By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 2:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kurt Hobart of Medina sprays water from a fire hose with assistance from Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley this afternoon at Hoag Library.
Today was Fire Truck Day at the library and there was apparatus from the Albion Fire Department, Barre Volunteer Fire Company, Carlton Volunteer Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District, as well as an ambulance from Mercy Flight EMS.
Kara Bentley, a Barre firefighter, lets her daughter Adalynn, 3, sit in an Albion fire truck.
To see a schedule for the summer reading program at Hoag, click here.
The New York State Legislature adjourned last month and once again, law-abiding New Yorkers are left wondering whether Kathy Hochul and the downstate-led Senate and Assembly are listening to the communities forced to live with the consequences of its policies.
While the state budget increased by billions of dollars and hundreds of bills passed both houses, they did not confront the very real public safety threat that many prosecutors, law enforcement officers, victims, and residents have been warning about for years.
Albany’s experiment with pro-criminal policies continues.
Over the past several years, New York has enacted a series of criminal justice reforms that have systematically weakened accountability and tilted the scales away from victims and public safety.
Bail Reform has repeatedly limited judges’ ability to detain repeat offenders who pose a danger to our communities.
Raise the Age has shifted serious juvenile offenders into a system that too often prioritizes ideology over accountability.
The Clean Slate Act seals criminal records on an unprecedented scale, making it harder for employers, landlords, and the public to access information that may be relevant to important decisions.
Each of these policies was sold to the public as necessary reform. Together, they have produced a criminal justice system increasingly disconnected from common sense.
As Orleans County district attorney, I see the consequences firsthand.
I see victims who are frustrated and fearful when offenders are quickly returned to the streets. I see police officers undermined by a revolving-door system that too often treats repeated criminal behavior as an inconvenience rather than a threat. I see communities struggling with retail theft, drug-related crime, and repeat offenders cycling through the system without meaningful consequence.
Yet despite growing concern from residents across the state, Albany ended the legislative session without taking action to restore balance.
There was no comprehensive effort to strengthen judicial discretion in bail decisions. No serious reconsideration of policies that have undermined accountability. No acknowledgment that perhaps the people closest to the problem like local prosecutors, law enforcement leaders, victims, and community members might have legitimate concerns.
Public safety should not be a partisan issue. Every New Yorker, regardless of political affiliation, deserves safe neighborhoods, safe schools, and confidence that the justice system will hold offenders accountable while protecting the rights of the accused.
Unfortunately, this legislative session provided little reason for optimism. Albany had an opportunity to make New York safer and less hospitable to criminals. It chose not to take it.
But that doesn’t mean we stop the fight.
Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley have been strong partners and fierce advocates for fixing the broken system. They deserve our thanks for fighting the uphill battle in Albany on behalf of the District Attorney’s office and all Orleans County residents.
I’ll continue to do my part to join the growing calls for change and use my platform to advocate for victims and secure justice for our community.
ALBION – The Albion school district is pleased to introduce a new addition to its athletics program. Dylan Jay will assume the role of Athletic Trainer ahead of the fall 2026 season. He was appointed by the Albion Board of Education at the July 7 meeting.
Jay is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He joins Albion with plenty of high school level experience, previously serving as an athletic trainer for five years at Medina Central School and four years at Cheektowaga.
Jay grew up in East Aurora and earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport. Growing up, he played soccer, ran track at the collegiate level, and trained for the Winter Olympic sport of Skeleton post college.
He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the Albion community, building strong relationships and serving as a trusted confidant for athletes, parents and coaches. He is excited to support athletes in pursuit of their goals and hopes to help teams challenge league, section or state titles in the coming seasons.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Dylan aboard,” said Lauren Kinard, Albion athletic director. “He will be a great asset to our program and we are confident our athletes and coaches will benefit greatly from his expertise, presence and guidance.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 10:55 am
MEDINA – The organizers of the Blue Thursdays concert series have cancelled this evening’s concert due to the high possibility of thunderstorms this evening.
Miller and The Other Sinners, a nationally touring band from Buffalo, was scheduled to perform today at the pavilion at State Street Park.
The first three shows have now been cancelled due to weather. The Dave Viterna Group was scheduled to kick off the series on June 18 followed by the Growlers Blues Band on June 25.
The remaining schedule includes the Pat Harrington Trio on July 16, Eric Weinholtz Band on July 23, and Grosh on Aug. 6.
The concerts go from 6 to 8 p.m. There is no admission charge.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 10:43 am
Parade, rides and lots of food will kick off event
Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids enjoy the Caterpillar coaster ride during last year’s Kendall Carnival.
KENDALL – The annual Kendall Fire Department Carnival returns for three days of fun beginning today.
The carnival grounds open at 5 p.m. with food, then 6 p.m. the amusement rides will be open. The parade starts at 7 p.m.
Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville is the ride provider for the second year, and will have 12 rides. This time Knox is bringing a Gondola Wheel instead of a Ferris Wheel. The Gondola can fit four people, compared to two on the Ferris Wheel.
Last year was the return of the carnival after the fire department had a field days event in 2024. Kendall was unable to secure a ride company until Knox’s stepped in last year.
The community responded with big attendance all three days, making it one of the best carnivals for the fire department, said Bryan Hardenbrook, one of the co-chairman for the carnival. Cole Hardenbrook, Bill Hardenbrook and Phil D’Agostino also are co-chairs for the event.
This year’s carnival also includes special events on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States. The Town of Kendall has organized those events, which include displays of patriotic memorabilia. The town also took the lead on Saturday’s fireworks show, which will be bigger than in the past for the carnival.
The daily schedule includes:
Today
Grand Parade, 7 p.m. (begins at Kendall Elementary School)
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 July 2026 at 10:41 am
File Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
The LPGA begins its European swing today with the start of one of the tour’s majors – the Amundi-Evian Championship – which is being held at Evian-les-Bains, France.
Medina’s Melanie Green got off to a solid start with an opening round of even par 71. That score is even more impressive when Nelly Korda, the tour’s No.1 ranked player, opened with a 3 over par 74.
Starting on the back nine, Green quickly moved to 3 under par after birdies on 11, 12 and 14.
However, the front nine proved to be more troublesome as she had bogeys on 5, 8 and 9 to finish the day at even par.
The tournament will continue on Friday after which the field will be cut for the two weekend championship deciding rounds.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 July 2026 at 9:46 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – In action at Wednesday’s Midget League semifinal game at Barre are Elks/Rotary’s Jordyn Williams banging out a hit and Barre’s Hudson Armer delivering an opening inning pitch.
Sandstone and Elks/Rotary both scored victories Wednesday evening in the semifinal round of the Albion Midget League 12U playoffs.
Top seeded Sandstone downed No. 5 Elba 1 14-2 and No. 3 Elks/Rotary nipped No. 2 Barre 11-10.
Sandstone will now host Elks/Rotary in the championship game at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Sandstone 14, Elba1 2
Sandstone banged out total of 17 hits to back the steady pitching of Nikko Russo who allowed only 2 hits and struck out 13.
At the plate, Giovanni LaMartina had 2 doubles, a home run and 4 RBIs; Bryce Saxton 4 hits and 5 RBIs; Russo 3 hits including 2 doubles; Jace Torres 2 hits including a home run and Dom Westlund 2 hits including a three-run double.
Elks/Rotary 11, Barre 10
Breaking away from an 8-8 tie, Elks/Rotary scored 3 runs in the top of the sixth inning highlighted by a two-run triple by Ryan Coots, to key the narrow win over Barre.
Coots finished with 4 hits including 2 doubles, the triple and 5 RBIs. Kayden Donnelly added 3 hits with 3 RBIs and Remi Ebbs and Owen Beecher 2 hits each.
On the mound, Ebbs registered 15 strikeouts over the 6 innings.
For Barre, Parker Gardner and Hudson Armer both had 3 hits and 3 RBIs and Finn Baird 2 hits and 2 RBIs.
Armer also had 12 strikeouts in 5 innings of work on the mound.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 July 2026 at 9:31 am
Improving to 5-0, Albion used a pair of big late inning scoring bursts to key a 12-0 win over Alden in a GLOW League 14U baseball game Wednesday evening.
Leading 2-0, Albion pulled away by scoring 4 runs in the fourth inning as winning pitcher Robert Hickman had a two-run single and Brody Furness an RBI single.
Albion then put a lock on the victory by scoring 6 times in the fifth frame as Jackson Frasier had a two-run single and Blake Brown and Brycen Potter RBI singles.
Brown, Potter ad Frasier each finished with 2 hits.
On the mound, Hickman hurled a no hitter with 8 strikeouts in four and two-thirds innings of work.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 9:11 am
Some residents say their groundwater is in short supply and not healthy for drinking
Photos by Tom Rivers: Barre Town Supervisor Steve Coville said the current financial implications are far too high for the property owners in Water District No. 10 for the district to move forward.
BARRE – The Town Board is dissolving Water District No.10 after the costs for constructing the district more than doubled from when the district was initially formed in 2019.
The town has been unable to secure enough in grant funding to bring down the costs to an affordable level for the 37 chargeable units in the district, town officials said during a public hearing on Wednesday. Water District 10 covers 23,350 linear feet or about 4 1/2 miles on Angevine, McNamar and Transit roads.
The Town Board intends to look at a larger district, including other parts of town without public water access. That would give Barre a better chance at more grant funding to help pay for the project, said Town Supervisor Steve Coville.
The board held a public hearing on Wednesday about the district’s dissolution. Some residents said the annual debt service of approximately $3,133 was far too high.
But other residents said they are desperate with water wells that often run low or yield poor-quality water.
Richard Edman tells the Town Board he brought the first petition to town officials, trying to get public water for Water District 10. He is concerned the well water is putting many peoples’ health at risk.
Richard Edman of Transit Road said safe drinking water for residents should be top priority. He worries the poor quality water is ruining peoples’ health.
Brandon and Liz Gurnsey of Angevine Road said their well has often run dry. They have two children under age 3. They said they want to stay in barre to raise their family, but the lack of public water access has been very challenging.
“You’re putting people in an impossible situation,” Mr. Gurnsey said.
Coville, the town supervisor, said the costs are too much for the 37 equivalent dwelling units in the district. When the district was formed in 2019, the construction costs was estimated at $1 1. million with annual debt payment for each EDU at $508.16 per unit, plus about $300 annually for water use with another $60 maintenance fee.
But the construction costs skyrocketed after the Covid pandemic in 2020 and the cost of materials and construction have continued to rise, Coville said.
The total cost of the district is now at $2.7 million. That puts the debt service over 38 years for each EDU at $3,133.80 annually, plus water costing at least $345 a year with the $60 maintenance fee.
“That is an astronomical cost,” one resident at the hearing. “We don’t support that.”
Barre was approved for $616,600 in grants when the project was closer to the $1.1 million cost. Barre has twice applied for $1,624,800 state grants through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program, but has been denied.
“We want to help,” Coville told about a dozen residents at Wednesday’s public hearing. “We’ve done everything we possibly could. The numbers are just too big.”
Town Board members Kirk Mathes, Wes Miller, Margaret Swan, David Allen and Town Supervisor Steve Coville voted unanimously to dissolve Water District 10 and will instead try a bigger district that they said would have a better chance for grants.
Town officials said they tried to partner with Clarendon for a joint project that would have covered Water District 10 and part of Clarendon, but the Monroe County Water Authority denied having MCWA water go into Barre. The MCWA provides water in Clarendon while the Village of Albion provides Barre with water. The MCWA avoids out-of-district connections.
The Gurnseys on Angevine Road wondered if the Town of Barre Highway Department could provide the labor and install the district. But Coville said the department has other duties including patching roads, and Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, said the department shouldn’t devote so much time to a water district, rather than a project benefitting the entire town.
The highway crew did put in a small waterline with hydrants on Eagle Harbor Road to close a dead-end main. Those materials were paid for with federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Those ARPA federal funds were awarded by the federal government. Brooks said highway departments in the county have done the smaller projects through ARPA, but the larger water districts are done by contractors through the public bidding process.
Coville said Barre will discuss options for a new water district with its engineer. He said the town has already spent $129,293 towards Water District 10. The engineering and some of that work can still be used as the town looks at a larger district.
“It’s not like we’ve been sitting back,” Councilman Kirk Mathes said. “There’s not enough houses to get the costs down.”
Korean War veteran Joe Gehl‘s 94th birthday was last month. His humility, composure, compassion and character are among the qualities that compelled me to attempt to pay tribute to the person I regard to be an exemplary human being.
As a founding board member of the Albion Betterment Committee, 501(c)(3), Joe embodied decency and genuine concern for others, irrespective of superficial differences.
Whether it encompasses his work with Orleans Habitat for Humanity, his involvement with Holy Family Parish, or anyone of several other beneficial roles, Joe Gehl gets it done, and has for some time.
To me, Joe exhibits the very best of what it means to be a selfless Christian.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2026 at 1:55 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club organized a ceremony on Saturday to honor Nehemiah Spalding on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Spalding is a Revolutionary War solider buried at Lynhaven Cemetery.
Pictured from left include Scott Goetze and John Follman of the American Legion, Lyndonville Lions Club President David Godfrey and Mike Fiegl.
Mr. Spalding volunteered in a militia in the Albany area for the Revolutionary War. He fought in multiple British scrimmages in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions.
Further records show his cooperation in several of the major Revolutionary War battles including the Battle of Oriskany, The Battle of Klock’s Field and the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.
Scott A. Goetze, a member of the American Legion in Lyndonville, presents a flag to descendants of Nehemiah Spalding. His family also was recognized as grand marshals of the Fourth of July parade.
Peter Wybron and his sister Nancy Gerhardt are 4th generation grandchildren of Spalding, and they live in Western New York. Other Spalding descendants also attended the ceremony which including a wreath-laying at Spalding’s grave.
Spalding’s family received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
American Legion members Scott Goetze, left, and John Follman fold an American flag that was presented to Nehemiah Spalding’s family.
Members of the American Legion served as the Honor Guard and did a 21-gun salute. Matthew Heinsler played Taps.
The Gates Pipe and Drum Band performed “Amazing Grace” at the end of a ceremony honoring Nehemiah Spalding.
The Town of Yates is currently grappling with the Short-Term Rental issue as are many towns across the country and globally. As such, the Town is updating Yates’ Short-Term Rental (STR) Local Law #2 of 2026. A public hearing on the STR Law was held on Monday evening, July 6, 2026 in order to obtain public input on the law.
The following are excerpted comments and input made to the Town Board at the public hearing:
I am a resident and property owner in the Town of Yates.
I have read the law and believe the law protects STR customers. However, there is precious little in STR Local Law #2 of 2026 that protects current, taxpaying residents who make up the heart and soul of the very special place we call home.
So, in an effort to provide constructive, actionable criticism of the proposed law and solutions, I offer the following:
Moratorium On Any STR Activity:Institute a moratorium on implementation of an STR Law until a fair and equitable solution is reached that addresses all significant concerns on the part of current, taxpaying residents of the Town of Yates.
Survey of the Taxpayers:Use the time allowed by the moratorium to survey the current, taxpaying residents of the Town of Yates on their views and ideas on the STR issue. An informal survey of a number of current, taxpaying residents and have found very little support for the proposed STR Local Law #2 of 2026 as written. All want a say in whether or not an STR is located adjacent to their property. I offer my assistance in developing and administering a survey of the taxpaying residents of Yates, if required.
Suggested Updates to STR Local Law #2 of 2026
Special Use Permitting:The Special Use permit provision in the original STR Local Law #1 of 2026 has been written out of STR Local Law #2 of 2026 that is currently under assessment. I would urge the Town Board to revisit and reinstate the Special Use Permit Requirement for STR businesses. Special Use Permits are a critical part of ensuring compliant behavior of businesses that are located in areas of the town zoned as residential and as such need to be reinstated.
Grandfathering:Grandfather current STR business owners based on previous performance.
Adjacent, Bordering Property:As a part of the Special Use Permit (or the normal permitting) process, each adjacent, bordering property owner will have approval/disapproval decision on the Special Use Permit. Given the real “skin in the game” imposed by a potential STR a few yards away from their homes, approval/disapproval by adjacent property owners seems prudent and fair in ensuring the closest neighbors have a say in the approval of a Special Use or any permit for an STR. If any adjacent property owner does not approve or does not respond, the Special Use Permit for the STR business will not be approved. This would be in effect for single use and multi-use drives. This would also be utilized for multi-property lanes, where only the adjacent bordering properties would have the approval/disapproval option.
These three, simple improvements/modifications to the STR Local Law #2 of 2026 would allow for:
Via Grandfathering, fair and equitable treatment of long-time STR business owners that have remained very closely connected to their properties.
Ensure that adjacent taxpaying property owners have some say and teeth in the location decision of STR’s, considering the potential property misuse and quality of life reductions that may come with the location of an STR so close to their homes.
In closing, I’d like to thank the Town Board for the opportunity to speak at this public hearing on STR Local Law #2 of 2026. Only in America does this precious right of free speech exist.
Update: Unfortunately, these comments and the plea to protect the constituents were not deemed actionable by the Board. The Town Board needs to understand that the current taxpaying landowners live here and need basic respect and protections in Town Law.
The specter of this new STR paradigm in Yates is sobering in the extreme. As such, the Town Board must act to protect the constituency and the constituency must let the Town Board know their positions on this divisive issue.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 July 2026 at 11:48 am
MEDINA – A new event to promote family fun and healthy experiences, sponsored by Orleans Community Health, is scheduled to begin July 10.
OCH is excited to introduce Family Fun Fridays, a new summer series designed to bring families together through fun, active and educational experiences, while connecting with local organizations and health resources.
These free events, held every other week throughout the summer, will encourage children and families to stay active, learn healthy habits and discover programs and services available throughout Orleans County. Family Fun Fridays are part of Orleans Community Health’s ongoing Healthy Communities initiative, which focuses on prevention, education and community connection, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at OCH.
The program will take place in Medina and Lyndonville, with Medina events in the park located south of Medina Memorial Hospital, and the Lyndonville event in the pavilion at Yates Town Park.
Following is the schedule for Family Fun Fridays:
July 10 – Family Field Day (Medina)
In partnership with the YMCA, families will enjoy an afternoon of games, relay races, outdoor activities and friendly competition designed to keep children active, while having fun.
July 24 – Children’s Yoga (Medina)
Presented by Hometown Wellness, this event will introduce children to yoga through engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote movement, mindfulness, relaxation and overall wellness.
Aug. 7 – Family Fun Friday (Town of Yates Pavilion, Lyndonville)
Families from across the region are invited to enjoy activities, games and opportunities to connect with local organizations serving children and families.
Aug. 21 – Family Fun Friday Finale (Medina)
The series will conclude with another afternoon of family-friendly activities, community engagement and health and wellness resources.
Each event will feature interactive activities for children, along with information from community organizations that provide programs and services benefiting local families. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn about healthcare, wellness, education, recreation and other community resources available throughout Orleans County, Robinson explained.
“Family Fun Fridays are about creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together, while promoting healthy lifestyles and introducing them to the many organizations which help make our community stronger,” Robinson added. “We hope these events become a fun summer tradition that encourages families to stay active, build connections and discover resources that support their health and well-being.”
Community organizations and Orleans Community Health departments interested in hosting an informational table or providing a family-friendly activity are encouraged to participate.
In addition to Family Fun Fridays, Orleans Community Health is currently planning a Children’s Wellness Fair in Albion, further expanding opportunities for children and families to access health education, wellness resources and community support.
Family Fun Fridays are free and open to the public.
