roy-Hart 1
Akron downed Roy-Hart 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League opener as Ranney Sawyer scored two goals and Luke Piscitelli and Thatcher Ranney both scored one.
Jack Trombley scored for Roy-Hart as Michael Fuller earned the assist.
Newfane 3, Albion 1
Newfane downed visiting Albion 3-1 in another N-O opener.
Garret Jones scored Albion’s goal off an assist from Landon Graybill.
Newfane downs Medina; Roy-Hart bests Albion in N-O volleyball openers
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Caliyah St. Louis goes up to register a spike for Medina over Newfane defendee Jamyica Vidal during the Mustangs home match this evening.
Newfane downed Medina in straight sets 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 in a season opening Niagara-Orleans League volleyball match at Medina.
Caliyah St. Louis had 4 aces and 4 kills, Jenna Cecchini 2 aces and 2 kills, Maya Anderson 2 kills and 1 ace and Maddy Watts 1 ace for Medina.
Roy-Hart d. Albion
Roy-Hart opened defense of its N-O volleyball title with a 27-25, 25-18, 25-20 win over visiting Albion.
Lauren Snyder had 13 kills and 5 aces to lead Roy-Hart as Zoe Healey and Tessa Degenhardt both had 4 kills and Ava Flynn 17 assists.
Melia Prince had 7 kills, Charlotte Pike 11 assists and Katelyn Viza 4 digs for Albion.
Maddy Watts goes for a dig for Medina as Samantha Heschke backs up the play.
Barker/Lyndonville soccer squad romps
Barker/Lyndonvllle romped to a 9-0 victory at Pembroke in a non league girls soccer game this afternoon.
Alexa Robinson scored 4 goals and Elysse Dillenbeck 3 to lead Barker/Lyndonville as Natalie Rath and Cerenity Street both had 1.
Akron 2, Roy-Hart/Medina 0
Akron bested Roy-Hart/Medina 2-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer opener this evening at Vets Park as Abby Gerstung scored both goals.
Boyhood exploring local quarries is setting for new novel by McFarland
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike McFarland, who writes under the name Thomas McFarland, holds a copy of his fourth book, The Quarry. The story is set in Albion in 1959.
ALBION – Mike McFarland has written a fourth novel, and this one is more of an homage to a childhood in Albion where children would roam in the neighborhoods, including exploring some of the old quarries. He would swim in the Peck’s quarry on Keitel Road, a site “that was packed on the weekends.”
McFarland, who writes under the name Thomas McFarland, has written “The Quarry.” It is set in the summer of 1959 when a 14-year-old is killed headed home from Peck’s quarry.
McFarland writes about a kid who overhears two men from West Virginia on a lunch break. The men are discussing the murder. A local police officer is able to piece together the clues and solve the crime.
McFarland names the officer Nowak. He is based on a Nowicki who McFarland knew on Knapp Street, where many Polish immigrants and their descendants lived.
McFarland, 83, is retired from a career in sales and also in managing hotels in Rochester. He wrote three historical novels previously.
The Horns of the Buffalo: A Novel of the Zulu War of 1879 highlights a tragic six-month war between the British and the Zulu in 1879.
In Rivers to Cross, McFarland’s book is set in the Civil War and features Tomas Corliss, who is wounded in battle and comes home to find his dreams shattered. He heads west to recover and somehow finds himself in post-war Texas where the great cattle drives to Abilene are just underway.
Donnybrook is a novel set in New York City during the draft riots of 1863.
With his latest novel, McFarland enjoyed reminiscing about growing up in Albion and the summer when he worked for the Kirby Brothers on their tomato farms. It was a dry summer, McFarland recalled, and he was busy moving irrigation pipes, cutting hay, and picking cherries and tomatoes. He was paid 10 cents a basket.
He picked with migrant workers and some local residents. The tomatoes were a huge crop locally back then with the tomatoes destined for the canning factories in Albion.
“They were hard to pick,” McFarland said about tomatoes. “You had to bend way over to get them. The best pickers were on their knees and then went along. It was the one year I worked all summer on a farm. I realized I didn’t want to do that again.”
McFarland now lives in Brockport. He worked about a year on the latest novel, which is about 200 pages. He includes cultural references from the 1950s.
“I do it for the fun of it,” he said about writing. “It’s a story. It’s fun remembering this stuff.”
He is working on his next novel, this time about a serial killer and the troubles in Northern Ireland during the reign of Boston gangster Whitey Bulger.
Arc GLOW leader named to RBJ ‘Power List for Healthcare’
Press Release, Arc GLOW
Martin Miskell
GENESEO — For the second year in a row, Arc GLOW CEO Martin Miskell has been named to the Rochester Business Journal Power List for Healthcare.
The Power List consists of people who have played a significant role in helping to improve the health of the local community.
“The people on this list have helped Rochester’s healthcare community reimagine itself rapidly to keep patients and staff safe,” Rochester Business Journal said. “They have pushed innovation forward to deal with numerous challenges over the past few years and have positioned their organizations to take advantage of opportunities to improve their services.”
“I’m very honored to be named to the Rochester Business Journal’s Power List for Healthcare,” Miskell said. “Arc GLOW will continue improving and expanding our services to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the GLOW region.”
Miskell started at the Arc of Livingston-Wyoming in 2002 as director of finance. In 2007, he became the associate executive director/chief financial officer and eight years later moved into the role of executive director. He became CEO after the October 2021 merger of Arc of Genesee Orleans and Arc of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming.
Miskell is a lifelong resident of Geneseo, where he resides with his wife, Theresa. Together, they have four adult children and two grandchildren. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from SUNY Geneseo and his MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Arc GLOW is a non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. To learn more about Arc GLOW programs and services, visit ArcGLOW.org.
D-R Smoke Shop owner in Albion pleads guilty to misdemeanor and can remain open
ALBION – The owner of the D-R Smoke Shop in Albion today pleaded guilty to misdemeanor for criminal drug possession.
Mohammed Ayash, 36, of Buffalo won’t have to serve any time in jail or on probation. He also can keep the business open as long as he doesn’t have any more criminal offenses.
Ayash was charged last September with two felonies, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and criminal nuisance in the first degree.
Through a plea agreement, he admitted in court today to having chocolate bars infused with Psilocin, which is a controlled substance classified as a hallucinogen. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, which is an A misdemenaor.
Ayash needs to comply with any conditions imposed by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. He currently has a license to sell tobacco products at 139 South Main St.
In other cases in County Court today:
• Glenn Quintern, 67, of Rochester was prepared to plead guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree for his role with a truck allegedly stolen from Orleans Ford.
Judge Sanford Church wanted more clarity in Quintern’s role in the crime. Quintern allegedly handed Orleans Ford a down payment of $5,500 towards a new pickup truck valued at $67,995. The check, however, was fraudulent.
Church wanted to know if it was a physical check or an electronic transfer. Quintern said he didn’t write a check, only passed along the funds from his former girlfriend without nowing there was a scheme to not pay Orleans Ford.
District Attorney Susan Howard said there are text messages between Quintern and the former girlfriend showing he was aware of the conspiracy.
The case will be back in court next Wednesday. The judge wants to see more evidence on how Quintern was involved with the crime.
As a second felony offender, if Quintern does plead guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree, he could face a 2 to 4 year sentence in state prison.
• The judge held a bail hearing for a woman with three prior felonies. Katie Loffler, 27, of Albion was charged on Sept. 1 with attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the third and fourth degrees.
Loffler allegedly tried to hit someone with her car on Sept. 1. She allegedly accelerated the vehicle towards someone, but didn’t hit the person.
The judge set bail at $1,000 cash, $5,000 bond or $20,000 with a partially secured bond.
• In the case against Aaron D’Angelo, who has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder, the judge set Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m. for a Huntley hearing to determine which statements allegedly made by D’Angelo will be admissible.
Public Defender Joanne Best said there are five issues she wants to address at the hearing.
D’Angelo, 36, of Medina has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder after two brothers were stabbed on Feb. 7 in Shelby.
D’Angelo allegedly caused the death of Dale R. Lang, 65, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, 4643 South Gravel Road (Route 63). His brother John Lang, 67, also suffered multiple stab wounds and was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital and then Erie County Medical Center. John Lang has recovered after being stabbed about 20 times.
District Attorney Susan Howard in court on July 29 offered D’Angelo a plea agreement where if he pleads guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the second degree, he would face a maximum of 20 years to life in prison.
Shelby awarded $100K grant for new ventilation system in fire hall
Photos courtesy of Shelby Volunteer Fire Company: The fire hall will get a new ventilation system that will reduce exposure to diesel exhaust and other contaminants produced by the emergency vehicles.
Press Release, Shelby Volunteer Fire Company
SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company is proud to announce that we have been awarded a nearly $100,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to install a vehicle exhaust ventilation system in our fire station.
This grant will allow us to make a significant investment in the health and safety of our firefighters by helping reduce their exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and other contaminants produced by our emergency vehicles.
Every time our trucks respond to an emergency, our firefighters are exposed to hazards, and that exposure doesn’t have to stop when they return to the station. The new exhaust ventilation system will help remove harmful vehicle emissions from the apparatus bay, providing a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for our members. The safety of our firefighters has always been a top priority, and this project represents another important step toward protecting the men and women who dedicate their time to protecting our community.
We also want to thank All Metal Works in Gasport for their generous donation that helped build the ventilation system. Contributions like this from local businesses and community partners play an important role in helping us improve our facilities and better protect our members.
We are incredibly grateful to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, All Metal Works, and everyone who continues to support the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. This project would not be possible without the support of our community and those who believe in the importance of protecting our volunteer firefighters.
The new exhaust ventilation system will help remove harmful vehicle emissions from the apparatus bay.
Holley board discusses dissolving police department
Village Board expects to make cuts to department or eliminate it
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Holley Village Board met on Tuesday at the American Legion for the board’s monthly meeting. From left include trustees Rochelle Moroz and Jessica MacClaren, Mayor Mark Bower, attorney John Sansone, and trustees John Morriss and Brenden Bedard.
HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board is discussing whether to eliminate the police department which accounts for over $500,000 to village taxpayers each year.
Mayor Mark Bower said the board is determined to try to bring down the tax burden in the village. Residents and some of the larger businesses in Holley tell him the taxes are too high in the village.
The board discussed the police department on Tuesday. Deputy Mayor John Morriss said the department accounts for $523,973 of the village’s $2,165,925 budget in 2026-27.
“If we dissolve (the police department), we need to have a plan in place for how our citizens will be protected,” Morriss said.
Holley needs to know from the Orleans County sheriff and the county legislators if there would be increased patrols and coverage in the village if the Holley PD were to dissolve, and would the county be expecting the village to pay for that coverage. Morriss said the village property owners already pay in county taxes towards the Sheriff’s Office.
“What would it cost us?” Morriss said during Tuesday’s meeting. “Would it be above what we’re already paying in taxes?”
Holley Police Chief Bob Barton is shown during Holley’s Flag Day celebration on June 13, 2025. Barton plans to retire as police chief in July 2027. He leads a department with two full-time officers and several part-timers.
The Holley PD has a chief, two full-time officers and six part-timers. There are officers on duty nearly 24-7. There are currently two night shifts not filled each week.
Each eight-hour shift costs the village about $200 to $250 for officer pay. If the police department continues, Morriss said the board and department could look at reducing some shifts when there are typically few calls.
During the month of July, Morriss broke down the call volume of about 100 calls for service: 15 calls on overnight; 16 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 32 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
During the month of August, Morriss said Thursdays and Fridays were the busiest days while Tuesdays saw the fewest calls.
Mayor Bower said he would like the board to decide next month if it will look to either reduce costs in the department and keep it, or look towards dissolution.
If the police department is dissolved, the board could make the decision on its own or put it to a public vote. If the board makes the decision, it would be subject to a permissive referendum, where residents could sign a petition requiring a public referendum.
Either way, there would need to be public hearings to get input from the community.
Besides eliminating some shifts, Holley could have an acting chief among its officers after Chief Bob Barton retires. Barton is expected to retire in July. His salary for the year is $59,580.
The two full-time officers are paid $25.75 an hour and $27.81 an hour, respectively. The part-time officers range in hourly pay from $18.54 an hour to $27.81.
If there was an acting chief, that person would likely be paid $30 an hour, the board said on Tuesday.
If there is a public vote on dissolution, Mayor Bower said it will be in its own special election and not be included in the next village election which is in June 2028.
The sign on the police station says the PD has been serving the community since 1930.
Albion Family Dental hygienists grateful for small-town atmosphere, patient connections
Ciara Gregoire, left, and Ashley Rush work as dental hygienists at Albion Family Dental, which is located in the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 243 South Main St., Suite 121.
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ALBION – Albion Family Dental will be expanding, adding more space with renovations this fall to better serve patients. The dental practice has already added another full-time hygienist.
Ashley Rush recently joined Albion Family Dental as a hygienist. She started her career 14 years ago at Albion Family Dental with Dr. Mark Rumble. He retired about three years ago. Today, the practice is led by Dr. Jeremy Brandwein.
Albion Family Dental offers preventive services including regular dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays, sealants, and general education and tips for the whole family concerning at-home dental care.
The cosmetic services include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite fillings, crowns and bridges. For more information, click here to be directed to Albion Family Dental’s website.
Albion Family Dental is in network with Aetna, Cigna, CSEA, Delta Dental, Excellus, Guardian, Highmark, MetLife, United Concordia, Univera and many more PPO plans.
Ashley Rush recently rejoined Albion Family Dental as a hygienist. She started her career there 14 years ago. Ashley stated the following:
“I have been a dental hygienist in Albion for more than 14 years. After graduating from the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois, in 2012, I made the move to Western New York. Originally from East Central Illinois, I was drawn to the area by my husband, who is from Waterport.
I began my career at Dr. Rumble’s office, where I worked for 9 1/2 years before returning to Albion Family Dental. Reconnecting with longtime patients has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing their excitement about my return has truly touched my heart. What I enjoy most about being a dental hygienist is building meaningful relationships with my patients and getting to know them on a personal level.
Albion is a wonderful community, and I feel fortunate to work here and see familiar faces both in and outside the office.
Many of my patients know me best as the mom of triplets. They followed my journey through pregnancy, and now my children are preparing to enter fourth grade! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. We love backyard camping, fishing, and making memories at our cabin in the Adirondacks.”
Kim Novak
Kim Novak has more than four decades of working as a local dental hygienist. She stated the following:
“I have been a dental hygienist for over 42 years. I began my dental career as a dental assistant working for Dr. Karl Heuer. His advice and mentoring inspired me to pursue my career as a dental hygienist, and I was fortunate to work alongside him for more than 36 years until his retirement.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with my patients and their families. Getting to know them, taking a genuine interest in their lives, and sharing in their milestones is what I love most about my career.
Now, as part of the Albion Family Dental team, I have had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with some of those familiar faces. It has been so much fun catching up, hearing their family news, and continuing the relationships that mean so much to me.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, whether we’re simply getting together or heading to our cottage in Three Mile Bay. I am also the proud grandmother of three, who affectionately call me ‘Pippi.’ I enjoy cheering them on and attending their activities, from dance recitals and horse shows to baseball games.
In my spare time, I enjoy sewing, especially creating costumes and making quilts for special people in my life.
I strive to master the craft as my mom did, although she certainly set the bar high!”
Ciara Gregoire enjoys working a small town like Albion where she can get to know the patients.
“Hello my name is Ciara and I’ve been a dental hygienist for 3 years, with experience working in pediatrics and a passion for helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident in my dental chair. I grew up in Barker, so I’ve always appreciated the close-knit feeling of a small town. I’m so happy to now be working in another wonderful small town like Albion and becoming part of the community.
One of my favorite parts of being a hygienist is building genuine connections and lasting relationships with my patients. I love getting to know each person, creating a comfortable environment, and providing gentle, thorough care while educating them on how to maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Outside of work, I love traveling, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. I’m always looking for my next adventure, so I’d love to hear about your favorite travel stories, must-visit destinations, or any great hiking trails you’d recommend!”
The above is a paid advertorial. Businesses and/or agencies interested in advertising can contact Brad London by email or by calling the office at (585) 589-5641.
