ALBION – Orleans County Chief Administrative Office Jack Welch said the 2026 garbage and recycling calendar from Modern Disposal Services should have been received by residents over the last week.
Anyone who has not received it can visit the county website by clicking here. That same website also has information on acceptable items, tips for collections and contact information for any issues.
Service will be interrupted and delayed by a day on New Years, Jan. 1; Memorial Day, May 25; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, Sept. 7; Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26; and Christmas, Dec. 25.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2026 at 8:07 am
Equipment can be used to carefully lift vehicles if someone trapped
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The Barre Fire Company on Tuesday evening unveiled new air bags in memory of Joe Grabowski, who passed away on April 12 at age 84. Grabowski, a retired Barre highway superintendent, was a 48-year member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company. He also worked for Keeler Construction.
Josh Jurs, the Barre fire chief, said the new air bags will replace ones from 1991. They were initially purchased from donations by Grabowski. When he was highway superinent, a loader tipped over on Mix Road and Grabowski was trapped.
Barre firefighters didn’t have air bags at the time, and the Albion Fire Department came to the scene with the equipment.
Fire Chief Josh Jurs and Lt. Marty Zwifka show the new air bags that cost $6,000. They replace ones that were 34 years old. The air bags are made of a very thick rubber that can be inflated up to about eight inches. As they are inflated, firefighters can put in cribbing to stabilize vehicles, tractors or structures that have been slightly lifted. The four air bags can be set on top of each other to allow for a lift of about 32 inches altogether.
After Grabowski passed away, 37 donors gave in his memory to the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, which used those donations to buy the new air bags, an air cylinder and controllers. The Barre Fire District also chipped in some money to replace the equipment from 1991.
A plaque listing the donors will be placed inside the fire hall.
Grabowski’s family attended a presentation at the fire hall on Tuesday when the new equipment was dedicated in memory of Grabowski. From left include Grabowski’s daughter, Julie Kornow; daughter, Christine Maas; sister, Diane Riley; granddaughter, Miranda Merton; wife, Janice Grabowski; and brother, Don Grabowski.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 January 2026 at 10:15 pm
Kendall posted a 68-49 victory over Byron-Bergen this evening to improve to 3-1 in Genesee Region League boys basketball action.
Vinnie D’Agostino and CJ D’Agostino both scored 15, Sammy Conte 13 and Jonny Conte 11 to pace Kendall which led 38-33 at the half and 53-29 at the end of the third quarter.
Joel Lamb scored 14, Cody Carlson 12 and Andre White 10 to lead Byron-Bergen.
Attica 72, Lyndonville 56
Lane Woodworth scored 22, including four three’s, to lead Lyndonville in the 72-56 G-R loss at Attica.
Colton Smith added 10,Atticus Mank 9, Quincy McClinsey 6, Devon Babcock 5 and Lyric Raduns 4 for the Tigers.
Elba 74, Holley 38
Cam Mosier scored 10 and Josh Silpoch 8 for Holley in the 74-38 G-R loss at Elba.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 January 2026 at 9:51 pm
Albion bested visiting Barker 48-29 this evening to improve to 3-0 in Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball action.
Aaliyah Jones scored 13, Leah Pawlak 12, Melia Prince 11 and Jocelyn Friedl 10 to lead the balanced attack for Albion. Friedl also grabbed off 18 rebounds and Prince 14.
Elise Monaco scored 14 and Hailey Dodge 6 to lead Barker.
Wilson 58, Roy-Hart 20
Defending champion Wilson likewise improved to 3-0 with a 58-20 win over visiting Roy-Hart.
Abbie Faery scored 11 and Bella Thrush 10 to lead Wilson.
Adella Dukes scored 7 and Courtney Aquilina 5 for Roy-Hart.
Akron 80, Newfane 34
Building up a 34-18 half-time advantage, Akron then used a big 27-7 third period scoring surge to lock up an 80-34 win over visiting Newfane.
Akron is now 1-1 and Newfane 0-3 in N-O action.
Alexander 50, Holley 38.
Alexander topped Holley 50-38 in a Genesee Region League game.
Alexis VanAmeron had 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals; Brynn Thomas 9 points and 5 steals and Hanna Ostrom 8 points for Holley.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 January 2026 at 9:28 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Wilson’s Aidan Neumann drives in for a shot as Isaac Smith defends for Roy-Hart. The action took place during the Lakemen’s win over the host Rams this evening.
Taking charge in the second quarter, front running Wilson went on to down host Roy-Hart 66-45 this evening to improve to 3-0 in Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball competition.
Leading by a narrow 13-12 margin at the end of the opening period, Wilson put together a big 21-9 second quarter scoring surge to open up a 34-21 half-time advantage.
Ryan Hough scored 6 and Aidan Neumann and Shamus George each tallied 5 to lead that uprising by the Lakemen.
Wilson maintained a 16 point, 46-30, lead at the end of the third quarter which was highlighted by threes by Neumann and Brock Lepsch.
The Lakemen led by as many as 31, 61-30, after opening the final period with a 15-0 run. Chase Martin hit two threes, Neumann one and Hough added his second slam dunk of the evening to highlight that uprising.
Neumann finished with 19, Martin 14, Hough 13 and George 10.
Matt Aquilina scored 16 and Vinny Fazzio 11 for Roy-Hart which is now 0-2 in N-O action.
Barker 71, Albion 69
Barker nipped visiting Albion 71-69 leaving both teams at 1-2 in N-O competition.
Two free throws by Anthony Taliaferro and one by Caden Garcia provided the decisive final three points for Barker.
Taliaferro finished with 22 as Carter DerSarkissian had 19, JJ Prynn 9 and Donovan Hefferon 7 for the Bulldogs.
Elijah Doxey took game high honors for Albion with 37 as Wesley Olles and Tyler Cody both had 10.
Newfane 59, Akron 44
In the other N-O contest, Newfane (1-2) upended visiting Akron (1-1) 59-44.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 January 2026 at 8:46 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jonathan Dix heads toward a win in the 100 Butterfly during the Seahorses win over visiting Albion today. Dix also won the 200 Individual Medley.
Medina scored a sweep over visiting Albion in a Niagara-Orleans League swim meet this evening.
The Seahorses won the boys’ meet 85-65 and the girls’ competition 81-70.
Jonathan Dix doubled in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Butterfly as did Bryson Ford in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke to lead the Medina boys squad as Timothy Zeiner took the 200 Free and Bradley Goyette the 500 Free.
Justin Kania won the 100 Free and Logan Kast the 100 Breaststroke for the Albion boys.
The Medina boys are now 2-1 Albion 1-3.
Lily Hungerford was a double winner for the Medina girls in the Butterfly and Backstroke as Madeline Mark took the 500 Free.
The Albion girls had a pair of individual event double winners as Keira Sidari took the Individual Medley and the 100 Free and Anna Grillo the 50 Free and Breaststroke. Aubrey Bruning added a win in the 200 Free.
The Medina girls are now 1-2 and Albion 0-4.
Albion’s Keira Sidari in route to a win in the 200 Individual Medley. She also captured the 100 Freestyle.
Newfane vs. Akron
The defending champion Newfane boys improved to 3-0 by downing Akron 98-42 as Dylan Lamont doubled in the IM and Fly, Eli Kneeland in the 50 Free and 500 Free and Noah Kneeland in the 200 Free and Breaststroke.
The Newfane and Akron girls battled to an 83-83 tie.
Brooke Milhollen doubled in the 200 Free and Backstroke and Charolette Carlson in the IM and 500 Free for the Akron girls.
Newfane had Eden Hillman double in the 50 Free and 100 Free.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 January 2026 at 3:40 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: A.J. Gere, creative director for Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media, garnered the most votes in an annual program called Rochester Community Votes. Here, she shows examples of some of her work.
ALBION – A.J. Gere, creative director and graphic designer for Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media, has emerged a winner of Rochester Community Votes, an annual program in which the public can vote for their favorite individual, business or service in a variety of categories.
Gere learned about the contest and entered Specialty Art Services and Graphic Design.
She won gold in Specialty Services for her pyrography (woodburning), and silver for her Graphic Design. The skull took her 35 hours to complete, she said.
To be considered for the program the entrant must first be nominated by the public. Then the top nominations move to the voting stage, where the public can vote daily for their favorites. Winners are revealed at an awards gala, which this year took place Dec. 10 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
“The fact someone anonymous nominated me made it so special,” Gere said. “I had tears in my eyes when I learned I had won.”
The pieces in woodburning held here by A.J. Gere are some of her favorites, the cabin being an homage to her childhood camping and the skull at right the piece which won her a gold award in Rochester Community Votes.
Gere first started doing woodburning several years ago. One of her first pieces was of the home her grandmother used to live in. She gave one to her parents, and her hobby just took off from there, she said.
Her main subjects deal with nature.
“I grew up camping and surrounded by nature,” Gere said. “To be able to combine my hobby with nature was appealing to me.”
She likes to do her woodburning on recycled wood and has found a gentleman who used to own a saw mill and provides her with wood when she needs it. News of her talent is spreading, and she recently finished a commissioned piece for someone in Kansas.
Her woodburning is accomplished under the name of Fern and Timber. She recently entered a craft fair at the Rochester Museum of Science Center and did very well, she said.
At work, Gere is the creative director, or graphic designer, for Orleans Hub, having started working there in 2019. She manages Hub uploads and orders and is a liaison between her office and vendors. She also works at the front desk, answering phones and greeting customers when no one else is available.
“Whatever position needs to be filled or whatever customers want, I find a way to get it done,” she said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A.J. Gere is shown during an Aug. 15 reception at the Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion, where she was one of the featured artists. She is shown next to her creations showing a barn owl on top, then “Mirrored Mushrooms,” and a riverside cabin.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today encouraged constituents to prepare for tax filing season by reviewing new tax relief provisions made available under the Trump Tax Cuts and the guidance released by the Internal Revenue Service.
The IRS published detailed information to help taxpayers understand how the new law affects filing for the 2025 tax year. Key provisions include allowing eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips and up to $12,500 in eligible overtime pay, with higher limits for joint filers.
The law also includes enhanced relief for seniors and maintains pro-growth policies that support small businesses and working families. These commonsense changes are designed to reward hard work, let Americans keep more of what they earn, and ensure taxpayers can file correctly while taking full advantage of the new benefits.
“Hardworking Americans deserve a tax code that rewards work instead of punishing it, and the Trump Tax Cuts deliver exactly that,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Service workers who rely on tips, employees who put in overtime hours, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small business owners across NY-24 now have real opportunities to keep more of their hard-earned money. These reforms recognize the value of work, strengthen family finances, and bring fairness back to the tax system. As filing season approaches, I encourage constituents to review the IRS guidance, understand how these provisions apply to them, and make sure they claim every benefit they earned under this law.”
For full IRS guidelines and more information, click here.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
Joshua Mahley
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment charging Joshua Mahley, 42, of Gasport, NY, with interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transportation of a minor, penalties for registered sex offenders, and obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated according to the indictment, in December 2010, Mahley was convicted in Orleans County Court of Rape in the Second Degree, Sexual Intercourse by Person 18 or More with Person Less than 15, and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and is a registered sex offender in New York State.
On three separate occasions in June, July and August 2025, Mahley traveled across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor victim. In September 2025, Mahley transported the minor victim across state lines to engage in sexual activity. In addition, on September 8, 2025, Mahley possessed visual depictions, namely obscene computer, and AI generated images, depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 January 2026 at 8:54 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sharon Breckenridge, a longtime volunteer at MAAC’s Thrift Depot, accepts a box of winter clothing collected by Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA.
MEDINA – Personnel from the Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA recently came up with the idea to join their forces and collect warm clothing for people in need during the cold winter season.
Medina police officer Brandon Brown is a cousin of YMCA director Andrew Houseman’s fiancée, and the two are friends. They recently thought it would be nice for the two organizations to build a partnership with each other to help the community, Houseman said. They began by holding a food drive, but with the cold weather this winter, Houseman said they decided to collect warm clothing through December.
On Monday morning, Brown and Houseman collected the more than 75 coats, hats, mittens and scarves which had been donated to their two agencies.
“The first day we posted the drive on Facebook, someone came in with a large bag full of hats, scarves and gloves,” Brown said. “It is nice to have a place like the Y where people could drop off their donations. It’s a great goal to have to help people in this cold weather. I remember as a kid how I liked to play in the snow, and hopefully these clothes will help keep those kids warm who want to play in the snow, but don’t have warm clothing.”
At the MAAC Thrift Depot, Sue Metzo, president of MAAC, said they were thankful for the donations.
“What we don’t use, we help other agencies with,” she said. “Our winter stuff goes fast.”
Houseman said this is the first year for the clothing drive between the YMCA and Police Department, but they plan to make it an annual event.
Medina police officer Brandon Brown and YMCA director Andrew Houseman stand next to a box of warm clothing they have collected for MAAC’s Thrift Depot on Starr Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:51 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Geno Allport speaks during this evening’s Albion Board of Education meeting, stating his support for an Albion/Medina merged football program. Linda Weller, the board president, and Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, are shown leading the meeting.
ALBION – They have been rivals on the football field for more than a century but beginning in 2026 they could be teammates.
Albion and Medina school officials and coaches have held preliminary discussions about a merger of their football programs with the goal of player safety and a sustainable path for the program at both districts, Mickey Edwards, the Albion district superintendent, said at this evening’s Board of Education meeting.
“This is about providing our students safe and meaningful athletic opportunities,” he said.
Both schools have shrinking enrollments and declining student participation in football. Both did not field JV teams this past season, offering varsity (grade 10 to 12) and modified (grade 7 to 9). Those teams also were often short on players, pushing some students to play above their grade levels. The schools held some joint practices when they were short on players.
Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, played for Albion’s football teams when he was a student. He said he values the relationships and opportunities from his playing days.
Medina almost went to 8-man football due to low student participation before switching back to 11-man before the start of the season.
The boards of education from both districts need to vote next month if the merger is to go forward, Edwards said.
Section 6 has given the districts until February to decide so the Section can plan the football schedule for 2026. Albion has been playing in Class B while Medina is in Class C.
If the districts vote to move forward with a merger, all the details don’t need to be ironed out by February, Edwards said during this evening’s Albion BOE meeting.
The cost of the program would be split 50-50 for uniforms, coaches, transportation and other expenses. Each district would likely host two home games. There would be a head coach for each team and coaching staff from both districts.
Edwards said Albion and Medina would need to approve an intermunicipal agreement and the two districts would decide on colors and a mascot for a merged team.
Albion will next meet on Feb. 9 and will decide if it backs a merged football program.
John Kast and Trellis Pore were among the board members who spoke at this evening’s meeting, saying they support student safety and continued opportunities with football.
Two community members spoke during the Albion board meeting. Molly Preston is the mother of the Albion varsity quarterback, a sophomore. She also is a member of the football boosters at Albion.
She doesn’t want to see Albion make a hasty decision. She said some Albion players would see less playing time. A merged team would mean more travel time and less school pride, she said.
“I encourage exploration of all options,” she said. “I’m not against a merger but I see it as a last resort.”
Geno Allport, an Albion youth football coach for 25 years, said a merged team would be better for Albion and Medina, allowing them to field more competitive teams at modified, JV and varsity.
Allport also coaches in Rochester for a high school. Albion and Medina working together could offer more coaches, and the players from both schools would become teammates with friendships that last beyond school, he said.
Albion has often been overmatched in recent years, and some Albion kids have transferred to play at private schools in Buffalo, further diminishing the Albion program.
A competitive team would draw more students, keep them engaged and not overcommit some of the younger players who are needed to play above their grade levels, Allport said.
He has seen other nearby schools, who were bitter rivals, link up on the football field as teammates to great success. He noted Elba and Oakfield-Alabama, Alexander and Pembroke, and LeRoy and Caledonia-Mumford have joined forces with their football teams, despite their rivalries from years ago.
Medina has had merged programs with other districts, including a past partnership with Lyndonville for football.
Medina is expected to discuss a possible merger with Albion during the Jan. 13 board meeting. It then meets again on Feb. 10.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman: Albion defensive lineman Jackson Snook is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the Purple Eagles thrilling 30-27 win over visiting East Aurora/Holland on Oct. 16 for Albion’s only win in the 2025 season.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 January 2026 at 8:11 pm
Pulling away down the stretch, Albion defeated Newfane 43-29 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball game this evening at Newfane.
Leading by a narrow 28-26 margin at the end of the third period, Albion put together a big 15-3 fourth quarter scoring edge to lock up the victory.
Madison Muckle had two threes and Melia Prince two baskets to lead the late surge for the Purple Eagles which also included baskets by Aailyah Jones and Jocelyn Friedl.
Jones finished with a game high 14 and Leah Pawlak 11 as Prince and Muckle both added 6, Semaj Miller 3, Friedl 2 and Brianna Lewis 1.
Emma Johnston scored 9, Julia Noonan 8 and Taylor Kempton 7 to lead Newfane.
Albion held narrow leads of 19-17 at the half and 28-26 at the three-quarter mark.
Jones hit two threes and Miller one in the second quarter. Pawlak then scored seven points, including a three, in the third period.
Albion is now 2-0 and Newfane 0-2 in N-O action.
The Purple Eagles next host Barker and the Lady Panthers visit Akron on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Sweet Home 48, Medina 31
Jumping out to an 11-0 lead at the outset, Sweet Home went on to down visiting Medina 48-31 in a non league contest.
Sweet Home led 14-5 at the end of the first quarter, 30-13 at the half and 38-22 after three quarters.
Caliyah St. Louis scored 19 and Alexa Demmer 8 for Medina.
Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt speaks at a press conference today with other state officials and local legislators.
Press Release, State Senator Rob Ortt
LOCKPORT – Today, New York State Senator Rob Ortt, along with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Assemblyman Paul Bologna and representatives from FAIR, called for the continuation of State Touring Routes funding and for municipalities receiving funding to fully utilize it.
The State Touring Route program was designed to provide capital funds to municipalities for the construction and repair of vital infrastructure including highways, bridges and other transportation facilities.
In 2020, the New York State Legislature created the State Touring Route program to provide additional financial support to cities, towns and villages based on mileage of state touring routes they are responsible for maintaining – prior to this program it was the obligation of the municipality to pay for these repairs or improvements. Funding is based on the amount of miles in a municipality and has been funded in the state budget since the program’s inception.
This program is different from CHIPS funding in that not all municipalities qualify for funding, but it is similar in that STR operates as a reimbursement for money spent by municipalities. Reimbursement is eligible for costs related to repairs and construction of roads, bridges/culverts, railroad crossings, traffic control devices, lighting and more.
One of the biggest issues with the program is municipalities not being able to fully utilize the funds available.
“Based on the underutilization of the State Touring Route Program, some of my colleagues are considering axing this important funding,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “For instance, in my senate district alone, nearly $34 million is available to the municipalities that qualify for this program, which remains out of the current funding. This is millions of dollars that should be put toward repairing our roads for commuters and if we need to make changes to the current program allowing for the full utilization of this money, we should as it will be to the benefit of our communities.”
“The State Touring Route program is a critical lifeline for local governments that are responsible for maintaining designated tourism routes with limited local resources. When this funding goes unused, it puts the entire program at risk and shortchanges taxpayers who depend on safe, well-maintained infrastructure. We need to ensure municipalities have both the flexibility and the support necessary to fully utilize these funds so our roads, bridges, and transportation systems get the repairs they deserve.” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.
“We go to Albany to fight for our region and deliver real results for our communities,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna. “State Touring Route and CHIPS funding are absolutely critical to maintaining winter-battered roads, bridges, and infrastructure across my district. When State Touring Route dollars go underutilized, it weakens the argument for continued investment— especially because local governments are best positioned to utilize these funds more efficiently and effectively than state entities. Local government knows what the community needs and where the funding would be best spent.”
“The FAIR group, composed of transportation contractors and suppliers that advocate for addressing our infrastructure needs, was instrumental in getting the STR funding put in place and we want to see our communities take full advantage of the program,” said Brad Buyers, FAIR Coordinator of Local Infrastructure Programs. “We are attempting to reach out to local governments to help them better understand the program and hopefully work with them to advance road and bridge projects using these funds.”
Senator Ortt has offered to meet with stakeholders in these municipalities or facilitate meetings with transportation experts who can provide guidance in meeting program requirements and spending STR funds properly.
Editor’s Note: The Seaway Trail is an example of a State Touring Route. The 454-mile route goes from Ripley to Massena. It includes a portion in Orleans County – Route 18 eastward about halfway through Orleans County, and then onto the Lake Ontario State Parkway at its western terminus.
Agreed, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is a bad man, a criminal. He is undemocratic, and repressive and his government has destabilized the region for years.
But attacking Venezuela the way President Trump has is criminal. It violates international law, U.S. law and our Constitution. The administration acted unilaterally, without consulting Congress as required.
Mr. Trump left the corrupt Maduro administration in power because he believes he can bully them into turning over their resources (especially their oil) to him and his corrupt cronies. While, Republican politicians, like Claudia Tenney, will just go along with this illegal and corrupt activity.
The rationale for this illegal action is very concerning. In his press conference explaining the illegal invasion of Venezuela to the American people, Mr. Trump stated that the U.S. has now replaced the Monroe Doctrine with the “Donroe Doctrine.” Which he explained supersedes the Monroe Doctrine and is outlined in the new National Security Strategy released in early December.
This document changes our foreign policy from rule-based order promoting democracy to “Spheres of Influence.” Where powerful countries create spheres of influence in their region. This aligns with Vladimir Putin and Russian foreign policies goals.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pestov speaking about it, told reporters: “The adjustments that we see correspond in many ways to our vision.” Spheres of Influence is how Mr. Putin’s explained his invasion of Ukraine.
This major break from the rules-based order and international laws to one where “Might makes Right,” is what Republicans like Ms. Tenney are cheering and it is very dangerous.
