Orleans seeking applicants for youth funding for 2026-2027 program year
Press Release, Orleans County government
ALBION – Orleans County is now accepting applications for New York State Office of Children and Family Services grant funds related to Youth Development Programming (YDP), Youth Team Sports (YTS) and Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF). Funding for the new program year runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Kelly Kiebala, Orleans County Youth Bureau administrator, said there are separate applications and required documents for each funding source which can be found on the Youth Bureau website at https://www.orleanscountyny.gov/youth.
Applicants must provide programming and/or services within Orleans County. Applications are due by Friday, August 28, to OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleansCountyNY.gov.
Kiebala said the Youth Bureau will be holding a workshop on Wednesday, August 12th from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Administration Building in Albion for anyone interested in applying. To register for the workshop or for assistance in filling out the application and any related questions, please call 585-589-2767 or email OrleansCountyYouthBureau@orleanscountyny.gov.
“We want to ensure that youth organizations across the county that provide such valuable services to our young people pursue this funding, and we particularly encourage groups that have never applied before to do so,” said Kiebala. “If you are considering submitting a grant application, I hope you give strong consideration to attending our workshop so we can help you through the process.”
Medina’s Class of ’86 meets for reunion, donates $600 to Knights-Kaderli Fund
Provided photo
MEDINA – The Medina High Class of 1986 recently held its 40th reunion at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.
Over 60 classmates attended the event traveling from 13 different states. The class also donated over $600 to the Richard Knights-Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund in memory of classmates who have passed away. The Knights-Kaderli Fund provides financial assistance to people in Orleans County who are battling cancer.
Kendall FD receives ‘Cuddle Buddies’ stuffed animals
Cuddle Buddies can provide comfort for people suffering emergency or traumatic event
Photos courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Rev Cuddle Buddies are shown inside a Kendall fire truck and response vehicle.
Press Release, Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – In an effort to make emergency situations a little less frightening for community members, the Kendall Fire Department has partnered with Healthy Highway to receive a donation of ten Rev Cuddle Buddies comfort items.
The stuffed dinosaur companions will be carried on department apparatus and given to community members during emergencies, providing comfort and reassurance during what can often be one of the most stressful moments of their lives.
Assistant Chief James Fox said the donation is about much more than a stuffed animal, it’s about showing compassion when people need it most.
“As first responders, we often meet people on one of the worst days of their lives,” Fox said. “Whether it’s a house fire, motor vehicle accident, medical emergency, or another traumatic event, everything around them can seem overwhelming. Something as simple as handing them a Rev Cuddle Buddies gives them something to hold onto, something that helps them feel safe and reminds them that someone cares.”
Assistant Chief James Fox and Deputy Chief Mike Cole hold the donated Rev Cuddle Buddies, which are intended as comfort items for people stressed from an emergency.
Fox explained that he reached out to Healthy Highway after learning about the organization’s mission of supporting first responders and helping people cope with emergencies.
“When I saw what Healthy Highway was doing for communities across the country, I knew this was something that could make a real difference here in Kendall,” he said. “Our firefighters and EMTs are committed to taking care of people, and that includes caring for their emotional well-being. Children and adults with developmental disabilities process emergencies differently than adults, and having a comfort item can help reduce fear and anxiety while we focus on helping them and their families.”
The ten donated Rev Cuddle Buddies will be distributed by firefighters and EMS personnel whenever they encounter individuals involved in emergency incidents. While they are especially helpful for children, they are also beneficial for people with developmental disabilities or elderly patients experiencing dementia, who may find comfort in a familiar, calming object during stressful or confusing situations. The department hopes the program will bring comfort during difficult moments while helping build trust between first responders and the community.
“This is an incredible addition to the services we provide,” Fox added. “We’re grateful to Healthy Highway for recognizing the importance of supporting people during emergencies. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on families in our community, and we can’t thank them enough for partnering with us.”
The Kendall Fire Department says the donation reflects its ongoing commitment to serving the community beyond emergency response. While firefighters and EMS personnel are trained to save lives and protect property, they also recognize the importance of compassion and emotional support for all patients, regardless of age or ability.
Through this partnership with Healthy Highway, Kendall firefighters will now have another tool available, one that doesn’t fight fire or treat injuries, but instead helps bring comfort, courage, and a sense of calm when it’s needed most.
Programs like this are only possible because of the generosity of volunteers and donors who support Healthy Highway’s mission. Every donation helps place comfort items like Rev into the hands of first responders, allowing them to provide emotional support to those in crisis. If you would like to support this program and help bring comfort to people in communities like Kendall, please consider volunteering or making a donation through Healthy Highway.
The Kendall Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to Healthy Highway, its volunteers, and its donors for making this partnership possible. Together, they are helping ensure that even during life’s most difficult moments, members of the community know they are not facing them alone.
Today’s Fair Schedule (July 30, 2026)
Photos by Tom Rivers: Connor Miller, 26, of Medina throws a rubber chicken on Wednesday in a contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Miller took a break from doing blacksmith demos to compete in the rubber chicken throwing event. He came in third, throwing the chicken 93 feet, 10 inches. Austin Seefeldt won with a throw of 102 feet.
8 a.m. – 4-H Western/Western Dressage/ Western Trail Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Goat Show at Knights Indoor Arena
10 a.m. – I.D. Contest at Log Cabin
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand Opens at Fry Stand
Arian Cayea gets ready for his turn in the rubber chicken throwing contest. He came in second, heaving the chicken 98 feet, 3 inches.
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.
12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots. Buildings open to the public
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Blacksmith Demo at Beadle Building
1 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
1:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn
2 p.m. – 4-H Dog Agility Demo at Dog Show Tent
2 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Trivia by the Junior Fair Committee at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
Shelby Patterson shows an alpaca during the 4-H Camelid Show in the livestock show arena on Wednesday evening. The Camelid Show included alpacas and llamas.
2 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
3 to 5 p.m. – Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl at Trolley Building
3 to 10 p.m. – Midway Rides by Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway
3 p.m. – Alpaca and Llama Meet and Greet at Show Arena
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Homemade Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
4:30 p.m. – Cornell Recipe Chicken BBQ by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension $15 at Curtis Pavilion
5 p.m. – 4-H Sheep Show at Livestock Show Arena
Patti Beadle, the judge, speaks with the 4-H members in the novice showmanship competition for alpacas and llamas. The 4-Hers include Micah Anderson, Thessaly Anderson, Urvi Cornell, Lily Moore, Shelby Patterson and Claire Streicher.
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
5:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Mom Calling Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Cat Show at Trolley Building
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair featuring Fair Board member Craig Basinait from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Location by the Tram Stop near the bathrooms.
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. Located at JCH of Buffalo Tent
The Agri-Puppets sing songs with facts and tidbits about farming and agriculture.
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
7 p.m. – Hot Country Liners Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
7 p.m. – Small Animal Grand Master Information Session at Wachob Pavilion
8 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Inflatable Costume Race at Carlos Marcello Arena
8 to 10 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals (No Qualifying Round) at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. Located at Byron’s Bale Rolling Barnyard
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair
The midway, and an inflatable doughboy, are shown on Tuesday evening.
Sponsored Post
Gilligan’s Galley announces it will close Point Breeze restaurant on Aug. 29
File photo by Ginny Kropf: Danielle and Gatlen Ernst four years ago opened Gilligan’s Galley at the end of Route 98 in Point Breeze.
POINT BREEZE – Gilligan’s Galley, a Point Breeze restaurant that opened nearly four years ago, will be closing on Aug. 29.
The establishment is owned by Danielle and Gatlen Ernst. The business announced the closing today on its Facebook page.
“It wasn’t an easy decision by any means, but one we feel is the right one for us,” the post states. “While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to our customers who have become like family, our hearts our full of gratitude for every person who has walked through our doors, every family who stopped in for a meal, and every person who supported us along the way.”
The Ernst family also owns and operates Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina.
They thanked their “incredible staff” at making Gilligan’s Galley a very special place. The restaurant has a tiki theme with thatching and bamboo in the ceiling.
“While this chapter is coming to an end, we don’t necessarily see it as goodbye,” states the post from Gilligan’s. “We hope that someday, when the time is right, we’ll have the opportunity to bring something new to our community. Until then, we’ll cherish the memories we’ve made together.”
OC Clay Crushers compete in national championship in Ohio
Team of 10 hits nearly 3,000 targets
Photos and information from Orleans County Clay Crushers
The Orleans County Clay Crushers competed in the 25th Annual Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio from July 11 to July 19.
Ten athletes from the Clay Crushers competed across multiple disciplines, including International and Doubles Skeet, Handicap and Doubles Trap, American Trap and Skeet, Sporting Clays, and Super Sporting, shooting nearly 3,000 targets. They joined more than 3,000 athletes from 40 states who competed in the event.
The local team was represented by Garrison Foote, Molly Frasier, Jonathan Frasier, Connor Jurs, Jamison King, Jace Ladue, Hunter Mundt, Jim Tobin, Lane Woodworth and Morgan Woodworth. Notably, Morgan placed 3rd in the nation in American Trap within the Intermediate Entry Division.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. & Mrs. Michael Elam, the Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club, the Medina Conservation Club, the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, and Parkitects for their financial support.
A special thank you also goes to our coaches: Jeff Atwell, Ashley Butcher, Mike Donahue, Jon Frasier, Chris Rice, Ryan Uderitz and Patrick Woodworth.
Morgan Woodworth took third in the nation in American Trap in the Intermediate Entry Division.
D’Angelo offered plea deal with sentence of 20 years to life
Photo by Tom Rivers: Aaron D’Angelo walks out of the courtroom in the Orleans County Courthouse on July 15 being arraigned before Judge Sanford Church.
ALBION – The man accused of stabbing one man to death and gravely wounding that man’s brother has been offered a plea deal that would keep him behind bars for 20 years to life.
Aaron D’Angelo, 36, of Medina has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder after two brothers were stabbed on Feb. 7 in Shelby.
D’Angelo allegedly caused the death of Dale R. Lang, 65, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, 4643 South Gravel Road (Route 63). His brother John Lang, 67, also suffered multiple stab wounds and was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital and then Erie County Medical Center. John Lang has recovered after being stabbed about 20 times.
District Attorney Susan Howard in court today offered D’Angelo a plea agreement where if he pleads guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the second degree, he would face a maximum of 20 years to life in prison.
He also would need to plead guilty to menacing a police officer and would serve no more than eight years on that charge.
In addition, he faces charges of strangulation and criminal contempt in the first degree for violating an order of protection.
The plea deal would satisfy all charges and the sentences would be served concurrently or at the same time with the 20 years to life maximum, Howard said.
D’Angelo is represented by Public Defender Joanne Best. The plea offer wasn’t rejected today. It will be held over and discussed at the next court appearance.
It isn’t ‘fear-mongering’ to raise concerns about public safety
Editor:
In his recent letter (“The ‘Right’ ignore statistics, common sense when it doesn’t align with views”), Matthew Ballard takes a victory lap on behalf of academic studies and government statistics, dismissing anyone concerned about public safety as operating purely on “fear and anecdote.” It’s a clever piece of satire, but clever rhetoric doesn’t make a neighborhood safer.
Mr. Ballard mocks for questioning “ivory-tower research” on bail reform. But the frustration with bail reform in Upstate New York isn’t about being “anti-education”—it’s about the disconnect between official data and lived experience.
When shoplifting spikes, small business owners stop reporting every incident because they know repeat offenders are processed and released before the paperwork is finished. When police departments report lower numbers, it often reflects fewer arrests being made under new legal restrictions, not fewer crimes occurring.
Pointing out that “crime is down on paper” rings hollow to a community watching local quality-of-life offenses go unpunished. That isn’t “ignoring common sense”—it’s observing reality.
Furthermore, Mr. Ballard criticizes for objecting to partisan labels, yet his own letter relies heavily on broad brushstrokes and personal jabs like “orange demagogue.” If we are going to debate policies like criminal justice reform or regional economic health, we should be able to do so without treating every local citizen who voices concern as an uneducated partisan.
Academia and statistical models have their place, but they shouldn’t supersede the firsthand experience of local business owners, residents and crime victims. Dismissing genuine community concern as mere “fear-mongering” does nothing to address the actual problems facing Orleans County.
Paul Lauricella
Yates
2 from Hemp House in Medina plead guilty to attempted criminal possession of cannabis
MEDINA – Two people from the Hemp House in Medina pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court today to attempted criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
Mitchell Kwandrans, 38, of Medina and Marcus Verratti, 40, both admitted in court today to attempting to possess more than 10 pounds of marijuana on Nov. 5, 2025. A Niagara County lab weighed the cannabis at 10.16 pounds.
Kwandrans is the owner of the Hemp House which has been shut down by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management for possessing and selling unauthorized cannabis products. Verratti was an employee of the Hemp House.
Both were offered a plea deal and won’t face jail time as part of their pleas in court today.
They could face probation and a fine when they are sentenced on Sept. 30. They are both first-time felony offenders.
Sky Cats concert in Albion cancelled for today
ALBION – The Sky Cats concert scheduled for this evening at Bullard Park has been cancelled for today.
The schedule for the following two weeks of summer concerts includes: The Dave Viterna Group on Aug. 5 and Highway 31 on Aug. 12. The concerts start at 6:30 p.m. with food vendors on site.
Lyndonville man sentenced to state prison for attempted sex abuse
In another case, Medina man pleads guilty to sex abuse against child
ALBION – A Lyndonville man was sentenced to four years in state prison this morning by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Stanley Jenks
Stanley Jenks, 55, on April 29 pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted sex abuse involving a child under age 11.
He was arrested on March 10 for sex abuse in the first degree. As part of a plea agreement, he admitted to attempted sex abuse in the first degree, by trying to have a child under age 11 touch his penis. Jenks said he did that for his own sexual gratification.
But today in court Judge Church and District Attorney Susan Howard said Jenks didn’t take responsibility during pre-sentencing interviews. Howard said there were also three other complaints against Jenks. Howard said Jenks hasn’t taken responsibility for the crime, and instead engages in “whole lot of victim blaming.”
Jenks is represented by Public Defender Joanne Best. She said Jenks has no other criminal charges in the prior 20 years. She asked for no incarceration and instead 10 years of probation where he would be monitored. The sex offender registry also means additional supervision for Jenks, she said.
Taylor Valovic
Judge Church opted for the maximum sentence in a plea deal of four years in state prison. Jenks will also be on post-release supervision for 10 years. He also issued an order of protection for the victim of the crime for eight years.
In another sex abuse case against a child, a Medina man pleaded guilty to first-degree sex abuse and could face up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 28.
Taylor Valovic, 30, of Medina admitted in court to putting his hand on a 10-year-old girl’s private parts for his sexual gratification.
He was arrested by the Medina Police Department on March 25. He is currently in the Orleans County Jail with bail set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond and $500,000 partial secured bond.
Albion nipped in GLOW 18U playoff semifinal
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion first baseman Mason Snook puts the tag on Nunda’s Aiden Upright during Tuesday’s semifinal playoff game.
Stymied on just three hits, Albion dropped a narrow 3-2 decision to Nunda in the semifinals of the GLOW Baseball League 18U playoffs Tuesday evening at Albion.
Nunda built up a 3-0 lead by scoring one in the second inning on three singles and twice in the fourth on two singles, an error and a sacrifice fly.
Albion battled back with two runs in the fifth on an RBI single by Kaiden Froman and an error but could not score again. A triple by Nate Gibson set up that threat.
Albion’s only other hit was a second inning single by Rocco Sidari.
Gavin Boyce pitched the first six innings for Albion allowing 5 hits and striking out 10. Gibson hurled the final frame giving up no hits and fanning 3.
The loss was the first of the season for Albion which finishes at 7-1.
Albion’s Nate Gibson steals second as Nunda’s Aiden Upright awaits the throw,
Clarence tops Medina/Lyndonville United
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Garrett Jones drives the ball up field for Medina /Lyndonville against Clarence.
Clarence bested Medina/Lyndonville United 5-3 in a Buffalo District Youth Soccer League boys U16 game Tuesday evening at Vets Park.
Garrett Jones and Amire Zimmerman each scored a goal for Medina as the other tally came on an own goal off the Clarence goalie. Jace Grimes had an assist.
Steven Gobeli had a strong game in goal for Medina as did Adler Glass and Evan Stanton on defense.
Clarence improves to 5-3-1 while Medina is 4-4-1 with one road game next Tuesday upcoming to close out the season.
Medina officials say ladder truck could be sold by next month at a profit for village
Photo from shopgarage.com: Medina’s ladder truck is shown on an online site that sells fire trucks, emergency vehicles and equipment.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina has received offers and a lot of interest in its ladder truck, and the apparatus could be sold next month at a tidy profit for Medina, village officials said.
The website, shopgarage.com, lists the 2025 quint fire truck with a 100-foot ladder for $2.4 million. That is about $700,000 more than Medina’s deal for the truck. Medina in March 2023 agreed to pay $1,698,995 to Pierce manufactruing.
The truck hasn’t been put into service by the Medina Fire Department, a move the Village Board decided would maximize the sale value.
Village Trustee Scott Bieliski said the offers thus far would allow Medina to at least break even. The board in April approved a 2026-27 village budget that included $300,000 in profit for the sale of the ladder truck. Bieliski said he expects Medina will reach the $300,000 number in profit. The truck sale would have to reach at least $2.1 million for the $300,000 profit. The village is working with a broker that collects a 5 percent fee or about $100,000.
Interested fire departments in the ladder truck are working with their municipalities to work out financing, which has stretched out the process, Bieliski said.
During Monday’s Village Board meeting, he declined to disclose the offers publicly for the ladder truck, but said there is strong interest in the 2025 Pierce Enforcer Quint.
The Village Board on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, to begin the process of selling it. The board said the truck isn’t affordable for the community. In addition to buying the truck, the village would need to put an addition on the fire hall to accommodate it. The current fire hall is too small for the new truck. A one-bay addition would cost at least $1.3 million.
