By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2026 at 1:31 pm
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board last week approved a bond resolution for the village to borrow up to $1.7 million for sewer system improvements.
The upgrades include replacing sewer system pump stations and upgrading the SCADA systems throughout the village.
The village is seeking grants to help with the costs, so the final money needed to borrow may be less than $1.7 million.
Medina initially authorized a bond for a maximum $1,250,000 in Oct. 11, 2021. But the project has been modified and the anticipated costs are higher, prompting the Village Board to seek a higher serial bond.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2026 at 9:01 am
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club is interested in developing a new baseball field at Pine Street Park in the village.
Carl Tuohey, a member of the Rotary Club, last week presented the proposal to the Village Board. He said the club has built up some funds and wants to put some of that money to a baseball diamond.
Tuohey said he expects Job Corps students could be part of helping to create the field.
Village Board members want Tuohey to work on planning the project with Jason Watts, the superintendent of the Department of Public Works.
Pine Street Park has become a more active site since new playground and splash pad were added in 2019. Donors contributed $150,000 to those upgrades.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2026 at 8:22 am
File photo: Jonathan McManus takes the oath of office as a Medina police officer on Sept. 26, 2022. He has been appointed as sergeant in charge.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department has a new leader while the village looks to appoint a police chief.
Sgt. Jonathan McManus was appointed sergeant in charge during a special Village Board meeting on July 16. McManus joined the Medina PD as a police officer on Sept. 26, 2022.
He will get an additional $400 a week stipend while leading the department until a police chief is appointed. McManus’s appointment as sergeant in charge was effective July 20.
The Village Board on July 13 accepted the resignation of Police Chief Christian Navas and Sgt. Jacob Reeves. They are both going to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Navas had his last day in Medina on July 19 while Reeves’s last day was July 20.
Both left Medina to join the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for significant boosts in pay, said Mark Prawel, a Medina village trustee and retired Medina police officer.
The Village of Albion Recreation Department will be sponsoring a free Tennis Camp at the Albion Central School’s tennis courts next week (July 27-31) from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. each day.
Players do not need tennis experience to join this free summer event. Tennis balls will be provided. Players are encouraged to bring their own tennis racquet. However if you do not have your own racquet one may be provided.
There is no pre-registration for this camp. Walk up registration will be at the beginning of the camp. An adult does not need to be at registration but encouraged.
Basic tennis skills will be taught to the beginners along with tennis drills and low level tennis competitive match situations. Scoring, rule and regulations will be taught along with tennis strategies.
Experienced tennis players will have an opportunity to drill and play matches throughout the two weeks.
This camp is for beginners to advanced tennis players of all ages.
The Tennis Camp will be postponed on any day related to bad weather.
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) alongside Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and David Kustoff (TN-08) today introduced the Supporting Cinema Renewal, Enhancement, and Enriching Neighborhoods (SCREEN) Act, legislation to encourage private investment in movie theaters and help revitalize the Main Streets and commercial districts they support.
The SCREEN Act would establish a 30% federal tax credit for qualified movie theater revitalization projects. Eligible improvements include new seating, projection and sound systems, HVAC upgrades, and accessibility improvements.
The credit would apply to traditional theaters that have been in operation for at least five years, with a lifetime per theater cap of $250,000 for theaters with three screens or fewer, $375,000 for theaters with four to nine screens, and $500,000 for theaters with ten or more screens. The credit would be available for qualifying investments made through December 31, 2030.
“Strong Main Streets depend on strong local businesses, and movie theaters help bring people into our downtowns where they support restaurants, shops, and other small businesses,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “As theaters work to modernize and compete, they deserve the opportunity to invest in their future. The SCREEN Act encourages private investment, strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and helps preserve these important community gathering places for future generations.”
This legislation is supported by Cinema United, Marquee Cinemas, Saunders Theatre Properties, and Malco Theatres:
“This timely and important legislation will spur re-investment in one of America’s great Main Street enterprises – the local cinema. Jobs will be created, including local contractors and vendors that do the work, surrounding businesses in the community will benefit, and the result will be a better experience for fans that love seeing their favorite movie on the big screen. We applaud the sponsors of this bill. Because of their leadership, towns of all sizes, in all 50 states, will see a tangible and positive cultural and economic impact in their local communities.” – Michael O’Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United
Photo by Tom Rivers: Tim Archer speaks on May 16 at Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery on Hulberton Road which includes the burials of a Revolutionary War soldier, Civil War vets and many early residents. Two historical markers were unveiled that day at the cemetery. Albion student Caleb Wolfe stands by Archer. In the back are regiment flags from the Revolutionary War. They were brought by the Rochester chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Press Release, Orleans County Historical Association
GAINES – As we continue to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we hope you can join us for a special program on July 29 about Revolutionary War veterans buried in Orleans County.
Tim Archer will be our guest speaker for the Orleans County Historical Association. He will share stories and information he learned from his extensive research. He had help from two Albion Middle School students, Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders.
Archer said it wasn’t easy tracking some of these soldiers down – many cemeteries from that time have since closed, but the team was able to confirm 65 proven burials.
The July 29 program begins at 7 p.m. at the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse, 3286 Gaines Basin Road, Albion. There is no cost but donations are gratefully accepted.
2026 HISTORY TALKS REMAINING
August 26th – Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal, with Don Dwyer
September 30th – The Burned Over District Part II – The Fire Was Not Easily Extinguished, with Doug Miller
October 28th – Neat Stuff from the Hoag Library, with Dee Robinson
AUGUST CEMETERY TOURS
August 2 – Maple Ridge Cemetery with Catherine Cooper
August 9 – Boxwood Cemetery with Todd Bensley
August 16 – Beechwood Cemetery with Lydia Richardson, Dave Gaudioso and Bill Lattin
August 23 – Otter Creek Cemetery with Adrienne Kirby
August 30 – Mt. Albion Cemetery with Sue Starkweather Miller and Bill Lattin (The four American Revolution soldiers buried in the cemetery will be highlighted.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2026 at 4:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Todd Draper (right), the former Medina police chief, runs with current Medina police officer Dustin Meredith at about noon today at the Medina High School track.
Draper wore Brett Sobieraski’s watch that tracked the laps and distance. Draper now works with Sobieraski in the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. They are both investigators.
Brett Sobieraski has been hobbled by bad blisters and cellulitis in his feet. After 7 miles today he was advised by healthcare professionals to not keep running more today. Matt Jackson, the former Medina fire chief, stopped by to run laps and check on Sobieraski.
He already logged more about 250 miles the first five days of an 8-day run for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. He set a goal of 400 miles. Although he won’t do all of those himself, he said others will ensure the 400-mile goal is reached.
Besides Draper filling in for Sobrieski, Roger Bolton, an ultra-marathoner from Albion, completed many miles around the Medina track.
Sobieraski said he expects to be back running around Holley’s track on Friday at 7 a.m. with a 55-mile goal for the day.
The Community Action 400 concludes Saturday with 15 final miles at the Albion High School track beginning at 8 a.m.
People are welcome to join him, walking or running around the track.
Sobieraski is trying to raise $20,000 for Community Action, which has faced budget cuts. Click here to make a donation online.
Julia Rohde, a star runner for Roy-Hart, completed some fast-paced laps around the track today in Medina.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 July 2026 at 4:13 pm
Completing a home and home season series sweep, the Cobras FC downed Holley 6-1 Wednesday evening to close out the Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U18 Division season.
Holley, whose only two losses were to the Cobras, finishes at 8-2.
Veronica Flow scored the Holley goal off an assist from Hannah Dill.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2026 at 11:06 am
Images from Orleans County Tourism: The Orleans County Courthouse was built in 1857-1858 in the Greek Revival style and has been a focal point of the square for almost 170 years. The dome with a cupola is a landmark for miles around. The Orleans County Clerk’s Office was built in 1882-1883 in the Eastlake Style. It was designed by Isaac G. Perry, the same architect of the “Million Dollar Staircase” in the State Capital of Albany
ALBION – There is a new brochure from the Orleans County Tourism Department that highlights the Courthouse Square in Albion. This district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
Albion and the 1441 zip code has several nationally recognized historic districts with Courthouse Square, Mount Albion Cemetery, Downtown Albion, the Erie Canal, Cobblestone Museum and the Childs hamlet.
There are seven architecturally outstanding churches that surround the Courthouse Square: the Free Methodist Church (first one in the denomination), First Baptist Church, Canalside Community Church (formerly the Albion United Methodist Church), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, Christ Episcopal Church and the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church.
The brochure also features notable residences in the Second Empire, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne styles.
The Orleans County Tourism posted this information about the new brochure:
Explore Albion’s Historic Courthouse Square
Orleans County Tourism has released an updated Albion Historic Courthouse Square Walking Tour brochure, providing visitors and residents with a refreshed guide to one of the county’s most significant historic landmarks.
Originally created by former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, the walking tour brochure has been redesigned in full color and features updated information. The self-guided tour highlights the history, architecture and significance of the buildings surrounding Albion’s Historic Courthouse Square, allowing visitors to explore the district at their own pace.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Albion’s Historic Courthouse District in Orleans County features one of the county’s most remarkable collections of 19th-century architecture and stands as a notable small-town public space, showcasing diverse architectural styles and a community’s ambition as it prospered from the Erie Canal. Centered around the iconic domed courthouse, the square features seven churches alongside stately residences representing a variety of architectural styles.
The updated brochure was created through a collaboration among former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, Village of Albion Historian Sue Starkweather Miller, current Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper and Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub.
The cover photo is a drone shot at sunset of the Orleans County Courthouse taken by Elliott Neidert. It also features the stained glass window “Christ the Consoler” at the Pullman Universalist Church and showcases the historic 1877 Steer & Turner organ at Christ Episcopal Church.
Free copies are available at locations throughout Albion, including the Orleans County Tourism Office, Hoag Library, the Orleans County Clerk’s Office, Albion Village Hall, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley’s district office and the Downtown Browsery.
Those who live outside of Orleans County or are unable to visit one of these locations may request a copy to be mailed to them. Click here for more information.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 July 2026 at 9:01 am
Provided photo: Children will receive free bicycle helmets at this week’s Family Fun Day on Friday. The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. in the park south of the hospital.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health recently announced Family Fun Fridays, a new summer series designed to bring families together through fun, active and educational experiences, while connecting them with local organizations and health resources.
Taking place every other week throughout the summer, these free events 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.
The Medina events take place in the park south of Medina Memorial Hospital, while one in Lyndonville will be at Yates Town Park pavilion. All Family Fun Fridays are free and open to the public.
This Friday’s event will feature Children’s Yoga, presented by Hometown Wellness. Children will be introduced to yoga through engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote movement, mindfulness, relaxation and overall wellness.
At the Aug. 7 event at Yates Town Park, families from across the area are invited to enjoy activities, games and opportunities to connect with local organizations serving children and families.
The Aug. 21 Family Fun Friday finale in Medina 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 which prove 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.
“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 that help make our community stronger,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health. “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.
The 2026 County Wide Recreation Day was another incredible success, welcoming our largest crowd yet! We estimate that more than 600 children and family members joined us for a day filled with fun, laughter, and community. It was wonderful to see families from across Orleans County and beyond enjoying everything the day had to offer.
We were especially excited to welcome children who traveled by bus from Byron-Bergen, Elba, and the Liberty Partnership to be part of this special event.
An event of this size takes months of planning and the dedication of many individuals, organizations, and volunteers. We are truly grateful for everyone who helped make the day possible.
A special thank you goes to Jami Allport and the staff at the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern for once again partnering with the Village of Albion Recreation Department. Your commitment to creating opportunities for local children and families is deeply appreciated. Thank you as well to Rosie Friedl for your assistance throughout the day.
We are grateful to the many community organizations that participated by sharing information about their programs and engaging children with games and activities. Your presence helped make the event even more meaningful for the families who attended.
A heartfelt thank you to Ann Vail of the Salvation Army and the Knights of Columbus Council #1330 for their continued dedication to serving children and families throughout our community. Your ongoing support never goes unnoticed.
A huge thank you to Albion McDonald’s for bringing the Hamburglar and Grimace, who were a tremendous hit with the kids. Magic by Patrick once again entertained and amazed audiences throughout the day, while Rowdy Rentalz kept children smiling with their water slide and bounce house, which stayed busy from start to finish.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Albion Police Department, Albion Fire Department, our local ambulance personnel, and the Village of Albion Department of Public Works. Your support, assistance, and commitment to keeping everyone safe are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Village of Albion Summer Recreation staff and counselors, who did an outstanding job supervising activities, ensuring safety, and creating a welcoming and fun environment for every child. Thank you also to Rome for leading the popular rock painting activity and to our staff members who spent the day creating smiles through face painting.
We are incredibly grateful to Jeff Holler and the Albion Masons, who generously served food and refreshments to hundreds of attendees throughout the day. Thank you as well to Jeff and Vicki Elsenheimer for warmly greeting families and helping manage registration as everyone arrived.
Most importantly, thank you to the families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose continued support makes County Wide Recreation Day possible year after year. Seeing so many children laughing, playing, and making memories together reminds us why this event is so important.
We are already looking forward to making next year’s County Wide Recreation Day even bigger and better.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 July 2026 at 8:35 pm
Contributed Photo – Albion 14U players celebrate capturing the GLOW League playoff championship this evening.
Rebounding from an early three run deficit, Albion came storming back to capture the GLOW Baseball League 14U Division playoff championship by downing Cal-Mum 12-5 this evening at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.
Trailing 4-1, Albion rallied into the lead for good by scoring 4 times in the fourth inning on RBI doubles by Blake Brown and Lukas Snyder along with RBI singles by Brody Furness and Evan Coots. A single by Giovanni LaMartia ignited that uprising.
Albion upped the advantage to 7-4 with a pair of runs in the fifth frame on two errors which followed singles by Bryce Saxton and Hudson Armer.
Albion then put a lock on the championship by erupting for five runs in the sixth inning on an RBI double by Brycen Potter, RBI singles by Coots and Kyler Bennett, a bases loaded walk and a steal of home.
Coots, DiMatteo, Saxton and Armer each finished with a pair of hits as Albion pounded out a total of 14 base raps to complete an undefeated (9-0) season.
Snyder was named the MVP and Coots earned the Sportsmanship Award.
Orleans County Tourism has released an updated Albion Historic Courthouse Square Walking Tour brochure, providing visitors and residents with a refreshed guide to one of the county’s most significant historic landmarks.
