RTS announces mobile app for rural counties, including Orleans
Press Release, RTS
The new Pingo app offers customers trip planning, real-time bus information, and scheduling for microtransit pilot program.
ROCHESTER – Regional Transit Service (RTS) announced today that it has introduced a new mobile app that gives customers access to trip planning, real-time bus information, and ride scheduling for its new rural Microtransit pilot program that is launching in LeRoy on Oct. 13.
RTS customers in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming counties now have a new, easy way to ride RTS with the Pingo mobile app. With the Pingo app, customers will be able to plan and track their trips, and coming soon, they will be able to use the Pingo app to pay their fare.
Additionally, customers in these counties who will have access to RTS’ new microtransit pilot program – RTS Link – will also be able to use the Pingo app to schedule their rides.
Customers can get started by downloading the “Ride Pingo” app from the App Store or Google Play. RTS also has a Pingo app user guide available on its website at https://www.myrts.com/Pingo.
“We regularly ask our customers for feedback on our service and over the past few years, they told us they would benefit from improved investment in technology and the implementation of Microtransit in select areas,” said RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez. “The Pingo app will improve their overall experience with RTS and the implementation of RTS Link in LeRoy will offer the ability to get around town at night, which is among the most requested service improvements from customers in Genesee County. I thank our customers for their feedback and the RTS team for their work to make these important improvements a reality.”
Introducing RTS Link
On Monday, October 13, RTS is launching a new Microtransit pilot program in LeRoy called RTS Link. Provided by RTS Genesee, RTS Link is a ride-share service that will allow customers to schedule customized trips on ADA-accessible vehicles within the LeRoy service area. The pilot program will run for approximately 12 months and during this time, RTS Genesee will closely monitor the effectiveness of the program and then determine whether to extend the pilot, end the pilot, or launch RTS Link as a regular, on-going service. RTS plans to introduce RTS Link in other select markets starting in 2026. More information on those locations will be available as the launch dates near for those areas.
How it Works:
The RTS Link pilot program will operate within the LeRoy service area on weekdays from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. Trips can only be scheduled the same day by calling RTS Genesee at (585) 343-3079 or by using the Pingo app. When a customer requests a trip, RTS Link will find the closest time available for service. If the trip is accepted, RTS Link will direct the customer to meet the vehicle at a virtual stop: a nearby, centralized pick-up point. RTS Link will drop off the customer at a virtual stop near their destination. These virtual stops are programmed to be no more than one quarter of a mile from a customer’s point of origin.
Customers in need of ADA accommodations will not be required to use virtual stops, as RTS Link will provide curb-to-curb service. These customers should be sure to let RTS Link know they require ADA accommodations when scheduling their trip.
RTS Link will launch with an introductory fare of $3 per trip for adults, and $1.50 for seniors, children 6-11, and people with disabilities. Starting in February 2026, fares will increase to $5 per trip for adults, and $2.50 for seniors, children 6-11, and people with disabilities. Veterans ride free with a Veterans Outreach Center-issued pass. Children 5 and under ride free; with a maximum of three children per fare-paying adult.
For all other information, visit www.myRTS.com.
Thursday football has Medina at Tonawanda
It is crunch time in C North Division competition for the Medina High football squad.
Medina is currently 2-2 in the C North Division (3-2 overall). The Mustangs are two games behind front-running Barker/Roy-Hart (3-0, 4-1) and a game behind a trio of teams in second place – Eden (3-1, 4-1), Maritime (3-1, 4-1) and Akron (3-1, 3-2) – with only two divisional games remaining.
The Mustangs problem in trailing four teams this late in the regular season is that the C North Division has only four berths for the up coming Section VI Class C playoffs.
The Mustangs will visit Tonawanda (0-4, 0-5) at 7 p.m. Thursday and then close out the C North campaign at home against Cleveland Hill (1-2, 1-4) on Friday October 17. The Mustangs do not play Akron and Maritime.
Medina is looking to rebound from a 45-34 loss at Eden and Tonawanda from a 28-20 loss to JFK.
This week’s other C North games will have Barker/Roy-Hart at JFK at 7 p.m. Friday and Alden at Cleve Hill and Akron at Maritime at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Also on Thursday Holley will visit Attica at 7 p.m.
On Friday, Albion (0-4, 0-5) will host B2 Division leader Iroquois (4-0, 4-1) at 7 p.m.
C North Division Standings: Barker/Roy-Hart 3-0, 4-1; Eden/North Collins 3-1, 4-1; Maritime 3-1, 4-1; Akron 3-1, 3-2, Medina 2-2, 3-2; JFK 1-2, 2-3; Cleve Hill 1-2, 1-4; Alden 0-3, 1-4, Tonawanda 0-4, 0-5.
B2 Division Standings: Iroquois 4-0, 4-1; Depew 4-1, 4-1; Lackawanna 3-1, 3-2; Olean 3-1, 3-2; Maryvale 1-3, 2-3; East Aurora 1-3, 1-4; Dunkirk 1-4,1-4; Albion 0-4, 0-5.
‘Winter Wonderland’ in Medina gets honorable mention in Canal photo contest
Peggy Barringer of Albion received an honorable mention in the annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest for her photo, “Winter Wonderland.” This is the area on the canal with the Medina Waterfalls and the Horan Road canal bridge.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced the winners of its 20th annual photo contest.
Peggy Barringer of Albion received an honorable mention for a wintry scene along the canal in Medina. It was the only photo in Orleans County recognized among 334 entries for the contest.
Judges select first, second, and third place winners in four contest categories as well as 12 honorable mentions.
“These award-winning images serve as a visual reminder of what makes New York’s canals distinctly beautiful and worth preserving,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Thank you to the talented photographers who submitted images and shared their perspectives on these extraordinary places.”
Winning images can be viewed online and will be featured in the 2026 Erie Canalway Calendar, available at no cost in libraries, visitor centers, and by request starting Dec. 1. Funding support for the calendar is provided by the NYS Canal Corporation and the National Park Service.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we look ahead to our third century of operation, we are committed to celebrating canal-related arts and culture. These photographs, submitted by an ever-talented cadre of canal enthusiasts, embody some of the most beautiful aspects of our canals and support our mission.”
Winning photos can be viewed by clicking here.
Mark Maccio, of East Rochester won first place in the “Canal Communities” category for this photo of Schoen Place Twilight in Pittsford.
Medina Healthcare Center adds same-day sick care appointments
MEDINA – Medina Healthcare Center, located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital, is working to expand same-day access to quality care, with the opening of Medina Health Care Center.
Located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital, Medina Healthcare Center is now offering same-day sick care appointments and can schedule most routine primary care visits in less than a week. This commitment to timely access ensures that patients of all ages – from pediatrics to geriatrics – can get the care they need, when they need it.
Finding the right primary care provider for yourself or your family isn’t always easy, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at the hospital.
“Too often, patients spend time researching and calling, only to discover that routine appointments may not be available for weeks – or even months,” Robinson said. “Medina Healthcare Center is working to change that.”
“We recognize that delays in primary care can cause stress for families,” Robinson said. “Our goal at Medina Healthcare Center is to remove those barriers by providing fast, friendly scheduling and quality care that fits our patients’ lives. Whether or not you are a patient of Orleans Community Health, that doesn’t matter. If you’re under the weather and need to see someone – we want to help.”
In addition to same-day services at Medina, the Albion Healthcare Center also offers walk-in care. Together, these centers provide flexible and accessible options for patients across Orleans County and surrounding communities.
Residents are encouraged not to wait if they need care. Call to schedule an appointment at Medina Healthcare Center, (585) 798-2550.
Golden Hill lighthouse celebrating 150th anniversary this Sunday
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse will celebrate its 150th anniversary during the annual Christmas at the Lighthouse on Sunday.
BARKER – This year’s Christmas at the Lighthouse will also be a celebration of the 150th year of the Thirty Mile Point lighthouse at Golden Hill State Park.
Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, the event is free and open to the public.
There will be a farmers’ market, local vendors, wineries and a basket raffle. A pulled pork sandwich lunch will be available, as well as chili, hot dogs and much more, according to park manager Renee Campbell.
Lock City Sound will provide music and Santa Claus will pay a visit, along with Blinkey, the lighthouse mascot.
Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse was built in 1875 to warn sailors of the rocky shoal and shifting sandbar offshore at what is now Golden Hill State Park. There is evidence of five shipwrecks there, Campbell said. One of the most famous was the British Naval vessel, the Ontario, which sank on Halloween night in 1780.
Golden Hill State Park was acquired by New York state in 1962. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1958 by the U.S. Coast Guard.
In the 1980s, a group of lighthouse enthusiasts formed Friends of Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse to raise money to assist New York state with upkeep of the historic lighthouse and educational projects and tours during the year.
The last project the Friends helped fund was replacing many slate roof shingles and putting a vapor shield in another section. Their donation was almost $10,000 for this project alone, Campbell said.
Mike and Kathy Dreyfus of Medina are two of the local people who support the lighthouse. They joined Friends of the Lighthouse after their daughter was married there. Mike makes magnets, which he sells at the Lighthouse Gift Shop and donates the profits to the Medina Mustang Marching Band.
The Friends meet the second Thursday of the month, April through September, at 7 p.m. at the lighthouse. Anyone is welcome to attend and help with future projects.
Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse and Golden Hill State Park are located at 9691 Lower Lake Rd., Barker.
Scarecrow Fest returns to Fairgrounds on Saturday
Medina Lions organizes event which featured 212 scarecrows last year
Photo by Tom Rivers: Shea Hill of Albion and her granddaughter Lily, 4, work on a scarecrow at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds during last year’s Scarecrow Festival.
MEDINA – The annual Scarecrow Festival sponsored by Medina Lions is scheduled for Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Jim Hancock, who chairs the Scarecrow Festival with Jason Cogovan.
The Scarecrow Festival, which has been a major fundraiser for Medina Lions for more than 15 years, involves a lot of people and a lot of planning. Prior to the event, Lions Club members visit the MAAC Thrift Shop and acquire a huge supply of clothing, including dresses, pants, shirts, blouses, neckties, hats and belts.
T-posts for scarecrow bodies were made and donated by Barden Homes, and Jen Scott’s art class at Medina High School painted 180 faces for cloth heads. Straw for the scarecrows’ bodies was donated by Ed Neal of Albion and Dunham Farms of Knowlesville. Last year, a record 212 youngsters made scarecrows to take home.
The day of the event, youngsters choose a post, face and clothing, and after stuffing their scarecrow, they take it to the “surgeons” who sew it together.
The cost to build a scarecrow is $12, and arrangements have been made this year by the Lions to accept credit cards.
Hancock said the event attracts not only children who build a scarecrow, but their parents, grandparents and friends, who love to watch the activity.
“Everybody loves it,” he said.
As an added attraction this year, the Master Gardeners are having a “Pumpkinpalooza” event, with pumpkin decorating and pumpkin-themed activities.
Also, the 4-H rabbit youth will have some rabbits at the Scarecrow Festival.
“Kids love to pet rabbits,” Hancock said.
Food will be available to purchase, including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips and soft drinks.
“The Scarecrow Festival is a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see the joy on kids’ faces,” Hancock said. “All the money we raise goes back into the community. The Lions give $10,000 to $12,000 annually to charities, such as Seeing Eye Dogs and School for the Blind in Batavia.”
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Wilson nips Medina to clinch a tie for the N-O boys soccer title; Albion edges Roy-Hart
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Wilson’s Aidan Neumann, who scored the game’s lone goal, advances the ball against Medina defender Ryan Pegelow.
Clinching at least tie for a third straight league title, Wilson nipped Medina 1-0 in a key Niagara-Orleans boys soccer game at Vets Park this evening.
Wilson’s lone goal came on a penalty kick by Aidan Neumann in the final minute of the first half.
Wilson improve to 8-0 and runner-up Medina slips to 6-2. Both teams have two league games remaining on the schedule.
Albion 2, Roy-Hart 1
Albion edged Roy-Hart 2-1 in the other N-O game as Justin Kania had a goal and an assist and Joey Bropst a goal.
Albion is now 2-5-1 and Roy-Hart 0-9.
N-O Standings: Wilson 8-0-0, Medina 6-2-0, Akron 4-3-0, Newfane 3-4-1, Albion 2-5-1, Roy-Hart 0-9-0.
Medina’s Colvin Poole and Wilson’s Trenton Kaminski race after the ball.
Lady Eagles win to go to 10-0 in G-R soccer
Locking up the division title, Kendall blanked Oakfield-Alabama 4-0 this evening to improve to 10-0 in Genesee Region League girls soccer competition (13-1 overall).
Addison Kludt scored two goals for the Lady Eagles as Stella Kwiatek and Ryleigh Denning both had one. Sophia Picardo added two assists and Kludt one.
Byron-Bergen 5, Holley 3
Byron-Bergen outlasted Holley 5-3 in another G-R contest.
Ava Mosier scored two goals for Holley and Hanna Ostrom one. Emma Burne, Jayna Burris and Ostrom each had an assist.
Holley is now 7-3-1 in G-R action.
N-O Roundup
Albion 1, Roy-Hart 1
Madi Frasier scored for Albion and Ruth Walker for Roy-Hart off an assist from Maria Trombley.
Akron 5, Barker/Lyndonville 1
Clara Bogdan scored two goals for Akron as Olivia Novak, Reese Adessa and Riley Irish-Baker each netted one.
Alexa Robinson scored the Barker/Lyndonville goal.
Wilson 15, Medina 0
A dozen players scored goals for Wilson led by two each from Addison Elia, Lucy Madan and Kairi Beck.
N-O Standings: Wilson 10-0, Roy-Hart 5-2-2, Akron 5-3-1, Barker/Lyndonville 4-3-3, Newfane 3-6-0, Albion 1-5-4, Medina 0-9-0.
Akron and Barker score N-O field hockey wins
Akron and Barker both scored wins today to remain 1-2 in the Niagara-Orleans League field hockey title race.
Akron defeated Wilson to go to 7-0 as Morgan Tomporowski scored three goals and Madigan Regan, Mackenzie Tomporowski and Brooke Milhollen one each.
Barker boosted its record to 8-1 by downing Kenmore 5-1 as Sophia Pavlock, Sara Meza Ray, Elise Monaco, Jordyn Kinne and Madelina Pavlock took turns scoring the goals.
In the other game, Newfane nipped Roy-Hart 4-3 in a shootout.
Adella Dukes, Alayna Kowalski and Bella Rhinehart each scored a goal for Roy-Hart.
N-O Standings: Akron 7-0, Barker 8-1, Medina 4-4, Kenmore 3-5, Roy-Hart 3-6, Wilson 3-6, Newfane 1-7.
Roy-Hart spikers win to improve to 7-0 in N-O
Defending champion Roy-Hart downed Wilson 25-16, 25-12, 24-26, 25-16 this evening to improve to 7-0 in Niagara-Orleans League volleyball competition.
Grace Pearl had 10 kills, Kylie McOmber 8 kills, Raegan Kern 7 kills, Lauren Snyder 6 kills and Ryleigh Capen 32 assists for the Lady Rams.
In the other N-O matches, Akron defeated Medina 25-15, 25-16, 25-22 and Newfane downed Albion 25-14, 25-17, 25-12.
Caliyah St. Louis and Maya Anderson both had 2 blocks, Maddy Watts 1 block and Natalie West and Anderson 1 kill each for Medina.
Jillian LeBaron had 4 kills, 1 block and 30 digs, Hanna Kumalac 10 assists and Madison Muckle 23 digs for Albion.
N-O Standings: Roy-Hart 7-0, Newfane 6-1, Wilson 4-3, Akron 3-4, Albion 1-6, Medina 0-7.
Barker wins two to go to 6-0 in N-O boys X-C
Barker scored a pair of wins today to close out the Niagara-Orleans League boys cross-country regular season with a 6-0 record.
Barker downed Newfane 17-46 and Roy-Hart 15-50.
In the other boys meets, Newfane edged Roy-Hart 27-29, Akron defeated Medina 23-32 and Wilson 19-39 and Medina downed Wilson 20-39.
The Newfane girls finished the regular season at 6-0 by downing Barker 15-50 and Roy-Hart 27-29.
The other meets had Roy-Hart downed Barker 15-50, Akron defeated Medina 20-43 and Wilson 15-50 and Medina bested Wilson 15-50.
The individual winners in the boys’ two tri-meets were Akron’s Quinn O’Malley and Barker’s Payton Wagner.
The girls individual winners were Medina’s Talia Rupp and Newfane’s Eden Hillman.
Boys’ Standings:Barker 6-0, Albion 5-1, Akron 4-2, Medina 3-3, Newfane 2-4, Roy-Hart 1-5, Wilson 0-6.
Girls’ Standings: Newfane 6-0, Roy-Hart 5-1, Akron 4-2, Albion 3-3, Medina 2-4, Wilson 1-5, Barker 0-6.
‘Pumpkinpalooza’ returns Saturday at fairgrounds during Scarecrow Fest
Photos courtesy of Master Gardeners of Orleans County: (Left) This owl was one of the entries for the Carved Pumpkin category. (Right) This entry incorporated beautiful fall blooms in their decorations.
By Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator
KNOWLESVILLE – Get ready to showcase your creativity at the Lions Club Scarecrow Fest and Pumpkinpalooza this Saturday.
Orleans CCE Master Gardeners are once again encouraging the public to enter their pumpkin creations at their annual Pumpkinpalooza event!
There will be prizes in three categories: Best Carved, Best Decorated and Best Painted. The competition is open to participants of all ages from the community!
One of the winners from 2024 were a half dozen painted donut pumpkins.
Pumpkins must be dropped off between 9 and 10 a.m. the day of the event. Judging will take place by Master Gardener volunteers with winners announced at noon. Winners need not be present to win.
The Pumpkinpalooza event happens at the same time and place as the ever-popular Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Fest. Master Gardeners will also have pumpkin painting available for children 12 and under from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last).
“Come join us and carve out some fun fall memories!” said Julie Granchelli, Master Gardener and member of the Pumpkinpalooza MG Subcommittee.
The Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkinpalooza events will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion. For questions about Pumpkinpalooza or other Master Gardener events, call 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.
3 from Orleans County in University at Buffalo Marching Band
Press release and photo courtesy of University at Buffalo
BUFFALO – The following local students were selected as a member of the UB Marching Band for the 2025 season:
- Zackary Baron of Albion, a member of the drumline.
- Jaxon Phillips of Medina, a member of the drumline.
- Caiden Class of Medina, who plays the alto saxophone.
The Marching Band – nicknamed “Thunder of the East” – is the largest and most visible student musical experience at UB. For over 100 years, the group has entertained tens of thousands of UB fans each season with high-energy performances and True Blue spirit.
“I see membership in the UB Marching Band as a journey of tradition and purpose where students grow, inspire others and carry the university’s spirit in every performance,” said James Mauck, Marching Band director. “Membership in the UB Marching Band goes beyond music – it’s about friendships, inspiration and pride in representing the university.”
The Marching Band includes woodwinds, brass and drumline sections, along with members of the color guard, feature twirlers and UB Dazzlers (dance team).
In addition to performing at UB events, the Marching Band performed in front of 70,000 fans at the Buffalo Bills home game vs. the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 28.
Sandstone Trust accepting grant applications for local projects
Press Release, Medina Sandstone Society
MEDINA – The Sandstone Trust of Medina is accepting grant applications from not-for-profit organizations and/or programs in Orleans County, which benefit the residents of Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby.
The community endowment program will make several thousand dollars available in December; funding is intended for purposes that clearly benefit the community. Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000.
Grant application forms can be obtained: in person at Michael Zelazny CPA, 511 Main St.; by regular mail request sent to Sandstone Trust, P O Box 25, Medina, NY 14103; or electronically by clicking here.
Completed applications are due by Nov. 7. They should be mailed to Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.
For more information, email sandstonesociety@gmail.org or call Michael Zelazny at 585-798-1006.
